Second Sprinkling

I was on my way home from work but decided I just couldn't pass up the photo opportunity. The sky was so cool looking and everything was covered in white.

I thought this drive way looked really cool. I had stopped here because there is a pond nearby and a good view of the surrounding hills.

I also found a gaggle of geese...which is amazingly actually called a gaggle...who knew. They were walking through the snow...probably wishing they could find some water that wasn't frozen over.

I told myself that next time it snows substantially, I am going to go downtown and see about getting some pics in the park as well.

The weather this year so far has been very normal winter which is nice because that means the ski mountain is open and our snow pack is at a level that might mean we don't have a horribly dry summer.
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Eight Years Ago on In My Words...Snow Updated

Christmas Gift

My girl friend sent me the coolest t-shirt for Christmas...I was so thrilled when I saw it. I love rooster sauce and she knows it. It is fun to have a friend that knows you so well...lol. It was also so nice to get a gift in the mail...what an awesome girl she is.

Now I just need it to warm up so I can wear it everyday...heehee.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Found

First Snow 2015

Came out of work the other morning with an inch of slush on the ground. Drive to Gma's for breakfast wasn't too bad even though the depth of the snow had moved up to 4 inches.

Hung out for a bit with some breakfast and knocked snow out of the bushes until my hands were cold.

Needed to get home to get some sleep for my next work shift so decided to hit the road. No problems until I got closer to home where there were lots of people pulled over on the freeway putting on chains. I was behind the plow so the road was clear for me until I left the freeway.

Road was clear until I hit our neighborhood. There was 6-8 inches of snow on the ground and the weight in the back of the truck was just not enough to manage to make it up the street (slight incline). I ended up sliding to a stop down the block in front of a neighbors house. They were outside so I told them I was going to walk home and get into snow gear and come back and put chains on our tires. I had my muckalucks in the truck so I didn't get soaked on the walk.

At home, I put on snow gear, grabbed the snow shovel and a tarp and headed back down. The neighbors were super nice and helped me to put the chains on. I was able to drive up the street and into our driveway. I grabbed a broom and walked about the house knocking heavy wet snow out of the trees and bushes so we wouldn't lose too many (I found three big ones). After an hour, I decided it was time to get to bed.

That night, I left the the chains on until I got back to the freeway, which was probably a good idea since our roads were still not cleared. No more snow, but we have been kind of cold so it is sticking around for a while.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Snow

First Fire

Tonight is the first night in a while where I have not had too much of an agenda, so I thought this would be a good night to put a log on the fire.

I wasn't able to burn any fires last fall/winter because of all the unpacking that needed to be done and the fact that the fireplace was hidden behind a pile of boxes.

Our fireplace doesn't put out a lot of heat, but the ambiance is definitely there. With a few fall smelly candles burning and a big cup of hot tea, it was perfect and definitely worth the wait.

Fall is here, in fact you might even say that winter is here, so I hope to get more logs burnt over the next few months, but none of them will feel as good as the first one does.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...POTD Day 20 I'm Listening To

TC Summit 2015

What a whirlwind this week has been but it was so informative and a ton of fun. Google did it right, once again!!

It was great to catch up with all of the Blogger Team and to meet some new people as well. I am heading back home and so thankful to only have a short flight with no connections....my heart goes out to all our friends that have 18-24 hour flights ahead of them!!

This year they kept us in San Francisco and the hotels were in a cool part of town so we were able to get out and about a bit as well. In fact, went on a trek last night with a few friends for some great food in Chinatown....didn't end up at Chinese but the Vietnamese stirfry I had was awesome!!

Obviously we are all under NDA so we can't disclose any of the cool stuff we found out that might be coming down the pipe but Google did share some cool toys with all of us and I am excited to get a chance to play with them.

Time to start boarding the flight so I will close for now...
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Google Gift

RA Peak

Met a friend from work for a hike this morning. We had plans to get to the top, but traffic and time constraints limited that. I had never been there before so I felt like just knowing where to start from was an accomplishment.

The view is amazing and I can totally see why more houses are being built up this way. It was a bit scary driving up because it was straight into the sun and there were spots in the road where I couldn't see in front of me and I thought I might hit something. It would probably help if I cleaned the windshield a little better...lol.

