I'm home alone for a week (yeeeehhaaaaaa). I have this ambitious 'to do' list which I'm going to misplace. Surely I can think of other things to occupy my time.
I will eat cookies with milk for breakfast, completely ignoring my fruit and oatmeal routine, throwing my cholesterol into a major spike.
I am going to leave the TV on even after I am no longer in the room.
I will have long, chatty conversations with the dog but ignore the cats!
I will tune the radio station to my favorite oldies and sing loud enough so that the cats ignore me too!
If I choose to vacuum I shall work on my "dancing with the stars" moves for the next competition.
Who knows - I may even run with scissors - live on the wild side - holy cow! With my luck I'd trip and fall, lie there bleeding having successfully managed to get the cats to ignore me, and have the dog waiting for me to throw a ball.
On second thought I'll just stick with my 'to do' list.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I have a confession...
I confess - I am an lacrosse junkie. If there was a 12 step program I'd avoid it. I love to watch lacrosse!
This time of year I rearrange work schedules to accomodate my addiction. I contemplate travel times to ensure I won't miss a minute of action on the field. Our vehicle is ready for whatever weather we encounter. We have stadium seats for bleachers, chairs for fields, boots, coats & blankets for warmth, umbrellas for moisture and sunscreen... because I'm eternally optimistic.
My camera batteries are always charged; memory cards, lenses and monopod packed and ready to travel. I vow not to miss a single shot!
I am not a crazed fan. I don't hollar at the refs (thought I don't always agree) and I dislike the fans who shout disparaging comments to anyone on the field. I do my fair share of shouting on the sidelines - my presence is known - but encouraging words only - a whoop when a goal is scored - a silent prayer when someone goes down hard - and a delightful cheer when the guys rally.
If you aren't familiar with the sport, lacrosse was originally played by Native Americans. It is a physical, action-packed game, set up similar to soccer; goals, slashing, penalties like hockey; hard hits like football. Instead of using your hands or feet the small hard ball is maneuvered up and down the field using sticks with net filled heads. The players are protected with helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads and gloves. The only obvious illegal hits are the ones to the helmet or above the shoulder - otherwise players are fair game.
When we visited this state prior to our move, our sons saw lacrosse players at one of the high schools and announced they too would be playing when we were living here. They were true to their word.
We began by faithfully sitting on the sidelines watching Matt's games. I couldn't help but cringe while he stood in the goal catching the balls being flung at him. It's not uncommon for those shots to travel between 80-90 mph. The only thing I would do in that six foot box is duck! After Matt finished school, we maintained our designated sideline position watching Krieg.
We've sat through rain, sleet and scalding temperatures. There is something about the sound of contact made when the stick smacks into the chest of the opponent, or the whoosh as the player runs down the sideline with two opponents on his heels. I hear the whistle of the referee and feel my pulse race.
Today Krieg is playing at the college level. He has a great reputation on and off the field. Imagine our daughter's surprise when the coach from U of I came into her work and asked her what he would be able to do to convince her little brother to transfer north from the local collegiate team. We are loyal to Vandal Gold!
Yes, I confess. I'm addicted to lacrosse. On the other hand, if you are looking for me on the weekend I'm fairly easy to locate!
This time of year I rearrange work schedules to accomodate my addiction. I contemplate travel times to ensure I won't miss a minute of action on the field. Our vehicle is ready for whatever weather we encounter. We have stadium seats for bleachers, chairs for fields, boots, coats & blankets for warmth, umbrellas for moisture and sunscreen... because I'm eternally optimistic.
My camera batteries are always charged; memory cards, lenses and monopod packed and ready to travel. I vow not to miss a single shot!
I am not a crazed fan. I don't hollar at the refs (thought I don't always agree) and I dislike the fans who shout disparaging comments to anyone on the field. I do my fair share of shouting on the sidelines - my presence is known - but encouraging words only - a whoop when a goal is scored - a silent prayer when someone goes down hard - and a delightful cheer when the guys rally.
If you aren't familiar with the sport, lacrosse was originally played by Native Americans. It is a physical, action-packed game, set up similar to soccer; goals, slashing, penalties like hockey; hard hits like football. Instead of using your hands or feet the small hard ball is maneuvered up and down the field using sticks with net filled heads. The players are protected with helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads and gloves. The only obvious illegal hits are the ones to the helmet or above the shoulder - otherwise players are fair game.
