I took Kurt to Chicago for an early birthday celebration. I couldn't figure out what to get him and I got my weekly theater email from the Windy City. I saw that CAMELOT was going to be in Chicago thru yesterday. In the back of my mind I recalled Kurt saying that was his favorite musical. I asked if he wanted to go and he said yes.
It was on a 3 week run and it's starring Michael York as Arthur. It was at the newly restored (and renamed) LaSalle Bank Theater. We enjoyed it even though Michael York is a little long in the tooth the be Arthur. I thought he was really overacting. It seemed he thought the way to sound kingly was to drag out all his vowels....ie....heeeeeere's Joooooohny type thing. He also threw his arm out in a wide sweeping motion quite often trying to appear regal. I thought maybe I was just being critical but I found a review (after we got home) in one of the magazines I picked up at the hotel and it said the same thing. We had good seats though. We were in the Mezzanine level on the aisle so Kurt was able to stretch out his legs a little. We were just high enough that we could see from the front edge of the stage all the way back. I'm glad I didn't get cheaper tickets than that.
Unfortunately, due to the custody pick up times and soccer it was a flying trip. Saturday morning was parent's night for Alex's soccer. There was a screw up with the scheduled referees so the game was a forfeit. Team members and parents were VERY poor sports about the whole thing. It was shameful. The kids just ended up thrusting the flowers in the parents' hands and stomping off. But we chose to be supportive of Alex and go the event even though it was a last minute reschedule. We didn't leave for Chicago til 1030.
There is construction on the Kennedy Expressway so traffic was awful. We didn't get to the hotel until 430. We stayed at the Hyatt on Wacker. It's right on the river across from the Tribune tower, and the round Marina parking garage towers. We were on the 28th floor. At the ends of the hall there were views of the skyline and Hancock to the north, and Millennium Park and the Art Institute to the south.
We had a fantastic meal at the House of Blues. We shared entrees. Kurt had a catfish, rice and shrimp creole dish while I had ribs with Jack Daniels BBQ sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans. It was incredibly flavorful and yummy.
After the theater we had some coffee and dessert at Stetson's a very nice restaurant in the hotel.
It was 1230 am by the time we got back up to our king size bed.
Sunday morning we had brunch at the hotel, a mini nap, and then headed for home. It was a quick but fun trip!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Ridiculous!
It's May 14th and it was 94 degrees today! I can't take it! My HAIR was sweating!! I've had 3 showers just to feel human.
I washed all the throw rugs today. That was a filthy ordeal. Now I'm washing the kids' super stinky clothes which is also an ordeal.
My yellow iris are all blooming. They've all fallen over so I cut 5 or 6 stems. It made a pretty arrangement.
Tonight was sports physicals at the middle school from 6-730. It was also Christy's Choir Concert and she had to be at the high school by 630. I had Alex drive himself to soccer practice (watching him back my car out of the garage was frightening). Then I got supper ready by 515. Christy and I went for her physical at 530 (they let the choir kids in early). Kurt and the boys came once Alex had supper. Then Christy and I came home and found something for her to wear to the concert. Then we went to the high school while the boys got their physicals. I then saved 3 seats at the concert (which, of course, made me VERY popular).
The guys arrived, we sat thru the 5th grade, a surprise quartet, the 6th grade (Christy sounded good) and a Soprano duet. There were around 500 ppl in the 90 degree gym. It was awesome. Then while they were changing sets, Kurt, Nick, Christy and I came home (via the DQ) while Alex stayed to hear Amber sing. He's driving Kurt's car home. Oh, he and Amber dyed the bottom half of their hair black.
So there you have a typical day at our house.
I washed all the throw rugs today. That was a filthy ordeal. Now I'm washing the kids' super stinky clothes which is also an ordeal.
My yellow iris are all blooming. They've all fallen over so I cut 5 or 6 stems. It made a pretty arrangement.
Tonight was sports physicals at the middle school from 6-730. It was also Christy's Choir Concert and she had to be at the high school by 630. I had Alex drive himself to soccer practice (watching him back my car out of the garage was frightening). Then I got supper ready by 515. Christy and I went for her physical at 530 (they let the choir kids in early). Kurt and the boys came once Alex had supper. Then Christy and I came home and found something for her to wear to the concert. Then we went to the high school while the boys got their physicals. I then saved 3 seats at the concert (which, of course, made me VERY popular).
The guys arrived, we sat thru the 5th grade, a surprise quartet, the 6th grade (Christy sounded good) and a Soprano duet. There were around 500 ppl in the 90 degree gym. It was awesome. Then while they were changing sets, Kurt, Nick, Christy and I came home (via the DQ) while Alex stayed to hear Amber sing. He's driving Kurt's car home. Oh, he and Amber dyed the bottom half of their hair black.
So there you have a typical day at our house.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Summ Summ Summertime!
The weather this week has been lovely! I've gardened (some). I see I've some yellow iris blooming. A French or Fernleaf Peony that I got from my great aunt Betty made it through the winter (and my lack of attention last summer). Because of our April snowstorm my tulips weren't worth a crap this year.
