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12/21/07

Just a quick note to say I'm still around. Haven't had any time to read blogs or really post much either (obviously).

Yesterday found Mom, Doris, Linda and me exploring Solvang. It started on the wet side, but cleared to a nice day. We did our part to keep the local economy flush and had a really nice time together. We only ran into the guys a couple of times. All the kids were playing with Grandpa John for the day. On the way home, we made the requisite stops at Coldstone Creamery for ice cream, See's candy, and Cost Plus world Market. I will post pictures when I get a chance.

We all converged on Mom's place where my youngest brother, Ben and his girlfriend, Jamie came joined the rest of us for a dinner of chinese takeway.

I had another bout of "internal thermostat instability" accompanied by insomnia last night. I woke up at 3:30 am, and haven't been able to get back to sleep since. I finally got up and did some cleaning, organizing and sorting of some of my old documents and stuff (junk).

This evening Linda, Mom and I got batches of sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies and springerle cookies ready for baking and decorating tomorrow. Elizabeth and Kaili are with Molly in Atascadero for the night. Molly and Elizabeth were sure glad to see each other again after so long. The girls will be here tomorrow afternoon to decorate cookies and I will make the annual batch of almond roca and rocky-road fudge. The kids have requested marzipan, but we'll see.

I am hoping to get a good night's sleep tonight and I am expecting to be able to "stay in" tomorrow while Ron and Jim smack some golf balls. Maybe I'll even get to watch a Christmas movie or two. . .YES!

Tuesday Dec.the 18th???

We got to Mom's place with 5 minutes to spare. We were all tired and grateful to be out of the truck. We had a really good dinner and a visit with Mom, Bill, Jim and Linda.

Yesterday had a slow start, then we picked up a "throw-away" phone for use while here. We weren't able to get it to work until we took it back to the stare and they actually activated it for us today. Dad had the kidds for the afternoon, then brought over a bunch of kitchen appliances for us to take home. I think they are from a remodel, all Jenn-aire and really nice.

I passed all my courses this semester!!!! 2 B-, 1 B.

My cousin, Dennis has stopped by and Gary and Doris delivered him for a short visit this evening.It has been raining all day and they are glad for the moisture. I do hope it dries up for our little sojourn to So. Ca. next week.

I'm on dial-up right now and it's dinner time. I'll check in again in a day or two. .

12/15/07

This is my late submission for "into the night". We were crossing the California border on Hwy 97 and continued driving into the night. I thought this came out like some sort of abstract painting.

Yesterday we pulled out of the driveway at 7:30 am, a record for us I think. I was so keyed-up I got a total of about 3 hours sleep. Last night we stayed in Moses Lake, Washington. The weather has been cooperative so far, though we got a dusting of snow over night in our Wal-Mart parking lot camp.

After a headlamp change in the parking lot the truck is running like a champ.

Tonight finds us at our favorite Redding Ca. La Quinta Inn. Baring any unforseen events we should make our 6 pm dinner date in Paso Robles tomorrow just fine.

12/13/07

Are ya sittin' down? I got a B- in calculus!!! I can't believe it!

Now we'll see if we can pull off an even bigger feat by getting out of here by 8am. We're shooting for 7, but I won't start getting really cranky until 8.

Today there was a very light snow and it was pretty warm, right around freezing. I woke up with a headache again and had a time trying to study and get ready for the big trip. My physics test started out OK, and gradually went south but I never can gauge how I did on a math test. I went into it with 74% in the class, so I had a little leeway.

After my exam I went to a Relief Society Christmas party. It was very nice, although I cheated and bought a tray of chicken from the store instead of making something. I think Ron would have killed me if I would have tried to make anything anyway. He keeps talking about my number of saddles to butt ratio. He thinks I should have only one saddle to go with my one rear section for some reason.

We will be on the road after this, so my bogs will become a bit more sparse for awhile. I'll check in when I can.

12/12/07

Yesterday was gray and cold, but no new snow. I spent much of the day doing physics problems, (not many it just takes me a while to focus and get to it) I also did a bit of laundry, and was feeling "icky" while Ron ran children and errands here and there.

Ron's former MIL/FIL stopped in for a surprise visit and we had herbal tea with christmas cookies and bread. The kids all had activities last night and I went visiting teaching. We always stay longer than we plan to and didn't get home until almost 10.

