RiverBrat

Chickens

2010-08-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would be a chicken farmer but here I am and loving every minute of it!

Second Stage

2009-12-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

Jim is hard at work today laying the tile. I can tell it is going to be nice!

Our next project gets under way...

2009-12-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

Somehow "I want to paint the bathroom" turned into a totally full make over. The new paint is only the beginning. Jim has accused me of starting a project only for him to finish. Hey, gotta keep him busy!

Pheasant weather

2009-12-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

I was surprised to see this huge bird in our front yard yesterday. He was just walking around picking at the ground. I grabbed my camera and tried to take some pictures but they are not very good. By the time I crept out the back door and around to the front, Herman (our cat) had a beat on him too. Needless to say he hopped up on the fence and took off. Lately there have been a lot of geese flying over in formation too. I did get a nice shot of those.

2009-11-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Well, Jim is the latest victim of a bad economy. He has been laid off for the winter. He has a great attitude though and plans on working around the house getting some more projects off his list of things to do. My job seems to be secure. I will be working Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after. What a switch in roles. We are very thankful though for too many things to list here.

Home sick no more!

2009-11-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

There is a blog called "Homesick Texan" with just about every authentic Mexican recipe you can think of and then some. These are the Sour cream chicken enchiladas. Lots of work but worth the effort.

Garden Goodies

2009-08-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

We are finally enjoying some of our veggies from the garden. Jim's making a new batch of salsa every other day. The cantaloupe are small but sweet and the watermelons are too big for me to lift. The eggplants are still on the vine waiting for the perfect recipe.

Out with the old...

2009-08-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a very last minute decision but we decided to trade our beloved Jeep and take advantage of the cash for clunkers car sale. We learned a few things during the process. One, our Tahoe is worth more than they were willing to give us and two, both our drivers license had expired. Who knew they no longer send you a reminder card? Anyway, I'm trying to get use to riding close to the ground. It's a fun little car (Hyundai Accent) and I'll enjoy the great gas mileage for sure. The jeep had been good to us for a lot of years. That's the car we brought Gavin home from the hospital and the car we took our first family vacation in. It was hard to say adios.

Owl be back!

2009-07-26T12:05:00.001-07:00

Yesterday as I was working around the yard I looked up in the tree and spotted the owl that came to visit last year. We had been watching and hoping it would come back. Later in the evening as dusk was upon us Jim and I were relaxing in the swing when all of a sudden we saw something land on a branch right in front of us. It was the owl! We sat there watching it watching us for about five minutes. Darn, I wish I had my camera. Jim volunteered to go get it but by the time he reached the house it took off again into the neighbors yard.

Pond Tour 2009

2009-07-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun doing the Garden Tour that we decided to visit the Pond Tour. Our goal is to start building one next spring. We were told over and over again by these pond owner's that it is a good idea to visit and talk to them first so we don't make the same mistakes they did. They were all really nice and helpful. When we got home we kept going back and forth from the front yard to the back wondering where the best place to put a pond would be. I think we have settled for the back next to the patio where Jim's zeroscape garden currently lies. One things for sure, we still have time to "ponder" it.

First Harvest 2009

2009-07-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Proud Mary

2009-07-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a big day for Gav and me. After picking up his learners permit he drove me around for the first time. It was a proud moment for both of us. He took the course seriously and made all A's on his tests. Now he will be driving Jim and me around for six months improving his skills.

My Master Gardner

2009-06-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

Jim has been working hard in the yard making everything look beautiful.

Dr. Jerri Nielsen

2009-06-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was sad to read that Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald, who diagnosed and treated her own breast cancer before a dramatic rescue from the South Pole, has died.

She wrote a very good book about her ordeal called "Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole." I read this years ago and highly recommend it.

Her cancer went into remission but ultimately returned and claimed her life. She was such a brave lady.

Garden Tour 2009

2009-06-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

By being the fifth caller at a radio station Jim won two tickets to the annual Garden Tour, a fundraiser for the Idaho Botanical Garden. We loaded up the car with all our rain gear because the weather had been so stormy and it threatened to rain again last Sunday when we toured the gardens. There were seven houses in all that we drove to and toured. Everything looked lush and green because of the recent rains. We got plenty of ideas for our own garden and managed to finish the tour without getting rained on.

