Just a Mom in Unalaska

Lake Tahoe!

2010-07-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

On the NV-CA border

Wow...so gorgeous! I've always wanted to see what the big deal is about Lake Tahoe --was it The Godfather or Scarface where they had a very cool vacation home there?

It was my 1st long road trip, I'm proud that I did it! Driving around the lake is tedious and so is going over the mountains via Incline Village, but totally worth the scenery we enjoyed.

The beaches are WAY too crowded for my tastes....guess people are used to being close to others, we just go to the next bay if there are people already on a beach at home!

Ahhh...It's warm, Lots to Do...Reno is Quite Wonderful!

2010-07-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

The pool in our not-super fancy (but very comfortable) suites-hotel is NOT heated brrrrr....

The day we arrived, the kids played in the pool at bit. We were able to leave Seattle 4 hours early, we didn't have anything else to do! D & A were heading back home...time to leave Washington & figure out Reno! The Horizon flight into Reno was very bumpy, ughhh! Reminded me of landing at home in Feburary or March.

We took Dyl to camp...the next day HB & HD came for a few days' visit!!

We drove out to Cabela's, I just wanted to tease Troy, lol that got me nowhere, now he's planning a trip to the Cabela's near Seattle in September....that's BAD!!

We had a late lunch at the grill in Cabela's ...it was like eating at a baseball game, but was fine.

I almost bought a GPS, but decided that Mapquest is enough. Tickets to Rascal Flats, Kelly Pickler & Chris Young sounded like more fun!! It's in the 90s everyday in Reno and warm at night and in the mornings too. I still can't get over that! LOVE IT!!

Orientation....Downtown Seattle

2010-07-15T14:17:00.001-08:00

Derick's home come the middle of SEP!

Everyone HAS to pose here, right???

The view from the residence hall we stayed in while Derick had orientation (they have orientation for the parents too. To help us adjust to our babies going

It worked....nothing fancy, but was so nice to be right there for all the sessions we attended.

Derick's orientation was a whirlwind....Derick likes it. It's not a school I'd chose, but I'm not the one attending, he is. I'm sure it'll grow on me. I hope to go to the family weekend in October with TFP! I know our boys will miss us by them....or at least our debit cards.

My dad and CNore kept Dyl & Manderzz for a couple days, then dropped them off with us...we walked around downtown Seattle, ate at Mad Pizza (pretty yummy!) and watched some TV in the lounge. Good for them to see a bit of a college campus.

I got the 2 college-students to the airport a bit late for their flight home, oops, but they made it home eventually. We got on an early flight to Reno, yeeeehooooo!!!!

Vancouver BC, Waterslides...and Yummy Food!

2010-07-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

Olive Garden...it's a once-per-trip dinner. I was so sick with a cold that I ordered soup :( SAD!

My step-mom & I have been planning a trip to Canada forever! Or at least trying. The 5th of July was the day it would finally work out. I was sooo sick, but knew it'd probably not happen again. It was gorgeous and I am so glad we went. My dad did the driving, thank goodness. It's very busy in Vancouver.

This slide was so intense!

The waterslides were in a little town in Washington, just over the boarder.

King Crab $40 a pound??? Even if it's Canadian $$$ sheeeshhhhhhhhhh

The fruit was gorgeous!! We went to a market like a mini Pike Place.

July 4th...Brrrrrr!

2010-07-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

Dyl liked the thought of a girls wrestling team.

The brothers were cold --and fighting my cold.

We went to warm up after the parade....we found Dy

Playing some games while warming up.

My parents have bunnies in the yard! I want bunnies in my yard!!!

I do not know why this carving makes me laugh so much! I love it!!

WhyWhy

Mandy & Grandma Carolyn eating some fair food (maple bar with bacon & a bacon dog) LOVE the carved bears having a marshmallow roast!

The Kids are Famous!

2010-07-07T09:04:00.001-08:00

We went to the Farmer's Market in Anacortes a couple days ago and AlaskaDave spotted Derick, then the 2 girls confirmed that is was indeed Jr! They brought him over to where we were waiting for a pesto pizza...he say Dyl and said, "Look at the size of this one!!" Yes, that is what everyone says this summer!
So cool to meet you Dave!!

