You Can Call Me Lucy

As I've been alluding to, Hubby and I have gotten another trailer project.  This trailer is a Curtis Wright Flagship model 6.  We aren't sure what year but it's most likely a 1947.  

 

We drove over Snoqualmie Pass on Thursday night so we could get busy bright and early on Friday morning. I was so relieved to see the Curtis Wright still waiting in the weeds for us.  Hubby had talked to the owner on Thursday but I felt like the trailer would not be ours until we had it in our possession.

 It was full of garbage and the deal was that we take the garbage with the trailer.

I had been mentally preparing myself for rodents, black widows and rattle snakes.

I wore gloves, old clothes and gave myself many pep talks on how to deal with the grossness and the critters living in the trailer.

Besides the bird that flew out when I first peeked in, I saw no rodents, black widows or snakes.

I did see a lot of mouse poo and wasps nests.

 I unscrewed the skirts while Hubby did some digging.  We got him hitched up and pulled out of the weeds on to the driveway.

 Hubby got three tires off and eventually the fourth.  It was stuck pretty good.

At this point we left the trailer and drove into town to get new tires.  We were high fivin' each other the whole way to town as everything had gone quickly and well at this point.

Hubby had called ahead on Thursday to check on tires, so we thought this would be easy.

It turns out finding the right tires was the hardest part of our day.  We put on over 100 miles in our travels to get tires. Eventually we found good comparable tires and so went to the DOL to get a trip permit.  That was easy. We drove back out to the trailer, put the tires on and got ready to limp the 12 miles back to the farm.

 There were big rocks on top of the trailer holding down the vents.  That ingenuity had kept the trailer dry and we were grateful for someone's wisdom.  But now we needed to get those rocks off.  No ladder but we found an old bed springs in the weeds so Hubby scaled it and removed the rocks and brick.

 The farm is about 12 miles away so we agreed that I'd follow with my flashers on and we'd go slow.

 Once we got to the farm and the shop, we got busy.  Max brought us a trailer to use for our run to the dump. We filled the trailer, filled a pickup with wood for the burn pile and gave away the dozens of canning jars.

 I wish I could tell you that we found treasures in all of that junk but no, we did not find anything to brag about, just garbage.

 The appliances are in good condition. Sort of.

The master suite, and I use that term loosely, has a bathroom, room for a double bed with a headboard and a built in dresser.  It has what trailer trash refer to as "the boyfriend door" in the back.  As the husband comes in the front door, the boyfriend can make an escape out the bedroom back door.

We are using ours as a fire exit.

 On Saturday morning it was back to work.  We went to the dump.  In the afternoon I brought a pick up load of wood to the farm's burn pile. We had a half a dozen propane tanks to empty and recycle too.  I swept the trailer until I had a large garbage bag of dirt.

 While the guys were packing the wheel bearings I ran to town for mirrors and chains.

 Hubby was also working on securing everything and cutting temporary plywood doors to screw on for the trip.

 Bo was a great help too.  We didn't let him drive.

But he sits in the truck like a boss.

 This is a panorama shot of the living room, dining room and kitchen area.

 The guys worked on temporary lights while I vacuumed up the dust and dirt.

 They worked on the lights until ten that night and almost gave up.  They got them working and it was decided we'd drive back on Sunday morning.  

Max drove with Hubby as copilot and I followed in the jeep.  That way if the lights failed it would be me rear ending the trailer. We got up at five and left a little before seven.  Some truck stop coffee to go and a lot of prayers for safety and we were off and running.

Max gave me a lot of rules. Do not let anyone in between us.  Ever.  Do not make Dad mad cuz he is super nervous. No exceptions.  Do not call my phone, only Dad's, and not unless you have to call for a really good reason.

We stopped just before getting on I-90 for one last check and I got out of my rig to give them a rule.

SLOW. DOWN.