Silver City

2009-05-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

Jim and I took a day trip to Silver City which is about two hours from Boise. It is nestled about 6100 feet in the Owyhee Mountains. The last nineteen miles is a narrow twisting dirt road that proved to be quite nerve racking. "I sure hope it's worth it" I piped in. The minute we reached the city Jim announced that he was ready to go. The locals make it pretty clear that they don't appreciate tourists visiting their mountain. The only reason we stopped is because we both needed to use the outhouse and I was told the old cemetery was worth a look. The trip down was a little easier maybe because we were putting distance between us and that strange little city.

The garden is in!

2009-05-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

After a false start I think I finally have the garden in. Last Saturday on our way home from Salt Lake City Jim and I stopped and bought six beautiful tomato plants. The next day (Mothers Day) Jim planted all the plants for me. Supposedly if you wait until Mothers Day you are safe from them freezing to death. Well, not this year. We had one cold night that killed four out of the six. So today I replaced the ones we lost and also planted eggplant, cauliflower, cantaloupe, and watermelon.

Back in the saddle

2009-05-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

It is so nice to be home and feeling good. I attribute this to the excellent care I received from brother Jim and wife Diane. I could not have been in better hands. Not only did Jim drain my stomach tube like clock work he also encouraged me to walk everyday which helped me regain my energy. Diane did a fine job too changing my bandages, cooking and just providing a comfortable space. And their encouragement did wonders. Jim and I are thankful.

So now it's off to work tomorrow after spending a nice day with my boys. Life is sweet again.

Good kind of sore

2009-03-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

When I got laid off from Alaska Airlines I went into a funk and quit going to the gym. Jim took over my membership and started going regularly. Thankfully not only was I able to find another job, I was able to sign up again with the same gym at a discounted price. Only this time I also received two free hours with a personal trainer. This was nice because they showed me how to work all of the exercise equipment and gave me tips on how to increase my upper body strength. They even did a free body fat test. But we won't go into that.

My goal is to go to the gym three times a week for an hour (40 minutes cardio, 20 minutes weights). I usually feel like a bowl of jello by the time I'm done. I hear it will get better.

High School bound

2009-02-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

We toured the high school that Gavin will be attending next year. It is the typical large confusing array of halls, rooms and stairwells. Gavin is interested in ceramics so we headed to that room first. It was more like a huge garage and had ten or more potting wheels. Our neighbor was sitting at one of them making a pot and it was fun to see her there. Gavin is also interested in continuing his piano lessons which is not offered at the school so we will have to find him private lessons. He is starting to talk about drivers ed, finding a job, and even moving away from Boise when he turns eighteen. Whoa, whoa, wait a minute says I. I'm not quite ready.

Ducks in a Row

2009-01-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

Well, sometimes you just have to take off from work to get your ducks in a row. Especially when you are trying to make doctor appointments. That is how I've spent this morning.

So far it looks like I will be traveling back and forth to Seattle in February to meet with my surgeon at the University of Washington. The experts suspect a small tumor on my pancreas not unlike the one brother Pat had removed. It's most likely not cancerous, just inconvenient and causing bothersome symptoms . Darn, I was hoping not to ever see Dr. Mann again! He took two of my parathyroids out a few years back. I'm lucky to have lots of support and the love of my brothers there in Washington to help me through all of this. To be continued...

Snow Moves

2008-12-28T07:46:00.001-08:00

2008-11-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Fall Fun

2008-11-07T08:39:00.001-08:00

Wylie Rogers is playing goalie for the KillerBees in Texas. His parents are the ones who went Zipping with us in the earlier post. I think they are headed down to Texas to watch him play and then on to Florida. We are having fun watching Wylie live out his dream.

Zipping

2008-11-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

Zip, Zip, Hurray!

2008-11-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

We found a new fun activity that is practically in our backyard. Actually it is in Horseshoe Bend about thirty minutes away. Jim's sister Judy and her husband Billy are traveling through on their annual trip from Fairbanks to Naples, Florida. We've been doing something outdoors with them everyday but I think this will be the most memorable. This is the first year for the owner of Zipline and he has had over two thousand customers so far this year. First they take you on a scenic ride up the mountains and then teach you how to put on the equipment. The first few zip lines are short and fast. By the time you get to the longer zip lines you feel comfortable enough to relax and enjoy the ride. The last zip line is called "Double Trouble" where you can race each other. Gavin and Jim raced with Gav starting out in the lead only to be overtaken by his heavier, I mean faster Dad.

"If these cows could talk what a tale they'd tell"

2008-10-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Fall Harvest

2008-10-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

It's impossible not to love Fall. The grapes are plentiful and I've found a great Green Tomato Relish recipe. I see canning in my future!

