Dop House, Dogs, and my daughter

I went to Mel and Greyson's wednesday and helped? Greyson with procuring the finishing materials for the "palace completion". Just the roof, paint, tarpaper, hinge, etc was around $100. I think the design was great and should keep Ada very warm in the winter; but I secretly wonder if she won't weasel her way back into the house more often then not. I helped Melanie split and stack more wood the next night. I use a 2# hand sledge and a splitting wedge, made decent headway, but I sure am not the woodchopper I used to be.

I got stuck on I-5 South for over 2-3 hours on my return trip. There was at least one semi turned over blocking a lot of traffic and with the tow trucks, police, and other emergency vehicles it was a long time before I reached the rest area before Woodburn. At least south bound moved off and on. I noticed that I-5 N was totally stopped with traffic backup up almost to Salem.

I picked up Grandma Faraway's chair in Albany. It had been repaired (we hope) in Vancouver. They covered it in a plastic slipcover, but tore a hole in the plastic that you could put your fist thru and then slapped some wide, clear tape around the hole without being actually sure to cover the hole. I did not notice the hole until I pulled into Bi-Mart in Lebanon to check everything. They also refused to use any twine to tie the chair to the bed hooks and so I had to stop at Home Depot and ask for some of their twine. Janice was at Mom's and she helped me bring the chair in.

Charlie is an extra great riding companion. She observes everything from her fleece bed which I put on top of boxes in the back seat and then curls up and sleeps during any major drive.

If you should sleep at Greyson's do not sleep with the ever loveable Miles the Magnificient. At first he is sweet and acts like he will sleep, but then when you really are ready to sleep he starts throwing his entire body on your head, scratching your armpits, and finally resorting to biting your arm with the best of hisintentions.

2nd hand building

My coworker and I snuck off from work yesterday to visit the "rebuild-it center" in Hood River. They carry "gently used" building materials that are donated from people and sold at cheap prices. I bought a pack of shingles, flashing, 3 boards and two door handles for $10. They also had new windows and doors for half of retail price (around &250 for the large slider doors). Some of you may not find this of any interest, but it just the spot for dog house building supplies.

Melanie is blaming Charlie for all roughhousing

I (DAD) arrived at Melanie's house 20 minutes before Melanie showed up with groceries. During that time Charlie ran across to the neighbor's dogs and promptly got bit, yelped once, circled back for another try to make friends and then I caught up with her. Melanie put a shock collar on her and she decided that running back and forth barking at the chickens was not worth the sudden appearance of shocks to the neck.
I helped bring in groceries and Melanie made pizza and brought out beer. We ate quickly and then went outside to split and stack wood. Melanie was just complaining that Charlie was getting underfoot. I thought that she was killing the toy snake with zest. She is also challenging Ada for other toys.

I quess she has started pawing Ada's food dish so I will try and feed her again. The first time there were just too many distractions.

Miles is hanging out? with Charlie according to Mel. Greyson will not be home until after 9 so I will most likely go to bed at my usual time. After working on the dog house I am hoping there will not be anymore wood splitting and stacking ..... very tiring.

Mom's school pictures are on the dining room table and her picture was very, very nice.......pretty lady with smiling eyes. Well, Charlie is scratching the food dish so I will attempt to get her to eat and then outside. Love, Larry

Applesauce Day

So, not a word from the Porters about the Kah-Nee-Tah trip - I have to believe that means they were home early???

We went with the Rudds to the beach overnight. The weather was beautiful. Had a roomy place to stay, pinochle, walks on the beach, etc. Very nice.

Jennifer and I have set October 8 as Applesauce Day. If you would like to participate, you need to show up with apples and containers to put the finished sauce in. An ice chest would be a good idea as well unless you plan to can. I just freeze mine 'cause its easier and tastes just as good.

Dad is in Stevenson this evening helping finish off Ada's dog house before the rains set in. Dad noticed a big mess in the garage after Ada had been at our house. (The 3 dogs stayed all by themselves here while we went to the beach.) There was some implicit, although not verbalized, blaming of a certain visiting dog. However, this morning I noticed more stuffing ripped from the dog bed and Charlie standing over it looking quite triumphant. Perhaps Ada just showed her how to do it like Greta did the pop cans. By the way, we now keep the pop can box up high enough Charlie can't reach it.

