Matt Maher - Alive Again (Lyrics)

New Life Worship | Great I Am

Howdy from Texas

Greg and I are enjoying our time here in Texas. It's been so good to spend time with our son David son and his family. It's the first time in several years that Greg and I have gone on a trip together because of our cleaning business. This year our eldest daughter & 2 younger daughters are managing the business till we return.

It ‘s hot here, but not nearly as hot and humid as it is in Sonora in the summer. If you’ve ever spent a summer in Sonora you’ll know what I’m talking about. We’ve gone swimming twice at the community pool. It’s free and really cooled us off. I forgot how long it takes to go anywhere with a 2 year old and baby. It's an event, but even baby Sophia enjoyed the water. A little girl named Rebecca made friends with us, swimming under the water through our legs like a fish. 

David is an amazing cook at the grill. We have enjoyed 2 BBQ's with Zyanya's parents so far. Zyanya’s cooking is really good and I’ve gotten some ideas for when I go home.

 Sophia was getting fussy while I was watching her, but the kiddy pool cooler her off (and me too J ) 

All is well on the home front in Oregon. We'll have birthdays’ to celebrate when we return. They celebrated on the day(s), but we’ll celebrate again.

                                        Abuela Mariana with baby Sophia and Nathaniel    

(Don't) Let 'r Buck!

I Just got back from riding my horse, Lady. I have been working with her a little each day, but not riding much.

First, I rode around the corral a little, then decided to ride her in the big pasture where "Annie" her horsie friend was. The first time around went OK. The second time around Annie decided she wanted to race. Annie is between 25 - 35 years old, so I didn't think she would get going very fast, so I let my horse go faster. As she started in a gallop, she decided a little bucking would be fun (for her). I did have on a bike helmet, but only a riding pad.  I got my balance and squeezed my legs as tight as I could around her fat horse belly. They started to get shaky right away, but I thought, "I cannot fall off". So I hung on and slowed Lady down.

Whew.... she walked the rest of the way back to the corral. I told her she was still a good horse, but she needs to quit that bucking or I could get hurt!

Switchfoot - This is Your Life

What's been happening in my life?

Writing has been put on the back burner lately. I keep hoping I will have more time, but it's really a matter of priority. I only have a few minutes to write now. Today is Saturday and Greg and I are doing all the cleaning jobs by ourselves. We took a lunch break and will go back and finish most of the jobs by tonight.

Last week the girls and I traveled to the coast for one of my nieces wedding. It was really beautiful and I'm so glad we were able to go. I did go for a walk on the beach with my sister Caroline and neice Amber & her girl. It was relaxing and refreshing. This was one of the best family times together, even though it was short and not all the relatives were there.

We also enjoyed time with Titus, Ruth, Demetrius and Gabriel. I was so tired on Sunday I took a very long nap and missed out on time with Judah and Noel :( and other time with the girls, T & R.

The girls are visiting our dear friends in Bandon. They are having a wonderful time and I am missing them very much. I also miss the 3 in Alaska. I miss everyone, but that's life.

We are having a pretty good day working, not getting too excited about it. We stopped by and separated the horses and I washed my horse down. Of course she would roll in the dirt afterwards, but at least it cooled her down! After that we came home, I took a shower and made lunch.

Camping Trip

Our camping trip went pretty well. Saturday afternoon we drove up Pearson Creek to a rock pit, which is now a little pond. I think it's called Gold Fish pond. Anyway it was windy and cold. After we got camp set up, Greg, me, the girls and a friend of Greg's and his daughter (Clemy's friend) sat around a roaring fire trying to keep warm and moving alot, as the smoke kept blowing in our eyes. Eventually we all went to bed. It was pretty cold that first night and I didn't sleep really well.

The next day, Sunday, the wind had died down quite a bit. We had oatmeal for breakfast. The kids and Rod had those little packets of oatmeal. Greg and I ate raw oats with nuts and milk on it.

Then we drove up to 2 little ponds. It was really beautiful with the forest in the background, blue sunny skies and only a little wind. I caught 3 fish, Greg caught a couple and Clemy caught at least 2. Greg spent most of his time putting bait on our hooks, so he didn't really fish that much.

Later in the day many people from our church came. There was a BBQ with hot dogs and hamburgers and other food many people brought. The rest of the afternoon people fished and visited. Eventually I took a nap in the tent.

That night we all ate fish cooked in foil on the coals in the fire. It was really good!

It was a lot warmer that night, with no wind.

On Monday, the weather was really warm and nice. I spent most of the morning breaking down camp and packing our Toyota Previa. It's amazing how much stuff that mini-van can hold!

Greg got up early and caught about 10 fish! One was a goldfish, which we brought back in a bucket and put in our friend Randy's pond.

On the way back down the hill we stopped and found some rocks and walked across the creek.

