Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Palm Springs Modernism

This post should be broken down into several posts but it's all or nothing at this point.  I am very behind on the blog, in my laundry room, housekeeping, and yard work.
I'll start at the beginning and work my way through the week.
First up, Hubby and I arrive in Palm Springs on time, we get our bags and walk out to the curb.  Jeremy and Rene' drive up, pick us up and have already gotten groceries.  It's too early to check in so we went to the Empire Polo Club for lunch.
We check in and get a poolside room on the ground floor.  It was any easy start to vacation.
Saturday morning we go to the Vintage Trailer Show in Palm Springs.  John and Kristen meet us at the gate and then we run into Kathy and Marian. The gang's all here!
The show always includes some trailers that we haven't seen before, some are restored by professionals and some by regular folks.
This truck and home built camper were put together for a trip to Alaska.  It was very clever, mostly original and was Hubby's favorite.
 I loved their lantern, which is the Coleman collectible for 2018.
 I loved this cart, each tray lifts out for serving guests.
 While at the show I am focused on details and come home with very few photos showing the whole picture.  I liked the screen material used in this door.
 This photo was taken for the stove and the lamp shade above the sink.
 Hubby and I loved seeing the Curtis Wright Models 1 and 2.  Steve from Vintage Trailer Supply brought his Model 2 and Dal Smiley brought his newly restored Model 1.
 Our Model 6 needs new window frames so again, I focused small parts.
 That stove!
It makes me anxious to make our Model 6 shiny and pretty!
 The highlight for all of us was meeting Dean Hanson.  His parents had an aluminum company and started the Hanson's Love Bug trailer company. 
His Dad was at a Christian businessman's meeting where he heard about a town in Iowa that was losing it's John Deere plant.  He really felt for the people that would lose their jobs.  He brainstormed with other businessmen and Winnebago was created. 
Fashion at the show is fun too. I love seeing what everyone wears to the show.
The little Girl Scout selling lemonade to Hubby was rocking those sunglasses with her uniform.
The gal that owns the home built camper was dressed to match her rig.  I wish I'd gotten a photo of her and her husband but mine will have to do.
This gal's accordion pleat skirt, denim shirt, hat and her weekend bag were my fashion pick.  She knocked it outta the park.  She looks coordinated without being too matchy, yet comfortable and darling.
The last one is a selfie of moi.  I wore my flamingo print jeans, a coral tank, a sleeveless denim shirt and a coral cardigan.  I got several compliments so I am taking it as a win.
After the show we met friends at the Tonga Hut where we enjoyed snacks and beverages in the hidden back room.
The next morning it was off to the Modernism Yard Sale.
Hubby and I tried on a matching vintage shirt and dress set but the owner was pretty proud of them and wouldn't budge on the price so she kept them.

I will continue later. The blog is a struggle right now.  Don't give up on me.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Olympics 2018 Here and There

I prefer the Winter Olympics over the Summer Olympics.  Hubby and I have been watching a bit every evening.  I enjoy watching Shaun White (Men's Snowboard) and I love that he grew up and got his haircut since 2014.  The U.S. Women Hockey team brought me to tears with their overtime and shoot out win for the gold.  I haven't watched as much figure skating as in years past because of the commentators jabbering on and on about a skater's  fall during one of the first events.  Johnny and Tara, I'm over you. And Men's Curling, oh the drama, the intensity! Really, more drama than a pack of junior high girls.

The best part of the Olympics for me is watching the underdog take the lead.  The athlete no expects to win, takes the lead and has a chance for a medal.  That's what it's all about for me.

I've had some competition here as well.  

*Allegiant Airlines Event
-No medal for luggage this trip, I changed a carry on to a checked bag... I got charged for both.
It will be discussed at the counter tomorrow.
-Gold! I don't pay for seats on Allegiant.  This trip I got a seat in Zone 2 next to Hubby for the win.
Last trip I had three seats to myself.