Deception Pass...we needed a beach fix!

I love this shot!

Alicia found the best piece of beach glass of the day!

A fort they found. And the interesting piles of rocks all over the inside.

Girls made some 4th of July themed cupcakes.

Izzy from next-door likes to visit!

yIzz

Vacation...Anacortes

2010-07-04T06:58:00.002-08:00

We're in Anacortes with my dad & step-mom, of course it has been busy! We've got an extra teen (not unusual for us!) We flew down Wed. We saw two movies the Thursday.... We shopped and ran errands Friday and went over to Whidbey (sp?) Island and played on Saturday after checking out the farmer's market in downtown Anacortes. The kids were recognized!! AKDave saw Jr (AKA Derick) then confirmed his suspicions by seeing the 2 girls. Dyl was with me and grandmas waiting for a little pesto pizza. He came over to say hi...saw Dyl and said, "Look at the size of this one!" LOL my thoughts exactly!! I am amazed every time I look at him!!
I rented a vehicle (mid-sized) at Hertz through Priceline (LOVE Priceline) the nice rental guy saw all the teens and luggage and upgraded me to a ginourmous SUV!! I NEVER would've guessed that Hertz would be that nice!

BIG doughnuts are famous here

Red Robin 1x is a must!

Deep fried jalapeños for this one...

A double-burger for the big brother :)

Hula-hooping in a party store to burn off lunch.

Snacks @ Costco...followed by cheap soft-serve...best day ever according to the kids!

Soccer in the yard.

Look at that Bear Claw!

Catching Up #1

2010-06-17T10:41:00.001-08:00

44 merit badges !

Dyl and friends found a little cardboard boat washed up in the back yard 9 days ago....random! They took it out in the little creek and it worked!

It's mid-June...we're late going on vacation this year, but less than 2 weeks until we go!! Anacortes and Reno this year....with a couple days in Seattle to attend Seattle University's new student orientation. I've never been to Reno, I'm not a gambler! I'd rather just buy stuff & watch dvds, even exercise than lose money gambling! Dyl will be attending wresting camp and I'm taking Manderz to see Justin Beiber in concert (ughhhh!) Anyone have ideas of things to do for 8 days in Reno with a 12 year old? Dyl will be with us part of that time ....after camp is over while we hang out for 2 days before the big concert with 2 billion other 12 year olds!

In March Derick finally finished everything he needed to and became an Eagle Scout! HORRAY!! He had accomplished 99.9% of the requirements by age 13. He just had to do his Eagle project and a lot of paperwork...then a ceremony. Dick Peck a family friend who has been an Eagle advisor for many years helped encourage Derick, thank goodness for him!!!

Audience

2010-06-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Can anyone see friends in the audience of my picture?? Sonia, Ray...CB (Brian), RF from gaming pics at our house...

Hey All!

2010-06-13T20:05:00.000-08:00

K...I'm going to act like I haven't been MIA for 3 months and try to blog daily...catching up a bit here and there. Time flies...and I've gotten lazy, I go to fun events and think why take pictures, Brian will or Sonia...or Jane...not a good way to be!
My friend TFP and I planned a birthday party for 2 girlfriends last night, lots of fun and food...but alas no pictures, Jane has them...I'm so lazy! I'm going to try to be better...between everything else going on.

After the birthday party Sonia and I found a fun bonfire that was just a bit loud....and Bella only ate one very cool Nerf football that was brand new --oops!!

The Most Florlorn Group of People in the Most Forlorn Airport in the US

2010-03-12T10:02:00.000-09:00

LATE last night in the CDB airport. It's not Cold Bay's fault, it was late and we were all super depressed to have waited all day and to be heading back to ANC to try again today. Everyone here is hearing nothing good about the weather :(

Meanest Mom Ever....But It was Too Funny

2010-03-11T08:58:00.000-09:00

D finally made it in late on Tuesday night, the oral surgeon squeezed him in on WED morning --thank you Dr. Heagy!
The hour post-procedure was hilarious!! My kid isn't real talkitive or loud....he was for an hour....I have a couple videos on FB too. You can see them there --unless you are bitter about Facebook (CB)

We've got to hurry and pack to get to the airport after a couple quick stops --say bye to Hethykins, get some yummy bagels, lunch from the Middleway Cafe and a fancy smoothie for the pitiful one.