When we got back we stopped at Randy's and Dominic helped us put the goldfish in their pond. After that I went by to see the horses. When my horse was drinking out of the trough I got on her bareback, with no bridle and rode her a little. I couldn't really control her, so I just let her walk around where she wanted to.

After we got back to the house I unpacked the van with Susannah's help. It took a long time!

Greg just left for work about an hour ago and I'm ready to take a shower and rest. 

Rainy Day

It's raining and I'm glad. When we get rain it is refreshing and makes everything green. I would rather have rain than gloomy cloudy days on end.

But... I do hope the sun comes out this weekend because we are going camping for the free-fishing days. :)

Family

It's been over a week since most of our family came to visit for Memorial Day Weekend. First, Levi and Susannah came the Wednesday before. Susannah had been in Texas visiting and helping her brother and sister-in-law before/after baby Sophia was born. Levi drove his old dependable Honda car. Levi had just got back from his trip to India, so we got to hear a lot of stories of that adventure too.

Next, Grandma Norma came, on a flight from Nebraska. Gideon, Susannah & Clemy went to Pasco to pick her up at the airport.

After that, on Saturday before Memorial Day, Titus and Ruth came with Demetrius and Gabriel. Judah, Noel and Gordon rode with them.

So, the missing ones were David, Zyana, Nathaniel & Sophia. They were missed!

We had a lot of fun, visiting, eating at home, (Greg did a fish-fry one day with the fish Grandma brought. The fish were ones that Greg's brother Jon caught), my birthday at Mazatlan restaurant. Judah, Noel and unmarried sons gave me a beautiful orchid. I had wanted one, but always a little worried I might kill it. I'll try to keep it healthy!

Now that it's quiet here (too quiet) I am trying to get back into a routine. I cut down a couple of my house-cleaning jobs to once a month. That's good, because last week we looked at 2 more. They are nice, because they are only a one-time-cleaning.

Our cleaning business is going well. We are not expanding right now, even though we have had opportunities to. It is simpler to stay family owned and operated. We do have one teen who does part-time help sometimes though.

I would like to add photos, but I will have to do that later.

So, what really happened??

My information was wrong about the Skinny white stallion. Gideon said he never even saw it. So there are 2 ways this can go. One is that Levi got bit, not Gideon. Two is that no one was bit and it was a fabrication of the imagination of a 10 year old boy. 

"old posts I found in Draft"

I just now noticed that I have about 11 posts or more that are saved in draft, but were never published! I guess I did the "preview" but not the post them.  They are all so old that I don't think I will publish them now unless I leave the same dates on them. I'll go through them when I have time & see if it's worth it or not.  :)

God's Favorites

God's Favorites

I was very happy
To see you today...
To see you are doing better.
I will keep praying for you.
Don't give up.
Hang in there.
God sees you-
He cares about your life.
Someone once said to me,
"You know, we're all God's favorites"
I will never forget that.
So, remember if you are feeling down,
You are God's favorite,
And so am I.

The Skinny White Stallion

This morning I went with 4 of the boys from the school here to help feed the neighbors horse. They were all excited to take me. When we got there I found a very skinny, angry & mean white stallion. They fed it scraps out of a container. It ate with angry eyes and even kicked at them. It was in a very small dirt corral with barbed wire on one side and old pallets on the other. I found out from the boys that this horse bit Gideon on the shoulder when he was there.

"Did it bleed? I asked. "Only a little."

Last year at the Deaf School

(I am posting this on 4-26-12, because I "am at the deaf school now." This was written last year though. The last sentence is still true :)   (But only Clemy & are here this time)


We have been at the "deaf" school for 5 days now. In about an hour, we'll leave for the village, so I won't have access to internet.

I have been resting, helping with laundry and helping with the girls' school work mostly. Laurel A., Susannah and Clemy help a lot with the baking and serving meals.

They run this place like military, but they need to or it would be chaos. There are about 30 kids and others for the meals. I can't remember how many stay every night, but a lot do.

Catching up - From September 19th to 26th -

(I am posting all of these on 4-26-12, You may skip over and ignore them if you want to as they are old news, but I want to put them in... for the record)

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Working Together

I didn't get up till 9:00! After that I woke the kids up. Then I picked Greg up where he was working on our Dodge van. We went to the only good coffee shop in town. It was full of tourist wearing cowboy hats and boots. Some people were having pizza and beer for breakfast. We got 2 coffees and 1 big cookie to split. They have 1 free refill there and good coffee.
Despues... (after that) we went to do the "bank" job - cleaning job I mean. All 6 of us worked and we got out in an hour. Some of us worked less and waited for the others' to finish. After that I took Greg back to our van so he could finish working on it. Then, 4 of us went to clean the insurance offices. We got it done in 35 minutes. That's a record, but if you counted all our time separately, it's not as good as when Gideon and I clean by ourselves though.
Now we are home. I'm doing laundry and going to REST.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

