See, you scared them off!

Californians, where are you?

Grandma, so glad you can join in again.

We ate all our halloween candy, that's two Costco bag's worth, but we usually only have one or two trick or treaters, so I'll buy a small bag and not open it until they actually come to the door. India is dressing up as a gothic princess and the boys are wearing masks and dark clothing. I'm going to be Olga, the Amish/German prairie woman. Tim isn't dressing up. Well, not naked, but he's just plain old Tim. So I think we'll call him Opie or Richie Cunningham.

We are so proud of Greta. She went into the creek, chest deep, and stood there elegant, like she was posing for Field and Stream or something.

I'm on primidone, which is medicine for essential tremors. I'm so silky smooth you won't regonize me.

Robin and I are embarking on Gone With The Wind. "India:" and "Melanie" are both names I've already enountered in the first chapers.

Tim will get his admin license in another month or so. Then he meets with the Superintent to discuss next year. I'm starting on research for agents and publishers and all that. Maybe by spring I'll be rich, or at least richer, and published, or maybe I'll have all those rejections and then with my pent up anger I'll write a great anti-society type book. Nothing so potent as an anguished writer.

Everyone stay safe tonight,
Traci

Happy Birthday Dad

Just want to wish my father a happy birthday.

Nothing interesting

I haven't been a very good blogger lately because I just haven't been doing anything that interesting. I am still going to my JujuTsu classes and I have one tonight. I learned 3 new choking holds, and they do work very well. Most of our chokes actually press on the sides of the neck to reduce blood flow to the brain as apposed to doing anything with airflow. It is much safer that way supposedly. I have also gone to a couple guitar lessons and am now working on the 12 bar blues. Not real complicated but fun. However I am having a hard time fitting into there before 5pm lesson hours that they have.

At work I am not real busy. I am currently doing some GIS map work for a report but that shouldn't take long. I did do my online FEMA classes so I am now first in line with the company to go somewhere on "deployment" if the need arises. If that did happen it would probably be to Florida. THat wouldn't be so bad for the winter. It would be a full 3-4 months away. I have really no idea whether anything will come of that or not so we will have to just wait and see.

I have a meeting Wednesday in Eugene so I am going to stay the night before at my parents. Maybe my father will go out to a late birthday dinner with me. My coworker is driving down with me and is going to stay in the Sweet Home Inn, anyone know if it is alright?

Later all

Happy Halloween Everyone

Hi from California

Hi everyone,

Jennifer was kind enough to invite your relatives from California to join your blog. Now it won't take long for you guys to figure out I am Blog Challenged.

Just enjoying seeing what is going on with you guys. Your dad/husband/grandfather etc. used to send such meaty emails; now I catch up with dogs, kids etc.

Thanks, again, Jennifer.
aunt chris and uncle phil.

A good morning (from Mom)

I know you are all waiting impatiently for news on Katia. She is better this morning - actually walking around the house for a little while unaided. She still can't get up the front steps or anything, but does seem improved. Charlie has pretty much given up trying to play with her which is just as well.

Medical Update from Mom/Grandma

Grandma FarAway's shoulder is some better.

Dad/Larry/Grandpa's back is now out of wack from lifting Katia.

Mom/Jan/Grandma still has a cold and feels rotten. Her back also went slightly awry this morning, probably from too much sitting, not enough gym time, and then coughing and sneezing.

Katia has some good times where she can walk in a very wobbly, fall down once in awhile way. First thing in the morning, she can't stand at all. She still has a good appetite and is extra thirsty because of her medicine. I don't see the kind of steady improvement I had hoped.

Not much else to report here. We are cleaning house.

Katia crisis

(Mom talking) Katia couldn't get get out of bed yesterday morning. When I came home from lunch, Dad had her up in the living room but she was lying very still and didn't even lift her head. He took her to the vet in Brownsville because our regular vet was out of town.