Today I woke up with a headache and ended up having to take tylenol/codeine for it. Then I did a few more problems and started gathering stuff in earnest for the trip. We bought new tires and picked up a few gifts to take down south with us this afternoon. We finally got around to taking some of the camping gear out of the trailer so we will have more room to bring back more of my junk. . .er. . .stuff when we come north again.

Speaking of the trailer, for my web friends. It is a cargo trailer with a skylight in it that we have basically converted into a rolling bunkhouse.

There are no real amenities like running water or power, but it is a dry place for our camping gear and us.

These first several photos were taken during the contruction phase of this family project.

We have 4 single bunks lining the sides and a double bed over the top of a large storage area in the very back. The storage includes a dresser and bookcase accessible from inside the trailer.

Aurora will sneak onto one of the lower bunks the and force one of the boys to share with her sometimes.

The dogs are usually supposed to stay on the floor and not in our bed with us like at home.

Look at the poor pitiful things!!!

The bulk of the storage is accessible from the outside rear of the trailer. It works very well for us. We can sleep at roadside rest areas if we need to. We have sort of a kitchen area at the front so we can make a simple meal if we need to without having to get all the gear out. When we will be in one spot for mare than a day or two we usually sleep in tents and set up a large screen tent for our kitchen.

Kaili and her friend Rebecca horse around with a dog toy toothbrush on the "kitchen step".

Okay, enough for tonight. Hasta manana, via con Dios.

12/10/07

This is looking west down the river this afternoon. It is getting ice patches in it now. It has been frequent little snow flurries lately, but today was cold and clear.

Ron and I went out this afternoon to mail about 20 Christmas letters. We will be mailing even more once we get into the States, as it will save us quite q abit of postage and they will be delivered MUCH faster too.

I am printing more photos and letters right now so we will have them ready to go with us.

I did do some physics today, but I need to do more tomorrow. There is so much to do before Friday morning, I can't see how it is all going to happen yet. I know it will, I'm just not sure HOW at this point. I prefer to be packed at least a week in advance, not this time!

This dishwasher has been limping along for a time and has finally died this evening. The kids are not happy, but I never even had one until I was 35, so I think they will survive for awhile without it.

OK, back to the packing, preparation and panic. . .nightie-nite.

12/09/07

I'm still here, just very busy at the moment.

Dax had a talk to deliver in sacrament this morning. He forgot about it until he was reminded 10 minutes before! He had that deer in the headlights look, but he was able (with a little help) to gather his wits, get some reference materials and deliver a relatively good 5 minute talk on gratitude (to a crowd of about 200 people). He was far more relaxed and composed than I would have been under the same set of circumstances. Today was Adam's first crack at blessing the sacrament as he just advanced to Priest last month. He started out a little quiet, but did a great job.

I finally finished baking the sugar cookies when we got home and got a really good start on the annual Christmas letter and photos we send out. Tomorrow will be spent with my physics book for the most part. I will have to take short breaks and start getting things together for the journey south on Friday. I am really getting excited about the trip and hope I can force myself to focus on physics as much as I need too. G'night. . .

12/08/07

After yesterday's full stress load, today was sort of a decompress for me. The test went OK, but I left some things out of the essays that I probably should have written, so I dreamed about it last night. Overall I think I probably did OK on the exam. Now I just need to prepare really well for the physics final on Thursday. Although I did take a break from the books today, but will have to get back at them at least a little tomorrow

I got some springerle cookies started this morning and they are drying overnight before they go into the oven tomorrow. I also should get the rest of the sugar cookie dough baked up. Ron and I went out and picked up a propane heater and a butane stove for the trailer and our trip on Friday.

The river is beginning to freeze and it seems like a good time to "get outta Dodge" to me. I am really looking forward to this trip, but even at nearly three weeks it will be far too short to do even half of the things I would like to do. Oh well!

There is a storm forecast for Friday, I am hopeful it will hold off so we can make our journey OK. Hope everyone is well. Good night all!

12/07/07

I'm in the midst of cell-bio study and decided to stop in for a quick update. After a late start, yesterday was spent almost entirely in the books, with a break to go to school for a study session.

This afternoon is my final. Ron will drop me at the library on his way to deliver the kids to a stage performance of "Beauty and the Beast" courtesy of the virtual school. After my final I will have about 1-1/2 hours to go home change clothes have dinner and be at the church for our public choir performance at Nativity this evening. . . YIKES!!