*The Weather Event
-This is a tricky event as I have no control over it. I am scheduled to leave prior to the snow forecast for tomorrow.  Possible win.
-The weather has been cool in the Palm Desert area.  Indio is warmer than Palm Springs.
-I ordered sunscreen from Amazon to arrive today. An email arrived letting me know it may not make it due to snow. Possible loss.
-Our friends are driving to the desert and are in white out conditions with chains required.
Loss, for now, but slow and steady wins that race.

*Recreation and Free Time aka Wasting Time
-I am not much of a television watcher but I found Suits on Amazon Prime.
I. Can't. Stop.
Season two will begin for me on my flight.  Winner!
-Does anyone else have reading highs and lows?
I am in a low.  I need a really good book recommendation.
-#poolside This event is really my best event and I plan on rocking it.
Gold, for sure.


Thursday, February 15, 2018

Love Week 2018

Oh February, I love thee. The sights, the smells and the lovely feelings are a mid winter treat.
Hubby and I celebrated 30 years of marriage this week. We made a point of planning something special to commemorate 30 years. We made reservations at the Chrysalis Inn and Spa. We had a beautiful room, gorgeous weather for walking, a spa day, cocktails at Galloways, and a delicious dinner at Keenen's on the Pier.
We decided to get dressed up for our special occasion.  Life is as special as you make it.
A suit and tie, a velvet dress and fur cape do make an evening more special than jeans and boots.
 On Valentine's Day, I subbed and I LOVE to be at school for Valentine's Day.  Oooh, they were wired, snow and a holiday that involves cupcakes, chocolate and a party!  Oh. My.  I only had a half day, which was fun and enough.

I came home where I had soup in the crock pot, the table set and guests arriving shortly.  It was my turn to host Pie Pals and since it was Valentine's Day I decided to have lunch instead of pie for them.
 Holly had given me my vintage truck and trailer cake topper and I dolled it up with hearts.
 Oh Miss Becky!  We miss you.
 Hubby made dinner for Sam and I, another delicious meal and a good visit with Sam.
Today I am home, trying to get caught up, cleaned up and sorted, and get rid of my second cold.
Late next week, Palm Springs! The sunshine should help. 
#poolside 

Thursday, February 8, 2018

The Before Photo Session

The Boles Aero had a photo shoot to capture the before photos for her makeover.  Her body is good but she needs some cleaning, polishing and her tongue and propane tanks will be gold.  She needs new tires and something shiny for wheels.
 The living room had wallpaper on some walls, smelly carpet and smelly drapes.
 Her fridge and freezer work. Looking into the bedroom there was more carpet and wallpaper to strip.
 She is getting a new counter top, sink and faucet and back splash.  We hope to save her Magic Chef stove top and oven.
 I actually like her bathroom vanity lights and plan to save them with the help of gold spray paint.
New toilet and faucet but the vanity can be saved.
 After we took out the carpets, the linoleum, the under floor and pulled out all of the old drapes she started to smell better.  The biggest project will be a new ceiling but Hubby assures me it's not that big of a deal.  If he pulls out the cabinets you'll hear me screaming and having a nervous break down.
It's just lipstick and maybe a facial, makeup and a little botox but no surgery.

Monday, February 5, 2018

Seattle Shopping on a Post Holiday Weekend

Last weekend we met friends in Seattle. The idea was to meet in December and celebrate the holidays.  Our schedule was a little much in December and our friends offered to wait for us. We made reservations at the Mayflower Park Hotel for the last weekend in January.  We see our vintage trailer friends in the summer at rallies and while camping.  We miss them in the winter, it was great to see everyone and get caught up.
We had a good time at Flatstick Pub playing mini golf, jenga and air hockey.  Flatstick Pub offers a ton of games and Washington only craft beer.
We had fun at Pike Street Market. Yes, it was windy!
Jean made dinner reservations at Assaggio Restaurant for Saturday evening and we all loved her choice. Their pasta is like butter, it melts in your mouth.
It was a good visit and it makes me anxious for summertime rallies and camping.

