We were so lucky to have this pool to use all summer! We went so often, that Kes and Jenson each learned to swim.
Which I didn't realize until yesterday, when Keston flipped out of her little ring, and instead of drowning, calmly swam back in.
Not only did we get to use the pool all summer, we got to use the sweet beach condo too! There were many happy stay-cations. :)
Morning walks to Woods, the climbing rocks, searching for beach glass, and sunsets at Boulevard were daily events...
You asked for it: more blogging. So let's start at the beginning...
Toward the end of June, my affectionately named "adoptive family" left for their summer trek to Alaska. The characters in this story are Johnny (adoptive "dad" type), Barbara (his lovely wife, she doesn't fish anymore), Chantel (their oldest daughter, and my friend since kindergarten - she was my ticket into this family, now she's a mom and stays home too), Nicole (the next kid, and my personal massage therapist, is super-tough and can fix the boat engine and pile corks and whatever else she does), and Lance (the youngest kid, whom I used to babysit, and is now Keston's boyfriend, is the skiff man). Confusing.
This is the boat they've had since I was probably in third grade, maybe fourth.? (I remember this, because their first boat sank when I was in second grade.) Wally G. saved them all. Whew. Every summer my best friend (Chantel) went to Alaska, while I stayed home and picked strawberries. Sad.
But then I grew up and was adopted into the family (for lack of participating parents of my own). Happy!
When Mady was three, and I was a much younger version of myself (26?), we were stow-aways, and went to Alaska with them for a week. We rode up on this boat, saw bits of Petersburg and Sitka, then flew home. There was amazing wildlife and scenery. Little Mady kept busy for the three day boat ride up by repeating "We're all gonna die!" Over and over. (We didn't). We saw lots of porpoises and whales and bald eagles and swimming deers in the Inside Passage. Breathtaking.
And now, each year we go to the boat send-off. Ike says a blessing, and away they go...
So I guess not everyone I know goes to Mops, and therefor you have fragmented stories! Let me set the record straight... :) A little graphic-gross, be warned.
I had been having a migraine since Sunday. Oh, back up. Two months ago I stopped buying my outrageously expensive migraine pills, and started using Tylenol and oxycodone instead. It worked so-so and slowly, but it seemed to be ok. So anyway, I had a headache that kept getting worse until Tuesday morning, and I was told to go to the ER.
My sweet Mops friend Chantel drove me, on her way to Mops that morning. (Hence, all of Mops knew the story!) I am pretty sure I dry-heeved out the car door the entire way to the hospital. When we got there, they asked my pain level, and for the first time in my life, I said 10. Keep in mind I have had three children without epidurals and cancer... So it was sort of intense. :) They took me into the hospital right away. Awesome hint: to avoid long waits at the ER, vomit in the triage area non-stop and claim a 10 for pain, Should work beautifully!
From there I got an IV, and at least nine medications that I can remember, including some heavy duty stuff. Nothing seemed to be working longer than five minutes, and the "retching" continued for many hours while Frank held my hand (and kindly tied up the back of my gown now and then). I should mention I did have pants on, sheesh, people!
They did a CT scan to rule out anything serious, and it was fine. Eventually I suggested "how about my regular migraine medication?" Since they don't stock it at the hospital, Frank went out to buy it. After a little while, it started working. By that time they had decided to keep me overnight.
My neighbors in the hospital were horrible! Horrible!! I have never heard such racist comments or language in my life! I really didn't know that still existed, and I was so disgusted. I only wish I had been a little more 'together' to confornt and/or punch them. So Amanda, Collin, and the oh-so-elegant Aunt Margaret - if you are out there, You Disgust Me! You are so ignorant and offensive it is beyond my imagination. PS- too bad security caught you, Amanda, when you snuck out to smoke and there was a CODE ROAM. They should have locked you out.
I digress.
Anyway, I went home Wednesday afternoon, was spoiled by my ever-generous friends with offers of help, prayers, meals delivered while I was gone, and meals once I was home. You guys really are wonderful and self-less, and I am so thankful to be a part of 'us'. Its so nice to know your true friends. I have so many. :) Clarified: Outside of Mops too! Sorry, that is what I meant to begin with. :) I am such a girl, I re-think everything I say, whether someone would take it incorrectly. Except you Amanda, I really just don't like you. Sorry.
