Well, the best part of today was talking to E'lora twice on the phone. As much as I want the sophisticated title of "GrandMuM," truly, I'm simply Gu-wa'-mah. Alexa has a bit more of the Grrrrr sound, but, hey... it's all in the role, not the title. So, playgrounds are the in thing. I'll keep finding new ones to explore.
I spent my day packing and preparing for our desert adventure. I'm sure I have 200 pounds of food that we won't actually eat. We'll run out of water before we run out of food. Fred and I enjoyed a delicious dinner of bbq chicken and chard from our garden. With a glass of chardonnay and fresh bread from Save-Mart, it was a meal to rival all restaurant competition.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Day 197-March 16, 2013
Laundry and chores. Some needed glamour time. I needed to regroup before packing for our trip. At 4 we gathered at John and Erica's to head to Sacramento for Mike's 63rd birthday party. We three girls squeezed in the back seat of their Q something car, our X5 would have more comfortable overall seating. The four fellas had luxurious spots, but we were pretty uncomfortable. Dinner at Tower Cafe was nice, then off to Roller Derby. That was an entertaining once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fred and John were more interested in the go-kart track next door. We got home late and I was on the computer until midnight. It was a fun evening of celebration.
Day 196-March 15, 2013
Brenda the Brave had her first day of subbing at Gilmore, well, the first day in many many years. I had butterflies. It was a delightful day and amazing support in the special day class. I have many new young friends. I was especially touched by the drawing Elliot made of me. It was an "easy" day, but I was so so so tired at days end. Fred picked up Alexa, she and I played while AJ worked on the bathroom grout and fixtures. She loves to get wet whenever I have the hose, she nibbled many peas fresh from the vine, I couldn't keep her out of the raspberry patch as I was trying to water. And we read books, books and more books. "Read books." It's not a question, it's a demand. I love that! Eddie brought a pizza, Fred made a salad, the fellas began loading the motorcycles for our desert adventure. I did nothing. Well, I did some computer stuff and watched a good movie, something with Idaho in the title set mostly in Portland with Keaneau Reeves and River Phoenix.
Day 195-March 14, 2013
I got up early, washed my hair, and got my morning walk in with E'lora and Karly. Then it was time to say good-bye to my precious ones as I headed to Bell Hill to snowshoe with Sharon's class. It was a great field trip to the Donner Museum. I stapled homework packets when we returned, dropped Alexa's car seat at preschool, got diesel, and arrived late to prayer group. We chatted until 6. Fred and I had the last of the pastie meat pie for supper and a quiet house for the eve.
Day 194-March 13, 2013
Today is E'lora's day. We started out on the couch reading books, lots of book reading every day. Then the Elmo DVD from the library, I also found a Baby Signing Time DVD on my last visit. Of course, some yogurt first thing. On our morning walk we looked for the ducks today, then walked on down Highgrader. As we walked into the driveway, "Car adventure?" Papa Bear, GrandMuM, and E'lora headed out househunting. I wanted to share the Heather Lane property, it seemed like a nice den for the treasured ones, out near the river and in a quiet setting. While we were out that way we drove across Rock Creek Road, over Round Mountain, and down to the Turtleback Hill property. We stopped at The Ranch on the way home. E'lora had one of Uncle Eddie's bananas and I wanted to pack the extra crib on up into the barn storage.
E'lora did a bit of the napping car on our adventure, but GrandMuM needed some rest time. Books in the bed! I was actually asleep when Grampa called on the phone, E'lora recognized his ring tone. I made us a tasty fish stew for supper. It was getting late by the time we ate, I haven't quite adjusted to the time change. Someone had a nice big poop, and then a bath. She wanted her pony jammies again. I'd done laundry that day, so they were ready. Such precious moments and memories.
E'lora did a bit of the napping car on our adventure, but GrandMuM needed some rest time. Books in the bed! I was actually asleep when Grampa called on the phone, E'lora recognized his ring tone. I made us a tasty fish stew for supper. It was getting late by the time we ate, I haven't quite adjusted to the time change. Someone had a nice big poop, and then a bath. She wanted her pony jammies again. I'd done laundry that day, so they were ready. Such precious moments and memories.
