Changes

Once I moved my beloved armoire out of the living room, I realized I was inconvenienced by my loyalty to certain disfunctional household items.  Next to go was my 1950's stove that I have cooked on for over 20 years.  Joey says we have many pieces of oppressive furniture that should probably go.  And speaking of oppressive, my front yard has been the scurge of my garden life.  Nothing grows.  Once again, the large, beautiful, and oppressive oak trees that surround our house dictate what can grow.  I have tried every plant or grass that you could imagine...except the cactus.  So, now I am planting a cactus garden in my front yard.  Wish me luck.

My new stove!

Note:  I seem to get headaches when I am on the computer so I am limiting the time I use it.  I think I will stop facebook and emails for the most part.  If you need to reach me it is best to text message me. 

Fall Is Here

The day is dark and cloudy.  Rain is on its way.  I am greatful for the rain, but worry for those that live in the burn areas.  California is bound to have mudslides.  I ran out to cut more herbs before they get wet and soggy.  I have hung them out to dry.  The cool weather makes me want to bake.  So banana muffins went into the oven.  To help enjoy the muffins I made black tea with fresh ginger and a bit of honey.  It was delicious.

La Playa Fantastica!

Leonard and I went camping at Carpenteria Thursday and Friday.  The temperature was in the high 80's.  It was so hot I had to go boogie boarding.  On Friday, while boarding, I saw dolphins, a seal (we were eye to eye in the water), and a pelican, which dove right in front of me.  It was very exciting.  Lenny visited all Friday.  In the evening we went to UCSB and watched a Gaucho soccer game against Indiana.  It was a hoot.  The students are wild and fun.  They throw tortillas onto the field.  By the half time there appeared to be at least 100 tortillas on the field.  Camping in the truck is proving to be a great success.  It is easy to do at Carpenteria because you are next to the town.  If you want to get something you can just walk to the grocery store, the hardware store, restaurant, etc.  Leonard is an obsessive, compulsive planner, and I...am not.  So it works for the both of us.

I Finally Download iTunes

I don't have an ipod, but I downloaded iTunes on my computer.  Now, every morning I can listen to my newest, favorite song, "Heavenly Day (Live)", by Patty Griffin.  I also have a newest, favorite film on DVD, although, I don't think it is a new film, Dinner Rush. 

New Side Bar

There has been much discussion around the dinner table regarding the economy, politics, education, etc. Although the topics are serious our discussions always disintegrate into humor which falls quickly into the ridiculous and absurd. The boys feed of each other and encourage each one step over the line of good taste and decorum. And, though much can not and should not be repeated, I have to acknowledge Luke for his clever sense of humor. I have decided to add a list of Luke's ideas and insights to my blog (list on the right). Most are humorous, but some are serious and provocative. Since humor is often confused with serious in written word I will distinguish between the two. Enjoy.

Letter From My Grandmother, October 18, 1978

Today I went through one of my mother's boxes of letters and photos. I found the following letter from my grandmother written when I was a month shy of eighteen. She encourages me to take up art. Apparently she even mailed paints for me to work with. In my mother's box I also found a letter written to my mother from my sister, Patty. She tells my mother that I am discouraged with college and have decided to become an artist. I have no idea why my mother chose to save these letters. I never remember wanting to become an artist. Nor did I ever even entertain the idea that I was capable of becoming an artist. Luke says that maybe they saw something in me that I did not. Maybe it is a message from my mother and grandmother. Maybe. So, if I become a famous artist in the future you will know that I was lead by the spirits of my mother and grandmother. And if I don't...oh well, they tried.

**********

Briscoe, Texas

Oct. 18, 1978

Dearest Christi Ann: (Pa Po 'oves)

I will dash you off a few lines to say "Howdy". We are busy as can be so I don't have much time now, but when it gets too cold to work outside then I can have more time to write.

I am wondering if you got your paint set I sent you? And did you get the $20 I sent you back from the money you left here for phone calls? You are a good kid & (repeat) Pa po 'oves.

I hope you can see your way clear to take some art classes. I think that would be a lot of fun. I took art 3 months one time & my art teacher got married & left town. I always had it in the back of my mind to paint with oils. But in the mad rush I never got slowed down to do all that. So time went on & I got involved in a lot of other projects. Then when I was 65 years old some women at Allison went to Wheeler where a man was teaching an art class. They wanted me to go. I said, "no, I don't want to spend my time that way. I have so many other irons in the fire." So if you don't do things at a certain time in your life you don't get them done. I talked Bill into going back to school & getting his degree. He just lacked a very litttle bit. So he took a spanish course and said "never again". So he will not do that.

This has started out to be a miserable letter hasn't it? But really things are looking up. As long as a person is able to get out of bed & put on their clothes & sally forth everything is O.K.