And that's that! I am home. I took Jenson to school in my pajamas this morning. Not because I am sick, but because that is normal behavior for me. :) Today I am still taking it easy and going for a massage to try to work out some of my migraine causes. And then I'm done. Let's not do it again anytime soon.
Now, sweet friends, who wants to be first in line for paybacks? I can do some pretty good baking (mint fudge anyone?) and also specialize in Portobello Ravioli. Just let me know, I'll start a list. I love you guys. :)
(Photo courtesy of Mady's broken arm trip to the ER last spring. We like to hang out there, keeps us interesting). Here's how you know I was really sick - I didn't even think to bring my camera!
PS- I just categorized my post under travels. I crack myself up sometimes.
We like to squeeze every second out of summer. Last year we finished it up with a road trip to Whistler, BC. This year, it was the Olympic Peninsula (in Washington State).
When we got back last night, I had an email from my auntie... "Have you gone on your trip yet? How was it, what did you do, what was your favorite part, what was the funniest thing that happened and how was the food? 5 questions..... Love You, Auntie Druann"
So here you go. :)
1. How Was It? Quaint! We stayed in Sequim, in a little condo on a golf course.
2. What did you do? Went to an organic lavender farm, picked raspberries, hiked at Hurricane Ridge, played at the Dungeness Spit seashore, and went to a few antique shops. In the evenings at the condo, we played lots of Scattergories and did a 1000 piece puzzle. (Auntie Druann, I am addicted!)
3. What was your favorite part? The lavender farm! We wandered through the fields, and Mady and I each got a u-pick bundle. We sampled all the lavender honey, dressing, and dips in the retail shop. And the sweetest woman offered us samples of every flavor of lavender ice cream. I had Lavender White Chocolate, the kids had Lavender Lemon Custard. Delicious! Second favorite was our little hike at Hurricane Ridge, where we saw a marmot, lots of deer, and incredible views of the mountains.
4. Funniest thing that happened? Hmmm, my family can get me laughing so hard I cry, on a regular basis. But I think the award goes to the town of Sequim, and whoever was in charge of naming their streets. Upon getting into town, we drove past Hooker Rd., down the street to Clapp Farm, left on Kitchen-Dick Rd, to our little condo on Wood-Cock Rd. I kid you not. It provided lots of comedy in the adult section of the car. This little sign along a hiking path was pretty funny too.
5. How was the food? My favorite was the Alder Wood Bistro. They use all local and organic food, with lots of vegetarian choices. Mady and I shared a portobello panini with sweet potato fries and aoili, with a salad with fresh dill sprigs.
The morning was beautiful! I had coffee on Auntie Druann's deck, and admired her charming gardens, in the million-degree heat.
Then, we decided to go to Tahoe City and raft down the Truckee River. Such adventure! We stopped for another one of these on the way.
We dropped off one car where we would finish up, and drove to where we would begin. Oh! The excitement is mounting! We unloaded....
...and got our boats into the river.
It was lovely! Smooth, calm, blueriver. Lah-te-da, we floated and paddled here and there. Under the bubble-gum bridge. (Gross). Along the little banks and swimming holes.
And then the rapids picked up a little. Two poor cousins had a flat boat. We grabbed onto tree branches to wait along the edge of the river for them while they rescued everything that had fallen out of the deflated boat. Eventually we switched around passengers, and were ready to go again.
Much better. (Except for the occasional spiders and many twigs on us from hanging out in the tree). Blue skies, calm seas.
Until...
the rapids picked up again. Like, way up. And there was rock boulder after boulder sticking out of the river, waiting for us to crash into. And we did. Being in the front of the boat, I kindly buffered all the rocks for my sweet cousins and broken-footed daughter.
Until...
my own foot, tucked under me for rowing leverage, smacked a giant rock. And I screamed, 'I broke my foot!' And then I smacked it again, and again. While we were high-centered on one boulder, and Cousin Alicia "assessed the situation", I yelled to every boat that passed to help us! (They had all opted to rent nice, strong rafts from this place. They probably wore 'mandatory footwear' and had a 'leisurely casual float', too. Wimps.) They didn't stop. I guess in hindsight, they couldn't. Did I mention rapids? And rocks?
So anyway, it finally ended, and we/(I) climbed gracefully/(hobbled awkwardly) out of the raft. At which point we noticed the bottom of the boat was entirely popped, with rips and holes where we struck every rock. No wonder it hurt so much when I hit each rock - I was only protected by a sheet of plastic!
And guess what Auntie Druann? I still wouldn't have changed a single detail about our trip!
