Day 121

A FINE TIME WAS HAD BY ALL

at the fundraising auction for missionary organization

Since I worked to procure donations for the auction, donated a few items that I had made and provided one of the purchased desserts for the Dessert Dash, it was fun attending and seeing how it all worked out. There were supposed to be 10 at our table, but Dave bailed since we figured someone needed to be on dog duty. This affair happens before Beemer's dinner and play time. He will need to go potty and it is just too soon in this process to leave him crated. One day soon I'm sure he will be trained and reliable.

Day 120

PRESCHOOL ART SHOW

Charlotte's last year at The Garden Preschool

I'm so proud of Charlotte. She had missed this week due to having a staff infection on her face as well as impetigo and yet she was willing to do the dances even though she missed some practice sessions. She did GREAT! Even had to instruct the little boy she danced with when he was confused. Sweet.

Day 119

WHO KNEW!

Dave and I were finalists in the Renton Recorder's Best of Renton??

We didn't even know we were nominated! This isn't my photo, because I've been slammed for time today trying to care for the new puppy's needs and getting our neighborhood newsletter out. One of my friends took the photo of the news article and sent it to me. So now you know as much as we do! HA! I guess we have a few friends in Renton!!

And here is the list of all the volunteers that were nominated for this recognition:

>

• ·        Ann Grinolds

  ·        Bonnie Fitzgerald

  ·        Carole E. Baker

  ·        Carrie Bergquist

  ·        Charles Seil

  ·        Charlie B Schmidt

  ·        Chris Spahn Birthday Dreams

  ·        David and Sandy Young (Valley Medical Center volunteers)

  ·        David Fleetwood

  ·        Don Jacobson

  ·        Elva Shultz - Valley General

  ·        Kevin McQuillar

  ·        Marcie Palmer

  ·        Mary Market

  ·        Norma Cugini

  ·        Norma McQuillar

  ·        Officer Reynolds

  ·        Pam Teal

  ·        Sally Cummings

Day 118

NAP, PLAY, NAP, PLAY, NIP

This boy likes to chew and sometimes he goes for my finger instead of his toy

It has now been about 30 hours since Beemer has been in our home. So far so good. No potty accidents. Yet. He has lots of toys, some of which were Frodo's. Both Dave and I have called Beemer "Frodo" just like we used to call our kids each others names or the dog's name. 

When Beemer is awake he likes to play hard. I'm worried that he will do something that will injure himself because he will jump off anything, bangs his head into the metal coffee table legs and loves to run, run, run. But when he is done, he is done. Just like that he will crawl on my lap and go to sleep. That is the best thing about this breed. They truly are lap dogs.

It is almost 9:30 pm and in another hour it will be time for Beemer to be tucked into his kennel for the night. Sure hope we have as quiet a night tonight as last night! Wimpering now and again but not a bark out of him. Yet.

Day 117

BEEMER HAS ARRIVED HOME!

There has been a bit of wimpering as he adjusts to leaving his siblings behind

Dogs always love Dave! Sebastian (facing the camera) is Beemer's grandfather. The other one looking up at Dave is an older retired-from-breeding female.

Dave holding Beemer, ready to go home from Oregon

I mean, really, what is not to love?

Beemer wimpered for about 5 minutes as we drove off, then settled right into napping in my arms, with the occasional kissing session.

I'm pleased to report that this guy wore himself out playing after we got home so needed a little nap. I AM IN LOVE AGAIN!

Day 116

SAY CHEESE!

When you are in Tillamook, you must stop at the Cheese Factory

Tillamook, Oregon. Unfortunately it was not open. Disappointing for sure. We did see the cheese factory and it was fun. And free!

Day 115

MEAL PREPARATION

Sometimes it is a pain to go away overnight when dieting

This is day 7 of my Ultimate Reset, aka cleansing diet. Everything is going great but I can't eat normal food. Let me clarify. I can't a a normal American diet for 3 weeks. Instead I am eating tons of healthful vegetables and fruits. It is really going well and I'm very lucky in that I enjoy most vegetables. So in the morning we will be driving down to Oregon for a little get away overnight and Tuesday morning we will get our new little pup and return home. Easy Peasy. Except that I needed to prepare some food to take with me so I can remain on my regimen. Mostly cleaning and chopping. Anyway, it is all in the refrigerator, ready to go.

