California Living

Monkey Bones

2011-12-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

Prepare to be impressed. Kim made this hat. She really did. Did you know you could learn to knit by surfing the internet for videos and instructions. You may have to rip it out three times before you get it right, but you too can make this hat without any help from anyone except your computer. Aren't you so proud of Kim. I am.

November and December and family

2011-12-11T14:30:00.001-08:00

In November when Marty & Mindy and kids were here, we went to Uvas to go hiking. Uvas is a place where life suddenly slows down and everything is green and the water is crystal clear and the earthen smells are deliceous. Charlie and I hung out while everone else was hiking. We collected acorns and leaves and threw rocks into the creek. So peaceful and wonderful.

Traditions are like habits, they are hard to break, so don't start a tradition unless you plan on making it a life long event. Here we are keeping one of our traditions that make Christmas so great. We could just go to home depot and get a tree, but where is the fun in that. This year we had to go to a tree farm that wasn't so far up in the mountains because there was a very big wind storm that weekend and some of the roads were closed due to power lines being down.

We met a nice family who owned this tree farm and they instructed us on where to find the trees and what kind of trees there were and they gave us a little history on the area we were in. The tree farm use to be a little town called Patchen which had a lot of local history to it. There were pine trees and cedar trees and redwood trees. I got a cedar tree this year which looked very feathery, but actually it was kind of stickery.

Here is the tree I picked

and here is Jeremy cutting it down


and here is Russ keeping an eye out for everyone.

And some hot chocolate was nice.

here is my tree all decorated and all lit up. I think it's magical.

here it is in the daytime. It's still beautiful. I wish we could keep trees in our house all year long. They smell nice and look beautiful.

2011-12-04T06:46:00.001-08:00

more fun with Lucy!!

2011-11-18T07:20:00.001-08:00

Another exciting night at Grandma's house

2011-11-15T07:19:00.001-08:00

My family is all about running. I want to, but there is so much other stuff to do and then when I'm through, I'm very tired and don't want to anymore. For all you runners out there, read this:

1. If walking/cycling is good for your health, the postman would be immortal.

2. A whale swims all day, only eats fish, drinks water, and is fat.

3. A rabbit runs and hops and only lives 15 years.

4. A tortoise doesn't run and does nothing, yet it lives for 450 years.

And you tell me to exercise?? I don't think so.

2011-10-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

So, what's everyone planning to wear this year for Halloween. I want pictures. If you’re considering entering a haunted house, INSIST on positioning yourself in the middle of your crowd of friends. If you’re first or last in the group you’re probably going to die. Seriously. I don’t belong in a haunted house. I’d get my murder scream on. No one likes that.
Listen… if you’re buying your Halloween outfit at a store that also sells skimpy spandex outfits and furry handcuffs, I’m really really going to need you to stop that right now. This brings me to a very important point: the slutty bee/nurse/policewoman/fairy/cat/warrior/French maid/girl scout/bomb inspector/hipster/moose/panda bear/zombie/Strawberry Shortcake… is SO OVERPLAYED (major lame).
I distinctly remember when the whole slutty Halloween costume entered my life. I was 16. I was an old lady (with shawl, wig, crazy lipstick, and glasses). My best friend was a French maid. Yep. Lines were drawn. I knew who I was….
Don’t be slutty. Slutty on Halloween is DUMB and predictable and DUMB! Consider being sponge bob, but not a sexy sponge bob or Elvis, or maybe Obama. Anyway, I want pictures posted.

FALL

2011-09-23T16:04:00.000-07:00


For some of you that live in the South or even in Uah, you will think me naieve when I say that Fall is speedily coming to California. As you crunch through gold, red, and purple leaves and glory in all the colors hanging from the trees, we here are still pretty green and brown. But here are a few indications that we too enjoy this season.

Picking pumpkins. We went to the Bonino Pumpkin Patch and found a few that we liked.

Look Ma, no hands!!

Russ found a few that he liked too. Really Russ, Seriously?

I don't know who he is texting or why, but it looks serious.

Another clue that Fall is here is Football games. We have our own family super star. Number 77, Anthony Bonino, star center for the Christopher Cougars. You should be able to find him in all these pictures.

Well, not this one.

or this one

After the game, Pericose. They have cantelope juice and Chili Rellenos. Yum


One more clue that Fall is here, Sunflowers. We always get tons of sunflowers. It's nice having a farmer in the family. So many perks. Before you know it I'll be posting Thanksgiving, but right now, I'm thankful for Fall.

2011-09-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

The following story is rated X. Children under the age of 3 and squemish adults should leave the room. This is the half of rabbit that was under my coffee table. See how long its legs are. It's a jack rabbit and it's bigger than the cat, at least it was when it was all in one piece. I don't know how Iris snuck it into the house without getting caught, but then I never see her bring the lizards in, but there they are. I found one this morning on the kitchen rug, just sitting there.
Not only did she carry in the back end of the rabbi, but there were two extra paws too. How did she carry all three pieces into the living room. She cleverly hid them under the coffee table and David pulled it out so we could take a picture of it. I'm just grateful there was no blood or other body fluids. This was seriously gross on every level.

I told Iris that she sould be ashamed of herself, and this is the look she gave me. Look at that innocent face. "Yeah", she says, "and there's more where that came from too." I'm worried. What will I find lying around tomorrow.

Last Week

2011-09-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

Natural Bridges State Park
You probably think my life must be boring. After all, I'm old and I have no man to answer to, and all I do is work or knit. But, you would be wrong. I have a life, just read on. On Monday, which was labor day, I went with Raquel and kids to Natural Bridges State Beach. Next time my family visits, we should go there again. This was Jeremy's suggestion and Jeremy did good. It's simply beautiful there. It was a little windy which the surfers love, but not hot or not cold. Just right.

I did find walking up hill in the sand hard on my old knees, There were no stairs. Next time Raquel said she would tie a rope to me and drag me up the hill.

At the turn of the century there were three archways or bridges. The first one collapsed early in the 1900s. The middle one collspsed in 1980. Just picture those two big rocks connected by an archway. The one in my picture is the only one left. Erosion will probably take it too at some point in time. I remember coming to this beach with Kim, Matt, and Raquel. Somewhere I have a picture of them under the middle archway before it collapsed. The only picture I could find of the bridge before the collapse is a post card I found on line. Raquel and the boys hiked all over the rocks that are near by and I sat down on the rocks and watched the waves as they hit the rocks and vaulted up and over the rocks at my feet.

This guy came to join me.
The rocks have such interesting patterns etched in them, I guess from erosion and salt and wind.
we even found a fossilized leaf embedded in the rocks.

I also took pictures of the boys playing in the surf and of this guy who was wind surfing.

Watching him try to manuever his surfing thingy into the water made me realize how strong you would have to be to manipulate that thing (what are they called?) into the surf to get onto the water. He was good at it and once he had it on the water it took off.

As the boys came in out of the surf, they were red as lobsters, I guess from the cold water. Lucy and Raquel were two little crabs roaming along the surf picking up shells.

We went to lunch at "The Farm" in Santa Cruz before we hit the beach. It was a very nice day.

Because I'm such a good sport, I'm going to share a story about me that you will all think is really funny. I think it's funny too, but don't remind me of how lame I am every time you see me. In my kitchen window I have a few plants. I can only grow cacti there because the sun spends a lot of time at that window and everything else burns up.

This particular plant has been my favorite because it has been so healthy and never shows signs of stress. I water it faithfully once or twice a month because cactuses don't need a lot of water.
Raquel was over the other night and she was admiring my collection of cactuses and I commented to her how that particular plant had stayed looking so fresh and beautiful. As she examined it, she looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and asked me if I had been watering it and I told her yes, but not too much. She then informed me that it was an immitation cactus, not real. We had a good laugh about my silliness. So blond of me, don't you think. BTW, the other ones are real, really.

I do have some real plants. The ones below are mostly herbs I'm growing in pots for cooking with. I love to cook with fresh herbs.

Tyme and Oregano here, I also have Rosemary, Parsley, Sage, and Mint.

Russ gave me a bunch of Zinneas to plant.

Maidenhair fern.

Gerber Daisies

Begonias

And last, I made Oatmeal, Peanutbutter, Chocolate Chip Cookies. Yum Don't you wish you were here.

recovery

2011-09-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm back, and I have fully recovered from my three day grandparenting trip to Morgan. Mindy had me so worried that I wouldn't be able to handle it that I broke into a cold sweat as they drove away on their trip to Jackson Hole. But, I have to say, Marty and Mindy, you have the happiest, most tolerent, kindest, sweetest kids ever. They were a joy to spend time with every minute. Even that crazy Charlie who melted my heart. Of course staying in grandparent Utopia helped. The Anderton back yard has a full on playground with miles of the softest, greenest grass ever. Not only that, but in their basement is an amazing play room with toys, a chest full of dress up clothes, a play kitchen, and draweres full of all kinds of things that keep kids happy for hours. They also have enough videos to last for three days if we chose to watch them non stop.

One of our biggest challenges was to keep Dog out of the house. Dog belongs to the Andertons and he is not suppose to come in the house, but he doesn't know that. He even knows how to open the sliding screen by himself. Ruby was totally in charge of getting Dog out. She would get a little piece of bread and coax him out the door. So that was one chore that was lifted off my shoulders because she was on it every time.

This is Charlie on the run. I should be at least 10 pounds lighter from chasing him. Charlie loves "kackers" and he was always asking for some. I put a handful on the kids table in the kitchen. {yep, there are several kids tables in house and yard}. Charlie kept coming back to the table to shove a "kacker" into his mouth and then off he would go to play. The wheels began to turn and Charlie went over tot he sippy cup drawer and got a sippy cup and took it over to the little table and put all his "kackers" into the cup. He now had a portable cracker carrier and he figured it out all by himself. Every once in a while he would go to the sippy cup drawer and try out some of the cups to see if there was anything in them. It took me a while to figure out that this meant that he was thirsty so I would get him a sippy cup full of milk or water and he would be happy.
Charlie had a little book that he liked a lot and he would bring it to me to read to him. He would pull himself up onto the couch and plop down next to me so I could read it. (so cute). When we got to the page where the grandma and grandpa and their dog were, it became clear that Charlie liked this page for some reason. He wouldn't let me turn the page right away and a couple of times he kissed the grandma. I think his other grandma must have conditioned him to do this. I was warned not to lose his binky, he only got it when he went to bed. But of course I lost it. The last day, I found it in the sippy cup drawer. I guess Charlie put it there for some reason.

I discovered that Liam had developed a little bit of the devil in him. He loves to tease and tease he did. Once I caught him with the hose in the back yard turned on and he was holding the hose over Charlie's head like he was watering a flower. Charlie was screaming and crying. I said, "Liam, stop that, that's not nice" and he looked at me with the most innoscent look and said, "it was an accident".
Ryan and Becca brought Emma to meet her grandmother. She is the sweetest little Emma. She has dimples and she definately looks like she could be Lydia's sister. Lydia was so happy to play with her cousens in the wonderful back yard that she paid little attention to me and was very unhappy when it was time to leave. I don't blame her. I really wanted her to stay, but she had to go home. I miss her. I miss them all.

All these pictures were taken with my phone because my camera battery was dead. So the quality isn't that great and I didn't take very many pictures. Sorry.