(Because it gives me an impressive story, about how I broke my foot in 18 places, while rafting in Tahoe.)Well, I didn't exactly get an xray, but I am certain it would confirm at least a few broken bones. ;)
When Mady and I landed in Reno, we were whisked away to Cousin Sophia's school, where she is learning to become an aestetician. It was 'Family and Friends Half-Price Day' - a flurry of facials, waxings, and manicures. Oh, Sophia, good career choice! ;)
After being made beautiful, we went downtown to the antique store. If you would like a copy of my Christmas Wish List '08, voila:
Since I had to save room in my luggage for the famous vintage dishes, I couldn't bring any of these lovelies home with us.
Although, I did bring home a few rocks from Lake Tahoe. Wrapped in socks to keep them from chipping my dishes. Placed in my suitcase next to my necklace with three silver strands. (This is a really good way to ensure that your carry-on luggage will be inspected for bombs: wires + large dense objects.) Super. Thank you Mr. TSA, for not handling my underwear.
Tomorrow: several ways in which to raft down the Truckee River!
Proof:
A recounting of the adventures of Shawn & Mady, coming this week! {Don't you want to know about my antique store loves and how I earned a semi-broken foot?}
*I'm almost ready to pass the baton in the NieNie crafty-fund-raising. (Thank you, everyone, who supported this through my Etsy, it was fun to do!) You'll finds tons of good things to buy, from lots of talented artists this week to support Stephanie & Christian. Check Nie's Recovery Blog for awesome crafters and ways to donate.
Four out of five of us, love camping, anyway. My husband, not so much. He preferred to stay home and golf, away from bugs and dirt. So the rest of us packed up this weekend.
Camping is all in the details, really. I am the Martha Stewart of camping. Neatly made beds, flowers on the table, gourmet fire pit meals, fairy houses and arts and crafts for the children. For the first day and a half.
By day two, it is just dirty. With marshmellow sticky faces and critters eating our trail mix in the night. Which evolved into our new camping tradition. On evening one, I warmed some water on the fire, used a hotel shower gel and soft cloth to gently wash each of their faces. They loved it. On night two they were asking to have their faces washed. And thus, our new camping tradition. How do you camp?
Making progress on our to-do list.
A stay at Homestead :: A trip to Whistler :: a free movie at Regal (Doogal) :: Ice Cream at Edaleen's (40 cents now!) :: spray park picnic (freezing!) :: bike riding :: picking local strawberries :: campout in the backyard (my whole body hurts) :: reading in the grass :: paper making at the library :: library reading program kick-off party :: walks with my husband in the evenings.
A very good start to our summer, indeed.
My first experience in a 5-star hotel. Not very torturous. Turn down service complete with chocolates, fresh lemon water around every corner, amazing food, awesome views, indoor outdoor pools and hot tub, and the most comfy bed ever. When Keston couldn't walk anymore because she had blisters, the concierge provided a jogging stroller for our stay. Not bad for a business trip, huh? A formal-attire dinner, a brunch for our family that cost equivalent to what I spend in a week for groceries, provided childcare with great activities and fun nannies while we attended the fancy dinners, and a Starbuck's card presented to me for an accomplishment of my husband's. We were treated to lunch in Whistler's Village with the area leader of the company and his family, and fed quite well at every other meal, too. Anyone need a new job? I could hook you up. :)
I get such delight in the details, sometimes! Today was a great day for me, in that aspect. Let me tell you...
a. Mady and I received our parcel from Sophia'sFlowers (etsy shop). We ordered two very adorable pens. Mine has a sweet bird on top, wrapped in satin ribbon, and Mady's is a white flower, click pen. But then there was an extra pen for Mady included, with a gorgeous orange peony, with her favorite color (green) ink and ribbon! Sophia has a wonderful shop, she is very talented. And she is my cute cousin, too. :)
b. I ran out of coffee this morning. Had to use a mix of half decaf to make enough for a cup. So this afternoon I was getting a wee little headache (yes! addict, I know!). I headed to the supermarket for some more compost and a latte. The happy part - on the counter at Starbucks, was a little pail of free samples of coffee beans! Serious delight! AND to top it off, the barista had an extra shot of espresso, and added it to my coffee at no charge. Those little things are true happiness! I get so excited about great customer service, I really do!
c. Jenson was up vomitting during the night. That part, not delightful. But today, he has been fine, and that part is, in fact, extremely delightful, to both Jenson and I! I am wondering if he ate something that didn't agree.
