Gavin's 6th Birthday Celebration!!

Today you are you!

That is truer than true!

There is no one alive

who is you-er than you!

Dr. Seuss

Click HERE to view video on YouTube and share the link!

Bird Feeder Ornament

It was such a good project in theory.  What's not to love about making a bird feeder mobile to hang outdoors in winter?  Gavin was up for it and I had all the supplies at the ready last Saturday morning. 

Needing sustenance for brain and body, we had breakfast first and logged about an hour of Tom and Jerry cartoons, one of Gavin's current favorites.  Gavin changed out of his pajamas while I gathered together everything we would need to assemble these birdie treats.  We were ready and excited to get started.

Just a side note here having nothing to do with this nature craft project.  But did you notice how I said "Gavin got changed out of his pajamas?"  Well, this is a big deal.  He's been dressing himself for awhile now, but I still marvel at how we've moved from 'dressing Gavin,' to "helping Gavin get dressed," to "Gavin getting himself dressed.  I hear Life's clock ticking in my head as I write.

I'd never seen a sweet gum tree pod until I moved to Fort Campbell, KY.  Fascinated by them, I went around our neighborhood, gathering them up for some unknown future project. Ended up using them like 'shipping popcorn' in all my Christmas boxes that year. My friend, LJ, calls them 'alien pine cones.' Since that time I've seen many a sweet gum tree.  My neighbor here on 101st Place has one, right across the street and so I was able to gather some for this project.  Peanut Butter is always on hand and black sunflower seeds, too.  Check! 

I was the designated 'peanut butter spreader onner.'  Gavin was the official 'pod dipper' and then back to me for tying onto the hanger.  Mine was most definitely the messier of the steps.  Gavin shot some video footage of me and asked some very astute questions as the interviewer. 

    

  

It was a very cold day and Gavin was happy to stay indoors. I donned my boots and went outside to hang our new feeder in the maple tree.  

I was so excited when only minutes after Gavin was picked up by his Mom, a male and female cardinal dropped in to check out the 'thing-a-ma-bob-doo-hickie' hanging in their tree.. Check it out was all they did, never attempting to alight on the pods or hang from the twine to get at the seed. Turns out you can lead a bird to the seed but you can't make them eat.

A week has passed and the pods are still hanging in the tree, a little more worse for the wear. This bird feeder may not have resulted in what we hoped for initially but in the end I got what I wanted. Time well-spent with Gavin.  I'm thinking this is the most desirable outcome.

Such a fun sleep-over

We never have to look hard for things to do together.  Gavin loves working on new projects. Sometimes we finish up things we began the last time he was at the castle house.  Other times, I'll have a plan for a new activity before Gavin comes over and that plan will morph into a completely different adventure.  And sometimes we even have projects we've talked about doing like hand sewing a burlap pirate booty pouch or whipping up some home made pasta, a la Great Aunt Jessica, but just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Gavin and I usually make regular runs up to the studio to get art supplies. We typically bring everything downstairs and work at the dining room table. Sometimes Hempi joins in the fun, like the last two times Gavin was here and we all worked on origami.  Usually, we make at least five to ten 'studio runs' in the course of a weekend. And I always ask, "Gavin, would you like to run up to the studio with me to get more 'stuff?'  Most of the time, Gavin is out of the chair before I finish the question. Each time we're upstairs, I show Gavin another art tool or gadget.  Gavin is getting familiar with where I keep my treasures.

This last weekend, we ended up in the studio for one of our projects.  Only right that it was a 'drawing activity.' Such a lovely turn of events, too.  It started innocently enough.  I invited Gavin to come up to the studio to see a surprise.  The surprise was a desk.  The desk his Mom and Dad gave me after they decided they no longer had a use for it.  And now, the same desk Gavin was used to seeing in his house, was in the "Castle House" studio.

When Gavin saw it, his face lit up.  The next thing he did was ask for some paper and colored marking pens.  Arranging them on the desk just so, he took a seat and began making the place his own.  Gavin said, 'this drawing is going to be for you, Ba'ka.'  