Can't wait to see our new little boy! I feel like we are going to adopt a child! :)

Ha! Look at the piece of Romaine that fell onto the dishwasher handle! I removed it but forgot that I had already taken a photo with it there. Ah well.

Day 114

ONE MORE DAY IN PARADISE

Thank the Lord!

What a lovely day! This morning I pinned the quilt layers together on another project that I began several years ago. Now to quilt it and attach the binding. I seem to have misplaced the binding I had ready to go. I think it got lost in the move. Bummer. I used to pin my wallhangings and quilts to the carpet in our other house. Now I don't have carpet in a big enough area so I simply tape the bottom layer (backing) down and hope for the best!! Always begin pinning from the middle. Since my knee replacement I cannot kneel on that knee. Ouch! So I sit on the floor and scoot along. Works for me.

Never mind that it looks crooked. I just whacked the batting off unevenly. The quilt top is straight.

The landscapers arrived this morning and YIPPEE! Our yard is done. The two young guys made quick work of digging out the 5 Rhody rootballs that Dave had cut down as well as the remaining roots of the 2 ugly Juniper Tams that Dave cut out. These guys worked FAST! They used pick axes (Maddocks type with one end flattened to cut through roots and stuff.) That is your new word for the day. Anyway, they planted several plants to replace the overgrown rhododendrons that Dave had cut down. If Dave had tried doing what these guys did, he would now be in the hospital!

While the landscapers did their thing, and after I had my quilt top pinned, I began reorganizing our shed. I love to organize things. Dave is always hesitant to change anything, but I was tired of tripping over stuff because things were not stored properly. Success! Next up....someday soon.....will be the pantry and then my clothes in our closet. It's time to toss some stuff. I hate that but it has to be done.

Here is how the yard shaped up after all the work the guys put into it. And it looks so much better since we had the house painted!

Uh Oh, looks like they bumped the awning. Oh Dave.....can you please see if you can fix it??

Day 113

IT HAS ONLY TAKEN ME 4 YEARS

To shim up the china cabinet so it doesn't lean in toward the wall

Oh yah, It needs to be straightened. Maybe tomorrow. Or next week. Well, today was the day. Really such an easy task so why ever did I put it off so long??

I unloaded the hutch but left some things in the bottom that I was sure wouldn't shift and break. Then cleaned the glass, added the shims with Dave's help, loaded everything back in and....

Voila!

Day 112

BEAUTIFUL DAY, BUT....

I stayed in my sewing room for part of the day

I did go out and water my plants. I can't quite comprehend that I am watering my garden in April! Dave stopped by Squak Mountain Nursery for me on his way home from coffee with Don in Issaquah. I was waiting for a new shipment of Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangeas and this morning they called to say they had arrived. I ordered two of these lovelies and was pleased that Dave could pick them up so I didn't have to make a separate trip out today. Phew. They were $49 per plant, so they better thrive in our yard. 

Right there is $108 in plants. 

This is a picture of the Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea. Looks good enough to eat!

 This was today's sewing/embroidery project.

Day 111

CHARLOTTE DOESN'T LIKE HER PHOTO TAKEN

Then again I don't like it so much either!

Charlotte wanted me to come see her this morning so I arrived in time to play a couple games of "Trouble" before lunch. I love living nearby so I can see these grandkids often. She is in preschool, so Shauna had to take her to school for a 12:30 start. 

Day 110

DO I NEED GAMBLER'S ANONYMOUS?

Between Bunco and Pinochle I may need an intervention. 

Bunco this evening. I won $3.25

Day 109

ULTIMATE RESET DAY ONE

It is time to change the way I'm eating and feel better

I admit it. I love food. And I am lazy. Of course, it is easier to grab something that is less nutritious than to clean, peel and slice something that is more healthful. For the next 21 days I will be committed to making the proper changes in my eating habits so that I will feel less sluggish, more mentally focused and hopefully lose a few pounds to boot!

Shauna did this reset program last year and had wonderful results so she and I are both starting it today, on a Monday. I am posting this on Tuesday because I forgot to get it done last night after we got home from Bible Study.

