Ferry Building, San Francisco

A few weeks ago Tom and I had a fabulous, kidless weekend in San Francisco. I enjoy the fresh feeling there, and especially like the Ferry Building. I've found not many know where it is or what there is to love.

It's on the Embarcardero, but past the more famous Pier 39, at the Market Street intersection. The Ferry Building is filled with small local businesses, especially food establishments. You can find all your specialties: gourmet mushrooms (Far West Fungi), artisan cheese (Cowgirl Creamery), and delicious, warm-from-the-oven bread (Acme Bread Co.).  This trip I had a hamburger from Prather Ranch Meat Co., a delicous combination of meat, blue cheese and apple chutney. The fries were yum too, and Tom was fond of the cane sugar root beer.

The attraction for me doesn't stop at the shops. It's a fun place to people watch where, at least outside the building, you see locals jogging and protesting, taking a break from their working lives, bundled up for another day by the bay.

Jimmy Lived Here

Last month we decided to rent a cabin at Sundance ski resort, which marketed itself as "Home of a Hollywood Celebrity." After finalizing the rental I decided to google the address and see if a celebrity name turned up.

Turns out Jimmy Stewart used to own it. We love him! It certainly flavored our time there.

This was our first experience with the concept of renting a place and inviting everyone to come visit, and it turned out to be the best way to see family and friends and feel you had a vacation too.

 We also went tubing at Soldier Hollow in Midway. We had so much fun listening to country music while being pulled up the hill via rope tow. That day made for some great family memories!

My Running Career

Let me begin by saying it's all Tom's fault. He decided when turning 49 that, by the age of 50, he wanted to be "in the best shape of my life." Nicely, he asked if I wanted to join him in his fitness quest. So he's been working out with a trainer and has new muscles neither of us knew he was capable of having. I joined a running class, was professionally fitted for great running shoes, and began working with a certified running coach.

Six weeks later . . . and I'm hurting! While running last week my knee, and then my hip, began hurting. It's only gotten worse. No fall, no "pop," just noticed an achy sort of pain. I started walking and didn't push myself, but apparently I've suffered a running injury. My primary care doctor said to give it five days, take anti-inflammatories, and stretch.

I'm making an appointment to see a specialist tomorrow. I foresee surgery.

But maybe it won't be as bad as I fear.

I really miss moving freely. I even miss exercising. I don't believe I am meant to be a runner.

Out of Control

"Out of Control" by Heath Robbins

This painting made me laugh until tears were rolling down my cheeks! Talk about art which makes a connection with it's audience . . . .

You need the backstory. It's Thanksgiving morning. I'm preparing for 25 guests. This past week each of us have succumbed to a stomach virus (except Bryce, thank heavens). Kids have been home all week. Husband has been at work or in bed (worse). Get it?

Each time I take a look at the painting I see something new to enjoy. Because no matter how crazy this week has seemed, it never compares to this poor mom in "Out of Control" by Heath Robbins. Enjoy!

Yes, We Bowl

It all started with Elijah's marble jar. If he filled his mason jar by making "Good Choices" then he could do something fun. It took a month to fill his jar. His request? To go bowling with his good friend M.

Two months (and daily prayers) later, we finally went bowling with Ms family. To spice things up we agreed the winners' picture would be posted on the loser's blog.


We are officially The Winners but the scoreboard doesn't tell the whole truth. I gave myself a spare by resetting the pins (good trick--have to remember that one). T. gave me my second strike in the last frame (way to distract, Tom!).

Elijah is earning more marbles. This time he's aiming for Boomerang's with his buddy N.

Tom is my Ken Doll

Tom has made it clear: he needs (wants) new clothes for Christmas. He wants to update his look for work which in the past has been jeans and a company logo golf shirt (he works for a software company where the dress is "wear anything you want").

I haven't shopped for him in a while and don't feel current with male trends, so I've turned to the internet for advice. And found there is little to help.

But I like this look. Tom would say "I don't like v-necks" and "I don't like t-shirts under sweaters which hang out the bottom."

But I say "Get used to it, because I like this look and you gave me the job."

He is my Ken doll. Pictures to follow.

Through Grayson's Eyes

I sometimes download pictures and discover Grayson has taken a few on his own. It's always fun to look at the world through his eyes.

I especially love that the pumpkin one reveals the little sneak himself!

Help! New Template Needed

I seem to be using the old "classic" blog template. I need advice on how to convert my blog to the new template (xml??) to give my blog a new look. Anyone gone through this process already who can give me some help?

It's Official

Elijah is officially a "big boy." He is potty trained day and night, #1 and #2. I really didn't even get the game going until a week before school started. We bought the Elmo pants and a bag of Skittles and we were good to go. As you can see, he's very comfortable in his Elmo's--he ran outside with a piece of sidewalk chalk and laid down to trace himself on the front driveway. I just had to let him enjoy his freedom!