Together, we spent the next hour, drawing and working at our separate desks.  Time spent in the studio is usually good for me. But this was a first for Gavin and I.  Staying in the studio to work on something together and apart.  Each in our own creative space.

The next morning, we went back into the studio, this time because Gavin asked me to make a copy of his original work of art.  I love mixing art and technology! And especially when I can share my knowledge with this 5-year-old.  Little does he know that in another 5 to 10 years, his tech-savvy abilities will far surpass all of mine and I will never catch up.  We proceeded to scan and copy Gavin's artwork, do another drawing, more scanning, convert art into note card art and then write notes in the new cards for special people in our lives.

Gavin 's Art Note Card

Learning to draw using the Wacom tablet.

I love Gavin Quotes.  This was one of my favorites:  Gavin: "I'm going to need a lot more paper."  I smiled and replied, "Well, that's easy. I have a lot of paper."  And Gavin, making my whole weekend said, "You are the master."  *heartfelt sigh

South Tulsa Living Magazine

                            

Eleven-Mile Reservoir

Such a thrill to see my photos and copy in print.  In a real magazine.  My head doth swell.  Now I can understand better why Jeff continues to be the editor of Errorscope magazine (way to go, honey! CONECA is lucky to have you as their editor and wordsmith).  It's an amazing feeling to see our own words 'in print' where others will get to read them.  Heady stuff for this newbie columnist.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.  I have been asked to join South Tulsa Living (a social newsletter for our area neighborhoods) writing staff. The folks who work at the magazine thought my "Living Green" stuff would be a good addition.  I'm honored and happy to provide a monthly 'tip, challenge, recipe' on a multi-layered subject about living a greener life.  Not an expert, by any stretch, but a more enthusiastic practitioner you would be hard-pressed to find.   My first "Living Green...one change at a time" column will appear in April's issue.  Not yet written, the bits and threads of ideas are already flowing.  Home-made laundry detergent, anyone? 

So, what is this head swelling escapade I spoke of at the beginning of this post? My first column hasn't even been written yet.  Candy Trenary, (Area Director/Publisher of South Tulsa Living) saw a few photos I posted on FaceBook.  She asked if I would be willing to submit and write a short piece about our recent trip to Colorado.   I was willing. Those photos and my few paragraphs of text  appeared in this month's issue of the magazine.  This is what makes me so high on myself today.

Cooler heads will prevail eventually.  But I am going to ride this air current of loveliness for as long as I can. In the meantime, thank you, Candy, for inviting me to join you guys.  Thank you, Terri (Terri Jeffers, Editor, South Tulsa Living). 

You want it when?

Click here to read the text portion of the Colorado Road Trip, submitted to the magazine.

Breckenridge Ski Resort, CO

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat...

Jeff and I packed up the household goods and set out for our first military duty station in the summer of 1988.  El Paso, Texas, or bust!  It was difficult leaving our family and friends.  But this was to be our new adventure and we were up for the challenge.  I never realized when we left Idaho, just how much about our lives would change.

Over the years, we created our very own holiday traditions, best suited to our nomadic ways.  We didn't have a lot of extra money for traveling, so we stayed close to home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  These habits have shaped our current traditions and now are at the heart of how we celebrate the season.

Now, with our children grown and a grandchild in our midst, we gladly leave behind some of our old ways to make room for new traditions. One of my favorite new traditions is inviting grandson, Gavin, over to the 'castle house' so he can help decorate the tree.  We make hot chocolate, start a fire in the hearth, play selections from John Denver and the Muppets Christmas songs and adorn the tree with our memorable collection of ornaments. 

On Christmas Eve we will join Tarajean, Paul and Gavin over at Ann and Joe's for a lovely dinner. On Christmas morning, Jeff and I will enjoy coffee and raise our cups in a toast to our loved ones and those who cannot be with us on this blessed day. Then we'll head over to the Warren family home to exchange gifts, partake in a tasty brunch, and be a part of their family Christmas tradition. 

