Sweet! . . . .

Not much exciting happens in our little town but something GREAT happened last week. Barnes and Noble opened a store on Pacific Avenue directly across the street from Pacific University. I stopped by today and it is a cool store with lots of books to buy. It is called Barnes and Noble at Pacific University, but they carry all different kinds of reads..not only $200.00+ textbooks. They sell lots of Pacific University gift shop type items, sweatshirts, mugs, hats, stuff like that. Now...if they can just keep it open so it won't become another short lived business that soon becomes an antique store! Stop by and shop if you are in town!!

Cultural experience . . .

We attended a full blown traditional Vietnamese wedding & reception yesterday....yes, I say yesterday because it was an all day and into the late evening event. A good friend of Dale's that he works with and also plays pool with was getting married. The wedding was held in Northeast Portland in the biggest Vietnamese church I have ever seen, the service was a Catholic mass, completely spoken in Vietnamese (I understood some parts of the mass being a longtime Catholic girl). Lots of singing, flowers, video, photographs, beautiful traditional gowns, etc. We sort of just sat there in a daze since we had no idea what was being said. That lasted for about 2 hours. Then on to the reception that was held in Southeast Portland at a huge restaurant banquet room. When you walk into the reception, every guest is photographed with the bride and groom. I don't know how they did it..there had to be over 450 people there. Then you were seated for a formal 7 course meal. Appetizer ( scallops, squid, sauteed in onions & cilantro), Soup (crab & fish), Shrimp paste, Quail, Lobster (in some to die for sauce), Oranges/Grapes, some kind of Vietnamese cake that was wonderful. All while being served nonstop champagne, soft drinks, and a traditional tea (with whiskey in it, I thought it was gross, but Dale liked it). They had all the family members come up front to be introduced. Many came from all over the country. Lots of the cutest kids all dressed up running around and having a good time. Then the dancing started with really loud Vietnamese music..and everyone was having a great time, that was our time to exit . . . So here's to our friends Xuyen and Thao wishing you a long and happy life together!!

Lunch with old friends . . .

Today I met some old friends/former coworkers for lunch..people I use to work with back when I worked at St. Vincent Hospital. During my 19 year tenure there, I never really thought that someday I would really miss them later. Ultimately, when you work..it doesn't really matter what you do..it's the people you work with that determine whether you have a great time on the job...or an unpleasant (I'll say it...shitty) time on the job. These particular individuals worked hard when I was there, and still do but all in different capacities. I was their supervisor or manager in some cases and it's nice to know that they think enough of me to get together occasionally. I can honestly say the hardest thing I have ever done in my life was when I left St. Vincent's. Going through the corporate reorganization of Providence Health System and trying to find my place in that new organization was the most stressful time I have ever experienced. I could write a book about the whole emotional rollercoaster actually. I know my family still doesn't know completely why I left the big salary (oh yeah, way bigger than the school district), prominent management position, perks, etc. I had with the health system. I know I disappointed them when I left. I think when you reach a point in your career when you are saying, "this is not something I am going to put up with anymore" and you find yourself saying it everyday...you need to leave. I put up with egos (physician's..huge), arrogance, sexual harrassment (I can't begin to tell you), the late long hours, westside vs. eastside mentality, many miles of commuting, less experienced people being placed in jobs over more experienced people, it was absolutely horrible. I miss the work at times, I miss the old friends the most, but we still get together, and that's what counts....

Don't mess with me today . .

Arrrgghhh...you know who I am talking about...the someone you might work with that has the "it's not my job" attitude......well, today....they are on my last nerve!!

Someone has to go...and they have to go NOW!

In the evenings I can be sitting innocently watching the TV when all of a sudden it happens.......I try to ignore it...I can't help it !! it won't go away.......I think..."this is stupid..it is 9:00 at night I should be getting settled watching a show or reading a book before bed".. but no.......the thought persists... So this is when I make the announcement,
"DOES ANYBODY ELSE WANT SOME DAIRY QUEEN???"