We are doing fine here. Having beautiful weather. We have been making shelves in the patio. I have it full to over flowing. I wish you could see it. I have a lot of exotic plants and they have grown out of bounds. I have orchids & orchid catus & everything else you can imagine. It is a source of great pleasure for me. I have some double petunias that I must dig up & bring in & also some more geraniums. I planted some lily, stock & pansy seed & they are up ready to pot. I am going to make that bed in front of the house higher & set out it to pansies. I am going to fix up the front yard next spring. I already have more than I can get done. Last fall we put a new roof on the old green house.

Do you remember those baby cats that the mama cat hid? They are half grown & 2 are fuzzy. We cleaned out the old house & she brought them out into the well house. They are so cute but they won't let us pet them & Sam & Sarah don't have time to gentle them down. They come over & watch TV on Sat. some. The are involved with school. Sarah has the brownies (girl scout) & Sam has basketball. Sandy takes them to Wheeler Thursdays for dancing & gymnastics. They enjoy that.

James & Bea are in Dallas. James is operating a crane on the 11th floor of a building they are putting up. He lifts thing up from the ground. They have an apartment & the girls like school. They were here 2 wks ago. I kinda look for them this wkend. June & Kevin are in Okla. City. They came up 2 wks ago when James' were here. We had a real good time. The boys hunted dove & enjoyed that.

Your Uncle Jim is still blowing & going. He is putting the doors & windows in his house. I cook them dinner on days he takes off work to do his house which isn't very often. He has been working 3 hours in the evenings on it. It really is shaping up good. He has the roof on.

Uncle Ray is really blowing & going. I talked to him and he said he was going to do a little different. He gets so involved in chasing the elusive dollar that he forgets everything else. I said "yes, you can't see the forest for the trees." You don't live but one time. You don't go around a second time. And you must always think positive thoughts. Negative thoughts are a drag & really too expensive because they cut down your go & slow you down. Granny, do you remember her? used to say worry is bound to help because what you worry about most seldom happen.

A few times in my life I have grabbed a sheet of paper & written down my thoughts. It would consist of what I had accomplished & my flowers & end up about the weather. Then I would stash them in a note book or drawer. Years later I would run on to them & enjoy reading them very much. But I regret that I didn't do that more often. I wrote some family history when Mama was alive. I found that the other day. My grandmother used to keep a diary. But I never wanted to write every day. It would go too much like this. Well, everything fell apart again today. If one is going (to) write say something good & cheery. "Laugh & the world laughs with you, sigh & you sigh alone, for the dreary old earth must borrow its mirth, it has enough grief of its own."

Bill's & Danny's went to Scotland & England. Bill's were here this weekend & had a picture show. It was in color & just like being there. People say to me I looked up my family history & I have a castle in Scotland. Bill found 3 of them & brought me a rock from the Crawford castle. It was in ruins & the oldest one. He traced it back to 500 A.D. I must shut this down. Write & stay well.

Love ya,

Pa Po & Claude

Mabel and Lee

Gina Comes And Saves The Day!

We needed bedding for our new truck traveling getup so I purchased foam pads and planned to make removable covers for them. The plan seemed simple enough so I didn't worry about the issue of having sold my sewing machine at a garage sale. No problem. I would simply sew the covers by hand as I casually watched TV. How could such a simple plan go awry? First off, the concept of "slipping off" cotton covers from foam pads is a near impossibility. I had to keep modifying my pattern, which meant tearing out seams that took a ridiculous amount of time to sew. After hours of frustration my head began to throb, my vision blurred (which was probably brought on by the first 2 hours of working without glasses, which lead to tearing out more seams), and panic was setting in. I knew if I continued I would start cutting things that shouldn't be cut, which would lead to going to the store to purchase additional material. And of course, I had already purchased all the material. I would have to redesign my project using two types of material. This project was never going to end and would cost the equivalent of a designer mattress with custom silk sheets. HELP! I called my dear friend, Gina. She was over in 5 minutes, sewing machine tucked under her arm. She plopped down on my bedroom floor and started sewing seams. When she realized the complexity of sliding on and off the covers she made me look online for a solution. I was incredulous. How do you look up "making cotton slipcovers that slip on"? But, alas, it was there. The trick is to wrap the foam in large trash bags, slip on the covers then pull the trash bags off. It was ingenious. Of course, taking them off will still be difficult. But, at least it is better than buying $100 worth of Velcro, tearing out the long side seams and sewing it all back together. So thank you, Gina. You saved the day.

By the way, our maiden voyage is tomorrow. We are going to Carpenteria. Leonard has to work in Santa Barbara and I will be moving Lenny into his new crib (graduate housing). We are spending the night at the campground. We will see how it works out. Note to self: Make sure all the straight pens are out of the mattress covers.