Day 193-March 12, 2013
Grandgirl Bliss. The cuzzies woke up delighted to see each other. To hear them chatter and watch them play is delightful. No hitting and no jealousy evident. The first hilarity of the day was when E'lora began playing at the little kitchen. Oh my goodness, with a dramatic sweep of the hand she needed to first sweep her hair out of her eyes. Last visit she had sat on my lap at the computer and looking up said, "I can see my hair." I think shoes and hair are her obsessions. Alexa had her hand clenched on the birthday helium balloons from Uncle Scott's birthday. She knows possession is nine tenths of the law. I frequently heard, "My balloons." Yes, they are two. The piano bench fell on her toe, that hurt but no mark evident.
We walked to see the horses on Rocker Road on this beautiful spring-like morning. Crossing the road and the way back, "See the ducks?" E'lora pleaded. She remembered the pond and the ducks from our past walks. Amazing. Then Uncle Colin joined us for playground time at Gateway in Penn Valley. The big tall curly slide was popular, a dozen kids were there getting worn out for their afternoon naps. Colin had the afternoon off duty to enjoy disc golf. GrandMuM drove through the Taco Shell drive up for tacos and burrito for an easy lunch. They loved it! It was my goal to get them down for their naps by 1. Success.
While the girls napped, I made apple pie for family dinner. I peeled potatoes and set the table. We barbecued steak, roasted asparagus, and broiled some of Colin's good olive bread with my garlic spread for a lovely meal. I missed Cora, but it was a treasured time to share. Megan was our surprise guest of the eve. She had been snowboarding with her Grampa John that day. She has new glasses and bold lipstick. She was her cheerful teenage self, delighted to see the girls and be with us. And I was so grateful to share time with her.
We walked to see the horses on Rocker Road on this beautiful spring-like morning. Crossing the road and the way back, "See the ducks?" E'lora pleaded. She remembered the pond and the ducks from our past walks. Amazing. Then Uncle Colin joined us for playground time at Gateway in Penn Valley. The big tall curly slide was popular, a dozen kids were there getting worn out for their afternoon naps. Colin had the afternoon off duty to enjoy disc golf. GrandMuM drove through the Taco Shell drive up for tacos and burrito for an easy lunch. They loved it! It was my goal to get them down for their naps by 1. Success.
While the girls napped, I made apple pie for family dinner. I peeled potatoes and set the table. We barbecued steak, roasted asparagus, and broiled some of Colin's good olive bread with my garlic spread for a lovely meal. I missed Cora, but it was a treasured time to share. Megan was our surprise guest of the eve. She had been snowboarding with her Grampa John that day. She has new glasses and bold lipstick. She was her cheerful teenage self, delighted to see the girls and be with us. And I was so grateful to share time with her.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Day 192-March 11, 2013
I now have my Aesop password memorized. I logged on multiple times trying to get a sub job this morn. It was clear as the day unfolded that I had other things to do.
Like a whirlwind, I spiffed up the house. I scrubbed the laundry room floor on my hands and knees. That kind of cleaning is always satisfying to me. I think of Marilla in Anne of Green Gables. I curled my hair and made my grocery list for Tuesday's family dinner. I raced out the door to do errands and be at AJ and Jen's by 1. There was a meeting coordinating assessment and services for Alexa, she seems to have some sensory processing issues. I felt privileged to be a part of the meeting, and I want to help and support in the best way that I can. Alexa and I headed home together so Jen could get some rest and Gramma can have some special time. She napped when we got home at 3. We had a nice long walk as the sun was going down after dinner. She loves rocks and walks, like her sister. I'm enjoying the fragrance of our blooming clematis. It is bursting with blossoms this year, this plant has happily matured. I planted it not long after we moved here, within a year or two. I can still remember picking it out at Happy Frog, a nursery that has gone out of business. I was looking for a plant the deer wouldn't like. I am so glad it was recommended, clematis armani.