Day 108

THERE IS NOWHERE PRETTIER THAN SEATTLE

Especially in the Spring

This afternoon we stopped by Pete and Shauna's home for an impromptu visit. Then off we went to Seattle in our little yellow MR2. We stopped for some of our favorite fish and chips at Spuds on Green Lake. We really prefer the Alki location, or even Juanita, but we will save Alki for another day. We noted two things as we drove around Green Lake. #1 There were LOTS more people enjoying that area than when we were first married and living nearby. And #2 There were hardly any old people. We were feeling pretty out of it! Dave would say, "Look at that wonderful new restaurant with the open air seating. We should go there sometime!."  Then I reminded him, "Uuhh, look around. That is a spot for the younger crowd! We wouldn't fit in there too easily!" Sigh. 

It was just another example of our advancing years and though we still feel 18 years old on the inside, our outside gives us away. Oh sure, every now and then you would see someone over 60 years old, but the majority were 20, 30 and 40-somethings. Tattoos, piercings, girls in short-shorts and boys with 5 inches of their underpants showing. Dang! It wasn't like that when we were young!

And then, as we were discussing our lot in life (which really is all good) Dave noticed four older folks coming into Spuds. Wouldn't you know! There were Bev and Paul Jackson. And they are older than us! We hadn't seen them in years. They attended our church for many, many years and then up and moved to Gig Harbor several years ago. Funny thing is that Mr. Jackson was Dave's PE teacher in elementary school! When we began attending our church, who was there but Mr. Jackson! Dave thought he was old when Paul was his PE teacher, but in fact he hadn't been out of college too long at that time. Then when both of our boys were in elementary school (before I homeschooled) who was their PE teacher?? Yup. Mr. Jackson!  So we go way back with this couple and it was fun catching up a bit.

This was the first apartment building we lived in after we got married in 1970 on NE 45th near the zoo.

The new Amazon headquarters under construction south of Lake Union

Mt. Rainier looked so beautiful as we drove back home to Renton over the I-90 bridge.

There are so many new buildings in Seattle that are either finished or under construction that we hardly recognized our city! We determined that we need to make more drives in to Seattle and explore. Seattle really does have it all. Horse Chestnut trees lining the streets, coffee shops galore, cafes, restaurants, lots of parks and beaches. On a sunny day you can see the Olympics, Cascade, Mr. Rainier and Mt. Baker from different spots all on the same drive. Lake Sammamish, Lake Washington, Green Lake, Lake Union and Puget Sound make for lovely photo ops. I hate the rain, but I appreciate the greenery that we enjoy because of that rain.

So, the bottom line is that despite the aging process, we are not too old to get out and explore and enjoy all that this area has to offer. Our days of playing tennis, Dave giving me piggy back rides from the zoo to our apartment pictured above, riding our bikes from said apartment to visit friends on the east side of Green Lake, jogging around the lake and dropping in to the Woodland Park Zoo any time we wanted because in those days it was FREE..those days may be over for us, but there is no reason we can't enjoy watching the next generations doing the same things we used to do and feeling satisfied. God is good. And we are blessed!

Day 107

1949 BUICK ROADMASTER

belongs to my neighbor's friend

Isn't it lovely?? Victoria came by this morning to take her vintage car out for a spin. She keeps it in my neighbor's carport. Victoria takes her car to a variety of classic car shows and does need to drive it now and again to keep things in shape. 

Sometimes I think we should get a classic car. But NO, not really. That is just not how I want to spent my time and money, We do very much appreciate classic cars however and are happy when we happen to go to a classic car show. We missed the one in Renton last summer because they had a big Ferrari show only about 5 miles from us ON THE SAME DAY. THAT was something to behold! Dave had a blast and I had never seen so many Ferrari's in one place.

I hope this summer we will make it the 4 miles down to the Renton classic car show! Maybe I better put it on my calendar!

Day 106

I'M SEWING SOMETHING FOR MY HUSBAND!

I love him most, so I should sew for him, right?

With all the sewing and crafting that I do, it only seems fitting to make something for my hubby. It is way more fun to make a costume for my grandson or dresses for my granddaughters. 

Don't get me wrong; I have made things for him in the past. I hand embroidered the yoke on a chambray shirt many years ago. He wore it often. I even made him a brown sport jacket. But there has been about a 35 year gap in my efforts to create something for him. Then a few years back I ran into a fellow sewing enthusiast who sews (mostly with a serger) her husbands T-Shirts. Viola! I could do that. I promptly ordered the special fabric and ribbing and it has been patiently waiting for me to actually sit down and do it. Today was the day.