Additional note: The mattress cover is the black material in the background of the picture, not the sheet in Gina's lap. I was temporarily side tracked with a plan which proved unsuccessful.

Leonard Redeems Himself With A New Project

Although Leonard put a kink into my camping plans he redeemed himself by rebuilding the back of the truck for improved camping experience. I convinced the boys to help their dad and it was a family project. Leonard is trying to organize the truck so we can both sleep in the back of the truck and have storage below. We slept in the truck Sat. night. It was a success!

Walking Plans Change Again

Well, today Leonard is dropping me off at the beach, but not in Ventura. He has to meet a client in Santa Barbara and help Lenny move so he convinced me to walk in Santa Barbara. That means I won't get to camp out for the night. I am afraid I let Leonard bully me into the changes. He starts in with the, "Why are you going there?", "What are you going to do?", blah, blah, blah. We argued all weekend (mainly about family). The boys told us we needed to learn to compromise. I said I do. And, the boys said, "No you don't, Mom. You fold.". I guess I folded again. But, we're getting along right now and I want the weekend to go smoothly. In all fairness, Leonard is very nervous about the lack of work. The boys can really stress him out and then he doesn't have the motivation needed to get through these tough times. In this economy if you are not ambitious, driven, and very creative, you won't make it. Unofrtunately, I am having to be all three for Leonard while he does all the work. It is easy to be ambitious, driven, and creative when you don't have to do the work. Whereas, it is miserable to work when you are not ambitious, driven, or creative. Oh well, I'll get in a good walk.

I Made It!

It took all day but I made it from my house to Hwy 126. The walk was 13 miles and when Leonard picked me up it was 96 degrees. I am exhausted and too sore to sleep. The reflective heat against the concrete and asphalt walkways was almost too much. I knew I was hitting a danger point at the end when I went past hot and started thinking that the heat felt good. At the same time I started to fill my stomach contents trying to rise. I decided I had better find some shade, rest a bit, and slowly drink water. It worked and I was able to finish my walk.

Luckily, Joey got a job working at a machine shop for his girlfriend's dad. He makes airplane bolts. I say I am lucky because he can't drive me to Ventura tomorrow. I am too wiped out to walk tomorrow. Leonard has to go to Santa Barbara on Friday so he can drop me off and I can walk to the campground. I hope they will have a space available.

Although I am completely exhausted, I love the feeling. I used to love Fridays when I would go to puck practice for two hours then play three games of hockey later that night. I look better after my walk. I am an outdoors person. I was not meant to be a House Frau.

Just When You Head In One Direction Life Takes A Turn

After a week of classes at HSU Joey decided he had made a mistake. He wanted to come home and he was serious. Everyone was shocked Leonard and I didn't make him stay, but we were investing all our savings in our kids college. It may have been an important life lesson for Joey to stay, but our economic situation does not allow us the luxury of investing in anyone that is not absolutely sure they know what they are doing. Considering Joey is eighteen, involved with a girlfriend at home, and home is so far away, the chances for success are probably equal to the chances for failure. Dropping out immediately allows him to keep his record clear and avoid failing grades. Lenny thinks most kids should go to junior college first. He is probably right. Leonard is very disappointed and worried that Joey is allowing his first girlfriend too much control over his future. Joey is my third son. I've been through this before. Like his brothers, Joey is intelligent, interesting, and hard working. He will be fine.

My biggest disappointment with Joey coming home was I had already made plans for myself. For the first time in many years I was going to focus on myself and not on cooking, cleaning, and laundry. So, to be at peace with the change in plans I made new rules. Joey and Luke had to shop, cook, and clean...to my specifications. No arguments and complaints allowed. As for me, I am going on my walkabout. I bought a small pack and supplies. Today I will try to walk to Hwy 126. Initially, I planned to walk to the beach, staying at a hotel the first night then getting a ride through the 126, and walking through Ventura to a campground where Joey will have dropped off my camping supplies. My plans are complicated by my arthritis. I can't sleep on a simple hiking bed roll or carry too much in my pack. I decided the economy just doesn't allow me to do this right now. I need to cancel the hotel part of my plan. Today I will walk to the 126 then someone will bring me home for the night and drop me off in Ventura tomorrow.

Will I succeed? Who knows. Luke is getting over what appears to be the swine flu. I could get it any minute. By the way, Luke did not get very sick. Last years flu was much, much worse. How long will I walk? Until I don't want to walk anymore. On Saturday Lenny has to be out of his student apartment. He will come home for a couple of weeks before he moves back to student housing. On Friday or Saturday I will have him pick me up wherever I am at the time.