 It was going well until we got on 405 and then had torrential rain with little to no visibility.  I have never been so happy to get to I-5 in my life.  Those Bellevue babes wanted to get in between us and I did not let them.  We'd gotten this far and I was not going to let some crazy Bellevue babe or Mercer Island matron rear end my trailer and then sue us.  It's probably the most aggressive driving I've ever done.  But I saved a lot of idiots from themselves yesterday.

 We bypassed the pothole incident  mess in Marysville.  And we were just ahead of the Mt. Vernon MVA yesterday.  We took Max for lunch, he left to see Kassie and then drive back to George.  

God bless that kid for helping his crazy parents!

 We then took a two hour nap.

So, now we have a long, long trailer. just like Ricky and Lucy.  Or rather, we have a long, long project.

This is a fun time though, of brainstorming, planning and plotting.

We did learn a few things when we restored Huaka'i Annie, our '57 Aloha.  We know enough now to be dangerous or something like that.  We plan to enjoy Annie this summer and to work on the Curtis Wright Flagship.  If you know of any other trailers like our CW please let us know as we would like to see how one is set up inside.

This was a long, long story...

A Lot of Random

Last week I was super busy. I was like a sugar addict running after the ice cream truck.  Kate and her prince were in India and her wardrobe was all I could think about, that and how on earth does she go to India and not sweat.  Apparently, botox!  I seriously have a life, a busy life.  But the past ten days I have been following her trip and every single piece of clothing.  Where did she get that dress, can I afford it, does it come in my size?  Is there a copycat dress at Gap?

 I do enjoy following the royals, and this trip to India was gorgeous.  Tell me I wasn't the only one vicariously enjoying the royal trip.

While Kate was all cool and collected in India, I was baking cupcakes for my BIL Bill's 50th birthday party.  Jodi put on a fabulous party for Bill.  Good job, sissy!

 

 Yesterday was a scorcher in Ltown.  We seldom hit temperatures in the 80's in April.  Some years it doesn't happen until July.  Hubby was off work yesterday and we worked in the yard.  Until we fell over.  A big change this year is the beauty bark.  I have always thought bark was for old people's gardens.  After the plethora of weeds this spring I preened and then barked.  Waved the white flag.  The weeds overtook my dreams of an English garden with rich soil and pretty perennials. 

Speaking of old people, I am retiring from my job at the museum.  I have been there for 19+ years.  It's time to take care of some deferred maintenance here at home and spend more time with Hubby.

Everyone keeps asking me what am I going to do.  I'm going to get a dumpster, have a yard sale and clean up my house and garage.  That should take about three years.

Hubby and I are starting another trailer restoration.  That should keep me out of trouble too.  It's one hot mess.  It's a Curtis Wright model 6, and the only one we've found on the internet. It's a rare bird.

We get to pick it up this weekend.  I am so excited!

So, I think that just about covers random today.  A royal trip to India, Bill is 50, beauty bark is for old people, my retirement and our new baby.

Yep, that outta do it.

Sunshine in Seattle

This past Friday a friend and I went to UVill and Alderwood Mall.  Since there was sunshine in Seattle we wanted to wander around outdoors and shop.  UVill never disappoints on a sunny day, the planters were packed with foliage and flowers.  Sometimes I need an outing for inspiration.  This was a very inspiring day.  It was fun to see the fresh new colors for spring and summer.

I am thinking about sneaking a little pale pink into our master bath.   I'm not sure how Hubby will feel about pink, so it will be subtle.  I love this mirror from the Land of Nod.  I'll make one this summer, using junk jewelry and some metal flowers that I happen to have in my stash.

 The lighting was gorgeous at RH.  They have upped their game and it shows.  There is a huge construction project at UVill.  It is going to be the new Restoration Hardware showroom.  We thought that 5-6 stores would be going into the space but no, just one big RH.

 The ring chandy would be gorgeous for a wedding.

Rolled up old books tied with twine.  Why didn't I think of that?

 I may need a metal aircraft for our next trailer.  It's a Curtis Wright with some ties to aircraft production.

Sunshine, beautiful flowers, inspiration, lunch outdoors in April and a good friend made for a perfect day in Seattle.