He had an extra dose of anesthesia, waking up was high on his to-do list!

Gyro calzone....yum!! Was dinner for 2 nights :)

It was his last meal a 3 layer chocolate moose with a sponge cake base, I shared a bit, delicious! He's going to try to make some for us.

Shrimp Parmesan with huge shrimp!

Cute & yummy too!

Kid on the Way

2010-03-09T17:43:00.000-09:00

Just got a text...Jr has boarded a flight. I won't jump to any conclusions, but chances are looking better that he will make it. Now will the dentist have an opening? Will we get seats out of here the day after tomorrow??
I was up and busy from 5am-11pm yesterday! I got nearly everything done that I wanted to. AND hooked up with Chris G for dinner. I just happened to be waiting for a pizza and salad from my favorite resturant (so I'd have the pizza already if my kiddo actually got in) while I was waiting the plane went back to ANC (those poor people, that is miserable to fly over stopping a time or two usually, circle....go back to Sand Point I THINK he said (??) and then to ANC. Then do it again today, sooooo tiring.
He's been at the airport since 10am. Was there 9 hours yesterday. I had a quick appointment this morning which was right by Heather's house. I came here afterward and relaxed!
That's about it...so ready to go home...miss everyone! Missing meetings and regular food from home, everything. It's fun for about a week, then I'm bored and ready to be back.

Miss my Manders!

Miss Bella...

Miss Dyl....and T who I don't have a picture of on my camera....oops but I'm hanging out with friends--

Tomorrow --oral surgeon (with any luck!) ohh and to Gamestop for T. He messed up his Modern Warfare 2 game and evidently that is very tragic!

Getting Closer to Home

2010-03-06T13:01:00.004-09:00

I was in Fairbanks for my classes all week. It was fun and very cultural. I am learning so much about Alaskans...I have lived in a urban bubble my entire life, who knew???

I met some neat people and think I may know what I want to get a degree in...I asked my adviser what she thought, we'll see what she says! Not even going to say, she might redirect me...who knows?
I'm in Anchorage for a couple days, waiting for pooooooor JR to fly over and get his wisdom teeth removed. OUCH! I'm missing all the fun at home, crazy snowstorms (I better see if anyone blogged about them, the pictures and movies everyone posted on FB were GREAT! Made me homesick, I love storms as I've mentioned many times. My hotel is the cutest! The clientel is pretty 2 star, but the staff is very friendly and the motif is funky-modern with lots of lime green everywhere! I'll take pics after my room gets cleaned and share...free breakfast, amazing brand new cardio machines and free weights, a pool, wireless internet and the best desk ever (well except for the Marriott I stayed in a couple of years ago in downtown SFO) the Marriott University is my latest favorite hotel in ANC.

I have no pictures of the gathering in FAI, there were some gorgeous coats and beaded everything, but mostly it didn't seem respectful to be snapping pictures, I just listened. I'm on a different laptop without a single picture soooo I'll post a couple pics of my kid! I am going through old pics on an external harddrive for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor in t-14 days!
He's sooo cute! And I just heard that a friend who moved 2 years ago is also going to Seattle University....he hasn't declared his intentions yet, but I'm betting SU it'll be....
Rama...you going to meet me in ANC and go visit downtown SEA with me????

Ohh I HAVE to finish 17 credits by Mid-May....6 are almost done, 4 not too hard and 7 are super-hard classes....I shouldn't be playing on the internet much :(

Spirit Week Toga Day & Cute Bella Shots....

2010-02-24T17:55:00.003-09:00

Bella is so loving!!
Belly rubs make her smile!
bahahah....love those socks guys! And those shorts Jr!

Funniest Soap Opera Ever --REALLY!

2010-02-24T12:58:00.006-09:00

The Skipper, Rollo, Vixen, Cornelia and Tiempo Bandito...dancing...
More dancing alongside our "busy" road....it is the main road, to us it's busy-- not a car every 30-45 minutes like we get at our house...
From my car, this move made ZERO sense, but it cracked me up....the rest of the crew is behind her, you can see their rain gear!
Uhhh ohhh hopefully Pipa doesn't see my blog shhhhhh don't tell her! (she HATES her picture taken) And Laresa used to be like that, I thought, but she's got a pretty substantial role in this show, maybe she's decided to embrace her inner TV star-ness??
hehehe Sonia, you're so goofy...and these scenes are mild....they get so much sillier!
There were scenes where Manderzz was complaining,"But that's not Sonia...she's not like that at all!!" I think that means good job ACTING. She was confused.

