News from the Northwest

HOT....HOT....HOT....

2009-07-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Now you all know I tend to embelish things at times, well not embellish....maybe stretch the truth...to make a point of course.
Well, let me tell you...I am TELLING THE TRUTH when I say it is HOT out here in Portland, you may have seen or heard about us on the national news. It is 107 today and has been over 100 for the last 5 days.
I DO NOT like the heat, (just like my Sister Jean). If it gets over 85, that is a tad too hot for me, so over 100 is "over the top".
They say it will not let up yet for another few days, and then will only be in the 90's...still not much relief....
It is NOT supposed to be HOT ere, less than 5 % of those of us in Portland have air conditioning. Thankfully, Robert bought a window air conditioner 3 years ago for the Living room where I have been camped out 24/7 for the last 4 days. It does a good job in the LR, but the temp in the house still says 89 degrees. It has to be over 140 degrees up stairs in the bedroom, so I have been sleeping on the couch.....
I must say I love Face book....It keeps me current on all things everyone is doing back home, along with the blogs of course. So sorry about Jean and Scott's weekend with Dave and Lynne. Curve ball is right.....
I have loved Jenny's blog's with pictures of the girls. I can't wait to see them, I could eat them up they are so cute. Brenda always captures her life in many pictures and stories...so glad the "blow-out" on the car was not worse than it was. I had one once and it is a BAD feeling.
I still do ot have my airline ticket, prices are unreasonably high, but I want to fly in on Aug 15th and catch a ride home with J/S who will be in Chicago that weekend anyway for thier last art show.
I plan on staying about 6 weeks and truthfuly, I hope it is about 70-76 there. It will be a welcome relief.
Apparently it takes about 6 weeks for SSI to get the word from the outcome of the hearing "into thier system" and processed. It has been 3 weeks today, but at least I know it is done and over with and by the end of August I should actually see some money. Can't tell you what a relief that thought is.
I went to a fun Barnhouse sale a few weeks ago. Barnhouse does not really capture the essence of this great sale. They had all things shabby, French and Chic at the sale. I got some fun items I plan to craft with....come this fall when I get back to Portland. I also tired to get a different profile picture for Face book...I took a picture of a picture so it did not turn out too great, but I wanted one of Robert and I.
A few pictures of the things I got at the Barnhouse sale....Can't wait to see everyone in a few weeks.....Brenda/Jenny and whoever else is interested....a trip to Shipshawana needs to happen....
Off to soak my head in a pail of cool water.... :)

Musette Bracelet GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-07-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

Musette Bracelet GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
would love to win
nykerk06@comcast.net

HAPPY GAL

2009-07-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Short post....just to say I had a great time at the beach with Deanna. She did all the work, walked all 3 dogs, carried everything, cooked, the only mishap was Thursday night when I tried to help her pull out the hide-a-bed, I am certain I displaced my rib again as I cannot sit up or down, have to hold my stomach and back when I move or rise from a sitting position...
I called the doc and have an appt for day ofter tomorrow.
I still have not really processed the fact that my SSI went through and I am so happy I do not know how to act.
THANKS to everyone, all of you that have been praying and giving me support over the last 3 years....
I have a list of about 30 things to accomplish this week, I will take care of things one at a time, my first is to call the local SSI office to figure out what happens from here....when I might see some money, I am figuring it will take about 2 months....
I want to come to Michigan for the month of September. Or late August-the end of Sept. I am going to start looking to airline tickets, but plan on that time. I have too much to get taken care of and set in place here before I leave, so I need about 6 weeks to get my act together.
Doug and Val could very likely join me in Michigan for a week. Rachel had mentioned that she would figure out a way for them to stay at her house. That Rachel is a dream come true....she is the most amazing sister in law. I am so lucky.
I want D/V to be able to meet Dad, see the compound, see Jean and Scott...They are very simple people, but they have done so much for me, I want everyone to meet them.
so start planning now for a big party, or 10 big parties, or a party every day to celebrate my SSI situation. When I was at the beach, Val came and cleaned my house from top to bottom....so nice to come home to a toally CLEAN house.
Especially after a 3.5 hour stand still on 1-5 north...we stood still for all that time, I was about NUTS by the time we finally got home. The 3 dogs in the back were also 1/2 nuts. Sheba had a 11th birthday at the beach. Deanna cooked great food for all 3 dogs in celebration.....pictures are on facebook.
More later...
The last picture is of Bubba....the last night before she went to her new adopted home....He wanted to lay right by Sheba for the last night they were together....Good ole Bubba is doing GREAT in his new home and his owner loves him to pieces.

THE TOP NYKERK ACCIDENTS

2009-07-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

Well....after reading Jenny's post about visits to the ER being a common occurance for her family on holidays...It got me to thinking about the TOP NYKERK ACCIDENTS......sort of a "take-off" if you will about Dan's top post regarding the Top 10 Nykerk Traditions....Now I realize some of the 2nd generation, ( BRenda, Jenny, Rachel....you get the drift) will not remember some of the events that occured with thier respective parents....so you will probably have to leave those to us older folks....and certainly the 3rd generation...(Macey and Kelsey) will not have much recall about the 2nd generation....although I am quite certain Macey remembers a jump from the couch that resulted in a broken leg....
So to get things started I will leave a few memories of those historical accidents, and I ask all of you to add along in the comment section....lets see how many we can come up with.

Bill racing up the driveway at 455 Lakewood on his tri-cycle, head down, concentrating on how FAST he was going, only to run into the back light of the gray 1948 Ford parked in the drive. The car was there when he started his race.....it is not like it materialized out of the blue.....resulting in stitches in his head
Jim riding his 2 wheel bike up the street were the Buter's lived, riding fast and the handlebars cracking off resulting in the steel rod going though his mouth and coming out the other side of his face....resulting in lots of stitches on the right side of his mouth.
Carol waiting patiently for her turn to ride on the bag swing that used to hang where the garage is now built. Please make note of the piece of wood that was situated under the bag swing. Carol waits in the middle of the area where the swing will cross over and over. She gets hit in the head with the piece of wood.....continues to stand in the SAME spot, for another crack to the head....still wanting to ride, she stands in the same place for yet a THIRD whack to the head before she moves out of the way.....resulting in several stitches to her head.
Jean riding her new blue new bike some where near Glerum school...the rest of us were sitting on the picnic table in the back yard eating popscicles...Out of the blue, Jean comes walking her broken bike and says...."AHHHH, I kinda fell"...... blood gushing out of her knee, along with many rather large pieces of gravel and asphault stuck in her knee which Uncle Jerry who was visting in the States from Arabia, promptly pulled out his Doctor's bag and tended to her knee. I remember she had on a cute blue frilly skirt and a white blouse.
Jimmy closing his finger on and in the back door of Grandma Nykerk's house, the house directly west of 455....resulting in Aunt Mary and Grandma Nykerk screaming for "Leona....come get Jimmy, he cut off his finger...." Now we all know he never really lost a finger, but the tip was gone....this required a trip to the ER.....
Bill, along with all of his cronies filling up a scare-a-crow in all human clothing and stuffing it to look like a body. Rigging said body up in the air and dropping it onto passing cars so it landed on thier windshield...prompting unknown drivers the scare of thier lives, certain they had just killed someone. Bill and said friends were long gone by the time the unsuspecting driver had a heart attack at the wheel.....
All the neighborhood kids playing "7 steps around the house". This is an old time game where you are supposed to be blindfolded, or at a minimum, keep your eyes closed. Carol....the only one following directions proceeded to bang her head into the corner of the brick house at 455...resulting in a ton of laughs by her siblings and a trip to the ER for stitches in her head....about the same place she had them when assulted by the bag swing event some years previous.
Jean, having just gotten her driver's license, backing out of the driveway at 455, sliding about 25 feet into Grandma Nykerk's flower garden...and saying..."How am I doing? ". I might add there was about 35 feet of snow on the driveway. No one was hurt except for Jean's ego.
How about the time that Jeff pounded a board with a HUGE nail right though his hand...comes up stairs with a board nailed to his hand and shows Rachel that he missed his mission of pounding the board to another board and got his hand instead.
I swear one of us got a fish hook in the eye as a result of some errant cast from another family member.....who did this happen to?
OK....please start adding all of the events I have missed.....

HOT HERE!!!!!!

2009-07-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well....long time no hear from Carol. It has been pretty hot here for the last week. In the 90's every day. I wish I had some beautiful photo's to show you, but in reality, the back yard is a jungle with weeds 8 feet high nad the front yard is filled with blooms of roses in every color, taking over the house, the yard, the neighbor's, the street.....I have a handy man coming on Tuesday who is going to pull all the weeds and trim all the bushes for a mere 25.00 ( a friend of Deanna's)
I had a nice day here yesterday, Doug and Val came over and me did chicken on the grill, brats, baked beans, corn on the cob, strawberries, pineapple, angel food cake with whip cream and a great tossed salad.
Sheba was in total glee while they were here. When they left about 11:00pm, all the noise really started.....she cried, she ran into walls, she covered her ears, she squealed.....I gave her a dose of valium but that did not help much. I think the better these greyhounds do at the track, the less tolerant they are of noise.....the bangs sound like a gun, and the start of a race.....having such a stellar racing career means she is also not tolerant of those fou-fou dogs and ankle biters....they resemble a rabbit. Anyhow, about 4 am she finally quieted down, but she was not a happy camper until today when it all totally all done.
I have my SSI hearing on this wednesday, the 8th....big day for me since I have waited over 3 years. Doug and Val are driving me there. The hearing will take one hour, then the Judge has up to 90 days to make a decision. Retro pay is not automatic. If approved, she can determine when benefits will start, and then there is another 5 month wait period....so sometime in 2020....I may know something. I will be glad just to get the hearing over, I feel confident the attorney I have obtained will do a good job, we are appearing before a female judge who is known to be "tough"....whatever that means.
Regardless of what happens, I am going to the beach house on Thursday-Sunday. GPA-NW is hosting 2 events in Lincoln City, I am not participating, but told the glas that are, that they could stay with me at the condo, so regardless, it will be nice to get to the beach for a few days.
I feel bad for Jason and his poisen ivy....I sure hope Macey and Kels do NOT catch it. Hope Brenda and Keith had a great time camping and that Jim and Rachel had a nice week off, although I hear the weather was crappy there this past week.
I am sure that Dave and Rachel hosted a 4th party on thier deck...I wonder if Bella attended. I hope Bandit, Dolly, Aly, and Bella did better with the 4th of July noise than thier cousin Sheba.
I am loving Facebook and reconnecting with friends and keeping up with the family that way.
I hope to get home sometime this summer, maybe August, or early sept. Doug and Val would actually like to visit for a week or so, Rachel has said they could stay at thier house. I know they would love coming to see the "compound", so I am hoping that works.
Robert has been doing a lot of fishing, he tried talking to Sheba on the phone last night to calm her down and even he failed...which is a first.....He will come this way when I make my plans about when I will be in Michigan.
Has any one heard that Michael Jackson died? Talk about OVER THE TOP......poor Farrah got relagated to the back pages....and now this homicide of the NFL player and his 21 yo girlfriend?.......mmmmmmmmmmmmm......more to unravel on that one.
Well, all is well over here, I hope to see some updated blogs soon, but I can't talk....this is the first update I have done in 2 months. I am so glad the rest of you are better at it than me......
Bubba is loving his new permanent home and the woman that adopted him is just plain nuts about him. I am so glad the ole fella got a good home to live out the rest of his life. No fostering for awhile.

Flight status

2009-05-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

I just checked with SW Airlines and Rachel flew out of Denver on time and is scheduled to land in Chicago at 3:00pm. ( 4:00pm Michigan time), so it does not appear that she has any flight issues, other that possible crying babies, mean elderly citizens, obese and/or smelly passengers within her nose range or turbulent winds, none of which I expect to be the case, although anything is possible.
Sheba has been up and down the stairs 3 times looking in her room hoping to find her hiding in there to no avail, then she comes back down hanging her head.
I also want to thank Rachel for cleaning my refrigerator, ( which was a big job), vacuuming my house about 4 times, cleaning my front porch, doing my wash, walking my girl Sheba and cleaning up the happy tail and Earl accident at the beach....(Earl was a foster we delivered to his permanent family at the beach....he was having a rough day, had just come from the vet, and his bowels were a bit queasy....you get the drift), not to mention all the meals she treated me to, gas money, etc...you get the drift.
THANKS RACH....we miss you

