Road trip?

There is a Botero exhibit at the Bowers Museum in OC and you know I'm going to have to go. And if you've ever had to 'go' at my house you'll know why.......

need a new book

I finished my book (see below) and am trying to decide whether I am just going to start at the beginning again.

"..visitors offering their condolences, thinking to comfort me, said "Life goes on." What nonsense, I thought, of course it doesn't. It's death that goes on; Ian is dead now and will be dead tomorrow and next year and forever. There's no end to that . But perhaps there will be an end to the sorrow of it. Sorrow has rushed over the world like the waters of the Deluge, and it will take time to recede."

Its just quite lovely, isn't it?

Happy surprises

I picked up this book at Costco yesterday, because the title was so intriguing. Knowing nothing about a book before you open the cover is always a bit unnerving but this one has not disappointed. It is written as a series of letters between people in England after WWII. The language is so yummy and makes me long for a return to hand written correspondence. Very like Jane Austin and very not like twittering.
How can you resist prose like this:
"I'm ashamed to say I only bought the book because I'd read elsewhere that a man named Lamb had visited his friend L. Hunt, in prision for libeling the Princes of Wales. while there, Lamb helped Hunt paint the ceiling of his cell sky blue with white clouds. next they painted a rose trellis up one wall. Then , I further discovered, Lamb offered money to help Hunt's family outside the prison-though he himself was as poor as a man could be. Lamb also taught Hunt's youngest daughter to say the Lord's Prayer backward. You naturally want to learn everything you can about a man like that."
Sad news is I'm already half way through the book.

enough is enough

the eternal questions

Remember when the easy questions were: where did I come from? what am I doing here? & where am i going?
Now its: do I blog, twitter or facebook?
I don't think I can handle it.

Happy Cave Day

My sweet little cave girl and her favorite dingo! I don't remember my other kids ever celebrating 'Cave Day'. Oh well, it could be worse.

need I say more?

Check out the photographer's website and blog. but the subject is pretty cute too, and he's all ours!

If only it was the thought that counted

So I just finished reading Julie & Julia, by Julia Powell. Its a fun read and I would recommend it. Although almost everything she described cooking sounded completely disgusting (things cooked with bone marrow and cubes and cubes of butter) and I probably wouldn't have wanted a dinner invitation, I am in love with this woman for doing what she did. OK I would have come over for the tart fest.
It motivates me to finish my 50 before 50 list cause right now thats as big as I can go. But I want to get it in print and get moving on it, so that next June I can sit back, preferably on the steps of the Uffizzi, and feel a sense of accomplishment along with a warm pastry in my pocket.
Wish me luck.

Smile. I'm back!

Things to smile about:
-Internet is back up!
-Got a Popup Trailer
-Great Beach Camp photos
-Saw 'Wicked'
-Saw 'Fiddler on the Roof' twice!
-School starts in two weeks.
-Saw Lyle Lovett in concert.
-Maggie seems to be potty trained.
-Cutest grandbaby ever seems to be getting cuter.

Thanks for being patient and not giving up on the bloggers living in this house. We are back on it. Things have been busy and I can't believe the summer is almost gone. Have missed blogging and checking in with my friends. Still trying to catch up and promise more photos to follow.

Tag, I'm it. (thanks, Brit)

8 Things I did yesterday:

1. Canned 50 lbs of wheat flour
2. Picked a zucchini & cucumber out of my garden
3. Watched Emma jump off the Ocean Beach pier.
4. Tried my first Hodad's burger.
5. Watched 'Wall St.' again. (By-the-way, Gordon Gecko was wrong)
6. Made spaghetti bolognese for dinner.
7. Walked on the beach with my husband
8. Took a bubble bath

8 Things I am looking forward to:

1. Going to Beach Camp
2. Sunday
3. Junior Guards finishing
4. Eating a salad from my garden
5. Maggie being potty-trained
6. Having lunch with my friends on Wed.
7. Fixing my internet
8. Brit's pie

8 Favorite Shows:

1. Dog and Pony (Imaginary)
2. Momma Mia (Broadway)
3. Fiddler on the Roof (Broadway)
4. NCIS
5. House
6. All in the Family (TV for those of you who are too young)
7. Sesame Street
8. Anything that is NOT a reality show