Happy Birthday, Tarajean! ENCORE

Posted this one again after I changed the final image in the slide show.  :-)  I love you, my beautiful girl.  So glad you had a lovely birthday weekend!  xoxo Mommy

Happy Birthday, Tarajean!

Gavin Lee Warren's 5th BDay 2014

Where is it written that I can't have two slide shows celebrating the same little guy and the same 5th birthday?  Is it a rule?  If so, I'm breakin' it!  Whoo Hoo!  Good Times at the Tulsa Zoo with my beautiful daughter and grandson.

Gavin Lee Warren's 5th BDay 2014

Where is it written that I can't have two slide shows celebrating the same little guy and the same 5th birthday?  Is it a rule?  If so, I'm breakin' it!  Whoo Hoo!  Good Times at the Tulsa Zoo with my beautiful daughter and grandson.

Gavin Lee Warren 5th Birthday Party

True Story

True Story: Tarajean and Gavin pulled in the driveway for a quick chat last night. While Tarajean and I caught up on this week's events, Gavin asked if he could watch Star Wars on the DVD in the vehicle. But, funny thing? He asked his Mom to go straight to his favorite good part. The End. And when I say the end, I mean, the very end....the credits. And Gavin hums along with a zest and vigor to John Williams's theme song score. He watched and listened and hummed along to this part several times while Tj and I were chatting. Made me smile. AND reminded me to give a listen to this amazing composer again! Great way to start any Friday!  Enjoy!

day!

There's no place like home...

I think it's the coolest thing ever to pack up the car, fill the tank with gas, program the GPS and begin driving. Road trips are the best. And I cannot think of a better way to experience America. (Jeff might beg differ but this is a road trip, after all, not an Appalachian Trail trip.) This time I logged 2,750 miles and seven states.  Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana.

Of course, it's always nice to have a destination in mind and people waiting for me to arrive on the other end of the journey. Family. Friends.  

Jan and James.  Thanks for always having a room ready for me.  Our visits are always a balm for this girl's heart.  See you again in the fall!   Jessica.  What a great week we had, heh?  Working at the deli together, seeing Mandy in Concert, making several batches of tofu, walking to Indian Beach to see the sunset, hanging out on Lido Key, meeting new friends, entertaining and cooking for good friends.  Thank you.  And Christopher and Leigh.  What a perfect way to round out the trip.  Thanks for making it so easy to drop in, stay a couple nights, hang out, rest up and then finish out the rest of my journey back home. 

Home.  It really is where the heart is.  

Happy 26th Anniversary, Jeff!

Peppermint Squishy Goo

This project started out as a fun "SLIME" making activity while we had Gavin over for a long weekend.  I   made it once, years before, with Abram.  I don't remember it coming together this easily or with this same wonderful consistency.  So glad we came across this better, more refined recipe on the internet.  

I liked the feel of the slime so much and found playing with it so relaxing, I had to make another batch.  This time I wanted to figure out the recipe for a smaller, 1-cup batch, using a different color and while whipping it up, wondering aloud, would it work with a drop or two of essential oils? or mess up the science of the reaction between Glue and Borax?  Had to give it a try.

The results worked out so well, I published a ScanGuide with my step-by-step directions, for future reference.   A new name, new purpose, new color and SCENTED.  YAY!  Way YAY!

Check it out!

A day in the life...

One of the reasons we moved to Tulsa, was to be close to Tarajean, Paul and Gavin.  This is a blessing every day.  Even on the days when we are not in touch, we are close enough to be 'in touch.'  Such a difference this knowing makes.

Living close gives us the opportunity to spend quality time with Gavin.  This weekend, for example.  Tj and Paul are celebrating their anniversary and Jeff and I are on Babka and Hempi detail.  We love these times.  Sleeping in the 'big bed' or camping out on the floor in front of the fire, making SLIME or scented play dough, creating Valentine's for Gavin's classmates, fixing and eating meals together, watching PBS's Dinosaur Train  or Disney's Planes.  These are just a few of the many adventures we will share with Gavin.