Towing 101

 Yesterday the sun was out, Hubby was home and we decided to go for a Sunday drive.  It was the day, I started my towing lessons!  I had to hitch up Annie and take off down the road.  I drove on quiet city streets, narrow country roads and a state highway with roundabouts.  That all went well.

 It's the backing into a spot that is really hard for me.  I am a logical thinker and when I had to back up with a towed vehicle I felt like I always had to do the opposite of what felt right.

 Hubby was super patient and encouraging.  Eventually he got out of the vehicle, picked a spot and told me I was on my own.

 I did it!  The backing up is going to take some practice.  Honestly, I don't know if I could do it again today.  I have a school parking lot just down the street and it is spring vacation so this is the week to practice. Rick Love gave me some good advice about keeping my hands on the bottom of the wheel.

 More lessons are coming including freeway driving, passing and merging, setting up camp, and getting the trailer level.  Hubby's biggest worry is that I'll forget I have Annie hitched up and drive too fast.  I am pretty tense yet so I don't think I'll forget she's back there.  The great thing bout Annie is that she isn't wider than the mirrors on the Jeep.

That said, if you see me coming, give me room.

 After that ride we went for another ride, without Annie, out to the BP buffer.  It's a pretty 4 mile walk.  I earned a fitbit badge yesterday.  I like it that I earned my India badge while Danny is in India.  He is having a wonderful time, the wedding was beautiful and this week he is sightseeing.

He called me this morning through face book.  Isn't the world getting smaller all the time?

 Have a good week, my friends!

#thestruggleisreal

Spring has sprung and it is sunny and warm.  It's so great.  On the heels of spring comes summer.  Summer means swimsuits, shorts, sleeveless tops and a diet.  Or as I like to call it, eatlessmovemore.

A few summers ago some friends and I did the 17 Day Diet.  Over and over, 17 days, 17 more days and then another 17 days.  Yes, we lost weight.  Did we have a fun summer?  No, no one has fun eating chicken breasts and salads for every meal.  It was known as the summer of chicken by our guys, no one liked that diet.   Wine on the patio, nope, not allowed.

That said, we did lose weight, so I got my book off the shelf a few weeks ago.  Paged through it and put it back.  A friend mentioned this morning that she went on the 17 Day Diet for a half a day this past week.  Bah hahaha, yep, that's enough.

 I checked out Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight from our local library a few weeks ago.  Doesn't it sound fantastic, thin and organized!  In six weeks, no less!  Yeah, that is a lot of balls in the air, and if I was really good at juggling I'd run away and join the circus.   Dieting and purging closets, ain't nobody got time for that.

Diets are a full time job.  If you don't take it on as a full time position you will end up getting fired.

Fired by a diet.

Now I have the Body Clock Diet checked out from the library.  I've skimmed through it.

You have to ask yourself, what do all of these books advise?  EAT LESS, MOVE MORE.

That is the secret to losing weight.  I've known that for years.

 I have been walking, and walking some more.  It's good for me, good time to think things through, pray, see my little town, enjoy all of the blooming trees, blah, blah, blah.

I've got the MOVE MORE down.

 Over 12,000 steps before 8:30 a.m. this morning.  Go me!

 It's the EAT LESS that kills me.  The struggle is real.  Food is fun, drinks are fun and I am a fun kinda gal.  I also like to feed the pain (my SIL, the social worker diagnosed me, thanks Laura!).  My Dad got sick and then died and I was sad so I plopped on the sofa with a big bowl of Chex Party Mix and a glass of wine.   Hello!  What else could I do?

Last night Hubby and I went to pick up our new washer and dryer because it was in the store but couldn't be delivered until April 13th.  We pulled out the old, brought them to be recycled and waited for them to roll out the new set.  Turns out the distribution center sent two dryers and no washer.

So, we went to Kulshan for a beer and a burger.  Fed the pain!

Undid three days of hard core calorie counting.

It was fun and tasty.