BBQ in our yard

Bedtime. We had 2 different families over for a BBQ today. We made shishkabobs. Mostly I have been eating a lot of fresh veggies and more fruit. But today we had meat. I made "pico de pajaro" salsa, which has to be made outside because of the hot chili vapor that gets into the air. It's made by roasting "chili de arbol" over a fire, or burner, and then putting it in a blender with salt, tomato sauce, and garlic. It turned out very hot and good.
It worked out really well having both sets of friends over at the same time. The 2 husbands knew each other from playing basketball together a couple of years ago. Their seemed to be enough in common with everyone for a good visit for all. There were 10 kids here altogether, and 6 adults.
I get Mondays off if I work on Thursday morning, then come back Thursday evening at the doctors' offices (cleaning). I like Monday off!
We are starting home school tomorrow. I have charts for the kids and we'll have a little meeting in the morning of our goals.... I got a really good Algebra 1 curriculum that will be coming in the mail soon. It was made for home schoolers and comes with a CD teaching and text book. If we really like it, I hope to get the same curriculum for Susannah and Clemy. That will have to come later though.

Monday, September 21, 2009

First Day of Homeschool (this year)

Today went fairly well. In the morning I slept in till 8:00. After we had eaten breakfast, I had a little talk with the 4 kids at home about what were our goals for the week. We are just going to stack the morning dishes, then after lunch Susannah is going to wash. Clemy puts them away before Susannah washes and maybe after and also wipes counters, puts food away and sweeps.
I gave everyone their charts. The boys went downstairs to do their schoolwork. I gave Clemy and Susannah some placement tests in Math. Clemy did her schoolwork on my bed and Susannah on the kitchen table.
I spent a lot of my morning sorting through school books and "stuff", trying to find places for everything. We only have 1 bookshelf and it is very full. I put some books under my bed also. After we get some remodeling done, we can put another bookshelf downstairs.
My brother stopped by to visit. While we were visiting Gideon offered to make spaghetti for supper. I really appreciated that because then I could visit with my brother. It turned out good. I did stop by the store and got some more spaghetti sauce and bought garlic bread. I forgot the salad, so we had broccoli with it.
The girls and Levi walked to the library, then I went to pick them up.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Anybody like Fried Green Tomatoes?

I am thoroughly exhausted. I got up at 6:40 and got to work at 7:15, which is quite late. Greg and I had coffee at home and I just didn't get out the door soon enough. So, when I get to work late I have to work smarter and faster. I got most everything cleaned before the first office person came. There are 3 rooms I cannot clean unless I am supervised as they have patient files in them. My friend Christy, who is an office worker told me her tomatoes were frosted last night. I had checked the weather report and it wasn't supposed to get that cold. But, my brother later told me that they take the readings and forecasts from the airport. Maybe it is warmer there.
When I got home, I checked our garden. All the plants had succumbed to frost. The fruit was fine, only the plants dead. So we picked all the green tomatoes, jalapenos and squash.
I spent a great part of the day cutting up green tomatoes and jalapenos to put on the food dryer. I also took the food dryer apart and cleaned it out as it hasn't been used for 10 years. I let it dry in the sun before using it. It still works great.
Homeschooling went fairly well, considering that I was busy with other things a lot. Susannah has forgotten a lot of her math she learned last year so she is going to have to review some. The new Algebra 1 textbooks and CD's haven't arrived yet. Clementina got a lot of library books, so when she gets her schoolwork done she likes to read.
Greg took Gideon to work with him. He is framing a house about 20 miles away. The boys will probably work with Greg 1 or 2 days a week still.
For supper I made fried green tomatoes with onions, eggplant and bacon. I also made cookies earlier. My healthy ones wouldn't hold together very well. They were chocolate chip with sesame seeds and wheat germ.
We haven't eaten yet and Greg just brought Susannah back from gymnastics so I have to go now.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Our Personal Testimony

I only have a minute to write. A busy day. Sometimes I wish I could clone myself. The Algebra curriculum came, it looks great. My meleluca order came. Home school went OK. I had to take a 2 hour nap in the afternoon because I got to bed too late last night and was tired today. Took Levi to the doctor today to have his thumb checked out. He slammed it in the door Saturday. I wasn't worried about it, but today I realized he could have severed his tendon and wanted it checked out. It is fine and will heal. I learned about how to check if a tendon is severed and how to wrap a bandage.
We went to church tonight. Upstairs in one room was the kids. In another room adults and the missionary challenge class. Downstairs the youth.
In the missionary challenge class he taught about how to write a personal testimony. This class is for Christians, so the writing would be about 1. Before I met Christ - what my life was like. 2. How I met Christ - what happened and 3. How my christian life is going and what I have learned. We each spent 10 minutes writing an outline and then different people shared their testimonies. The pastor encouraged people to write a more detailed and then share it - perhaps with family, friends. He even suggested you-tube. I thought of my blog(s)
I do believe as a christian I need to share my faith. I try to share in a more natural way and intertwine what I say with every day life. But I don't think I have as much courage as some do at times, knowing others will disagree or find fault. I do want to be true to God in what I share and not worry about what people think of me. In some ways I think we should be concerned with how we share and try not to offend as much as possible. But sometimes that is inevitable.
Tonight, after church, there was a lady outside that came up to Greg and told him her story. Her 14 year old son got in trouble for what she said were minor things. They were going to send him to a group home, or a place for teens. A guy in a blue car that she didn't know showed up and told her son he would hide him and took off with him. That is so scary. She asked us to pray for him. His name is Stephan if you want to pray with me. I am really concerned for this kid. Who knows what kind of person took him away. Unless God intervenes she may never see her son again.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Getting our Computers Connected