Only a few months shy of five-years-old, we will squeeze as many experiences into this adorable four-year-old's life.  Today's adventures will become tomorrows' memories.

Artsy Schmartsy

Happy New Year!!  2014 has a particularly nice ring to it.  Here's to all of us;  to good health, prosperity and happiness.  Why not? 

I promised myself, like all good new years' resolutionists do, to finish up a couple of projects before diving into a bunch of NEW ones.  So, here's the first project finished.

This slide show began months ago.  I didn't have anyone waiting for it or anyone's birthday or anniversary to hurry it up for.  It was for me.  Ergo, no hurry.  Funny how that happens.  It also took an inordinate amount of time to cull through my digital files (ahhhh, I hear another project calling my name).  But it is wonderful to have these images all in one place.  Much like a photo album...but better because music sets a mood.

Speaking of music, this music turned out to be prophetic.  As mentioned before, I started this project months ago, to include the selection of music.  I have to have the music in mind prior to starting.  Both songs are from Sunday in the Park with George, a Stephen Sondheim fave of mine (thanks, Skippy, for giving me the album waaaaaay back in the day, for my 28th birthday--and I only remember this because I lived in that little place on 7th street, just off Harrison, for one year). 

The first song is from the original cast album of Sunday in the Park, featuring Mandy Patinkin and the chorus.  The second song is Barbra Streisand's version of "Putting it Together," from the same show.  

Fast forward to several nights ago.  My sister, Jessica, calls me and asks, "What are you doing on April 1st?"  I laughed.  Does anybody really know (what time it is) what they'll be doing four months out on a specific day?  Well, I sure don't but I went along for the fun of it.....'what am I going to be doing on April 1st?"  Turns out, Jessica bought us tickets to go see the amazing Mandy Patinkin at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Florida.

"White. A blank page or canvas...so many possibilities." - S. Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George.

Merry Christmas!

Riverfield Museum Field Trip

Happy Birthday, Abram!

Happy Birthday, dear sister, Jessica!

My road trip last December, was a celebratory one.  I visited friends in Ozark, Alabama, was shown immense hospitality by Jan and Lames Lisenby, and traveled down to Navarre, Florida, to kibitz with my brother, Christopher, too.  Then, made the trek south and east to Sarasota to spend a few days with Jessica.  Between the two of us, we snapped lots of fun photos and the weather was the epitome of cooperation for beach time and the Selby Botanical Gardens, too.  I mean, December, really?  Divine on all levels.

The music selection for this was a bit problematic.  We are musical fools, our family, and love our 'tunes.'  So many, it was hard to choose.  For the longest time, I always felt I would use The Young Rascals It's a Beautiful Morning.  This is a song we use to listen to and sing while growing up at 'the farm.'.  But when I sat down to feel my way through the photos, it didn't make the cut.  Maybe another time, another slide show.  It's a gem and the words always fit my mood.  

Here's to us, Jessica...and the fun times we shared!  Happy Birthday to you, my dear....and many more!

Gratitude Mantra in a nutshell:

Love my Life....my Family...Blessed beyond measure...thinking World Peace!

Gavin & Babka Adventures

Adventures of Gavin & Babka

Gavin at the Tulsa Zoo

Just when the caterpillar thought her world was over...

...I love this!

Merry Christmas

 "Christmas Time is Here"
-from a Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack

Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...

Love this quote:

"One good wish changes nothing...

one good decision changes everything."

-Anonymous

Special Birthdays

For these very special people in my life

born on November 15th

Mom

 

Skip

and Leigh

Hope you all enjoy a glorious day and celebrate in the fashion that is your due.  I'm raising my cup to you all and toasting to your good health and prosperity!  Cheers!

Here's to us! 

Mammogram Day

Love these words:  "Everything looks good.  You're free to go!"  Everyone I've come into contact with at St. Francis is warm, courteous and professional.  I will return to my parking spot on the roof of the Natalie Building next week and follow up with Dr. Johnson.  As much as I like Dr. Johnson, I'm hoping our relationship is coming to a close.  These follow ups are growing fewer and fewer and I am so glad.