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Rubios
2. Shakespeare's Pub and Grille
3. Opera House (Guatemala)
4. In 'n Out
5. King's Arms (Somerset, England)
6. Hank's (Costa Mesa, CA)
7. Phil's BBQ (San Diego)
8. My House

8 People I tag:

1. Suzy
2. Care
3. Steffani N.
4. Beach Mommy
5. Natalie
6. Lindsay L. (hey, congratulations!)
7. Jenn W.
8. Ryan


ps. I didn't link the things I should have cause I am having problems with my internet remember?

I'm old

Sometimes I feel so old. I am having trouble with my internet and getting any new posts up. Sorry. I am generationally challenged when it comes to computers! Just so you know, I am working on it.

Can anyone say 'Haw vaawd"?

What the?

So Fraser and I (and Emma) were coming home from Phoenix (see there is something about me and the desert!) and we saw this sign.





What kind of name is that for a street? First of all its in Yuma. How many numbered streets can there be in Yuma? In fact, how many streets can there be there period? Could they really have run out of numbers so that they had to resort to fractions? Really? Could they truly have used up numbers such as Avenue 748? Or Avenue 14337.

So, for arguments sake, lets say they did use up all the numbers, lets just say even, that there is a Yuma law that says they could only go to Avenue 100. Some genius comes up with the great idea to use mixed fractions? Thats the best they could do? What ever happen to giving streets cute names? Like Cactus Court? Desert Drive? Sunnyside Street? Coyote Canyon? Come on! There is the wonderful Zyzzyx Road out there as a living testimony to street naming creativity.

But, lets go with the assumption that 1) the Dept. of Road Naming in Yuma used up all infinite numbers, so, 2) they voted and decided to go with fractions (because they weren't creative enough to use nouns.) Which explains "Avenue 8 1/2" but then,wait for it..... they have tacked on the East designation! Which begs the question: where is Avenue 8 1/2 West . or Avenue 8 1/2 South? We didn't slow down to ask directions to any of the these other streets. We just stayed on the 8 and never looked back. Laughing and talking about the street names till our laughers hurt.

Humor me

I love looking at other blogs that take amazing photographs of their crafty creations. Oh Happy Day is one of my favorites as are any shots that Brit blogs about the things she has cooked. I love it when the simplest item, such as a cupcake or a drinking straw, turns into a work of art.
So, when I made these little party favors for my last PTA meeting, I asked Brit to take photos so I could post them.



I filled old prescription bottles with chocolate kisses, added a label or two and a quote by Dr. Suess (You can never go wrong with the good Dr.) and voila! A Party Favor. And after Brit photographs them, they actually look pretty good. Art for art's sake, right?
(By-the-way, they were not all my bottles!)

Whats with me and the Desert?

As much as I profess to love the beach it seems I only go on vacation to the desert!

Garden Update

We are pleased to announce that our garden is growing......so far.

Time walks on!

Look who's making herself at home...

Newest member of the Clan!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of
Margaret Scratcher
(AKA Maggie).

Puppy and family are doing fine.

Better than therapy

This week Emma and I ran away from home to the happiest place on earth. Spontaneous and wonderful and just what the doctor ordered.





We met up with the Balaz Family and celebrated Susy's and Emma's birthdays for two days straight!

Included but not photographed: space mountain, thunder mountain, and all the other mountains, mint juleps, shopping, getting wet, Dole pineapple whips, Small World (which by-the-way is not that great after the 'refurbishing'), and about 1000 complete strangers wishing Emma a happy birthday. Love you guys. Can't wait for Camp Cindy!

El Gordito

Brit's Day!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter, a girl who still knows how to make the most of her birthday! Happy 26th!

Shadow

We are saddened to announce the loss of our dear sweet Shadow. She was at a friend's house and got out of the backyard and was struck by a car.

She was a good, smart, and quirky dog and our hearts are breaking. We are taking comfort in the fact that all dogs go to heaven.