Look for me walking through town. I'm off!

Arcata Plaza During Farmers Market

During Farmers Market the plaza fills up with musicians, jugglers, and entertainers. It was great fun and a chance to see what the locals are all about.

A group of locals form a drumline and circle the plaza lead by a self proclaimed band leader. The children follow the parade dancing and holding flags.

The band leader was enthusiastic and entertaining.

Locals watch a jazz trio. Beautiful music.

Locals. Guy in the yellow shirt has a lovely carved piece of redwood in his ear.


The plaza empties out as soom as the vendors leave.

Warning signs are the result of the Alaska quake in the 60's which caused the tsunami in Crescent City 80 miles north of here. The warning went off when Joey and I were hiking around the nature trails in the marsh area. It was short lived so we decided it was a test. When I got home I heard that Alaska had a 5.9 quake. Maybe the alarm we heard was an almost event they canceled.

I noticed Joey looked just like Caesar on his shirt.

This is the front entrance to Humboldt. The new apartments will be ready next year.

If you haven't already, start with blog posted below, "Joey Checks In At Humboldt". Outside of Wildlife Department

Joey and polar bear inside department

Some friendly faces in the stairwell.

You can not appreciate how large this wolf is. His head came to my chest.

Joey in the hallway.

This room has four walls of stuffed birds. Joey wanted to stand by the volture.

More friendly faces on the wall in the bird room

Looking from the top of campus. The rest of the campus is below with Humboldt Bay in the distance.

The track and football field is in a bowl surrounded by redwoods. The bowl was dug out as part of the government's Works Project. The campus is 100 years old.

Redwoods are throughout the campus.

This is one of the new buildings that house indoor pool, new basketball gym, dance and fencing rooms, kineseology dept, etc. It is beautiful.

No doubt Joey will be spending a lot of time at his Aunt Nancy's house. She is just 10 minutes away. Photo: Nancy holding Neveah, Ray, Elaina (not sure how to spell), and Joey. Joey looks a lot like his Aunt Nancy. They also have a similar personality. I think they will enjoy each other.

Joey plays with the girls.

Joey Checks In At Humboldt

After 10 1/2 hours of driving we arrive at Arcata. We went directly to check in at HSU, or Hills and Stairs University as it is also known.

Joey unpacks his truck.

This is check in for housing which is the beginning of the long climb up to Joey's dorm room.

1st set of stairs

2nd set of stairs

3rd set of stairs

4th set of stairs

5th set of stairs

6th set of stairs. Could we be there yet? Oh, no.

Yikes! This one killed me. At the top of these stairs you are at the bottom of Joey's dorm building. "Which floor?", you ask. The 3rd floor and no elevator.

1st set of dorm room stairs

2nd set

3rd set

4th set

Ah, we are finally in the room. We went up and down those stairs some ungodly number of times. Joey will have legs of steel.

Tomorrow I will post more pictures of the campus, Joey, Leonard, and Luke. We had a great time. Arcata is like no other place. The locals are from a time warp. It is the 70's all over again. I say all the people who are too freaky for San Francisco come up to Arcata. The campus is not so freaky. And, Joey's department of Wildlife Studies is very impressive. There will be pictures of a polar bear, wolf, and voltures. So, be sure and check in on the blog.

Extra Updates

Another copy of Luke's artwork. I love his work. He has such beautiful use of color and movement. Luke is also joining a rugby team. He still does his mixed martial arts. What's a mother to do? Speaking of sports teams, Patty is joining a softball team from work. Go Patty!



On Thursday Joey, Kaleigh, Joey's friend, Nick, Gina, Steven, Alan and I went to see Spamalot at the Ahmanson Theater. It was hysterical. Even the program was funny. I will have to scan the cast of characters and email it to Sarah Jane. She will enjoy the humor. I also plan to show Kimmo and Kristina Pylvanainen the next time I see them. The program makes fun of Finland. Go see the play if you like Monty Python.

Joey And I Visit Grandma, Grandpa, And Family

Joey and I wanted to visit Grandma and Grandpa before Joey leaves for HSU. Plus, Grandpa's birthday is Sunday. Everyone was out at Mountain Lakes. Sarah and David were trying out their new 5th wheel. It's a beauty. Not all my pictures came out, so I don't have photos of Keren, Frank, and Seth. Next time. The weather was great. We only stayed a couple of hours, but had a good time. Leonard and I will have to take the trailer some time.

Grandma Sarah and Sarah

Raquel, Summer, Sarah, David, and Alexa

Summer, Sarah, and Alexa in the 5th wheel

David in his man-vehicle

Raquel and Enoch

Grandpa Chet and Selah

Mia

Scott and Debbie (they are both standing!)

Sal