I'm wearing Tarajean Warren today.  Orange top and stretchy blue jeans given to me the last time I was over at Tj's house.  Got some other cute items:  tops, corduroys and a couple pair of skinny jeans, too. Thanks, Tarajean...your hand-me-downs are the best thing ever!

Challenging myself...

...to jog a bit further each time I go out before stopping to walk.  Three years ago, I was working toward a 5K.  I ran the 5K and was very comfortable with jogging 3 miles 2-3 times each week.  Then I injured myself...three summers ago and I haven't run 3 miles since.  

Lots has happened in my life since that summer long ago in Ozark, Alabama.  Jeff has retired from the Army.  We've moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to be near Tarajean and Paul and GDub.  Gavin turned 3 in May this year.  Abram finished his commitment to the Navy, went to Afghanistan a second time and has decided to make Maryland his home for now.  We bought a little fishing cabin in Lake George, Colorado, and it provides a wonderful place for Jeff to commune with nature and spend time with his Mom and brother.  

Most noteworthy is my recent diagnosis of breast cancer.  I was operated on in April, and am going through radiation therapy currently.  It is all going very well.  I feel great considering everything and will be receiving these treatment for another 5 weeks.  Following the RT I will start hormone blocking cancer drugs and continue taking them for five years.

I feel like I won the lottery.  Caught early, while still under 1 cm, and from all tests performed doesn't look like it spread outside the breast area. Chemotherapy was not a recommendation.  I won this round.

Thanks to friend, Laurie Jo, I have enjoyed the perfect exercise regime from a program called "Fit by Nature" by John Colver at AdventX.com.  This book starts us out with a Daily Dozen set of exercises that are done in 12 minutes.  Since starting them in early April (before my surgery), I can feel the difference in my body and overall strength.  I haven't been true to the 'daily' part of Daily Dozen...but usually manage them 3-4 times a week along with additional cardio of walking/jogging, swimming, or yard work.  I love the Dirty Dozen, oops, I mean Daily Dozen, or DDs for short.

Today I went out for my walk/jog and decided to jog at the beginning, then walk, then finish with jogging.  I ran the first mile without stopping, walked 1/2 mile and then finished jogging the 1/2 mile back home.  This is my personal best since that injury almost three years ago.  Would like to think of this little accomplishment as an allegory for the challenge ahead....finishing my RT with good results....staying strong...and being cancer free with a long life of good health ahead of me.

Thanks, Jeffrey.  I couldn't have done any of this with as much positive panache without you!

Here's to Us!

Latest Yard Project

https://plus.google.com/photos/106402035993507485660/albums/5746094212335019297

Slide Show Library

November 2012 - 12-Week Challenge - Hold On

November 2012 - America Recycles Day - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 2012

October 2012 - I Know This Town - Summer Vacation in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, July 2011

October 2012 - Glad you Came - Caprice visits Tulsa (September 2012)

 May 2012 - Just my Imagination - yard projects featuring Jeff's sweaty brow:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106402035993507485660/albums/5746143927577759553/5746144412095008882

April 2012 -  Angels on Your Pillow for Gavin, March/April 2012  http://youtu.be/NyExxO3cjDM

February 2012 - Warren Family in Review, 2011   Christmas Gift     http://youtu.be/KAnawEMJMJk

January 2012 - Clean Up/Organization at 1612 E. Plaza Drive     http://youtu.be/SYA9VrfQS8w

December 2011 - Abram (DREAMER), Christmas Gift     http://youtu.be/gPvIdPiMKk4

September 2011 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Pure Imagination)     http://youtu.be/1wGxjup-AHA