Not much new at work. I am renewing my administrative license in another few months and it will be good for 5 years. So, this is a "last time" event. I'm beginning to watch for those.

XOXOXOXO
Mom

Getting a life

Today I went to Bible Study, then my AA meeting, then to the nursing home. I don't know if I'll fit in with this Church's Bible Study. They're awfully smiley, but we'll see.

Robin and I are reading, "The Pilot's Wife." It's a book I picked out since our last reader's digest story got a little boring and a lot slutty. i think Robin kind of liked that though. She said one of the male characters, "was a pig." I passed my background fingerprint check and am allowed more freedom throuhout the building. We visited Dorothy who said, "We'd better leave soon because they're going to put us in the wharehouse". She liked that we brought our cat, Sam. Sam purred, but didn't like traveling to and fro in his cage. Robin liked Sam, but didn't pet him, just clutched tight to her covers. India has gone with me two times now. She seems to handle the Dementia patients fairly well. She doesn't like the idea of me leaving Sam with them for any amount of time though. She says they'll scare him.

I've also signed up for Smart something, a reading program at the kids' school. That's only a few hours a week so I still have time to write.

India gets another rotten tooth pulled tomorrow, and Mother, I signed her up for speech! She will be able to work on her "Th" sound and tell you, "thankyou" properly. Christian and India will go to the orthodontist next Tuesday. Tuck gets his new glasses tomorrow and I'm waiting for Dreyers seasonal "pumpkin" icecream to hit the shelves .I found a great prairie costume, the bonnet and dress homemade, at the thrift shop. I also bought a stiff pair of handmade clogs for a buck to kind of give me an Amish feel to the outfit. I greeted Tim from work with my costume, saying, "Well, ello Olaf." Tuck said to quit talking funny or he wouldn't talk to me. I told him, "You go on child, milk da cow."


He doesn't appreciate me.

Lethal weapon

I went to my first JuJuTsu class last night. There were 4 kids there and two adults and the teacher. I had the nervous stomach before going but it turned out just fine. I learned some wrist rolls and some holds and some throws. They didn't have a waiver so I didn't have the "oppertunity" to get thrown myself. Next class I can move up to that. My hubby has school that night so he can't attend, however he wants me to teach him when I get home. I kind of like knowing how to beat him up however and may not show him the "submission holds". The class is quite a deal at $10/month for 14 hours of instruction. I felt a little out of place because I didn't have the whole robe getup that everyone else had. One of the guys said I could buy one if I get serious. I don't know how serious I will be but I still want the robe.

I can tell you that this would be the perfect sport for the Porter kids. They would love all the rolling around on the ground. It is basically what they already do, but with some rules and techniques thrown in. There is no punching or kicking so they don't get hurt as much.

What!!

All this writing I did and I got one lousy comment. That is all you are going to give me, one response. It's the lack of kids thing again, isn't it?

Weekend plans?

So I was wondering what everyone's weekend plans are. I am feeling a bit twitchy and restless these days myself.

Rotten kids

I came into work this morning and my office windows had graffiti sprayed on it. Someone hit the entire area with spray paint and they just pulled a motor bike up the bank leading down to the river. This is the most excitement I have had at work in a long time. I had to give my info to a cop and everything! Now I have to get the window clean.

I am actually working at work this week. We have a proposal due tomorrow and I am the "document custodian". All that means is that I am doing secretarial duties and getting everything organized and formatted right. But at least I am doing something.

Adult ed.

So I was feeling inspired by my sister Traci's adventures in tennis lessons to persue my own personal improvement. So I took a gander through the local park and rec guide to see what was offered. So let's see, holiday tye dye, I don't think so. Soup bowl decorating- not my style. That leaves spanish, watercolor techniques, Tae Kwon Do and JuJuTsu. (We have an extremely limited program as you can see.) So I think that I am going to try for the JuJuTsu class (martial arts w/ lots of throws and locks), the Watercolor class (just one Saturday) and maybe the spanish. I wanted Greyson to take the spanish with me so we could talk at home but he didn't go for it. I know how during the fall and winter months I can get into a rut so I thought this would be good at getting me out of the house. I also am thinking about the guitar lessons but there isn't anyone close that offers them.