I bribed Alex into mowing the lawn the other day so Kurt doesn't have to deal with it. He wanted to know if he could go to his gf's and I in sneaky mother fashion said, "after you mow the lawn." He passed his driver's test on Wednesday which is good but scary!
We got Christy signed up for Horse Camp. She's excited to go. She and I went shopping for shorts, shirts, and bras for her last night. We had supper at Fazoli's (we spent more on clothes than I anticipated). She is NOT a fan of white sauce. Her face when she tried Fettuccine Alfredo was priceless! I bought a pair of Doc sandals from Rikki for $20.
We're trying to find a camp or something to do with Nicky this summer, but so far he's got little interest. He may get assigned something.
In July Kurt and I are going to Canada/New York state/Connecticut for vacation. We're doing Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, the Hudson River Valley, and Mystic. Then we are coming back through Utica so he can do some work. I'm so excited! I found a place where we can go to a Lobster and seafood boil in some little coastal town in CT. Before we decided on a day or 2 in CT we thought we might take the train into NYC for overnight. We thought about it though, and an overnight would be expensive and probably frustrating since we'd barely have time to do anything.
I start summer school on Monday for 3 weeks. I got my grades. Not too hot, but I did pass accounting so I'll still be graduating in December. Besides accounting I got an A, a B+, a B, and a C-. Nineteen hours may have been overly ambitious!
I bribed Alex into mowing the lawn the other day so Kurt doesn't have to deal with it. He wanted to know if he could go to his gf's and I in sneaky mother fashion said, "after you mow the lawn." He passed his driver's test on Wednesday which is good but scary!
We got Christy signed up for Horse Camp. She's excited to go. She and I went shopping for shorts, shirts, and bras for her last night. We had supper at Fazoli's (we spent more on clothes than I anticipated). She is NOT a fan of white sauce. Her face when she tried Fettuccine Alfredo was priceless! I bought a pair of Doc sandals from Rikki for $20.
We're trying to find a camp or something to do with Nicky this summer, but so far he's got little interest. He may get assigned something.
In July Kurt and I are going to Canada/New York state/Connecticut for vacation. We're doing Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, the Hudson River Valley, and Mystic. Then we are coming back through Utica so he can do some work. I'm so excited! I found a place where we can go to a Lobster and seafood boil in some little coastal town in CT. Before we decided on a day or 2 in CT we thought we might take the train into NYC for overnight. We thought about it though, and an overnight would be expensive and probably frustrating since we'd barely have time to do anything.
I start summer school on Monday for 3 weeks. I got my grades. Not too hot, but I did pass accounting so I'll still be graduating in December. Besides accounting I got an A, a B+, a B, and a C-. Nineteen hours may have been overly ambitious!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
California - The Wrap Up
******I've been too busy with school and everyone here at home to have time to blog. Here are the details of my Spring Break trip to California******
So it's been almost 2 months already. I may as well get this trip wrapped up! Another reason this hasn't been done in a timely manner is I shot actually film on the trip and when I turned it in, I forgot to mark "CD" on the envelope so I have no way to post photos.
Wednesday the Aunt stayed home from work because she had a doctor appointment (and because I was there). We got a lot of cleaning done. I made many trips to Goodwill which was conveniently located a couple of blocks away. We took a load of books, magazines, and catalogs to the library. We flew to the library the next town over. We thought it was closing at 5, but once we got there we discovered it was now open until 7. The aunt's IMT appointment for Thursday in Monterey had cancelled so she decided to go whale watching with me. We printed out her ticket at the library.
We got home very, very late and we were quite tired. We had to leave for the coast at 6 am. I started to flick dirt, cat hair, etc off my sleeping mat. As I grasped the sheet I put my hand in wet. THE CAT HAS PISSED ON MY BED. The aunt didn't believe me! "He doesn't do that". Well he did. I freaked out.
"I've had it! Where's the nearest hotel?"
She started laughing. "You can have the bed."
"I don't know that the cat didn't piss in it! I'm outta here!"
I packed up, went online, and got myself a room at the Super8. I spent 2 nights there and the next three in a Courtyard by Marriott (great deal on hotwire).
I called my husband crying to see if we had enough money for me to spend 5 nights in a hotel. So much for my cheap vacation. Graciously, the aunt paid for half my hotel bill.
Staying in the hotel improved my vacation a lot!
She let me take the car for the reminder of the vacation. I would drive her to and from work each day then I could "buzz around" in it the rest of the day.
Thursday morning I picked her up early and we headed to the coast. It was a pretty drive. We went through orchards, strawberry fields, and artichoke fields. The sight of the ocean really takes my breath away. I forgot how white the sand is in Monterey. We had a yummy breakfast then walked down the wharf to board the whale watching boat. I took some Dramamine. It was a beautiful sunny day. The guide chick said yesterday was an amazing whale day (it must go every other day lol).
