My Hiatus...

No Spacebook... what does one do with their free time?

Turns out A LOT!

I found by not checking Spacebook I was also spending less time making bulletin boards and playing on-line games. Meanwhile I used the 'down time' for a walk in the neighborhood, pulling a few weeds in the yard or wrapping up an already started project around the house. Maybe my Lent season sacrifice wasn't really...

We spent lots of time with GS. He actually turned FIVE years old! Where has the time gone?

We watched our daughter play hockey in McCall. Chris is their coach. Our first time to see the newlyweds since Christmas. It was brief but so worth the drive.

We thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon matinee of the Lorax with our favorite nearly 5 year old and his folks.

We had breakfast with a 'long time' friend - AND she started a very promising job! Now we have plans for a day trip with our cameras. Way to go Randy!

We've enjoyed time with son while he was still in town. He was very creative by recycling our old deck boards into his garden bed and deck frame. He is very handy and has made good use of the lumber. Reminds me so much of my Dad.

Slowly I'm painting trim in rooms which were desperately in need of a fresh touch. Still have a few to go but it's a rainy-day project.

I created Raggedy Ann and Andy for G-GD. Regrettably the clothes are only partially complete. It will take me an hour to sit and complete but I need to either give up a sunny day project or pray for rain.

We ordered 4,000 lbs. of flagstone and sand. Two days after it was delivered we had the pile all laid out in the back yard. Matt magically appeared both afternoons and his younger back was a grateful addition to our efforts. This week the pea gravel will be delivered, shoveled and put down to fill in - followed by a tool closet and potting bench to clean up the rest of the area.

I started writing newsy emails to family and friends - again. Discovered if you write them they will answer and it's so much fun to get the updates.

In addition to our sleepovers and preschool days, we had lunch with GS and his folks after preschool.

I made chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and peanut butter cookies. And counted the points for my diet. Had to weigh the pros and cons for the value of the treat.

We visited "Heaven" (Kalaloch) with family and friends. It didn't quite go as planned but we had some quality time to recharge on the beach. Nothing better.

I took pictures - lots and lots of pictures.

I had date night with my hubby - Act of Valor. For this Navy family a great story.

Had repairman come for noisy washer. Bad bearings. $. Went shopping for new washer... discovered we purchased a five year warranty - what luck! Egg on our face - we happily shake our heads wondering how it is we DIDN'T know this.

Joined WW... at six weeks I lost my first 5%~ (and then some!)

Tried new recipes for dinner at least twice a week.

Made brownies. Had one to satisfy my chocolate craving and passed the majority off to GS in a ziploc bag.

and... I rejuvenated my blog.

I hope you all had a very blessed Easter, with time for family, reflection and relaxation.

There's a new FIVE YEAR OLD in town...

Happy Birthday Sweet 'Tater!

My Dream...

For years I recall having vivid dreams, often heart pounding, break a sweat kind of dreams, and then when I awaken and want to share absolutely NOTHING comes back to my memory. The past couple of weeks I've had a couple of doozies. So right there in your face - is it real - and I remembered them.

Last night (or was it this morning) I was dreaming about zombies. I would like to clarify I am not in the slightest bit obsessed with the recent zombie craze. I know our daughter, SIL and friends watched a TV series about zombies. I know there is a phone app my sweet coworker used to turn me into a zombie. But so far as understanding the zombie fad I remain clueless. The fact that I was dreaming about zombies made me laugh... even in my dream.

Perhaps it's a follow on to the Twilight vampire and shape shifter/werewolf craze. Or is it because of the "end of the world", Mayan calendar, apocalyptic survival undertones which circle around and leave me on the outskirts? I just don't get it. Nor do I worry.

But last night there were zombies. I was running from them. Mike was with me. We were both very fit (proof it was a dream) and able to run without pain and breathlessness. I wasn't scared. We hid in a raised doorway, sort of an alcove to a warehouse door where a delivery might be made.

Oddly enough our daughter approached. We told her to stay with us. "Come hide where it's safe!" She seemed to be painting her face with a pastry brush. I rationalized it as an explanation for her odd pallor. When I asked she got the look on her face that all of our children get when they are up to something (even now)! She said she was already 'one of them'. And then starts laughing... "Mom" she says, "they eat one another. They keep trying to get me to share their meals. They just don't get it". I look at her feeling confused. Perhaps she's not really a zombie. Instead she explains... "I can't eat that - I'm a vegetarian!!"

Always making me smile - even as a zombie - that's my girl...

PS: Honestly I am not trying to decipher my dream. I am thrilled to have remembered it. It still makes me giggle.