Great times with Rachel

2009-05-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Got Rachel to the airport at 4:30 this am and just checked SW airlines and she that she departed Portland on time. She has a 2 hour layover in Denver and arrives at Midway at 3:00 Chicago time. Jim has all the info down pat for picking her, along with Lana and her crew and driving them home.
Unfortunately, we did not get to spend much time with Lana. Her entire family lives here in Portland, so naturally she wanted to spend her time with them, especially with the recent passing of her Father. I was glad that she was able to bring her 91 year old Mother to the condo for 3-4 days.
I absolutely loved having Rachel here. IT was so nice to have some one from the family visit me. As much as I love coming home to Holland, it sure wasa great time, having some one come to see me. I know you will not believe this but I did not get a one picture....Rachel took pictures and I am sure will post them on her updated blog when she returns home.
After "bragging" on Facebook for the last 4 weeks about "how great the weather was in Portland....blue skies and sun....", the weather when she was here was pitiful. Rain almost every day....what can I say??? I hope the rainy weather that has been here does not get to Holland to ruin Tulip time.
Since we can do nothing about the weather, we had a great time anyway. Everyone knows how low-key Rachel is and happy to do anything tht is suggested, so we had really good time eating out, shopping the outlet malls and meeting a few of my good friends here in Portland/beach. Doug and Val came over for dinner here on Sunday and yesterday we went to pick up Deanna after a medical procedure and had lunch with her. We were able to make it to the Saturday farmer's market and the Portland Market, (arts and crafts) on Saturday even though we missed a "blow-out storm", complete with thunder and lighting by a few minutes as we were on the train going back to our car. It is a big, big deal to have thunder and lightening here in Portland so of course it was all over the news that night.
Sunday we went to see a theater production called "Zoo-Zoo", 5 actors doing short vingettes all of different animals...anteater, hippo, bears, frogs, penguins. IT was fun to see something totally different. There were a lot of kids in the audience that really enjoyed it. We thought of Macey and Kelsey...
Monday night we went to a late night "Happy hour" and then to the "Candlelight" bar where they have good music 7 days a week. Mostly blues...and some up tempo funk. It is a really small place, never a cover charge and always great music. Even on a Monday the place was packed and an African American couple let us sit at thier table with them as there was no place to sit. Very typical Portland. On the way out I saw La Marcus Aldrige sitting by himself in the back booth. HE is a Portland Trail Blazer starter, so since I guess Portland is out of the play-offs, he was there trying to be "in-cognito" but I saw him and he gave me the nod of his head and a smile. Just read in today's paper that he will play USA basketball this summer to maybe play in the 2012 summer olympics in London.
Funny thing, the band was Kellen Smith and the fam.....Dan had a friend back home with that name. Rachel bought one of thier CD's, it would really be a trip if it was the same kid.
Of course I will miss Rachel's company, but Sheba is in a MAJOR FUNK. She knew last night something was "up"....and is very sad this morning with Rachel being gone. She is now used to those 6 or 7 am walks that Rachel took her on every day. She even slept right by Rachel's bed the time we were at the beach, and one day did not even let her get her coffee before she was up nudging Rachel to take her out for a walk on th ebeach. She is one spoiled Diva....she is also suffering from "Happy Tail" again, a result of me shutting the door on her tail at the condo. I am glad that Rachel did not call protective services on me. So....I have attempted to wrap it for the last week, the first time it stayed on until we unwrapped it on Sat night. I say "we" because as I tried to get the tape off, she started crying like mad and Rachel quick jumped up pet her head and distract her which really worked or I would not have been able to get it off. SHe has a really tender spot in th emiddle of her tail from a previous happy tail disaster. Since then I have tried different methods to no avail. It has to be tight and secure enough to stay on her skinny tail, but if it is too tight I can't get it off and if it is too loose it will not stay on. I am hoping the Chad can engineer a new idea I have involving foam PVC protective tubing, along with a finger splint, gauze and tape....Rachel has the total idea of what it needs to be like so I am am hoping to get this product perfected. It would be a lot easier on both Sheba and I, not to mention a great money-maker as greys are so susceptable to this syndrome and many folks bring thier greyhounds to the vet every 4-5 days to get it wrapped, taken off, and re-wrapped....so there is a need and money to be made.
Bubba comes back to me on Saturday so I will have to have a good fix on her tail before he returns.
I go see the cardio specialist tomorrow regarding my abnormal cardiogram. Knee is better but still sore.
I sure am enjoying the Tulip time pictures and blogs and hope you guys have great weather. Dan graduates from MSU on Saturday...congrats to him.
Well I sure have enjoyed the last 10 days, praying for Rachel's safe return and hopes for more vists from family in the future....
I am sure Rach will post pictures once she gets home and settles in...she has to work again tomorrow.
Thanks for coming to see me Rach. I love you AND thanks FOR EVERYTHING

IS IT SPRING?

2009-04-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well, for the last 2 weeks I have bragged and bragged on Facebook about how simply devine the weather was here in Portland....blue skies, warm, in the 70's.....well of course now that Rachel and Lana, (with family) are about to fly here, my temp reading on the computer says 52 fricken degrees. It rained some today, was quite windy, although the sun is really trying to "peep out". I think it will be a stretch to say the weather is nice here. Now they say the weather may improve....like mid 60's, sun every now and again.....but I have proven to be wrong about how woefully nice it will be. I should have known just to keep my big mouth shut. The same goes for the TrailBlazers...who LOST again last night.....I have been bragging about them all year. Now that they are finally in the play-offs, they look like a game of pick up ball in Jim and Rachel's driveway...and certainly Jeff and the boys could have beat them last Saturday....It is maddening. To wait for so long to have my hopes dashed ina matter of a week....
I am so happy to report that Rachel will be here in about 17 hours. The next 17 hours will be ALOT easier for me that they will be for her....driving to Chicago at 2:00am with Jim proudly wearing his "I will do anything for anyone, just ask" SMILE....all that waiting in the airport, hoping to get clearance into the skies heading west.....hopefully dozing for the 4 hour and 38 minute flight, and waking on the runaway for the final 6 minutes of the flight. As they land, if they look close, they will see 1120 Mariner's Loop....the one with weeds and a front yard in much need of a "fix"...I think I may even drive the Mercedes to pick her up....tehn off to a local resturant with Lana and her family.
Sometime later in the day we will arrive back at the Loop with Sheba eagerly awaiting the upcoming visit of her Aunt Rachel. She has been laying by the door for the past day....I keep signing to her, that it will be "in a little bit". She understands the sign of 2 fingers, but still fears she will miss out of the arival. She takes no chances.
About that time, Rachel will figure out that I am not much into cleaning. You would think one person could do a few things around the house, but these injuries of mine make it hard. My mission for tonight is to find the coffee maker....there is one here from when Jean visited some years back, but since Robert and I have never tasted coffee, she may have to refresh herself with....uuuummmm, some diet coke, a bottle of beer, or a glass of wine. I know she has probably had worse situations in her life, but I really will get to searching for that pot in the next 17 hours as Sheba waits patiently by the front door.
So on Monday we are off to the beach....7 of us and Sheba.....we will be in both condo's.....I think they have coffee at Grocery Outlet and I know there is a coffee maker at the condo, so Rachel might luck out on day 2....The condo's will be cleaned unlike the house on the Loop....so she hits pay dirt when she sees the condo.
We will come back on Thursday...and for the next week, ( give or take) we will search up the finest sights and stores in Portland. The Japanese Rose Gardens, The Chinese gardens downtown, we might go see ZooZoo a production by the Imago Theater, go to a baseball game, shop all the best areas on NW 23rd, Cascade Station and downtown, go to Saturday Market for art and Saturday food market for all things wonderful home grown in Oregon, go to the mountain, (Mt Hood) and to the gorge....(Hood River)...all of these fine things within 45 minutes of the house.
I have 2 hearing aids that work, a recovered knee and I am ready for the fun......
Bring it on.
I leave you with a picture in the back yard of a fruit tree I brought home in the rumble seat of the Mercedes 18 months ago. At that time the tree was about 18 inches tall, Robert was not real pleased about the transfer of said tree....so I vacuumed out the car to appease him while he dug a hole and planted the wee thing. Just look at it now. He would be proud. I can't wait for him to see it in person...sometime very soon I hope.
Can't wait for you to get here Rach.

4 years ago Mom went to Heaven

2009-04-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have done a blog, so I figured today was the day since it is 4 years ago that Mom went to heaven. I still miss her so much and so wish she had been with us these last 4 years to see her Great-grandchildren, take trips with us, go to breakfast with us....it was not to be, and that is God's way....
It is amazing to me that Dad has hung in there so great these past 4 years. I am glad he is still in his own home, still able to watch sports and spend time with the family. In a way we have gotten to know him so much better in the last 4 years....that sense of humor and his fantastic memory amaze me.
Life in Oregon these past 6 weeks have been pretty much a bummer. It could be summarized as...no hearing...no hot water...no hearing...no hot water....No hearing AND no hot water....
Well I have finally gotten ONE hearing aid that works and I have figured out how to restart the hot water heater. All of you with men in the house better be thanking the Lord daily that they do these type of things without even a glance or thought. They just automatically take care of those things....
Looking forward to the TrailBlazers getting in to the playoffs and hoping MSU beats the tar out of NC....
I have been so sore lately, I guess I have to up the injection of metotrexate....then my liver functions go all crazy so it is sort of a no-win.
CONGRATS to Jean, 23# lighter and the Brenda, 27# lighter. I think I may have to try this med-fast myself....I am sure all these extra pounds make my condition worse.
I am really looking forward to Rachel's visit the end of the month. We are going to the condo and visiting numerous Portland sites that the rest of you were never able to see. I have made arrangements for Bubba to go to respite care while she is here. Sheba of course will be with us.
Bubba is a great guy, but he is 12, has no teeth and I do not think he has great depth perception. It is hard for him to so stairs....the beach as you all know has it share of stairs.
He are a couple pictures of Bubba. Since he has no teeth, he tends to sleep with his tounge hanging out. Quite cute actually.
Are any of you following mycharmingkids.blogspot.com. The story of MckMama and her 6 mo baby in intensive care? There is a facebook prayer site for she and family.
Speaking of facebook....it is way too addicting.
Speaking of blogs....Dan's are top flight. I loved the top 10 family traditions....

Poor Sheba/Bye to the Coop

2009-02-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

Poor Sheba had her dental on Thursday. That calls for a total knockout with anathesia. When the Doctor had her under she also operated on her eyelid. This is a result of when Scarlett bit her last summer. She had a flap of skin that needed to be removed.
Greyhounds are known for having horrible teeth due to all the crap they feed them at the track, usually they need thier teeth clean every 6 months. My hero Sheba has such great teeth, in part because I brush them 2x daily. Teeth problems can really lead to other organic and medical problems to all you dog lovers out there so make sure thier teeth are in good shape. Anyhow, this is the FIRST time I have had her teeth cleaned in the 4 years I have had ber, so I guess the brushing pays off. Since it costs 300.00 for a dental I am glad I am not having to do it every 6 months!!!!
They gave her a shot of morphine and rimadyl when she was knocked out. In the recovery room she started gettting very anxious for her Mom to pick her up....she wanted to go home, so they gave her a tranq...When I got there at 5:30 she walked to the car and then her feet and body went slack. SHe could not get in or out of the car...I needed to get a neighbor to carry her in on a blanket.
Cooper went over to greet her immediately in normal fashion, falling and sitting on her....
Anyway, she became 1/2 normal about 11pm and came upstairs to sleep on her bed next to me about 3am..
I called the vet yesterday to find out why she was so HIGH and that's when they told me about the tranq....they neglected to tell me that on Thursday. I was worried about her.
On a brighter note, Cooper was adopted this morning. He went to his first home visit and they wanted him, so now it is back to just my girl and I. I am glad as Coop was a handful. Too much puppy in him and he was always pushing Sheba around, which she tolerated by did not enjoy.
Here are a few pictures of Thursday night when she got home from the Doctor.
Notice the green vet wrap matches her snooze on the collar of her coat and the fact she had to lean her head against the wall to keep it up.....

Pretty Dogs

2009-02-26T08:43:00.001-08:00

25 random things about me

2009-02-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

Taking the cue from my Niece Brenda and my sister Jean...here goes
1. I was smarter than my 2nd grade teacher, she did not know her vowels.
2. I love Fricanno's pizza
3. I once won 5,000 in Las Vegas....I wish I had that money now
4. I used to fish every day with Dan Shinabarger at Oxbow lake in Saugatuck
5. I hate rice and mashed potatoes, in addition to banana's
6. I liked my place at the dinner table growing up, right between Mom and Dad
7. My friends Robin and Cindy and I used to be called the R and C kids because we drank rum and coke...I would puke if I even smell rum now.
8. I used to sew alot....I once made my brother Bill a suit
9. Floyd Mayweather, the boxer used to run my groceries home from Clarks grocery store when I lived in Grand Rapids, he would run backwards training for his next fight.
10. I love working cross word puzzles
11. My first day working at the Sheriff's Office I got locked in the jail
12. I adopted Sheba 4 years ago today
13. When Mom worked at the library I started dinner every night for her...I guess Jean was watching Andy Griffith
14. I remember like yesterday the day Jean drove down Mom and Dad's driveway, she was about 8 feet down the hill
15. I don't ever go to the movie theater, I can't sit still that long
16. I LOVE all my nieces and nephews, along with my grand-nieces
17. I love the game show network
18. I remember skinning my knee the day we found out Uncle Jerry and Aunt Rose had survived the burning on the ship they were on in 1960 by telegram and no one cared about my knee.
19. I cannot water ski or do a cartwheel like everyone else can.
20. I never studied much in college.
21. I think about my Mom every day, I miss her so
22. I like the saying: "Hey girl....."
23. I think the Trailblazers have a chance of getting into the playoffs this year.
24 My room-mate in college died in a car crash when I was a sophmore. It was really sad.
25. I love my Robert

Super, duper Cooper

2009-02-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

Well, Cooper is making himself a part of the family. He was full of anathesia the night he came home with me, haing had a dental done along with his personal surgery.
From the very first day and night he has come to get me when he needs to go outside. That is pretty good for a dog that has never been in a house before. He was still running races last November in Arizonia. Then he returned to the farm in Oregon where he was not treated very well. GPA got 35 dogs from that farm, all of them were sick, had viral and other problems I will not get into here. Suffice to say it took 6 weeks to get them ready to come into foster homes.
He is about 63 pounds and has that striped tail which I have never seen before.
I still keep him muzzled at night since the first morning I came down stairs to what looked like a tornado went through it. He chewed on everything he could find...pillows, blankets, dolls, wooden objects, garbage, etc. Since then he has been pretty darn good. Sheba has given up her bed, but today I caught Cooper trying to lay on Sheba's bed with her. I could not believe Sheba allowed it. She will give up her bed but she is very possessive of the bed she is on and wants her "space". SO I am including that picture in this post along with a picture of her pretty striped tail. His bottom end was recently shaved due to the surgery that he had last week, but it is starting to grow back.
He is only 3 years old so he still has a lot of "puppy" in him but he does understand NO and he knows his name which is pretty good since they have a different name when they race.
I got some new things listed on ETSy but other than that I have not done much. I am pretty sore and achy and now I feel like I am coming down with a cold. I wanted to get these pictures of Coop and Sheba on the blog, so that is all for now