Now, I'm a landlocked Iowa girl. I had no idea what the hell i was looking for! Eventually, I figured out it was the plume/mist that comes up when the blow out their blowhole. I also finally managed to see the tops of their heads/back when then surface. It was pretty cool, but a little disappointing. I have to say that the discovery channel ruined whale watching for me! You become accustomed to seeing the animals so very close up due to the amazing lenses. Toward the end of the trip we saw an albatross and finally a FLUKE! I even managed to catch it on film! We were (supposedly) between 2 pods of whales so we stayed out a while longer than scheduled. We ended up getting about 45 minutes extra of cruise time. On the way in we saw sea otters and of course, seals. I want to do it again!
We had a great seafood lunch overlooking the bay and headed back to Modesto.
Friday, the Aunt went back to work. I did some cleaning and hung out at the hotel in the hot tub.
Saturday we did some more sorting and I got to go to Trader Joe's. What a disappointment. A bad thing happened, too. The cat was sick. We took him to the vet hospital where we had to wait a very long time. He had renal failure and possibly a polyp between his ear and nose. We left him there getting IV's and fluids.
Sunday, we drove to the mountains to have brunch with Pat. It was nice to see her again. She had come to Iowa with the aunt years ago. She is an art teacher. She has a pretty little house. The air was clear and crisp. Her daffodils were in bloom. We drove up to about 5, 000 feet to discover the brunch place is no more. I really enjoyed the scenery. We drove back down the mountain and had brunch at the casino. It was a nice day.
Monday morning I took the Aunt to school then I went and picked up the cat. I took him to the regular vet and left him there. The Aunt and the vet would decide later what to do. Ultimately, she had to have Jazz put to sleep.
I took myself to the airport. My suitcase was overweight, but the guy let me go with out paying the extra baggage charge. My flights home were good and my husband was glad to see me.
So it's been almost 2 months already. I may as well get this trip wrapped up! Another reason this hasn't been done in a timely manner is I shot actually film on the trip and when I turned it in, I forgot to mark "CD" on the envelope so I have no way to post photos.
Wednesday the Aunt stayed home from work because she had a doctor appointment (and because I was there). We got a lot of cleaning done. I made many trips to Goodwill which was conveniently located a couple of blocks away. We took a load of books, magazines, and catalogs to the library. We flew to the library the next town over. We thought it was closing at 5, but once we got there we discovered it was now open until 7. The aunt's IMT appointment for Thursday in Monterey had cancelled so she decided to go whale watching with me. We printed out her ticket at the library.
We got home very, very late and we were quite tired. We had to leave for the coast at 6 am. I started to flick dirt, cat hair, etc off my sleeping mat. As I grasped the sheet I put my hand in wet. THE CAT HAS PISSED ON MY BED. The aunt didn't believe me! "He doesn't do that". Well he did. I freaked out.
"I've had it! Where's the nearest hotel?"
She started laughing. "You can have the bed."
"I don't know that the cat didn't piss in it! I'm outta here!"
I packed up, went online, and got myself a room at the Super8. I spent 2 nights there and the next three in a Courtyard by Marriott (great deal on hotwire).
I called my husband crying to see if we had enough money for me to spend 5 nights in a hotel. So much for my cheap vacation. Graciously, the aunt paid for half my hotel bill.
Staying in the hotel improved my vacation a lot!
She let me take the car for the reminder of the vacation. I would drive her to and from work each day then I could "buzz around" in it the rest of the day.
Thursday morning I picked her up early and we headed to the coast. It was a pretty drive. We went through orchards, strawberry fields, and artichoke fields. The sight of the ocean really takes my breath away. I forgot how white the sand is in Monterey. We had a yummy breakfast then walked down the wharf to board the whale watching boat. I took some Dramamine. It was a beautiful sunny day. The guide chick said yesterday was an amazing whale day (it must go every other day lol).
Now, I'm a landlocked Iowa girl. I had no idea what the hell i was looking for! Eventually, I figured out it was the plume/mist that comes up when the blow out their blowhole. I also finally managed to see the tops of their heads/back when then surface. It was pretty cool, but a little disappointing. I have to say that the discovery channel ruined whale watching for me! You become accustomed to seeing the animals so very close up due to the amazing lenses. Toward the end of the trip we saw an albatross and finally a FLUKE! I even managed to catch it on film! We were (supposedly) between 2 pods of whales so we stayed out a while longer than scheduled. We ended up getting about 45 minutes extra of cruise time. On the way in we saw sea otters and of course, seals. I want to do it again!
We had a great seafood lunch overlooking the bay and headed back to Modesto.
Friday, the Aunt went back to work. I did some cleaning and hung out at the hotel in the hot tub.
Saturday we did some more sorting and I got to go to Trader Joe's. What a disappointment. A bad thing happened, too. The cat was sick. We took him to the vet hospital where we had to wait a very long time. He had renal failure and possibly a polyp between his ear and nose. We left him there getting IV's and fluids.