2011-08-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

Now that you are turning 21 I’d like to humbly offer you some advice. I know you’re not asking for advice. I know I’m not an expert at life… but none the less, these are some things that I found to be true and helpful. Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love Grandma

1. Raw honey and fine sugar or baking soda make a really lovely face scrub. True. Try it!

2. Eat something green everyday.

3. Chill out on the Facebook. Seriously. It’s not real life.

4. Learn how to sew something. Anything. At least learn how to sew your buttons back on your shirts.

6. Don’t gossip, it’s small minded and hurtful.

6. Make lists and knock em out, cross em off, get things done.

7. Look people in the eye and really listen when they speak. It’s real, and It’s the opposite of Facebook.

9. When things get difficult, always, always trust in Heavenly Father. If we didn’t have tough times, we wouldn’t become better.

9. Don’t drink … ever.

10. Be gracious. Always say thank you when someone does something nice for you.

11. If a guy is a jerk, eat an ice cream cone and move the heck on. He will never change and you are worth more than that.

12. Remember, you catch more flies with honey than you do with vineger. Be kind and forgiving.

13. Make a list of the things that are really important and honor it.

14. Pull your hair back and wear pretty earrings. Own it.

15. Make things for people.

16. Don’t be afraid of being overdressed. Dresses are pretty and heels are awesome. But! If the heels make you walk like a robot… go with flats

17. Appreciate what you have and show it by the way you live your life.

18. Buy your friends random gifts… it’s just a nice thing to do.

19. Don’t be afraid of looking dumb, asking a stupid question, falling on your face, getting rejected, or being otherwise embarrassed. It happens to everyone and we are better for it.

20. Read your scriptures and say your prayers everyday. It really does make a difference.

21. Work hard at the thing that you love. Like… really hard. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s dumb. If they do tell you it’s dumb… work harder and prove them wrong. But don’t rub it in their face- just be gracious, and wear pretty lipstick, and smile, and keep working.

The Lake

2011-07-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

It was another wonderful week at the lake. However, there were some things that were a little different this year. Most noticeably, it was a lot cooler. The evenings and mornings were cool enough for a jacket and you really needed more than one blanket at night. Then, just at the day began to warm up and you began to feel hopeful that you could go swimming, a strong wind would come up and spoil it. The jet skiers loved the wind and believe me there was plenty of that going on.

The other thing that was different was who showed up at the lake and who didn't. The Wrights from South Carolina came. Its been about five years and everyone was all grown up. It was so fun to have them there. The Wrights from St. George didn't come because their car broke down. Holy Moly was I sad about that. I wasn't too upset about Marty and Mindy but I really missed those grand kids. Also Ryan and Becca didn't come and we can blame that on Emma. She is due to make her appearance very soon and it was too close to chance it.

I don't know what all the jumping was about but it began to look a little dangerous when they started jumping out of the trees. I hate danger.

Lucy gave David a pedicure. What a good sport he was. I think his toes are still red. I hope he doesn't go out that way wearing his flip flops.

We played a lot of Up the River and Down the Stream till we were sick of it. One night Samantha asked a very innocent and logical question about the deck of cards. She wanted to know why the naked man on the cards was on a pogo stick and some other quality questions that had Matt laughing so hard that he began to weep. You probably had to have been there to appreciate it, but it really was funny.

I finished this sweater and booties for Emma while I was there. We also made friendship bracelets. Samantha made several.

Samantha kayaking.

The food and the barbecues and the smores. Some of us tried to be good and some didn't even try.

Lucy didn't have a lot of competition for attention this year since she was the only little one there. She was very fickle and had a different "boy friend" each day. She got upset with Jake and Travis because they got a little rough with her and she had enough and didn't want anything to do with them the rest of the week. They were sad. She never has much to do with me so I know how they felt.

She did go swimming with me. Last year she swam out to the bouy with me, but this year she didn't want to. We just swam around the dock.

Lucy became excellent at kayaking

and she became very good at steering the jet ski.

Cousins bonding. We had a couple of extra boys up this year. Skyler was there and Anthony's friend Evan. Before we got up there, Raquel had a bunch of friends and their kids there. They were pretty worn out by the time we got there. One of the things that the first group loved so much were the dance parties every night with the WI. Our family just couldn't quite get into that. Lucy and Samantha did tho. It was fun to watch the dancers. I think if we had moved the couches back more people may have got their groove on.
At the end of the day, we were all worn out and ready for bed. Some of us didn't quite make it to bed. Sweet dreams. We did have one warm day. It was the last day we were there. Matt, Echo, and family had already left for home so they missed it. We all took advantage of the day. There wasn't even a breeze let alone wind and it was warm enough for me (I know I'm a wimp but I like it hot when I swim). At least we had one hot day. Good bye lake for another year. We love you.

352 DAYS

2011-07-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

There are 352 days in a year. 352 Days filled with life. So many things happen in those 352 days. Things that are planned and things not so much planned. On one of those days I got sick, very sick, I'll skip the details. This is not a catastrophic event, but definately a nuisance. On one of those 352 days someone tried to use my debit/ credit card number to buy something for $400 and my bank put a freeze on my card until it could be sorted out. The card was cancelleled and a new one ordered. This is also not catastrophic, in fact I consider myself lucky and my bank wonderful (Thank you SVNB, I love you) since the transaction was declined. This is my question, Why did both of these events happen on the week I planned a trip to Utah to see my family? After all, there were 352 days to use, so why on those very seven days did these two events happen. I did consider cancelling my trip, but I had plans that needed to happen so I went thinking that I would get better very soon since I was already three days into a sore throat, aching, headach kind of sickness, so off I went caravaning with Raquel and a car load of kids. I was not myself on this trip and for that I'm sorry to all who had to put up with me, but then neither was Charlie. He had a double ear infection and complained for hours about it. At least I didn't scream like he did, but I did mope. Here are the highlights of our trip. After a lot of driving, we reached Manti. The house we rented was really nice. It was an old pioneer home that had a garage added to it. The garage kind of ruined the antiquity of the place, but I'm sure it was needed. There was a beautiful little flower garden with old fashioned flowers like Bleeding Hearts, Peones, Bluebells, and wild strawberries. My bedroom looked out to the Temple and at night when it was dark and I was getting into bed it was special to look out to the Temple all lit up. We arrived at the house just in time to walk the two blocks to the pageant. They had about 10,000 chairs set up on the lawn and just about that many people show up for each performance. The picture I took of the people seated behind us was just a fraction of the audience. The performance is about 3 hours long and covers the restoration and the Book of Mormon. We enjoyed it and were so glad we went We stopped in Alpine to visit with Jennifer Young Gubler and her family. It was so fun to see her and meet her family. Her youngest son looks just like Johnathen did when he was that age. Her home was beautiful and really displayed so much talent and creativity. and she had the most beautiful back yard. Luci who had been cooped up in the car for so long, took full advantage of the yard and was everywhere all at once. Rocky and Jennifer a single mount from their cheerleading days and scared us all to death. Raquel went back on another day without all of us and had a longer visity. We spent a couple of days at Ryan and Becca's house. One day, we went to the park for a picnic. We were there a couple of hours and as we left the park Raquel remembered that she left her brand new smart phone on the bumper of the car . We pulled off the road and the phone was gone. We spent about a half an hour back tracking and searching for the phone. We left Jeremy at the exit to the park looking there. When we came to pick him up he said that he had knelt down be a tree a prayed that we would find the phone. He had the impression that we should look out on the highway that we left by which was a very busy heavy traffic road. With doubt, we went out onto the hightway, and saw the phone laying on the side of the road. The faith of a child. Monday morning Becca, Lydia, Emma, and I went shopping. Lydia was very good about not touching, but we let her model some hats for us. Ryan came and had lunch with us and then went back to work. On Tuesday, we all went to the Temple and I was sealed to my parents. We also had my brother sealed to them and we did some sealings for great great grandparents too. Raquel was proxy for my mother and Ryan for my Father and Marty for my brother. It was a beautiful day and a special time for all of us. Back on the road for 4 hours to spend a couple of days with Marty & Mindy at their new house in St. George. Charlie was miserable the whole time with a double ear infection. I don't know how to describe this funny little character because he definately has his own likes and dislikes and one of the things he dislikes is for anyone to look at him. If he catches you looking at him he closes his eyes real tight and squeal/grunts and you can tell he is mad. Then he opens his eyes and if you are still looking at him he does it again and again until you stop looking at him. He wouldn't have anything to do with me until the family all went to some river to swim and left the two of us alone, then he felt obligated to be nice to me. We had a good conversation then. I don't think I can count how many times we picked up this bucket of critters that had such an attraction for everyone less than three feet tall. Before we left St. George on Friday, we went to a local pool to cool off. It was 99 degrees in the morning. Jeremy loved the slide. Mindy loved it too and they both took several trips down. Ruby really has a knack for making friends. As soon as she hit the water, she found someone to play with. Charlie was still suffering from his ear infection, but he loved the water. We spent our last night at Ryan and Becca's. We were all pretty tired and needed a rest, so we just stayed home and ordered pizza. It was sad to say good bye. Lydia and Luci put on their red shirts I had knitted them in honor of the occasion.

2011-05-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Sunny California, nicknamed the Sunshine State. Someone forgot to wake up Mr. Sun. It's cold, rainy, and cloudy in the Sunshine State. I'm not really complaining because it would be really silly of me when one views what is going on in the midwest. But still...... For instance Farmer Russ is having nightmares about his crops because the ground was too wet and soggy to get out there and plant, so crops are late and the little green things are growing so slow because there is no sunshine to help them along. And then there is the lake house which has a temperature of about 35 degrees right now when it should be in the 60s and in the 80 by July. What if it's not. Marty and Mindy tell me that it is in the 80s in St. George. They use to be jealous of our weather and now they could care less. Well it can't be cold all summer, so I will take a deep breath and be patient. I thought I would add this picture of a cactus that grows outside of my office. It has so many floweres on it that are just about ready to open. Yellow flowers and red flowers on the same cactus. I'm not even a fan of cacti, but this one really is beautiful. The flowers will turn into fruit that I'm told is deliceous and I can't wait to try it. one more thing. It's that time of year again. The time of year that Iris brings home lizards to play with. I can tell when she has a lizard in the house because I can hear her leaping and scrambeling about the house and she chases it hither and thither. Holy Moly, I hate Lizards. This one is inside a glass jar that I put over him until David comes home to let him outside. He looks kind of blurry through the glass, and kind of dazed from all the activity. This will go on all summer and it gets worse when it's hot and the door is open for her to come and go as she pleases.

2011-05-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

It seems the only time I ever go anyplace any more is when someone comes to visit. Ryan & Becca and their girls were here for a visit and we went to Carmel Beach. If it wasn't for the wind, I would think we were in Hawaii. The water is so blue and the sand is so white. But it was quite windy so we didn't stay long. We decided to go into town and browse for a while. Carmel is very flower friendly (and dog friendly) I thought Lydia looked like one of the flowers because she was wearing the same color they were. Luci and Lydia shared some silly girl cousin fun. So many giggles and smiles. You might have noticed that the Bonino boys love to pose. Just point and shoot. those crazy guys. I love em.

Happy Easter

2011-04-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a good Easter.