First I had to trace the pattern pieces since I am using a Kwik Sew (#3299) pattern. I cut out 6 t-shirts, with short sleeves, of course. I like to do things assembly style when possible, but first I needed to actually finish one to make sure it fit correctly. Dave was golfing so after he arrived home I had him try on my almost finished prototype. Lo and behold it fit great! Except the sleeve length needed to be shortened about an inch. No problem. 

One down and five to go!

Day 105

COMMUNITY TEA PARTY

Fifteen ladies met together to chat and get to know each other better

I didn't take this picture today. I meant to! I really did. But I forgot. I did receive this photo in my email tonight so at least I have verification that I attended. The plan is to meet once a month for dessert and conversation. We have 254 homes in our community and yet only 15 showed up today. I was thinking there would be more of us, but it was fun to just sit around for an hour or more and talk. We have lots of wonderful and interesting people who live here and I hope we have more show up next month,

I played bunco tonight with a dozen ladies and had a great time but alas I didn't win or come in last! I'm feeling so blessed to know so many wonderful people within our community. God is good. All the time!

That's me, right in the middle of the photo talking to the lady to my right.

Day 104

HERE IS A PHOTO OF MY GARDEN

such as it is!

This may not be the prettiest garden spot you have ever seen, but it is something I could do without bugging Dave about building garden boxes for me. I have grown potatoes for several years in Rubbermaid tubs (after drilling holes in the bottom) and since that works, I decided I should just purchase some more tubs and see what I can grow. I don't have much sunlight in this home, but I'm making do with what I have. 

I have herbs and mint growing at the far end which are perennials and I've planted a variety of things from asparagus to zucchini (actually, I need another tub or two to be able to accommodate the zucchini!) I have rhubarb, basil, snap peas, 2 whole tubs of potatoes as well as lettuce, spinach and leeks. Oh and last fall I planted all the garlic (lots of garlic) that you see in the foreground (beyond my one potted Neil Diamond rose.) My neighbor Jennie will be planting the tomatoes and beans and I forget what else!  Maybe I can talk her into planting pumpkin. They make a pretty sweet ground cover.

We are still waiting for our landscaper to show up and fix up the yard in the front of the house and I'm still thinking as to whether we should just put crushed rock or something in this garden area. Or maybe just leave the dirt alone. Dave thinks it is rather silly to grow vegetables when it takes so much work and watering and you can buy the same things in the store for pennies on the dollar! I like to see things grow. And use my own garden harvest. Next week I will get another 2 tubs and finish planting. At least I can rearrange these tubs and pots to make more space between them and according to how much sunlight things are getting. 

Day 103

FINISHED!

Three more are ready to be machine quilted and having the binding sewn on.

Day 102

DID I ALREADY SAY HOW MUCH I HATE EXERCISE?

Well, I do!

You might ask why I am borrowing an exercise bike if I don't like exercise. I'm trying to force myself to get more active. Since I'm not golfing or doing much walking, I am feeling very frustrated with my general fitness.

My back has been giving me problems lately and I suspect it is related to the way I'm walking. Both Dave and I are like old people with our aches and pains. Oh wait...we ARE old people. I still think like a young person and yet it is so discouraging to realize that we have to make adjustments as we age. So many of my friends and acquaintances have had or need a variety of surgical "adjustments" and replacements, and it is true that there are plenty of people who breeze right on through their 60's and 70's with nary a whimper! And aches and pains that are few and far between.

Whimper.

Since I don't want to be stuck in a recliner for the rest of my life, I will plod on toward a fitter body, using this old but trusty exercise bike.

No, I don't use it in this location. I move it NEXT TO my recliner and pedal away during "The
Five" on FOX TV.

Day 101

ONE OF LIFE'S MYSTERIES

to me anyway!

Let's just say that you don't sew. I know most people don't own a sewing machine. I come by sewing naturally. My grandma sewed and I don't remember a time when my mom didn't sew. I have sewn since I was a kid. 

So the question I have is this. What do all the non-sewers do when they purchase slacks or their husband's slacks or jeans and they need to be shortened? Dave's inseam is 31" which means they will either be an inch too long or an inch too short, so I have been shortening 32's to 31 ever since we got married. And I'm short so unless I get slacks in a short length I need to hem up my pants.

Over the course of one's life, especially raising children, there are countless items that will need repairing. Torn knees, buttons popping off, making shorts (with a hem!) from old pants, repairing seams when the factory stitching comes apart, etc. etc. Does everyone just throw their things away at the slightest boo boo?