I know what I was doing Friday the 12th that kept me from doing ANYTHING else...it was the 2nd night of the KUCB on-air live fundraising auction. I've been involved with this auction for about 10 years. I have been on air, but enjoy answering the phones, taking bids and memberships the very most...and I'm better at it :)
I took these pictures earlier in January, but held off publishing them until after the world premier of the show Dutch Harbor 99692....The main cast included Cornelia (my favorite actress!) Vixon the observer, Tiempo Bandito AKA T-Bone and Rollo crewmembers and "The Skipper"
Everyone should see a theme with the names??
I was lucky enough to go to cast screening party (pays to know someone in the show!) and we had tears in our eyes from laughing so hard.
It's the funniest, bestest show, I LOVE IT! Manderzz loved it....we can't wait for the DVD to be available. Everyone involved did a great job. I hope after the production people recover they might do more of this type of project :) maybe???
Sonia and I were running errands and going to our different activities around town the day I got these shots, but as she found out filming is a very time consuming ordeal...I left and went back to the rec center for my kids' soccer game.
The scene I watched being filmed ended up being the opening credits....I had no idea at the time and could only think --WHAT?? And chuckle...people dancing in rain gear among the crab pots stored alongside the road???? It all comes together though. Got to get the dvd if you missed any or all of the show!!!

Manderzz is 12!

2010-02-23T11:00:00.001-09:00

She got the itouch that she HAD to have!

Manderzz' Birthday is on Valentine's Day and Jr's is on Halloween...those 2 weeks are up there with Thanksgiving and Christmas with the busy-ness factor! Those 2 love parties. Dills....he's already got his gift for his b-day in June (a fancy bike) and may want to take a friend to eat or have a couple over to play games and eat pizza...much more calm.... Blogger isn't letting me put captions...very frustrated...Jr made her Oero ice cream cake at 11:30pm! It was that busy of a day...I let her open gifts @ midnight...
I love that picture of Lynnette texting on 2 phones at the same time...how can she do that?
The girls played Apples to Apples and watched She's the Man, they love that movie! Manderzz got cash and a warm blanket (we LOVE blankets and pillows!) and 2 Hollister hoodies also. She's already ordered more clothes with her birthday cash....AE with a 40% off coupon. Manderzz knows how to shop! Although CB thinks she needs practice in malls...I think online works very well...malls take too much time.

The weekend that her birthday fell on happened to be the busiest weekend EVER here...we didn't even do half of the stuff that was going on. BUT we did go bowling with the girls that slept over and the next day with CB (he posted about that already on his blog) The kids went to the Ice Cream Social that the preschool puts on...I avoided that. All the ice cream you can eat and more toppings than anyone could ever dream of eating is not an event I need to attend! We missed the basketball games that went on for several days, missed a cookie decorating event (we make cookies daily so no big deal) I missed the Chocolate Extravaganza :( We had to have the slumber party that night. Something else was happening on Friday night. I can't be waiting 2 weeks to blog too much happens!
The kids are dressing in togas for spirit week (yes shorts and tops underneath)

Snow Day!

2010-02-22T16:41:00.009-09:00

Yup..that's my kid in that lovely outfit. It'd make CB so proud to know him :)
CB doesn't appreciate my early morning going to the rec-center look -- a hoodie, sweats and xtra-tuffs. I say it's OK it's what you do here! I do draw the line at shorts and a pea coat...that's just wrong.
Bella and Manderzz looking like each other!