This and That

2011-04-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

I made this sweater for Lydia and I can't wait for her to come to CA so I can give it to her. I'm worried that she won't like it. My grandchildren all have very strong opinions on what they will and will not wear. When my children were little all I had to do is throw on a shirt and pants and off they went, not really thinking about what they were wearing. But my grandchildren, well they care very much about what they wear and it's hard to keep up with their tastes in clothes. I probably soon will stop knitting for them because they will go through a stage where they will not want to wear hand knits. I just know it. Oh well, all the more knitting I can do for me. This is Finnigan (we call him finny), He was found wondering a country road. Every effort was made to contact the owner. Every door was knocked on and no one would claim him. Raquel has taken him in and he really has worked his way into everyone's heart. He has a personality that is a lot like Max's and he is really fun to hang out with. He has one glaring flaw and that is when you call him he doesn't come and when you try to go after him, he runs away because he thinks you are playing chase with him. He is going to need some training and I'm not sure any of us know how to do that. If any of you have some good ideas, let me know. He spends some time at our house because David loves him too. Seriously, look at that face. He just melts your heart and you love him even if you don't want to. He's small enough to carry around with you and he just trots along beside you when you go for a walk, but as soon as you try to pick him up, the chase is on. Help!!! Let me introduce you to Princess. Here she is lounging around on the Farmers desk. His desk is right behind mine and I'm not sure how he keeps track of all that paper work, but Princess doesn't care. She loves that it's there for her to snooze on. She comes in and jumps up on the desk and takes her morning bath and then goes to sleep. I'm telling you that this is an unique work place and you just have to roll with it. In case you were wondering, and I know you were, It's spring in California. It's hard to imagine why anyone would leave Calif to live someplace cold and or hot. Oh, yea, there's the budget, but even so, come springtime you just don't think about that. There is one drawback, here in Gilroy, there is wind through most of the days. It's not there at night or morning, but in the afternoon and evening, there is wind. This is what it looks like here in Gilroy right now.

My Baby

2011-04-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ryan !!!

Luci's new sweater

2011-04-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

I finished this sweater for Lucy last month. It's the same pattern I made for her when she was born only bigger. It's the same pattern I used for Samantha's baby sweater and for ruby's baby sweater. I loved the yarn because it is so soft and the colors are so vibrant.

I have a Job

2011-03-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

I have a new job. I'm working for a farmer in the area who grows alfalfa and hay, etc and he also has a feed store on the ranch where people can buy any kind of animal food they want. cows, horses, chickens, turkeys, goats, pigs, cats, dogs, birds, and more. there is all kinds of hay, alphalpha, wheat, grass, etc. and straw. I don't know what my hours are going to be or what my pay is going to be. They just opened the office door and shoved me inside and closed it and I havn't seen anyone since. They are months behind so I'm working like crazy trying to figure out the software and getting things caught up. The farmers mother, Mary, who is 92 and the sweetest thing came in for a couple of hours and showed me what needed to be done and after that I just started working on the puzzle. I am a good problem solver, so I know I will figure it out. The upside is It's about five minutes away so I won't have to spend a fortune on gas to get to work and I can come home for lunch. I also don't need to spend much on a wordrobe. No one ca res. I can come and go as I want as long as I get the work done. This is the backside of the ranch as you drive along Santa Teresa This is the front of the ranch and the office is the little building on the left. Some of the people I work with are real dummies, (just kidding), but I will say they are interesting. There is the owner, Willy Silva, who is a nice guy and he kind of reminds me of Louie Bonino. Same MO. Tom who works behind the counter has a really big red afro that he tries to hide under a sweaty baseball cap. He is short and square and he has big spaces between his brown teeth and when you talk to him, his eyes roll up like he thinks you are on the ceiling. I have learned not to ask him any questions because he doesn't stop talking until you walk away and close the door behind you. Matt is tall, thin, with long dark brown stringy hair that he wares in a pony tail and tries to hide it under a sweaty baseball cap. He is quiet and a little grumpy, but helpful. There are two cats that live at the office. I have grown partial to one of them. I forgot his name, but every morning since I started, he comes in and sits next to my keyboard and watches me work. Every once in a while he lets out a little half meow just to remind me that he needs his ears scratched. When he gets bored, he goes out to the store and climbs up on the counter where he has his own little bed and goes to sleep. At night he is supposedly catching mice. But in the day he sleeps in his bed and allows the customers to pet him. The other cat is not as friendly and I don't know where he goes, but I see him once in a while. The down side is I will probably be working part time and I'm not making as much as I made before anyway. But it's a job and I'm glad to be working, sort of.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID

2011-03-26T07:03:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!! 29 YEARS OLD AND COUNTING.

The Concert

2011-03-25T11:45:00.001-07:00

Thursday afternoon, we traveled through heavy rain and wind to San Luis Obispo to hear the Gilroy/Christopher Choir perform in competition with other high Schools. Russ and Raquel invided me and David to go with them. Gilroy has a new High School called Christopher High School. Gilroy High and Christopher High have a combined Choir and they are fabulous. The Choir director, Mr. Rob, has been able to make being in the Choir "cool", so there are a lot of kids in the Choir. This really is an amazing Choir, and what an experience for these kids. There were only four high schools competing at this competition, but each high school had more than one choir competing. Gilroy / Christopher High School had a Concert Choir, a Men's Choir, and a Women's Choir and there was one high school that had a Treble Choir. As Anthony so humbly points out, Gilroy/Christopher was the only choir to receive a standing ovation (which they really did deserve.) The Concert Choir sang several songs, but one really got a standing ovation. It was an ethnic piece that started out with noises you would hear in a jungle, lots of noise, like birds calling, apes and monkeys chattering, and they made some noise with their hands that really sounded like birds flying through the concert hall. There were jungle drums and the choir danced and swayed and sang. It was really exciting and well done. The hall where they had the competition had really great acoustics to make this even better. Even though Anthony is technically not in High School yet, Eighth graders are invited to join the choir. So he is part of the Men's Choir. There he is in the middle, the one with glasses on. It was really fun. After the competition, we stopped on the way home and had dinner. We got home around 10:30pm and I couldn't go to sleep so Dave and I watched American Idol which we had recorded. I finally was tired enough to get to bed, but had a hard time getting up the next morning.

Girls Night Out

2011-03-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

We finally did it, we had a girls night out with Me, Kim, Raquel, Judy Bonino, and Kirsten (Brent Bonino's Girlfriend) and of course Luci. It was a lot of fun and very relaxing and enjoyable. It was St. Patrick's Day so that's why we are all wearing green. The best part is it was not planned, it just came about at the last minute. It seems if you try to plan something, it never works out.

Luci Wednesday

2011-03-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Luci Wednesday was all about crafts. We painted pictures and made butterflies which now hang on my kitchen wall. I got the idea here. I will probably leave them there forever because they are so beautiful.

2011-03-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am one of the lucky ones. I'm the grandmother to this little red head and best of all I live near her and get to spend time with her. She is sweet and clever and smart and most of all she is funny. And just so you don't miss out, I'm going to share some of her funny Luci-isms right here on my blog. Sunday I dropped by the Boninos to say hi and Luci comes running over to me yelling grandmaaaaaa!! and she hugs my legs. Just then Russ walks in the door and Luci in a very serious and solemn voice says to me as she points to him, "Grandma, this is Russell." and then she walks over to Russ and she points to me and she says, "Russell, this is Grandma." She was completely serious and polite. I guess she thought we forgot who we were. Seriously, my ears and my eyes and my mouth and my arms ache to hear, see, speak to, and hug all my grandchildren. That is my hearts desire. I miss them and miss their isms.

When will it end

2011-03-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here I am whimpering about the cost of gas, but who can blame me. Good luck at the pump.

2011-03-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUBY!!!!!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY RYAN AND BECCA !!!!!

2011-03-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

This girl who is only thirteen years old, her name is Lilly Kate Wray and she is from the UK, designs and knits her own patterns. Check these out. I can barely follow a pattern and have it turn out right.

A perfect day.

2011-03-10T14:00:00.001-08:00

In my current state of mental unevenous, there are few things that can keep me even or at least from falling completely over. One is my grandchildren because they don't care that I'm old and grumpy, they love me anyway. Combine that with baking or cooking and you have a really great combination. Wednesday is my Lucy day while her mom is taking an art class. We made an apple pie together and then we ate some pie and went for a walk. Can you think of a more perfect thing to do.

another unsolved mystery

2011-03-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

There are so many things in the world to puzzle about. Like, why can't people all over the world get over themselves and get along and why does everything that tastes good have to be bad for you. I'm sure that one day all these mysteries will be solved, but here's one that I don't think will ever be solved. This little handknit was being made for a friend from two different yarns that I had left over. I love knitting baby things because they are quick and they always fit. I washed the sweater and layed it out to block it like I always do and went about my business. That night I checked the sweater and one sleeve had changed color. Just one sleeve, so what was different about that one sleeve. all the same yarn. It's faded on both sides of the sleeve so it can't be the light hitting it because the other side was down. It looked OK when I first laid it out to block, but somewhere between then and now, it changed. I have ripped out that sleeve and I plan on re-knitting it and still giving it. Maybe it's a poltergeist thing. Just another unsolved mystery????

2011-02-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

Resume for Diane Wright

1030 Masten Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, dianeeewright@gmail.com, Tel: 408-476-6722

Personal Statement

I have lived and worked in South San Jose and Morgan Hill where I live and raised my family for over 40 years. As a mother of six children and as a dedicated employee for 17 years I have developed qualities and skills that have molded me and shaped me into a very dependable, organized and hard working individual.

Work Experience

Morgan Hill Facilities Management Office

For the past ten years I have been employed as an office manager for this FM Group. The office is located in South San Jose. I developed good relationships with customers and vendors helping the office grow from 18 buildings to 26 buildings. I worked independently in a multi tasking environment where I developed good relationships with vendors, and customers and provided an efficient and organized environment for other employees. I expanded our vendor contracts always keeping in mind cost and quality and developed good relationships with customers by responding quickly and ensuring that projects were completed. Other responsibilites included:

· Accounts payable – paying utilities and invoices

· Payroll for 6 employees

· Records, contracts, and documents

· Scheduling and calendaring

· I am Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Specialty Software, Email, Etc

· I Understand the value of following policies and procedures

Morgan Hll Ear Nose and Throat Group:

As an LVN and allergy technician I was responsible for allergy testing and treating the allergy patients in our office. This position helped me to develop good relationships with patients and a sympathetic and compassionate response to their needs. Other responsibilities included:

· Insurance records

· Research and Treatment including making dilutions for Allergy Injections

· Developing Trust with patients and helping them to understand their treatment and what they could expect as results.

· Assisting the doctor with in-office-procedures.

My education includes an AS degree and an LVN nursing certificate. I was a member of the Lambda Rho Honor Society and I received a Scholarship from the National Student Nurses Assoc.

This is my life right now. I spend about 4 hours every day filling out on-line applications and searching the internet for job opportunities. Companies don't want to talk to you, they just want you to fill out the online application many of which are very long and take a lot of time. Then you send it off to the black hole in the computer and never hear from them. With all the applications I have filled out and sent my resume to, I have received one response by email telling me thank you for your application but the position has been filled and one response by phone asking me for more information. I think it should be manditory that they respond so you know at least they received your application. While searching on line, I came across several sites for at home employment. I finally decided to check them out and the first one I checked out was for placing internet ads. You would get so much for each ad you placed. It sounded easy and so I was thinking about doing it (there was a fee to get the material), but decided to check with google about how reputable this was. WOW, so many people signed up for this scam and they were not happy. It is so hard to trust anyone now days because there are so many scam artists out there. It appears the only way to make money is to become a scam artist. Oh well, I will keep on trying to find work. I applied for a job with the church again. This job is with Social Services Adoption Services. They wanted to hire me, but the Corporate offices in Salt Lake would not let them hire me because I was still receiving income from the termination package I accepted. I can be hired in July. They still wanted me and were willing to wait until July to hire me, but they asked if I could come in once a week as a volunteer to learn the job and help out. So I go in on Mondays as a volunteer. The job is only part time, and will not be enough to keep me afloat, so I will continue to look for another job or more part time work to fill in the other job. I'm going to knit myself some fingerless gloves in case I become homeless.

valentines

2011-02-22T08:19:00.001-08:00

On Valentines Day when I was leaving the house, I saw this going on. These two were shameless as they made out on the telephone wire on our street, right there in front of my house. Somehow even the birds knew it was a day for love. Hope you all had a good one too.