She thought it might be a pinched nerve in the neck, and gave her a shot for pain and a muscle relaxant. That made Katia feel better but she still can't stand up. The vet thought she might get better in a few days, but so far we've seen no improvement.

Poor Katia.

Before you buy any apples

Just wanted anyone who is interested to know the following: In Albany, on the left hand corner of the block before Fred Meyer (five minutes off the freeway) there is a fruit stand selling Jona-something apples, 13 lbs for $5. They are about 60% of what I paid in Coburg area and look to be just as big and juicy. I paid $17 for 28 lbs. Anyway, they are light red and green and the largest apples for sale and they make the best applesauce possible. We bought two apple peelers and so the peeling is extremely easy and fast.

Also, you can comment on our new lights out front shinning on our American flag. Spent a lot of time at Home Depot, but finally figured out just the right wattage, etc to consider. Will need to get another electrical cord and might have to bury it in the ground so it isn't so conspicious. Love, Dad

with Melanie's help

don’t know what Mel did- but kudoes to her- I’m receiving everyone’s blogs on my e-mail now.  And yes- this is Jennifer.  As far as Christmas goes- Brian is usually working the day before or after…we’d really like some time on a future Christmas to have a nice enough trailer that one family group- the porters or the sharps…stay in that and the other group stay down stairs.  And then the Rudd/Sharps- live close enough to commute.  As far as this Christmas- we’re up to anything that’s inexpensive…that goes for the selecting of names for Christmas.

Not to get ahead of myself, but....

I want to clear up holiday plans a little bit.
It sounds like Christmas is at mom and dad's this year. Is everyone attending? Are Gabe and Nick at their dad's this year or what? Our pre-Christmas cruise out of New Orleans was cancelled as you can imagine. However we have a bid in on a job that would keep me busy all of Dec. and Jan. with 5 days off around Christmas. So if we get that my time will be somewhat limited. Greyson is off from Dec. 9th - Jan. 9th so he is pretty flexible. I may encourage him to go visit his family for a week or so before Christmas if I am going to be gone. His parents now live just down the block from his brother, so he can visit both of them without hurting the other's feelings. Please let me know what day off you all have so I can plan. I am a planner.
On to Thanksgiving... I know last year mother said that she enjoyed NOT having both holidays at her house. However I don't know if she was being truthful or just trying to be a good sport. So, who is having Thanksgiving? I am always up for hosting as long as you realize that I don't cook all that well and it may be cramped, but we could always manage. I would need you all to bring a dish or two. If anyone else wants to host by all means speak up. Mother? Traci? Jenn? I don't mean to exclude the men, I know Brian could cook me out of the kitchen any day. I am not sure about Mr. Sharp, Mr. Porter or Mr. Rudd. I think I am still one up on them. Are all family members going to be attending? The Deans? I was thinking about inviting Greyson's parents up for Thanksgiving, I have no idea if they would come or not.

This Weekend

We will play this weekend by ear as to activities dependent on the weather and whether anyone else brings their x-box, etc.

Dad picked up 2 boxes of apples for us today and I tried out a batch this evening. These apples made wonderlicious applesauce--very lumpy and supremely appley. I have 3 big pots so we can all make it at the same time and be done in two flicks of a lamb's tail.

The weather report here sounds fairly decent for Saturday, too--just a chance of a shower here or there. I'm thinking some kind of contest in the corn maze would be fun. I have purchased prizes for the children. I'm hoping to be on a team with someone who is not so directionally challenged as I am.

See y'all soon.

Love,
Mom
XOXOXOXOXOXO

PS - Greyson, dog house looks great. Is Ada actually using it?

this weekend

We will be coming Friday afternoon- and bringing our trailer to sleep in- all children will be with us.  We are bringing two cases of jars…and some apples- but since the price of apples is more than applesauce we may not be bringing large quantities- my husband is more interested in visiting than applesauce making- I’m more interested in the corn maze and maybe pumpkin carving type stuff.  Well I was due home an hour ago- so I’m headed out of here. 

