Farm and Frills 2019

Sisters on the Fly Northwest Gathering 2019 is in the books.  It was held in Union Gap this year at the Central Washington Agricultural Museum with a Farm Fillies theme. Over 150 women from the nation's largest outdoor group, Sisters on the Fly came together and had more fun than anyone.

It's fun to walk around camp and see every one's trailers and tents set up.  You don't have to have a vintage trailer, there are a lot of new trailers too.

 

Annie got a ribbon and later I realized it was a clue for 2020 NW Gathering,  It's at the fairgrounds in Filer, Idaho and the theme is Going to the Fair. #giddyup

The museum grounds were great, a lot to see and maintained beautifully.

The showers were a tad rustic.  I got up one morning, ready to go the showers.  I told Cheryl I was headed to the showers.  She dryly told me that I would be cold, wet and naked in a horse trailer.

Well, when you put it that way...

And yet there I was, wind blowing the curtain straight up.  Oh well.

 We did some wine tasting.  Shelly, Rene', Jackie and I started early and camped in Prosser for a few days.  A prefunc is always a good idea.

More wine tasting once we got to the gathering.

We had a knowledgeable and sweet gal running our tasting.  We kept looking at each other and finally figured out we went to high school together.  It was so fun to see Marian and get caught up.  She was having a quiet morning at the winery and we showed up, she handled us beautifully.

Another winery, which is a Harvest Host for future reference.

We went junkin', lunching, dressed up and dressed down, met new friends and reconnected with old friends for four days.

Penny in her Camping with My Peeps hat was a hoot.

I googled Kentucky Derby hat on Amazon and ended up with a small pink and orange hat.

 I love these two special ladies!

I made a specialtea for cocktails one afternoon.

Rene' and I crafted one afternoon.

 Denise was back! 

And my oh my, doesn't she clean up nice? 

I love my tribe!

It is a really fun week, with a few rules, no mister, no pets, no kids, be nice and have more fun than anyone. Yee haw!

My blogging has been spotty lately.  I did get caught up with a random post here and I wrote about Grace and Love here.

Besides my lack of time management my icloud photos will not add in order and so it's painful getting the photos to the blog.  Super frustrating!

We camped on our patio this weekend and tried our new pie irons with success.

Hubby made ham and cheese and I had strawberries and cheese. Yum!

Now, I need to get Annie packed up for the Fourth of July.

Have a fun and safe holiday friends!

Grace and Love

I was going to write this story for Father's Day.  It's a memory of my Dad and me.

I am the oldest of four children.  My sister Kathi, my brother Ken and my little sis Jodi grew up together in a busy household.  It was rare that I had my Dad or my Mom to myself after the siblings were born.  I don't remember a time as an only child.  I guess I never really thought about time alone with my parents because we felt the love as a family unit. Now kids need one on one time and helicopter parents.

I am blessed with so many wonderful memories of our family.  Saturday yard work, camping trips, road trips, extended family gathering, Sunday morning church and Sunday dinner, holiday picnics, Christmas, pets, good food, hard work and New Year traditions. The list of our good memories is long and fun to think about, especially now that my parents are gone.

That said, there was that one time I was on my own with my Dad.  I don't have any photos of the day at Birch Bay but it's clear as can be in my mind.

One of my earliest memories, I'm guessing I was 3- 4 years old, was at Birch Bay.  My folks rented a cabin with friends.  A lot of friends in a little cabin.  Bill and Janice and their kids, Don and Sandy and their kids, Uncle Ed and Aunt Twyla and their kids.  Now when people mention that they have a cabin it usually means they have a 5 bedroom, 3 bath house in the woods or at the bay.  Back in the early 60's, a cabin meant a cabin!

It took two pick up trips to get all of the baby bassinets, high chairs, strollers, trikes and play pens to the bay.  Now baby gear folds down for travel.  No nanny taken along either, just Aunts Clarice, Nelda and Judy coming to stay in the evening so the parents could have a night out.

There wasn't paid vacation for the dads and honestly they probably wanted to go to work during the day because it was a little crazy.  Toddlers and babies, Gary was the only one older than me.  The moms made a big breakfast, sent the guys off to work with their packed lunches and then drank coffee and played pinochle.  In the afternoon we went to the beach. The Dads came home, drank beer and grilled dinner.  They had Saturday with us and then we packed up and went home.

One morning we ran out of milk so it was decided everyone would walk to the Birch Bay Market.  I rode my green (with red fenders) tricycle on the path.  This is the trike pictured below which eventually was ruined when the Fuller Brush man rode over it with his black Rambler. 

That's another story.