Sunday, we drove to the mountains to have brunch with Pat. It was nice to see her again. She had come to Iowa with the aunt years ago. She is an art teacher. She has a pretty little house. The air was clear and crisp. Her daffodils were in bloom. We drove up to about 5, 000 feet to discover the brunch place is no more. I really enjoyed the scenery. We drove back down the mountain and had brunch at the casino. It was a nice day.
Monday morning I took the Aunt to school then I went and picked up the cat. I took him to the regular vet and left him there. The Aunt and the vet would decide later what to do. Ultimately, she had to have Jazz put to sleep.
I took myself to the airport. My suitcase was overweight, but the guy let me go with out paying the extra baggage charge. My flights home were good and my husband was glad to see me.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Scrappin'
I scrapped with the old ladies at PH yesterday. I was the "Hobby Share" speaker. I had 8 or 9 participate which is a huge turnout. I took the 5x7 photo folders I was supposed to return to Brian and had them cover it with paper. Then they had either photo's of themselves from their Mardi Gras party, or of their grandkids and ggrandkids. They picked out a friend or love vellum which I attached with brads and then they added stickers and embellishments. They really, really enjoyed it. More of them wandered in as the activity wore on so I barely made it out of there in time to leave for my study group. They want me to come back and show them something else!
Monday, April 30, 2007
A Country Drive
Friday was gorgeous here. After the kids left for the weekend, Kurt and I decided to see if my parents wanted to go out for supper. They did so the four of us headed to Edgewood to eat. It was country that Kurt hadn't been through before. There is construction on Hwy 3 so a direct route was out of the question. My dad and I are HUGE fans of "never go the same way twice" so it was fine with me! I used to live over that way so it was interesting to see the changes to the country.
We had a cheap and yummy buffet dinner and drinks. Kurt and my dinners (and vodka lemonades) came to $23.12!! So there you have another bonus of living in podunk Iowa. After dinner we decided to head north through the countryside. North of Edgewood and Strawberry Point is very hilly with long ranging vistas. It's referred to as "Little Switzerland" (according to the town sign - I've never actually heard anyone call it that). I've been in Switzerland though and it's an accurate description. It was that golden hour when the sun is setting and everything is bathed in that wonderful light. We saw lots of wildlife - most of which were up close. Wild turkeys, a partridge, a badger, four or five deer, and lots of hawks. I'd really like to live out in the country again. I can't imagine living in a big city. I need some space and some green.
I drove home for my study group tonight. It was 78 degrees at 8:30. It's much to early for it, but I really enjoyed having the windows down, the music turned up, and being able to smell the fresh air, and the newly turned soil. Lots and lots of farmers are putting in many, many hours.
We had a cheap and yummy buffet dinner and drinks. Kurt and my dinners (and vodka lemonades) came to $23.12!! So there you have another bonus of living in podunk Iowa. After dinner we decided to head north through the countryside. North of Edgewood and Strawberry Point is very hilly with long ranging vistas. It's referred to as "Little Switzerland" (according to the town sign - I've never actually heard anyone call it that). I've been in Switzerland though and it's an accurate description. It was that golden hour when the sun is setting and everything is bathed in that wonderful light. We saw lots of wildlife - most of which were up close. Wild turkeys, a partridge, a badger, four or five deer, and lots of hawks. I'd really like to live out in the country again. I can't imagine living in a big city. I need some space and some green.
I drove home for my study group tonight. It was 78 degrees at 8:30. It's much to early for it, but I really enjoyed having the windows down, the music turned up, and being able to smell the fresh air, and the newly turned soil. Lots and lots of farmers are putting in many, many hours.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
A Lovely Weekend
Kurt and I had a lovely weekend. The weather was very nice. It was ridiculously warm today though; reaching almost 90 degrees. Kurt got the lawn mowed (part of our prenuptial agreement - he does all the mowing). We went to Waterloo, had a lovely lunch at Zio Johno's, recycled our cardboard, went to Barnes and Noble, and dropped off some stuff at Rikki and Amy's place. Rikki and I have set our garage sale for the second Saturday in June in case anyone wants to bring anything.
Kurt and I hit some garage sales yesterday morning on our way to Goodwill. We didn't get much just some goodies and a soda. I had two finals on Friday so I decided to take the weekend off. I have two more this upcoming week. Tomorrow night I have a 3 hour study group for my Bio-Medical Ethics class. I need to learn the last 2 chapters of accounting by Tuesday so I can hopefully pass that class.
Friday I'm having an endoscopy to see what the deal is with my constant gagging. I have the following week off since the summer Biology class I'm taking is 3 weeks instead of four (but that also means it's 3 hours a day. YIKES!)
Hopefully, I'll utilize the next few days off and get lots of studying accomplished. Tuesday, I'm taking Alex for his second driver's test. This one has to be better than the last. I can't imagine it being worse!