Corn maze and applesauce

So y'all, what is the deal for this weekend. Who, what, where, when, how and most importantly what would the sleeping arrangements be if I attended this event? Greyson and I still haven't really discussed our weekend. We like to put things like that off. I looked at the weather and so far it looks like showers on Saturday and sunny on Sunday.

interior0001

interior0001
Originally uploaded by wgrudd.

poser

poser
Originally uploaded by wgrudd.

wallsup

wallsup
Originally uploaded by wgrudd.

Test posting from email account

In an attempt to reconcile Jen’s need to be official at work (a reasonable request), I am investigating the blog from email features.  Supposedly one can send a posting from email and also receive others post to ones email.  If this works maybe we could see more info from the Dean.  Here goes….

No Texan accent for me

Since you all were wondering, I am not going to Texas. They had already found someone else in the company by the time I had expressed some interest. I can't say that I am that sad that I get to stay home. They are still trying to ship me over to Idaho for 2 months this winter and then E. Washington in the spring. So I may be gone a bunch anyway. It will give Greyson a lot of time to master his new x-box 360 he is getting next month.

Grandma far away goes to jail

To Everyone: Why didn't someone tell me there is a special Oregon tax thing you have to fill out!!! Now the IRS is after me and have found errors in my 2003 return. I will be locked up for sure. Will you bring me goodies? Will you come and see me. How much can I borrow to get out of this mess? The accountant ask me if I had an attorney? Does that mean I need a lawyer? I have three weeks to solve this dilemma. I like chocolate, hot coffee, cinnamon rolls, peanut butter cups, Chicken and rice, -- I can sympathize with Martha. I don't like stripes, or orange suits. Wonder if I can take my mattress with me. Your really far away granny

s'posed to be doing homework

Right now, I'm sitting in lib central-the basement of PSU's Smith building, having a bagel sandwich of organic hodgepodge. Porters would love this place I'm sure. Reggae in the background. I imagine the leg hair from this very room would do much to clothe the world, and that's just mine. Today, we learned about woman sufferage. S.B. Anthony et. al. started it all with 3 ladies having tea and complaining about conditions (I'm telling you gentlemen. It's dangerous. They must not be allowed to meet!) It took 50 some-odd years from that point for women to get the vote. Do we have that kind of patience for progress nowadays?

The other two classes (14 credits total) are also today. Each consists of a pretty large scale design project. One will be designing golf ball packaging. The other is a little more open ended. I'll either create a music band, or a skimboard graphics company with which to convey my dim vision.

Dog house needs shingles nailed in, and it's finished. Hinge works. Oh yeah. I guess I could add some insulation to her ceiling. Did I mention Ada will die a horrible death if she does not use the house? A piece of chicken, poison interlaced with the meat.

I guess that's it. Mel started a major fish transplant, from tank to bathtub, and back again. The algae was too much to bear. Now they swim in clear waters, as though they float in mid-air. la dee da

Have you no shame?

Tim, Deans, Dad, Greyson...where are you? Too important to reply, post, try and keep familial ties across the miles. I had to have bloodwork done I'm so sick. But hey, I still muster the initiative, the courtesy to keep you informed.

And if any of you get my name for Christmas, just disregard this because I know you have obligations, you're taking care of dogs, or cats, or maybe even kids. Homework, housework, you're in personal crisis perhaps, constipated, whatever. I understand.

But if you don't draw my name, I think you're bloodsucking, probably male, passive aggressive leeches. And I've had it. I put myself out there, clear out into cyberspace and all I get back is a blank white stare.

Mom and Mel, keep it up. You get on to Texas little gal, and Mom and I can work on our puns like we did last year in the cornmaze. I'm directionally challenged, but I'm looking forward to the cornblaster. Hey Jen, are the boys coming?

Dad, my fence just fell down, and all your front yard landscaping died with our first frost. Good Lord, it's amazing. I would have said something earlier, but with Katrina and everything, I didn't want to appear trivial.