Birthday Blues

2011-02-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

It was my birthday yesterday. I use to not care about them, but now days they won't let me forget them. It seems the birthday gifts I get now are not very appealing and sometimes they hurt. For instance, my thumbs hurt all the time now, arthritis I suppose, and my ankles and feet hurt all the time too. I certaintly didn't expect this to happen. I remember saying to myself when I was in my 40s, I said "self, I will never be so old that I complain about all my aches and pains and I will always stay active and busy till I drop dead". Seriously, I believe for some that is true, and for others, it's not meant to be. Growing old is quite a horrible thing and the only ones who truly understand that are the people who suffer the same fate. Because when you are young, you have the ignorant and silly belief that you have power over this part of your life and you simply won't let it happen. I do envy those friends who are "old", but don't have to work because they can exersize and nap and eat when they feel like it so it's a little more palatable, but everyone I know has to work and it's hard to keep up when you get "old". My family and friends have been good to me on this unhappydate and have at least given me some reason to smile through the horror of it all. I went to the Temple in the morning with some friends from Church and even though it was raining a lot, the day was beautiful and at some point in the day I was presented with a beautiful double rainbow. After the Temple, we had lunch at Fentons. We had their famous crab sandwiches. I had forgotten how delicious they were. I wish I could go back again today and have another one. We had fried zucchini and then we had icecream sundaes.mmmmmm!! When I got home Raquel and Kim took me to get a pedicure and then we went home and made pizzas. Back to birthdays, I'm not sure how it will go from here on out, but it doesn't look promising. Getting old is the pits, losing your job when you are old is even more painful. I know this is not a happy post and I'm being negative, but after all, I just had a birtday for crying out loud and it's beginning to get to me.

DOG FALLS FOR CAT♥

2011-02-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

Family Portraits 2011

2011-01-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

2010 in pictures

2010-12-30T15:40:00.001-08:00

This is a small and brief collection of pictures and notes from this year. If I didn't have satellite, I would do more, but Satellite is so slow and I have been at this all day posting Christmas and a few pictures from this year. Satellite is the pits, but it's faster than dial up. 2010 was a year full of challenges and joys. I wanted to focus mostly on the joys and except for my Brother's passing that is what I will do. My Brother, Bruce, passed away. He was 68. We had a visit from Lidia of "Lidia's Italy" at the Farm. I canned apple pie filling. We went to Utah for General Conference and visited family there. We discovered that some of us had inner demons. Quite frightening Jake started BYU in Provo. I took a tumble down the stairs and crunched my nose and cracked my glasses, but miracle of miracles, I didn't break any bones. Ryan, Becca, Caroline, and Lydia came at Thanksgiving. We went t the boardwalk and later we found out that somewhere deep inside of Becca is another member of the family. Lucy started dance classes Lydia turned three Santa came again This year I became old. Last year I wasn't. I didn't know that's how that worked. Charlie turned one

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010. How could anyone not love Christmas. This year was wonderful just like all the other Christmases of the past. One thing different this year was Marty, Mindy, Ruby, Liam, and Charlie came to spend it with me and the Boninos. We started out by going to Oakland to view the lights. I forgot my camera so I took this picture off the internet. Of course Christmas means exhaustion, decorations, baking, fatigue, presents, shopping, parties, tired feet, food, excessive eating, sugar everywhere, going to bed late, but most of all joy. On Thursday we went to Capitola to the Beach. If we had written a letter to the US Department of Sunshine and Rain and requested a perfect day, we could not have had a more perfect day. It was warm, not hot or cold. There was no wind and the waves were lazy and low. The kids had a blast. We stayed until it was almost dark and ate our picnic lunch which was missing that sandy texture because there was no wind. The little kids and the big kids were happy and having fun the whole day. It was really perfect. My adorable grandchildren modeled their latest stylish handknits. A lady I met on the beach who was from Philadelphia thought they were so cute that she took their picture for her self. Christmas Eve is my favorite part of Christmas. It's the Saturday night, the 11th hour, the anticipation is frozen for that moment. I really love it the best. We ate Christmas Eve dinner by candelight and then we had the Christmas pagent and opened the traditional Christmas PJs. Of course we had to leave cookies for Santa and carrots for the raindeer. It is the best. I know that we are not suppose to focus on the gifts we give and get, but what the heck, there is probably more time spent shopping, wrapping, and thinking about what to give and what we want than the whole of baking, and decorating. You know it's true. This year the gifts really reflected thoughtfulness and love. Check them out. These are only a few, but as for me I am standing a little taller and looking a little more like a fashionista. It was decided that Charlie was clueless to what presents were and he has no idea who Santa Claus is so he didn't get much. He loves bananas so he did get one of those. Actually he got a book and a truck which was re-gifted the next night for his birthday. He enjoyed opening them both times and he loved all his presents. You can tell when Charlie is happy because he bounces and rocks furiously with his face all lit up and smiling. Charlie is happy most of the time. He really is perfect in every way. Liam was a lot of fun this Christmas. Most of you who know Liam know that the only way you know that Liam is excited and happy is to look at his eyes, otherwise you can't tell. Liam's best present, to me, was Blue Bear. I know Mindy is going to want to tell that story, so you will have to read her blog. A side note ( Marty and Mindy had their computer stolen while they were here in CA so she may not be able to blog for a while. ) Dave got a set of table top drums so now he doesn't have to go out to the cold dirty garage to practice. I think the drums are therapy for David because sometimes he plays for hours. He also got a new camera. Santa loves David. Of all things! There was a watch in Ruby's stocking!!! I can't list every present, but here are some of Ruby's favorite ones. The hoola hoop was a favorite. There was some confusion as to who gave this gift. At first everyone thought it was Santa, but Ruby said that she thought grandma gave it to her because she saw it in grandma's room before santa came. She was right, I gave it to her. Ruby got a stick horse from Santa which she rode up and down in the driveway while the wind blew like crazy. Suddenly the stick horse bucked and she skidded onto the driveway. It was quite a miracle that she didn't break a leg. Liam and Lucy got stick horses too. We played games. This is not an easy thing to do because you have to wait until you get the little ones to bed and by that time all anyone wants to do is watch a movie or go to bed. But we managed to play a couple of games. There was one game I hated but I'm sure Becca would love it so I'll bring it to the lake. We watched "Planet 51" again and again and again Charlie helped grandma do the dishes I can't believe it's over. It happened so fast. The year was a blur and Christmas was just a tiny quick flash. One moment the Christmas Tree in all it's wonderous glory was sparkling in front of the living room window and the next minute it was gone. And as usual I can't seem to match what I'm telling you with the right picture on this blog, so please forgive me.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

We still have the tradition of writing what we are thankful for on the Table Cloth. I love this tradition. I love reading what was written in the years past. Somewhere we still have the original tablecloth with our writings back when Matt and Kim and Raquel were just kids and the Banners and The Closes and the Randal's wrote on it. How fun to read these doodles and rememberances. I can't help but smile. As I read what my family is grateful for it just fills me with wonder and joy. I am grateful for my wonderful family and friends old and new. This is what our table looked like before the feast began. It was beautiful. Jeremy made napkin holders out of ribbons and big leaves. The leaves had our names on them so we each had our own place to sit. When Raquel lit the candles I felt like I just needed to hold my breath for a minute. It seemed that nothing could ever be so beautiful ever again. A table setting so awsome, a family so blessed, so much abundance to be grateful for. I guess that is what Thanksgiving is for, to remind us how blessed we are and to let us enjoy for this day that we are "lucky" indeed. We ate appetizers all morning which was a lot of fun and so so good. There is a downside to these oh so deliceous tidbits. When it's Turkey time you are not that hungry. I still think it's worth it. I just have to get that avacado crab dip recipe from Judy. There was also brei with jalapeno hot pepper jelly on top and pickled shrimp. I could have been happy with just appetizers for Thanksgiving, but there was so much more to enjoy. Kim took most of these pictures with her camera and I think she got involved during the meal and forgot to take pictures. This was my view of Thanksgiving this year. I've come to enjoy and even cherish this view. It's great to eat a meal with a bunch of people that you love and not have to do all the work.

Scared stiff

2010-10-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

I forgtot to put this picture in from our trip to Utah. There were sticky fingers on the lens, so the picture didn't turn out very well, but it is so hilarious that it has to go into my blog. I told Lucy to stand by this witch so she did, but she was scared to death. Check out her face.

2010-10-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday I took Lucy to the "Pumpkin Patch". We put on our sweatshirts because it was foggy and cool and headed to San Martin. As we drove along we saw this big sign telling us that we had arrived. We paid our $3 for parking and drove through the cornfield to where we park. The anticipation was intense. Lucy was so excited. She wanted to ride the roller coaster. She talked about it all the way to the Pumpkin Patch. She assured me there was a roller coaster there. We looked everywhere and couldn't see one. I said, "there is no roller coaster". She pointed to the Merry-Go-Round and said," there it is". I tried to tell her that that was a Merry-Go-Round and she insisted that it was a roller coaster. She wanted to ride the Zebra, so here she is on the Zebra. The Merry-Go-Round AKA the roller coaster was a delight. It was crowded, but the crowd was well behaved and everyone was having fun. Lucy decided that she wanted to ride the pony's next so we got in line for the pony's. Who could have guessed that 45 minutes later we would still be in line? Lucy got bored, but she was determined to ride the ponies. The whole time we stood in line there was a little Chinese lady in front of us. I figured she was holding place for someone, maybe a grandchild. Well just as Lucy and I figured we were next about six little Chinese children squeezed in beside their grandma so we had to wait for three more turns. there were only two ponies so only 2 people could ride at a time. But Lucy did love the pony, even though you can't tell by the look on her face. Those poor little ponies were giving rides all day. When Lucy got off the pony ride she said, "I want wunch". We went to where LJB was selling their corn and they gave us corn and we got a hot dog. All that standing in line and walking around made us hungry. Lucy ate quite a bit of the corn and half the hot dog and I ate the rest. I have to say Lucy's dad and grandpa do grow the best corn. I'm already missing it and the season is not over. We rode this train around the pumpkin patch. There was a lot to see from the train. That's what I love about trains, they always take the scenic route. We saw some scarecrows out in the fields and along the track. We even saw a mummy scarecrow. I don't know what animal was with the mummy, maybe a mummy dog. We saw a big field of flowers that had more scarecrows in it and we saw some cows made out of wood. They just stood there in the Flowers, never moving. Poor things. Lucy felt sorry for them too. She mooooed at them as we pass by them. She waved at the scarecrows. She was so funny. All the people on the train were waving at people standing around the fence. I'm assuming they were relatives because they were shouting names and waving. So Lucy waved at everyone too. She felt so popular. we went back one more time to ride the Merry-go-round. This time we rode a bejeweled reindeer. Lucy said giddy-up horsey. Reindeer....horsey, who cares. It was so fun. Then we went home feeling pretty good about the day. On the way out we saw this very sad Sunflower. In the spirit of Halloween, her eyes and mouth had been pecked out. I wonder if the birds did it