In the morning I went to the Chevron gas station and had coffee with Greg inside. There was a policeman just leaving and Greg talked to him about the boy that I had wrote about last night. He was getting into trouble and was supposed to go to a boys home, according to his mom. She also told us that he got into a car of a man she did not know. I was really concerned. The police told Greg that about every 2 days she reports her son missing. He said she was "not all there". I feel bad for her. I wonder how people like her get to be like they are now. Was she always that way or did something happen to her?
It's getting difficult to write at night sometimes. That's when I like to write, but it's also family time.
Today has gone pretty well so far. I still got to work later than I should have, but working fast I got it all done in time.
I did the 1st Algebra 1 lesson with the boys. It comes with a 10-15 minute lecture on CD first. Gideon didn't want to do it, as it was too easy, but I told him we were all going to anyway. He missed 2, so I guess unless he gets 100 % he can't say anymore. It is a fun program with pictures.
I am utilizing the different subjects I have on the computer. We don't have one set "curriculum", so I mix and match different things. It's way more interesting that way. I am hoping to get some friends who have skills in different areas and ask them if they will teach a class.
Levi is a genius. He was able to connect all our computers together so I can use files off of the other ones and vise versa. He still has some bugs to work out, but now I can use the printer from my laptop, as long as the other computer is on. Levi said what he did was actually pretty simple, but it sounds quite complicated to me.
I found a really basic Bible study online. It's free, and if you want you can send in the answers to the quiz at the end. Here's the link for it. It has different levels and looks fun.

Basic Bible Facts
Greg has been working long hours doing construction. His shoulder was hurting yesterday. I'm not sure construction is doing his body any good. Janitorial is less demanding I think. If we were able to get enough janitorial jobs then he would quit doing construction. But if I know him, he probably will keep doing it, because he likes it and if the job is there he will take it. I don't want to get more cleaning jobs than I can do on my own, or I'll be in trouble. We are not in the position to hire employees yet.
I need to go check on all the children.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Another Busy Day

I didn't get up till 8:00, which was very nice. In the morning I did Algebra 1 with Levi. Gideon wants to finish his Algebra 1/2 book and then he can catch up with Levi.
Levi's finger is getting better. It's still sore, but healing.
A week or so ago I paid a bill with Bill Pay with our bank. But, the problem was that the default account was my eldest sons' and had been closed for awhile. The bill was reversed and they suspended my ability to use Bill Pay. I called them today and almost got it straightened out, but got cut off. Finally, in the afternoon I went to our bank and "Tim" helped me get it fixed.
I cleaned one house in the afternoon for 2 hours. The other one I worked for 1 1/2 hours, helping an elderly lady with her laundry, vacuuming, mopping and visiting.
Susannah cleaned the fridge and made cookies when I was gone today. That is one job I do not like to do, and it is so nice when she helps with it.
When I was done I ended up getting U-Bake pizza, as I didn't have time to make supper. Then, the kids and I drove to our friends' (10 minutes late) to baby sit for their 3 kids. The parents had a date night with another couple we know. The other couple are the doctors where I clean offices. They had fun and a much needed date.
While we were at our friends', I left for awhile to take the clothes out of the elderly ladies' washer and hang them up. I hate leaving wet clothes in her washer, as she can't go down the stairs and has to call her son to help her. Or, worse, she will try to go down. She can hardly walk and I don't want her to get work. The other house I work at is a few blocks away, so I stopped by to get my check. I told her $25, when I actually was supposed to get $45. I was tired and wasn't thinking straight. So, tomorrow I have to go back and get another check. I don't want to let it go for a whole week.
I am very thankful for all the fresh veggies and fruits we were able to eat this summer. I wanted to go to the Farmers' Market tonight, but didn't have any time, so I missed out. They will still have at least 2 or 3 more before they close down for the winter. I hope next week I can go and get something good to eat!
Susannah cleaned the fridge out for me today and also made chocolate chip cookies. Susannah cleaned the fridge out for me today and also made chocolate chip cookies.

