You know when you plan for "travel" you hope that you've everything "taken care" of. I can honestly say, I've never had planning that just worked. It's kind of funny in a lot of ways. First, I managed to talk my sons into driving me back. In payment for their services, I offered to pay for all the gas and food for their "round-trip" driving. I also went ahead and got both guys vehicles tuned up, even tho we are only taking one vehicles. If you got more than one kid, you understand this. If one gets, they all get!! No strange feelings floating around, if you know what I mean. I also got a "Motel 6, for 2 of the 3 nights that I am here. My youngest was a bit "overly protective" about that. But, hey, Josh has 2 room mates and well, I didn't want them feeling uncomfortable with a female around. And a Mother to boot. I told him that hey, I've stayed in much worse places. Try "tent camping" in the back of your pick-up during an all night rain storm in the desert, in the middle of "nowhere"!!!! Ah the joys of being an amateur astronomers wife. But, these are just a speck of what the travel has been like so far.


So, I booked Amtrak, and for the first time I got a sleeper. Usually, I go coach. After getting off the commuter to the Starlight, one now has to have a boarding pass. So, down the ramp all the way to Union station proper. No really good signs ether. I waited in the line that said Sleepers to discover, wrong line. Over to another shorter line and get a boarding pass. I'm "OK-ed" and all the way back and up the ramp to the other side of the tracks all the way up to the 3rd car from the Engine. The tiny rooms are great. 2 beds, upper and lower. The lower is also 2 seats. The porter, takes care of making up the beds if you request and putting them back in the morning. Free coffee, tea and juice. All meals are included in your ticket, plus the parlor car where wine tasting and other fun things for sleeper car passengers. Sure was nice. Tho the dinning car was 6 cars back. Due to holiday they put on an extra sleeper! It's ok as I don't really eat dinner. 2 meals and maybe a piece of fruit in the evening. Great scenery, private space, slept most of the time!! I really needed the rest and 37 hours on a train is a great way to get it. But, I really stress that I GOT A SLEEPER. My own tiny space!! Coach doesn't get that. Sleepers also have showers down the hall also.


Arrive in Seattle at 11 pm, about 2 hours late. This train is never on time! I hail a taxi and go to my hotel for the night. Commuter doesn't leave till the next morning. I'm getting my ticket then. Great room, little pampering touches. Great nights sleep after I let everyone know I was safe and sound via text messaging. I check out at 6am and request a taxi back to the train Depot. Get in line, up to the counter and "REALLY" was the response I gave to finding out that train was full and the next one wasn't until 6ish that night. Out the glass doors, hail a taxi, off to the bus Depot. You just gotta love the "doggy bus". Plus we were leaving the same time as the commuter. What a breath of fresh air in stepping off the bus into Bellingham's Alaska Ferry/Amtrak/ buses depot! Went pee, had a smoke, and voila, the city bus arrived. $.75 cents got me to the top of the hill and into Haggens market I went to surprise my sons who work there. Josh was doing produce and turned his head and "MoM!!!! He was waiting for my call from the bus depot. I said, I just caught the bus. I told him to just do what he needed to do, and I would be in the mini-cafe. Good coffee. The water up here tastes great, plus no bitter tasting coffee. Saw Rob, my other son. He wasn't having a great day. 2 cookies and a cup of coffee later, Josh comes around the the cafe, we're off to the house. He would later that day take me to the Motel 6. Tho, I would catch the bus during the mornings and check in on the Internet. I mean how much more perfect could this be. REALLY alone time to see what and how one handles things that come up. I plan and save over my budget for travel. Then if I don't need to use that extra, "SHOPPING". I love the handmade glass, wood and pottery up here. Most things down south are just to much alike. But, I will describe those later in another blog with photos!!


I also, got Josh to let me take a couple of the smaller rocks I liked. A "tuffet" looking one round with a smooth flat top. Weighs about 30 pounds. Then some of the greet granite broken ones for accent. It's nice to have a few memories, and "only the rocks live forever"


So, today, when Josh gets home, we're going for some "man-meat" (Steak) for him to cook on his monster grill!!!Watch some fireworks, then leave about O dark 30 in the morning!!! So, we should be on the road for 2 days. I am making Josh stop at night to get some rest. Not really to good to be over tired when doing L.A. traffic on a Fri. Tho, with he holiday, most won't be leaving for home till Sat. Cross your fingers the traffic isn't to bad. We are going a tad over 1500 miles south, thru that record heat in the central valley and over the grapefine in to the L.A. basin, a touch west, down the shore line to Newport Beach and up the mesa to Costa Mesa.