We hardly ever have snow days here...a couple Mondays ago it was very blustery in the early morning and the kids got the day off! I let them sleep for a little while, then we got BUSY! We cleaned out many of our children's books and movies and Jr worked on organizing his room, he doesn't like to throw ANYTHING away (can't blame him, I'm not a big fan of throwing stuff away either!)
I was in another room when Jr got his dinosaurs out and let them stretch their legs a bit.
I'm behind in one of my classes and some blogging in another, it's the dumbest thing, I can't figure their blog out!! Heading to Fairbanks in 6 days for school-- I hope to get caught up before I leave...I've got to start focusing tomorrow. But I'm getting prepared for Jr's Court of Honor (Eagle Scout Ceremony) too.
I'll have 3 days in ANC to work on classes on the way back. I just went through T getting 2 wisdom teeth out --he was over 40! Forget that, I'm getting all the kids' done before they go to college...kid one scheduled for March 9th.

Hi, It's me CD...Remember Me?

2010-02-21T20:42:00.005-09:00

I love the Penair gate (weird, I know) but there are always several locals to visit with...and people who move to ANC and leave us. :(

Wow...FEB 21st already. I went to ANC for 2 days (mammo...love trips in for medical that aren't too dramatic...it all went very well) Got to go to Costco and buy 20, yes 20 pounds of chocolate chips...we have chocolate needs here :) They're in my big freezer. Heather and I go to eat our favorite meal at our favorite restaurant (Moose's Tooth!!)
We went to see Avatar in Extreme 3d too...it was good. Oddly close to the Native Science class I have.
I saw Alena in the airport on the way home, I haven't seen her in AGES! I have to run into her in ANC...crazy! It was so fun to visit with her, I miss talking to her all day, except when one of us is crabby LOL..

Bella got into my gym bag, got tangled in the handle and was about to eat my shoe-- I thought it was funny!

And Manderzz giving Bella a bath, what good girls I have.
She deals with her baths quite patiently.
Too many people on AKWISP or something, the 7 pics took forever to upload. Soooo I PROMISE to post every day this week...and next week --I'll be traveling again and should have more to say, other than, I worked out, I did homework, I worked on my to-do list, cleaned, drove kids to events and walked my dog. That is about the extent of my excitement lately.
OK there are lots of events too, I've just been a lazy picture-taker....

Derick Scores Again...THANK YOU Magone Marine!

2010-01-31T19:57:00.005-09:00

Today was the College Goal Sunday event at the school, Jr. was working (it was busy at brunch and he knew he'd miss most of it) Me, being the dutiful mother that I am went and listened to the presentation, asked questions etc. etc....Jr. Breezed in for the last 10 minutes of the presentation and won the laptop donated by Magone Marine! Even better for him, he gets to choose what kind and what's included (they just donated $$ instead of picking out the computer, VERY COOL of them, they've been doing it for several years.
What a brat! He has a bunch of computers --4 or 5!!
Whatever lol....I'll get one in the next year or so. (mine is very tired!)
I didn't take any pictures at the soccer game this week, they did very well again. T came home from patrol yesterday, I've been working out and doing math...it's raining and gray out, not the most exciting weekend around here, except for the charmed one getting everything his heart desires...

Not too many pictures from the second week of December....not sure what I was doing.
But the one that I did get is a GREAT one!!
I was at the school helping (as always) with a fund raiser for Jr. Yes, I'm grumpy! I need that laptop!!! I'll get over it of course.
T called and had me take this shot before he went home and cut it up. YUMMMMMY!!! Nothing is better than fresh king salmon in the middle of winter. Dills said, "Numnumnunum" while he ate...that about sums it up.

My mother-in-law wanted to see a recent picture of Bella..and I know Margarita loves Bella pics too!

And the 2nd shot YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMY!! Winter kings are the best food ever!

Dyl is So Cool...

2010-01-30T09:15:00.004-09:00

Making cookies --yes we use Crisco --that is our worst food habit!

I've got to get to the gym and start my typically busy Saturday --workout, watch AG's son's game, T is home, then our kids' game @ 3pm. Then I hope a walk with T and Bella

(although I saw rain this morning...rain on top of snow is not my favorite for walking ....)
Last night Dyls played basketball Jr, High VS. JV High School. They have to scrimmage...we're just too far from any other teams.
Ohh yeah Bailey and Cody stopped by, she took Jr's Senior portraits, I had to choose the ones we want. Manderzz was making fried rice. Evidently she watched the lady at Peking make it often (friends with her granddaughter) so she made us a batch...it was AMAZING!