I am going to be so improved you won't even recognize me.

Eggs a plenty

I just wanted to share the eggciting news with you all that our chicken(s) has started laying eggs. When I got back from my trip I went and checked the hen house and low and behold there were 6 eggs sitting there. They are a little small but a very good first effort. Greyson and I ate some of them in a bagel sandwich this morning. Delicious. The rooster still needs to go however.

come on down

The price is all relative depending if you dump your money in the slots, or join Tim and I at the poker and blackjack tournaments at Kah nee tah. We're getting a sitter on of these weekends soon and would like any of our relatives to join us. It's competetive and fun.

How was the concert?

Now, we are all having Christmas at Mom and Dad's right? If not, let me know.

Grandma, where are you. Did the cocoons land near your place or what?

Traci

applesauce

It is applesauce time. Is there a weekend that works for those who wish to make applesauce?

A Friday-only volleyball/football/soccer weekend? Or a bye weekend? Or??

Just let me know. We'll provide the apple corer/peeler, sugar and cinnamon. You just have to bring your own apples and containers.

Also, Dad and I are getting cabin fever and ready for a little trip. If anyone would like to invite us up on another weekend, we are ready to travel--especially if any grandchildren type people are involved in sporting or other competitive events.

Mom

Four post bed

So this was taken the weekend before I left. We placed ada's bed in the middle of it. So now she feels like a princess sleeping in a four post bed. As you can see in the picture all three animals were supervising Greyson's work. I will send you a picture of the completed doghouse when I get home.

B 4!!! B 4!!

Ten cents. That's all they give the nursing home people when they win a Bingo game. I spent time last week at the nursing home, calling numbers. It's vital TO BE REALLY LOUD AND ENUNCIATE because if they don't have bad hearing, then they're completely deaf and read your lips. I'm saving some money to go to the dollar store and get some decent prizes. Come on, ten cents? I also read to a woman who's in the dementia part of the building, but she ( Robin) remembers my name and really likes and remembers the story. She's blind and just enters into the story, smiles creeping upon her face from time to time. It's one of those Reader's Digest stories, a good reminder for me of how not to write. Anyhow I'll do that 4 days a week, about 2hrs. a day. It's something I've wanted to do for some time.

Gave 1/3 of my novel to a U of O grad - English teacher at Tim's school. Can't wait to hear her thoughts. She said she'd get it back to me in two weeks. I'm 3/4 done with this edit. Getting really close. Exciting, but also a little scared I won't get published. Oh well. Gotta try.

The kids all like their teachers. Christian is still into Lainey. She was supposed to move and switch gradeschools but that didn't work, and after Christian's first day, he said, "Mom, guess who's in my class?" A wry grin on his face.

Tucker couldn't find his shoes this morning. I did the natural consequences thing and had him wear some of India's old tennis shoes. He fussed about them being for girls, and they were kind of girly. I did the whole, "Yes, it must be hard, Tucker, but you'll get through it." First graders must not notice that kind of thing on each other because he came home perfectly ready to wear them the next day and not find his old ones. So much for Love and Logic. Tuck hasn't any sense, so how's he suppose to get to the logic phase?

India continues to be a voracious reader. The storyteller from the local library dotes on her, and India just beams. I'm signing her up for Volleyball against her will. She was the same way last year and came back from each practice aglow. She and Jessica continue with their love/hate relationship. Jess is a great volleyball player- should be on Varsity or J.V. swing next year, so India of course doesn't want to practice with her. That would be too convenient. Jessica does make her do wall sits if she doesn't get low enough and other drills/consequences India isn't too fond of. I remember Jen and I were warm-up partners and at this one practice, a week before State, we got so mad at each other we were chasing and beaning each other with volleyballs. We got in big trouble, the whole "Get serious this is State!" lecture. Ah, what fun.



Traci

Summers end

Well I don't know about your places but it was cold here last night and sure felt like fall. Ada came inside with the first cold ears of the season.

Ada had her face wart growing back so I called the vet. And yes, "of course she needs to have it removed immediately in case it had become malignant". So she was in for surgery yesterday and is feeling pretty good today. They sent a biopsy in, hopefully it will just be another wart type virus growth like the last one.