So that is my mystery of the day. I don't expect an answer. I just don't get why every home doesn't have a sewing machine!!

Next up is to remove the cuffs on a pair of black slacks for Dave.

Day 100

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY!

So why are we inside??

This afternoon our next door neighbor Jenny came over for a visit, coffee mug in hand, just as Jason was leaving. Jason and Dave went to visit Bob and take him out to lunch. Bye Jason, hello Jenny. I made a fresh pot of coffee and she and I talked about our collaborative garden adventure and who was planting which vegetables. Jenny also crochets and wants to come over and do some handiwork together and talk. Maybe next week. I have a few knitting projects that are half done. Of course.

Dave was trying to watch the Masters Golf  Tournament on TV so he resorted to this:

I guess we were talking a bit too loudly for him! This is one of Dave's favorite times of the year. The Masters Championship is amazing. The weather is typically lovely, the flowers and trees are amazingly beautiful and then there is that green jacket.

Jenny and I had a fine visit and after she left I had to go over to Shauna's house and check in on their cat since they are out of town for a few days. The weather is perfect, but by Tuesday it will begin to turn to drizzle again.

Day 99

SPRINGTIME SUNSET

from our patio

I just love this time of year. All the trees are looking so beautiful, the azaleas and rhododendrons are in bloom, Magnolia trees are in full bloom, tulips are up. Ahhh. Especially on a lovely day like today. We are planning on hiring a yard maintenance company to plant a few hydrangeas and other things in the front, remove the rhody stumps (Dave cut them all down last fall) add some topsoil and beauty bark. This place is easy maintenance, but our backs are just not in shape to shovel beauty bark. And the ground is difficult to work with because of the tangle of cedar tree, maple tree and rhody roots. I would love to add more color here and there but I am definitely limited with what we can do because of all these roots.

I love that everyone is required to take care of their landscaping in here and there is no grass allowed, although a few homes have a grass patch in the back of their home probably for their dog's use. Yesterday I planted some bulbs on the side where I can actually dig in the dirt a little bit. I am also planning to plant some more hosta since it is so shady in the front.

I suppose the past few days are giving us all a false sense of reality. I know the rain will be back. Sigh.

Day 98

GARBAGE DAY

Looking out the window from my office space

Day 97

I'M FILLED WITH FEAR!

I have 3 quilt tops ready to be machine quilted and I don't know what to do!!

Actually I do know what to do. I need to BEGIN! I've done lots of stippling and stitching in the ditch on quilt tops so that is easy, but I haven't done any more advanced techniques, so I'm feeling a bit frazzled. After spending a good deal of money for the fabric and time in piecing them, I have been just setting these quilts aside and waiting. Well. last week I finished piecing this white/grey/black/turquoise quilt top and my goal is to get it done. I've been thinking and thinking and looking through my machine quilting books and watching YouTube videos trying to muster up the courage to actually try something new.

WHAT IF I RUIN IT!! WHAT IF IT TURNS OUT SO UGLY THAT I NEED TO TOSS IT! So, that is my fear, and since fear is not of God, I have decided to just go for it. Right or wrong. I'm not ready to use a paper pantograph to create an even-steven quilt top. I don't want to purchase a stencil and mark the quilt top in preparation. I don't own a designated quilting machine. These are not the type of quilts to do different designs in different spaces. They all pretty much need a random design. This shouldn't be so difficult for me since I am a random person.

I think I'm ready. So here I go on this quilt. Wish me luck!!

Day 96

THE WAIT IS DRIVING ME NUTS!

We are ready for him, but he has to grow up a bit.

I have purchased his bedding, the crate, a collapsible play "pen", a soft bed for him to lay on, toys, vitamins, harness, etc. etc. etc. We have not seen this little guy in person yet as he is located in Oregon on the coast, but his human "mom" has been very good about sending a bunch of pictures each Saturday. So, I guess it is time to introduce him to you. Here is BEEMER!

Look at that nose!

Three Weeks

Four Weeks

Five weeks and HE IS STANDING!!

Dave liked the name Beemer, so that is his name.

If you are not familiar with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, it is the breed of dog that I wanted before we got our Frodo 13 years ago. I miss Frodo, but it is time to move on. Anyway here is a photo of the litter of puppies and their mother, Pippi.

Poor Pippi must be exhausted having to care for her six babies!! Beemer is the one on top of one of his siblings. 

Can you tell I'm excited????