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.

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 

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.

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

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!

So Much

 Let's get caught up. It's been a whirlwind here at the Stone House.

Max and Kassie left on their honeymoon to Mexico and Bo stayed with Hubby and me.  Max would text and ask, "how is Bo?" Bo did great with us. 

One day, we baked Christmas cookies.

Bo gets a treat every time we come back into the house, because, well, he's at Grandma's place and I do not feed him people food. Ever.

 We went for walks in the snow.

But toward the end, Bo just missed his boy and did some pouting.

 Kassie started to get some wedding day previews from the photographer.

It was such a pretty wedding and they are so happy.

Then it was Sheryl, Shelly, Doreen night and we had a wonderful time.  

 The next day we hadn't had enough fun, so Shelly, Sheryl and I (Dor stayed home to get stuff done) went on a cheese tour to Twin Sisters and Appel Farms. This tour which ended with lunch at Homestead actually saved me a bucket of time because it prepped all of my appetizers for the Christmas season.

Which as things turned out, was a huge, delicious help. I used them at the family party at Jeff and Kathi's and on Christmas Day.

 I'm going to back up now, and this is where things get a bit rocky.

The night I went out with the girls I decided to take another shower before picking everyone up for our evening. I'd had a busy day and wanted to relax and get ready at my leisure. 

Before I get too far into what's next, Hubby worked swing shift before the wedding and the midnight shift after the wedding. He is sleeping during the day so I move my things out of our bathroom into the other bathroom. I jump into the shower, drop the washcloth, pick it up and I bang my head on the ceramic shelf. Hard.  This resulted in a slight concussion and even though it was a week ago, I have a a head ache yet today.  The actual spot is getting better, but I haven't felt 100 percent since it happened. The nurse told me I need some quiet time. That's funny.

Let's back up to the day before the head bump, Lynden Manor called us and Mom was wandering at night, and needed to be moved to the Dementia Special Care Unit. It was that or 24 hour care at her room in the Manor.  My siblings and I knew that wouldn't work because we saw how she reacted to 24 hour in home care for my Dad.  Not good. This was a hard decision and yet it wasn't really a decision because we had no choice.

On December 24, Jodi picked up Mom for church and dinner and Kathi and Jeff, Ken and I moved her.  Bill was sick and Hubby was sleeping. We set up her new room as similar to her prior room as possible. Emptied the other apartment of the things she won't need any more. I can't begin to tell you how hard this move was for her and my family. It felt like someone was near tears all day.  We took turns encouraging and comforting each other and then Mom. She is asking me to move her, and doesn't understand why she is living there. Please pray that my Mom can accept her new room and where she is living.

Max and Kassie got home from Mexico around three a.m. on Christmas.  Kassie had the flu/sinus infection in Mexico and Max started getting it on the way home. Hubby got home at 9:30 a.m. from his last midnight shift and went to take a nap.  Jonny and Sam showed up to celebrate Christmas.  They taught me to play Settler of Catan.  I promptly won the game and taught them a thing or two. HAH!

 Hubby woke up, Max and Kassie showed up and we made a beef tenderloin with Karen's mushroom sauce.  Holy goodness, that sauce is yummo!  I'll share the recipe mid January when y'all have given up on the diet resolutions.

Of course, we had snow salad.

I hadn't had time to shop with the two weddings within three weeks of each other so the gifts were pretty slim.  But Hubby and I received ten pounds of the secret bacon from the guys. 

So we are HAPPY!

Sam and Collin and Jonny will not tell us where this bacon comes from, apparently they still need secrets from the 'rents.  It is rationed out to us after favors and for penance.

Hubby and I agreed on a no gift year but I couldn't resist getting us a record player.  Hubby was surprised and loves it.  We are having so much fun spinning records and dancing the nights away.

On the 26th, Bo and Max went home to George, WA and Hubby and I stripped the beds, did laundry, put away junk and vacuumed up dog hair. Enough for another whole dog!

Yesterday Hubby had a day off and we went to Anthony's for lunch and then record shopping at Aladdin's and Penny Lane. It was a date day with no agenda.

 In summary:

*My Mom is asking  begging me to move her every time I visit.

*I have a head ache. Is it from the hit in the shower? Stress? Sinus infection? 

I'm going with all three.

*Christmas Day was so nice with my family. It really was so good.

*We loved having Bo but we are not getting another dog.

*It was kind of a White Christmas. Snow is my favorite.

*Jeff and Kathi hosted our family party and it was so nice.  Their new home is gorgeous and I am so happy for them. I wish I could have helped them move but things were crazy here.

*Hubby is back on day shift and I cannot tell you how good that is for us. He missed Christmas parties and prep and was tired. All the time.

*I missed going to church this Christmas but I saw the peace of Jesus in so many ways.

*I'm home alone today and it feels pretty good. 

*I need quiet to heal. 

*My Christmas cards came in at Costco on the 23rd so I am still sending those out.

* Danny and Jess are spending Christmas in Florida with Jess's family. Aren't they the lucky ones?

*The New Year brings a new notebook and ideas and resolutions.  One of which will be to get back to a breakfast smoothie instead of coffee with banket.  Thank you, Randi! I have rationed it out over the season and not really shared. At all.

*There are some good things coming in 2018, Hubby and I will be married 30 years and hope to celebrate with a trip.

* There was so much good this year.  Please don't think I'm complaining in this post. Just keepin' it real. I am blessed, my family has just had a few bumps lately.  Still and always, so much good and God's peace through it all.

*Happy New Year!  Best wishes on your resolutions! Mushroom sauce recipe 

coming up mid January...