When we visited this state prior to our move, our sons saw lacrosse players at one of the high schools and announced they too would be playing when we were living here. They were true to their word.
We began by faithfully sitting on the sidelines watching Matt's games. I couldn't help but cringe while he stood in the goal catching the balls being flung at him. It's not uncommon for those shots to travel between 80-90 mph. The only thing I would do in that six foot box is duck! After Matt finished school, we maintained our designated sideline position watching Krieg.
We've sat through rain, sleet and scalding temperatures. There is something about the sound of contact made when the stick smacks into the chest of the opponent, or the whoosh as the player runs down the sideline with two opponents on his heels. I hear the whistle of the referee and feel my pulse race.
Today Krieg is playing at the college level. He has a great reputation on and off the field. Imagine our daughter's surprise when the coach from U of I came into her work and asked her what he would be able to do to convince her little brother to transfer north from the local collegiate team. We are loyal to Vandal Gold!
Yes, I confess. I'm addicted to lacrosse. On the other hand, if you are looking for me on the weekend I'm fairly easy to locate!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
From Sloth to Sleak...
We are trying out a new routine. You've got to know we are pretty set (stuck) in our ways. Mike has his routine while I'm at work. I'm pretty sure most of it involves the computer when Taten isn't around (at least until the warm weather returns or I have a project he can actively avoid).
I get off work, make dinner, Mike cleans up and then we become sloths. I keep up with some of the household chores beyond the vacuuming which Mike handles during the day. Riley gets walked a few times a week. We don't exactly exude energy after dark! Perhaps it's the cold weather. I'm much better about getting out and finding a flower bed to work in when the weather is pleasant and the days are longer.
Sometime during the inversion week(s) I came across a flyer for Community Ed classes at the Y. I found one that would actually go with my fluctuating work schedule and signed up. Naturally it started on a MONDAY! I kept reminding myself how beneficial the exercise would be and convinced Mike to come with me to the Y and walk while I have the class.
Class was surprisingly fun. I ran into a friend also taking the class. For the sake of my youngest child I'll be delicate here... the instructor is a bit demonstrative and makes me chuckle. His job is perfect for him, peacocking in front of a mirror for the crowd - amplified for the benefit of his followers - and sharing Hollywood's latest gossip over the music. Imagine Richard Simmons in yogawear... and don't think the musical selection of Abba's "Dancing Queen" went unnoticed.
It was entertaining to say the least and the hour passed quickly, though when he shared we were ten minutes into the first class I had my doubts I'd survive. Ok - so I'm out of shape. Who knew 5 lb weights were so heavy? Evidently walking Riley is not the equivalent to the necessary cardio workout suggested by the Surgeon General.
I get off work, make dinner, Mike cleans up and then we become sloths. I keep up with some of the household chores beyond the vacuuming which Mike handles during the day. Riley gets walked a few times a week. We don't exactly exude energy after dark! Perhaps it's the cold weather. I'm much better about getting out and finding a flower bed to work in when the weather is pleasant and the days are longer.
Sometime during the inversion week(s) I came across a flyer for Community Ed classes at the Y. I found one that would actually go with my fluctuating work schedule and signed up. Naturally it started on a MONDAY! I kept reminding myself how beneficial the exercise would be and convinced Mike to come with me to the Y and walk while I have the class.
Class was surprisingly fun. I ran into a friend also taking the class. For the sake of my youngest child I'll be delicate here... the instructor is a bit demonstrative and makes me chuckle. His job is perfect for him, peacocking in front of a mirror for the crowd - amplified for the benefit of his followers - and sharing Hollywood's latest gossip over the music. Imagine Richard Simmons in yogawear... and don't think the musical selection of Abba's "Dancing Queen" went unnoticed.
It was entertaining to say the least and the hour passed quickly, though when he shared we were ten minutes into the first class I had my doubts I'd survive. Ok - so I'm out of shape. Who knew 5 lb weights were so heavy? Evidently walking Riley is not the equivalent to the necessary cardio workout suggested by the Surgeon General.
Monday, February 2, 2009
January - One year in our Empty Nest...
A year ago our youngest flew the coop... transferred to U of I leaving us old folks home alone without adult supervision.