 We are going on a cruise in May.  Nothing motivates this chick more on an eatlessmovemore than a pending vacation.  If I don't drop several pounds before May 16th my clothes won't fit for the trip.  It's how I roll.

Jodi sent me this meme.  Yep, that is pretty much how it goes for moi.

Honestly, at what point do do women just say phooey, I am pleasingly plump and I don't care?

I am buying bigger clothes than my fat jeans.  Again.

I'm not there yet.

But I'm not having much fun either.

You?

If you know the secret besides eatlessmovemore, do tell.

The world wants to know how to have fun and BE on a diet simultaneously.

Do tell.

I'm on the edge of my seat  my scale.

Easter 2016

We had a wonderful Easter weekend.  Saturday evening we had Coconut Kenny's pizza for dinner at Kulshan with Sam, Blake and Max.  Their girls couldn't make it.  Oh my, did we ever laugh.  Times like that I miss Braden and Danny.

Easter Day started with a walk with Max and Bo.  My guys don't generally walk with me unless they have a dog.  Then they do and that makes this mama happy.

There are some gorgeous flowering trees on my path in the Spring.

 Squirrel...I hadn't played with the watercolor app for a while and it is nice to turn your everyday photos into art.

Back to Easter.

 I baked cinnamon rolls for the weekend and Hubby said they were some of my best ever. I have no idea what caused that to happen but it did. I gave each of the guys a pan to take home.

We went to church and were part of a beautiful service.  So many great things going on including Lucy reciting Matthew 20:1-6.  Her sweet voice, reciting from her heart was a blessing.  She had notes in her boots just in case she forgot a line. 

 Our choir invites everyone that likes to sing the Hallelujah Chorus to come forward and join them at the end of the service.  It brings chills, every time.  Hubby is up there.  Max and I (non-singers)  are in the congregation.

We had dinner at Uncle Darryl and Aunt Judy's house.  They were so great about having a crowd.

There aren't many little kids but there are a lot of adult kids.  The Easter egg hunt goes on, there is a lot of candy and plastic eggs with treats and there is an egg for each kid with their name written on it.  It is the money egg.  It has kept the adult kids in the hunt.

Even roosters lay eggs on Easter!

 Dylan found his egg and he found Katelyn's egg.  Oblivious to having her egg, he watched all of us help Katelyn find her egg.  I knew I had hid it but couldn't remember specifically where it was.

Then I asked Dylan if he'd opened the egg with his name on it, no, well you should because there is a nice surprise in there.  Hummm, Dylan, do you have any other of the shiny special eggs? Yep, he did.  And so, the missing egg was handed over to Katelyn with the money.  

Well played, Dylan, until you were busted.  

Sam and Angela found their eggs.

 Max and Kassie found their eggs too.

 Our kids came over after dinner, the grand dogs ran around, Max packed up, everyone left, I dust mopped up all of the dog hair, Hubby went to bed because he had to work a double at midnight.  I plopped on the sofa, honestly, exhausted.   I chatted with Danny on the phone as he packed for his trip to India and reassured me of his plans and to stay in touch.  It's all great to go across the world but this Mama worries when he travels alone.

As Danny and I were chatting, my phone was beeping that another call was coming in...

It was Max, he had gotten to Marysville in spite of terrible traffic just to find out that Snoqualmie Pass was closed. A freak Spring snow storm with so many vehicles spun out off the road that they had to close it.  So, he turned around and came back to Lynden for the night.

Max is loving his new dog, Bo.  They are inseparable.  There are lessons constantly being taught and a lot of love.  It's fun to watch a boy and his dog.

Today I have to go to Brio Laundry.  No new washer for a few weeks.  I might meet my sis, Kathi there because she is having troubles too.  Won't that be fun?  I haven't walked yet this morning and usually on Monday mornings I walk twice, once with the girls and then again on my own.

It's a long and rambling post because I don't feel like going to do laundry and I don't feel like walking.  That said, I better get to it!

*Disclaimer and credits... not all pictures in the this post are mine, some are from our church and Danny.