We saw a lot of PERFECT sunsets

2009-02-10T16:16:00.001-08:00

We saw many,many perfect sunsets at the beach where we spent about 2 weeks when Robert was here. Sadly, that has come to an end, Robert is back in DC and it started SNOWING here today. Can you get that?
I really have done very little of anything since Robert left. It is always an adjustment and I don't feel all that hot the last few days, almost like I am coming down with that pnueomia again. I sure that is NOT what it is. Not much energy and I have lots of things to catch up on, none of which sound like much fun.
I have to get some new stuff loaded on the ETSY shop, and I also joined a place, also on line called "artfire.com". It is like ETSY, but much smaller. It is however cheaper to post items on that site, however I do not know how much traffic it gets. Jean also joined Artfire...
Did I tell you about the Benz having a dead battery when Robert got here? He had asked me to "charge it" the night before he came, that did not work, so he did it again when he got here. All of a sudden, no instrument panel lights, no oddometer or speedometer, etc.....We dropped it off at the shop on the way to the beach. Suffice to say, after a $2,850.00, ( not a typo) we were told that a Mercedes can never be "jumped". You have to take out the battery, chrage it and put it back in.....The part alone, ( Instrument cluster was over 1,500 )
The Battery was dead becuase I never drive that car. Suffice to say I am going to drive that car at least one time a week to keep the darn thing charged.
It sounds like Jen is coming to Holland tomorrow for Dinner at Bill's and Grandpa is invited. I am certain it will be the highlight of his week. It is so great the girls invited him.
Glad to hear that Katie had a great surprise Birthday party hosted by Dave and Rachel.
Rachel N: You should be leaving for Florida soon....I remember the airline ticket fiasco.....I have used the gismo used to weigh luggage more times than you can imagine in the last few weeks. It really comes in handy.
Happy belated Birthday to Brenda and Katie.
GPA is having a Valentine Gala which includes a greyhound "Fashion Show" where the dogs will be stylin coats that will be auctioned off to the audience. Sheba is a model and she has been practicing prancing around the house with her head lifted in the air. I will be sure to get pictures. It is on the 24th of Feb.
GPA took in 35 news dogs due to a track closing, all of whom need foster homes, so I will be getting "Cooper" this Thursday. He is a little guy and only 3 years of age. Sheba kind of misses not having a foster here to boss around and she is really missing her Daddy, just like her Mommy. She has her senior bloodwork panel done on Thursday, and Cooper is having his neuter done the same day, so Thursday might be a little crazy around here, with a dog recouping from surgery and Sheba suffering from all her shots. Cooper has never been in a home before, so that always takes a couple of weeks for them to adjust.
I am going to see if this blog posts......lets get those blogs updated gals!!!!
XOXO
Carol and Sheba

TEST

2009-02-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

Since my very lengthy blog post would not publish the other day, I gave up and sent an email. This one is going to be short until I find out the sucker works......
We miss our Robert
Carol and Sheba

2009-01-25T13:01:00.001-08:00

Pictures

2009-01-25T12:58:00.001-08:00

How about my pictures of Obama from the TV????

I am BACK!!!

2009-01-25T12:38:00.001-08:00

Well, I guess 6 weeks is way toooo long not to have been blogging. When I was in Michigan over the holidays I knew that you all knew what I was doing....pretty good excuse huh?
Well since I have been back, you all know that I was stranded in the house for 7 days until Robert flew in last Sunday. He took a taxi to the house and proceeded to get up Monday morning and make 3 copies of every house, condo, car we own. He spent 100.00 making new keys. He found a place locally that would make a Benz key without us having to order them from Germany. That involves sending the VIN number to Germany along with proof of insurance to get a key which takes about a month and costs 270.00 per key, so he was pretty happy when he only had to pay 30.00 per key. I hid a house key in the garage....etc.
Then he spent all day changing the thermostat on the Blazer.
On Tuesday morning our friends Shwn and Rochelle came from DC. They were able to watch the inogoration of Barack Obama on person TV's in the plane. I was so glad to wtach it together at home with Robert. It was so special to us. They arrived at 11:00 am and they brought us 4 copies of the Washington Post, the Washington Times and the Baltimore Sun, all collectable items. They also got us wach a cap that said Jan 21, Barack Obama, PRESIDENT of the USA.
We watche d the rest of the festifivites all day on TV and then left for the beach on Wed am. We got back late last night and they leaft on a 6am flight back today. We had a GRAND time.
They found out that no sales tax in Oregon is a pretty neat thing, as is the outlet mall by the condos, especially this time of year. We got things for 90 % off.
Suffice to say they came with 2 bags and left with 5......
Rachel, that gismo you got me for CHristmas that weighs your luggage really came in handy. Each of thier bags ended up weighing 49.6 oz.....They figured paying for the extra bags was most worth it for all they bought and the deals they got.
We out out to dinner for Seafood, layed around and had a fabulous time. No rain and it was about 60 at the beach.
They both fell in love with Sheba and I was so pleased that someone came all the way from DC to see us here. hint...hint....
Robert is taking a nap and I should really clean the house but I thought I better get some type of blog out there. As per normal, everyone else is doing a great job on thier blogs.
I have to take care of my ETSy orders tomorrow and run errands....

FASHION NO NO

2008-12-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

Things are crazier here today than yesterday. ALL the flights are cancelled out of Portland, all the roads closed. It is a pitiful situation. Sheba refused to go out last night and finally could not hold it any longer, I let her out a 1am and she went down in the snow over 2 feet. We have had about a foot of snow but the drifts have made it seems like much more. Arrow has her purple coat, so hence she has created a fashion no-no. Purple boots with a blue coat/snooze. I thought of Macey when I put her boots on. She is ready for the elements the next time nature calls. I hear it is pitiful today in Holland too. I called Jean to wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and she said church was cancelled, etc.....You will have a lot of snow for sledding tomorrow night. I will keep you posted how things fare out here in the Pacific NW, where it is NEVER supposed to get below 32....

SNOW, SNOW , SNOW

2008-12-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

Even we have snow now in Portland, more than a "dusting" that shut the city down all week, now we do have a storm that is almost a never in Portland, the last big one was 5 years ago and I was snowed in for 5 days with NO DIET COKE. Rest assured that will never happen again, but things are a bit dicey out there. The airport is still open but you have to have chains on in order to drive or they will ticket you. Of course I have NO chains, so I will not be going anywhere soon.
Sheba seemed to like the snow the first time out, but she came barreling around the corner and did a body plant that resulted in a YELP, so the 2nd time she went out, Mom made sure she had her coat and boats on. No problem the 2nd time around. I am sending a few pictures in her green coat, minus the boots, I will get one of her with hat, coat and boots but she shies from the camera when she is all decked out.
I was so sad to get the word on Arrow today, that he has cancer, ( lympathic) and probably will not live long. I kinds wish he was back with me, I miss him, he is really a love bug. Have fun sledding on Monday, I may update before then, until then...I leave you with the Queen....

Macey's masterpeice framed

2008-12-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

I am sure you all remember that GREAT picture that Macey made for me for my birthday. I am proud to say it is framed and hanging in my bedroom so it is the last thing I see at night when I go to bed. I love you Macey

New hat for Sheba

2008-12-16T19:15:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of Sheba in her new hat/PJ's...and one of poor Arrow in his coat trying to stay warm,,,

Barack in a box

2008-12-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

I have spoken about my beloved Barack in a box before, but I thought it was time to show the world my most prized piece of history. Check out this gem

Time flies

2008-12-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. I still have Thanksgiving decorations out. I have been so busy with ETSy that all else has gone to hell in a hand basket. I was glad to hear about Bill's birthday dinner and the chance for the girls to meet Jean. I hear that it went well. I am still in a quandry about Arrow. He keeps having the same symptoms, took him to the vet on wed and to aspcialiston this coming Monday. He will not eat anything but Val's homemade dog cookies, have changed his food,all kinds of medication....the poor fella is skin and bones. Sheba is very sweet to him....
Assuming that all the kids are home from college breaks and I know Dave, Rachel and Katie-Kat are in town this weekend for the Hamberg get together. Jean sold one of her bird bracelets on ETSy.....way to go, you never knwo with this ETSY thing, but it has kept me busy.
The weather is supposed to get frigid cold here in the next few days and maybe some snow, which is a rare thing. Wish I could be there for Christmas.....the sweater idea and the new games sound like fun

2008-12-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Somehow I missed the writing when I posted this blog of Sheba and Arrow getting ready for Christmas wearing thier festive collars. Actually these are 2 pictures I used to post on ETSY for the holiday collars for sale. Poor Arrow, he still keeps losing weight, I have him on all kinds of special food, he will kill himself to get human food but I am not allowed to give him human food. I sold a few items yesterday and also about 30.00 worth of Greyhound stuff at a GPA Christmas tree sale.
Arrow is a snuggle bug, he does jump up on the bed and lays right next to me, probably trying to stay warm since I turn the heat off at night. I did get Sheba a new sweater from an ETSy site and she DONATED a sweater for Arrow when she found out he is so thin. She asked his measurements and said I will have both in the mail by tomorrow. Her site is called hoverfly at etsy.com. You end up meeting a lot of cool people on the site when you buy and sell.
Not really in the mood for Christmas, I am surrounded by bags of crafting supplies as I continue to post items each day. Don't know when Robert will get here since he has 2 major repair jobs going on in the house right now that he is paying for someone to do. All the electrical and all the laying of the 1 by 1 inch tiles in the bath and foyer. About 20K worth of work. I once tried to do the tile and lost my mind after about 12 square inches. It is VERY HARD to lay 1 by 1 inch tile....
With is big expenduture and people working in the house who knows when he will get here....
Confrats to J/S who have had a few sales at ETSY. Make sure you tell all your friends about our sites!!! Sheba nad Arrow thank you. LOVED the ugly sweater post by Brenda, and as always, Jen's posts of the girls....just what does Macey want for Christmas.....I have a THIN 10 year old Greyhound I am certain she would love

Going to the Dogs for Christmas

2008-12-07T16:28:00.001-08:00

New Pillow cases

2008-12-04T21:42:00.001-08:00

I got these pillow cases from Jean at Cottage Corner today, now tell me they are not perfect for the new quilt I got from the cottage.....she will not take any money, so I guess I will have to tell Bill just to give her 20.00 bucks, they were 8 dollars each and she mailed them to me. I was very happy to get them and for them to be so cute.

Pillow covers

2008-12-04T21:40:00.001-08:00

Lull in the action

2008-12-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

My ETSY store was doing pretty good and now I have hit a wall...no sales....I keep making things and posting at least a few every day. I am trying to get some greyhound stuff made this week since GPA is having a sale this weekend. Not much new here except for crafting, etsy and crafting....I sure need the money so I hope it picks back up.
Arrow still is not feeling real good.....He does not complain but he is not eating like he used to. It did not help that Sheba ate his food 2 days in a row so she is in the "naughty spot", which for her means NO TREATS.
I love Brenda and Jenny's new blogger backgrounds, and I can't say enough about how funny that Macey is with her quotes and how darling BOTH those girls are. Kelsey looks like she and her sister definately need to be in movies, an advertisement, or whatever contest Jen can find

LIttle Bit.....

2008-11-25T20:19:00.001-08:00

I know I keep talking about how tiny Arrow is, from these 2 pictures, you get the idea by looking at how he always lays down with his legs and feet 1/2 underneath him. Kinda like Macey sits, or Jenny too for that matter. Look at the rear of his body...I have started to call him "Little bit".....
Well, I have been bust posting on ETSY, I am well over the 300 mark and the stuff just keeps coming. I have been so busy posting items that I have not had a chance to do any art....maybe in the next few days...Sales are not booming, but I seem to sell at least one thing a day so I am happy since this is brand new....When Brenda was talking the other day about getting a turkey for 79 cents a pound and that was a good deal it promted me to get into a conversation with Robert last night about food prices.....I noticed this when I am in Holland and also DC...I CANNOT believe the difference in food prices between there and here....it is sooooo much cheaper out here in Portland and I can't really figure out why, we have talked about it often, anyhow, I got the same kind of self basting bird today at Safeway, about a 15 pounder for 23 cents a pound. I think the turkey ended up costing like 3.22 total. I am not doing any cooking other than the bird since I am going to Doug and Val's and she wants to cook everything, but I always do a turkey, for leftovers more than anything.
Val flies into PDX tonight at 10:30 from Mexico, so I guess they will be busy cooking all day tomorrow and into the night.

Does anyone need.....

2008-11-23T20:41:00.001-08:00

A darling vintage framed picture? Well if so, you know where to go.....ETSY.com, seller name Nykerk.....
I have been busy taking pictures, downloading, describing and posting items every day so I am pretty proud of myself. If I can do it, anyone can.
Arrow is on 2 different medication so I hope his UTI clears up and he puts some weight on. I have to bundle him up when he goes outside and he came without a coat so he is wearing Sheba's bright orange one. I will post a picture of him wearing that in my next blog as he does look quite charming in it. Sheba seems to feel fine about sharing, and she has an entire wardrobe, boots, hats, necklaces, hats.....well you all know what a diva she is. She does need a China suit though and maybe would like to watch the wizard of Oz so she can get up to Macey's speed, I have been looking for pink overalls with no sucess for her too!!!!!

Big girl, little boy

2008-11-22T15:47:00.001-08:00

ETSY and other misc items.....