Anyhow, now that I know where the trail head is, I plan to get over there after work for a workout more often before it gets too cold or dark in the mornings. Can't wait to take pics from the top!
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Earlier this year on In My Words...First Time Up

Portland Marathon 2015

Tomorrow, three FOUR of my cousins are competing in this year's Portland Marathon. Running in a marathon is something I can't even imagine, (I am happy with my 5Ks), but I can't help but admire their drive and stamina to attempt and complete such a huge event.

I was not able to make the trip up to the race due to my work schedule, but I received my Team Wonder Woman shirt in the mail, and I will be wearing it in support of their effort on Sunday. I have already been warned of the glitter explosion that might be in my future...LOL.

One of my cousins flew in from Hawaii for the race and will be coming to visit us after the race. Her parents and sister live here so it will be good all around. I am looking forward to a little family get together of some sort....fortunately it will be my weekend.

Their ambition is motivating to me to get back on my own fitness mission. Good luck guys!! Hope the race is everything you want it to be!! Love you!
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Last Year on In My Words....Minnesota 2014

Pretty Sunsets

I do have to say one thing for the smoke in the air....it makes for some gorgeous sunsets. This first one was two nights ago with the air relatively clear (nice break from the last week). My cousin and I were out walking around our grandma's neighborhood trying to work off some of the huge dinner we had. I love how the rays are coming out of it.

This second one is from last night. I had visited my grandma's again and was driving home right at sunset. I could see the amazing sun in my mirrors as I tried to get home before it completely set. I had to drive up a different road from where we live to catch this one because our road is behind a hill and the sun was already gone there. I just didn't want to miss this beauty.

Last Year on In My Words....POTD Day 9 Natural

Up And Going

View from my night swim

 Pool is finally relined and refilled. I have been spending the last two weeks getting the water balanced. The other day when it was over 100, I decided that we were close enough for a swim in the evening when it was still so hot out.

It was lovely...the water was a perfect 75 degrees and in the dark, I couldn't see how badly the backyard needs attention so it was completely enjoyable.

I toodled around on a noodle for twenty mins or so. I am still trying to get the pH and alkalinity right but for the most part, it is pretty good and the new liner looks so nice. It is great to have a pool when the weather is hot, even if it is a little bit of work.

Even though everyone I know is claiming they are ready for it to be fall, I am hoping we have a few more months of hot weather so I can get some enjoyment out of the pool before I have to put the leaf net over it in the fall.

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Nine Years Ago on In My Words...How He Got Me

Smoke Is Here

I got off work the other afternoon in a town about 10 miles from our town. It was kind of hazy outside but not too bad. We have a forest fire burning north of us and the wind had shifted, hence the haze.

I ran some errands, and when I was coming out of the grocery store, I noticed that I couldn't even see the other side of the parking lot. The smoke had completely dropped into our little valley.

I drove home (having to put on my headlights as our truck is grey/silver and blends right into the smoke), and when I was about a mile from town, I drove out of the wall of smoke to a much clearer scene. It was a little scary to see the wall of smoke behind me and I knew that it would only be a matter of time before it got all the way here.

Below is a picture I took after getting home, looking down our street towards the hills to the east of us. You can see that it is kind of hazy and we could definitely smell the smoke in the air.

The picture below, is the next morning when the smoke had moved in. As you can see, you can barely make out the hills in the background. And this isn't even as bad as it was when I came out of the grocery store. Needless to say, I put a N95 mask in the truck in case I need it in the next week. The weather is expected to stay pretty much as is so we are forecast-ed to have the smoke for a while.

They had to cancel one of the plays the other night because the outdoor theatre is obviously exposed to the smoke. Thankfully, I don't seem to have any breathing issues so the smoke doesn't bother me much but I do feel for those that it greatly impacts.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Red Skies At Night

Bum Knee

Skinned knee

I was volunteering at an event this weekend. It was at a local winery in one of the open fields. I was looking around while walking to get a feeling for where everything was before my shift started.

I stepped into one of the few holes in the field that weren't marked and felt my right ankle starting to turn. In order to save my ankle (which I really didn't want to sprain or break), I decided to go down...and down I went. My bag went flying and I think I did a complete roll after slamming my left knee into the ground at initial impact.

I got up pretty much unscathed, other than this little skinned knee, a slightly tender ankle and a completely embarrassed ego. Thankfully I didn't have any food or drink in my hand and nothing in my bag was lost or damaged. A couple of people came to my aid but for the most part, I think that most people didn't even see me go down. I do think I squealed...lol. I worked my shift and treated my injuries later in the evening.