2010-10-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Utah and General Conference was fast to say the least and fun to say the most. I stayed with Ryan and Becca where Lydia entertained me with her wit and imagination. I met Caroline who is from Germany and lives with Ryan and Becca for the whole school year. She speaks very good English, but I think sometimes she doesn't understand everything we say. She is very sweet. And she wants to be involved in everything that we do. she is smart and inquisitive and I enjoyed talking to her. The one person that all of us were the most excited to see was Charlie. We couldn't stop kissing him and holding him. He doesn't do much, just lays there and smiles, but somehow that is enough for the most grumpy and tired of us all, it just changes everything. One night, Marty & Mindy hosted dinner at their house. Becca and Ryan made some chili and brought it and Mindy and Marty made chili and they put corn in theirs. Mindy made this yummy pound cake (they call it pound cake for a reason according to Mindy) and topped it with fresh peaches and some cream. It was all really sooo good. We played outside where Ryan showed us how to do a really frightening halloween scream where your uvula swells up and nearly bursts and Jeremy showed us what to do with those bean looking things that grow on the trees in M & Ms back yard. Then we went inside and played some silly games. You might ask yourself what they are doing so. So your mind doesn't wander into areas that it shouldn't, I'll tell you. You tie a string to a nail and then tie the other end to your back belt loop and then you try to navigate the nail into the opening of a bottle. At this point Caroline, Ryan and Becca's exchange student left the scene. I think it was too much for her. Who knows what she is thinking about us by now. I have never seen two young people who love babies more than Allie and Jake. Charlie was always being held by one of them and he loved it. Charlie loved all the attention that he was getting as if he didn't get enough attention at home. Raquel helped the little girls and Liam make princess hats. Oh yea, and Jeremy who doesn't want to be left out of anything. I left after this with Ryan and Becca and apparently we missed some very interesting family interactions I'm sad to say. Check Mindy's blog for those. It was so much fun being together and laughing and eating and laughing and learning and laughing and just being with family. Thanks Becca and Ryan and Marty and Mindy for putting up with all of us. It's always good to have family come visit, but I know it's good to have them go home and leave you to your own normalcy too. On Friday, we went to Provo to pick up Jake. Allie came later and met us at Cafe Rio. Look at these two. I love them. They are beautiful inside and out and they make the sun shine when they are around. I'm so glad they were there. We also went to this fabulous museum in Provo called the Bean Museum, named after a guy whose last name was Bean. It was filled with wild animals who, of course, were dead. The Taxidermist who worked on these animals was pretty amazing. It seemed that the animals were alive. They didn't have that old dead look, but looked alert and fresh. There were hundreds and hundreds of animals and the kids were really fascinated. I loved the moose because it reminded me of my moose experience way back in the dark ages in West Yellowstone. I love to tell that story, so if you haven't heard it, just ask me about it. This really big butterfly (about 4 1/2 feet tall and wide was made up of real butterflies glued together in a mosaic. The colors were so beautiful. I especially liked the green ones. There was a spider display that was really good, but really creepy. My only complaint is none of the specimens were labeled. The museum is three levels. We didn't go to the lower level (except Ruby and I did briefly and it wasn't much). If you go to Provo, go to this museum. It is amazing and fabulous and best of all it's FREE. Truly Becca knows every nook and cranny and if you want to know some place to go when you are in Utah, she is the one to ask. Especially if you want to know someplace really good, but Free. She knows it all. I wish we would have had more time to pick her brain and do fun stuff that is lurking around inside that beautiful head of hers. She said that someday she will write a book about the many adventures there are waiting for people in Utah that cost very little or are free, but I don't know when she would do that while writing for 2 or 3 newspapers (I forgot how many) and keeping up a couple of blogs and teaching piano and being a mother. It wears me out just thinking about it. After leaving the museum, we went to Cafe Rio at my request. Either my tastes have changed or Cafe Rio has changed because I think I won't request it anymore. It was good, but it's time to try something new next time I come. It didn't thrill me as it usually does. But we were really full when we left except some of us wondered over to Maggie Moos for Ice cream. They had coconut Ice cream, my favorite. Then back home for games and more fun. I'm exhausted just remembering. This is what the view from where we were sitting and where the choir was. And yet the sound was spectacular even way up where we were. It was really a fabulous experience that everyone should do. We were definitely in the nose bleed section. Look way down to the choir seating. They look like little dots. I can't believe how big the conference center is and how many people can get in there. The security is very tight and yet you really don't notice because it is done so efficiently and so sweetly. Those who serve in the conference center as guides and security are like missionaries and they just love you into the building and out again. There were a lot of stairs to go up and down which was hard on my knees. After conference, we went out on the balcony with a million other people and the view was spectacular. once you went out, you can't go back in. So if you went out and then you decided you needed to use the rest room I don't know what you would do. When you looked down from the conference center balcony, the city was teaming with mormons. There were some people there who were protesting. One especially loud and abnoxeous guy told us all we were headed for hell. Some people tried to talk to him, but he wasn't there to listen. Protesters have to pay for a permit to have a spot to do their thing. I guess he really believes in what he is doing and he thinks he knows what he is talking about. Like Anthony said, does he really think he is going to change anyone's mind and they are actually going to stop believing in the gospel because he is there spouting his hatred. This picture was taken by Anthony or Jeremy. I have to admit that I get a lot more out of conference when I watch it from the comfort of my living room, but it's not nearly as much fun. I miss everyone already.

Lidia's Italy

2010-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Do any of you ever watch the cooking shows on Saturday. Probably not because Saturdays are so busy. Once in a while I love to watch them and one of my favorites is Lidia's Kitchen. Lidia makes wonderful Italian food and I have even tried some of the easier recipes. Who doesn't love Italian food. Well, amazingly, LJB Farms got a call from the producer's of Lidia's kitchen and they wanted to film a segment from the Farm about garlic. They had called the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce to tell them they were interested in filming from a local farm and the Chamber people gave them LJB Farm's information. In some of these pictures Lidia is learning how to braid garlic. Garlic braids are sold at LJB and they are really nice. They have women there who do nothing but braid the garlic. The Bonino's loved Lida and had a lot of fun with the filming with her. Later she went with the group to the fields where the garlic is grown. I still can't believe that one of my idols was right here in Gilroy at LJB Farms no less. This all took place on a Sunday and so I was at church. I gave my camera to the Bonino's and told them to take some pictures. When I find out when the episode will be on, I will let you all know. In the meantime you should watch the show and make some Italian food. MMMMM

September, Apple Pie, and Friends

2010-09-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

There is something about every season that is special and wonderful. And what could be more wonderful in September than a box of fragrant red and green Mckintosh Apples. A friend of mine gave me this wooden crate of apples. I don't know if he thought I could eat them all before they turned to mush , but I knew I couldn't. I love apple pie, me oh my, I love pie.

The parade

2010-08-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Raquel sent this picture to me from her phone. apparently she and Lucy were going to a parade and Lucy bagged up all her pots, pans, etc from her little kitchen so they could take them with. I guess that's where we went wrong when we use to go to the fourth of july parade, we forgot to bring the kitchen!

This and That

2010-08-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

My son-in-law has a garden. Many men do I guess, but not like Russ's garden. Anyway, he brought me flowers from his garden and I thought I would show them off. What does Lucy do at Grandma's house? Well, sometimes we put on some music in the bedroom and we dance. Lucy likes Elvis. We love to bake. This time we baked a cake and then we ate it. If you don't have a napkin, you can use the tablecloth. It works. I'm pretty sure when Raquel was little, I would never have let her use the corner of the tablecloth to wipe her chocolaty lips on. When you are a grandma, the kids can go home to get retrained. We had a wonderful time at the Lake this year. Don't I say that every year? Well, that's because if we didn't have a wonderful time, it would be our own fault because there is peace, beauty, fun, family, joy, and food for the whole week. The only thing that would make it better is if Matt and Echo and their family came and we stayed for two weeks. Then it would be better. If you want pictures, you have to go to Mindy and Becca's blog because I didn't have a camera this year. I did steal this picture from Mindy's blog of their recent trip to Bear Lake with her family. I just couldn't help it. I love the joy in this picture. Checkout Marty and Mindy's blog if you want to see their trip to Bear Lake and Lake Almanor and their new family pictures. And check out Becca's "Thrilled by the Thought" if you want to have a running commentary on anything including her adventures as a host family to a foreign exchange student.

2010-08-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW CAKE

I cup boiling water

2 cups sugar

1 3/4 cups flour

3/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk (or use 1 cup milk mixed with 1 Tbl vinegar)

1/2 cup oil

1 tsp vanilla

Chocolate Satin Frosting (see recipe below)

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13x9 pan.

2. Bring some water to boil and keep it simmering while you make the batter.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla and beat with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.

4. Add the 1 cup boiling water and carefully stir until the water is mixed in; beat for 1 1/2 minutes.

5. Pour the batter into the 13x9 pan (batter will be thin).

6. Bake at 350 for 35-38 minutes or just until the top springs back when lightly touched.

7. Make the frosting while the cake is baking. When the cake is done, pour the warm frosting over the hot cake.

CHOCOLATE SATIN FROSTING

1/2 cup butter6 Tbl buttermilk (or use 6 Tbl milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar)

4 Tbl cocoa powder

1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar1 tsp vanilla

2 cups marshmallows (optional)

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, buttermilk and cocoa. Cook, stirring constantly, just until it comes to a boil; remove the pan from the heat.

2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until the frosting is nearly smooth (stir every few minutes while the cake finished baking).

3. Add the marshmallows, then pour the warm frosting over the hot cake, gently spreading until it covers the cake evenly. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Fun with food storage, finances and more!

2010-07-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Seriously, this is a fun, diverse, and informative blog to follow Fun with food storage, finances and more!

Heeere's Lucy

2010-06-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Recital

2010-06-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

This is not a great picture of Anthony playing the piano at his Recital, but it was hard to get a good picture and It was hard to hold the camera still. I held it way up over my head and aimed it at Anthony and hoped for the best. Anthony played "For Elise" by Beethoven. I have to say he did a really good job. I know it is hard to practice with so much going on all the time, and I know that sometimes he just doesn't want to practice, but he pulled it off at the recital. I might get the video that Raquel made and post it on the blog. Jeremy played a "boogie woogie" and he did a good job too. They both were impressive and did a really good job. I hope that their talent will stick with them and that they will stick with practicing and playing. I know it will add so much to their life if they do.

Transitions

2010-06-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Life is full of transitions. It seems at different times and for different reasons someone is transitioning. Sometimes the transition is fun and exciting and sometimes it is hard. Jeremy is transitioning in a very fun and exciting way. I took the morning off on Friday and attended Jeremy's sixth grade graduation. It was a bright sunny day, but there was a cold wind blowing and we were cold but happy with the event. It's hard to imagine Jeremy will be in Jr High Next year although he definately has the Jr. High attitude right now. As their names were called and they went up to get their certtificate, the audience including the sixth graders would cheer loudly for the person that was being announced. There were some that got louder and longer cheers and whistles and Jeremy was one of them so I can only think that he is very well liked at his school. Jeremy is like his mother was at that age. He loves to socialize and he loves to talk, and he has a great sense of humor with perfect timing. He really is a lot of fun to be around. Just look at that sweet and oh so innocent face with those sexy Elvis lips and those big blue eyes.I don't believe I've seen Jeremy in anything but plaid shirts. He loves plaid shirts. He loves Skyler, his best friend, and he loves his grandma and I love him.