Kitchen counters, backsplash and floor are set. tomorrow they will do the wall where the stove goes. I tried to get some close-ups of the tile so it would be easier to see.
My floor is slate, or stone. it's called mystique green. And from different angles, it looks like it changes colors. The counter top and backsplash are wonderful. And with that little "pencil rail" WOW!!
Tomorrow they will do the wall, grout the rest and Voila!!!
They are working on the bathroom and are having a bit of "fun" with the hexagons. I guess when those mesh things need to be cut, the mesh doesn't want to stay put!! But, they will finish it tomorrow. For tonight we have NO toilet!! Good thing we have a "camp commode"!!!!

Well, enjoy and let me know what you think . . . .

New Trap door in floor!
Well, my tile won't be ready till tomorrow, but "Vestermark" went ahead and redid the "trap door" to the old root cellar that is in this house. they had fabricated a new frame from metal and then lined it with wood. This way the new trap is lightweight and will take the tile much better.
Also, there is a new hinge and will be a recessed pull to get the trap up.
Tomorrrow they start laying tile!!!!

No we don't use the root cellar due to when we get the "El Nino" rains. the cellar will flood and we have to pump it out. The cellar isn't very big, maybe 4 feet X 5 feet. One can stand up down there. And there is a light. But, normally one doesn't hear of a "root cellar" in California.

Munch is doing better today. She was "very good" all day. No crying at least. I went in and played with her today for about an hour. then I "hand fed" her some cooked chicken. We found if we kind of keep her very well fed, she does better.

Day one of prep for kitchen.
Well, the kitchen is pretty much prepped. Floor and countertops are ready for tile!!
The tile guys had fun getting up the old floor. As far as I know, that old floor was there when
my parents bought the house in 1962!! So, I really don't know how old it was. But, it was tough and didn't want to come easily!! the old countertops were only 16 years old so they weren't quite so tough to come out.

Poor little Munch. She has to stay in for all of this. the tile guys have their trailor in the back-back, partly thru the smaller gate. Munch has to be cooped up in the baig bedroom all day. We did get her collar and leash for a walk out in the back. She was "NOT HAPPY" with that. Of course, most cats don't like to be on a leash. But, she seems a bit better, if I stay inside with her!!!! A couple three days won't hurt. and then she will have a new slate floor to "run" across!!

Well, more tomorrow . . .

stay tuned!!

Before photos are always fun! Here is my kitchen before!! Nice and bright. Hopefully it will be even better once the tile is finished. I've never had anything like this before. I am a bit nervous.
The bathroom will also be done, white subway tile on the wall and hexagon for the floor!!!

So here we go . . .

Finally!! Now I have a place where everything is in one room!! Beading, crochet, computer graphics, TV, video games, etc. I use "large" baskets to hold my yarn. Tho, I "splurged" a bit as "Suzoo's is on vacation"!! But, hey, an addiction of yarn and beads can't be all bad. LOL
I'm doing a "baby" blanket for a friend. The pattern I am trying is of that Tiramisu baby blanket. She is having a girl, and she loves "pink", so I am using "Caron"s Simply soft" in Watermelon. It is really coming out beautiful. I am going to get a contrasting ribbon when I finish it.

Monday, the tile guys are coming!! Scarry for me as this is the first time I have ever had tile work done. In the kitchen, the floor, countertops and backsplash is getting done. Also, the wall behind the stove will be done. I am going with a vanilla and mystique green!!!
The bathroom is also getting done. White subway tiles for the walls and a hexagon tile for the floor!! Am I nervous-YOU BET!! LOL

Ok, I will be gone a week beginning June 30th. I'm going North to Washington state. A bit of business, then visit my sons in Bellingham. I did talk my sons into driving me back and we should be back on July 6th!!

Well, the little 12 foot X 12 foot bedroom hubby and I slept in is now a "multi-purpose room". When caring for Mother, we kept her in the bigger bedroom due to her might needing medical equipment, visiting nurses and the like. But, now, I have moved in the TV, some futon chairs, 3 drawer dresser for my beads, and this closet/office set up. Beads, yarn, computer graphic books, Wii, are all now in one place. This is the first time I have ever had my "own" working space! For the past 30+ years, I have just "stolen" bits of space in the house. WOW! It's difficult to explain how I am feeling.

I also want to thank everyone for "hanging" in there with me. I know I haven't been around like I used to be. I believe I threw myself into redoing this little house to "work" thru grief and all the stages of it. Even with redoing emotions ran very high. As with the bay window-to see the "old windows open" after 40 years, brought back feelings and emotions like a tidal wave hitting the shore. Growing up in this house were the "best" days of my life as a teenager. I wish my parents could see how all the changes. As I do do some things, I can hear my father, in his soft way, explain techniques of sanding, staining, painting and general home repairs. Never raising his voice, even if I made a mistake. My mother, telling me how to make things safe, such as the "night lights" for the bathroom, kitchen, phone and the like. Securing cabinets with simple dowels thru the handles.
Most of the times when I finish for the day, I can hear and see the gentle "ghosts" of the past. All the love from then, infuses with today to make not only myself comfortable, but anyone who visits.