University of Manchester...Or Seattle University?

2010-01-30T09:13:00.000-09:00

Sugar showed up this night after 3 weeks outside!

Ahhh we're an ad for KIAL, how cute! We all have those Unalaska hats too.

Linda moved :( we miss her!

All the munchies --I was into flavored nuts that week. Looks like it's the girls section (by the food)

And the boy section (Bella is cheating) near the beverages in a cooler on the back porch!

It was "T's" going away party...that guy is so freaking tall!

T had to arm wrestle my T.

A very very cool Coastie :) And best raquetball player ever in Unalaska!!

(this is actually from 3 days ago...I haven't been able to upload pics. LOVE you AKWISP!)

Hmmm Jr was accepted to Manchester University today! It has been a dream of his to go to school in the U.K. for quite some time. The price is similar to Seattle U after the scholarship they offered is deducted. He's got a lot of thinking and researching to do! He played video games and then went to the PCR to play soccer, that's how we roll....have to avoid for a bit before thinking deeply.

My whole body is sore not terribly, just enough to feel energized! Lots of time in the weight room this week (any other ladies who are available from 8-10am come to the PCR, it's nice and quiet at that time.

Today was very normal things, workout, errands, lunch with my buddy AG --haven't done that in months, walk the dog, supper with the kids...watched some Private Practice and some #1 Ladies Detective Agency too.
Here are a couple pictures from December when I was taking pictures, but too busy to post. Now I have some time, but no new pictures. I can't keep blogging if all I do is workout and do classes, nobody wants to see me sitting next to the phone typing on my laptop!
Tomorrow Dills has 2 basketball games....maybe poor CB will leave his cave and be well enough to come on the healthy side of town!! (Jr did not give you a cold by making you an omelet on Sunday!!)

Today Was a Blur

2010-01-26T20:58:00.000-09:00

I was tired after all the homework and classes yesterday, today I was not as productive! Running back & forth mostly for the kids, but made it to the gym twice! I even did weights with a friend...I sooooo need to keep that up!

I am determined to succeed in my math class (the other 2 are not going to be hard) I am reading the book like the teacher told us to, I always do that, but I'm making sure I read each section enough times to grasp the concept. This is a picture of the author...I love it! He's awesome, the exact opposite what I'd picture the author of many college math textbooks to look like. The book is funny and not boring.....and check out the cover! This guy is definitely a 60s dude I'm thinking.

Bella Got Mail Today!

2010-01-25T21:51:00.002-09:00

Sunday afternoon...reading lots of scholarships to see what they might qualify for. I am impressed that they're finally focusing! I did have to stick the pillow between them for awhile!

Day 2 of the great scholarship hunt.

The dog version of sweet potato fries! How cool is that? They're chewy, take awhile to eat and she loves them!

Tammy in TN...I mean Sadie who looks exactly like Bella but full-sized (same eyes even!) Sent Bella a wonderfully soft doggy blanket and some sweet potato snacks! THANKS Tammy...errr Sadie. And I will put Bella's Colts neckerchief on her on Sunday...not promising to watch the game though....football puts me to sleep...and there is too much to do to sleep the afternoon away!

The last two days have just been about homework for me and homework/scholarship applications for the teenagers also a nice walk in the park with T last night, and a couple of hours at the gym today (best way to get through a huge amoutn of Indigenous Science reading)

Manderzz and Dyls have been hanging with friends, playing soccer (both) and piano (Manderzz) T is doing what he does...so glad to have avoided that job! I'd never make it through this semester with another thing to do.

No Job for Me..This Time!

2010-01-24T13:17:00.003-09:00

Classes are going, I am spending more time on the treadmill and bike to complete my reading, I fall asleep after 20 minutes reading at home LOL....
I did apply for a job that stated 10-15 hours a week. It was really going to be much much more than that, sometimes even going into over-time! It was a non-profit, not much pay, all the hours expected, but not in the job description. I decided to say, "thanks for interviewing me, but I am not the person you're looking for" and left it at that.
Whewwww....don't really want to work now, I am enjoying my classes and trying to psych myself up for a couple more semesters of the basic classes that I've been avoiding by taking interesting ones!
The last blog post took three days! So frustrating. A tech came out and "upgraded" our internet...whatever..yet another bill from them and it goes out 5x day --ughhhh frustrated. I am heading to the aquatic center (aka The Pool) to work out for a couple hours while savoring some calculus text reading..but we had a good weekend, 2 soccer games yesterday (forgot my memory card, again!) We had the bonfire on Friday night and a few people over for a spaghetti dinner followed by games.