Kurt and I hit some garage sales yesterday morning on our way to Goodwill. We didn't get much just some goodies and a soda. I had two finals on Friday so I decided to take the weekend off. I have two more this upcoming week. Tomorrow night I have a 3 hour study group for my Bio-Medical Ethics class. I need to learn the last 2 chapters of accounting by Tuesday so I can hopefully pass that class.
Friday I'm having an endoscopy to see what the deal is with my constant gagging. I have the following week off since the summer Biology class I'm taking is 3 weeks instead of four (but that also means it's 3 hours a day. YIKES!)
Hopefully, I'll utilize the next few days off and get lots of studying accomplished. Tuesday, I'm taking Alex for his second driver's test. This one has to be better than the last. I can't imagine it being worse!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
I Know it's Wrong, but.....
I go to a state university. Ever since the Virginia Tech Massacre I've been disturbed. The next day when I got to class, you could see it on everyones' faces. We were all checking to see if the doors locked from the inside, the outside, or even if they locked at all. Most of my classes have the uncomfortable chairs with a desk attached (no protection). In the newer and remodeled buildings there are desks/tables but they are a long row, bolted down, and there would be no way to turn them over.
The thing that I know is wrong is that I am finding myself suspicious of/wary of the few Asian students on campus. I don't mean to feel that way. I hope they can't see it in my face or body language, but it's there. An Asian male student came running down the stairs from the 3rd floor. He was taking them two at a time. I felt myself blanch and my stomach fall. I'm ashamed that I am reacting in this manner. I'm trying to get over it and think about what my real issue is.
I think some of it is stemming from NBC and the showing of the photographs and the video. The picture where the viewer is staring down the barrel of the gun if very powerful. When I watched the Sopranos Sunday night I was incredibly bothered by/uncomfortable with the rage that was coming from the Asian kid Junior was using as an underling.
I do realize that the killer's rampage has nothing to do with his ethnicity, but merely the manifested evil of his mind and soul. Unfortunately, evil (this week and last) has an Asian face.
The thing that I know is wrong is that I am finding myself suspicious of/wary of the few Asian students on campus. I don't mean to feel that way. I hope they can't see it in my face or body language, but it's there. An Asian male student came running down the stairs from the 3rd floor. He was taking them two at a time. I felt myself blanch and my stomach fall. I'm ashamed that I am reacting in this manner. I'm trying to get over it and think about what my real issue is.
I think some of it is stemming from NBC and the showing of the photographs and the video. The picture where the viewer is staring down the barrel of the gun if very powerful. When I watched the Sopranos Sunday night I was incredibly bothered by/uncomfortable with the rage that was coming from the Asian kid Junior was using as an underling.
I do realize that the killer's rampage has nothing to do with his ethnicity, but merely the manifested evil of his mind and soul. Unfortunately, evil (this week and last) has an Asian face.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
California - Part 2
******I've been too busy with school and everyone here at home to have time to blog. Here are the details of my Spring Break trip to California******
After a short and restless night it was time to get up and take the Aunt to work. She had the washer repair man coming and he was also going to install a new hood over the stove. It worked out well that I was there so she didn't have to arrange time off from work.
We got out the door and headed across town. It was probably a 30 minute drive to work. We stopped and got a few supplies at the grocery. Salads for our lunches, yogurt for my breakfast and rubber gloves so I could start cleaning. The drive to work was nice. I refamiliarized myself with the town. We drove thru brilliant pink blossoming orchards (I think they were peaches and some nut trees). It was gorgeous. I've never been out there in the spring. Everyone's grass was green, the flowers were blooming, and the air was warm. Everyone I ran into was complaining how hot it was. After two months of subzero, snow, and ice storms I thought the were crazy and ungrateful!
I got her dropped off at work and headed back to the apartment. I decided to tackle cleaning off the stove top first so the repairmen would have a clear space to work. Since every surface was stacked with stuff it was quite the change.
Next I decided to do the dirty dishes in the sink (I thought that might be a source of the smell). First, though, I had to create a clean surface to put clean dishes on. I started hauling empty boxes, a bird bath, and other clutter out to the patio. I managed to clear off half the table. I found a clean bath towel to set on the table and I was ready to go. The sink was disgusting!
The repairmen showed up. I made it clear that I was a guest. At one point we had to find the circuit box. The repair guy had to help me into the 2nd bedroom because there was so much stuff! I finally found it in the closet. In 1987 the closet was full of 5 gallon pails of quick oats, now it's full of very nice glass wear and ceramics. I think the Aunt needs a hobby other than going to TJ MAXX!
I gave myself a break and went to Barnes and Noble. I had some tea, some cake, and some wi-fi. I already missed my husband (but not enough to wish I was home!) I drove downtown and went through the McHenry Mansion - they were some of the earliest residents of the town. It was gorgeous! I also saw the American Graffiti statue sine Modesto is the birthplace of George Lucas. I sat in the park for a while and enjoyed the gorgeous weather.
I was to meet the Aunt and her friends at a restaurant called the FRUITYARD for an early dinner. It was aptly, out in the orchards. Her old friend, Ruth (whom I know), Jose (her boss), and two sisters all were in attendance. Everyone was Latino so it was a cool experience.