2008-11-22T12:46:00.001-08:00

This is actually a pillow cover that I bought at Cottage corner when I was home last. It was 8 dollars and goes so well with the big quilt I got from the cottage where Jen and Jason lived. I had it up north, remember all the animals and children on that quilt? I know that the snake was Macey's favorite. Anyhow, I got ahold of Jean Hoffman and she is sending me 2 more pillow covers, one like this and another one in different colors. She keeps avoiding the issue of me paying for them, so I guess I will just send her a check.
ETSY...well I have sold 10 items my first week, so I was pretty happy with that. Once you get used to listing an item it goes pretty fast. It is so funny to see what people buy, things that I would never imagine, so it is pretty fun to get up each morning and check my email to see if anything sold. When you go to my site you can click on sold items and it will show you what has sold. Also make sure you click on, "Make this seller a favorite".....
I just found out from the GPA medical coordinator that Arrow's UA analysis shows that he has an urinary track infection....so now I have started giving him 2 meds in hopes to clear that up. He is just so tiny, he makes Sheba look like an Amazon. Arrow just took his first 2 pills in some cheese so hopefully I won't have a problem getting his pills down like I do Sheba, although I just am thinking....I wonder if he should have dairy products with a UTI.....Rachel, please chime in.

It has been cool and rain here, Doug and VAl have been in Mexico for 2 weeks, they will be shocked to get back to this weather on Tuesday, we will probably have Thanksgiving together.
I have not had much sleep this week due to Arrow getting me up any where between 4-6 times during the night to pee, bless his heart he gets me up and does not pee in the house but if this medication does not clear up the problem he will have to go to a home that has a dog door since I do not get much rest this way. He is such a darling, I would hate to move him again but I do need my sleep.
I have been thinking and praying a lot for Rachel N, with this being the year anniversary of her sister's death, the fact that she cannot eat any normal food and the fact that Jim, in one of his cost saving measures changed the cable provider and now all they get is the weather channel and some religious program...I hope that is a joke, I know the rest is not, so hugs to you Rachel.
It looks like the market ended on a postive note yesterday after yet another pitiful week......we may end up all living at Dad's house in our "retirement" years if things don't get better. I have faith in Obama that when he takes office things will start to stablize but it is going to take a long time, if ever to get back to where we were in the 90's.....
Rachel took Dad to the Doctor this week and he has no med changes and told the Doctor is blood pressure is pretty good for an "old guy"....then he chuckles as Rachel reports.
As per normal Bren and Jen have done a great job updating thier blogs, Jean...it is time for another update. I sure wish Katie-Kat and Rachel S. would start one and I thinkthe only thing stopping Rachel N is a lesson from Brenda on downloading pictures....maybe that can happen soon. I wasnever that good at it myself until I was "forced" to get better when opening up the ETSY shop. Since I have over 200 listings, that is a lot of taking and downloading pictures....Robert calls it my boutique...bless his heart. I can't wait to see him over the holidays. He has been busy with the house, fishing and helping friends in need. His most recent venture was 10 days in New Jersey helping a diabled vet retro his house for a wheelchair, this poor guy is in a wheel chair and has yet to get disability and he sustained his injuries in the war....something is not right with this country and that is just one of them. Robert is always helping someone less fortunate and he just keeps getting more jewels in his crown, but his daughter Sheba and his lady miss him tons.....We will be celebrating our 10 year anniversay on Dec 31st....wow, it has been a long time long distance.
I am excited to watch the Blazers game tonight and hope that the big guy Oden gives Shaq a run for his money....well...back to ETSY listings.
Love and hugs to all.

ETSY store

2008-11-15T10:35:00.001-08:00

Well my ETST store is up and running, I have had one sale, praying for more. The camera that Jean and Scott sent me has really come in handy. It takes great, clear pictures, but now the card is full and I am hesitant to delete pictures in case I ever have a computer crash, ( God forbid) and lose all my ETSY pictures, so I might just go buy an additional card. I have over 100 items posted in the store. Go to ETSY.com, scroll down on seller's name and type in Nykerk, my shop will show up, click on it and you will see I have posted more than 100 items in the past 2.5 days. It is all a bit time consuming, but easy to do sitting on the couch. I have at least another 100 items to post.
I also got a foster greyhound today. I am such a softie when it comes to those dogs, he is a return dog and skinny as a rail. You can see his ribs a lot so I will have to try and get a few pounds on him. Keep up everyone with the great blogs and go check out my store!!!!

NOTHING TO EXCITING

2008-11-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Not much exciting over this way in Portland. I am still basking in the glory of Election day and Obama. I saved the newspaper and various other items that are Barack related, my buttons, a fan and best of all my "Barack-in-a box"......I ordered this about 4 months ago hoping he would win. It is an old fashioned "jack-in-a box", but of course when you wind the crank, there is an old Motown song and then Barack jumps out of the box. All 4 sides and the top image are of course of Obama. I also have my Obama sweatshirt and T shirt which I got free for donating to his campaign early on.
I emailed Obama that the new dog for the white house should be a rescue greyhound....now wouldn't that be fun?
I am waiting for the package to come from Jean so I can get pictures taken of my ETSY stuff so I can get my store up and running. I have such a hard time uploading pictures....Doug and Val are coming over tomorrow and so I am hoping that they can help me....I told Sheba that her Aunt and Uncle are coming over and now she is laying by the front door.....I guess I need to keep my mouth shut, last time she laid there for 24 hours.....
Weather is cooler here, but not as bad as it seems to be in Michigan as Brenda was talking about sleet and rain...UGH.
I see the Lions are still 100% for the season....good grief. I still do not like the fact that Chauncy got traded......I do wish that I could see more of the Pistons on TV....
I have been crafting for the past few days so that has been fun. I love Jen's new blog idea about the quote and picture of the day. Yesterday's was too funny, it is the highlight of the my day....
I hope everyone has a good week, hoping that Jean updates her weekend and that Rachel starts one soon.....

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-04T23:23:00.000-08:00

GO OBAMA GO!!!!!!
Step aside McCain, "here's SHEBA".......
We are happy in Oregon

I AM A STAR.....I AM ON TV

2008-11-04T13:13:00.001-08:00

Guess what???? I am a soon to be star.At 4 pm PAC time I will be on channel 2, ABC TV. I will do my best to get a "live feed" from the news channel so you can see me too.
I am very excited. That nasty lady who took all of the money from our Greyhound Pets of America chapter had to go to court today to get sentenced for stealing 25K from us. Of course they did not let me go into the courtroom because I am not yet licensed to be Mom's service dog, but guess what.....MaMa spoke to the Judge for me. She talked about all the dogs that will not get to go to a good home like me because we had no money for the dogs to go to the doctor or be fed. I am so lucky that I have a home and a Mom, because lots of dogs get killed if they cannot go to a home.
My Mom spent a lot of time talking to the District Attorney before the sentencing. She explained all about how the loss of funds would affect dogs like me that are too tired to run around a racetrack any longer and how they will not be able to get a home like me. The DA really liked Mom and she fell in love with us dogs, so anyhow, that nasty woman was taken off in hand cuffs and she is going not to jail, but that bigger house called prison for 19 months. Then she has to pay all the money back and be on probation for 5 years and get "treatment". I think that is what they call it....she takes too many drugs and drinks a lot of alcohol, so she has to stop doing that too. But I don't care much about her. I am focusing on how proud I am of my Mom. She talked a lot to the Judge today too and she called me by name in the court hearing. She told the Judge that I 'Bless her life"....Wasn't that nice?
And now for the BIG news. The man asked MaMa if she would talk on the tv and asked if I would be on TV with Mom. I was SO EXCITED. I peed first so that I would stand there real nice. I wore a pretty blue coat and blue necklace. I looked right at the camera with my pretty eyes and smiled. I stood still, I never moved around, I looked like a hero, just like I did in the "winner's circle. I felt like a "champ". You should have heard my MaMa. She just answered questions "right off the cuff", she did not know what they were going to ask her, but wow...she dazzled em.....She said I ran all my races in Mexico and told my story and how many other dogs are not as lucky as me. She did really good and I was so proud of her.
Now here is the BEST part...right at the end of the interview, this is what the TV announcer said, "Step aside McCain, here 's SHEBA!!!!......darn it, I knew I should have worn my OBAMA shirt......

PICTURES

2008-11-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

I just went through all my new pictures and changed out all the old photos and put them in a book. So now I have new pictures in frames of the wedding, Kimberly and Ben, Dad's 90th up north, enlargements of Dad, Bill, Jean and I, Rachel and I and Macey and Kelsey
I got the guys leaving out on the pontoon boat and Brenda in the kayak. ( I love the color in that picture), Jean's family and Sheba with her Dad....
The only one I seem to be missing is that nice family shot of Jim's family, you know the one shot in the dark.....whatever became of that picture. One of us with a camera should have had the sense to take one with our camera's since they were sitting there so nice.

ONE BIG OUTING

2008-11-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went out for the fisrt time other than going to the doctor or the hospital. I got a few groceries and prescriptions and then went to this huge rummage sale about 1/2 mile from the house at the "Expo Center". It had started on Friday so yesterday everything was 25% off. I ended up getting some fantastic deals on those large size paperback books, a couple of vintage dolls to go on my new quilt, some linens, ( sheets like were brand new for one dollar) and some supplies to do my crafts. Like I need more of craft supplies, but they had lots of bubales and trinkets ans "de-stash" items packed at 50 or 75 cents, so with an additional 25% off, I had a fine time.
Since I have not unpacked the boxes of supplies that Jean sent, I started working on a new "prototype" of vintage figurines using wire, paper mache, crepe paper and trimmings since I had all those items handy and in one place. They need a little work, but I think I can do it and would be darling if I can pull it off. I have to get my ETSY store up and running.
I did take out my holiday, thanksgiving decorations so the house looks nice with them and all the candles burning.
This Tuesday the woman who stole all the money from GPA goes to court for sentencing so I will attend that and have been selected to read all the letters in court that members wrote who cannot attend. She will be getting 19 months in prison and 5 years of post-prison supervision and probation, re-payment of funds to GPA and A/D treatment. We are all glad she is going to prison for all the damage she did to the organization and the dogs that suffered as a result. Sheba is coming along because the news media will be there and they want dogs in the filming. She will probably wear her new nice orange coat with the snooze of colored polka-dots. I made her a cap of the same polka dot material so she will wear that too.Contrary to to all the dogs that hate to be dressed up, Sheba LOVES it and she really prances when she knows how cute she looks, so that will probably be my big outing for next week, along with 2 doctor appointments. I swear I could drive there with my eyes closed.
I was so happy to see Brenda's updated blog for today with all the pictures and updates from the new blue House in Colon, they sure had a lot of help which was nice. Hopefully Jen can take her time this week getting other things organized and I am thrilled she will be back online Tuesday.
Jean, it is time to update your blog.....

I GAVE UP TRYING........

2008-11-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well....suffice to say I never fell asleep last night. I laid there until 5 am and gave up trying. I came downstairs with Sheba in tow and proceeded to unpack the box I sent myself from Michigan. I still have 7 more in the garage that Jean sent. I guess we overdid it a bit on the craft supplies...anyhow, As I opened my 46# box, it was like Christmas. I had forgotten about all that was in there....
vases from CB2, beeswax candles, thanksgiving decorations, a gold cage, 2 African American dolls to sit on my bed with my new "quilt", candles, Pictures that Scott gave me of Big Red, all framed and ready to hang...candles, a purse, a great Petosky stone, an old pillow cover from Cottage corner to put on my new quilt,Cherry Republic products,Gwen Frostic items, friendship spoons that my friend Anita gave me, a little Christmas ornament, some craft supplies, a silver metal knitted ball from CB2, a new dog toy for Sheba, a ceramic dish, old comic books for crafts, lots of pictures, Dave and Rachel's wedding announcement,some Christmas gifts for others....boy I had a fun time, and forgot I was tired and had not slept. I set up my holiday decorations in my clean house and actually cleaned out the garage a bit more.
I am PROUD to say that the Portland Trailblazers had a GREAT game on National TV last night, wondering if any of you saw it. Even though that lumox Greg Oden is out for another month after playing a total of 5 minutes in the last 2 years on Tuesday night, we won and I think the Blazers looked stellar. Lots of young players, including a 19 yo from France who is going to be GOOD, so look out EAST coast...we might actually do something this year. The "Rose Garden" was rockin last night. Earth, wind and Fire was there to introduce the lineup and they still sound as good as they did 30 years ago. Rumor has it that the Foo Fighters are tied up in San Fran, but EWF laid it out....
Of all mornings my paper was not delivered....this has NEVER happened. You guys know how I am about my paper, can't live without it so I guess I will be heading to the store to buy one, although now I am running a fever again and given my normal temperture is 96.0, when I run a fever it means I am sick so I guess this stuff is NOT over yet, nor does it seem to be improving. Good Lord, have mercy....enough is enough.
I am attempting to get all my new pictures in frames that currently have pictures dating back to when Rachel graduated from college. YIKES. I have all the recent pictures from the wedding and Brenda's from Shutterfish, some I got enlargements of. A 8/10 of Jean and I, and 5/7's...one of Bill, one of Jim and one of Rachel and I...of course a few enlargements of Macey and Kels....I sure wish I had a copy of Kelsey in her "pretty in pink" oufit Jen posted on her blog the other day. That was one of the most awesome shots I have ever seen, that girl needs to be on a magazine cover and of course Macey isn't too shabby either....
Well, I am off to get a paper. Since I have been so bad about blogging lately, I thought I would try and "catch up". LOVE YOU ALL.

PS......

2008-11-01T03:26:00.000-07:00

MaMA got me an OBAMA tee-shirt that I wear when I go to bed. Her vote has been cast since we have an all mail-in voting process so we are patiently waiting until next Tuesday to see if this Country can get "back on Track" with the Democrats!!!!

I AM TRYING SO HARD.....