Opps! How'd We Miss That?

2010-01-24T13:14:00.000-09:00

Ughhhhh eagles love garbage!

Maderzz @ the spelling bee. She didn't win, yet!! She has 2 more times to try.

Yesterday morning when saying bye to Jr who sleeps until the very last minute I remembered that an envelope had come from Seattle University at the same time his packet came. He gets a few pieces of mail from colleges every day. He opened it....Seattle University gave him a $48,000 scholarship!!
It's an expensive school, but that is a GREAT start!!
Now if he'd just quit being such a pest and begging us to stay in an apartment...ughhhhh stay in the residence halls, they always have to push things don't they??

I had a job interview this morning, it didn't sound like anyone could do all the work they wanted done in 10-15 hours...which could stretch to overtime when it was busy...and traveling would be frowned upon. Yeah, not happening. She told me I should be on her board instead...not sure what that indicates? But it's over, I'm not getting involved in that.

I have to read 145 pages in my calculus textbook this weekend and start doing problems....fun fun fun....did I mention how excited I am to be taking math???!! This semester, summer and fall will be lots of General Ed requirements, then almost done. What I'll do with a nutrition BA and probably a Health Information Management AS I don't know, but I'm sure I'll fall into something...or not. I am quite good at keeping busy without reporting to an office.

We just got in a from a lovely walk in the dark, it's cool, calm, the stars are out and the snow is fluffy...Bella's 1st walk post-surgery. Captn T is out trying to get a bon fire started...where is our Dyl?? He's our fire-guy.

My health class starts next week, I am such a nerd about nutrition that I came across a year ago. I've already read the entire thing!! 800 pages woooo whoooo that saves so much time!

I also have a Native Readings class and a Native Research class. Don't know too much about them, something very new and different I'm sure.

Bella being SNEAKY!

Juno helping Manderzz with homework. Mesopotamian tools I believe.

HAPPY HAPPY DAY In Our House!!

2010-01-20T14:25:00.000-09:00

Derick got accepted to the University of Seattle...this was his #1 choice for the US...there is one in the UK that he wants, but this is good!!
I got a GOOD smile from him, that's rare! ohh yeah I wasn't quite fast enough, so I ended up with this pic.

Also I applied for a 15 hour a week job today, we'll see what happens. College started today too, enough resting I guess. I just can't let myself get toooooooooooo busy like a year ago!

Thanks All.....I'm Sorta Spoiled!

2010-01-18T22:35:00.001-09:00

Look at all the gifts my friends gave me over the holidays...some of the food and treats were from fall-time.
Thanks Brian (AKA CB), for the fancy and perfect sweaters....the photo does NOT do them justice, both are green of course. CB is all about Macy's and Cashmere!! Ohhh the gifts he gave the rest of the family too! Sheeshh....he's like Santa!!
Margarita --she always keeps us in Southern goodies!! We're infamous for having snacks for the teens here. And so much more, I couldn't list it all. You're so sweet and thoughtful. And Bella loves her duck!

Heder (AKAdventures) The awesome calendar that I know you put many hours into --all the kids were proud to find themselves on it, thank you!!
Rama (AKGlitterqueen) Thanks for the lime green candle-thing and my latest addiction. --can't wait for the order to get in! Everything is going to smell yummy not Bella-ish, right?? Too bad they don't clean up puppy hair too!
Sonia (AKGAL) The new gamne is fun! We need to play again soon!!
Pattycakes --who made the beaded necklace as a going away gift when I left my job, how cool is that? I LOVE it!!
Chris --I wear my warm lime green hat and scarf all the time, your mom is talented!
Annette --Monkey is in my car Soooo cute! The Scarf is with my fancy black dress to wear next year, I'll be that size right? We didn't go to the ball this year.
Tammy M --Bella looks so cute in her scarf...for football I'm guessing?? We're sooo out of it for sports!

