December 31, 2007

Well, I might not have technically taken a photo a day, but I think I did succeed at documenting a full year in photos, including one for today, the last day of 2007. I have decided, however, I shall not continue in 2008.  Right now, I don't have the discipline nor the inclination to be held to a schedule even if it is (or maybe especially if it is) self-imposed. I'd rather write because I feel like it, not because I have to.

~~~~~

'Clem sleeping on his new blankie. Because there is no work today, Steve and I had our ritual of coffee in bed and 'Clem hung out with us.

December 30, 2007

I love home-made gifts. Not only do I end up with something cool but I get the thought and energy that is transferred directly into the making of something for ME.

My Mom made the sunflower pillows. I love sunflowers and kind of have a "theme" going in our bedroom. I think these are beautiful. Mom also made a miniature patchwork quilt for 'Clem.

Dad made this totally cool clock out of a saw blade. We really needed a clock in the living room because we recently swapped out our VCR and the new unit does not have a clock - at least not one that you can see when the unit is ON. My Dad's clock works beautifully right over the arch.

Amy made us a big jar of cookies! Amy will tell you (and I won't disagree), that she makes the best chocolate chip cookies! And I got some! The cookies were delivered in the large jar with the black lid which now does duty as 'Clem's cat food storage unit.

December 29, 2007

No photo from yesterday - Steve and I did make it all the way home to Phoenix. Thirteen hours and then some. Made for a very long day.

Today is Michael's birthday. Happy Birthday, Michael! And many more!

December 26, 2007

The semi-annual family photo. Jerry, Amy, Steve, Me, Mom and Dad. Jerry and Amy are getting ready to head down the mountain back to Sacramento and Steve and I won't be far behind as we are going to visit my grandparents. Mom and Dad will have the whole day to themselves (huzzah!).

December 25, 2007

The Little Mother outdid herself with a traditional Christmas dinner including turkey and all the trimmings. Mom loves to cook and we love to eat so it all works out for everyone!

Christmas day was filled with family, phone calls (Steve's parents and my Grandma), and visits with the neighbors. We were toasty, gifted, and well fed. The best present was being with my family.

Dad making real honest-to-goodness whipped cream. It was fantastic on Mom's homemade pumpkin pie.

December 24, 2007

Christmas Eve...

...We're gathered 'round the table playing poker. It's loads of fun. On the Night of Our Dear Savior's Birth I am trying to remember if four of a kind beats a flush. I know that sounds wrong. On the other hand, happy times with family is so right. (I cannot believe my sister was bluffing her ass off with a pair of tens!)

Is it Wise Men or Wise Guys?

My Dad has the best laugh - when he laughs you can't help but laugh, too.

December 21, 2007

Today was a bit strange. Tonight we celebrate Christmas early with Steve's family, as we will be leaving in the morning to drive to visit my family in Lake Tahoe - but our festivities are on an off note as Uncle Robert - Steve's Father's brother - died early this morning.

I met Uncle Robert many years ago when I visited Arlington, Tennessee with Steve and his parents. Uncle Robert was a big jovial man. He loved to can produce and make pickles and honeys. One night we all gathered at his house for a good old fashioned cat-fish fry. Another night it was dinner out at Bozo's barbecue. He sent us a Christmas card every year. Uncle Robert will be very much missed.

The picture below is of Steve's parents' Christmas Tree - up close and personal.

December 20, 2007

Today is my Dad's birthday! Happy Birthday, Dad! This is a photo my Mom took of Dad at Lassen Park in California. Lassen is an active volcanic area with boiling mud pots and fumaroles. Quite a cool place!

December 18, 2007

Our dear friend, Bob, sent us these photos of his stepdaughter's bat mitzvah and subsequent party. I can't believe how quickly time passes. These photos were taken by Bob's brother, Richard, who is a professional photographer currently living in England. You can see more of Richard's work here.

December 8, 2007

Steve went home to Phoenix, yesterday, but I had to stay and work through the weekend. Tonight was Brian's annual Christmas Party. I'm bummed that I missed it! It's always the same group of folks and we've all been friends for ages. This pic is of the entire gang at the party.