The buffet was huge and varied. There was stuff you just don't see on an Iowa buffet. Tamales, huge slices of calamari, prime rib, fajita meat and rice, a stew, as well as prime rib, crab legs (cold instead of hot - weird), shrimp, as well as desserts and salads. The restaurant had all kinds of animal heads up on the walls - a lot of them were African. No one seemed to know why - was the original owner a big game hunter? What was the deal?
The Aunt was taking the next two days off. She had a couple of doctor appointments and Thursday we were going to the coast, to Monterey!
After a short and restless night it was time to get up and take the Aunt to work. She had the washer repair man coming and he was also going to install a new hood over the stove. It worked out well that I was there so she didn't have to arrange time off from work.
We got out the door and headed across town. It was probably a 30 minute drive to work. We stopped and got a few supplies at the grocery. Salads for our lunches, yogurt for my breakfast and rubber gloves so I could start cleaning. The drive to work was nice. I refamiliarized myself with the town. We drove thru brilliant pink blossoming orchards (I think they were peaches and some nut trees). It was gorgeous. I've never been out there in the spring. Everyone's grass was green, the flowers were blooming, and the air was warm. Everyone I ran into was complaining how hot it was. After two months of subzero, snow, and ice storms I thought the were crazy and ungrateful!
I got her dropped off at work and headed back to the apartment. I decided to tackle cleaning off the stove top first so the repairmen would have a clear space to work. Since every surface was stacked with stuff it was quite the change.
Next I decided to do the dirty dishes in the sink (I thought that might be a source of the smell). First, though, I had to create a clean surface to put clean dishes on. I started hauling empty boxes, a bird bath, and other clutter out to the patio. I managed to clear off half the table. I found a clean bath towel to set on the table and I was ready to go. The sink was disgusting!
The repairmen showed up. I made it clear that I was a guest. At one point we had to find the circuit box. The repair guy had to help me into the 2nd bedroom because there was so much stuff! I finally found it in the closet. In 1987 the closet was full of 5 gallon pails of quick oats, now it's full of very nice glass wear and ceramics. I think the Aunt needs a hobby other than going to TJ MAXX!
I gave myself a break and went to Barnes and Noble. I had some tea, some cake, and some wi-fi. I already missed my husband (but not enough to wish I was home!) I drove downtown and went through the McHenry Mansion - they were some of the earliest residents of the town. It was gorgeous! I also saw the American Graffiti statue sine Modesto is the birthplace of George Lucas. I sat in the park for a while and enjoyed the gorgeous weather.
I was to meet the Aunt and her friends at a restaurant called the FRUITYARD for an early dinner. It was aptly, out in the orchards. Her old friend, Ruth (whom I know), Jose (her boss), and two sisters all were in attendance. Everyone was Latino so it was a cool experience.
The buffet was huge and varied. There was stuff you just don't see on an Iowa buffet. Tamales, huge slices of calamari, prime rib, fajita meat and rice, a stew, as well as prime rib, crab legs (cold instead of hot - weird), shrimp, as well as desserts and salads. The restaurant had all kinds of animal heads up on the walls - a lot of them were African. No one seemed to know why - was the original owner a big game hunter? What was the deal?
The Aunt was taking the next two days off. She had a couple of doctor appointments and Thursday we were going to the coast, to Monterey!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
California: Part 1
******I've been too busy with school and everyone here at home to have time to blog. Here are the details of my Spring Break trip to California******
Day 1
I flew to CA today via Chicago and LA. Landing in LA was really cool. It was just at sunset so all the buildings were bathed in golden light. The airport itself seems old and sucky. I had to walk a very long ways to get to my gate to Modesto. It was awesome to see palm trees as we were landing. I saw the round LAX thing. There are also tall glass structures that are lit in ever changing shades of blue as cars exit the airport.
Taking off for Modesto was really neat, too. We flew out over the Pacific. There were lights everywhere! The LAX thing was lit up purple. I saw the hugest jet I’ve ever seen, It was a Quantas “spirit of Australia” jumbo jet. It was the kind that had upstairs windows.
The ride to Modesto was loud and very vibrating. It was nice when I got outside. Aunt Jan’s car smells of rotten fruit. I had to move a bunch of apples and a half rotten avocado so I could sit down. And I had to throw out a core of some kind.
When we got to the condo, I could see the stuff piled up inside the dining room. It wasn’t as bad as I’d heard but it was still awful. When she opened the sliders a stench of rot, sour, and I’m not sure what else greeted us. We're going to have our work cut of for us.
I'm sleeping on a mat of some sort on the floor. She and the cat have the bed. The cat hair and dust is bothering me. I'm exhausted so sleep should soon come.
Day 1
I flew to CA today via Chicago and LA. Landing in LA was really cool. It was just at sunset so all the buildings were bathed in golden light. The airport itself seems old and sucky. I had to walk a very long ways to get to my gate to Modesto. It was awesome to see palm trees as we were landing. I saw the round LAX thing. There are also tall glass structures that are lit in ever changing shades of blue as cars exit the airport.