After bath and a story, Alexa settled well for the night at about 8. She slept in our room because Uncle Colin and E'lora arrived about midnight.
Like a whirlwind, I spiffed up the house. I scrubbed the laundry room floor on my hands and knees. That kind of cleaning is always satisfying to me. I think of Marilla in Anne of Green Gables. I curled my hair and made my grocery list for Tuesday's family dinner. I raced out the door to do errands and be at AJ and Jen's by 1. There was a meeting coordinating assessment and services for Alexa, she seems to have some sensory processing issues. I felt privileged to be a part of the meeting, and I want to help and support in the best way that I can. Alexa and I headed home together so Jen could get some rest and Gramma can have some special time. She napped when we got home at 3. We had a nice long walk as the sun was going down after dinner. She loves rocks and walks, like her sister. I'm enjoying the fragrance of our blooming clematis. It is bursting with blossoms this year, this plant has happily matured. I planted it not long after we moved here, within a year or two. I can still remember picking it out at Happy Frog, a nursery that has gone out of business. I was looking for a plant the deer wouldn't like. I am so glad it was recommended, clematis armani.
After bath and a story, Alexa settled well for the night at about 8. She slept in our room because Uncle Colin and E'lora arrived about midnight.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Day 191-March 10, 2013
On this first day of daylight savings, we journeyed up to the North Fork of the Yuba River. We joined Mike, Eddie, Mark, Moss, and Andreas for an intense bike ride, 17 miles and 2000 feet of climb. I estimate on the trail portion I rode 2/3. We rode the road back to Rocky Rest after reaching Goodyear's Bar. I couldn't find the bar though.
Day 190-March 9, 2013
Awesome motorcycle ride with John and Erica, Eddie and Mike around the Sutter Buttes and up the country roads to Chico for lunch at the Brewery. Again, AWESOME! Pictures will post to prove it. I love the time I have to ponder as I sit on the back of the bike. I get lots of new ideas.
Day 189-March 8, 2013
I arrived early at Bell Hill to post the global studies flags, then greet the children as they arrive. I was Rosanne Paul this morning. It was a privilege to work in 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st. I overheard "Mrs. K rocks" when I was climbing on the jungle gym when I was on recess duty. I know the kids know I care about them and that I see them. I did race out, though, so I could pick up Alexa before nap time at day care.
We made our traditional stop at downtown Safeway to purchase the $5 Friday specials and the needed ingredients for Scott's birthday party. We also picked out a birthday helium balloon. It was tough for Alexa to decide between Mickey Mouse and Pooh. She decided on Mickey. As we crossed the bridge at home, the balloon separated from the string, and we watched it fly away in the sky.
She settled for her nap and I finished reading The Paris Wife. I was tired, and I knew the evening would come together, and we would have a great time, even if I sat for a half hour and read. Well, I got to cookin. I made lemon bars first. Alexa woke up. I was putting the parts together for pasties. I added parsnips and turnips with the potatoes, mushrooms and white onion with the New York steak and home grown parsley. Grampa got home from his bike ride with Scott, Mark, and Fred. He took Alexa for her "outside" time. Oh, and AJ was here working on the tile.
Our party ended up with eleven, I think. Twas fun. A nice salad was tossed together. Savannah made tasty chavelas. She also brought the party favors and tiramasu. And, I was right, it all came together. I ended up with extra pasty filling, and Garry wanted to know about making pie crust. So I said, "Let's just do it." We made a batch of crust and I had a nice big meat pie from the leftovers and crustys for him to sample. I missed having Serene and Tom here, but they were on a weekend trip with her high school kids.
I know Savannah really loves Scott. I don't know that she will "carry" a load in the relationship. I feel so conflicted about what to say or not say. I want both of them to be happy, I want Scott to have a partner, not a princess... Oh, my goodness, I think I just need to focus on being supportive. We ALL have things to learn and grow around in all stages of our lives. And perhaps I need to learn and grow around letting go.