We roam the empty rooms of our once overflowing home... recalling the accidental BB gun shooting, the steak fork incident and other mysteries that slowly reveal themselves to us as time passes (and the kids figure it's safer to share - because we'll laugh now).
What luck when we happened through the neighborhood looking for homes for sale and encountered our "for sale by owner" listing, available to move in with no delays. Just as we needed.
We've slowly turned this former 'rental to a family with five little boys' into our home - with our own personal touches - enjoying the compliments from folks who walk passed.
We recall our daughter moving out - moving in - and moving out again.
We fondly recall the lunch time gatherings of high school aged boys who made sure our leftovers never went bad and the numerous spaghetti dinners for lacrosse players, continuing a swim team tradition from Wisconsin.
Somehow we've managed to struggle through the dreariness - day after day...
PSYCH! We are actually having a great time. As much as we love having everyone home under one roof - it's delightful when it's just the two of us... somehow we manage to get through the day! He! He! He!
We roam the empty rooms of our once overflowing home... recalling the accidental BB gun shooting, the steak fork incident and other mysteries that slowly reveal themselves to us as time passes (and the kids figure it's safer to share - because we'll laugh now).
What luck when we happened through the neighborhood looking for homes for sale and encountered our "for sale by owner" listing, available to move in with no delays. Just as we needed.
We've slowly turned this former 'rental to a family with five little boys' into our home - with our own personal touches - enjoying the compliments from folks who walk passed.
We recall our daughter moving out - moving in - and moving out again.
We fondly recall the lunch time gatherings of high school aged boys who made sure our leftovers never went bad and the numerous spaghetti dinners for lacrosse players, continuing a swim team tradition from Wisconsin.
Somehow we've managed to struggle through the dreariness - day after day...
PSYCH! We are actually having a great time. As much as we love having everyone home under one roof - it's delightful when it's just the two of us... somehow we manage to get through the day! He! He! He!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
December 2008
Matthew is married to Britnee, a beautiful young woman he met in high school. They have a son, Taten, who we enjoy immensely. Erin and Krieg are both attending the university, each with a major which suites them to a 'T' - Erin studying both Wildlife Resource and Ichthyology (fish) and Krieg studying Secondary Education-History and Spanish.
It seems only yesterday we were tucking them into bed, kissing the tops of their white blond curls and praying for five minutes of peace and quiet!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Kalaloch
I hope every family has a special place near and dear to their hearts. My family has special memories of Door County, Wisconsin - my husband's family has been going to Kalaloch for longer then I've been alive.
Our family albums reveal photos of multiple generations - five counting our grands - gathering on the Washington coast - camping in a more primitive fashion then we are accustomed - on the same sites we've enjoyed ourselves in present day.
Our blended family has cherished memories of vacations spent at Kalaloch. Many of us are still able to return annually to reflect and relax.
After we married, my first experience at Kalaloch was when our daughter was 9 months old. Tent camping with a not-yet-walking child is a challenge but worth every moment. With sufficient preparation and a great deal of imagination everyone has fun. We cozied up, in a site my in-laws regularly occupied, with my brother-in-law's family, Mike's parents, a preteen and three children under the age of 3. We had a taste of smelt dipping and ocean sunsets.
For many years we returned to Kalaloch vicariously through my oldest stepson's shared family trips. We enjoyed seeing Adam and Andi waving to us in photos with their parents on the beach, or by the campfire. Their frequent visits brought us back to the ocean.
I had the opportunity to return to Kalaloch with all three of our children before our second tour of duty outside of the United States. Daddy, not able to join, was with us in thoughts and prayers. Erin shared her secret fear of the 'indidums' (indians) who might be hiding along the wooded trails. We all followed Papo along the beach searching the ground for 'egglets' (agates). It was a special one-on-one time for the kids to spend with Mike's parents.
It was the desire of my in-laws to have their cremains scattered on the beach at Kalaloch. When the opportunity arose after their deaths we drove cross-country from Wisconsin, meeting up with my stepdaughter Tonya and her family and caravaning to Washington to meet with stepson Michael. Rex & Debbie had other commitments but were with us in their hearts. We'd hoped to include my brother-in-law's family but their weren't able to join and later had a private moment to scatter Ric's cremains.