We did some shopping in Seattle besides Nordstroms and Old Navy.  Hubby and I bought another vintage trailer.  It happens!  Jeremy and Rene' had just bought a Boles Aero. We were frustrated with the Avion and I really wanted out of that project.  We just wanted a project that needed lipstick.  The Avion had some structural problems and I was not feeling it.  Jeremy and I kept chatting about the Boles Aero through out the weekend.  On Saturday morning he got a call from someone in Lynden that they were ready to come to a deal on a '62 Aloha. He was picking it up on Wednesday.  I told him, hey, you're coming to Lynden anyway, if you drop the delivery fee, I want the Boles Aero.  Hubby agreed with the caveat that I had to get the Avion off our driveway before the Boles Aero arrived.  Rene' agreed because she was getting her dream Aloha.  I put an ad for the Avion on Craigslist Saturday night.  It was gone on Monday! It's perfect for who bought it and for what he wants to use it as.  We got an easier project with the same floor plan as the Avion, which was it's best feature.
Bye bye Avion.
We can use the flooring, furniture, light fixtures, decor and design that we had for the Avion in the Boles Aero.  It got here on Wednesday and last night Hubby and I finally did a walk through together.  Last week was crazy, I subbed everyday, had a cold, had an allergic reaction to Flonase (now known as Satan's nasal spray) and then got a stomach bug on Saturday.  Long story short, we are so happy and so excited to put the lipstick on the Boles Aero.  She is named Ava Jean because I love the name and I didn't sell the name just the Avion.

Today Hubby and I have the day off and we plan to clean Ava Jean and then begin our lipstick project. I haven't taken pictures yet but I'll share some soon.

Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together. 
- Elizabeth Taylor

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Winter Random

This is a random post  that ends with a good recipe, if you stay with me that long.
*When I took the Christmas decorations down I decided to add a bit of icy, snowy decor in the kitchen window.  I am always hoping for snow and if I don't get it I can still enjoy winter in my kitchen window.
*We didn't have a snowstorm but we did have a January ice storm.
 *We didn't have power for three nights.  It's still warm and cozy with our wood stove and our gas stove in the bedroom.  I used the battery wire lights everywhere.  They really worked better than a flashlight.  I hung them in the bedroom, from the dining room chandelier and in each bathroom.
So, friends, this is my storm survival tip. Take battery lights off your Christmas decor and hang it up everywhere you need light.
*Danny and Jess got wedding reception pictures back from their photographer. I love the black and white photos.
I love the color ones too.
Is there anything better than seeing your son so happy? Nope.
Our guys clean up nice and have such nice manners.  Hubby and I are so proud of them.
Pride goes before the fall... really? a wet willie? at a formal event? If nothing else, they are humbling.
It's time for dinner and the good manners are back. 
Cheers!
It was such a fun trip and beautiful celebration.  Good memories.
*I saw a snowy, barn painting on face book and I love a good snowy, barn painting, wait, what?
It's Date and Paint at the The Mill.  I put the word out and my friends jump in to go with me.
A perfect January night out with the girls.
For me it was more fun than success. I actually prefer fun over success so it was a win.
We did decide that if we do it again we would go earlier for dinner as it is too difficult to paint and eat and sip.  My painting will be proudly displayed in the attic, where all manner of things go in our house.

*We celebrated my Mom's birthday with dinner at our house.  It was fun and Mom was having an "on day".  We aren't sure where she should be living.  She has good times and some very unhappy times. Dementia sucks.

*I haven't redecorated the house since I took down Christmas.  I am enjoying the blank canvas. 

*One of my commitments in the new year is to do some meal planning and to try new recipes. I made Egg Roll Soup and it is delicious. I was going to blog the recipe but let's just go with a link as I haven't taken any pictures of the soup.  I used Hot Jimmy Dean Sausage, because it is our favorite and has a lot of flavor and I added some celery.  The Safeway won tons next to the croutons are good, don't bother frying won tons.

*Happy January, my friends. Don't be too hard on yourselves this month.  New beginnings, fitness and a good diet, resolutions, changes, all good stuff unless they are bringing you down. 
You've got this!