Things I learned today

1. Its really important the whole family gets to decide what piece Emma plays for her piano recital.

2. Its not a good idea to plant your garden the day the temperature jumps 20 degrees.

Its hot in San Diego

Rock 'n Roll

Stef, this is to motivate you to keep on running! You still have six weeks till the marathon!

my friend Juli

I am organizing my photos and I came across the pictures of Juli and I while in England looking after Jean, my mother-in-law, who had been diagnosed with cancer. My friend Juli offered to fly over and keep me company. Now that's a friend.

Us on the tube after a day shopping in London.



We have known each other for about 20 years. Needless to say, we have been through a lot together. And a flood of love for this woman washed over me tonight.

This is a picture of her doing yard work at Jean's house! She came over to give her friend support and she cleaned house, gave Jean pedicures, weeded the garden, cooked, helped with visitors all while keeping me grounded and sane.



Emma loved to bring Grandma a cup of tea. We had to follow behind her carrying a second cup of tea. But Grandma made a proper fuss over Emma delivering her tea.



What a cherished memory our family has of being able to nurse Fraser's mother in her own home, during her last days. And as I revisit those photos I feel incredibly blessed to have Juli still in my life. She is one of the most amazing women I have been lucky to know and trust me, I know some amazing women. I'm not sure I have ever let her know how much her friendship means to me.
Love you Jules. I wish it was your birthday or some other reason I could be posting this tribute to you,. But maybe I'll rename April 15th "Aunt Juli Day"

Easter Morn

In Pensacola,FL

We, (meaning Fraser, Emma and myself) are spending Easter Weekend with Grandma & Grandpa Webster. Stefan and Ashton and our new little duckling, Henry, are in Phoenix with the Guthries. Brit and Grant stayed in San Diego to hold down the fort and are spending the day with cousins at the Krages. Its all about families, traditions, and eggs!
I saw this picture in my mom's hallway and thought you'd enjoy seeing Brit at age one. My beatutiful baby.
Love you and wishing you the peace and joy that comes from remembering the sacrifice of our brother, Jesus Christ, and the hope and comfort that a new spring brings.

Happy Keester!

Spring Break!

I was able to run away from home for a few days (another perk in having Brit living with me) and I'm holed up by the pool someplace in Pheonix.

All I can grow is frustration

So its spring and time for my annual attempt at a garden. I think it may go better this year cause I have backup. Grant is totally on board and with his promise of help and support I am moving forward with renewed hope! Although out of the eight small tomato starters I bought last weekend the dogs have eaten four; two of which were still in the little tomato egg carton thingies and hadn't even been planted! Do I even have a chance against the rabbits and birds?

I saw this book advertised today: "The $64 Tomato: How One man Nearly Lost His Sanity, Spent a Fortune, and Endured an Existential Crisis in the Quest for the Perfect Garden" by William Alexander (Algonquin Books $24.95) I have to have it! Its always a good thing when you realize you are not alone in the world.

April fools

Today was a fun April Fool's day. First, I got Fraser good. I have been undergoing some testing and this morning had to have some girlie test so when I got home told Fraz that they found out what was wrong. I was even able to bring tears to my eyes (mostly because I was trying not to laugh) and told him I was pregnant. I wish I had had a camera. You could see everything going through his head and one of the more mild things he said was "bloody hell". I told the tech what I was going to do and she offered to give me an old sonogram picture to show him, but thats where I drew the line (hes old you know). It was really fun........although I'm sure he is starting to plan next year's revenge.

Then Emma and I made April fools cupcakes to share with friends.



Mashed potatoes and gravy (frosting and caramel sauce with a starburst pat of butter) and peas and carrots (skittles and orange tootsie rolls) The peas and carrots were supposed to be on top of a cupcake too, but I was too tired to frost anymore. (see above) Yummmmmmm.
We got this recipe from this book. It is a fun book even if you just look at the pictures.

Happy Stef Day

Yesterday was my baby's 28th birthday. I am so proud of the man he has become and so pleased to be able to celebrate with him.




This is a photo of an Unbirthday Celebration at beach camp when Stefan was about five. We had un-birthday parties when we got together to celebrate all the cousin birthdays. I especially love the Fievel matching sweatsuit! I'm sorry Stef.