Three Thing I Love

2010-06-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Beach Phil's Fish Market Spending Time With Family

spotlight on an artist.

2010-05-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

When you step out of Raquel's door and look to the west, there is a scene that Russ has said over and over again that he loves to gaze on that scene, especially when the sun is setting. He kept trying to get someone to paint the picture of that view. For Christmas, Raquel painted this picture for Russ. It captures the view and the farm with pumpkins growing in one field and flowers in another. You can see LJB barn too. Who knew Raquel was a budding artist. I love the colors and the stylized country look. Like early american. Thought you would all like to see it too.

mouth muscles

2010-05-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

Something about these three pictures makes me think these three people are related.

Eating Green

2010-05-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing this on some of the blogs I visit and decided to give it a try. After all, what could it hurt. They are called green smoothies. They are anything but green, but they really are delicious. I know my family and you are all wrinkling up your noses as you read this. Stop it!! After all, what can it hurt to try it. You just might like it and it's a great way to get those greens into your body and into those kids. You can make your own combinations, but this is what I did: 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1/2 banana peeled, cut into pieces and frozen, 1 cup packed spinich and 1/2 cup juice or water. For the banana haters in my family, omit the banana and put a TBS of honey instead. You can use any berries or more than one kind of berry. You can use watermelon for the juice. use Kale (a better source of vitamins than spinach). Use your own imagination, but make sure you put plenty of green in the mix. Here is a really good green soup recipe: 2 cloves of garlic sauteed. 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups potatoes diced, 2 cups spinach, 2 cups kale, 1/2 cup parsley. Cook the potatoes until tender. Add the greens and cook about 10 minutes. Blend in the blender and add salt to taste. It's good, I promise. Even the kids will like it. Eat Healthy and have fun.

Part II The Worst of Times

2010-05-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

I tried to write about this subject, but I couldn't find a way to start it and It was not fun to think about. I decided that the experiences were better left unsaid, but what happened to me because of my experiences in part II would be easier to write about and easier to read about. Everyone has a part II in their life. Whatever happens in part II should teach us something positive. Part II in everyone's life should help them stretch and grow and become a better person. Some of the things I learned from Part II is that the Atonement is the most important gift from our Heavenly Father and it is very real. I have learned that the Atonement comes wrapped in layers and as we experience the different chapters of part II, we unwrap the layers of the gift and find strength and humility and patience and so many other treasures in each layer. Some people never try to open the gift and it is there for them, unopened. When this happens, the part II of their life leaves them bitter and angry and sad. I learned that there really are miracles, most of them very small and if we don't pay attention we may not see them as miracles. These are the "tender mercies" that we hear other's talk about. I learned that my family is the most important thing I have on this earth and I love them so much sometimes it makes me a little crazy and I'm sorry for that. I hope they will forgive me. There are lots of other things that I have learned, some of them too personal to write here. So, the worst of times can really lead to the best of times. If you want to read about the worst of times, then get "A Tale of Two Cities" because I don't think I will ever write about them in my life.

The Best of Times

2010-05-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Part I, The Best of Times......A long time ago, there was the best of times. The 70's...We lived in San Jose on Englewood Drive. We had a pool and eleven different kinds of fruit trees. We had a wonderful garden, a trampoline, a fabulous swing, wonderful friends and it really was the best of times and I knew it then and I thought it would last forever. I loved being a mother and a wife. I loved my garden. In the fall I would can cherries and plumbs and apricots and we picked almonds and dried them. Around November we picked the best oranges....great big Texas Navel Oranges that were the sweetest and juiciest ever. All summer long we swam and played in the pool as a family and with friends. There were pool parties which drove Jenny and Jody's dad crazy. He even called the police once. The banners, the Closes and us would take several trips into San Francisco every summer where we usually caught the Ferry and went to Angel's Island. I have a great story about a submarine on one of those visit, but then you have all heard that story before. Sometimes we wandered around the city, mostly Pier 39. We went to museums and art galleries and the beach. We all went camping once with the Banners, Closes, and others. On New Years we always had a big party with all our friends and played games and ate and laughed. It was just the grownups, and it was a very special tradition that was so much fun. I painted and wall papered to my hearts content. I sewed and quilted and baked and loved it all. Maybe I had too many projects and didn't make enough time for more important things. That would be my only regret. I love thinking about those days. I can't imagine a more perfect time, or a better family or more wonderful friends than we had then. I will never understand why it had to end.

2010-05-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

For you Mindy!!

Just Call Me Grandma

2010-03-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Marty and Mindy sent me a plane ticket to come to Utah and meet Charley face to face and help celebrate Ruby's birthday. Here are a few pictures of my trip. We had a wonderful time. Utah has dinasauers, crazy hair styles, Temples, wonderful birthday parties, and some of my grandchildren. Thank you M&M.

Bruce

2010-03-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

This Post is dedicated to my Brother Bruce. Most of you know that I had a brother and that his name was Bruce. That's probably about all that you know. Genetically, I've been programmed and wired to have a very poor memory. I thought and thought and try as I might I can't work up any really strong memories, mostly just impressions of our lives growing up. I do remember that as children we played and fought like all brothers and sisters do. Some impressions came, but they were just snippets that had no real meaning or importance. My brother was protective of me growing up and would fight anyone who would tease me. I do remember that. My strongest memories are when we were teenagers. In our early teens Bruce got the brunt of the abuse that went on in our house. Most of the time we both just stayed clear of our parents. Neither of us had very many friends, if any, because we really couldn't go any where and we didn't want to invite anyone home because that would be very risky. So we were both kind of loners. My brother had one friend. He was a mexican and he was kind of wild but my brother wasn't. Bruce and I never really talked to each other about what was going on in our home. I think, for me, I didn't want to know what Bruce was feeling or thinking. It would be too hard to know, I don't really know why, but I know I couldn't bear to talk about it, not even with Bruce. At 17, Bruce came home and told my parents that he wanted to join the Navy but that he needed their permission since he was only 17. I don't remember that they even hesitated. They signed and he was gone. He wrote to me steadily and when he came home, we tried to live together in an apartment. We didn't fight, but by that time we were so different and knew that it wouldn't work out. However, I do want to say here that we cared very much about each other and we often got together. Bruce became a real hippy. I wish I had a picture of him then. He grew his hair really long, longer than I was ever able to grow mine. Past his shoulders. Sometimes we would get together and go out to dinner and I would be kind of embarrassed at how he looked, but I loved him so I just ignored the stares. He was small and wirery and strong. Over time, we saw each other less and less. When I moved to California and had so many kids and so much going on in my life it became difficult to keep in touch. Since it was mostly me that did the keeping in touch, I hardly ever heard from him. To my children, let this be a message for you to never stop calling each other and don't let life keep you from staying close to your siblings. I feel so very sad right now that I did not have a chance, or better said, did not take the chance to keep Bruce in my life. He died not knowing about me and my family and I not knowing about him and his experiences. I have been feeling very sad about that. I included these pictures so you could see what he looked like. They are the only pictures I have. How sad is that.

viruses

2010-03-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

I wonder what a virus looks like. Maybe this....... Or This...... I got hacked on Facebook and it happened to my work computer. At the end of the day, I check my email, facebook, and other goings on and when I went to facebook, Diane Zamora sent me a you tube video which, when I opened it....ZZZZAP.....I was infected faster than you can say whoooosh. It was very messy. I'm through with You Tube and with Facebook, at least until I fully recover. I feel like I was mugged in the dark. Someone snuck in quickly and invaded my hard drive. Creepy.

Jake

2010-02-16T17:17:00.000-08:00

Everyone go out and celebrate, seriously, get out there and whoop it up for Jake. He has been accepted into BYU for this fall. Jake, I wish our whole family was there to celebrate. You make me so proud !!!!!

Ruby at Breakfast

2010-02-04T14:25:00.001-08:00

Mindy sent this to me from her phone to mine. This was that frighteningly crazy day at the IHOP. If you haven't read about it yet, check out "The Wright Stuff"

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-03T16:12:00.000-08:00

For Valentines Day A great scene of modern grace on '30 Rock' the other day: Liz and Jack went out to dinner at a very chic restaurant. As they sat down at the table, Jack immediately moved the candle from the center of the setting to the side of the table. Liz looked at him kinda funny, not understanding why he did that but, not really caring either. Later, however, when Liz reached across the table to steal some of Jack's food (as she always does), she realized he moved the candle so her sleeve wouldn't catch fire when she reached across the table. Jack's manner and grace were so attuned to her as a friend, that he knew her moves before she did. That tiny gesture ended up becoming the pivotal moment of the episode and changed the course of their business relationship. I'm telling you guys again, women notice the small stuff. They notice the gentleness and tenderness. Our biggest obsession in life should be to know how to make those we love happier and feel more loved. It is not more stuff or more me, but more love, compassion, tenderness, sweetness, and more giving. Happy Valentines Day to all of you that I love.

Piano Recital and Birtday Parties

2010-01-17T09:36:00.001-08:00

On Saturday we had a really busy and fun day. We started out by going to Anthony and Jeremy's Piano recital. There were a lot of students, but we managed to get through it in one hour. Joanne, the teacher is a dear. She tries so hard to push her students into playing better. She is patient with them and puts up with a lot of excuses and just keeps trying. She has worked at the Music Tree for many years. Anthony and Jeremy played very well. I was proud of them at the recital. There were a couple of students that were outstanding and I really enjoyed the recital. Noni and Papa and Brent and Aunt Elain came too. This is not a good picture, but I didn't want to use my flash. Jeremy playing his piece. Can you see Anthony and Jeremy with some of the other piano students? After the piano recital we all gathered at the Boninos to celebrate Lucy's 2nd birthday. Lucy's been on earth for two years and oh my has it be a fabulous two years. She has brightened our world and brought joy to all of us. Happy Birthday Lucy. The family gathered and food was prepared. We had the best barbecued hamburgers and salad and chips and lots of other wonderful treats. Lucy ate her hamburger and loved it. By the time we got around to opening presents, it was nap time and Lucy announced that she wanted a nap. With a little coaxing we got her to open her presents. She was a little overwhelmed, but the presents kept coming. More than I could show here, but let it be known that there were lots of adorable clothes, tea sets, books, dolls, etc. Could this possibly mean that Lucy might be a wee bit spoiled. We ended the party the way all good parties should end, with cake!!! There were two butterfly birthday cakes, one decorated mostly by Lucy and one decorated by Raquel. It's hard to tell whoes is whoes isn't it? They are both very creative.

New Years Day

2010-01-17T08:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, It's been an interesting year for all of us. I guess we can say we are bloodied and broken, but at least we are not dead!!!! On New Years Day The Boninos and I took a trip to Moss Landing. We visitied Antique Shops and ended up at Phils Fish Market for dinner I had Blackened Scallops which I shared with David and David had a bowl of Clam Chowder which he shared with me. SSSOOOOO Good!! David is adored by Lucy. Who doesn't adore David? Lucy found a sea otter swimming under the bridge I still can't figure out how to make my words match my pictures on this blog and to make matters worse, now all I see is code and not pictures so I have no idea which code goes to which pictures until I view my blog. If anyone out there can help me, pleeeeese do so.