I just got done waxing my legs. I had let them grow for about 2 months and they were rather long. I even noticed my coworker trying not to stare at them and trying to hide the grimace on his face. He isn't the type to care about that sort of thing, so when it was starting to get to him I thought it was time.

We got the appraisal back on the house and it was only $243,000. When I say only all I mean is that it needed to be $250,000 for us to do the floors. So no floors for now, we will have to do the old fashioned thing and save up. But on the other hand, wow!! Our house gained $65,000 equity in 2 years, can't beat that.

I still want to put in the flagstone around the house. I decided that will be the next thing that I will save up per diem for. I guess I better get some more jobs lined up. Speaking of, I will be gone for the next week and a half to Pasco/John Day to work at some dams. I am doing the same old thing except we are doing it with "sensor fish" or the electronic sensor tube that simulates a fish. This should be a nice job since it only takes a fraction of the workers and should be more relaxed.

What's Up?

Okay - its been a whole week of school and I still haven't heard from anyone about the first day of school. There had to be something interesting.

How does Kalena like going to the babysitter?

We got some windy rain this afternoon. Always a little sad to see summer go.

Our school (on a well for water) had a leak today and ran the well dry. No water for flushing toilets for a few hours.

Dad is thinking about not signing up for any classes because of the high cost of gas. Cost us $44 to fill up last time - the empty light was on, but still -- $44!!!

Greyson, any word from your folks?

Mom/janice

FREE!!! ROOOOOSTERRRR!!!

First Day of School--Mom writing

I seem to be able to create comments as myself but not new posts.

Okay - now I'm ready for first-day-of-school stories.

We were Busy (that's "busy" with a capital "B"). Had new kids swarming in and ended up with 20 more kids at Holley School this year than last. Since our total enrollment is less than 100, that's quite an increase. We even got 2 little girls who are evacuees from New Orleans. They got out early and think their house is okay, but the family has no idea when they will be able to return. They are living with grandparents in our area.

Dad & I went for a bike ride on Monday from Holley to Crawfordsville via the back road. It is very pastoral and almost no traffic. There were a few hills, but it was a mostly flat 6 mile or so round trip. I had Mr. Whiney with me the first mile or so, but then he warmed up or the drugs took effect or something.

We got the reunion pictures back so I am on a diet. I really have no idea who that obese woman is with a face that somewhat resembles mine only much older.

We have a new girl at school named "Ivy" and another named "Silver" and yet a third named "Mercy." Actually, it is Mercy Messenger. Both Silver and Mercy are black, but Ivy is not green.

Mom

House cleaning

It looks like the refinancing is a go so I spent most of the afternoon cleaning the house and the yard. We have the appraiser coming on Tuesday so we got to get everything in shape. If the house is worth enough, maybe we should just sell high and move somewhere cheaper.

Greyson is on a health kick again. I bought a frozen pizza for dinner but he wanted to have veggie burgers instead. So I compromised by adding French fries to the dinner. I tried to make homemade pudding for desert but I used the instant mix and it turned out pretty inedible. I give up on cooking. I am no good at it. Safeway does a much better job.

Checking In

Hello everyone,

It is quite interesting to not check into the blog for awhile and then read all of the conversations. There seems to have been a rash of injuries/disasters going on and it simply reminds me how fragile this life we lead is.

Greyson - I pray that your family is doing well and that the people affected by this natural disaster find relief and comfort in the days to come. It is simply unbelievable the devastation that has occurred and to think of how so many lives will never be the same let alone to ponder the number of lives lost due to this disaster.

Larry - I am sorry to hear of your mishap. I hope that you are getting better quickly and taking the necessary steps for recovery. Please be careful in the future - you are an "old, old" man and need to realize that you cannot do all of the things you used to be able to. In all seriousness - be careful.

Well, things are going strong around here and as Traci has stated in previous posts the kids are doing well and staying busy exercising their imaginations.

I am an amazingly blessed man to have the family that I do.

Finally, a new tournament sounds good to me. Lets plan on getting together sometime in October or when the price of gas falls enough that I don't have to take out a 2nd mortgage to fill the van.