Ready for WINTER

2008-10-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

The wood stove is finished. Two cords of firewood is stacked outside. Now all we need is cold weather!

This weeks headlines

2008-09-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Alaska Air Group Inc. announced Thursday that it will eliminate about 900 jobs over the next year -- nearly 200 in the Seattle area -- as it joins other major U.S. airlines in making deep payroll cuts.

"Hewlett-Packard Co. said Monday that it plans to cut 24,600 jobs worldwide over the next three years, nearly 8 percent of its work force, as it combines operations with Electronic Data Systems Corp., the technology-services company it recently acquired.

Most of the reductions will come from EDS, and nearly half will hit jobs in the U.S., HP said Monday after the markets closed."

Well, I guess it's just as well that I quit that job. Gavin has two friends who’s fathers were laid off from their jobs recently too. I'm starting to wonder, is anyone’s job safe?

Shaky Economy

2008-08-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

I've started my new job. I've been feeling a lot of trepidation. But after reading this morning news here in Boise I'm happy to HAVE a job. And my second day on the job I was told that my new company has been bought by Hewlett Packard. Is this a good thing?? I read at the beginning of last week that HP just laid off a bunch of it's employees. Hmmm, is that so they could afford to buy the company I just went to work for?

Venice Beach

2008-08-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

The Bad News is: Your being laid off. The Good News is: Your going on vacation!

Hoot Owl

2008-08-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

We have our very own Hoot Owl. Actually, according to my Birds of Idaho book, it is a Western Screech-Owl. Anyway first we noticed the mess it was leaving on Jim's truck and it didn't take long for Gavin to spot it.

Latest Project

2008-07-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Jim finished the patio cover and we are really enjoying it. We ordered a shade cover on the internet and it helps block 60% of the sun. Now he is building a little outdoor kitchen off the side where we keep the BBQ pit. I wonder what he will build next.

Fun in Fairbanks

2008-06-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here are my boys spending time with our Alaska family. Too bad they didn't have any fun...

Catch Up

2008-06-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

I hadn't blogged in so long I forgot my passwords to get in! We've all been busy. Here are some pictures to help explain what we've been up to. We miss our wood stove and are working to have one by next winter. Jim spent fathers day building a cover for the back patio. It turned out great and we are really enjoying it. More pictures of that to come. Pat and Nancy came for a visit. Lucky for them they were here before it got really hot. Gavin has been busy growing.

2008-05-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Gavin!

2008-03-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Survived my first week on the phones. It's amazing all the different questions that are asked, by all the different people who ask them!

Spring Break

2008-03-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

Gavin is leaving this morning to spend his spring break on South Padre Island. He is going with one of his good friends who happens to be from Texas. I've been to S Padre Island a few times and so I know what a great time they are going to have, once they get there. They are driving and I think it will take at least two (long) days to get there. I told him to look out for sunburn, jelly fish, under tow, and be sure to have lunch at Blackbeards, one of my favorite eats on the island. Oh what a good time he is going to have!

2008-03-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Wylie Rogers (G)
Utah Grizzlies

Check it out at www.utahgrizzlies.com

We are all so happy for Wylie who after years of hard work is now playing for the Utah Grizzlies. His first game was Saturday night against the Las Vegas Wranglers. His grandparents were there to watch his debut and Jim and I were able to watch the game on the internet. Now we are looking forward to traveling to West Valley City, Utah next month to watch him play at home.

Moose, its what's for dinner!

2008-03-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some generous family members that live in Fairbanks Alaska, we had moose for dinner! Every year our brother-in-law Billy goes Moose hunting and I think he has gotten a moose every year that he has hunted. This year they sent us a roast with instructions for stroganoff. I have to tell you, there wasn't much left over!

Limping Along

2008-02-26T23:02:00.001-08:00

I'm into my second week of training at Alaska Airlines. I've made some really nice new friends. Yesterday AA flew us all to Seattle to tour the corporate office and go over the benefits. Tomorrow we take our second test. I feel like I'm back in school and the weird thing is I LIKE IT! Must be the fun people I'm with.

On a bit of a downer note I hurt my back (don't ask) in a Pilates class the other day. I'm on the mend but it is taking time with lots of Advil and heat and ice. That's what I get for acting ten years younger than...well, you know the rest...