Well, I need to get to bed.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

A Friend Came by Just At the Right Time

It's getting late, so I'd better write while I can.
I was very glad when we got the 2nd cleaning job done, as I didn't really want to clean today.
I felt a little down. I think I started getting in the wrong frame of mind, saying things like, "I don't have any friends here." Then I remembered Velda, but thought she was so busy all the time.
After that, Greg said he would take me out for coffee. Right about that time, Velda and Richard showed up and they ended up going with us. We had a very nice visit. God knew I needed them to come when they did.
They had some sad news to share though. One of the nice "kids" that worked at the coffee shop died about a week ago. I'm not sure how, but it could have been a drug overdose. There was one this last week with a guy about the same age - 23 -
About a week or so ago I was thinking about him and thought of praying for him. He seemed to be on my heart. Why he died, I do not know. Why I felt to pray for him, (as I don't even know him), I don't know. But God knows why.
I just got off the phone with my daughter in Mexico. She is doing good and I miss her.
I called the lady I worked for yesterday and told her I had said the wrong amount for my check. She's going to pay me the difference next week.
It is still quite warm in the day here, but at night it could get cold. I bring all my house plants in at night. I dug up my flowering cactus and hope to keep it alive all winter indoors. We might buy a grow light to keep our plants healthy.

What's happening in Mexico?

Hello.... I am writing from Mexico. We have been here (Clemy and I) for 1 week now. I have been getting a rest from working, but at the same time I know that Greg & Gideon are working twice as hard for us so we could come here.

I have been working a little around here. First off, there are a ton of kids here at the school everyday. I have helped Petra with her class a few times. Today I learned the signs for: azul, amarillo, verde, morado & rojo, so I could teach them to Danilo. He put little colored plastic bears on colored plastic cards while we did the sign.

I also did a load of our laundry and hung them out in the HOT sun to dry. I put sunscreen on in the morning so I don't burn.

Last night we had corn on the cob for supper. Afterwards I cut corn off the cob for over an hour. We'll probably have it for supper tonight.

Today there was a gigantic aguana on the roof. The only thing we could see was his giant head. He was sunning himself and looking quite happy about it.

Yesterday Petra and I took 9 kids, ranging in age from 8 to 13 to the baseball field so they could use some of their energy. We walked around the field twice, then sat on the bleachers and talked. On the way back to the school we stopped by some kids' mom's and visited. I met his grandmother who was watering plants. They gave us a ton of guavas and some oranges off their trees.

Let's see.... This last weekend we visited with Petra's friend, Jessica. Basically it was to rest. Petra was sick, so spent most of the time sleeping or resting. I did a tiny bit of cleaning and dishes while we were there.

As you can tell by now, if you're still reading this, is that I am not telling this in order. I usually do, but today I will break out of my OCD inclinations. I guess it's in order still, but only backwards.

I have been text chatting with Greg a few times. One time we did video chat. I could see him, but he couldn't see me and we could only text. Another time we did a voice chat. I didn't even know my laptop had a microphone.

I know this is getting boring.... so I will go. We are all fine, the food is good and I miss everyone.  

PS.... I promise all of you that I WILL improve my writing and try to get out of the "reporting" mode. I made my first newspaper when I was 12, I think.

Here's a great article I found if you are interested in journaling. I'm going to read it and I promise I will try to improve my writing!!!

8 Benefits of writing in a journal

Arizona! on to Mexico!

We are in Arizona presently. I am really enjoying morning walks and the warm weather. It is really peaceful here. I am also enjoying spending time with Susannah before her next adventure. Of course I am enjoying visiting with the Hawkins and resting too.

We will be here at least 2 more days before we ride the Tufesa or another bus-line  to Mexico. I bought Dramamine today so I won't have problems with nausea on the bus ride.

Our airplane ride here was good, but we had to spend over 5 hours at the Pasco airport on Easter Sunday. I am glad that the mechanic got whatever was wrong with the plane fixed though!

Upcoming Mexico trip, and family visiting....

It's been a long time since I've written on this blog. A lot has happened. We had some unfortunate events happen a couple of weeks ago, which I do not feel the liberty to blog about. Those who are close friends already know some of these things. My question was... Why? Anyway, now all is well and they are in the past.

March weather here was typical... Sunny, rainy, cold, windy, snow, cloudy and dreary, windy, rainy, sunny....

My trip to Mexico with Clemy is coming soon. Only 2 weeks away and I don't feel ready. We are flying, which is easier in some ways, but more complicated in other ways. I am trying to fit my clothes and some gluten-free food in my suitcase and backpack. Something will have to go! I am not even taking my laptop. Tomorrow I will re-pack and do a shake-down.

I completed the 10 day lemonade cleanse. It went pretty well. At the beginning, I had a lot of energy and felt great. The last few days I was really tired of drinking that "lemonade", so I didn't drink enough and felt hungry. Then, the first day of my breaking the cleanse I did OK. The next day I ate too much and some things I shouldn't have. I will need to be careful to stay away from things I shouldn't have because everything tastes so good now!

Titus, Ruth, kids and Gordon came to visit today. We've had a nice visit, but it will end too soon. I played a really fun game of scrabble with Gordon. I will not say who won. (Judah, don't you tell!) I only had 1 letter left and Gordon used all his letters. I actually picked a lot of vowels. G had the q, and I had the u's, but G found a q word without a u in it!