2008-11-01T02:21:00.001-07:00

Well....I a, trying as good as I can to take care of my MaMA. It is 2:25am and she cannot sleep again. That one Doctor told her she can't give herself anymore of those shots to help her with the RA until she gets better. She talks about her immune system being already compromised...(is that the right word? She uses a lot of big words), but I think I have it right. Because she has to stop the injection because she has pnuemonia, now her joints hurt and she cannot sleep. Many time she keeps me awake until 4-5 in the morning. I refuse to go to sleep when she is awake, something bad might happen to her. She also takes out those things in her ears so she is deaf. I am her ears and protect her. When she is upstairs, I never leave her side. I have a big puffy bed right next to her. Sometimes I even "hold my pee" if she is sleeping becuase I don't want to bother her....she needs her rest. I have been very good, I never have accidents in the house and that seems to make her happy. My Aunt Val came over 3 times this week to clean out house, so it looks nicer now than in the picture above. Mom was sleeping all 3 mornings so Aunt Val just came in through the garage, I think my Mom gave her the "password" to the garage door opener, how else would she have gotten inside???? Anyway, as soon as I heard the doorknob turn, I ran down to make sure no one bad was in the house and I was happy to see my Aunt Val with all her cleaning supplies. Then I ran back upstairs to be with Mom. I stayed with her until she sat up I bed and I knew she was ok.
It looked to me that she was updating her blog for today and then the phone rang when she was done. She told me she had to go back to the hospital, that place like she took me when Scarlet bit me on the head. I do NOT like that place and she is gone sometimes up to 8 hours. Today she was back in about 4 hours because she told them to give her medication in that tube and to "run it fast" just like I run fast. Whenever she goes to that place she comes back with lots of bandages on her hands and arms. I don't like that either because I know her hands and arms hurt like my head did when Scarlett bit me. I know I keep refering to when I got bit. It hurt, but I am all healed up now and can take care of MaMa. After about 2-3 hours she carefully takes off the bandages and I see her hands are all black and blue. I always kiss her hands and arms to make them feel better and I hope it helps...she says it does. I do not think I have ever been black and blue, maybe once when I had those 7 puppies, but I don't really remember much about that since it was before my MaMa took me into her house. Even though her hands, arms and body hurt, she still feeds me and gives me lots of attention and toys. Tonight I got a cup of peppermint ice-cream....that must be some seasonal thing because it looked like Christmas and it sure tasted good. See....my MaMA is so good to me. She bought me a new winter coat at an auction and told me it was cheap, but it sure looks nice on me. It is orange on one side and all different color polka-dots on the other, I am stylin, that is for sure. She says she will take a picture of me wearing it when she gets a camera from my Uncle Scott. Isn't he nice?
Yesterday when she went to her Doctor and asked about getting me licensed as a "service dog". MaMA's Doctor is going to write to someone to get that approved which would mean I could get on an airplane with her and I would get to play with my cousins Dolly and Ally and Bandit whom I have never met...I am licking at the chops to meet them, but they will have to understand I take care of MaMa before any playing.
Dad talked to me on the phone last night. I always get excited to hear his voice and I wagged my tail a lot. He told me to take care of MaMa and he will be here for the holiday season. Sometimes he takes me to a big park where I can run like wild, although he is careful with me and never lets me run if there are any other dogs in the gated park. One time he gave a man10.00 dollars so they would leave and it could just be me and my Dad. Dad always gives me those real long ear and tummy rubs so I really miss him and I know Mom would feel better if he came right now since they are so happy together. Lots of times in the evening they put on music......they tell me it is ole school music from the 60-s and 70's, whenever that was and then they dance for a long time in the living room. I look at them like they are crazy but they still keep dancing. Dad thinks he is the "Alpha" dog in the house but we all know the "Alpha" is me, I just don't want to hurt thier feelings because they love me so much. Lots of times Dad will take me in the little black car when it is a convertable. He ties me to the "roll bar" just to be safe but I would NEVER jump out of Dad's car with him going 80mph. I do like my hat and scarf on though becuase they keep my little head warm. Lots of times people stop and take pictures of me in the rumble seat looking like the queen I am, but we have to wait until next summer to do that again. When we go the the beach this year for Mom and Dad's 10th anniversary Dad told we we would keep the top on the car. Since thier anniversary is on New Years Eve, they get dressed up there and dance to that ole music and then I see fireworks in the sky. I do NOT like the noise they make, but I do think the fireworks are just for them so I tolerate it. They usually give me a little pill so I am not so freaked out by the noise and then we go down on the beach and make a big bonfire. I know my Dad put out a lot of fires when he was working, but he also pretty good at getting one started.
Well...MaMa says she is going to "try it again", this means going back upstairs. I hope that she sleeps soon becuase I am a little tired myself but I wanted to let you all know I am trying my best to take care of MaMa so you do not have to worry about her. It is a big job but I am honored to do it. I bet Aunt Katie is up and getting ready to fly out to our part of the country, I wish she was coming to Portland instead of San Fran, but I can't fix everything.
Love,
Sheba

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T13:10:00.000-07:00

I wiah I had some nice pictures and graphics to brighten this page. I am waiting for a package in the mail from Jean which will include a camera that Scott was willing to part with. THANKS SCOTT. At that point I hope to take more pictures and get them on the blog. Of course my pictures will consist mostly of Sheba since she is the only entertainment I have in this house. No cute shots of kids like Jen or random pictures of Life like Brenda. Jean, has also mastered this blogging and gets her fair share of pictures up for me to view. Being in Portland makes these blogs ever more special. They keep me connected to everyday life and my great family. I absolutely loved the pictures of Kels yesterday in her cute pick and pearl outfit. That small smile and that darling headband. She belongs on the cover of a magazine. I am trying to figure out how that could happen. I read about these contests in magazines and will have to contact Jen to have her enter the girls. Macey did not look too shabby either...I can tell you that. She looked so determined pushing that stroller with her baby sister in it. Everytime I see her in those black leggins I have to smile, her legs about as big as toothpicks, so like Jenny at that age. I remember Renee laboring in love as she perused the clothing on the racks in seach for something that would stay up at Jen's waist without falling to the floor and something was yet long enough in the legs so they did not look like capri's which were not in vouge when Jen was 2-3. Somehow she always found something that worked, even if she resortd to Jen wearing those darn cowboy boots. Oh how I miss that woman, my sister, my friend.
Then there was Rachel and Katie-Kat. Thier Mother kept them in stylin as well.
And then come along 4 boys...I remember Jeff looking a little "dog-eared" every now and then. I would be at Mom and Dad's, look through the dining room window and here would be Jeff tromping through the garden with his shirt in-side-out or some such....always asking for food which Grandma gladly indulged. Dan was always the one to tell her where everyone was and what they were doing. He often knew more than Jim did as to the whereabouts of the family. Poor Rachel was working a lot of nights back then and I still to this day do NOT know how she did it, working full time and all those boys....
Life in Portland has been slow. I had another Doctor appointment yesterday and was told I am bot one bit better than I was last week and I sure do not feel any better. I am trying to do things right. I am drinking one can of diet-coke a day and about 10 glasses of water. I take my medication, I do my breathing treatments and I am still wheezing, coughing and have NO stamina and get short of breath real quick. I came home from the Doctor to a "dark" house. No POWER...no tv, computer, lights, phone, etc. It did not come back on until about 8:30 pm. There is not much to do laying in the dark. Sheba stayed close by trying to figure out why the house was so "wierd". was glad when the power came back on suffice to say.
Normally I would pass out candy and dress up Sheba for Halloween, but I do not quite have it in me this year so I guess I will pretned the power is still out and not put the outside lights on...Bad, I know but I have not even been to the store to buy candy.
I did get a big lift as Val cleaned my house for 3 straight days. She did all the windows, carpets, fridge, stove, walls, plus all the normal cleaning so I feel much better sitting in a very clean house. THANKS to all of you that contributed to that effort. There are still many fresh flowers on the bushes in the front yard, so I did snip a big bunch of roses and put them around the house. The weather has been awesome here, in the 60-70's, but I hear a cold front in on the way. That means you guys should have some nice weather coming your way.
Robert is still working on our house in DC, but he has been taking regular "breaks" and going out of town fishing. He went to New Jersey for 5 days with 6 guys from the Fire Department a few weeks ago. They caught tons of fish and ended up selling most of it at the dock as people were begging for fresh fish. They sold the halibut for 10.00 each and also lots of black bass, striper and ling cod. They always go out on the ocean so they return with that type of fish. Anyhow, all the fish they sold paid for the hotel, gas and charter fees so they had a blast. They had enough that everyone got as much fish as they wanted even though they sold do much. This past weekend he went down to North Carolina to fish with a buddy who retired there from the fire Department. He is the only Black guy with a bunch of overweight white guys, so you can visualize just about what the group looks like. Of course they spoke of politics and the election becuase they listened to XM talk radio the entire time they were out on the boat......I will leave it at that, you can only imagine. Robert is a news FREAK and can out-talk any argument thrown his way so I certain the captain of the boat did not know what he had on his hands.....
Thankfully the location of the DC house is in an area that is not deappreciating in value. It is in the Capital Hill area which given the econonmy is still holdoing strong so I guess we will keep that house when he moves out here. That house has been the subject of much debate, but we have decided to hold onto it. There are a lot of rich people in Washington DC and surrounding areas due to the high rate of government workers/pay so I am certain we can rent or lease the house without a problem. He will be here for the holidays and here for good next spring. We are grateful he has a pension which is not affected by this economy and becuase he is such a news FREAK, he moved all of his money out of 401-k's into annuities where he is gaureented a minimum of 3% gain about 8 months ago before the market crashed. If not for him I would have long ago been out on the street living under a bridge since he pays many of my bills. That, along with gifts from family members keep me with a roof over my head and my small pension pays the house note every month So I never have to worry about that.
I was hoping to get to the condo next week, the beach is so nice this time of the year but I still don't feel very good so time will tell. Sheba is anxious for long walks on the beach. I would go with Doug and Val who walk the beach about 4 times a day even if I don't and Sheba can hardly contain herself when we are there.
Well I guess I have rambled on long enough, I have not posted for a bit, but there really is not much going on here. I hope that Katie-Kat has a good time in San Fran, (one of my favorite all time places to visit) and that Doctor Dave and Nurse Rachel have a good time at thier Halloween events. Brenda reports she is dressing as a hippie and handing out candy with Dolly the hot-dog and then going to Colon tomorrow to help Jen and Jason. Congrats on the house you guys, can't wait to see pictures. If you guys can post on Snapfish, I can order all the great shots. Brenda, you must get over to Aunt Rachel's and teach her how to post pictures so she can start her blog.....

Seriously negligent on my blogging......

2008-10-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

I guess it has been about 6 weeks that I posted. I can tell you where I have been in that time and maybe that will determine where I "picked up this pnemonia"
Chicago, Ill
Colon Michigan
Port Huron Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Holland, Michigan
Colon, Michigan
Elberta, Michigan
Benzie, Michigan
Benzonia, Michigan
Frankfort, Michigan
Glen Arbor, Michigan
Manistee, Michigan
Bronson, Michigan
Chicago, Ill.
Portland, Or.
Don't forget O Hare Airport2x and Minn/St Paul airport 2x, which at any given time have in excess of 10,000 people in them.
When I was back in the hospital for the 2nd time this week, yesterday about 5 more people asked me where I "got this".....I started to pin a note on my shirt of where I had been so they could determine the answer to the dumbest question I have ever heard.
Since I did not get a call back from the hospital today I am assuming I do not have a blood clot in my heart, although they put me on blood thinners to be sure, along with a prednisone taper, antibiotic, cough meds, stomach meds, inhalers and breathing treatments.
I must say I feel a bit better today, probably that injection of prednisone and 60 mg tablets gave my system a much needed jolt.
Sheba is back home with her Mom and taking good care of her. She is laying at my feet and really does understand that her Mom is sick. She gave me several kisses and is acting very proud to be taking care of me.
I did have a great time in Michigan for Dad's 90th celebration up north, crafting and my daily jaunts out of town. I did start feeling crappy the last week, starting at the cottage, but I always hope I can just go with the program and not miss out on anything. It kind of caught up with me this time.
Jean mailed me 7, yes seven boxes of craft supplies which arrived on the porch today. I could not lift them to get them inside so Doug did that for me when they brought Sheba back.
Nice post by Jen and Brenda recently. I just got a phone call from the Doctor while I was writing this post. The Doctor not the nurse...my bloodwork has lots of abnormalities. My liver function tests are sky high. This has not been the case until last month and we are certain is due to the injections of methotrexate for my RA. My potassium is low, thyroid is low, WBC is high.....so go figure, I still feel better than I did the first 4 days of the week. I see the Doctor again on Monday.
I am kind of at my limit with feeling so pitiful....I don't even expect to feel good, just "fair" would make me happy.
Have a good time Sunday with Dad and the celebration at church, post any pictures on Snapfish so I can order them.