  

It was fun and exciting to have someplace to ride. We got to the store and the moms decided the kids could pick out a tootsie roll pop.  They were in a stand on the counter, where you could order fountain drinks.  I wanted cherry.  Either Gary, Terri, Kathi, Ricky, Mike or Linda  got the last cherry. I was given orange.

I was probably very tired. It was the end of the week and sleeping conditions with all toddlers and babies in one area wasn't conducive to sleep.  I was past the age of taking regular naps.  

What happened next was a total, full on, melt down,

It is a vivid memory of me pedaling and crying and screaming all of the way back to the cabin. I don't remember getting a spanking but I may have and I deserved one. We got back to the cabin and I was put in bed, my tootsie roll pop was set on waxed paper for later.

When I woke up my Dad was there.  In the afternoon! Everyone else was at the beach.  At that time you could leave your kids napping in the cabin while you went to the beach.  Don't judge my Mom, it was a different time.

It's so vivid what my Dad did next.  He asked why I was there.  I can remember feeling ashamed that I had behaved so badly and had to take a nap but I told him everything. He said, "let's go."  We got into the pink Mercury instead of going to the beach. He drove to the drive in at Birch Bay. Without asking me what I wanted, he ordered for us.  He ordered banana splits!  This was crazy. My Mom only ever let us get a kid's size vanilla cone. When we went to the drive in for dinner we could get a burger and a coke or a shake and fries.  The end.  There was no negotiating.

He popped down the glove box and set that banana split down for me.  We enjoyed our ice cream and then went to the beach.  My Mom was surprised to see us.  We had our Dad for an afternoon on the beach. Not only did I get the banana split but the heavy plastic boat it was served in.  Ooh, the other kids were jealous.  The boat was something new and cool to dig with in the sand.

The memory is so clear for me as a four year old.  I can remember what I was wearing, it was a navy sun suit with white smocking on the bodice and at the waist.  I can remember the windows down in the pink Mercury and my Dad's arm out the window. I remember pure joy on my Mom's face when she saw my Dad show up unexpectedly. The morning's incident was over, all was forgiven.

I am so grateful for the grace I was given that day. I had been a brat, I was disciplined and forgiven and loved.  My Dad and Mom parented with grace and love and some fun and treats.  They treated us like they treated each other, using the love of their heavenly Father as a guide. I sure miss my folks.

January Random

Oh January, you aren't easy. The pressure to eat less, move more, the wind, the lack of light, back to school, the pressure to clean and organize. Ugh.  #thestruggleisreal

The first week of school isn't busy for subs so I had coffee with Leslie and Marjean one afternoon and I visited with the Pie Pals one afternoon. Having a bit of  friend time helps with the winter blues.

*It was last minute but I texted the Pie Pals and asked them if they could come over one afternoon for pie. They fell over themselves getting back to me. Yes, they would love to come over for pie! Since it's January I suspected diets and resolutions were the norm.  If I baked a pie I thought some wouldn't eat any or ask for a tiny sliver. 

So, I made sugar-free Jello in a pie plate. I had Cool Whip in the freezer left from Snow Salad Season aka Christmas and I had berries I had froze this summer. 

Imagine their shock, no coconut cream pie today, ladies! Oh my, did we laugh! I told them if they were having a cheat day I had Cool Whip.  The Jello with Cool Whip and Berries was a BiG 25 calories.

It turns out everyone loves Jello and it's the new January Pie Pals tradition.

Hubby and I have enjoyed the leftovers for dessert in the evening. 

*Besides the usual January eat less, move more, I have set another same goal. Hhhhmmm, as I'm writing I am realizing that if I have to keep setting the same goals or making the same resolutions every January, I am obviously not successful in the prior year. Anyhoo, back to goals, I have again set the goal to watch more TV.  I am generally not a fan of the television.  I have nothing against it, I just don't have the patience to sit there look at it. 

For Christmas I received a Roku and a Firestick, I kept both.  I am serious about it this year.

Party conversations turn to television shows and movies and I've been lacking. So, here I go again.

I've been watching the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I love the apartment, her wardrobe, the cars and the fast pace.  Midge is predicted to be the 2019 girl name of the year. #partyconversation

*I have watched a half an episode of Marie Kondo. I jumped up to clean out out junk drawer in the kitchen, got intimidated, sat back down and watched one episode of Schitt Creek.

Watching Marie Kondo is a two-fer resolution/goal.

I am watching TV and organizing and cleaning. Wait!  It's a threefer because I am moving more while organizing. 

The junk drawer is a fail.

The dishtowel drawer has been reorganized.  Isn't it pretty?

And that will last 3, 2, 1...

I have filled a few shopping bags to bring to the thrift store. But the reality is that I haven't actually brought them there yet.

*I have deactivated my Facebook account for a bit.  The political hate is too hard for me right now. 