We made our traditional stop at downtown Safeway to purchase the $5 Friday specials and the needed ingredients for Scott's birthday party. We also picked out a birthday helium balloon. It was tough for Alexa to decide between Mickey Mouse and Pooh. She decided on Mickey. As we crossed the bridge at home, the balloon separated from the string, and we watched it fly away in the sky.
She settled for her nap and I finished reading The Paris Wife. I was tired, and I knew the evening would come together, and we would have a great time, even if I sat for a half hour and read. Well, I got to cookin. I made lemon bars first. Alexa woke up. I was putting the parts together for pasties. I added parsnips and turnips with the potatoes, mushrooms and white onion with the New York steak and home grown parsley. Grampa got home from his bike ride with Scott, Mark, and Fred. He took Alexa for her "outside" time. Oh, and AJ was here working on the tile.
Our party ended up with eleven, I think. Twas fun. A nice salad was tossed together. Savannah made tasty chavelas. She also brought the party favors and tiramasu. And, I was right, it all came together. I ended up with extra pasty filling, and Garry wanted to know about making pie crust. So I said, "Let's just do it." We made a batch of crust and I had a nice big meat pie from the leftovers and crustys for him to sample. I missed having Serene and Tom here, but they were on a weekend trip with her high school kids.
I know Savannah really loves Scott. I don't know that she will "carry" a load in the relationship. I feel so conflicted about what to say or not say. I want both of them to be happy, I want Scott to have a partner, not a princess... Oh, my goodness, I think I just need to focus on being supportive. We ALL have things to learn and grow around in all stages of our lives. And perhaps I need to learn and grow around letting go.
Day 188-March 7, 2013
I had a fabulous day substituting in third grade for Eric Halseth at Bell Hill. We rounded out our day reading from Where the Sidewalk Ends. I learned all of the kid's names, just like I did in kindergarten. I hope I'll be able to return again with them. I also have my sea legs. Last week I was nervous about returning to the classroom. So far, so good.
Prayer group met at Melissa's. She's just finished remodeling to refresh her empty nest home. It looks lovely. When I got home, Fred had made dinner for us, Eddie came over too.
Prayer group met at Melissa's. She's just finished remodeling to refresh her empty nest home. It looks lovely. When I got home, Fred had made dinner for us, Eddie came over too.
Day 187-March 6, 2013
Blessed Wednesday. I was home today, major accomplishment, getting the taxes into the mail. There was a bit of much needed rain. I bicycled to the post office about 11 to post and fetch and get some good blood flow. I feel my cardio getting stronger! AJ came to work on the bathroom, and I made us a nice lunch of grilled cheese and soup. We had a lovely visit over lunch.
An information meeting about health care reform was promoted in the newspaper, so I went to be informed. It actually was a social services networking meeting. I did get good information from the diverse panel AND I saw my dear friend, Laurie DeMartini in the audience. I know God wanted me to be there.
I stopped for light bulbs and a few grocery basics on the way home. Fred was inspired to make pumpkin pies. Scott and Savannah arrived late. Joy always when chicks are in the nest!
An information meeting about health care reform was promoted in the newspaper, so I went to be informed. It actually was a social services networking meeting. I did get good information from the diverse panel AND I saw my dear friend, Laurie DeMartini in the audience. I know God wanted me to be there.
I stopped for light bulbs and a few grocery basics on the way home. Fred was inspired to make pumpkin pies. Scott and Savannah arrived late. Joy always when chicks are in the nest!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Day 186-March 5, 2013
I had another great day in kindergarten, but I came home awfully cranky. This working takes lots of time! Chopping and raking some brush and blackberries helped. Fred made us a nice dinner and we watched a great film about a girl running away from a cult, Martha Marcy May (something). My body does feel a bit achy and my sinuses aren't clear, that could be part of my irritation too...