Oh Henry

Over the past 24 hours I've been asked twice, "what kind of Grandma are you?" This was under the context of not having shared updated pictures of my sweet new grandson. So, here ya go.



He is getting so alert and expressive. He is a talker and grunts and snorts and seems to like the sounds he can make. He is even grinning. Don't tell me its gas, I've seen that. Henry tracts his mom and grins at her. Its the sweetest thing I've ever seen.



The photos were taken with my little snap and shoot not by his Auntie Brit. Could you tell?



He looks so thoughtful and wise. Can't wait to start hearin' what he has to say. Mom and Daddy are doing great as first time parents. They are a little tired, and a bit brain dead, but settling in to their new apartment and new life. We are so blessed to be so close and included in their lives. (and he seems to be growing out of the 'crying when Grandma holds me' stage.)

Economic Stimulus Package San Diego Style!

I sleep with a clear conscience tonight!

So, we were able to go horseback riding. Which was fun except for the part Emma said, "Mom, that horse moves as slow as you do".
You wouldn't know this place is about a mile from our house.




Then Emma went ice skating while I watched (and when I say 'watched' I mean read a book).

After an unscheduled nap and dinner at the Burger Lounge, we got to visit with Henry.




We didn't get to the frozen yogurt, but she did get in several rounds of Mario Kart with Grant. Which is way better........



All, in all, Girls Weekend was a success and I don't think the whole not camping experience will add to any of the necessary therapy Emma will probably need as an adult.

Girls Weekend

This weekend Emma and I were supposed to go to Girl Scout Camp in the local mountains but because of circumstances beyond Emma's control we are not going. She was very disappointed and very close to tears when I told her so I've done what every good mom does call an official: Girl's Weekend!
Tonight we went to Rubio's for dinner and went and saw Race for Witch Mountain. Not one of the worse movies I've ever seen and have to say the 'Rock' is not hard on the eyes. I'm not embarrassed to say I may have a crush on him (which makes Emma roll her eyes).
On the schedule for tomorrow? Horseback riding, frozen yogurt, ice skating and a visit to Henry.
Can you say: Over compensating?

Good Sabbath to you

I love Sundays. As the world continues to spin wildly outside inside my home things are calm and predictable. We rise early to prepare for church at 9, The dogs get the paper and this is usually the one day Shadow will let Bowie help her carry the ginormous paper to the kitchen. A quick bowl of cereal or piece of toast and we are out the door. At church the whole family sits together. In this order: Fraser, me, Emma, Brit and Grant. We really should put Emma one of the ends cause she likes to get up to go to the restroom and get drinks of water. After the service Fraser is off to golf and we go to our respective classes.
After church we have 'Sunday nachos'. That's it, every Sunday we have a small tray of nachos for lunch. Then we separate again for 'resting'. For me this means to gather all the coupons and adds from the paper and go to my bed and go through them and cut them out and then lay down and take a nap. I'm not sure what the others do but they are quiet and in the other side of the house.
Just about the time the house starts to stir again, Fraser wanders in from the links. We visit, watch some sports on tv, or take the dogs for a walk. And then, wait for it, we have Breakfast for Dinner Yep, a full English breakfast for dinner. While it can be overwhelming and somewhat disgusting if put in front of you at 8 am, it is a work of art and may very well be the absolute perfect food when it is served as a meal later in the day. This meal could very well be a spiritual experience itself.
I love Sundays. I love that everyone is at home. That the phones don't ring. That we are not expected to be anywhere, that we rest, relax, and mellow out and plan the coming week.
Ya know, "a month of Sundays" is always used in a negative way but I think that would the perfect month. Where do I sign up?

Ya gotta love San Diego, part II

So, just so you know I am not morally opposed to fast food. Nothing says 'I love you' like an In 'n Out cheese burger with grilled onions and extra spread. And to prove that I also do not harbor any bad feelings with Jack in the Box in particular here is a treat for all of you curly fries enthusiasts (That means you Emily) I think my anger that day was directed at the Union Tribune and the bonehead who chose to give the story front page exposure. You're killing me!