Work went well this weekend. It really helps when we do some of the jobs on Friday night. We only had 4 on Saturday, then went out for Chinese food. Today, after family leaves, Greg has 2 jobs to do and I have 1 easy one.

By the way, the new grandbaby is darling (3 months old) and D is really doing well. He is not even 4 and is learning to write words.

Another horse story...

Lady, our horse is doing well. She is a really pretty chestnut color with flaxen mane. Right now she is a little fat. We had the farrier come out yesterday and both horses had their hooves trimmed. I was worried about Lady because hers were so long, but the farrier said they were good and strong. 

Earlier in the day Greg separated Annie (our friends' horse) from ours. Lady got very upset and tried to bolt on me (for the 3rd time since we've had her). This time I was ready and basically just got her to trot in circles around me until I got dizzy. I was a little afraid, but kept her going. I used the end of the rope to keep her rear away from me, as she trotted and bucked a little. A very unhappy horse, but the good part is nothing bad happened and I am overcoming my fears. I am very inexperienced, but am trying to use all I have learned to keep safe and enjoy my horse.

Today I checked on the horses and fed them. I try to spend 15 minutes petting and talking to Lady. I also talk to our dog :). 

Random and scattered things that have been happening.....

It's Friday. I just got done cleaning a nice house. I have a small headache, so I came home to eat and get rid of it before I clean an apartment. Greg and Clemy are cleaning a clinic as I write.

I am really missing the sunshine. It's been foggy and dreary and damp here all week. At least we don't have constant rain all the time.  Summer... come quickly.

So, tonight (possibly) and tomorrow we will be cleaning many hours. The more we clean tonight, the earlier we get off tomorrow.

I really wish I had something interesting to say, but I don't. Maybe something will come to me....

Oh, yes, I am getting a new lap top. I actually have it, but we are working out the little problems that came with it. First was that it had no cord. So, we got one from a respected internet place in town. The 2 cords they tried didn't work, so my son figured it was a lemon. He didn't say that, but I'm sure that's what he was thinking. Then, I ordered the exact cord. When it came, the laptop fired up. Because it didn't come with an operating system, Gideon tried to put Windows Vista on it. But, then he thought the hard-drive was bad because it didn't work.

Finally, after calling the company where I bought the laptop, Gideon took it apart and found a broken connection. The company is really working with us and they helped us order the part and took it off the Visa charge.  After we get this part, I will find out it I bought a lemon or not. If so, the company will refund 100% of the $$$$! Then I will try to buy a laptop from the respected internet business I mentioned earlier. They have one for sale, but I can't buy it unless this deal goes down. I am committed to it unless I get a refund. I didn't hear about the other laptop for sale until after I'd bought this one.

I learned how to make Kefir this week. It is really easy and good and it's supposed to be good for you too. It's easier than yogurt, as you don't have to heat the milk.

I am still reading horse training material. Mostly books by people who practice natural horsemanship. The last book was by Monty Roberts. Very good, interesting and informative. It could have been a novel if he'd have written it different. But, being all true, that makes it even better.

I wish I had more time to write, but mostly I write a paragraph or 2 in my journal book about what I did that day. It helps me to remember what I did and keeps track of my work hours...

Hope to hear from some of those who read this blog. I'm especially curious about the ones who I don't know personally. What would cause someone to want to read a blog about someone they don't know?

The latest trivia ...

Hello friends and family! I am still here, but have been rather busy so haven't been writing. My days consist of dishes, laundry, helping Clemy with math and cooking. Sometimes I shop and run errands or go to the bank. I have been feeding the horses lately and petting Lady. I've ridden her several times bareback. I need to work on training me so responds better. But all in all, she is doing well.

It got cold here again. We go from the 40's- 50's back down to the 30's again. I'm glad we don't have a constant rain all the time though. I do miss the warm weather of Mexico and Arizona a lot.

Early evening I cleaned with Greg for 2 hours. So, had the rest of the evening off. He has been re-waxing the floors at the clinic though.

Greg, Clemy and Gideon haven't been feeling the greatest, but seems they are getting better. Hope I stay well.

Nothing exciting to write about, so bye for now.

Playing Monopoly

Clemy and I started a Monopoly game and only had 1 hour to play. When we were done, we tallied up our money and properties so we can continue the game at a later date. She had more money and I had more property. If this is boring then continue....

Yesterday I rode Lady bareback again.
and....

I didn't have to work last night....

Today I did dishes and made soup and cornbread for lunch....

That's life at the moment   :)

It's Saturday!!!

I'm so glad it's Saturday evening and most of our cleaning jobs are done. We still have 2 to do tomorrow, but considering it was Greg and I cleaning we did pretty well.