Thank you all again.

Deborah

Boy, does the new window make a difference. with the old window, I haven't seen it open since the 60's. I guess my dad had to seal it up due to leakage when it was raining really hard one year. It was a bit emotional to see the old bay window "open" again. And it was really difficult to see it go. But . . . after they got the new windows in, opened the side ones and I felt that wonderful breeze, I was very happy. The new window is double paned, UV resistant, blocks 70% of the noise, and the "grids are between the glass, and is just beautiful.
I will say we will be getting the rest of the house done also. I am really tired of "fighting" with old wooden windows that are 70 years old!!! Sure will be nice.
Well, I am off to "fill" the bookcase. then I have to move some more furniture as the "closet" people are coming tomorrow to do the back bedroom closet so I have desk and cubbies for my office/studio, TV room!!!!

Just been really busy. We are also sanding and refinishing lots of "wood".

Senior Citizen Payback!

A very self-centered freshman attending a college
football
game, took it upon himself to explain to a senior
citizen
sitting next to him why it was impossible for the
older generation
to understand his generation.

"You grew up in a different world, actually an almost
primitive one,"
the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby
to hear. "We,
the young people of today, grew up with television,
jet planes, space
travel, men walking on the moon, our spaceships have
visited Mars.
We have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars,
computers
with high speed processing and...," While the student
paused to take
another sip of beer, the senior citizen took advantage
of the break and
said: "You're right, son. We didn't have those things
when we were
young.....so we invented them. Now, you arrogant
little shit, what are
you doing for the next generation?"

bookcases

bookcases
Originally uploaded by spaceman48

My bookcases finally arrived. they are so beautiful. It really was worth the wait. The furniture company even sent a bottle of wine due to the wait.

In the kitchen, the window above the sink has a "night light" that is just going to stay. I love that light for the nightime. Between the cabinets is a wood board upon which the clock sits. Just below that I ordered this piece of stained glass. It will hang on the board to help give the illusion of "curtains" to help improve the area.
I decided on this "sun, star and moon" because my husband is an amature astronomer. The window that this going up by catches the afternoon and setting sunlight. This will be great.

Observe Memorial Day


"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:
by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

by visiting memorials.

by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.
Also, please consider adding your voice in support of the efforts to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th (instead of "the last Monday in May"). This would help greatly to return the solemn meaning back to the day, and to help return minds and hearts to think upon the ultimate sacrifices made by those in service to our country. Just one day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars.

Major John McCrae
Canadian Officer

Ever Ask the Question.........

Why are Red Poppies Given out on Veterans Day?
Check the info Below for the Answer.

History of the Flanders Poppies
(Red Corn Poppy)

For many years I have found myself asking what the significance of the red poppies were in relation to Veterans Day. This year that question was asked of me and I had no answer. I did vow, however, to find the story behind the symbol. What interesting information I found.

It has been noted throughout history that after a major war red poppies seemed to pop up in the battlefields and on soldiers graves. It seems that poppy seeds lay dormant in the soil and when the soil is heavily turned or dug up it causes them to sprout. The most detailed of this event took place in WWI in Flanders Field, Belgium. In the craters where bombs fell and on the mounds of rubble, poppies bloomed everywhere. The heavily churned earth and the high concentration of lime from the limestone buildings made the perfect catalyst for the poppies to grow.

Around 1920 an American, Moina Michael, was the 1st recorded incidence of a person wearing a poppy in remembrance of lives lost in WWI. Madame E. Guerin on a visit from France heard of the idea and upon returning home began to make homemade poppies and sold them to help support the children of war. This idea quickly spread around the world. The poppies are sold in many countries with proceeds benefiting many different veteran organizations.

So the next time you see someone with poppies for a donation......dig down deep and give with pride. Know you are saying thanks and helping a worthy cause.......by supporting our vets and vets around the world.

Below, find a famous poem called ‘In Flanders Field’ written by Major John McCrae who was at Flanders Field, Belgium during WWI.

In Flanders Fields



by Major John McCrae
Canadian Officer

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.


During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.



Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day:
Mississippi: Last Monday in April
Alabama: Fourth Monday in April
Georgia: April 26
North Carolina: May 10
South Carolina: May 10
Louisiana: June 3
Tennessee (Confederate Decoration Day): June 3
Texas (Confederate Heroes Day): January 19
Virginia: Last Monday in May

THRU THE BAY WINDOW


In redoing this house, I am finding memories crashing thru my mind. We are going to be replacing this bay window in a couple of weeks. I remember this window growing up. The entire room then was Bob’s office. His huge desk, the stereo playing blues and jazz. And I remember in the 60’s when the center panels opened. The feel of the breeze as it cooled the air during summer. Of course during Bob’s lifetime, the window began to leak and he went ahead and sealed the window shut. Again, in a few weeks, the breeze will return. The new windows that will be replacing these will open. Only this time, it will be the side windows that will open. The front window will be stationary.
Also, in doing the new windows, the new glass will protect from the sun and of course be “green”. I am not really doing the replacements because of “global warming” or anything like that. The memory of the breezes is the goal. In some respects, sometimes, one does get to “go home” again.

iboob!!! This is funny. A bit off color, but funny anyway.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry..