Taking off for Modesto was really neat, too. We flew out over the Pacific. There were lights everywhere! The LAX thing was lit up purple. I saw the hugest jet I’ve ever seen, It was a Quantas “spirit of Australia” jumbo jet. It was the kind that had upstairs windows.
The ride to Modesto was loud and very vibrating. It was nice when I got outside. Aunt Jan’s car smells of rotten fruit. I had to move a bunch of apples and a half rotten avocado so I could sit down. And I had to throw out a core of some kind.
When we got to the condo, I could see the stuff piled up inside the dining room. It wasn’t as bad as I’d heard but it was still awful. When she opened the sliders a stench of rot, sour, and I’m not sure what else greeted us. We're going to have our work cut of for us.
I'm sleeping on a mat of some sort on the floor. She and the cat have the bed. The cat hair and dust is bothering me. I'm exhausted so sleep should soon come.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Things that Amaze me about California
- The geographic diversity. My aunt is 1.5 hours from the mountains, 2 hours from the ocean, and smack dab in the middle of rich farm land. In one week I was at sea-level and at 5,000 feet.
- The fresh produce. I saw fields of strawberries, artichokes, asparagus as well as fruit and nut orchards in bloom. There were beef and dairy cattle all over as well. People had lemon and orange trees IN THEIR YARDS! (I can't get over that! Whenever I've been out there before their hasn't been fruit on the trees.)
- The traffic. The traffic is insane. There is so much of it and it's so very fast! My aunt's car has no brakes left in it at all!
I had a good time while I was there. Actually, it was either really, really good or really, really bad. There wasn't any in between. The tourist stuff was great. The weather was great. My aunt's apartment is an entirely different story. Which brings us to the question....how does a person blog when they want to be honest, but they don't want to upset the persons that will be mentioned in said blog? Any blogger advice out there?
Things I appreciate about Iowa
- No Traffic
- Cheap gas (compared to $3.39 our 2.29 is cheap!)
- Fareway
- Clean air
- My husband (gosh I missed you honey!)
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Woo Hoo
I leave for California in tomorrow afternoon. Thursday, we're going to the coast to Pacific Grove (which is Monterey). I'm going to go whale watching! I'm so very excited. Their site says that the grey whales and the orcas are very active right now. I don't know about you but I watched Orca when I was a kid and it scared the hell out of me!
Hopefully, we are going to get my aunt's condo cleaned out and organized. We're going to the mountains one day too. I hope I have a good time. Maybe I'll see a celebrity at LAX!
Hopefully, we are going to get my aunt's condo cleaned out and organized. We're going to the mountains one day too. I hope I have a good time. Maybe I'll see a celebrity at LAX!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
I'm Addicted
I admit it. I'm addicted to two things (currently) no wait, make that three. I'm obsessed with the online game Mahjong Eternity Towers, Bon Jovi (especially the CMT Crossroads special with Sugarland), and Marshmallow bunnies or eggs. The last 12 pk I bought I got a baker's dozen. It was AWESOME!!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Home Again - Home Again
My hunny bunny is on his way home after a whirlwind trip to Orlando. He claims he was inside almost exclusively. He left on Monday am and is on his way home from the airport. His parents have been here managing the children for me since I have midterms this week. It's been incredibly helpful although I haven't enjoyed sleeping alone in the chilly basement.
I have 2 tests tomorrow. Then I think I am done. I will have one the week we get back from spring break and I have paper I will need to work on (i.e. start).
I'm looking forward to my trip to California. Sounds like my aunt is going to take one day off and we will head to the ocean. It's been too many years since I've breathed the salt air. I am really going to miss Kurt a lot (but not enough to stay).
I have 2 tests tomorrow. Then I think I am done. I will have one the week we get back from spring break and I have paper I will need to work on (i.e. start).
I'm looking forward to my trip to California. Sounds like my aunt is going to take one day off and we will head to the ocean. It's been too many years since I've breathed the salt air. I am really going to miss Kurt a lot (but not enough to stay).
Monday, February 26, 2007
A Wonderful Weekend
Despite the awful weather in Iowa, it was a wonderful weekend. I got to spend 48 uninterrupted hours with my husband. I didn't have a headache and I didn't have to get dressed.
Kurt and I were/are REALLY lucky. Our little town was spared the damage that is all around us. We got about 3/4" of ice and then a few inches of snow on top of that. We never lost power. My dad was without for several hours and my grandpa was without for a couple of days. I finally got him convinced to come stay with us. He is almost 92 and is out in the country on the farm. I called yesterday at 5pm to check on him. He'd been without power since 11 pm the Saturday night. He said he was plenty warm and had enough to eat. At 6 the phone rang and he asked if my offer to come get him was still good. He said, "it's getting a mite chilly." I was very relieved he came over and accepted our help. There is a long 4' drift in front of his garage so he wasn't going to be going anywhere. He is one of 2300 people with out power on his electric co-op. We went over at 1 today to empty out the fridge. Five minutes after we arrived the juice came back on, so I left him there. Of course he slipped me a little something for helping him out. It will be nice to sleep in our own bed again tonight.