February 2010 - Tarajean & Paul Anniversary        http://youtu.be/-dz8AdrhOvg

July 2009  - Baby Gavin,  Tarajean birthday gift     http://youtu.be/tBIIBPiRIjw

Summer 2008 - Abram Visits Ozark     http://youtu.be/86JgrupTjrA

Kimberly & Jeff, Anniversary Gift    http://youtu.be/PLM2UnEyF_Y

Abram, Mt. Kinabalu Climb in Malaysia     http://youtu.be/03Jy7tojKc4

October 2011 - Make a Difference Day, 2011, Ozark, AL (Jan & Carole's photos)
http://youtu.be/W_2EpJqiMG4

October 2010 - Make a Difference Day, 2010, Ozark, AL
http://youtu.be/QItPswD5QUU

Digging a Flower Bed, Ozark, AL    http://youtu.be/GH1iVdrSWzs

More Flower Beds, Ozark, AL     http://youtu.be/TC-C9Mn54rA

May 2007 - Trip to Idaho     http://youtu.be/9tAYH2oOHXc

Earthshine Giftworks     http://youtu.be/17_yP0uzQfM

Summer 2006 - The Move from Fort Campbell, KY   http://youtu.be/amkc2zgezCs

Celebrating 10 Years...

Ten years ago today, I radically changed my eating habits.  In an attempt to get my cholesterol under control through diet alone, I stepped off the grid that is mainstay America.  Reading every label, counting every milligram of cholesterol and watching my intake of calories and fat, I subscribed to nutritional publications that came out of medical universities instead of Women's Day and Better Homes and Gardens.  

People who know me can attest to my obsessive behavior.  I say there is no other way to change ingrained habits without some full out, feet-to-the-fire tenacity and determination.  Call it what you will, I prefer OCB, obsessive committed behavior.

It's February 2, 2012.  Ten years ago today, I changed my eating habits.  The journey has been a healthier one, of this I am certain.

Thankful, Grateful, Blessed

 

Grateful for my Husband

who loves and gives selflessly

 

Grateful to the Daughter and Son

who bring so much joy

 

Blessed for the family and friends far and wide,

making life sweeter

Thankful for this Beautiful home

to live and take shelter in

 

Grateful for this Country's Freedom and Bounty

Thankful for the Men and Women

who Protect it 

   

Thankful to the Source who provides me with everything I need during this journey

 

Blessings to Everyone who contributes

to make this world a better place

 

November Rose

Friends

Mary Grace, Linda, Carole, Jan and Me, Rodeo's Mexican Restaurant, 10/01/11

My recent road trip to Ozark was a multipurpose sojourn.  I am so glad I did this.  I accepted Linda's invitation to be a program guest speaker on the topic of Living Green way back a number of months ago.  Saying 'yes' and getting this commitment on the calendar was what I needed to motivate myself.  I had all these 'refashioning' projects to be finished and lots of recycled materials to magically transform into little works of art.  What better way to accomplish these tasks than to agree to talk on this same subject and use all my finished products to illustrate "reduce, reuse, recycle.'  This was my plan.

It worked!  The seminar was mucho fun and all my preparation paid off.  Jan and James Lisenby were gracious hosts.  As a guest in their beautiful home, I had plenty of room to spread out and organize everything before the seminar.  Only a very good friend would allow such a mess for so long.  (Thank you, Jan and James.  I enjoyed my time with both of you more than words can express.  And I loved meeting 'the girls.'  They are sweethearts...and I must say I miss that 'little dumpy' more than I thought I would.)

Since Linda allowed me to choose the date of the seminar, I chose a date close to the Claybank Jamboree weekend.  Hopeful I could attend for part of the day and catch up with more of my Alabama gardening friends.  And finally, at day's end, perhaps round up the 'best of the best' for dinner at Rodeo's before I departed town the next day.  And unlike the "best laid plans..." it came off without a hitch.  Lucky us!

I miss you all.  You are never far from my thoughts and always are in my prayers.

'bout time!

Gavin & Babka making "fungi" with new play dough!