Will check in late tonight or tomorrow with everyone. . .

12/05 update. . .

I tried to do this earlier, but the router got funny and just as I tried to post the completed entry our internet dropped out.

It has been getting white and fluffy outside again today. It is pretty, but can be nerve-wracking to be driving on the wet sloppy when the driver's side mirror pops out of its mooring and begins flapping on the side of the truck on one's way to write a calculus final.

At least in the Westsyde area we are some what sheltered from the wind. As I got closer to school and the Siberia. . .uh, , um. . . Sahali side of town it was NASTY out. Cold and windy.

Once seated at my desk I was dumbfounded by the first question on the final. After 2 hours and 40 minutes I had had enough and stepped out into the cold and dark. I was met by several classmates on the sidewalk. Several of the kids commented the first thought they had was; Is this the right one? I knew EXACTLY what they were saying because I had the same fleeting thought followed quickly by the sinking feeling that it was the right test after all. We are all hoping for a generous number of "mercy marks".

12/05/07


This is what I should be doing right now. . . UGH! The funny thing about it is, I understand the calculus part, but the basic algebra trips me up almost every time. My final is in about 4 hours and the test anxiety has kicked in with a vengeance. I had another restless night of trying to sleep and thinking about mathematical formulas again. My stomach is upset and I am once again questioning my sanity (and wisdom) in going to school for a science degree at this stage in my life.

The stress of finances, the upcoming holiday season and vacation (towing a trailer 1400 miles in possibly inclement weather with 4 kids, 2 dogs and a very firm return date deadline) not to mention my upcoming finals (each of which is worth 40% of the total grade for the class) has me about ready to implode!

SO. . . in the interest of sanity, I am going to take a little break here and do a list. You know, one of those "100 facts about me" lists that I have seen posted on other blogs. I have read several of them and besides being interesting, they have caused me to reflect on who I think I am.

1. The word Paradox probably describes me best.

2. I expect perfection from myself, but Martha Stewart bothers me because she tends to portray herself as "perfection personified".

3. I am not a girly-girl, but like to dress-up and look nice sometimes.

4. I like playing in the dirt, wet cement, mud etc.

5. If I am told "you can't" I'm liable to die trying to prove I can.

6.-10. I can sew, quilt, knit, crochet, macrame, do stained glass, draw, paint, sculpt, and love to do anything artsy/craftsy.

11. I love to read. I read historical novels, non-fiction (History, natural sciences, word origins, cultural heritage stuff, and biographies), fantasy, blogs, poetry, scriptures.

12. I love learning new things.

13. I don't love being tested on my knowledge.

14. I love to stay at home.

15. I love to travel, see new (old) things ands meet new people

16. I took German, Latin and Spanish in high school. . .I can almost understand some Spanish.

17. I love music and have recently begun singing in the church choir.

18. I can't keep time, so I don't play an instrument and only sing in a choir because I can follow someone else and "hide" in the crowd.

19. I was a confirmed and dedicated agnostic until 5 years ago when I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.

20. I was one of those little naked kids dancing in the park as a child, so there is still a lot of "hippie" in my soul.

21. I Love to cook, especially for a crowd.

22. I love to bake, and have taken cake decorating courses.

23. I love kids and have 4 to raise, but was never able to carry a pregnancy beyond 6 weeks myself.

24. I love watching decorating and home reno shows.

25. My mom, my aunt and my grandmother were all nurses, another aunt was a physicians assistant, my uncle was an orderly in an ER in Turkey and I was an EMT for 12 years, I am capable in a medical emergency but I hate dealing with them.

26. I have a lot of friends, but very few close ones, and none that I have kept in contact with since high school.

27. I am happy to be in Canada, but I miss California.

28. When I was in California, I skied 7 days per week for a few years. In 3 years in Canada I have been skiing about 7 times total.

29. My husband and I met on the internet and were married three days after we met in person.

30. I see myself as a cautious person.

31. In the early '80's I lived 8 houses from the beach in Ventura, California.

32. In the '90's I lived in my dream house in the mountains of Calaveras County, California.

33. I have a weak spot in my lower back and was told as a teen I would not be able to lift more than 50 lbs or do hard physical labor, like use a shovel.