We left the kids at their mother's since some of the roads were closed by the high way patrol. Alex was mad because he wanted to see his girlfriend. He actually was mad when he left on Friday because he claimed he had homework and needed to use the computer. Upon further investigation it was because he wanted to see his girlfriend. I'll be lucky if I don't end up with an illegitimate step grand kid. Ugh. Kurt went up and got them today. Hopefully, they'll have school tomorrow.
I hope everyone is safe and warm and not sitting in the dark.
Kurt and I were/are REALLY lucky. Our little town was spared the damage that is all around us. We got about 3/4" of ice and then a few inches of snow on top of that. We never lost power. My dad was without for several hours and my grandpa was without for a couple of days. I finally got him convinced to come stay with us. He is almost 92 and is out in the country on the farm. I called yesterday at 5pm to check on him. He'd been without power since 11 pm the Saturday night. He said he was plenty warm and had enough to eat. At 6 the phone rang and he asked if my offer to come get him was still good. He said, "it's getting a mite chilly." I was very relieved he came over and accepted our help. There is a long 4' drift in front of his garage so he wasn't going to be going anywhere. He is one of 2300 people with out power on his electric co-op. We went over at 1 today to empty out the fridge. Five minutes after we arrived the juice came back on, so I left him there. Of course he slipped me a little something for helping him out. It will be nice to sleep in our own bed again tonight.
We left the kids at their mother's since some of the roads were closed by the high way patrol. Alex was mad because he wanted to see his girlfriend. He actually was mad when he left on Friday because he claimed he had homework and needed to use the computer. Upon further investigation it was because he wanted to see his girlfriend. I'll be lucky if I don't end up with an illegitimate step grand kid. Ugh. Kurt went up and got them today. Hopefully, they'll have school tomorrow.
I hope everyone is safe and warm and not sitting in the dark.
Monday, February 19, 2007
California Here I Come!
My aunt booked me a ticket to CA today for spring break. Like the song says, "I gotta get outta this place."
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I HATE being an Adult
Saturday I'm scheduled to go to a 12 hour crop with my sister and the Beymer girls. We've planned it for months. I haven't had time (or the will) to crop since the last one. I've been looking forward to it forever. Plus my sister got me a pink and brown rolling cropper case for Christmas that I haven't had a chance to use yet either.
Well, I have, for lack of a better term, a shitload of homework.
Therefore, I believe I will have to make the crappy adult decision of staying home and doing it.
Well, I have, for lack of a better term, a shitload of homework.
Therefore, I believe I will have to make the crappy adult decision of staying home and doing it.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
A Year Ago Today....
I married my very best friend. My one and only true love. I never knew I could love and be loved like this. We've had our ups and downs, but even the downs are better than anything either of us knew previously. I love you, Kurt. xoxox
Monday, February 05, 2007
BRRRRRR!
It's freezing here. I dread the thought of leaving my warm flannel and grandma made quilts to go to class. My husband puts out lot of heat, too. Once he rolls out of bed at 5 or 6 am my chilly day starts. My India class was cancelled today. Of course, you don't find out til you put on all your Arctic gear and traipse across campus and find a little sign on the door. I have an Aging and Health test tomorrow. I've spent 2 hours studying for that already. I'm pretty sure I'm done at this point.
After class I did a bad thing and stopped at the pet store. They had 3 adorable, fuzzy, playful sheltie brothers. I feel the need to liberate them from their caged existence. They are already 4 months old and expensive! They were $329 each! Ridiculous. I'm going to see if I can find the number for the breeder I got Lewis from. I'd much rather buy from them. Dad and I picked Magoo up from a nice, warm, roomy dairy barn.
Thursday is our one year anniversary. It seems hard to believe. Kurt's always the "great sum upper" but we've had a helluva lot of stuff to happen to us in the past year.
I met with my advisor last Wednesday. After this semester I only have my science lab class and my 720 hour internship to complete. I WILL be graduating on December 15, 2007. Woo Hoo!!
After class I did a bad thing and stopped at the pet store. They had 3 adorable, fuzzy, playful sheltie brothers. I feel the need to liberate them from their caged existence. They are already 4 months old and expensive! They were $329 each! Ridiculous. I'm going to see if I can find the number for the breeder I got Lewis from. I'd much rather buy from them. Dad and I picked Magoo up from a nice, warm, roomy dairy barn.
Thursday is our one year anniversary. It seems hard to believe. Kurt's always the "great sum upper" but we've had a helluva lot of stuff to happen to us in the past year.
I met with my advisor last Wednesday. After this semester I only have my science lab class and my 720 hour internship to complete. I WILL be graduating on December 15, 2007. Woo Hoo!!
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