That's what I get for waiting so long in between postings!  I just typed all about what I've been up to for the past couple of months and I got an error code and a "thankyouverymuch" and then my blog page went blank and wiped the slate clean.   Guess that will teach me for going on and on.   Rather than repeat everything I just commented on, here is the link to the blog I wrote for the Claybank Master Gardener web log, posted October 8, 2011,  describing the Living Green seminar with some photos of the workshop.  I will add that I am glad I spent oodless of time preparing.  It paid off in the end.   

(Lo' and Behold!  I found the 'missing words' in a draft copy of this blog, under a separate heading.  Here is the original:

Another billion minutes have passed without an update to my personal blog.  Now that I've posted a couple of entries to the Claybank Master Gardener site and to the LIVING GREEN blog, I feel like I can be self-indulgent and update my This 'n That page.  Here it is, in a nutshell...

I've spent lots of time these past months, preparing for my Living Green seminar.  It went very well, from my perspective.  An audience of around 50 folks showed up to hear me speak and watch me demonstrate DIY projects.   Reduce, Reuse, Recycle examples were discussed and illustrated in a myriad of ways.  I managed to fill three long tables with examples of recycled materials.  Some of the refashioned items were practical and some of them just for the sake of art & creativity.  It was a lot of work but very gratifying to reach the day of the workshop and feel prepared and revved to present.   I received excellent feedback from many of the audience members and lots of good ideas for additional ways to recycle common materials.)

Pretty Pathetic

A contradiction in terms, for sure.  But 'pretty pathetic' is exactly how I feel about seeing my last post on this blog dated in January, almost 4 months ago.  What's up with that anyway?  It's not like I haven't had time to write about what's been going on.  This blurb is just an ice breaker, in hopes that I will get back in the habit of posting short little 'This 'n Thats' and journaling some of the more extraordinary events in our lives.  Or maybe, even better, some of the small and simple day-to-day events, when added all together and viewed as one whole cloth, comprise a life. 

I am so blessed.

Christmas in Tulsa

Ho! Ho! Ho! Everyone! This year's Christmas celebration was quite different from year's past. Celebrating with Tarajean, Paul, Gavin and some of their family and friends was a holiday treat. I missed being with Jeff...and Abram is always in my thoughts...but I know they were okay and this makes all the difference. Living in Tulsa is bringing so many wonderful experiences into our realm. I cannot begin to express how much all of this means to me. Merry Christmas!

Another First

Funny how a little hole-in-the-wall problem can bring about this euphoric feeling of pride and accomplishment. Why is the hole so big? The old thermostat was larger. When I removed the old one to investigate the wire configuration I quickly discovered that the hole in the wall would not be covered up by the digital thermostat. I pondered the problem for a bit, not wanting to rush into something I'd never done before and tackled the new thermostat installation first. Already beyond my comfort zone with this small task and keeping in mind that slow and steady wins the race.

Hooked up the thermostat...set it for 70 degrees to make sure the heat would kick on properly. Let it run a bit to make sure it would turn off...and then knocked it down to 64...when I left to go south to Alabama for 10 days. Was quite the relief when I returned to Oklahoma and discovered that my new thermostat appeared to be working properly after my installation and read 64 degrees, with a chilly house to prove I'd hooked it up properly. BIG SMILE of accomplishment here.

Now to deal with the gaping hole and mounting the new thermostat. 1) Temporarily tack the new thermostat to the wall out of the way of the repair work. 2) Adhere the mesh screen across the hole, leaving enough space for the wires to pull in and out freely. 3) Spackle here...Spackle there and smooth it with a putty knife, doing my best to blend in with the textured walls around it (yeah, right....I score myself a 'C-' on this task); allow Spackle to dry. 4) Paint the Spackle to match the wall color -- in this case 'almond bisque.' 5) Follow the directions for mounting the digital thermostat. In this case, I got lucky and was able to use the existing anchors...even though the person who installed the old thermostat didn't get it hung straight. I fudged with the screws as much as I could and think I did a decent job of leveling it, so as not to drive me crazy each time I see it hanging there. Got everything put back together and mounted...and got a digital display reading of 69 degrees! Yup, still working...and is that the furnace kicking on I hear? YEAH!