Spring Fling

2008-02-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days that you can just feel spring in the air, even though it is still February. Instead of the usual boring walk I got my bike out for a spin. Helmet, check. Sunglasses, check. Cellphone, check. Odometer set back to 0, check. Off we go.... I only made it 4.25 miles and I forgot to check the tires and seat height but hey, it was really only a test run for when spring truly gets here!

A good time was had by all!

2008-02-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful night for a sleigh ride.

Jim caught this image in the snow.

These horses were huge!

The dinner was excellant and the cabin cozy with a wood stove.

The cowboys were funny and cute.

Happy Valentines!

2008-02-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Jim and I are taking a Winter Sleigh Ride tonight. They whisk you away in a turn of the century bobsleigh to a cozy cabin nestled deep in the woods where they serve you dinner along with live music and cowboy poetry. (Yes, this came right out of the brochure). I hope to get some good pictures to post. Giddy Up!

2008-02-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

Thousands of people swarmed Taco Bell Arena to hear Barack Obama speak to Idahoans – as part of his bid to become the Democratic nominee for this fall’s presidential election.

I got up at five this morning to go see Barack along with thirteen thousand others. I'm so glad I did. It was one of the most exciting and memorable moments of my life. Getting up at five was the easy part. It was the waiting in line for two hours in the freezing and sometimes snowy weather that was difficult. Luckily I was surrounded by a fun group of people which made the time go by faster. I ended up making friends with a woman who was there on her own too and she and I ended up sitting together in the upper level front row. We had a great view and she was nice enough to share her binoculars. I have to say that I've been a Hilary fan up until now. Barack has convinced me (and I'm sure a lot of others) that he would make a better president. There is something about this guy that is truly inspiring. I sure hope he ends up the nominee.

Jim and Friend

2008-01-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

This is one of many good pictures Jim got while on his trip to Fairbanks

2008-01-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

Twenty Below

2008-01-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

Jim called me from Fairbanks yesterday and reported the weather there as twenty below. He is there to watch his nephew play hockey as a senior at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. (That's him in the center of the picture). Jim is going to have a great time as they have planned a lot of other fun things to do like ice fishing. Gavin and I decided to skip this trip for a couple of different reasons...we'll catch up with them when they are in Florida!

Moe and Grayson

2008-01-18T07:19:00.000-08:00

My friend Maureen and her son came for a visit recently. They live in Houston and got a kick out of all the snow that fell everyday they were here. Moe and I have been friends for twenty-nine years. As a matter of fact she and I met when I was nineteen, the age of her son, at my very first job out of high school. She works for American Express Travel and has been able to visit me in a few times in Washington and now in Boise.

While they were here Jim and Gavin took Grayson snowboarding, his first time, and hopefully not his last. Moe and I took the boys sledding one day and I think he enjoyed that more. By the end of thier trip Gray was ready to get back to Houston's 70 degree weather!

Alaska Airlines, here I come!

2008-01-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

A new year and a new job...never a dull moment in Maryland. I had today off so what did I do? Alaska Airlines was having a hiring event here in Boise for Reservations Sales Agents for thier call center. I went because I have been yearning for a full time job with benefits for awhile now. I'm glad I did because after eleven hours and two interviews, I landed a job. I will start training later this month and after a month of employment Jim, Gavin, and I can fly for free where ever Alaska flies. I'll have strange hours and days at first (they go by seniority), but hey, I'm ready, willing, and able. My sister-in-law Judy just retired from Alaska Airlines after putting in twentyeight years. Watching her work hard and enjoying flying her family all over the world (including me), well, I'm excited about this new challenge and adventure. You never know where the road in life is going to lead you!

Picture this...

2007-12-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

We are getting a lot more snow this winter!

Go Gavin Go!

2007-12-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

Finished...almost!

2007-12-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

All done but the baseboard. I'm very lucky to have a husband who is a skilled carpenter AND patient. After a sore back, neck, and one smashed finger, he persevered!

Stiff neck and all...

2007-12-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

Today's the day we have been waiting anxiously for. Only problem Gavin woke up with a severe crick in his neck. As the day wore on I started to get a crick in my neck too. Now we both are in sever neck pain but hey, we got some of the floor down! Okay, Jim did most of the work.

We figure we will be laying floor down the rest of the week after work and into the weekend. It's a two man job or a one man job and half a wife and son job!

Warming up the Pergo

2007-12-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

We got our first real blast of winter Friday night. It started to snow lightly as the three of us made a chain and moved the Pergo into the kitchen to "warm up". It had been sitting on the back carport. Today the real fun begins!