Back row, left to right: Tom, Brian, Jay, Dale, Steve
Second row, left to right: Alan, Cheryl, Barb, Melissa, Andrea
Front row, left to right: Kim, Heather, Alan

November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving! Today was a day full of Family and Food - Two of my Favorite Things! The Family Feast was held at Ron and Rhonda's new digs (very nice!). Steve and I carpooled with Steve's folks to the festivities and then spent the night with them after we returned. It was a really nice day and I realize that my life is full of blessings and I have much for which to be thankful!

Steve's Mom and Our Sister-in-Law, Rhonda.

Ellie (Rhonda's Mom), Rhonda, and Rhonda's daughter, Amber.

Your's Truly Waiting to Stuff Myself Senseless with Turkey!

The Boys parked in front of the BIG screen TV.
(Steve's Dad, Brother Ron, Steve, and Mark - Amber's fiance)

Steve with a plate full of yummy goodness.

This is Victoria. She loves me (really, she does). She looks a lot like my Maybe did, so in addition to lots of food and family, I got in some great kitty loves.

This is Dallas and his extremely gooey stuffed pumpkin toy. He's such a sweet boy!

November 18, 2007

How cool are THESE! The pillow case on the left has Little Man Warrior's drawing of a Star Destroyer and the pillow case on the right has Bonnie Lass's drawing of a Fantasy (complete with Unicorn!). Steve and I sleep with these every night!

Close up of Fantasy.

Close up of the Star Destroyer.

November 14, 2007

This morning I met Desert Songbird for coffee at Starbuck's. Lucky me! This is a new Starbuck's and there is a Pei Wei right next door. Very cool.

I had a pumpkin scone and Desert Songbird had a pumpkin muffin with cream cheese filling. Yummy!

Desert Songbird saying something to the effect of, "You will NOT take my picture!" Alas, I did anyway. (hee hee!)

October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween! Is it the end of October, already?! I can't believe that I'm still running the air conditioner! Argh! Anyhoodle, Cousin Lesley sent this adorable picture of Grace and Natalie all dressed up to go Trick or Treating. Aren't they adorable!?

Steve found this card that I had made for him in a book - it was being used as a place marker. I thought it was kind of fun to look back at and appropriate as I had made it for him for Halloween! ha!

October 30, 2007

This is my kitchen. Today, Michael made a fabulous squash soup. The squash came from Liz and Marshall's garden in Silver City, NM (my home away from home). I have been truly blessed to have friends and family that like to cook, 'cause I like to eat!

October 22, 2007

I love old family photographs. Lately, Steve's folks have been sorting various files and they sent down these fun pics. The photo below is of Steve's maternal grandmother - the cutie holding the basketball.


This cutie (below) is Steve's mother. I always knew she was a beach bunny! ha!

And this is Steve's dad! How adorable is that! Love the little cap!

October 19, 2007

The Little Mother has been spending some time working on renovating her birdhouses (which actually see some use, which is pretty cool!). Dad took these photos of her efforts and sent them to me. I think they're so cute! Hopefully, I'll be in Truckee in the Spring to enjoy the new residents.

October 16, 2007

I read recently an article sent to me by a friend that addressed the grief over the loss of a pet. How it's different (of course) than the grief we feel when we lose a human friend or family member, and how the difference is often in the details. Very true. I still walk gingerly so I don't inadvertently kick the cat. It feels funny to leave the gate open. It's hard to bypass the Pet Care aisle at the grocery store. Guess it will just take time - like all things.

Meanwhile, my parents transported Maybe's "Estate" to California to give to my sister's kitty, Uzi. My sister sent me this photo today of Uzi enjoying the Boogie Mat and toys that I sent out for him. It's wonderful to see him with the toys - a bit more healing.

My sister sent me also this photograph of her and Jerry. A friend took it of the two of them. I think the blue is a fabulous color on Amy and makes a great background, too.

October 7, 2007

Porch time with Mom and Dad (Mom is holding Dad's new GPS).

Steve hangin' with the Fam.

Mary stopped by with a birthday present! I'm holding a beautiful hot pad that is crocheted with a rose (which matches the wallpaper in my kitchen - loooove roses!).

October 5, 2007

Today is my birthday: Thirty-nine (again), ha ha! My Mom and Dad arrived, today, and brought be a pot of mums and a pumpkin! I spruced up the front porch with the fall color. I love the fall!