And of course.....part of the game in our house is that whoever cannot hold out (because everybody here LOVES ice cream) and ends up making the announcement...is the one who has to go order...but tonight I don't care....I cannot go to bed without some Dairy Queen. Usually I order a Butterfinger Blizzard, my fav. We have tried the new waffle cone sundaes and they are really good too.. When the craving is satisfied with the delicious treat....nothing is greater...I mean nothing.
There is a vicious rumor in our small town that our Dairy Queen is closing and going to become a Carl's JR!!! Well, that is just not acceptable...besides I can't be driving clear to the next town when the calling comes....NO..NO... I will have to go to the City Council...it simply cannot happen...matter of fact I think I will go to Dairy Queen right now and just get comfortable in a booth until the horrible rumor passes.....can I order you anything???

Ebay has changed everything . . . .

It use to be in the "old" days...you know a couple years ago. You could have a garage sale (like I did this weekend) by just dumping stuff on tables in the garage or on the driveway, mark things at a reasonable price (cheap) and things would fly off the tables. Now, nearly everybody that shops say's, "I think I could get a better deal for that on Ebay"..or "I've seen that on Ebay for way cheaper"...great, just great.....I take all week to carefully mark what I feel is a fair "garage sale" price for something and the dreaded "Ebay" comment continues to pop up over and over again.
I love Ebay ... don't get me wrong. I am a shopper on their website, but it really has changed the resale of used items in a big way. Now when I pack up the things that didn't sell at my sale, I think...hmmmm...maybe I shouldn't take that to Goodwill, maybe I should try to sell it on Ebay. More work...arrghh..just like having a double garage sale (nope...no way).....I only like to buy on Ebay..it's a pain to sell, posting ad's, taking pictures of stuff, boxing, shipping too much work...don't want to go there...no time... So, if you want to check out some good deals this week head to the Forest Grove Goodwill Store..you will find some great new treasures there...just delivered today..happy shopping!

Yum.........

Worth sharing .....

Dulce De Leche Ice Cream Torte

Ingredients:

2c. finely crushed purchased shortbread or pecan shortbread cookies (about 10oz)

3T butter, melted

2 pints dulce de leche ice cream

2/3c. roasted, lightly salted cashews, coarsely chopped

1 recipe of Pineapple topping (below)

Preparation:

1. In medium bowl combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press half of cookie

crumb mixture (about 1cup) evenly onto bottom of an 8X8X1 7/8 disposable foil pan or 9X9X2 baking pan. Set aside. Soften half the ice cream. Carefully spread softened ice cream over cookie crumb layer in pan. Top with half of the nuts. Sprinkle remaining cookie crumb mixture over layers in pan. Cover and freeze for 1 to 2 hours or until firm.

2. Soften remaining ice cream, carefully spread over frozen layers in pan. Cover and freeze overnight or until very firm.

3. To serve, top with remaining cashews. Cut into squares and serve with pineapple topping.

Pineapple topping - In large skillet, melt 2T butter. Add 3T packed brown sugar; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add 2c peeled, cored, and cubed fresh pineapple; stir to coat. Serve at once or cover and chill up to 3 days; reheat before using.

Just breathe . . . . .

We were lucky last week on vacation to see lots of wildlife on the property. Not always when we are around are the critters wandering too. This time was different, lots of sightings.... There were deer, wild turkeys, quail, rattlesnake (yes we saw one, but it was "just" dead..gone the next day...hawks buffet I'm sure), wild bunnies and lizards (of course).

Nighttime skys were crystal clear we even broke out the telescope and checked out some of the brightest stars..after 2 days back at work..wish I was staring at the stars again.

No Minors beyond this Point - July 16, 2007

LAST ONE....TWENTY ONE!!!!!! Happy Birthday Andy !!!!!!!!!!!!

Shame on University of Oregon . . .

• University of Oregon drops the mens collegiate Wrestling program to allow the return of Baseball at the university.

After being longtime local and state advocates for high school and collegiate wrestling in Oregon this news was a big blow to the local wrestling community. We have enjoyed following the careers of many young men as they have excelled in wrestling at the high school level and have gone on to wrestle at the U of O. Extremely disappointing for instate wrestlers who would like to continue their successful careers in Oregon.

• University officials deny the return of the baseball program has anything to do with the success of the Oregon State Beavers baseball program.

Are they trying to insult our intelligence? We know they are being pressured by big $$ alumni to bring baseball back due to all the attention Oregon State has been receiving since their Back to Back National Baseball Championships. Why don't they just admit it instead of sidestepping that this has been in the works for along time. Yeah right.

• To meet their Title Nine requirements they are also adding "competitive" cheerleading.