Monday, March 4, 2013
Day 185-March 4, 2013
I started my list early, all of the tasks to tackle today. I received a phone call about 8:30, Nancy Swartz said they were desperate for a sub in kindergarten. I felt called to go, today and all week, if they need me. I hurriedly gathered my bag and arrived about 9:10. Not only did I teach the young ones, I got to teach Spanish farm animals to the kids I had last year. It felt good. Cyn and I got our paperwork checked and oriented at the County Office of Education. I'm a certified sub now.
Fortunately I'd put meat in the crock pot before the call. I've had Megan on my mind, so I completed her letter first thing when I got home. My, the little tasks fill the eve.
Fortunately I'd put meat in the crock pot before the call. I've had Megan on my mind, so I completed her letter first thing when I got home. My, the little tasks fill the eve.
Day 183 and 184-March 2 and 3, 2013
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We did another tourist run in town. The Bucket of Blood had live music. That made me want to take dance classes. I found a lovely stone soap dish for our new bathroom, now I really felt like a tourist. The national bowling convention was happening in Reno, this event brought a portion of the day's guests. Lane and Michelle came for the dinner I had prepared. Michelle brought dessert. Because Lane wanted to continue digging on his current old outhouse location, we went to bed early.
Sunday morning, by the time we caught up with him for this home tour, Lane had already made a trip to Carson City. It was sprinkling, so no more motorcycle adventures today. The carefully restored homes are inspiring, such a gift to be a part of the experience. After our home tours, we had a tasty Heidi's breakfast in Carson City. We arrived home in the early afternoon. AJ was here working on the tile. Unpacking and cooking up a tasty vegetable soup filled my afternoon. Stirring up and eating quick cookies completed a lovely weekend.
Day 182-March 1, 2013
I received my first morning phone call begging me to sub. I declined because one, I'm not bonefide, and two, today is a grandMuMMing day. I was determined to complete my raspberry patch, planting the last five plants and covering them with pine needle compost before it was time to pick up my precious little one. Mission accomplished.
Alexa and I together grocery shopped. She remembered Aday from last week, the produce man gave her another slice of crisp sweet apple. When Precious was settled for her nap, she needed to settle because DADDY!!! was here working on the tile, I layered up a casserole of lasagne for our weekend jaunt to Virginia City. I focused on cooking and packing so we could depart close to 4. We left for the ranch at 4:08. Alexa was enjoying our grand adventure, strapped in the car seat in the cab of our truck. She knew something fun was up.
When we got to The Ranch, Fred noticed he forgot the ice chest. He raced back to our house while we shuttled up to the big barn in the golf cart. Golf cart rides are true moments of adventure for kids. Once we were all loaded up, we met Jen at her work to deposit Alexa. We hit the trail. Tinker Station at Soda Springs was the perfect spot for supper. We happened to meet a fella Fred had heard of in relation to the sale of Agate. Serendipity. No, his name was Peterson, or something like that. We drove on to Virginia City and settled in under a cold crisp clear sky. It was easy to lie down in our cozy beds and dream of the adventures to come.
Alexa and I together grocery shopped. She remembered Aday from last week, the produce man gave her another slice of crisp sweet apple. When Precious was settled for her nap, she needed to settle because DADDY!!! was here working on the tile, I layered up a casserole of lasagne for our weekend jaunt to Virginia City. I focused on cooking and packing so we could depart close to 4. We left for the ranch at 4:08. Alexa was enjoying our grand adventure, strapped in the car seat in the cab of our truck. She knew something fun was up.
When we got to The Ranch, Fred noticed he forgot the ice chest. He raced back to our house while we shuttled up to the big barn in the golf cart. Golf cart rides are true moments of adventure for kids. Once we were all loaded up, we met Jen at her work to deposit Alexa. We hit the trail. Tinker Station at Soda Springs was the perfect spot for supper. We happened to meet a fella Fred had heard of in relation to the sale of Agate. Serendipity. No, his name was Peterson, or something like that. We drove on to Virginia City and settled in under a cold crisp clear sky. It was easy to lie down in our cozy beds and dream of the adventures to come.
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