Out with the Old

2007-12-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since Jim and I tackled a project this big. This is what we do and we've been here before. We buy a house then slowly but surely rip out the old carpet, counters, etc. and turn it into what we like better. So far this winter we've painted the inside, replaced the blinds, and now we are tearing out the carpet (it has seem much better days). We are older now so the work feels harder and takes a bit longer but hopefully it will be more rewarding once we are done!

Snowboard Ready!

2007-12-02T08:07:00.001-08:00

Well, almost. "Go check your gear and make sure everything still fits." That's how this picture came to be. I couldn't resist...he looks like a big bug. Gavin has gotten new snowpants and gloves since this picture was taken. Now all they need is more snow on the mountain.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

For the first time in a long time (or maybe ever), it is just the three of us for Thanksgiving. My guys are sleeping in and I'm baking a pumkin pie this morning. Gavin had a buddy spend the night. I surprised them with king crab legs last night for dinner. Forgot to take a picture but they didn't last long.

The plan for today is to eat a hearty breakfast (sausage and eggs), go to the IMAX and see Beowulf in 3-D, then come home and have dinner (spiraled ham, sweet potatoes and green beans). And maybe throw a nap in there somewhere :)

My favorite yoga pose

2007-11-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

I had my third yoga class last night. Soon I will look like Mr Iyengar in the photo. Just kidding. It is the hardest sport I've ever tried to do. We are doing just the basic poses and I find myself shaky and dripping with sweat! The instructor is very patient and ends the evening with us laying down in a relaxed pose which almost always puts me to sleep.

Two broken buddies

2007-11-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Well, we knew it was a matter of time before Gav took the big fall and he did this past Monday evening at the skate park and broke a bone in his wrist. His good friend Fred fell rollerblading in PE and broke both his tibia and fibula, ouch!

Chili in the house

2007-11-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

I made a pot of my sister Kathy's famous chili yesterday. We watched some football, munched on chips and salsa and waited for the chili to be done. Yum! Today I painted the laundry room. I'm slowly getting each room painted and the house is starting to feel a little more like home.

A yoga story...

2007-11-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

I took my second yoga class last night out of a series of six. I was feeling great on the way home from my class when my cell phone rang. Is this Mary? Yes. This is Doctor So and So. I just got the results back from your blood work you had done today and your blood sugar is extemely low. Are you feeling okay? Yeah, I just got out of my yoga class. Really?? Well I'm glad you are feeling good. You might go home and have some Halloween candy to get your blood sugar to go up. Okay, no problem there. I love candy. I never thought I would be advised by a doctor to eat it!

2007-11-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

I stole this from my sister-in-laws blog....thanks Fish Taxi!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!

2007-10-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Plum Wore Out!

2007-10-22T16:34:00.001-07:00

I guess all that driving back and forth from Boise to Vegas finally caught up with Mom and Dave. I can't resist a good blog photo when I see one!

Move it or lose it!

2007-10-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and I've started my new routine of working out every morning in the shop which houses my eliptical machine, treadmill, and inversion table. I alternate every other day on the treadmill and eliptical but climb aboard the inversion table every morning and hang for as long as I can stand it. Call me crazy but after two weeks of this, I feel like a new person...more energy, and I think a little taller!

Kettle Corn

2007-10-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

For the BEST Kettle Corn ever!

1/4 cup butter flavored shortening

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn

1/4 cup sugar

Melt shortening in a large pot (med to med hight temp) with three test kernals to start.

Once the three kernals pop add the rest of the popcorn and sprinkle the sugar on top. Once this gets to poppin, shake covered pot over heat until all popcorn is popped.

Try not to eat the entire batch by yourself!

Eight Point Buck!

2007-10-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening Jim and I took the dogs for a walk in a field not far from our house. We let them go and they run around like wild dogs. The past couple of nights we've been flushing out deer and they usually bolt the minute we get near. But this night as you can see by the picture, this huge buck just layed there and stared back at us. It was on the other side of a barracade so the dogs couldn't get to him. Jim counted the horns and was amazed that there were eight. We both went to work the next day excited to tell what we had seen. "Wait a minute, wait a minute...you saw a what?? No, no, no! A four point buck is what you saw." Basically we were both reprimanded (or educated) that here in the west you only count one side of the rack, not both. We thought it was hilarious that we both got the exact same lecture on how to count horns on a deer. Oh well, never too old to learn!

Working Hard for da Money

2007-09-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

This worked out well. Jim needed help planting grass and Gavin needed money. My boss offered me some sod we had left over from a job, so that is how the island is going to end up. It is looking great and I will post another picture when it is completed.