Talk to you later,

Tim

The Secret Lives of Cats

My kids are getting bored, and they've taken to voicing the cats' lives. Christian and Tuck have written chapter 1 of their book- I found it this morning on their beds, and though I didn't ask their permission, I thought I'd share what I found.

The Cat Wars

Once upon a time there were cats trained as Jedi. One of the cat Jedi was named Sherbert. Sherbert had an apprentice named Sam. Sherbert and Sam were sent on a mission to defeat all the Sith cats. There were only two Sith cats lift in the galaxy. These two Sith cats were named Darth Abigail and Darth Elijah. Sherbert and Sam found our where the Sith cats were hiding.


I'm awaiting Chapter 2. The plot seems vaguely familiar?

India presented the cats lives as more of a play last night.

I was on our front porch, the evening warm around me, the cats milling about. India watched as Abigail, a plump black cat walked slowly towards her on the steps. I put my editing pen down and watched Eli rub against India's back. Abbi finally came close enough India could pet her. "Well you're home," India said stroking her.
"Mother," India says in a higher, sweet cat voice, "Can I have your credit card?"
"Now Abbi," India gently laughs, her best motherly voice.
Eli rubs against India, and India gives him a long stroke, Eli's backbone curving to her touch. then India tries to pet Abbi, but Abbi walks away. "You touched the loser," comes the high, cat voice.
"Mother, why does Abbi have to be so sassy?" This time a deeper, cat voice.
"I don't know." The Motherly voice says, India shaking her head at Eli.
And on goes the 3 characters in this imaginary cat world, and I take pleasure in the one daughter, the true character.


I'll keep you posted on any further feline happenings.

Traci

New Orleans and The Rudd's

I just thought I would share our family related Katrina news. Greyson's dad-Walt has told me that their house is one of the least effected in the area but still has a foot of water in it. They don't have word of their lakeside (Lake Ponchatrain) apartment yet but the news there should only be worse. Greyson's sister- Susie and her husband Michael lived by New Orleans (I am not sure how close to downtown)and there place is also surely much worse off. They all got out ahead of time and are safe. Susie and Michael are staying with Greyson's brother-Marty, while June and Walt are staying in their camping trailer about 1 mile down the road. In Walts email to me he sounded very down and said he didn't have any reason for returning since everything they cared about in the area would be destroyed. I am sure many will have that same reaction. I offered for them to come stay up here with us if they get tired of the their current situation. That would be the least we could do in a situation like this.

apples and lasagna

The best apples for applesauce are the softer type: pippin, Rhode Island, Greening, Mcintosh, Elstar, Cortland, Fuji, Gala and Gravenstein. Adding a little lemon juice for a tarter taste or more sugar for those with a sweeter palate.

How does Mom feel about the Lasagna bake-off? And how much should we pitch in for the apple/peeler/corer?? The canning of sauce sounds great, but Whole Lasagna dishes are frozen so I don't see why we couldn't.

Christian decided he wanted fashion this year... his sweats for B-ball season and weekends only. Since we hadn't really bought him anything we obliged and took him to get more of the skater look with Union Bay shirts and cargo type pants. Everything just drapes off the boy, but he says he likes it like that. He's wanting Vans and Etnies instead of the "too narrow" Nike's he's always cherished. Those will have to wait until Christmas I'm afraid. This whole growing up process is coming much too soon. I thought 13 or 14 maybe for the boys. Tuck is content with his look I guess.

Christian got Mr. Birkby which is his first male teacher, a good one I've heard, and he's quite excited to be the big bad 5th grader, the oldest at this school. India is in a 3rd.4th combined class. I think that's best for her. Tuck is just glad to have a teacher and promised me he'd be kind to the little kindergarteners.

I finished the Five People You Meet in Heaven...not too impressive, but a quick read. Now I'm on to Raising Cain, about boys' emotional development. It's been great so far.

Grandma, are you out there? Haven't heard anything from you. As Yoda might say, "So Faraway, you seem."

Mom: lasagna

I could see a spaghetti/lasagna sauce-making extravaganza. The sauce could be canned or frozen. But now that Melanie is almost 30, I think she should learn to like applesauce. Afterall, you do eat apples, right?