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...





Thank you for the blessings, knowing you have given to my life...

Mickey and Minnie Mouse!! While cleaning out Mother's things, I came across this ceramic pair. They are not in the best of shape, have no tails, and their names are on their chests. They are ok, but I'm not into "Disney" stuff. I think they are from the 30's or 40's. I don't know anything about them. If you know anything about them, please let me know.
I've gotten rid of a lot of stuff. I'd say more than half of what used to be in this house is not "gone". Mostly, I gave things away as a "pay it forward" thing. It's not really difficult for me to do this ether. I hear about a lot of people having a hard time getting rid of a parent's belongings. I guess I am not one of those kind of people. I can chalk that up to waiting so long to have my own home again. Plus with having taken care of Mother for so long, and having everything arranged before she passed, it really made things easier. And Mother had the insight to make sure I had enough money to do this house the way I wanted to. Believe me I am not a cold hearted woman, just practical. I saved the really important things of hers. So, now I am really getting things the way I want them!!

Good Morning to anyone who comes to visit my blog. If you do visit, please leave a comment

Today is my 37th Wedding anniversary. Some years it feels like we'ver been married longer, some shorter. Till hubby "retired", he would be away at sea working. He used to work on oil tankers that went to Alaska and back down to California. He did that for 25 years. I kind of got used to not having him underfoot all the time. I also learned how to do just about everything too. Now, with this back thing going on, I am having to "teach" him some of the shortcuts to running a household. Now that has been really a lot of fun.
I don't expect anything from anyone today. Being that I was keeping the home fires burning on my own, I also got used to NOT having anyone even realize anniversaries, birthdays etc. That comes from being the "5th wheel" with girlfriends. Who is going to want a single married woman around some girlfriends husband?? You get the idea, so guess what, I don't really have a lot of girlfriends ether becasue they are so insecure. But, that's life I guess.
Things like that just takes a pause to remember. Girlfriends has always been on the "asking" side when they needed help or whatever. It took a lot to learn not to be be "Johnny on the spot" when people ask for help from me. I am now learning to put myself first. In my case, "what goes around, doesn't come around". I know I sound angry and maybe that's the problem. But . . . at this moment, I really don't care. With Mother's Day, which was really lonely, and now my 37 anniversary today, my wish is for to be like most of the other women I see and hear about-a day filled with just "fun" and rememberance. It's not going to happen, but that has been my wish for these long lonely 37 years.

I bet everyone thought I disapeared! The painting contractor had called us week before last and said he could do our house last week due to another job that was canceled. Of course I said "Sure". Well, hubby and I got busy and had the house empted out over the weekend including getting all the switchplates and such off.
The painters started early Monday Morning. They were great. They laid down all the paper and covered the furniture, then got started on patching, sanding, and the like. John, the boss, began the new mudding of the kitchen ceiling. Plus that was when we had out "mini-heat wave for the first 2 days. The guys did begin the primer and were finished with the second coat of primer on the second day. I should say that this is a smallhouse. 5 rooms and a bath. By the third day, the mudding was finished and the guys were beginning to apply the finishing paint. WOW, what a difference in here. Due to Mother's illness for close to 5 years, we had not been able to do anything. Mother had breathing difficulties and was on oxygen. So, the walls and such were really nasty. I also had the cabinets painted inside and out. By, Thursday the house was finished. Hubby and I waited till Sat to start putting the house back together. Even Mother's Day we worked. As soon as I get the rest of the house put back together, I will take a few more photos to show the finished job!! But, I love it!!!!

The tile job will begin on June 25th. The tile contractor will be getting together with me to pick tile and colors. Of course when they do that everything in the kitchen and bath will have to come out. It will look really cute to see the fridge in the dinning room!! They did say they would help us move the fridge and stove due to my lumbar problem.

I did have a deadline for all that I wanted done and that was by Thanksgiving. So, things are moving right along. I still have to get some window coverings for the bedrooms and living room. Plus I have to get some photos and artwork framed to finish what is going up on the walls. I found a new lampshade for a burl lamp base that my step-father had made. I did have to buy the entire lamp to get it, but it was cheaper than just ordering a lamp shade. I also found 2 ceiling lamps for the bedrooms that were on sale also. The pictures of those will be in the next blog.

Well, I'm off again . . . .