Gavin and Grandma

2007-09-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice picture of Jims mom with Gavin. Shortly after this picture Gavin took off camping with some friends and Jim and I have been here relaxing with his parents for the weekend. Gavin started eighth grade and is taking piano lessons which was offered for the first time at his school. So far he really likes it, a lot more fun than math.

One hundred and over days

2007-07-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of wild fires here in Idaho. This plane flew over our house the other evening when I was out watering. It returned again after dumping its load. Occasionally and unfortunately we can smell the smoke in the air. My boss and his family were forced to evacuate thier home and the fire came right up to thier property but thier home was spared. It's been a dry hot summer (104 right now as I type this). It will make Fall all that more enjoyable, is what I say!

Hot but Happy

2007-07-07T17:35:00.001-07:00

Gosh I've been busy! Floated the Boise River on the Fourth of July with my neighbors. There was a total of nine of us on three rafts. It was a blast and only two people fell out of thier rafts (no, not me, I'm too old for that!)

As you have probably been reading on the news, Boise has been above 100 for a few days in a row now. I've had a few people from out of town call me to make sure we are coping okay. As long as the AC works I can cope just fine. Today I ventured out and found a local public pool to swim in. It was heaven.

Here are some pictures I took this past week of a job that my boss is working on. I'm developing a web site for him and will use these.

Happy Solstice!

2007-06-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

Jim had a nine oclock game last night. It was a beautiful night with the sun setting against the mountains. Mid game a fox ran across the field amazing everyone. Who cares that they didn't win. It was just wonderful to be outdoors on a warm summer night.

2007-05-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dave are in town. Gavin is out of town on a friends sailboat in McCall. Lucky him and lucky us! We get to eat meat (without feeling guilty). These are pictures of grilled brats with peppers and onions, pea salad, homemade Sangria, and Daves reaction to the homemade Sangria. We are having a lot of fun hangin out with them this holiday weekend.

Fort Boise

2007-05-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure who was having more fun, the kids playing in the dirt, or the guys playing ball. The game was at nine last night clear across town at Fort Boise. It was a beautiful night though and the guys ended up winning thier game, despite some bad calls.

2007-05-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

Kristy and I explored some new trails today. They seem to go on forever and the views were awesome. I can't wait to go back with my bike.

2007-05-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

veg·an
–noun
a vegetarian who omits all animal products from the diet.

vegetarian
noun
eater of fruits and grains and nuts; someone who eats no meat or fish or (often) any animal products

omnivore
noun
1.
a person who eats all kinds of foods
2.
an animal that feeds on both animal and vegetable substances

What are you? I'm a sometimes vegetarian but mostly omnivore. Gavin is vegan. And Jim likes to say that he is a carnivor but after looking up the definition, I think he is really a omnivore too.

A lotta skatin going on

2007-05-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

It takes quite a few trys for me to get good shots, and this is about the best I can do with my little digital.

Gavin is having fun with his new rail that a friend built him. I'm having fun watching him.

Too Close to Home

2007-04-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, even after moving to Boise, this feels way too close to home. Gavin played baseball with David Stevens, and I use to babysit him. Guy is still a very close friend of Gavins and emailed him the link below. They both live on our old street in Belfair. I don't recognize the parents in the newsclip. Scary world we live in.

http://www.king5.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=139008&shu=1

25-10

2007-04-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

They've still got it. Ground Force won thier game last night and it was fun watching them. Jim made some really nice hits and decided to play catcher to save his legs.

Trampoline Antics

2007-04-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Batter Batter Batter

2007-04-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

It was a chilly weekend for Jim's first softball tournament. They lost the first game, won the second, lost the third. As it got colder and colder instead of warmer and warmer, I was kind of glad they didn't have to go back and play Sunday. Sunday turned out to be even more miserable with drizzle added to the mix. I'm always happy when Jim finishes a tounament without getting hurt. There are some really good players on his team this year and it will be fun to watch them come together as the season progresses. They play again Wednesday night.

Paddy's Photos

2007-04-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

I've added a new link to my blog that will take you to my brother Pat (Paddy)s gallery of personal photos. I've watched his photography improve each year as he spends more and more time perfecting his techniques. He has some beautiful pictures that are well worth the time to check out. Enjoy!