Another electronic item broke. It was my Mp3 player. It went through the washer and dryer. It still works, but not as good. It only works sometimes on one side and the volume is lower now. Oh well. That's life.

Yesterday I worked with the horse for about an hour. I rode her bareback to the other side of the field and back. Today I just went out to say hi.

Well, Clemy and Gideon just got home so I need to go.

Horse and other trivia...

Today I finally got out to work with my horse Lady. I thought about changing her name, but if I named her Chile, most people would pronounce it like the american word, chili that you eat and I don't like that. So, for now her name is still Lady.

It went OK, but could have gone better. I rode her bareback (with a helmet) in the pasture, but she doesn't want to go away from the other horse, Annie. I also led Clemy around and then worked her on the ground. I need to watch some more videos I think. :)

My muscles have been achy lately. Not the flu-type, but from use. I am now only cleaning houses every other week and have a big day tomorrow. Friday I have 2 easy ones.

I am getting a refurbished laptop to replace the one that died. Judah gave me that one and it was good for 2 years. I should have backed everything up! Most of my photos were backed up, but not all. The computer place can't get the data off it either. Oh well. This year the mini- DVD player went out, GPS (recently) and my Straight talk phone and the laptop. Everything goes eventually I guess. Anyway the one I got off E bay doesn't have an operating system yet. Gideon thinks I should put Linux on it. I'm not sure yet. Linux would be cheaper, but it can't play net-flix and maybe other things...?

Well, I better rest up and finish supper cause Greg and I are working tonight.

A day in the life of Ginger...

We drove up to the house and I went inside for a minute to get something I'd forgotten. When I returned, Clemy said to me, "Mom, you should drink your water before the ice melts." She had a funny smile on her face, but I didn't think anything of it. After I drank some water, she informed me that Ginger had just drank some! Those of you who know Ginger know she is a DOG! I thought... DOG GERMS!!! I guess I'll live.

Clemy and I watched a reality thing on netflix about people who get their houses cleaned up. Real nice. When we were done watching it, Clemy states, "Mom, Ginger got into your purse." My little knitted purse was on the floor with the contents strewn out all over. The lid to my Burt's bee's chap-stick was also there. In Ginger's bed was the chap-stick, all chewed up and Ginger was licking her lips contentedly. 

Cleaning Day

I straightened our house up a bit and put a load of laundry in. Clemy is doing dishes now. In a little bit Clemy and I will be cleaning a couple of houses. She likes to vacuum, so I let her do that, then she can read a book while I finish up. 

Today it was only 18 degrees when we got up! It started getting cold again a few days ago. About a week ago it got up to 70! Strange weather.

Not a lot more to say right now, but I may come back later today.  

My Review of Slik F630 3-Section Tripod with 3-Way Panhead - Maximum Height: 57.87"

Originally submitted at Adorama

Slik F630 3-Section Tripod with 3-Way Panhead - Maximum Height: 57.87"

Slik F630 3-Section Tripod with 3-Way Panhead - Maximum Height: 57.87"

Nice Lightweight but sturdy Tripod

By Mariposa from Eastern Oregon on 1/11/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Good Stability, Attaches Firmly, Large Range of Motion, Strong Clamp

Best Uses: Travel, Weddings/Events, Landscape/Scenery, Portraits, Home, Night Shots, Sports/Action, Video, Wildlife

Describe Yourself: Photo Enthusiast

Was this a gift?: No

I haven't used this tripod a lot, but it seems very sturdy, easy to use and I like it. I have a Nikon 5000 and it seems strong enough for it. Hope that helps

(legalese)

Monday with a migraine.... horse talk, fast lane and..... God's people

Mondays always seem to be exceptionally difficult for me. I woke up at 7:00 am with a migraine. It happened pretty fast, so I went and ate some yogurt and took 2 IBU before it would get unbearable. A cold washcloth on my head also helped. I caught it in time and after about 1/2 hour the headache was almost gone. I slept in till 10:00, and still had a slight headache that lasted most of the day.

I have been trying to figure out what might have caused it and there are only 2 things that I did differently. Well, maybe 3. First was that I had eaten sausage with nitrates on Saturday and Sunday and had de-caf coffee Sunday evening. The other thing was that I have been staying up too late. Well, I'm better and will keep trying to be a scientist when I get a migraine.

I have been enjoying working with my horse, Lady. We bought her in September. I have been watching natural horsemanship videos online and trying out some of the things I'm learning. She is responding well. I got off with a bad start with her because she bolted on me (I was on the ground and she was saddled and bridled, she turned and took off at a run). At first I thought it was her, but then realized that I am back to kinder-garden when it comes to horses. So, slowly, I am overcoming my fears. The last 2 times have been really good. I have mostly been working with her on the ground, but rode her Sunday (Greg rode the other older horse).

We all miss Petra and Susannah! Levi was here for a few days and I miss him too! I miss ALL our other adult children as well.  Susannah is now in Mexico with Petra.