d. Kelly McCaleb is square foot gardening too! Yay, a whole group to learn from! The kids and I have been working on it, and have one box almost complete, two to go. I was dragging my feet on getting it going (all the bursts of snow weren't all that encouraging either!), but now I have renewed energy for it! Go to Kelly's blog is you want to Garden-Along!
e. Great Wolf Lodge. It would be about time that I told you about that! (It was quite nice, although it was over a week ago.) If you go, here are our tips: bring a husband type. I did it with just the kids and I while Frank stayed home to work. It was fine, but another adult would have been even better as far as logistics of waterpark go. The website is nice becuase you can easily see the rates of each day, midweek versus weekend, etc. We went at the cheapest time, a Monday, and stayed in the low-budget room, the Family Suite. I wouldn't have changed that. There are more expensive rooms with bunk beds and separate TV's for the kids, but we were there to get away from TV and separateness anyway! All the rooms are brand new, and I thought it was fine. There was a fridge and microwave, so I highly advise you to take at least your own breakfast if you want to cut your costs a little. The buffett restaurant was expensive, but it was good. You are somewhat a captive audience once you get there. It is in the middle of nowhere, plus you don't want to keep changing your clothes and drying your hair to leave the lodge. My kids did loads of chores before we went, and earned spending money for the arcade and souvenirs too, and they had fun playing skee ball and air hockey. :) As for the waterpark, it was fantastic! Very clean, and no floating band-aids that I saw. (My worst pet-peeve gross thing!) I think our favorite part was the wave pool. And that it was so warm. I only did the waterslides a couple of times myself, because I had to stay with Keston, who was too short/scared for them. There was a little kids area that she really liked. In this photo, you can see the spot where a giant bucket of water tips every ten minutes. That was fun.
Here are scenes from the wave pool. (I had already gotten dressed at this point and was watching them from above). It is a nice gradual deepening, like a beach.
Very Important Tip: At first, when we got in the wave pool, I thought it was going to be too torturous to Keston. The waves were nuts, slapping into us, and going in her eyes. If you are big, that is pretty fun. But if you are little, or have a little person on your lap, just go out into the deeper area, and the waves are much calmer, and very fun for the little peeps.
Here's the little kids' area:
And here are a few, just random overview shots. Oh, and Flat Stanley. And other random things... (No diving, Stanley!)
Ok, I realize this is getting borderline torturous. Like watching someone's vacation slides. But don't you like to know what to expect? Well, that's it. Fun place. And that is all for my happy day. :)
- buy a lotion or bath & body product when on vacation. Every time you use it, you'll remember the little trip and be all relaxed! ...I always associate lemongrass-rosemary with Lake Chelan. In Whistler, it was Lush. Such a great shop. My favorite from this trip is the Brazened Honey face mask. The bath bombs are perfect for a nice foot soak, and the Smitten hand cream is lovely too.
Whistler, BC. Home of the 2010 Olympics. We rode gondolas and chairlifts, ate many delicious meals, walked for miles, swam and soaked, saw wild bears eating blackberries, and had a gorgeous end to our summer.
Mady and I had such a fun time on our trip! We swam and played in the waves at Lake Tahoe (the cleanest, most pristine beach I have ever seen), we kayaked at Donner Lake, went on a dinner cruise aboard the Tahoe Gal with my new Uncle Johnnie playing the music, we had a backyard campfire with all the cousins (and s'mores and campfire songs!), and even shopped at a few scrapbook stores in Reno.
Above all, the best part of the trip was getting to re-connect with my aunties, Debbie and Druann. We lost contact 20 years ago when they moved to Reno. Partly because they moved, partly because of other family issues. It was so great to hang out with them, remember old stories, and see their families. I have an amazing group of cousins! Alicia, Janessa, Sam, Kendra, and Kenzie are all so perfect in their own ways. And Uncle Johnnie, he is a rockstar. (Still waiting to meet Sophia!)It was priceless for Mady to bond with her cousins, so close in age. For me, to find real family, has changed me. Thank you, aunties, for finding me, I love you both!
Now that we're home, so much to get caught up with. I feel disorganized and behind. Not even done school shopping for the kids, a few big projects to be done for my new job. MOPS is starting soon and all of the resposibility that brings, and needing to get my physical therapy done so that I can move forward with my legal stuff from the car accident. I need a plan, maybe a list! I do pretty good with lists, get more done.