Right after my shift, I had a play to go to, so I didn't end up getting any ointment on it until after 11pm and then I went for a 4 mile walk. My knee and ankle were a bit swollen when I got home, but I put a bandaid on the scrape so the bedding wouldn't irritate it and took some naproxen before bed and it all felt a ton better the next day.

I always feel like a little kid when I scrape my knees...

Three Years Ago on In My Words...Twelve Year Old BooBoos

Memorial Day 2015: Wear Blue

You too can own a shirt

Wear Blue: Run To Remember is a great organization started in Washington State by two military spouses following a deployment of the unit to Afghanistan. One of those spouses lost her husband during that deployment.

The group is now nationwide and helps to bridge the gap between civilian and military communities as well as create a living memorial for those that have given the greatest sacrifice.

This Memorial Day, I was determined to get out and get a few miles in, even if it was a time crunch to do it. The weather was absolutely perfect and while I didn't run (too out of shape right now), it still felt great to get some exercise and support such a great organization as well as show my support for our friends and family members that have given it all in service of our country.

I am back on track to achieving my own fitness goals and this day was a fantastic option to honor myself and the day!
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Last Year on In My Words...POTD Day 11 - Something Good

2015 PB 5K

Yesterday, I managed to compete in a 5K in one of our local towns. I didn't train for it, even though I should have so I wasn't able to do as well as I would have liked but I did do better than I expected.

The weather was cooler and cloudy and we had heard there were threats of rain. I have to say, we got lucky and it only sprinkled a bit near the end of the race.

I forced myself to run more than I had in ages, and it paid off on my time. Even with the extra weight I have put on this year, I matched my time from last year with no training other than walking a few 5k distances in the last few weeks.

After the race, I changed clothes and volunteered to work for my employer to help relieve some of the other volunteers when they needed it (the race is only one small part of a big festival that my employer is deeply involved with). The rain did come down, but it didn't damper the spirit of the day.
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Last Year on In My Words...Smile 11/100 Bib

In Memoriam Grandpa Davis 1921-2015

Golfing with Gpa in Minnesota 10/2014

Today, a light in our family went out. We all lost one of the most special people in our lives and I personally lost one of my favorite humans on this entire planet.

I only got to have him as my grandpa for the last 22+ years, but that never changed how much I loved him and enjoyed spending time with him. He made me feel loved from the very first day we met.

He is the reason I ever gave the game of golf a chance. We were in California for our cousin's graduation and family get together and a lot of the family was heading to the course, and I decided to go. I didn't have any of the equipment and I think I only hit the ball about 25 ft per swing, but I fell in love with it right there. My feet were so sore after the round because I rarely got back in the cart with my short shots...LOL. As soon as we got home, we purchased for me, my first set of clubs and shoes. Years later, I play now with a set that Gpa made for me. Since we used the same size clubs, even over long distances, it was convenient for him to create clubs for me that would fit perfectly. I am so grateful to him for all he has done for us.

Due to distance, I wasn't able to spend as much time with him as I would have liked. I was able to see him at least once a year the last few years and on a couple of years I got even more visits in. During one visit last year for a memorial service, a bunch of us were able to go through pictures and albums with him and hear some of the stories/dramas of his young life in Nebraska. This past year we had 3 visits, the last one in October in Minnesota after his big move from Nebraska. The weather was amazing and we managed to get in three days of golfing in the short 5 days that I was there.

He was always so fun to take out to eat, because you could be guaranteed he would play games with the staff, thoroughly confusing them while giving us all a good chuckle. During my most recent visit, he convinced the manager at the pizza joint we were ordering from, that he wanted a part time job as a delivery boy. They even gave him a little tour while the manager threatened the teenagers working for him that Gpa was going to be their new boss...LOL.

He really did try to live life to the fullest, even when he was not feeling so hot. At times, he would get frustrated on the course because he couldn't hit the ball as far as he used to, and I would tell him that if I was still able to play golf at 93, I would be thrilled. He never let his age stop him. He was definitely an inspiration.

I know that he had a long good life and I am glad that he isn't in any pain or dealing with the frustrations of his progressive conditions, but selfishly, I am going to miss him so much. I really hope that I live up to being half the person that he has been to so many.
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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Surprise Bday Gift

Upper Table Rock Hike

These two mesas have always loomed in the distance. They are very distinct fixtures against our landscape to the northeast of my home town.