2010-01-01T11:49:00.001-08:00

Super yummy Breakfast Cake. I made this for New Years Day Breakfast and decided that you all need to make it. Seriously you need to make it. Here is the recipe: Mix together 2 1/2 Cups flour and 3/4 Cup Sugar and 3/4 Cup butter. Cut the butter into the flour and sugar until crumbly and then take 1 cup of this mixture out and set aside for topping. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix together 3/4 cup sour cream and 1 egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract. Add this sour cream mixture to the flour mixture and combine. Press this mixture in the bottom of a 9" springform pan or a 9" cake pan. Filling: 1 8 oz package of cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg. Spread the filling over the cake mix: sprinkle with remaining flour mixture and slivered almonds. Drizzle raspberry jam over the top of that and spread around the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a few more slivered almonds over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. I hope you enjoy it. .

Left Over Christmas shenanigans

2009-12-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

For all you non believers out there, we have proof..There really is a Santa Clause. Sometimes he actually visits only the very special and very good. Here he is visiting the Bonino's on Christmas Eve just before his long night of traveling.

The days before, The Day, and the Day after

2009-12-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

It's now the day after Christmas and the best news is that I have a brand new grandson. I guess he decided it was time and we are so happy to have him here. Can't wait to see him. right now I'm preparing my lesson for tomorrow. I'm making everyone in my class some miniature cuban sandwich sliders instead of cookies. I think everyone is probably sick of cookies by now. My lesson is on love, the perfect lesson for Christmas time. Christmas day was spent at the Bonino's eating, opening presents, eating, riding the new dirt bike, eating, playing Xbox, eating, playing house, eating, playing games, and eating. It was very relaxing and yummy. We decided not to go to a movie because we had too much fun at home. It was all in all a wonderful Christmas day. Raquel and Russ got a new freezer from the Boninos and they bought themselves a new bed. Everyone felt fortunate and happy to have such a wonderful Christmas. Thank you Santa. We actually had Santa come to the Bonino's the night before Christmas to visit and to see Lucy. He was a great Santa and he took us all by surprise showing up for a visit. I took pictures with Kim's camera which I will post later. We celebrated Kim's birthday. No one understands how different it is to have your birthday around Christmas time unless you are one of those lucky souls. No matter how hard we try to make it special there is still Christmas looming all around the birthday time. Lucy was helping us cut the birthday cake which was chocolate mouse cake. I remember when we use to be able to finish off a whole birthday cake in one sitting and now there is always some left over. I can't see what is different but somehow it is. We gave Kim a pretty necklace and bracelet from Brighten. I think she liked them because she has been wearing them ever since. David made her a card on the computer. We invited Mike to come for her birthday but he had to take his daughter to Karate. He made up for it by making her a nice dinner himself. In the weeks before Christmas David and Kim and I decorated our house. We did it after work, Saturdays, and sometimes before work. That's a little different than when we use to take a whole day and get it done. But it was an ongoing project to be enjoyed by all of us whenever there was a spare minute. Once you wrap your mind around the fact that you have to embrace new traditions, you can enjoy the season in a new way. We didn't do as much baking as we have in the past. I had good intentions but what good are they. For such a long time I believed that you couldn't have Christmas without baking it, but I found out that Christmas was still Christmas even though you didn't give everyone you know homemade cookies (that I'm pretty sure ended up down the garbage disposal because you can only eat so many plates of cookies). It was fun giving Sees candy, Christmas ornaments, and something from the Gourmet Kitchen that they can use to bake their own goodies. I did make one batch of the spice sugar cookies that are my favorites and brought them to work. You do have to decorate the house for Christmas or it is not really Christmas. I do believe that. There seems to be a lot of fireplace ash decorating my decorations. It kind of looks like snow huh? Russ and Raquel brought this little Tree which we put on the table in front of the window. I kept forgetting to water it but it hasn't lost any needles yet. I've made up my mind that next year I want a tree that's bigger and that sits on the floor and not on the table. I hope I don't forget and get another small one. There is a tree out in front of my house that I would love to put lights on for Christmas. Every year I say I'm going to and every year I don't. Maybe next year. One thing I really do like are the Christmas dishes. It's so fun to eat your morning cereal out of a cereal bowl that has a christmas wreath at the bottom of it or have dinner on a plate with Santa staring up at you. For some reason I love eating my meals from these dishes and knowing that they will be there next year waiting for me. I got a big snowman platter this year that I ordered from Clouds. I love that store. You can look at their stuff on line. The store is in Fair Oaks by where Marty Close lived. She took me there once and I have loved it ever since. Just before Christmas day all their Christmas stuff goes on sale. I called them up and asked them what they had left and the nice man walked the whole store describing each Christmas item that was left so I could make a decision. Clouds throws their own procelin and they have a slew of artists that create the designs and hand paint them. I'll take a picture of my platter so you can see it, next blog.

2009-12-19T17:16:00.001-08:00

I have always loved Christmas. I suppose everyone does. I believed in Santa Claus. He was my Christmas Tradition as a child. Childhood memories of Christmas traditions were mostly found on Christmas Eve when we would run out and do our Christmas shopping and then rush home and wrap our presents. We also put up our tree on Christmas Eve and while we decorated it my parents would get smashed. By the time my Brother and I went to bed their usually was a fight going on with a lot of yelling and screaming and throwing things I was so worried that Santa would not visit because of the fighting, but he always seemed to find a way to leave me a little present. I have discovered that traditions have to fit your circumstances. By the time I started my own family, I had embraced a much different life style than the one I grew up with. More importantly I had begun to realize the real meaning of Christmas. My new life style included my faith in Jesus Christ and my love for Him. There are so many wonderful traditions that come with the Christmas Season. Everytime I would hear of a tradition that someone had I would want to make it mine. I got a little overwhelmed and found that I could not do it all and I couldn't afford to do it all. So we settled on a few favorites. When Kim and Matt and Raquel were very young we started a tradition with some friends that I remember which was one of my favorites. We met at someone's house and once we were all together, we went through a stack of clothes and props that were in a box we had put together and each child dressed the part of the nativity. After a lot of noise, giggling, and a little bit of crying we were ready. We turned out the lights and lit all the candles in the room. Then someone would read from the Bible the Christmas Story and the kids would act it out. They took their parts very serious. There was a hush, and in the background music played softly. When the play was finished, we sang Away in the Manger and then ate Christmas cookies and drank hot chocolate and played games. We didn't keep this tradition very long because friends moved away and kids grew "too big". But it was one of my favorite alltime memories. Another favorite tradition that we use to do was "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Thats one that we continued to do till kids left home. We let the kids pick the "victim" and for twelve nights we rang their doorbell leaving gifts and running. The gifts were simple (one yule log, two Christmas Candles, Three Christmas cookies, four pine cones, etc). We would drive to the house and as we drove you could feel the excitement as the runner began pumping himself up for the run. The last day was Christmas eve and we would give twelve Sweet Rolls for their Christmas Morning Breakfast and we would stay and sing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" and reveal ourselves to the family. My favorite one was when Matt picked his Wrestling Coach to be our "victim". On the third day, I picked up our local town paper to read and there on the front page was a picture of the three days worth of gifts and a story about the coach and how his family was enjoying this experience. It was a mystery that was followed every day in the local paper with pictures of the daily gifts and a commentary. When the twelve days were finished we asked them not to reveal the giver because it would make it too hard to be able to continue with the tradition the next year. It was fun to read about it every day and made it more fun for the kids too. There are so many other traditions of baking, and stories, and decorations that make Christmas so much more than Santa Claus although he is till very important to me. When my younger children were a little older I was a single parent and struggeling to make ends meet we actually became a tradition for other families as we would find gifts and money and food and decorations on our porch that made our Christmas much happier. These gifts were received with tender and grateful hearts. All of you are grown now and my traditions are a little different, but I still keep some. It's fun to watch you develop your own and to see your little ones and not so little ones now get excited for this special holiday. I hop you all have a wonderful Christmas this year. Love you all!!!

2009-12-06T10:34:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows I went to Utah for Thanksgiving. I had so much fun with my family there and they were determined that I would have a good time. Mindy, Ruby, and Liam picked me up at the airport. We went to a little acquarium somewhere in the greater Salt Lake area. Here are a few pics from that outing

2009-12-06T10:00:00.001-08:00

The first three days, I stayed with Marty & Mindy. They have the most comfortable blow up bed I have ever slept on. It loses air during the night, but not much and it's very comfortable the whole night long. I slept so good. Sometimes in the morning there was a little knock on my door and I would open it and there would be Ruby and Liam. Sometimes we just hung out and sometimes we.....watched movies, sometimes we watched Mindy excersize. Sometimes we played dress up or read books and ...... when no one was looking we snuck cookies out of the cookie bag. Ruby helped me make pies and the most awful thing kept following me around. You can see it pretty good in this picture. It scares me when I see it in a picture.

2009-12-06T09:13:00.001-08:00

Every year we start in October thinking about what we will do for Thanksgiving. We pour over magazines and watch the Today Show to see if we can come up with something really spectacular and special, a new Recipe. It's not that there arn't plenty of ideas presented for the whole month of November on every talk show and every magazine, but we just are not sure. We contemplate how we will decorate, and the table setting. What about dessert. There has to be Pumpkin Pie. There has to be sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, even if no one eats it. It's Tradition. But, we still want to do something a little different. But you can't remove Tradition so we have Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls, something green, sparkling cider, and cranberry sauce. And it is wonderful and we are really glad for Tradition The guests arrived (sorry Allie, I didn't take a picture of you but here you are, the belle of the ball ) The house was decorated The Table was set We ate and there are no pictures because I was busy eating.

2009-12-06T08:52:00.001-08:00

After we rolled off of our chairs onto the floor. (Sorry, no pictures of this ) It was time to check the adds for Black Friday. While I was sleeping in the early morning hours, Becca was Christmas shopping. I tried shopping on black friday "once" and never again. I think you have to be young and a little crazy to do this.

Thanksgiving In Utah

2009-12-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

Lydia has a lot of books. More importantly, she loves to share. Here we find her sharing a book with Auntie Allie. How wonderful to be wrapped in the arms of someone you love and sharing a story. Here is something I bet not all of you knew about Lydia, she loves to wear her mother's shoes. Especially Stilletos. She puts them on and then she steadies herself against the wall and then off she goes. She's pretty good at it too. I guess there are worse things than shoe fettishes. I just wish I could walk as well in high heels and look as good. Lydia, remember the big box of shoes I gave you when you were born. I told you then that you could never have more than enough shoes. I was right. I wish you were here to clomp around my house in whatever shoes you took a fancy to. Love you.

Halloween and Number 1

2009-11-10T06:10:00.000-08:00

Some images from Halloween. The joker showed up at my house, but he wasn't completely put together yet. I wish I had a picture of him all in his glory. Our little pumpkin. Guess who was #1 Salesman in Utah/California for Enterprise Rent-a-Truck. I know you will never guess, so I'll tell you> >>>>>>>RYAN WRIGHT. That's who!!!