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and to free speech, but the pasting and sharing of unverified information was bringing me down and making me think less of some friends.

 Essential personnel is still going to work, yes, they will eventually be paid, no they cannot go on vacation. Furlough isn't a paid vacation if you still are going to work every day.  Many officers are GS5 or GS7, they live paycheck to paycheck and though they aren't getting paid, their daycare provider still needs to be paid.  Single parents, single income families are hurt by the government shut down.  Please don't sugar coat it with the trite, oh well, they'll eventually get paid, to me.

It's too close to home and if you can put names and faces with it, it would be for you too.

*The best thing about January is thinking about sunny vacations, camping trips and all of the planning. #overplanner  Sometimes my sunny fantasy doesn't match reality. But a girl can dream.

Isn't her suit darling?

Best Wishes friends, may all of your goals be reached and attainable this year!

Carry on.

Happy 2019

Happy New Year friends! A fresh start and new beginnings, here we come.

 Christmas decor is back in the attic.  I took a lot of time this year organizing and going through things as I put everything away for another year. I kept the poinsettia as it still pretty and some wintry coasters that I love.  There is candy on the kitchen counter but it's not long for this world either.

I took down all of the blow molds, Napco figurines and bottle brush trees from the kitchen shelves.  As I put things back together I went through each basket, found and organized all 2018 tax information, took care of appointments for doctor referrals, and organized bills and records. 

 During December I don't look at the bank account because it may be frightening and because I'm busy.  I have since balanced and checked everything and that feels good.

As soon as the new year arrives I start making campground reservations and airline reservations.

Check and check. I like to look forward to something so the January rain doesn't get me down.

All holiday linens have been washed, starched and ironed.  I am still working on the pile of shirts.  Oh, how I miss Toni and Pearl.  Our local dry cleaners closed in November and I miss those girls and their mad ironing skills.

 I am dreading the power bill for December.  The lights are taken down inside, Hubby has to take down the outside lights this weekend, weather permitting.

 We enjoyed many lovely holiday meals.

 Baked Alaska for dessert, yes please. Oh my, it was fun!

Now recipes like Sassy Water are popping up everywhere.  Not as fun but I'm ready for less.

One last hurrah!  The traditional post holidays clean out the deli drawer mac and cheese dinner.  I'm going to make it for dinner tonight.  Whether it's good or bad this year, it will never be duplicated. 

Vacation ends on January 7 for me and until then I am organizing, prepping and doing some relaxing.  List making is my favorite so it doesn't feel like work to me. Goals and resolutions do not begin until vacation is officially over, as in back to school.

I don't make hard core resolutions so much as goals and just wanting that uncluttered fresh start that comes with a new year.

Here I go!

Some of This Hurts Me to Say It

My birthday is coming up and it's a biggie. When an article popped up in my news feed, regarding fashions that make a woman look older, I felt compelled to read it.

Since I love all of you, and many of you  all of you are also getting older, I am going to summarize and add my own opinion.