Twenty Five Mile Adventure

2007-04-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Gavin and I spent four hours riding along the river yesterday. We got his bike out of the bike shop this past week and have been anxiously awaiting the weekend to take a long ride. We were determined to surpass our record of twenty two miles and we did (barely) and made it a twenty five mile ride. It was an adventuresome day for sure. First off we rode by an area made for jumping. Gav stopped and made a few jumps. One of the other kids there had a horrible looking crash and I could tell he was hurt pretty bad. That was enough for me so we continued on our way. Around the eight mile mark we stopped at a little wetland area and had roasted garlic flavored hummis, tomato, lettuce sandwiches and apples that we carried in our backpack. From there we went thru two parks, one which was holding a free concert and so we were able to enjoy riding to music for a stretch. Next we rode along Warm Springs Golf Course which is very beautiful. Past the golf course quite a ways is the Shakespeare Production Company where they hold outdoor performances of Shakespeare classics. We haven't made it to one of these yet, but it is on the list of things we want to do. We trudged on past this to the turnaround point, twelve point five miles. Shortly after turning around we found a little lost puppy who was trying to cross the busy road. Our bike ride was interrupted briefly with us trying to help an elderly lady find the owner of the puppy. She ended up taking the dog to a near by neighborhood where she thought it lived. She was glad I had a cell phone and I was glad she was there to take the dog. Again, once we turned around we discovered the wind was no longer at our backs. It made for some really tough riding back. Around the fourteen mile mark we came upon a restaurant with an outdoor patio that actually invites trail riders. The Stone House looked too good to pass up. We stopped and ordered energy drinks and a plate of fried onion rings. We felt we earned it. While sitting there we discovered a raccoon nesting on top of one of the arbors near by. Gavin was able to stand on top of one of the tables and snap a picture of it. It was so cute! Once we were refueled we were anxious to get the last ten miles behind us. I had felt really good all the way until about the twenty mile mark when I started to hurt all over. At first it was my butt followed by my legs followed by my back followed by my neck until I was one big achy blob. I had to talk to myself from that point on in order to make it. I congratulated Gavin on making it all the way without one complaint. He is an awesome bike buddy and is already looking forward to our next trip. Me, I'm still waiting for my legs to uncramp.

Fun Job

2007-04-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

My boss asked me to make some sandwiches for our accounting firm that is working long hours and who has helped us a lot these past few months. "I'm just the person for the job!" I got up this morning, cranked up the tunes (Blues on Pandora) and then, cranked out these trays. What a fun project. And they were so surprised and happy to see me with all this food. Happy Tax Day!

Come on Mom

2007-04-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

5:00pm

Mom, lets go for a ride on the river, me on my long board, you on your bike. Oh Honey, I don't know. How about we just ride around here. Come on Mom, lets go to the river. Gee, it's really windy out there, lets just ride in the neighborhood. Come on Mom, it's the river or nothing. Your going to miss out spending time with your son. (Does he know how to push the guilt button or what)?

5:15pm - on the greenbelt by the river about three miles out...

Wow, it's beautiful out here, thanks for talking me into this. Hey, lets stop and take a break at the five mile mark and head back. Okay, but I feel like going farther. After Break-six mile mark: Let's turn back. Come on Mom, I want to go farther. I feel great! Okay but I'm turning around at the six and a half. That will make it a thirteen mile ride. Okaaaay.

Six something and finally turned around

Oh my gosh. The wind is a lot stronger going this way. Yeah, it was at our backs all the way here and that's why it felt so easy. Well, this will make us tough! Yeah!!

Ten mile mark

I don't mind telling you, I'm damn tired. Yeah I bet you are, my butt is sore. At least you get to sit down. True.

My feet hurt! Come on Gav, only two more miles. We can do it!

And so we did. Tired, yes! Happy, double yes!!

Hiking and Skating and Skating and Skating

2007-03-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day today to hike the foothills that are convenietly located directly across from Gavin and his buddies favorite skate park. In the last picture you can see the skate park way below from the top of the trail before it bends right and out of sight. My friend Sherry and I hiked while our boys happily skated. Afterwards it was off to the coffee shop for coffee and cinnamon rolls then back to the skate park where I hung out with some other moms most of the day.

Miracle Hot Springs

2007-03-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Monday night I went camping with my friend Heidi and her kids. We stayed in one of the thermal heated domes pictured. It didn't take long to discover that the floor was heated and what a pleasure that was! We spent a lot of time soaking in the natural thermal heated pool where the water was like silk. We were all very relaxed when it came time for bed but were awaken by a fierce wind storm that blew most of the night. It is still blowing here! I sure am enjoying Gavin's Spring Break. Today I took him and a friend to the skate park for serveral hours where they met even more friends. They didn't let the wind stop them.