Greyson, we've found strong religious reasons to discontue any use of the X box.

Jen and Brian, All our kids came back from school with head lice and some sort of contagious skin infections, and the doctor says to keep them confined for 10 days, but we think 4 days on these antibiotics should keep your kids safe. I hope that's alright?

Grandma, my email, wait, I'll shout it just in case you don't have your hearing aid, MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS TNTPORTER@MSN.COM


Tim, their office is on 8th street. I can't go into details, but with me going down to California to help further your career, my leaving my director job, and bearing you three children, well the courts find a lot of importance there. I'm a reasonable person and I like your blue eyes, and for the children's sake, for them you might want to review you lack of blog activity. They can track this sort of thing. It's not like the old days where you can hide out from things like this like you could from child support.

Trip to Texas?

I had an interesting email today from my boss about a job stint in Texas. Our company has an ongoing relationship where we provide FEMA with disaster relief efforts. Normally this is cleaning up fish kills when Nuke plants have a warm water dump and kill all the organisms in the adjacent waters (or that type of thing). However every once in awhile they ask for workers for other projects, hence Rita/Katrina work. So I am currently waiting for more info, but it looks like a 3 month stint in Texas doing something (probably processing paperwork for shelters or something like that). I have mixed feelings on this 'oppertunity'. The good things: it would be a unique experience, I may help someone, I may make good overtime. The bad things: I wouldn't be home to see the hubby and family, I wouldn't get much time of, I would miss my JujuTsu training (and I just got my Gi to wear), not much time for Thanksgiving/Christmas. So what do you all think? I would hat to miss out on something neat just because I am a big chicken.

Big Bucks No Whammies

Big Bucks No Whammies - That's what it's like going to the orthodontist today. Just waiting, them circling my kids'heads with a strange machine, a full set of x rays, and I'm hunched over a desk waiting, thinking, come on, make it, big bucks, big bucks, no whammies. And pow! We land on a bonus...a cherry or some big $ sign. And we only owe $2300 for the first phase of treatment. That's for both India and Christian. Insurance pays half of that. And India surprisingly won't need any big teeth pulled, and the Dr. noticed she has her mother's large permanent teeth which the Dr. said they love because it makes a beautiful smile- really - he was physically excited, looking at her profile and nodding, saying, that's exactly what he wants - saying they love working with big teeth because the end product is so flashing. Yeah, so THERE to all you Jr. High jerks who called me beaver face and buck-toothed betty! I make old Dentists get excited...yeah take that. And India might only need less than a year of braces at 12 or 13. Christian is starting with back spacers, head gear at night, and braces on by the first of November. Now if you've never played this version of Big Bucks No Whammies, this is much better news than say getting a Whammie, which is like the kind of teeth Anita had, crooked everywhich direction, whole jaw needing spread and moved. So we won! Right. Right??


I finished reading the book to Robin and all she said was, "that's the end?" And I had to agree. Oprah's pick on the Pilot's Wife is what I think is a scheme to see if a barely publishable book can become famous because we're brainwashed into thinking it's great. So when Oprah's people discover my book, that stuff will be out of their system and they'll be desperate for true genius, and her people will call my people -this is where I give them your numbers. I need you to all say you're working on another one of my projects, act cool and busy, but not too busy. Try and get me booked when Tom Hanks is there. I dreamed about him. I swore I'd never fall for a movie star, and Rita, well she's a good friend, in the dreams at least, because we drink coffee together and she smiles at me like she smiles at Tom when they walk together on the Red Carpet. But Tom and me backstage at Oprah's set, that will just be an innocent flirtation because i'm basically happy with my husband and my best-selling novel and especially my flashing smile. Happy with a no whammie day.

Date Change

Mom says: Applesauce Day has been changed to October 15. I hope many of you can attend. We will do the corn maze if the weather cooperates and everyone gets their apples peeled in a timely fashion.