• Wearing skirts that are too long. It's true.  I've always thought above the knee is better.  Between the knee and ankle, not so much.  Obviously, no mini skirts though.
• Too matchy matchy, some women in my hometown may be offended and think I am calling them out, I'm not.  I am just passing along some good fashion advice for all ages. Remember, only one animal print at a time.
• If you have baggy on top, wear slim on the bottom.
• Too trendy.  I know, I know, it's cute.  It's cute on a five or twenty one year old, not someone my age.
• Dressing in all black. Ouch!  That one hurt just a little.  I love my black!  Changes will be made.
• Wearing something for sentimental value.  I break that rule every Christmas and wear my Grandma's fur coat. I plan to continue to break that rule every Christmas.
• No jersey fabric. The article suggested leaving jersey for bed sheets. 
• Not defining your waist. I had some panic here.  I am never going to tuck a blouse into my jeans again.  Can I get an amen?  That said there are ways to have a waist without a belt. Some of my black t-shirts are more flattering than others  because they define a waist.
• No turtle necks, but I like them.  I knew this rule though and I haven't worn one for years.  With the exception of snow shoeing. I did almost buy one this weekend on the sister's trip, I still like them.  I think they still have their place, in moderation and some aren't up to your ear lobes so they work.
• The right bra and panties.  Enough said. It is suggested that we wear a bit of shape wear on top, everyday. Good idea!
• Glasses that are too trendy.  Oops! I just ordered new glasses and I may have gone a bit on the trendy side.  For the most part, I wear contacts so I'll just have to live with this faux pas for two years. And honestly, I don't care.  I have seen some older women with some fashion fun glasses and I love it.
• Wearing chunky shoes can make you look old.  I am super self conscience of my feet as I have Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.  It is difficult to find shoes that look good, are comfortable and don't leave my feet out there for the world to see.  
• Say no to tweed.  It's back but really it will age anyone.  Hipsters are trying but it's goofy.
• Tying a jacket or sweater around your waist.  Buuuuut, I don't want to carry it around.  I won't do it again, but I am kicking and screaming all of the way.  Around your shoulders is best.
• Carrying a large, designer, old lady purse.  I carry a smaller bag but if I'm gone all day I keep a large launch bag in the car.  I like cross-body bags for shopping.
• Too much costume jewelry.  Coco was right.
• Tan pantie hose, no worries there. I don't ever want to wear those again. I wore them every day for five years at the bank, even maternity. Ugh!
• Make-up. It's suggested to lose the powder, this is hard for my shiny nose.  I have gone to a very light weight. minimal powder.  Wearing too much blush will add ten years.  Give up the black eyeliner ladies. Careful of your lipstick being too dark. I'm lucky just to get out the door, this a lot to think about every day.
• Getting a tan.  I wear a lot of sunscreen but I still love me a tan.  It takes off ten pounds, for crying out loud.
• Wearing too much floral.  That doesn't mean you can't wear floral.  Moderation.
• Not getting your hair trimmed and shaped.  I love my hairdresser, Hi Glenda!,  so this isn't something I avoid.  I am questioning the coloring.  When should a woman stop coloring her hair.  I see some older women with jet black hair and honestly, it looks funny.  Or a 75 year old woman with bleach blond hair.  It's not natural, folks.  I am hoping I know when to stop.  Is it 60?  Chime in!
• Sweatshirts and tees with logos have to go. No problem.  I am super cautious that my clothing doesn't look like PJs. I'm scarred by something I wore when I was pregnant and shouldn't have ever worn.  That's just my thing though... I guess you won't see me at Walmart in my pajama pants.  After 5:00 p.m. in my own home, all bets are off!

That's it.  You can do with it what you want.  It's just advice on the Internet that I gathered.

I think I'll take it all into consideration and then do whatever I want to do.  That's pretty much how I've gone through life, including fashion.

I did buy myself a Lily Pulitzer dress.  I thought it was time.

Chime in.  I want to learn more.  And then do whatever I want to do anyway.  It's how I roll.

Oh, and where do you shop? That's another blog post.

P.S. I always loved Barbie's dress and it can be bought in my size.  And that is the danger of the internet. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. But I love it!

Is It Monday?

I have spent the entire morning fixing things that really were no fault of my own. 

Banking issues.  Hubby went to theATM and it showed a zero balance.  What?

No one at our bank knows why that happened because clearly there is a balance.

Nordstrom order.  You have no idea how crazy this issue escalated.  I love Nordstrom customer service and online shopping, but I think they have some temps in shipping.  That is a half an hour of my life that I'll never get back.  And it's not fully resolved but I've grown weary for now and I'm taking a break.

Old Navy order.  Everything is en route times two. Don't ask.  Looong phone call.

I'll just make a return.  No problemo.

Dinner reservations that I made a month in advance had a glitch. Fifteen minutes lost.

I know, I know, all minor, first world problems.  I'll post later about the wonderful Friendsgiving we enjoyed this weekend!

Random Projects and Products

Last fall I went on a camping trip with some of my Sisters on the Fly. We went to a craft and antique show in Moses Lake, where I drank the Chalk Couture kool aid. I started using it in December, and the green leafy border was as far as I got.  Weddings, Christmas, recovering, it all meant I didn't get much done around the house.

 This week I got out my Chalk Couture and got busy.  My chalk paste/paint was really hard.  It never was as soft as what I was shown at the show.  I think the rep had stored it in her garage over the summer.  Just a guess... anywhoo, I muddled through and put together a spring cocktail menu for the sitting room. I still need some practice.

 After living in the Stone House for over sixteen years I decided to sew some kitchen curtains.  I didn't line them and may regret that decision.  It wasn't the fabric I had in my mind when I went shopping for fabric.  Hubby and I aren't sure if we even like having curtains in the kitchen. They are up and I'm giving it through this summer to decide if they stay.

 I may not have liked buying all new kitchen appliances but I am loving the top shelf on my new GE Adora dishwasher.

I'm subbing a lot and my feet hurt.  One of the elementary school secretaries told be about Bzees. They are a super comfortable shoe that is machine washable.  They seem a bit old lady but I am an old lady so I'm going with it.  They are available at Nordstrom and Macys. There are other styles and colors.  I like the black because it is a sandal that covers much of my foot and when 60 is imminent that is a good thing,  Nothing worse than looking at old feet. They come in a large variety of sizes.  I'm giving them a try. Their price point isn't bad either.

No products are paying me to write this drivel.

I promised random and I kept that promise.  Have a good day, friends!