ALL MY BEST INTENTIONS

2008-09-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Went up in smoke today as I totally forgot, ( or I should say, attemped to forget) having to be at the hospital all day today for IV treatment. Robert wished me well for today when we were on the phone last night or I probably would have forgotten to go. Not a great time. They had to use my feet again since my arms and hands are shot. The medication just "burns" so much more when using my feet, don't really know why, as it is the same medication....I just got home and gave myself the weekly shot of methotrexate. so all in all I feel a little bit "punk" as Mom used to say.
What this means of course is I did NOT get my 2 boxes of craft supplies to the post office, nor did I pick up my medication from Safeway, along with about 10 other things I had on my "to do" list. I will do those 2 main things in the morning and that means the boxes will get to Holland about next Thursday. The medication thing is a bit tricky because I want a 30 day supply of everything to take with me so I don't have to switch my scripts to Walgreens while I am in town. I do think that I have accomplished that by the Doctor releasing some medication "early" due to me being out of town.
I have a 3rd dog here, just for last night and tonight. His name is Jock. He is walking on 3 legs due to surgery on a back foot. I have to change his bandage soon, but he also has a "thera-pod" boot on his foot to keep it all in place. He is by far one of the sweetest fosters I have had. His foster parents, who are good friends of mine and often take Sheba are out of town just 2 days. Cumber goes to his new foster home tomorrow at noon, Jock gets picked up at 3 tomorrow and Sheba stays with me until Doug and Val come to get me at 4;45am to get to the airport for a 6:15am flight. Sheba is staying with D/V for the first 2 weeks. They got the ashes of Scarlet in an urn yesterday so they are bringing "her" to the beach while I am gone and will have Sheba to hopefully make the spreading of her ashes at the beach less sad.
I am ABSOLUTELY bringing only one suitcase when I come. Number one, I do not want to pay 50.00 for a 2nd checked bag, number 2, I am taking the El from Ohare to Katie-Kat's place and I only want to mess with one suitcase on wheels. Number 3: I can do laundry whenever I want in Michigan....Number 4...you guys don't care if you see the same clothes more than once. Good logic huh?
I am so excited to come, 2 days in Chicago, seeing my nieces, going to the Renegrade craft fair, stopping at our favorite stores on Monday before driving back. Wednesday, all us gals are going to Colon to see our FAVORITE AND MOST BEAUTIFUL grand nieces in the world and of couse our precious Jen.
Then on Thursday Jean and I are going to Ann Arbor to get some more craft supplies and go to some cool shops we have found on the internet.
Saturday, Rachel and I are going to Port Huron to cheer on Kimberly at the Miss Michigan pageant!!!!
The craft days will happen more than one day....we have toooooo many cool things to make, we hope Brenda, Rachel and whoever else is interested to join us. We will be doing some crafts that are EASY, actually all of them are easy with the correct supplies, which we have....I am so excited to get started on our crafts and to open our stores on ETSY.
And then of course out BIG FAMILY REUNION for Dad's 90th up at the cottage from Oct 1-5....It is all tooooooo much fun, I am so looking forward to seeing everyone and staying away from hospitals and Doctors....
I will be in Chicago 2 days from now!!!!
I know my blogs pale in comparison to Brenda, Jean and Jen's site. They use all those neat pictures. I only have pictures of greyhounds and I know you have seen enough of those.
I am so glad that Brenda is back on line. She even updated her webshots page, way to go Brenda. Rachel does really well updating me via email and Jen is doing a great job keeping her blog up to date as possible given they have no computer at thier cottage....Jean and I stay VERY connected by phone and email...as she said at least 20 hours of phone time in the last 2 weeks....these crafts have us so excited.
Rachel tells me Chad is going to school at night so he does not even get home until 10pm, so excited about Dan's internship and assuming that Dave, Jeff and Ben are doing well.
This is the last blog you will get from me before I see you all in person!!!! I LOVE OUR FAMILY.

Crafts...Crafts.....Crafts.....

2008-09-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well, Jean oudid her self with her new blog today, it gives you guys an idea of what type of materials we will be crafting with...what started out as making a item or two has expanded. In a nutshell we will be making pendant necklaces with scrabble tile, bamboo tiles and dominos....Jean is going to make a lot of paper product stuff and journals. I am making all of the above plus some mixed media stuff, pendants, stand up figures, things in bottles, things standing on blocks, wall hangings, gift items....
We have spend endless hours on the phone getting our materials ready, I have been ordering from EBAY, but mostly our favorite site, ETSY as Jean mentions....Come join us!!!! you will be inspired. All of you can do these projects!!!!
Loved the latest blog from Jenny, the pictures of the kids are "over the top", how sweet the pictures are of the girls together. I am glad the forst day of school went well. Poor Brenda...having problems with her internet connection. I can relate!!!
See you all soon

It must be time for a shot

2008-08-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Well, now that the Olympics are over, I have switched my attention the last 2 nights to the Democratic Convention. I know you all you guys are Republicans, but please give me a break....Can we seriously take another 4 years of what we have now? The economy is in the tubes, we are in a war, no one has health care that needs it.....anyhow enough of politics, but I was very impressed with Michelle Obama, you gotta give Teddy Kennedy his props for flying to Denver in the middle of Chemo and radiation and a brain tumor, and even though I am not a fan of Hillary, I thought she did a great job last night.

To be fair I will watch the Republican convention nest week...in Chicago no less...that town will be more of a madhouse than it usually is.

Onto other subjects....It must be time for another shot, I go to my dreaded weekly doctor appt. tomorrow, but it also means that I give myself my weekly shot. I remember Renee saying she could always tell when it was time for another shot, now I know what she means.....what it means for me is that Wednesdays are pretty painful. It has not been a good summer for me. I have not been able to get this insurance business off the ground due to how I feel....

Val and I do want to do a garage sale next weekend, ( the first weekend in Sept), even though it is so much work, I have tons of stuff to get rid of and I want some money to spend when I come to town. They have a van now so Val will come to the house next week and pack it up for me so I have most of the "heavy work" done for me. Val is a great friend, always there in a pinch.

I have made arrangements for both Cumber and Sheba when I am gone and hope that Cumber gets adopted during that time. I am not going to foster again for some time. I need a break and so does Sheba. She is ready to have her Mom to herself.

The weather here changes dramatically. One day it is 104 degrees, the next it is 70. 70 is more to my liking. I have been busy getting together supplies for our craft days when I come to town. We will have great fun. I also have a doctor appt tomorrow with the hearing aid guy...I have to have them in proper working order when I come to town. They are so hard to keep clean and go wacko with no warning. I can see why Dad has such problems with his...I can't stay on top of it...you would think it would not have to be so difficult.

I am always thrilled to read the updated blogs and get the pictures, things seem to going right along in Colon!!!YEA....
I am glad that Dave and Rachel's marriage is official since Jean is putting an article in the paper. I think of how the boys are doing getting back adjusted to school...
"as per normal"....keep me posted...Love you

Monday....Monday

2008-08-18T16:50:00.001-07:00

I was glad to read Jen's new blog about thier move to Colon and how nice everyone has been so far. I am having trouble again posting comments on blogs....what is wrong with me or this computer or both???? It mystifies me.
I have not been feeling too great over the past 4 days where it has been over 100 degrees in Portland. Thankfully, it finally rained last night and it is overcast today. It has not rained in PDX for over 3 months.....all that sun, I like it about 76 so the weekend was terrible...way to hot.
Not much news to report. Glad that Brenda and Keith had a nice weekend at Bear Lake and hope J/S did well at the craft fair in Chicago!!!

Doctors, hospitals.....

2008-08-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I have not posted recently, although I must say I keep looking at the plate of blueberry pancakes on Jean's bog for quite some time also!!! I sure do enjoy reading everyone's blogs though, Brenda and Jenny get super star awards in that regard. I was glad to get Jen's last one detailing what thier life will look like over the next 4-6 weeks.
Wondering how Brenda and Keith did yesterday on thier outing with the boat....
I have done little to nothing in the last month expect for go to Doctor appointments and the hospital. I saw a thyroid specialist today at Providence hospital, I really liked her, she is changing my thyroid meds to a more natural approach instead of the synthyroid and cytomel....we will see how that works, also had a blood draw at the hospital for my Thursday appt with the Rheumatoligist. I can tell how I feel that my sed rate is way up there again, so I am praying I don't have to go to the hospital all day Friday for IV meds. The Thyroid specialist, named GiGi...is originally from Elkhart, Ill....I think Dave S lived there for some time with his family growing up. She is young, early 30's and pretty open to alternative approaches to long term problems such as thyroid dis-function. Her name is GiGi Dawood, told me to call her GiGi....

I met Rachel's friend yesterday to bring her the condo keys, she, along with her son, his girlfriend and grandson left already for the condo last night even though they got into PDX, 3 hours late and did not meet me until 3 in the afternoon. Lana is one of those free-loving souls, where the cup is always 1/2 full.....Very fun to be around, I hope to see her again, she was raised in PDX so she knows the area. She brought along a card for me from Rachel, and a very pleasant surprise of some much needed cash. Bless her heart and thanks again Sis!!!
I snagged a very cheap flight from PDX to Chicago on Sept 13th....will meet Jean there and go to a craft fair with Katie and hopefully Brenda and drive to Holland on that following Monday. My fare was only 198.00 which is dirt cheap for a ticket these days. I will be in Holland until October 11 and so looking forward to the month stay....hoping my health settles down by then. Also so looking forward to the long weekend up north for Dad's 90 b-day celebration. He is slowing down so I never know if this will be the last time I will see him...I hate to think that way, but that is the reality.
The annual greyhound picnic is this coming Sunday. I am setting up a booth selling greyhound cards and wine charms that I made. The wine charms have little greyhound heads on them and I think will be a big hit.
Val and I are planning to have a garage sale the last weekend in August, I hate the thought of it, but I have stuff to get rid of and I want spending money for the trip home....
I love reading everyone's blogs and am happy that others are more punctual at it than I am. It helps me feel more connected!!! Keep up the good work. Love to all.
C.

SOME GREAT PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD

2008-08-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am glad to say that there are some very good people in this world. Tilly's owner and his 2 sons just stopped by to give me some gifts they picked up for me while they were on vacation. I hardly did not know what to do...after everything that happened with Tilly, and a 2 thousand dollar vet bill, ( which Janice paid for thank goodness), they still wanted to thank me for taking care of Tilly. They say she is getting better every day and that thier 9 year old son is sleeping with Tilly every night in the family room.
They brought me a great box of candy made in Oregon from the "Cranberry Sweets" store...it is fabulous...I already had 2 pieces...they also gave me a beautiful candle made on the coast. What great people!!!
On another note....why in the world did the White Sox have to get Ken Griffey....now Detroit really has a battle.....
Hope that "Art in the park" was a good day for Jean and Scott and that Rachel gets to do something fun on her last day of vacation instead of picking up after all those boys!!!

Life.....no good deed goes unpunished....

2008-07-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in weeks due the daily trials and tribulations...most of all, my health. I have been in the hospital 5 times in the last 3 weeks getting IV treatment for my Rheumatoid. The most recent was yesterday when they had to use my foot since my arms are shot. I had a large hemotoma last night and had to go back to the doctor today to get it drained and out on an antibiotic....My SED rate is still 5x higher than it should be but 50% lower than it was. My c-reactive protien, ( another marker for internal inflammation) is 100x higher than it should be, but lower that it was....it was 200% over what the normal limits are.....all of this means that I have not had time to start my insurance business....I have been trying to do some crafts that I might sell on ESTY.com, or and at the upcoming greyhound picnic. I made some great rings out of wire and stones and also some cards and wine charms for the greyhound event....
I have missed several phone calls from Robert due to my crazy schedule...I am either at the doctor, the hospital or sleeping from what it feels like. I have begun using some alternative meds in hopes to help with the inflammation. I spoke with this to my specialist and he is in favor of it....
Then the entire mess with Tilly, the greyhound I was babysitting for....I had to leave her with someone else from GPA since I was scheduled to be in the hospital. She left her dumb ass daughter with the dogs unmuzzled, and Tilly got a 5 inch laceration, that went at least 4 inches deep....I am making a long story very short...It was terrible. I was doing a good deed and ended up with a mess, hence the title of this blog entry.
I have Cumber the foster with me, when he gets adopted....no more fosters for me. I have to concentrate on making money, taking care of my health and being just with Sheba.
I have not been to the beach since April....I am due for a day or two there......but the condo is rented almost everyday during the summer and I don't want to be there when it could be rented.
I am thrilled that everything is going forward with Jen and Jason and thier move, it sure will be an adjustment that they will be living 2 hours from the compound in Holland.
I am also glad that Bill got Keith and Brenda's boat fixed.....stay off the big lake!!!!!
I got a great card in the mail yesterday from Brenda...thanks so much darling.
Can't wait to see pictures of Macey walking with her blue cast off.
Lana....see you shortly!!!

SHEBA TURNS 9.......

2008-07-13T16:41:00.001-07:00

Sheba had her 9th birthday yesterday. She got what she always does, lasanga and ice-cream. I thought that I would try and contact the woman who fostered Sheba in California who fostered her after they took her off the track in Mexico. The southern California GPA group literally took Sheb aoff the track after she had run her last race...they took her out of the "winner's circle" and drove her to Southern Cal, as she ran all her races in Mexico at the track in Caliente. 10 days later she had a litter of 7 puppies...yes, that's right, they were racing her after the age of 5, and when she was about to give birth to 7......that's why there are rescue GPA groups out there. Anyhow, I could not get in touch with her foster Mother in Cal., so I went to thier website, fastfriends.org........I looked for the womans name in thier newsletter and could not find any reference to her, so I went to thier "contact us" link and sent an email. I indicated I adopted "Bahama Mama", now fondly known as "Sheba"....did anyone remember her? I wanted to send some 9 year old pictures of her. Come to find out a man returned my email. Sheba gave birth at his farm and he actually adopted 3 of the 7 pups she had. He adopted her 3 males, 2 females went to Sacramento, and the other 2 girls went together to a family in California....I just about flipped out when he told me that he had adopted Sheba's 3 males....then he proceeded to tell me that there are over 200 pictures on thier website of Sheba giving birth to her 7 pups.....go to fastfriends.com, click on gallery pictures, and then click on the link to see gallery shots....about 4 dogs down, you will see Bahama Mama gives birth.....and you will see over 200 shots of out gal and her 7 pups from the first day of delivery through the age of about one month of age....it is amazing to see how fast they grow....My little gal really did the job. I am so proud of her.
I am glad that Scott/Jean/Keith and Brenda had a great time at the game last night. Brenda sent me an email from the road saying they had missed thier exit....how funny is that?
I spent another day in the hospital on Friday with more IV medication to get this inflammation under control.....I am very sick of not feeling well....
Curious to find out what Jen and Jason's next plans are, when the house is formally sold and when they can start looking in Colon for a house....
Check out the website I refer to above and let me know if you can find the pictures of Bahama Mama, AKA Sheba with her pups.