Kalaloch has several beach trails for accessing the beach from the road. Mike remembered visits to Beach 2 with his folks so that was where we headed. At the top of the trail we looked down the steep slope at the thick brush, logs and trickling water. I looked at our younger kids who were capable of the hike but I'm a mom so I had to fret... I looked at Danny and Tonya with 2 year old Caleb... and off we went. Over, under, through, around and into - we descended the trail to the beach below where we discovered the stump of a large tree which may have very well been present at the original family visit to Kalaloch. Years of salt surf and sun smoothed and bleached the surface. The fresh mountain stream water we followed down the hill passed along the side of the tree stump and further ran out into the vast ocean. My husband chose this spot to scatter his parent's cremains. We gathered together, shared memories and prayer while watching the last physical remains of Hap & Billie float out into the Pacific Ocean. We knew from that point on our visits would always include Mom and Dad one way or another.
Everyone took personal time to reflect. Our beach explorations wrapped up and we contemplated our return hike. Lo and behold some 30 feet from the spot where we emerged from the brush, was a wide groomed trail with perfect access to the beach... apparently we'd missed it at the top! Oh well! What family adventure is perfect - and none of us would trade our memories of the infamous hike down the 'original' path.
As fate would have it our family moved to our present location within a ten hour drive of Kalaloch. We reunited with our sister-in-law and her growing family. We began slow with our first return to Kalaloch. We laughed over our rain soaked site and the tarps we had covering our 'ceiling' to keep the rain out... until a gust of wind lifted everything and our efforts were all for not.
On one visit we saw a bald eagle flying over head while we combed the beach. We recalled Uncle Ric's love for the creature and found peace thinking of the bald eagle as a sign Ric was looking out over us. Another day we were visited by not one but three bald eagles each time we spent the day on one of the different beaches. Our thoughts went not only to Uncle Ric but to Nan and Papo too.
This past year we lost my stepson Rex. Our trip to Kalaloch this summer was just a day trip because the family was getting together to attend our grandson Adam's wedding to his bride Alexis. We shared the day on the beach with Jerry & Renee and their family from Texas.
It was a bittersweet visit knowing Rex would no longer be with us at Kalaloch. The day was cloudy. The air was cool. We built a fire on the beach to make lunch. As we sat in the sand, bundled in our blankets seeking the warmth of the fire, we heard a familiar screech above. Much to our amazement we saw not one, not three but four bald eagles circling above, finally resting in the trees just overhead. Eyes dampened and hearts soared. We were excited to see those majestic birds - perhaps the spirit of family members we were missing. We truly believe those four bald eagles were there to look out over us - and let us know we weren't alone.
Every year we've return to Kalaloch with our growing group. A new husband, a new wife, new babies, boyfriends, girlfriends. We do our best to get together. It's not always possible to stay the week. This year we are going to try a cabin in the Fall months when all of our immediate family is available. Whatever the reason, there is something magical drawing us back to Kalaloch like moths to a flame...
It's like a hug for the heart!
Our family albums reveal photos of multiple generations - five counting our grands - gathering on the Washington coast - camping in a more primitive fashion then we are accustomed - on the same sites we've enjoyed ourselves in present day.
Our blended family has cherished memories of vacations spent at Kalaloch. Many of us are still able to return annually to reflect and relax.
After we married, my first experience at Kalaloch was when our daughter was 9 months old. Tent camping with a not-yet-walking child is a challenge but worth every moment. With sufficient preparation and a great deal of imagination everyone has fun. We cozied up, in a site my in-laws regularly occupied, with my brother-in-law's family, Mike's parents, a preteen and three children under the age of 3. We had a taste of smelt dipping and ocean sunsets.
For many years we returned to Kalaloch vicariously through my oldest stepson's shared family trips. We enjoyed seeing Adam and Andi waving to us in photos with their parents on the beach, or by the campfire. Their frequent visits brought us back to the ocean.
I had the opportunity to return to Kalaloch with all three of our children before our second tour of duty outside of the United States. Daddy, not able to join, was with us in thoughts and prayers. Erin shared her secret fear of the 'indidums' (indians) who might be hiding along the wooded trails. We all followed Papo along the beach searching the ground for 'egglets' (agates). It was a special one-on-one time for the kids to spend with Mike's parents.
It was the desire of my in-laws to have their cremains scattered on the beach at Kalaloch. When the opportunity arose after their deaths we drove cross-country from Wisconsin, meeting up with my stepdaughter Tonya and her family and caravaning to Washington to meet with stepson Michael. Rex & Debbie had other commitments but were with us in their hearts. We'd hoped to include my brother-in-law's family but their weren't able to join and later had a private moment to scatter Ric's cremains.