And we were swinging...

2007-03-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday while Jim and I were driving around to different nursery's showing off his potting benches we happened across this sweet deal: Nice swing and two matching Adirondack looking chairs for $60.00. "We'll take it!", Jim announced immediately. He is so happy to not have to build a swing (too time consuming and in the way of his other projects), and well, I'm just happy to have a swing!

Scary Mary

2007-03-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

Calling all cops!

2007-03-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

All went well at the dance. Gavin told me he got his groove on. I forgot to mention a funny story that happened last Thursday night. We were eating dinner when Gavin turned around and looked out the living room window. "Uh, there are two cops standing in our driveway, staring at us". What?? I turn around and look and sure enough there are two cops standing there staring at us through our window. We all go outside pronto. Can we help you?? As it turns out the policemen were called out on a dog disturbance, thankfully not our dogs but they wanted to come and have a look see of our back yard. After looking (snooping) around they determined the problem was next door and asked to use our gate to access our neighbors yard. We let them and they were able to sort the problem out. After they left Jim and I decided it was nice not to have anything to hide. You never know when the cops are going to come calling!

First Dance

2007-03-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Gavin is meeting his girlfriend at the Jr. Highs St. Paddy Day's dance tonight. He isn't planning on dancing and I have strict orders not to show up. His girlfriend's name is Lena and we haven't met her yet but we have seen her picture. She plays soccer, skis, and is in the drama club. Oh yeah, and she's cute!

Spring has Sprung

2007-03-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

Spring is definitely in the air. I was determined to ride my bike today for ten miles. I've been slowly working up to it..5 miles here, then eight, finally today 10. Friday night my boys went snowboarding and I had a couple of girlsfriends over for fondue. We cooked up chicken and peppers, then sweet mandarin orange slices in semi sweet chocolate. It was yummy, hense the ten mile bike ride. Here are some pictures from my ride today. I had to include my cow friends. And one of Jimbo spraying weeds. Gavin is off skating with his friends today. He has become a vegetarian and announced the other night that he has a girlfriend. He asked if he could go to the library and hang out with her. Of course! Any girl who wants to hang out at the library is alright with me.

Grizzly Friend

2007-03-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

This is one of many stuffed critters we saw at the Idaho's Sportmans Show. This particular booth sells excursion trips to Alaska to hunt these bad boys. We had to do some convincing that we already have an inside guide that can hook us up if we want to, our brother-in-law Billy.

DAREDEVIL

2007-03-02T17:09:00.000-08:00

The ramps just keep getting taller. Funny how it started out so innocently. Now they are these huge monstrosity of a project as these pictures clearly show! That's a boy for ya.

Snowboard Action

2007-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

America's top snowboard competition series is underway. Starting Thursday participants will begin practice for the third and final leg to be staged right here in Idaho!
The 2007 Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix is being held at Tamarack Resort.
Set to compete are some Olympic and X-Games medalists, such as Idaho’s own Nate Holland.

Gavin has been invited to go and watch the competitions this weekend. His friend Mack and family have a condo in McCall, where they will stay over the weekend. Gavin is excited and has made a list of things to take to keep warm. I'm trying to encourage him to take my camera but he is still thinking about it. He is not sure if he wants to be bogged down with such a big responsibility of not dropping or losing it. Either way, I'm sure he will have a blast.

Kid Sitting

2007-02-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

While the pirate is away...the boys will play! Jim took off this afternoon for Spokane to visit a good friend. He will be gone until Sunday afternoon and I'm sure he will have a good story and pictures posted on his blog about it. Gavin was hired to watch Porter for a few hours this afternoon. They are outside right now working on the skateboard ramps and putting them to the test. Porter thinks Gavin is the best thing since home made bread! Me, I'm addicted to a darn Scrabble game I found on the internet.

Dream come true

2007-02-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

Good news for slackers: naps can help the heart
Daytime snooze cuts risk of fatal heart attack by 37 percent, study finds

CHICAGO - Office nappers now have the perfect excuse: New research shows that a little midday snooze seems to reduce the risk of fatal heart problems, especially among men.

I love my naps. I love anyone who loves naps. And now my heart loves naps too!

My little poop scoop

2007-02-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Isn't he adorable? This is Porter who lives next door and likes to come over for visits. He caught me in the act of scooping poop and thought it looked fun. You want to try it?? :)