Abe Update

Having Abram with us for this interim period--2nd Thanksgiving in a row!-- while Abram awaited word on his new job in Maryland has been a pleasure and an unexpected bonus. Abram bought a one-way ticket from Hawaii, joined his friends to go on a 'follow the band tour' through three cities and then had Phil and Chris drop him by our new place in Tulsa on their way from Oklahoma City back to Kansas City. It was truly great to share the new homestead with Abram and offer his friends a hot shower before they went on their merry way.

The only down side to Abe's great visit has been the virulent strain of cold germs Abram came down with in Tulsa (probably began in Hawaii or during his road trip)...and then exposed us all to it. I started feeling it in my throat, the day before Thanksgiving and the same day Jeff & Abram departed to return to Alabama. I had laryngitis most of Thanksgiving while driving and then it really hit me hard the following few days. Ten days later and I am still blowing my nose. But I know that the cold is almost finished and this nose stuff I can deal with easily. Now Jeff is in the throws of it; body aches and chills...and the coughing, the coughing. I have had a cold this bad in many years. Just a good reminder that being sick is the pits and I'll do what I need to in order to stay healthy.

Abram got word, shortly after Thanksgiving weekend, that his security paperwork did get approved and the new job at Fort Meade, MD, is his and he starts on December 9th. Congratulations, Abram!

Back n' Forth

I can't believe how quickly this past ten days has flown by. I left Oklahoma on Thanksgiving Day and made the 800-mile trek all in one fell swoop, pulling into Ozark very late...but safe & sound. It was good to be back with Jeff and Abram. But this time it feels different.

We closed on the house in Tulsa and it is beautiful. I think it is a perfect match for Jeff and I. There will be a lot of upkeep and maintenance on this new glory of a home and we're up for the challenge. Unexpectedly, we are going to have to do quite a bit more painting than originally planned. I had thought I would whip in, rip out the old wall paper in the upstairs bathrooms, do a bit of painting...then just do some lovely glaze painting on the ceiling in our bedroom...and call it done! Not so. The previous owners took excellent care of this house and freshly painted several of the rooms. But the entryway, hallway, living room, master bedroom, stairway and bedrooms upstairs are in dire need of new paint.

And about the carpets. I had no idea how poor a shape the carpets were in until I saw the house without furniture. Jeff was seeing the house for the first time, the night before we closed, and I could tell he wasn't expecting this either. So, we'll bite the bullet, be grateful that we can do it...and have new carpet installed when we've finished painting our new home.

Ahhh, but I digress (a surprise, right?) The main thought when sitting down to write this morning, is more about the feeling of disjointedness and living in and between both places. The photo at the top says it all. When I leave Oklahoma, I leave these lovely people behind. This time is only for a little while but I was just getting use to being near them when I needed to leave again.

Tomorrow I begin the journey back to Oklahoma and this time for a longer stretch of time. I anticipate only a couple more trips back and forth before it's all said and done. Next time will not be until after the holidays and after Gavin and I get a Grandma and Grandson week while Tarajean and Paul take a much needed and deserved little vacation. Jeff and I will weather through this Christmas in separate states and be grateful for all our many blessings; most importantly that Tarajean and Abram are doing good and Jeff and I are heading toward our next chapter and latest new adventure together ... soon!

Way back when, while sharing about the possibility of a move to live in Tulsa to be near Tarajean and Gavin, Laurie Jo -- such a wise, trusted and dear soul-- said, "Connections are what it's all about." I agree, dear friend. I wholeheartedly agree.

Notes from the desk of Toad

Always fun to start my day with drawing. Have a stack of ideas I have been wanting to render into KimArt and just haven't been in the right creative head space to pick up the pen and draw. With the closing of our house in Tulsa only a couple of weeks away, I have anxiety. It is a good feeling to turn my anxiety into something productive. Okay, NOW I can head to the commissary and shop for a turkey to take to Sarasota. Looking forward to the visit with family.