I NEED A BREAK

2008-07-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Maybe I need a trip to the beach, or some new motivation or win the lottery. What I really need is to feel better physically. I cannot describe how tired I feel, how sore and aches all over. I had my SED rate re-checked yesterday. It was 53. 50% less than it was last Friday, but still 50% higher than normal. My C-reactive-protien level is 4x what it should be. The C-reactive is also a marker for the amount of inflammation in one's body. Also, my calcium is way high again, so they suspect the calcium I have in my body is floating around in my blood stream and not going to my bones....so I have to have a dexa bone scan tomorrow, got some different meds to try for the inflamation and pain, and something to try and help me sleep. I am so tired I could fall asleep standing in the shower, but I cannot sleep at night. I am so tired, I do not even feel like talking on the phone....and I have to get busy on this insurance business, so that stresses me out.
On a much brighter note, I recieved a handmade card from Macey today. She put lots of pretty stickers on the card and also the 4 month pictures of Kels, both are currently on the fridge, although I think I will frame the card that Macey made so I can see it in the living room as a daily mood lifter!!!!. I will be thinking about Kels next week when she has her tests and pray there is nothing serious wrong.
I just looked at Brenda's blog pictures for the day and they were GREAT, "as per normal."
I am happy to say that my friend Val is now in Scotland, instead of Ireland and actually staying in a hotel. She flies back to the states on the 15th so I am excited to see her, look at her pictures and hear all about the mis-adventures. She still sounds really upbeat, given the trials and tribulations she and her daughter have lived through.
I loved the stories from Jen's blog yesterday, especially the part about Macey playing "store" and her comments that "it costs too much money Mom". She seems to be getting around pretty good with her cast on.
I saw on the computer that the Tigers pulled out a GREAT come behind win, getting 6 runs in the 7th and a walk-off homer in the 9th. Also saw that Minn lost BIG TIME to Boston. What is wrong with Mags and why isn't he playing?
That Jethro Bodine...( I know that is not his name), but the first pitcher the Tigers had in the game belongs back at the farm if you ask me.
It is HOT here again and no rain in sight, I am glad for the air conditioner in the living room. Jean.....time to update your blog

OH.....SO TIRED

2008-07-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

I had a Doctor appointment today with my regular Doctor, tomorrow I see the Rheumatologist and get my SED rate re-checked, but I am just so, so, so tired. I can't really sleep at night, ( the prednisone does not help with sleeping) and I normally can't sleep, so it is a problem. I had blood work for my thyroid done today and see a thyroid specialist on August 1st. I am on 200 mg of Synthryoid and 50 mg of cytomel for the thyroid and it still is out of whack. This thyroid issue is what makes me so tired and lacking of motivation, I so wish I could get it under control...along with the inflammation in my body I feel like a slug....
I did have a great conversation with Brenda last night and she told me all the details of the failed "maiden voyage"...scary to say the least. Also had a nice conversation with Rachel, the poor soul, she works too hard and has so much stress the last 12 months. I am hoping she can get to the cottage up north on Wednesday with the rest of us gals and relax a bit.
Good news on the art fair in South Haven Jean. I hear that Scott is going to do Tiger stadium next. Make sure he gets you, Keith, Brenda and Dolly in the picture!!!!
My friend Val is still in Ireland. When I have the energy, I will write a blog about all the mishaps, ( mice, no electric, no power, fire in the place, car crash, eating only potatoes, cold and wet....) if that gives you an idea. It gets worse, this trip costs 12,000 dollars. ( not a typo)
Suffice to say, I think she and her daughter will be glad to get back into the good old USA.

IKEA

2008-07-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

What better thing to do on the 4th of July but go to your local IKEA. Since I sat all day yesterday in the hospital getting IV's for the inflammation in my body, I figured I might as well go have a bit of fun. Deanna picked me up at 10:30. IKEA has thier "summer sale" going on and it was barely empty since everyone else in the world was out boating, camping and bbq-ing....
IKEA is one of those stores, that even if you go in with NO LIST, you walk out with a huge bag. I spent about 50.00 but I got a TON of fun things, news lamps for the living room, 3 sets of new glasses, garden pots, cushions for the outdoor chairs, a rug for outside for the greys to lay out in the sun on, 2 pans, 5 candles, a set of silverware for 8, a comfortter and shams for the pull out queen bed in the guest room, 3 knives, 3 cooking spoons, 6 boxes for storage.....all for 50.00 bucks. It was great fun. IKEA is CHEAP anyway, so when they have a sale, ( 20-60% off), it is the real deal.
I could not fall asleep AGAIN last night until 6 this morning, I have had 4 nights in a row of that, all I can do is lay there for 45 minutes or so and then turn on the light to read....repeat process all night long. I have finished about 6-7 books this week, but I would rather be sleeping.
Both Sheba and Cumber are medicated for the 4th of July. Both on Valium and a sedative. The greyhound breed has more acute hearing than your average dog, and the fireworks and sounds remind them of the guns going off at the track, so thier instinct is to "RUN" or get all "hyped-up"....they pant and salivate and sine the 4th of July goes on for aout 4-5 days here, the Vets always prescribe meds. Sheba is fairly relaxed, but Cumber is still pretty hyped up and he is on 10mg of Valium and 10 mg of a sedative and still thinks it is time to race around after the elusive bunny....poor guy. Sheba is just on the valium. Being 1/2 block from the Columbia river does not help. Every small city and thier brother shoot fireworks off over the Columbia and, Vancouver, Washington, right across the river has the biggest firework display west of the Mississippi. It is still only 8pm here, so the big scene has yet to start, however all the neighbors have been at it for the last 2 days. Fireworks are legal to buy in Washington State, ( 2 miles from Portland) so of course every Oregonian in the world drives there to get them and then has a big shindig at home with them.
Again, it seems so wierd without Robert here, as every 4th we have a party here and then walk the 1/2 block to sit on the river and watch the works....
I am glad that you guys had a nice family breakfast at Russ's this morning. I was glad to see that Macey was playing with her mini etch a sketch and making pictures. But mostly, I was glad to knows that our Kels was feelings better after her visit to the ER last night.
I have heard that Bill and Jim are creating "Bear" sculptures of out some cut down logs. I absolutely MUST have pictures.
Jean, great blog today with the pictures and links to the cottage where we will be staying in October. Ally looks fab in her picture debut for the calender event, but folks have to start voting for her...That one guy has 76 votes!!!!!! YIKES, Ally needs the support of her grandparents and quick.

ALL EXCITED

2008-07-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't know about you guys but I sure am excited about our October trip up north. Jean found a great deal on the cottage and all the fun things to do there. Thanks Jean for the sites you mentioned in your blog.
I was glad to see that Kelsey did well for her 4 month check-up today at the office. She is getting cuter by the day if that is possible. I enjoyed getting the pictures from Jen with Macey playing with some of the toys that she got to keep her busy while her leg heals.
I had an appointment with an ear specialist today and now my ears seem fine, no infection, but severe nerve damage and hearing loss....well duh...I could have told you that. I might be able to get another new hearing aid for my right ear though, which would be great since the one in that ear is old and does not work too great.
The Tigers gave it a good whirl tonight, too bad they lost and that Chicago won...dang it, but they are still playing well and should be in first place by mid July when Scott and Jean go see a game.
I hear that the First Church guys won last night. Way to go.
It is still pretty hot here, not as bad as it was, but still well into the 80's. I like it about 75. We have not had any rain for days so I keep watering the plants and fruit trees.
It still seems so odd that Robert is not here. I really have been used to him being here for the summer and for the 4th of July in particular. I do not have any plans for the holiday. I hope you guys go to breakfast or something fun

STILL HOT

2008-06-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

It is still really, really hot here in Portland, the global warming is messing us up out here in the Pacific Northwest...it is NOT supposed to be this hot here, they say the temps will lower this coming week. Suffice to say I slept on the couch last night in the glow of the air conditioning. The US olympic track and Field trials are being held in Eugene, Oregon. ( About 90 minutes south of PDX), it is blistering hot there also. I cannot imagine running around an asphalt track in weather like this...well, actually I can't imagine running around an asphalt track anytime......
I have the evening news on and they say that we might actually get thunder and lighting here. For those of you that don't know, we NEVER get thunder and lighting storms in this part of the country....it is that global warming issue bearing down on us again. Where is Al Gore when we need him? FIX THIS PROBLEM......
I read Jen's new post on the blog, enjoyed the news and the pictures.....the class that Jason is taking sounds interesting. It sure beats driving to WMU by taking the grad class on line. Loved the pictures that Jen included on the post....
Sounds like you folks may get together for the 4th of July, at least with a breakfast. Sounds like fun

HOT

2008-06-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

It is really, really HOT in Portland, 102 today and more of the same tomorrow. I have the air conditioner going full steam in the lower level of the house, but upstairs it is like an oven. Every now and again it gets this hot in Portland and when ever it does, I am NOT a happy camper. I just can't take the heat....I am kind of like my sister Jean in that regard....we can't help it...our bodies HEAT UP.
Onto a much more pleasant subject. I was watching the pbp of the Tiger game and was glad to see that they pulled it out. I thought it would be a fairly non-emotional game until the 9th inning when all of a sudden they were down by one run, but the mighty Tigers came back and pulled out a win.
I have had SO MUCH fun looking at the wedding pictures from the Kelly Sweet website. So many great pictures. Rachel looked so beautiful and I also liked it a lot that some of the wedding pictures wer posted in the Kelly Sweet "gallery." Super pictures of Macey, several of Dave and Rachel together and Waco's white socks. A few cure one's of Whitney before she fell victim to "over-indulgence", however I got a big kick out of her all night long. Lots of nice ones of Jean/Scott/Katie. Also some really nice ones of Rachel/Jim/Brenda/Dad and of course that one really good one of me dancing with Waco!!!! Good grief....did I look that BAD?
Wondering how Jenny did with the garage sale this weekend, how the boys did camping, Brenda and Keith's trip to the east side....I hope that MayMay is still hanging in thier with her blue cast.

CATCH UP

2008-06-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

I feel like I lost 3 total days without having internet access.....I could not do anything with business, pleasure or otherwise without it. I did some cooking today for the first time in a long while it seems like. I put some ribs and brats on the grill, made baked beans and potato salad, 3 of my favorites....so now I have food for about 5 days...I don't care about eating the same thing over and over as long as I like it.
Robert has been out on the boat for the last 2 days. I spoke with him tonight. He and Kevin had a great time and a great catch. He is bringing some of the fish to his Mother's tomorrow.
I had to "scold" Sheba tonight for her constant growling at Cumber... Power deserved it, but not Cumber. She has to break that habit and quick. She has always been so good around other greys, Power must have put her over the edge.
I have been trying to watch this NBA draft with one eye tonight, but missed the majority of it, so I will have to read about it in the paper tomorrow. Was glad to hear and see the news of the Tigers the last 2 days.
With Val in Ireland, Doug did some fishing of his own this week with his Dad and brothers on the snake river near the Idaho border. He and I are going to lunch tomorrow so I can get the scoop on how he did.
I am glad that Macey got the package that I sent her in the mail yesterday. Hopefully there will some things in there to keep her busy for the next week or two. She seems to be taking this whole issue with a broken leg so well.
I hear Rachel's boys are going camping this weekend, Brenda and Keith are headed to the east side of the state....what are the others of you doing?

NEAR CRAZY

2008-06-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

Well......I know that Jean told most of you all that I have not had inter-net access since early yesterday morning. Talk about going crazy. I thought I would lose it. I was on the phone with Comcast, net-gear for no fewer than 10 hours, still to no avail. I had the neighbor Mike over last night and he could not fix it. I tried everything. Mike came back tonight with a new router and the thing worked!!!!!!
The only thing we can figure is that when there was a comcast outage yesterday, that somehow that blew out my router, even though it said that router was working. It obviously was not. I sat here for 2 long days trying to get in touch with the world...makes one really appreciate how dependent we are on these things....good grief....
I had someone scheduled to come to the house tomorrow morning to try and get me back on line, so I cancelled that appointment, thank Goodness. It was fun to read my email and look at the new blogs.
I was sorry to hear about the possible problem with Jason's continuing Education credits and how that might be a problem and that he might have to take 9 credit hours....what a DRAG, I sure hope this is something that can be taken care of soon as far as determining what can be done. J/J already have enough on thier minds.
I see that Jean has not updated her blog since I was off-line....I guess I did not miss too much after all. I was glad to see that Brenda updated hers. Thanks Bren.
When Mike was over her last night trying to work on the computer, he closed the front door, but it did not "click"....I was in the other room, all of a sudden he yells..."Carol, the front door is open, the dogs ran out"...I nearly lost my mind on top of what already was an extremely frustrating day. Power ran down the street and stoped about 5 houses down and sat on the front yard. He was easily taken into custody...Sheba, on the other hand was off and gone....no where in sight. Mike quick hopped on a bike and rode in the direction he saw here run to. She was headed to the highway but got caught in the swamp, and decided to turn back....when I was out front waiting for her return, all of a sudden I see her strolling down our street headed home. She ran in the house, a muddy mess...so much for the hound wash and bath she had gotten 2 days ago. I gave her a hug, got all muddy, then yelled at her for running, although, that is what greyhounds do, and I should have made sure the door was completely shut. It was time for another bath and a kiss for the little gal. She looked guilty and sad that I yelled at her and has sat by my feet for the most part since then.
The last 48 hours have been a bit trying to say the least.