Life is too fast for me, and I WILL slow down. I know I have more than enough time in the day to do everything, but I am really good at wasting time. Last night at the Bible study I went to this was discussed after watching a teaching-video (DVD). Also they said (I will check this out (when I have time....) that the word hospitality means to pursue strangers.

My day turned dramatically today,  as a couple of people passed my way and into my world,  that I hadn't seen for awhile. God knew that I needed both of them and I learned a lot from my experiences. 

More random happenings and surprising findings about Ginger....

Woke up feeling a little sick to my stomach (the cookies?) But that isn't going to stop me from enjoying the day. Levi and I went out to Rancho de Cook. He dropped off some equipment and I spent time with the horses. I am basically petting and getting to know Lady and work my confidence level up. She is responding well and if the weather holds out I will work with her a lot this month.

Greg is the cook today. He made carne de mole' and potatoes. I made up some coconut-curry sauce for mine, but might just eat applesauce or fruit.  Later today we may take a drive to the mountains.

Yesterday I was brought back to awareness that Ginger is a DOG. Her animal instincts came out when Gideon gave her a raw meat bone. She took it to her bed and turned into a little wolf, growling at anyone who came near. Finally, Gideon was able to lure her outside and I shut the door, grabbed her bone and threw it outside. She's a great little dog and usually very gentle, but the bone really brought the animal out in her.

Have you written out any goals for 2012 yet?

It's getting late, but want to try to write something everyday if I can.
We had a pretty nice day for January. It was sunny and not too cold. I was inside most of the day though until Levi and I went to feed the horses (mine and the Cook's). They were happy to see us and happy for the hay.

Levi and Susannah cleaned the clinic with me tonight. It took us a little longer as they were busy and we couldn't do everything until everyone left. Usually we can clean alone there, but one day a week we clean the Doctors' offices and the offices that hold private files. It's a really good job and glad we have it. Greg was busy all day, but now he's cleaning the other clinic, which is smaller and can be done in less time.

We all have been enjoying Petra being home and Levi (for a few days). Tomorrow I plan on having special time with Petra and hopefully I will with Levi before he returns to where he lives now at the coast.

No exercise today, but I did eat too many cookies again. Tomorrow I need to work on some menus for the family and myself. I haven't even had time (made time?) to sit down and write 2012 goals, but want to soon. I always like writing several pages of what I want to do and things I want to see happen in the new year. If I was organized, I would go back each year and read them again. Tomorrow I will try to do that. 

Burning calories and eating cookies....

One advantage to the gluten-free diet is that I eat way less sweets and goodies. But, today I made some gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and ate way too many of them. The 182 calories I burned while bicycling at the RAC in 30 minutes was all for nought. :(  I'm sure it still did me some good.   I wanted to go 30 minutes today and made it. 8.2 miles!

We were in the middle of playing scum. I quit. not because I was scum, but because I was tired of playing. I hate it when other people quit a game, but sometimes it must be done.

It is getting cold here again. I hardly went outside today. It's good it got cold though, because if the earth thought "spring", then trees would bud early and maybe farmers' would lose their fruit crops... :)  

I guess I'd better quit before this gets any more random.....

New Years eve and riding my horse...

Christmas is over and the new year has come.  I am so glad we were able to go see most of the family for Christmas. Petra, Clemy, stayed a little longer and Levi brought them over on Friday, Dec. 30th. Saturday they broke up into 2 teams and the cleaning jobs got done fast. I must admit I slept in really late so only helped with 2 jobs.

 New Years eve we went to some friends. They had a giant roaring campfire going, games and lots of food. Greg and I left before midnight. He was asleep by 11:30 and I stayed up till 12:30. Ginger and I listened to the fireworks from inside the house. The 5 kids at home got home pretty late from our friends' home.

Today we went to church in the morning. Later on Gideon, Susannah, Clemy and Petra went long-boarding on a road not well traveled with Ginger and had fun. Levi came out to the Cook's Rancho and helped me with the horse, who I will call Lady for now. I may change her name later. I wanted to call her chocolate', but some of the kids weren't happy about that because of the baby goat chocolate' who died. I would name her Ginger, (her color and personality) but we have a dog named Ginger. Petra mentioned Chile, which fits her color and personality too, but I'm not sure about it. Maybe Cinnamon?  Maybe she will be a Lady someday and that name will fit her.

It went well working with Lady. I am watching Parelli natural horsemanship DVD's and have been trying out some of their methods. Basically I am trying to get over being afraid of working with her as she has bolted on me twice. Today was a success and I feel much more confident. The only thing I did with her today was ground work, and sitting on her bareback. I had her go in circles while bareback, but that's all as I didn't want any surprises. I feel she is starting to like me and that is important. I don't think I even thought about my horse liking me when I was a teenager. I just rode my horse and that's all.

P,L,G, S and Clemy are watching Princess Bride now. I guess I might go join them.
Please leave a comment if this doesn't bore you to death. I am going through withdrawals from blog-it. :)