If I was a female student athlete at the University of Oregon right now I would be completely outraged and insulted by this move. Cheerleading is not even considered a sport in most venues, but an activity. There are a number of other sports that could have been added to their program for females to participate in (rowing, crew, rugby, swimming, waterpolo, hockey, etc).....but cheerleading...pleeezzzzzze...

I guess now we can look forward to successful Oregon State Baseball and Wrestling programs.....Good luck with those cheerleaders at U of O ...rah..rah!

Junk..Junk..and more Junk....

Clutter...Stuff...Junk...whatever you call it..it's that time again time for a garage sale! woohoo.. Usually every 3 years or so I have a sale. So I am not as bad as some who have a couple sales every summer or even one every summer. Nope, just when the attic starts filling and closets start filling with unused nonsense. You know what I mean, the something I had to have at the time, but now sits unused in a closet or shelf somewhere. I love the term my hairdresser uses, she calls it "clutterfluff". I admire her, she chose long ago to not accumulate clutterfluff, home decor stuff, knickknacks, momentos, doodads, gadgets, etc. I think that is how she affords her beautiful home in the country, goes on cruises every year and I don't. I have gotten better I think about not buying that kind of stuff as much.........no I haven't, I can't pass up something that I think will look good on my walls, or absolutely can't live without in my kitchen. BUT..I am trying to cut back, when I look at my stuff for the sale I am happy to know that now they will be somebody elses treasures to enjoy. Hopefully, I will make enough from my sale to buy stuff at the sale my neighbor is having next month...oh..oh....I am cutting back I forgot!!!! :)

Gotta Love Frog Lake!

Made a brief stop on our way home for a picnic at Frog Lake (along highway 26 just south of Mt. Hood). Stop there if you ever have a chance it's breathtaking. No pollywogs or frogs to be found this trip, always a great place to stop.

Thunder and Lightning . . .

I hate it...yes....truly....not kidding....hate it....it scares me ok! We just returned from a week in Central Oregon and we were given quite a show. Hot during the days and thunder and lightning at night. I have never liked thunder and lightning. Some people get all excited about it.."Oh look at the lightning isn't that cool" "Wow..look how close that came".."Wait..the thunder will be coming soon...how far away do you think it is?"....I DON'T GIVE A RATS _ _ _ HOW CLOSE IT IS...I AM GOING INSIDE YOU CRAZY PEOPLE!!! Why would somebody want to stand outside and listen to that?? It makes me think the world is coming to an end...or that we are getting yelled at for something really serious. It freaks me out! What??...don't stand on the picnic table so you can see better...what are you thinking???!!! Anyway...it did leave a beautiful sky ...you know...after I was peeled off the wall in the cabin to go outside and look.....Good to be home again :)

Bye Bye Birdie . . . .

For the last 2 years we have enjoyed watching birds nest on our front porch. We have a birdhouse that hangs on the front corner as you approach the front door. It really surprised me when they decided to nest there last year since there is so much traffic in and out of the house. Well, they did anyway and it has been fun listening for the little ones to hatch and start chirping for food. The momma and daddy birds (we think they are starlings) are very attentive to their babies, and will swoop down on the enemy if necessary. Yes, we do have a cat Sammy and he likes to "look" and what is going on in that little box. Bad kitty..... We shoo him away whenever he is in the area, and he gives us that pissed off cat look when we do, but that's just tough, we are helping take care of the baby birds too. The photo is of one of the baby birds (we think there are 3) encouraging his sibling to venture out, they just started flying yesterday, so soon they will be gone. Maybe they will return next year to start their families.

Oh . . .the simple things in life . . .

iCar . . . .

Some people have their iPods, I have my iCar.
I love to get into my car crank up the tunes and just drive. Yes, I am one of those psycho people you will pull up next to at a stop light and see singing away. At least I'm not picking my nose :) or putting on mascara. There is no better place to listen to music than in my car. I can have it on what I want, when I want and as loud as I want. Almost anybody that gets in the car after I have been driving in it, starts it up and will get blasted by the volume of whatever it is I have been listening to, then if I am with them I get "the look". You know, the "why do you have to have this up sooo loud" look. I don't know, I just like it that way. I don't like it loud when I am with somebody in the car, because then I can't talk to them. When asked about what kind of music I like to listen to, well, I really like a wide variety. I like old rock & roll, I like "some" new alternative, soft rock, new country, old show tunes, R&B, even some Bach & Mozart tunes. I think I have completely baffled the iTunes store in their selections to recommend for my downloading preferences, since I like so many different kinds of music.
I borrowed my son's iPod the other day when I was going on my nightly walk, since I don't own one. He say's "Mom, I don't think there is anything on there you are going to like", I said, "Well, let me listen anyway, it's only an hour and 1/2 walk, I'm sure I can stand it that long, just as long as every other song doesn't have the "F" word in it" he say's "only a couple". So off I went . . . who would have known that Kenny Rogers made a rap song with Ludacris?? weird. Our tastes are not the same...for sure.
I am happy to use my fav mode of listening.. my iCar...