NEW TOYS

2008-06-23T20:56:00.001-07:00

Cumber, the new foster is settling right in here. He is a much better fit for my life style and Sheba.
He has been in a home before, and even though this is a brand new adjustment for him, he is doing great. No chewing. My friend Deanna brought over a bag of toys today for Sheba and Cumber since Power wrecked all the toys around her. Sheba got a new green fuzzy toy with a "sweaker" inside, along with about 5 other toys, so both of them have been carrying them around the house and playing with them.
I had fun reading the new blogs from yesterday and today and looking at teh pictures. Scott really did a great job on the painting of Wrigley Field...I had no idea the kids were in the picture. I cab see why it was a big hit at the art fair this weekend.
Also excited about the family reunion in October. Jean was right on top of things by sending out the email with the details.
I was sorry that J/J did not have someone tour the house last night, but at least they have a clean house and a spark of interest.
I did not get much done today...I have to get on the ball and start moving with the insurance business. I have been running a fever and have been so tired. I don't know what the deal is....I am sick of going to the doctor, I have 3-4 more appointments in the next month, but I am also SICK to death of not feeling good.
No sports on TV tonight and no good shows so I might as well go to bed and read.

HOUND WASH

2008-06-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

Well I went to the GPA hound wash today. I got Cumber and sent Power off with a different foster family. Cumber is definately different and I think will work out just fine. He is way overweight...100 pounds, he needs to lose at least 20 pounds....but he is definately sweet and trying to adjust to the house. His previous owner is moving to Peru, hence the return of him to GPA.
Sheba had a bath and nail clipping and a HUGE yard to run around in, off leash with 30-40 other greyhounds. She ran fast and was definately in her element. She has been laying on her bed since we got home. She got a good workout. I think the event was a success. My friend Deanna is coming over tomorrow to bring some treats for Sheba and some new toys since Power shredded all of her toys...including the one of President Bush that I bought for her in Lincoln Park when in Chicago. She also shredded her favorite red elephant....darn it all, it is really my fault. I should have gotten smart after the first one.
I had a nice long conversation with Jean this evening. She is sending out an email tomorrow to all the family about renting the cottage in October for Dad's 90th birthday. The more we talked about it, the more excited we got. We kind of decided on the Farm House from the site she sent folks. This one is brand new, 4 bedrooms, 2-story, open, vaulted ceilings, very modern, great kitchen, deck, fir-pit, pontoon boats, 2 kayaks, water trampoline, 2 acres of land. WOW, what a deal.
I was so glad to get Brenda's email and pictures from the camping adventure over the weekend and it seemed that Macey, in her new blue cast figured out to have fun without weight bearing and/or walking. I was glad she got to play. BTW...Jen, the box I put in the mail for Macey should get to you about Wednesday of this week.
Wondering if your realtor was able to give you any information about the people who looked at your house this evening at 5pm.
Jean says she plans to update her blog tomorrow. They had a very busy weekend.....

OH......I AM EXCITED

2008-06-21T23:20:00.001-07:00

I just checked the Kelly Sweet website and see that Rachel and David's wedding pictures are added to the "client proofs' list....I am so excited to get a password to view all the pictures.
Now that I have decided to trade Power in for a new foster greyhound he has been acting near perfectly....so now I experience guilt... I really HATE guilt...it is a worthless emotion, one I often try and steer clear of, but the decision has been made and I am following through. Cumber needs a home too, so someone will grace 1120 Mariner's Loop and Queen Sheba.
I have been writing my book.....working up to getting the insurance business gung-ho forward and have a new idea for a book that I am mulling around in my mind.
I am going to the GPA hound wash tomorrow so Sheba can get a bath and nail clipping.
It was very warm here today so I soaked all the front flowers and bushes with a couple hour's worth of water, then moved to the back yard where the fruit trees are and did the same thing.
I know that everyone in the family had a big weekend this weekend and have not been able to "update" thier blogs...the wedding, the camping trip, the blue cast, so I look forward to the updates.
Rachel's friend Lana, also has a blog called compassnorth. I sent her to my blog and have been able to read hers. She comes to Oregon in August since she was born and raised here. She and family are going to rent the condo for 2 days. I am excited to have her use the place. She writes a great blog and has a great blogsite....leaps and bounds more fancy that what I can go, she has her favorite links, blog lists......it is fun to read
Time to get to bed so I can get to the hound wash in a timely manner. It is about 25 miles from the house. Should be a great time.

IF SHEBA IS A QUEEN, MISTY IS A PRINCESS

2008-06-21T16:11:00.001-07:00

ROBERT AND HIS GIRL

2008-06-21T15:34:00.001-07:00

THE MIGHTY PACIFIC

2008-06-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

WARM WEATHER IN PORTLAND

2008-06-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

It is early morning herein Portland and already near 70 degrees, they are predicting 90 for today. YIKES, I have to get the air conditioner put in the living room. Believe it or not, central air is a novelity in the PAC Northwest. The weather usually cooperates with low humidity and average temps in the high 70's-low 80's during the summer. It looks like it will top out at higher than that today.
I had a nice conversation with Robert last night, did some more pruning to the front yard....the fruit trees Robert planted in the back yard are bearing alot of fruit...kind of exciting to see something so small grow into something that is thriving.
Understand that Bill is at Silver Lake this weekend and that he invited Jim and Rachel. I guess the guys plan to golf. Jean and her family are all going to the wedding of Katie Hall, and Dave/Rachel pick up thier wedding pictures from Kelly Sweet today at noon. I can't wait to see them.
Power, the foster is improving in his behavior, but still needs to be muzzled almost constantly and it is amazing what he can get "into" even with a muzzle on. Sheba however is maintaining a "real attitude" with him and is mad at me for having him here, so I am switching him for Cumber tomorrow.
Trying to figure out if I head for the "farmer's market" and or an art show today, or if I should just stay home and clean the house....now what do you think is a better option?
Curious to hear now the camping trip is going for the kids this weekend...(Brenda/Keith/Jason/Jenny and the girls. Can't wait to get that picture on the blog of Macey's new blue cast

LET'S CELEBRATE DAD'S B-DAY IN STYLE

2008-06-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

That sister of mine, Jean....she is always on it....she called me a bit ago with websites for cottages that are avaliable in upper Michigan. Now we think it would be a grand idea to spend Dad's 90th birthday with a long weekend in a cottage up north. She has found cottages that sleep 14 people...2 right next to each other, right on the lake, some are brand new, boats, trampolines, pontoon boats, you name it. we were thinking a Wednesday through Sunday...people can arrive when they are able. It certainly does not fall under the category of "camping"....these cottages are high class and have all the features of a luxury hotel....exce[t they are right on the lake, fire-pits, boat ramp, 140 feet of shoreline....sounds like great fun to me.

DON'T BEAT A DEAD HORSE

2008-06-20T10:33:00.001-07:00

I know that my personality is that I cannot stop beating a dead horse...at least I admit it. I must say that I admit defeat when it comes to Power. He is just toooo much for me. I can't blame the poor soul, what does he know about living in a house after living his life in a crate...but he just likes to chew too much. He will chew anything, so I have had to keep the poor guy muzzled. I have decided that he will have to leave. I plan on exchanging him for Cumber. Cumber has been in a house before but he needs to go on a diet. He weighs 98 pounds, so fat is an understatement.
I plan to make the switch on Sunday when I go to the "hound wash" that GPA is sponsoring. I will get Sheba a bath, ear cleaning, nail trim and bandana for 25.00 bucks and Lord knows, Sheba needs a bath and GPA needs the money.
Can't wait to hear about the new blue cast and the camping weekend.
Brenda.....do you plan to bring your laptop to the campsite so we can get "on the spot" blogging?

2008-06-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

A DOUBLE DOSE

2008-06-19T21:27:00.001-07:00

Well....it told me the pictures did not post the first time and sure enough they did....so now you have a double does of those 4 pictures. Well they are cute anyway and deserve a double viewing!!!

2008-06-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

2008-06-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

2008-06-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

HOW AM I DOING?

2008-06-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

Waiting for some good reviews from my blogging....I am pretty proud of myself. Talking to my Robert on the phone. He had a pretty frustrating day, I have had some frustration since I have been back, but getting the emails from home help so much. I miss being in Holland. I wish Robert was coming to Oregon for the Forth of July. I wish Power would act right....I may have to switch him with a different foster this Sunday...he is too much work.
I love my Z-Coils...thank You Rachel....I don't care that they are ugly as heck...haha...
I am glad that Brenda and Jean are so up to date with thier blogs. I hope that JJ and MK can go camping.
I love Robert....he cheers me up

2008-06-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

I am trying to keep exploring with this blogging
I am trying to post pictures and have done that with success
I have to figure out how to out my blogging buddies on my blog
I am glad that Rachel N. is reading our blogs
Rachel....trust me, if I can do it with no instruction, so can you!!!!
I am glad that Macey girl is feeling better, I can't wait to see her new blue permanent cast
I can't wait to see the wedding pictures from Kelly Sweet....I hope I get an access code

2008-06-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

2008-06-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

2008-06-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

OPPS

2008-06-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Opps......I sent the wrong picture on my most recent post. What you see is our gal Sheba....I wanted that one sent. Then you see our house in DC....that is also ok....but then I sent Robert's Mom peeling king crab, I didn't mean to send that one, but what the heck, makes you hungry just looking at it...remember all the crab we caught in Oregon with Captain Bob????

IT MUST BE WEDNESDAY

2008-06-18T08:57:00.001-07:00

Since it is Wednesday, I know that Brenda will be visiting Jenny and the girls. She will see Macey for the first time with the big boot on her leg. Hopefully our little gal slept ok last night and Jen will appreciate the help and food that Brenda brings after she goes to her Doctor appt this morning at 11:00. I have been trying to cut back all of the roses and growth in the front of the house and I am making some headway.
Power, the foster is SLOWLY improving his behavior. I don't think he likes to have his muzzle on, and he seems to be obeying commands a bit better. I guess since this is the first time he has ever been in a home and is coming straight from the racing track, what can I expect???? He is used to be on the go since he ran 134 races and was a winner in many races. Sheba gets annoyed with him when he invades her space and growls at him to "move on".

OUR SWEET MACEY

2008-06-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

I have to post something in my blog about my sweet Macey girl. I cannot imagine what Jen and Jason are going through as parents. As terrible as this is, it makes one think about parents who have children with terminal illness and severe accidental injuries....How does a parent live though these events and remain sane?
When I read Jenny's blog it brought tears to my eyes, thinking about how terrible a parent feels when thier little one is crying, has tears running down thier face and saying///"it hurts Mom...take off the boot..."of course it makes Jen cry herself. I worry Jen will not get enough sleep and worry Jason will be worried all day long while he is at work. I worry about keeping her leg elevated with ice. I wish it was 2 months from now and this was close to being over. I worry about all of the other things that J/J have to accomplish this summer.
I am thankful for Brenda and friends who will help them, also Jason's Mom who is helping. I feel so powerless to be so far away.....

2008-06-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

I think the more I experiment with this blogging, the better I will get!!!!

Trying to get up to Speed

2008-06-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well....I am glad that my nieces have me posted on both of thier blog lists as it makes it so much easier to go between blogs with those lists there. I will have to figure out how to do that. I have had a lot of phone conversations today due to this ongoing investigation with GPA. Also had to run some errands in that "Power", my new foster likes to chew.....he chewed up my phone headset, my brand new feather duster and my slippers......I will start muzzling him if he does not improve. He has never been in a house before so all of this is new for him. He ran all his races in Touscon, AZ, he is 5 years old and appears very intelligent. He is learning his commands, and not had an accident with pee/poop inside the house yet, but I have to get a handle on this shreeding, chewing issue.
Sheba just kind of puts up with it all. Power lays on her bed often, and she just seems to move. I think that she knows by now that she is the main girl in the house and these other dogs come and go....
Too bad about the Celtics last night but the Tigers sure are on a roll. I plan to watch them on the computer tonight, I see they are still on the west coast. In a few games, with a few more wins, they could move into 2nd place. The Celtics have another chance tomorrow, I really want to see Doc Rivers and the guys in green win as I HATE Kobe and the Lakers. They are wayyyyy to into themselves...
I am going to try and figure out sending photos next....I see Jean is way ahead of me in the learning curve area.
Now we have to get Aunt Rachel on a blog....by the way, no email from her lately.....I hope she is ok.
I keep checking the Kellysweet.com website to see if the client proofs listed for Rachel and Dave are on the website yet....not yet, I realize we will need a password to look at the pictures, I am just anxious to see if they are ready.
Jen, I went to your house posting today, I see there is a female realtor listed on your property now. Jean said that you plan to post some additional pictures. I will be looking for them.
I hope that some of you guys were able to go to the First Church softball game tonight and that they won.
Robert has been out night fishing for the last few days so I have missed talking to him. I hope to tonight

2008-06-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

I have to figure out how to get my blog address to people.....HELP

TRYING MY BEST

2008-06-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

I am not very good at this sort of thing and also in the process of handling a Greyhound issue with the treasurer who took all of out money with the Portland police....I can see that my sister Jean is way ahead of me in this blogging scene.....she has hers all set up and looking pretty. I will work more on this later. Got to runa an errand

GIVING IT A TRY

2008-06-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well this is my first attempt. Thanks to inspiration from my 2 nieces in Holland, Michigan, Brenda and Jenny I am going to try and make this work. I will be journaling everyday events in my life. Nothing exciting, but a good way to keep all of my family who reside in Michgan and Robert a way to stay up to date. My sister Jean, started a new blog today named; "Hambergulars"......I hear her 2 kids are already laughing at her. I hope they start a blog after reading how much fun these can be. I love reading Brenda and Jenny's blogs on a daily basis....it makes me feel more connected.
I will do my best to get up to speed on this whole blogging endeavor....wish me luck