35. When the doctors told me that I was already lifting 100lb feed sacks and I went on to 10 years of digging fire-line.

36. The doctors also wanted to do surgery.

37. My family said no

38. They then said 'she needs to take ballet.'

39. I took karate instead.

40. I was raped as a teen, but never told anyone about it until years later.

41. I am very noise sensitive. I like it quiet.

42. Did I mention I love kids . . .quiet kids?!?!

43. I love animals.

44. I don't love animals messing with my garden.

45. I feed the squirrels and birds.

46. I love to camp.

47. I love to hike.

48. I miss firefighting, but I don't miss climbing the hills and "sucking smoke".

49. I'm afraid of heights.

49. I love gardening. (especially the rooting around in the dirt part)

50. I often feel out of place in a group of people.

51. I love Disneyland.

52. I like to take things apart and see what makes them work.

53. My mom and I have an exceptional relationship and I miss living next door to her.

54. I went to a one room school from grades 1-5.

55. I lived in (and helped to build) geodesic domes as a kid.

OK, I have done enough diversion now, time to get back to the books one more time, besides my list seems so mundane and uninteresting to me. . .

12/04/07

Aurora was really having a great time rooting around in the snow yesterday morning. She gets so excited, she is a riot to watch.

This is a picture looking out the front door at the fresh snow yesterday morning.

The picture below is the same view this morning after last night's wind and rain storm. The kids (and Aurora) are sad to see the snow gone. I'm hoping it will stay nice for another couple of weeks, so we can safely tow the trailer to California and back over Christmas break.

I spent most of the day in the books yesterday and today will be more of the same. I had a few uncomfortable dreams last night and woke up at 3 am because I was overheating again. My hormones are still playing games with me. It hasn't gotten bad enough to force to me do anything about it yet.

Well, I had better get back to the books. . . two finals to prepare for this week.

12/02/07

Today was Fast Sunday and we had an hour between the end of Sacrament Meeting and the Christmas devotional. SInce our house is about 20 minutes from the church, another family invited us over for pizza. I had already made wraps to have for dinner at the church between meetings, so we just took them with us. It was very nice to visit with another family somewhere other than the church hallways between meetings. We ended up being 1/2 hour late to the devotional, but we'll try to catch the whole thing later.

After the devotional we had a 2 hour choir practice and my throat is hoarse again.

It was snowing much of the afternoon and we probably have an accumulation of a couple of inches now. I was going to hit my workout in the morning, then study at the library for a bit, but I think I'll stay home instead. Ron says it is supposed to warm up and rain for the next couple of days . . .we'll see how far off the weather guessers are this time.

I am hoping we have a lucky break in the weather for our drive in a couple of weeks, maybe we need to start praying now.

Late one


This is a close-up silhouette of one stained glass cookie. . .but you probably can`t eat just one!

12/01/07

Today while it tried to snow outside, I tried to focus on my math review for the final Wednesday. The weather and I were both only marginally successful in our endeavors. I will be studying into the evening tonight and will try to get a bit more done in the morning before church.

Ron and the boys are out at the church all night tonight to play security for the outdoor nativity scene that is set-up for the upcoming live Nativity this week. Ron was getting "help" while he tried to catch 40 winks this afternoon before leaving for security duty.

I managed to bake most of the cookie dough just before dinner this evening, so we have stained glass window cookies now ready for delivery to the church in the morning. They are pretty simple to make and they are kind-of cool looking too.


Here`s the recipe

Stained Glass Window Cookies

(make sugar cookie dough and chill)

2/3 C Shortening

3/4 C Sugar

1 t Vanilla

1 Egg

4 t Milk

2 C Flour

1-1/2 t Baking Powder

1/4 t Salt

Cream together shortening, sugar and vanilla. Beat in egg `till fluffy, then stir in milk. Blend in the dry ingredients. Wrap the dough in cellophane and refrigerate for several hours (overnight).

Heat oven to 375 F. Coarsely crush some clear, colored hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers in a mortar/pestle or with a hammer and plastic bags. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes. Cut smaller shapes out of centers and place cookies on greased aluminum foil cover cookie sheets. Fill the center holes with candy pieces. Bake for about 6-8 minutes- just until candy is melted, don`t overcook. Let cool and harden on the foil then carefully peel off and enjoy.

It`s about time to get back to the books now. . .have a good night all.

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