Redd up the Dishes

My mother's family always used an odd phrase when it was time to clean up after a meal: let's redd up the dishes.

This is not a phrase I've tried to pass along. All right, I'll admit I assumed it was some hillbilly cluster of words which unexplainedly ended up in our family line. Tonight I decided to research the origins and found this:

redd (v.)
c.1425, "to clear" (a space, etc.), from O.E. hreddan "to save, to deliver, recover, rescue," from P.Gmc. *hradjan. Sense evolution tended to merge with unrelated rid. Also possibly infl. by O.E. rædan "to arrange," related to O.E. geræde, source of ready. A dialect word in Scotland and northern England, where it has had senses of "to fix" (boundaries), "to comb" (hair), "to separate" (combatants), "to settle" (a quarrel). The exception to the limited use is the meaning "to put in order, to make neat or trim" (1718), especially in redd up, which is in general use in England and the U.S. Use of the same phrase, in the same sense, in Pennsylvania Dutch may be from cognate Low Ger. and Du. redden, obviously connected historically to the Eng. word, "but the origin and relationship of the forms is no clear" [OED].

Now that I know "redd up" is actually from Old English and must have been brought over from a Scottish great-grandmother, I find the phrase acceptable. Quaint, even.

It's time for me to redd up my face and go to bed.

Blanding: Basecamp to Adventure

We spent the past week in Blanding, UT, where my dad grew up. He and mom live there each summer and we love to visit. Dad grows an awesome garden . . .

We rented ATVs and drove up to Mom and Dad's 40 acres on the mesa north of town.

A few of the brave, hardworking ones spent an afternoon picking four bushels of free peaches from an orchard Dad heard about in Colorado. The rest went home and played card games. Slackers!

One the way home from picking peaches we saw five beautiful bucks, like this one.

Grayson's sharp eyes saw this horned toad while we were out hiking.

Tired boys at the hotel on the way home. Notice the pillows between them to ensure each stayed on their own side.

We made so many memories this summer. Still, we're glad to be home . . . our own "basecamp to adventure!"

Encapsulation

We were lucky to get Curt and Carly in Texas for a few days in July. Of course, we had to take advantage and get a family picture.

You'd never know this was taken on a sweltering July morning, that Elijah screamed the first time we tried (this is day 2), or that we're standing at the vacant lot across the street from our house.

Family pictures catch those rare moments when you're smiling together and everyone's eyes are opened. What we should do is have the video camera running to show the mayhem which proceeds the picture. The true essence of a family at its best and its craziest lies in those moments getting ready for the camera.

Yet, the moment is captured and now all I can see is Grayson's exhuberant smile, Elijah's hand on Bryce, Carly and Curt looking like their own family, and Tom, as always, by my side.

True Grit

This is my younger brother, Greg. He has cerebal palsy, and the past few years his balance has been growing more unsteady. He's had quite a few falls and now often freezes up in fear when he walks. It's hard to see this progression, because he's very social and has always enjoyed getting out and going places. We were at the park last week and as I pushed Grayson and Elijah on the swing I offered to push him as well, but he was very nervous. He actually sat down and tried, but couldn't do it. I then witnessed a moment of true grit--he clenched his teeth and made himself sit down again and he was able to enjoy freely gliding through the air. Greg's example makes me want to try when I tell myself I can't, try again when I've already given up, and keep trying no matter how old I am.

We Take You To This Important News Update

All right, it's not really important, but here are the latest happenings in our lives.

Tom and I enjoyed our three days at Mt. Nebo State Park in Arkansas. We were there for some great Fall folliage and loved the time spent hiking, watching movies (five), mountain biking (two hours through gorgeous country but I wasn't sure I was going to make it near the end), and sleeping in (my latest time was 7:40 a.m.). Thanks to Julie and Grandma and Grandpa for watching the boys for us.

I really liked our Thanksgiving this year. I love my husband's family--they are a fun bunch. Everyone pitches in cooking, cleaning and watching kids and we somehow get in some good visits and games too. I tried Giada De Laurentiis' Citrus Herb Turkey recipe and had a food thermometer in the breast to give me a good indication of when the meat was cooked. I took it out and the breast was perfect, but had to put the rest back in. It eventually cooked. The next day I made Tom's family's traditional Turkey Noodle Soup. Yum!

As for Christmas, the kids and I decorated one tree and another is up and lit. I told Tom I'd stay up late tonight to finish . . . I enjoy when the kids wake up and are surprised. Grayson has a construction paper link advent calendar, and boy does he bound out of bed in the morning to remove the next link. We are also the proud owners of the very kitsch outdoor Santa and the Reindeer Teeter Totter, to go with our Stepping Up the Ladder Santa in front of the fireplace. Tom has been very persuasive in his argument that for us, Christmas decorating is more for the kids than an artistic expression. We're having fun giving the little boys a sense of wonder and excitement.