Happy 4th Everybody!

One of my favorite all time songs by her. . .

And the winner is . . .

We attended the annual Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation auction and dinner this past Saturday. We have been going for the last 3-4 years with our friends the Petri's. It's usually with guys that Dale hunts with and wives. Every year they have a silent auction, raffle and oral auction of all kinds of outdoor, hunting, fishing, camping items that are donated to raise monies for the conservation and restoration of Elk habitat. So like every year we enter the raffles for the smaller items and the last couple of years we have been the silent auction winner of Mariners tickets with an overnight stay at the Marriott on Lake Union. It was a great item to bid on and win, it always fell on our anniversary weekend and the seats to the game & hotel room was awesome, looking over the lake, real cool. Well, this year there were no Mariners tickets to bid on :(. So we bid on a "key" item, that is an auction item that has a special key attached to it, there were only 6 of these in the whole auction of hundreds of items. The reason we bid on this particular key item was because it was something we can give our grandson when he gets older..much older :).. a Red Rider BB gun (no he will not shoot his eye out!). Happily we end up being the highest bidder and our name goes into the drawing for the "big" prize. At the end of the auction all 6 bidders are called forward..so we cheer on Dale as he goes to the stage with the other five keyholders. Slowly each person attempts to turn the key and open the case..Dale is the 5th person to attempt..as each person tries and is unsuccessful our table starts going crazy....It gets to him and OHMYGAWD..the case opens...he wins..now all of you that know Dale know that he is not big on outward displays of emotion, well not tonight he was sooooo excited (we are talking Price is Right excited)....huge smile..when he came back to the table he was shaking..."It's all because of our grandson" he says, so what did he win you ask..a custom 7mm SAUM rifle (elk/deer rifle) made by Oregon Gunsmithing, 200 rounds of factory ammuntion, loading dies and brass..estimated value $2800.00. So it was a good night....he went home with a new rifle, a Red Rider BB gun, a flyfishing rod, and I won a new sleeping bag. All "including dinner" for under $400. Maybe I can talk him into taking me to Spirit Mountain Casino for a lucky slot pull. . . . or two..

Blogging . . . .

I have officially been blogging now for over a month. I'll admit I have enjoyed doing it, but it's not always easy to think about things to say. It's not like I live a real exciting life or anything and I'm not really into the "Dear Diary" journal writing, so this has been a challenge. I can tell by checking site meter that some people are stopping to browse, but others tell me they are but it doesn't register on sitemeter..what's up with that? I'm still learning all this stuff. If you are out there and you do check in, drop me a comment I would love to hear from you. PS. I'm back to the previous template format so I can stay "fresh" not "old" as my brother puts it :) !! Happy July!

Extra..Extra....Movie Review....

Well it's Sunday afternoon and we were bored so off we went to see a movie. Typically when we go to the movies I decide what we see...not sure how that happens, but I usually get my way :). Not this time, we could have seen Ocean's Thirteen (which was my choice...hello...it has George Clooney in it!), or the latest Pirates sequel, or Transformers (they always creeped me out as toys, so why would I want to see them in a movie and get nightmares!). So we compromised (I lost) and we saw "Live free or Die Hard" with Bruce Willis. Actually I liked it..I liked it alot. Bruce has charisma, class and still that cute dimple in his cheek when he smiles. The movie had outstanding special effects of course...hey it's a Die Hard movie, and even a pretty good story line. The actor they get to play his side kick is also good. So my review is....this is a good one to see in the theatre, just because of all the wild shoot'em up, blow'em up, nuke'm up scenes. Just wouldn't feel the same sitting in front of the TV screen.
Live free or Die Hard...two thumbs up..good for ole' Bruce he's still got it!