They are covered in poison oak and are rumored to have lots of rattle snakes on them as well...which is part of why I had never attempted to hike either of them.

Recently, I had seen some great pictures that my uncle took a few years ago during a hike in the spring and I got the urge to see the views for myself.

A few weeks ago, one of my co-workers mentioned that she was going to climb the Upper one (which means it is up river from the other), and I decided to jump on the chance.

This morning we made the trek. And even with my terrible fitness status, I did make it to the top (just had to take a couple of breaks along the way). The view was just as awesome as I imagined. The top itself was covered in green, wild flowers, and baby poison oak...LOL. It was quite beautiful. I am hoping to get to the top of the Lower Table Rock (seen in the distance of this image) before the poison oak gets too big as I am highly allergic to it.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...New Hike

Work Tulips

The beds out front at work always have some cool plants in them...I am not sure if the tulips are left in year around, and some of the other seasonal stuff is just brought in and taken out when it dies, but the tulips are in full bloom now and I was determined to remember to get a shot of them before they disappeared.

I walk past them each day on my way for my break walk and of course, I am in a hurry then and rarely have my camera and then by the time I go back in, I have forgotten about them...but not today. I finished my walk a little early, went straight to my desk and grabbed my camera to get a shot in the morning sun.

Tulips are such a happy flower and always feel like a true sign that spring is on its way.
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Five Years Ago on In My Words...Ikebana Lesson #1

Poor Baby

Face inside

This is the cute face of Sophie, my cousin's lovable but gigantic mastif. We were having a get together at the house this week and she and her sister Roxy (who is a Sheppard and Collie mix) were relegated to the back yard.

My cousin has a kitty door for their oversized Maine Coon named Samson to come in and out through. This kitty door is located in the wall of the den, with a window above it.

At the time of this shot, I was visiting with my cousin who is in town from Hawaii with his wife and daughter. I could hear some kind of weird noise from behind them and I went to look, and this face is what I saw. She really just wanted to be part of the get together, but as you can see from the shot through the window, she just didn't fit through that kitty door.

Body outside

She is the sweetest dog and I just found the way she was actually sitting on the ground with her face shoved through the hole was just too adorable. I don't know how they are able to discipline her at all with that cute mug.
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Seven Years Ago on In My Words...Makes My Back Ache

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Watched this movie last night and loved it!! It was so well done, the cast was amazing and the story was intriguing. Loved the miniatures and animation. It had a bit of a Monty Python feel to it in my opinion, although from what I have read the writer/director wasn't necessarily influenced by Monty Python. In reviewing his work, I find that I have seen quite a few of his movies, but I don't remember any of them being quite like this one.

I highly recommend it to anyone that is an MP fan though, you will enjoy the genre and the humor. I gave it five stars on Netflix.
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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Observations

Loving Spring Flowers

This is evergreen clemantis and is one of my favorites because it stays green all winter and also because of the big fragrant blooms in the spring.

We have a bit of this in our back yard but there is a ton of it growing on the fence at work near our parking lot and it smells so good....wish it kept blooms longer than just spring though.

Spring has definitely sprung here, even if the temps can't make up their mind what they want to do for sure.

We still have a lot to do in the yard...never ends, but it is nice to see the life coming back with the new season.
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Last Year on In My Words...POTD Day 13 Fresh

The Book Thief

Read this book a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Today, I finally saw the movie. I felt like they did a god job of it.

I highly recommend both of them. The stories are hard but they are things that we should never forget and should always learn from.

A decade ago, we were able to visit the holocaust museum in DC, while there as tourists. It was a life changing experience. I left there feeling like a trip to that place should be a requirement for graduation in the US so that will never forget and will always learn so we do not repeat the errors we humans have made.
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Last Month on In My Words...The Untouchables

OSF: Fingersmith

Thanks to my awesome uncle, I got a ticket to see this play in preview during one of the matinees. It was my first play of what is supposed to be a great season. It was amazing. A story I really didn't know anything about, I was immersed immediately in the life of 19th century England. I am kind of glad that I hadn't read the book before I saw this play because it allowed the twists and turns to unfold in real time for me. I do have the book on my "to read" list now though.