Kalaloch has several beach trails for accessing the beach from the road. Mike remembered visits to Beach 2 with his folks so that was where we headed. At the top of the trail we looked down the steep slope at the thick brush, logs and trickling water. I looked at our younger kids who were capable of the hike but I'm a mom so I had to fret... I looked at Danny and Tonya with 2 year old Caleb... and off we went. Over, under, through, around and into - we descended the trail to the beach below where we discovered the stump of a large tree which may have very well been present at the original family visit to Kalaloch. Years of salt surf and sun smoothed and bleached the surface. The fresh mountain stream water we followed down the hill passed along the side of the tree stump and further ran out into the vast ocean. My husband chose this spot to scatter his parent's cremains. We gathered together, shared memories and prayer while watching the last physical remains of Hap & Billie float out into the Pacific Ocean. We knew from that point on our visits would always include Mom and Dad one way or another.
Everyone took personal time to reflect. Our beach explorations wrapped up and we contemplated our return hike. Lo and behold some 30 feet from the spot where we emerged from the brush, was a wide groomed trail with perfect access to the beach... apparently we'd missed it at the top! Oh well! What family adventure is perfect - and none of us would trade our memories of the infamous hike down the 'original' path.
As fate would have it our family moved to our present location within a ten hour drive of Kalaloch. We reunited with our sister-in-law and her growing family. We began slow with our first return to Kalaloch. We laughed over our rain soaked site and the tarps we had covering our 'ceiling' to keep the rain out... until a gust of wind lifted everything and our efforts were all for not.
On one visit we saw a bald eagle flying over head while we combed the beach. We recalled Uncle Ric's love for the creature and found peace thinking of the bald eagle as a sign Ric was looking out over us. Another day we were visited by not one but three bald eagles each time we spent the day on one of the different beaches. Our thoughts went not only to Uncle Ric but to Nan and Papo too.
This past year we lost my stepson Rex. Our trip to Kalaloch this summer was just a day trip because the family was getting together to attend our grandson Adam's wedding to his bride Alexis. We shared the day on the beach with Jerry & Renee and their family from Texas.
It was a bittersweet visit knowing Rex would no longer be with us at Kalaloch. The day was cloudy. The air was cool. We built a fire on the beach to make lunch. As we sat in the sand, bundled in our blankets seeking the warmth of the fire, we heard a familiar screech above. Much to our amazement we saw not one, not three but four bald eagles circling above, finally resting in the trees just overhead. Eyes dampened and hearts soared. We were excited to see those majestic birds - perhaps the spirit of family members we were missing. We truly believe those four bald eagles were there to look out over us - and let us know we weren't alone.
Every year we've return to Kalaloch with our growing group. A new husband, a new wife, new babies, boyfriends, girlfriends. We do our best to get together. It's not always possible to stay the week. This year we are going to try a cabin in the Fall months when all of our immediate family is available. Whatever the reason, there is something magical drawing us back to Kalaloch like moths to a flame...
It's like a hug for the heart!
Better luck next time!
I really shouldn't laugh at fate but I had to share.
We learned someone tried to use a credit card online to purchase items - many items apparently - at an NFL site. We were notified because 1) the account was never activated - just shredded the card and 2) the expiration date was incorrectly entered.
We responded to the automated call to follow up (a little hesitant in case it was a set up) and learned that modern day ne'er do wells will type in random sets of numbers and guess at expiration dates to make purchases. It was a relief to see the good guys do win once in awhile and the fraud was prevented - this time.
Besides - if it isn't Packer gear I would NEVER be making a purchase at ANY NFL site! :-P
We learned someone tried to use a credit card online to purchase items - many items apparently - at an NFL site. We were notified because 1) the account was never activated - just shredded the card and 2) the expiration date was incorrectly entered.
We responded to the automated call to follow up (a little hesitant in case it was a set up) and learned that modern day ne'er do wells will type in random sets of numbers and guess at expiration dates to make purchases. It was a relief to see the good guys do win once in awhile and the fraud was prevented - this time.
Besides - if it isn't Packer gear I would NEVER be making a purchase at ANY NFL site! :-P
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