49 DAYS 'TILL CHRISTMAS

2009-11-01T07:32:00.001-08:00

IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS, SO BE GOOD AND DON'T BE A SCROOGE!! 55

Rainy days Ginger snaps and the Kitchen

2009-10-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

We had a storm last week. Not wind blowing, and rain pouring, but close to biblical proportions of wind and rain. There were 10 inches of rain in the mountains and SJ got 2.5 inches of rain all in one little itty bitty day. There were trees downed and power out over 60% of the Bay area. And then it was over and the sun came out. Craziness!! I remember when Marty was a lad, he loved the wind and rain. He would get down on his little haunches by the sliding glass door and he would rub his hands together really fast with a happy smile on his face and he would say, I love it when the wind blows and it rains. I tried to catch pictures of the raindrops as they fell, but they don't show in these pictues. I don't have one of those fancy cameras and even if I did, I wouldn't know how to set it so the raindrops would show. But you have to use your imagination in these pictures and see the rain drops and the trees swaying in the wind. What else do you do on rainy days but bake cookies!!!

Ginger Snaps 3/4 C Butter 2 C Sugar 2 eggs 1/2 C molasses 2 tsp white vinegar 3 3/4 C flour (white or wheat) 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 3 tsp ginger 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp cinnamon Mix together in order given Shape into one inch balls and roll in sugar Bake for 12 minutes at 325F YUM!!!

The kitchen is about 99 % finished. Everyone has run out of steam so it will take some time to get the job done 100%. Sorry that it looks messy, but I was baking and cooking but I wanted to get these on the blog. You know I'm not a perfect housekeeper anyway, so why pretend. I love the new colors. They are so bright and sunny and cheerful. Toodles!! l

Hoo Ray for Ryan

2009-10-08T13:22:00.001-07:00

OK, I copied and pasted this from Becca's Blog http://www.thrilledbythethought.com/ because she said it so well and some of you may not read everyone's blog (even though you should). We are all very proud of Ryan and not just for doing so well on his test, but for so much more. Look at him, he's lot weight too.

Dear Handsome Hubby, I am so proud of you for passing your insanely hard test at work. And not only passing, but getting the second highest score EVER on one of the most difficult sections. Remember your first test with the company? How you also got the second highest score in Utah and Idaho EVER? A 98% Do you think I’m bragging? You bet I am. These test scores are unheard of in your history. ADHD has robbed you of an easy academic time. Most people don’t understand ADHD. They think it’s a funny joke. If somebody is a little spacey for a minute, a little forgetful for a minute, or a little extra hyper, you can be sure to hear a silly joke about that person having ADHD, whether it’s the truth or not. But ADHD is not just being a little spacey for a minute. ADHD is serious stuff. It inhibits your abilities. And then it makes you feel like you don’t have any abilities. It makes you wonder if you should even try. And I’m so proud of you for deciding to try. I’m so proud of you for studying so hard. I’m so proud of you for grabbing ADHD by the earlobes, kicking it in the back, and knocking it down. You sure showed ADHD with your high scores (higher than your peers- have I mentioned that yet?). With God’s help, we can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Thank you for showing me this principle in action. I am now motivated to turn my character flaws into character ahhhs. (Should I start with my joke making?) Since you have proven (TWICE) that overcoming weaknesses and actually turning them into strengths is not only a possibility, but a reality, I know it can be done. Love, Me P.S. I must apologize for celebrating your amazing achievements with poorly made construction paper banners. You must know you are worth so much more.

Girl Scout Cookie Time

2009-10-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Don't forget to buy your cookies, or else....

Anna Kerenina

2009-09-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

I finally finished Anna Karenina. All these years I have heard this book referenced in other books, articles, and movies. Whenever I looked at the book, it was so thick and it looked very intimidating. Thank Heavens for Audio Books and a semi long trip to and from work. After 30 discs I finished today. Would I recommend this book to my friends, no! I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it mostly because I don't love soap operas. The characters in this book are all missing a few brain cells. None of them know how to properly communicate and because they don't communicate well, they are unable to control their thoughts. There were long winded monologs that were so boring that I let my mind take off. I thought there would be more Russian History, but sadly there was very little. There was only one reference to the Tzar and none to the revolution that went on during this period. Sometimes when you finish a book you feel sad because you will miss the characters. I was so glad to be rid of the characters in this book that I came home and had a root beer float to celebrate. Maybe it was just too deep for me, but at least I did it, I got through Anna Karenina.

An artist in the family

2009-09-23T05:53:00.001-07:00

Jeremy's watercolor was entered into the art show at the Community Center in Morgan Hill. They wanted him to display some more of his art, but there wasn't enough time to get them all framed. This is a lion in case you didn't recognize what it was. He is taking an art class from Lynda Bassett and it has brought out some of his hidden talent. Keep painting Jeremy.

On the needle

2009-09-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Is knitting an addiction when you would rather go home and knit than go out to dinner or a movie. Sometimes I have to force myself to go out because all I really want to do is work on my knitting. I'm addicted, I know it. But I'm not hurting anyone. I don't even think I'm hurting myself. And, it's legal, right? My palms get all sweaty whenever I see a ball of yarn. I haven't tried to stop. I don't care to. There are no patches to apply for this addiction. I think it's beyond hope. I can be compared to Madam Defarge only I'm not plotting any revolution. Not now anyway. This is my current project. This is the back of the sweater. The pattern is from "Design It Knit It" by Debbie Bliss I'm also working on another baby sweater for Amy Losee. She just had a new little baby girl.

The Morning Walk

2009-09-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Russ planted corn in the field on the west side of my house and in the field behind the barn. He made a rustic dirt road around the circumference of the corn field for me to take walks on. At least I think he made it for me, but the farm trucks and tractors use it too. I walk on it every Saturday morning, and I should walk when I get home from work, but it's been too hot and I'm pretty worn out when I get home. Morning is best. This morning was especially nice. Sunny, not hot, but not cold, just a little morning coolness. I really enjoyed my walk and the sites and smells of living in the country. There is so much to be grateful for and so much to enjoy in my own little world. I passed the windmill!! Some geese flew over, honking as they flew. I waved!! at the back of the cornfield along the road are the up to date facilities used by the squirrels and birds. I just don't get what the red and white striped pole is for. Maybe you hang onto it while you are sitting. I just don't know?? Down the road and across the dry creek from the cornfield there is a riding stable. You can see the corrals and the horses from the little road. Sometimes on a hot summer day I can smell the horse sweat and the leather smell from the stable. It's a smell that takes me back to a happy time in my life when I worked at the Watkins Creek Ranch in West Yellowston Montana. I was 18-19 and it is probably one of my happiest memories. There were a lot of horses, but I claimed Freckles as my own while I was working there. Freckles was a wide backed very tall Appaloosa with big eyes. She had two speeds. She either walked or she galloped, there was no trotting and that is what I liked about her. There was none of that up and down stuff when a horse trots really fast. I prefer bare back because I never learned to ride with a saddle. The bad thing about that is you always had this sweaty stain on your behind and legs. Getting up onto her back was a challenge for me because she was so tall and I was not. I would pull her over by the fence and coax her up against the fence and then jump on her back. Sometimes she would move quickly away just as I was jumping and then I would find myself clinging to her side trying to wiggle myself up onto her back. One of my favorite things that we did there was to take the "dudes" on a midnight ride. The moon would light our way as we rode through the woods. We would chat and ride and sometimes we would all break into song. Freckles felt differently about the night time rides. If she saw dark spots along the road which most likely were logs or rocks, she would start to quiver and she would walk sidways off the path because she was afraid that it was going to get her. A couple of times she jumped suddenly and unexpectedly to the side and Inertia would take me down. I couldn't get mad at her because she was trembling so much that I would have to soothe her and make her see it was alright. Really, the ranch was the best place in the world to be at that time in my life.

2009-09-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Today, on a hot day, but not as hot as last week, I baked. I made peach custard pie from fresh peaches, blue berry pie, and a plum tart. Not pictured, I made a Tomato/Corn Pie which was my favorite. If you have more tomatoes than you no what to do with, you need to make this pie. Pie Pie, me oh my, I love pie. Don't worry, I'm not going to eat all this pie by myself. I'm going to Becca's parents house for dinner tomorrow and I'm bringing desert. See you there Ryan, Becca, and Lydia.

2009-09-05T14:30:00.001-07:00

One of my very most favorit gifts, one that I love and will always love is this pastry cloth, hand painted by my friend Nancy. It has a pocket in it that you slide a board into. I never use the board, I just lay it on the table to use it. The dough never, never sticks to it. You still use flour to keep the dough from sticking to the rolling pin, but you don't need as much; Therefore you have much less mess to clean up. Clean up is so easy, you just shake it outside or over the trash can and then throw it in the wash. I use it for rolling out dough, kneading bread, and sometimes I even use it as a cutting board to cut up veggies. To store it, you just fold it up and put it in a drawer. It's made out of medium weight canvas. Anyone could make one and everyone should have one. Trust me, you need one!!

The Dog Days of Summer

2009-09-05T13:38:00.001-07:00

Summer is almost gone. I have neglected my garden all summer. No fertilizer, very little water, and this is what you get. one or two flowers on every bush. The flowers are pretty, but when you look at the whole garden together, it looks pitiful. I do love flowers and I use to love to garden, but its too much work for me now and it has been so hot. Remember when President Hinkley said (paraphrased) "I feel like the last leaf on the tree and the wind is blowing hard" We all laughed because we loved his sense of humor. I don't think I will make it to 96. I'm already feeling like the last leaf on the tree, only there is just a slight breeze right now.

More on Iris

2009-08-29T12:25:00.001-07:00

It's Lizzard season again. So many lizzards so little time

Iris's manicure

2009-08-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

Iris get's bored when no one is home and she does what comes natural, she sharpens her claws on anything that works for her. So we gave her a manicure. These are little plastic nail caps. You put a couple of drops of glue in them and then you slide them over her nails and voila, a manicure that won't scratch the furniture. As you can see, she didn't mind. It looks to me like she likes them. You can get them in clear or color, just about any color. We chose green to match her eyes. People think up the doggonest things and make a lot of money from it. Keep thinking, all of you, and maybe someday you will come up with a great money maker.

Where is the morning sun

2009-08-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

This is what it looks like outside my window. And it's what it has looked like almost all summer. What has happened to those beautiful crisp sunny summer mornings of sunshine, birds singing, and euphoria. I miss them. Right now it's hard to tell if this is fog or smoke. What is known as the "Lockheed Fire" is burning out of control in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The smoke is not only visable here in Gilroy, but you can smell the aroma of burning leaves and wood. It's a smell I have always loved because when I was young way back when, we were allowed to burn our yard waste and somehow that smell brings back fond memories of those days doing yard work and burning the leaves. Now when I smell that kind of smell, it usually means something terrible and something bad. They call it the "Lockheed Fire" because it is near the Lockheed compound in the Santa Cruz Mountains which also means that it is near Camp Lehi owned by the Church. Yesterday we learned from the director at Camp Lehi that the fire had actually overtaken the area where the camp was but because the fire department had surrounded the area because of Lockheed, none of the out buildings at the camp were burned. That was as of yesterday, but I don't know about today yet. There is a little community that is about a mile from the fire called Bonny Doone. It is a community of artists and musicians mostly and others who love living in that kind of community. They have all been evacuated from their homes. That must be hard to try to figure out what to take and leaving without any idea if you will have a home when you come back. I feel so much for those people. I pray that they will have homes to come back to.

The Floor

2009-08-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

The ugly soot incapsulated, stained, non-descript, old, dirty, did I mention ugly, carpet is gone and Pergo is the replacement It looks and smells better here, and so easy to clean. I tried to talk the LL into including the kitchen, but she wouldn't go for it, but I tried. I love the color, the look, but most of all how easy it is to clean. Sometime I wish I could get into my own house, but if I did, I could never afford to replace carpet or fix it up. It's a delimma.