After the play, one of the actors came out to talk to us a bit. He was really fun, answering questions ranging from his character in this play to questions about his career and favorite theaters to work in. Overall a very enjoyable experience and I highly recommend this play this season!
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...My Fair Lady

Tooth Brushing

I am an avid brusher...probably too avid. I have always had a bit of a phobia about bad breath, so brushing has been my friend. Recently though, a friend of mine has had to have her gums built up because they are receding from brushing too aggressively and I thought that I might find myself with that same issue (and no dental insurance), if I am not careful.

I know a lot of people that like to use the electric brushes that spin to brush their teeth. They say they get a better clean without the wear and tear on their gums. I thought, I would try out an inexpensive electric brush and see if I like it and if my gums like it. I didn't want to jump into the deep end and spend a ton of money, in case it isn't for me so today, I got one of the cheaper Oral B versions that just takes a AA battery to give it a shot...the head is still small enough for my cover and the bristles come in soft (which is what I need).

I decided to do a Google search to see what recommendations are out there for brushing techniques and I came across this useful article. I thought perhaps it might be useful for others so I linked it.

This evening will be my first trial run...I'll let you know how it goes.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Teeth Whitening

Spring Has Sprung

This is the pretty Phlox in our front yard...it is super cute and fuzzy. The other big one we have isn't doing as well because it was entwined with some weeds during the winter and getting them out was kind of a pain in the ass. It has been done now though, so hopefully it will bounce back okay.

A lot of flowers are starting to make their appearance in the yard which just reminds me how much I need to get done before the good weather gets here...

It seems the tasks are never ending!!
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Pop Spring Visit

Goodbye Tree

So I said I would get a pic of the downed tree across the way...in this shot, the renter was cleaning it up. He ended up cutting the entire trunk down to the ground...bummer for that shade.

A few days later, the property management company came and picked up the scraps. He stacked the biggest pieces he kept for fire wood but the branchy parts all went to the yard wasted people.

I'll be curious if the tree doesn't grow back since those plum trees are pretty hard to keep down once they get established.

Speaking of plum trees, we have 8000 little baby ones coming up in the grass in the front lawn from the seeds of last years plums. I will have to get out there with a tool and pop them all back up. I can't believe how easy these freaking trees grow!!
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Poor Plum Tree

Wind and Power

Radar

We are experiencing a windy rain storm. The wind really started blowing last night, and we even lost power for a couple of hours last night, but I wasn't worried about getting up for work because my cell phone is my alarm clock and it was fully charged before I went to bed.

When I woke up in the middle of the night, the fan we have blowing in our room was back on, so I knew that the power was back on.

When I left for work this morning, I noticed that the house across the street lost their purple plum tree to the wind. It is broken in half and laying in their yard. They are renters so I am sure they have to wait for the rental company to figure something out. It will suck next summer because that tree really gave them some great shade from the afternoon sun. I'll try to get a picture of it later and post it on here.

When I got home from work, I noticed that we must have lost power at least one more time while I was gone because the computer was back off and so was the cable box. I unplugged the laptop and Chromebook last night since I didn't have surge protectors for them. The big PC is on a great surge protector so I am not worried about it.

Our recycle bin and yard waste bins were on their sides in the middle of our driveway this morning and the rain was coming down in buckets.

I'll have to get out and check the pool tomorrow to make sure that the water isn't too high and that the timers on the pump and light aren't messed up from the power outage...hopefully the rain will drop off some so I can get some yard work...
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Seven Years Ago on In My Words...Super Typhoon Krosa

The Untouchables

via IMDB

I just rewatched this movie today, and it is still one of my all time favorite movies. Love the actors in it and the story and how well it was done. It stands the test of time too because watching it today, it doesn't feel like a movie that came out in the 80's.

This movie is the one that completely won me over to Robert Dinero being one of my favorite actors. He plays Al Capone so well, just how I imagine he might have been in real life.

The train station scene is just done so well...the tension, and timing were so great and right after having two of the main characters killed, it felt good to have the good guys get back some.

I am pretty sure we own this one, I'll have to check our DVD cabinet so I can watch it again soon.

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Jaws

Old Comforts

One lovely thing about finally getting all of our stuff and then getting it unpacked is seeing some of the stuff we have had in storage for years, once again.

This cup is one of my souvenir purchases before we left Japan the last time, and it is one of my faves for a big cup of tea or even to use as a soup bowl. It has a small map of the island as well as some map points of some of the major spots on the island. It also has the name of the island and country in kanji on the sides.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Two Favorite Things