Last FHE we had a beautiful few moments. We lit candles around the fireplace and turned out all the lights. We brought out the children's nativity and talked about Mary and Joseph and their trip to Bethlehem and then sang "Away in a Manger." We added the shepherds and angel and sheep and wise men and sang "Stars Were Gleaming." I loved beginning our Christmas season that way. It's surprising how some of the simplest moments can also be the most spiritual.

And that's our news update.

Sweater and Sock Weather

I know Fall is truly here because it's finally cool enough to warrant wearing a sweater and socks in my home. I like to put off turning on the furnace as long as possible! We also had potato soup and homemade rolls yesterday for dinner (along with cake and ice cream), another indicator. My dad grew the potatoes in his summer garden and my sister makes the best homemade rolls ever. Mom still makes her own frosting (not from a can) and almost always adds peanut butter, her secret ingredient.

One of my best qualities, I feel, is that I always look forward to and enjoy the upcoming season. I love how nature moves us along and tells us when to get energized or when to slow down and enjoy simple things; when to be outward or when it's time to bring it inside. I'm ready for FHE by firelight, playing "Go Fish" in our jammies and having (almost) everyone I love at my home to carve the turkey and pronounce our annual "I'm grateful for . . . " sparkling cider toasts. I can smell the pie already.

Our Fall Getaway

I just reserved a "rustic cabin" for two in November at Mt. Nebo State Park in Arkansas. The cabins were built by the CCC in the 1930s and are made from logs and stone and have gorgeous views from the top of Mt. Nebo. Tom and I are looking forward to Fall leaves, a crackling fireplace, hiking, long naps, reading and playing Boggle. Heaven! Thanks to mom and dad for making it possible by watching our kids.

Garage Sale Christmas

The annual Bridlewood Garage Sale happened yesterday and I was one happy buyer. I've decided to make it a garage sale Christmas and have gotten off to a good start. Things I noticed this year: tons of CDs for sale thanks to MP3 players; cars and motocycles are now common garage sale items; the "never hurts to ask if they have any" philosphy yielded a bonanza but I still had to talk them down in price; and no one had any vintage jewelry. Word has gotten out!

My rules for a neighborhood sale:

1) Start early (buy when they're setting things out)

2) Begin in the rear of the neighborhood and move forward

3) Don't ask what they want for an un-tagged item--make them an offer!

4) Don't be afraid to ask for less than the tagged price: "would you take ___ for this?" and negotiate from there.

Remember, you're doing them a service! If they want a better deal they'll have to ebay it or consign it. They just want to get rid of it.

A Tale of Two Brothers

Once upon a time there were two brothers, one very big and one much smaller.

They grew up together in a land covered in blossoms.

A fierce storm came and blanketed their world in heavy snow.

They soon fell into a deep slumber.

The big brother awoke and, seeing his smaller brother asleep, dipped him into a refreshing bath.

He saved his smaller brother from hypothermia! And they lived (mostly) happily ever after.

The End

My Top Ten Inventions

I was preparing Sunday dinner this morning in my modern kitchen and started thinking of all the technology I embrace on a daily basis. It's strange to think my children have no concept of life without a cell phone, much as I couldn't imagine my grandparents living without electricity. Here are my favorite top ten inventions widely released during my lifetime:

1) Infertility Treatments: Tom and I would be childless without medical intervention and the world would be less rich without Carly, Bryce, Grayson and Elijah.







2) Coronary Bypass Surgery: OK, this was officially invented in 1960 but became widely practiced (and safer) only after I was born. Ten years ago my mother had quintuple bypass surgery and I can't imagine life without her.






3) Microwave Oven: I use it every day and remember when my family finally got one around my senior year in high school.



4) Personal Computer/Internet: my favorite uses are shopping (esp Christmas), researching (always looking for the best bargain or highest rated), email, transferring information, blogs (in moderation). Our family was surprisingly one of the first to have a PC, the beloved TRS 80.




5) Cell Phone: Tom had our first, a business car phone. It wasn't mobile. Know the difference?





6) Remote Control: Remember when you used to watch commercials?






7) Bulk Shopping: Costco, Sam's Club, Super Target, Ross, TJMaxx, Marshalls . . .






8) Digital Camera: We have very few pictures of our early years together. Sad, but true. We also still use our first and only digital camera. Again, sad but true.





9) VCR: Again, my family was slow to hop aboard; I think we had one in the home my sophomore year of high school.




10) Food storage: Not the two-year-supply type. I'm talking Ziplock bags and Glade Press n Seal. Press and Seal has changed my life.

Didn't make the cut: the Ipod (I listen to Tom's but still haven't opened the one he gave me for mother's day. If we had a car which utilized the ipod I'd be all over it. As Grayson's mom I have to keep ears open at all times); tooth whitening (I've only used one box of Crest Whitestrips, years ago. Is that too much information?)

Additions, anyone??