Today was snowy and windy, but I like it. My faithful RAV4 gets around so well. Bella had to get a collar today to keep her from chewing off her stitches where her dew claw was removed. She's pitiful, but seems capable of finding positions to snooze in.

College classes start this week, I have a really hard math class and I have to finish my ENG class that I didn't finish when I got sick last spring....sigh....I have a headache just thinking about GERS....I so prefer classes that are fun like Anatomy and Physiology or anything to do with medical offices or even nutrition....geez I'm all over the place, I need to focus or else get 3 degrees!

Hey!! I'm Back...

2010-01-17T11:29:00.007-09:00

A random group of locals hanging out at the crab pots and dancing...
Sonia...that hat is sooooo cool!
There is no logical explanation!

Unalaskans dancing in the drizzle.
Pooor baby Bella...2 surgeries on Friday, but no girl-drama later!
Juno looking like a beauty queen at the soccer game on SAT. Jr and JP are the coaches, Dyl and Manderzz are both on the team. Dyl and one other 8th grader are about twice as big, muscular and hairy...err mature as the other little kids. They can't even really try, they hurt everyone if they do. There was a little girl in the stands whose nose is probably still swollen --sorry ZE.

So handsome!
Manderzz
She was jumping right in, go Manderzz!!
Look at the size difference --smaller 6th graders next to larger 8th graders is a HUGE difference!

I have no idea why I wasn't motivated to blog all through the holidays, but I wasn't . I have a couple hundred pics, and sometimes I forgot to bring a camera along --bad me!

I'm getting more on a "normal" for me schedule again, classes start next week --Math 107, HLTH 203. Also I need to finish my English class and 2 other random classes too that I am not even sure what they're called, ways to help study or do research or something. I'll know more soon. I'm going to need LOTS of help in Math, it's been a few years since my last math class. Jr is still home, he's got an A or A+ in Calculus....gotta take advantage while I can!

Bella is 41 pounds now and just over 5 months old! She was spayed on Friday and also had a dew claw removed that the breeder had missed. That surgery site is worse than the one in her abdomen! But neither are bad and she's been fine since 16 hours post surgery.
I'll get caught up on everything, maybe a week at a time, but here's yesterday:

Sonia and I went to a rummage sale with about 10 tables. All I found is a hot plate with 2 burners, good for all the get-togethers we have or for Jr. to sneak to his dorm (or residence hall as is the PC term these days) in SEP.
We ran some other errands, watched 2 soccer games and I got some pictures of Sonia and crew...I can't even explain until after Valentine's Day...they're TV stars, that's all I'm sayin...

Party Tonight!

2009-12-05T14:03:00.000-09:00

Everyone is talking about the winds we had last night, nothing happened to us, but AG's car door was trashed, my next-door-neighbor's deck fell apart and his bbq was almost in the river! Up the hill Gil and Kristi's shed blew apart and the APL crane fell over too! CRAZY! I hear 120mph gusts were recorded!
A lot of the town are going to the Fireman's Ball tonight and some are working (Sorry Jr!) and happy birthday Juno!
We're having a going away party for one of the guys on the boat tonight. I'm on a kick --I made 2 kinds of nut/dried fruit clusters and 4 kinds of flavored party nuts. I noticed that I have a TON of nuts in my freezer. T is planning this party with the other guys, so they're going to make BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs?? Random for December! It's calm now, but is supposed to blow up to 65 tonight! Should be fun to watch :)

Jr and Juno making Christmas cards

for art class....ignore my eBay piles...they'll HOPEFULLY be listed next week and eventually GONE!!

(that is my dream and my husband's too!)

I could not get Jr to smile normally! Ughhh!

Bella got a new duck-hunting coat, a hand-me-down from Jet.

She's so cute! She was ignoring me for the first 2 days I was back, but we're good now...she's back to following me everywhere and being "Mommy obsessed" as Mandy says...ohh and "An attention-taker"

Jr is an Eagle Scout! He started in scouts in 1st grade, had everything EXCEPT the project done before he was 13. Went to the Jamboree when he was 13, watched 4 leaders get electrocuted, came home, our scoutmaster (Manny) died (He was elderly) He wasn't into it anymore, but he did a great project --helping with the restoration project the Russian Orthodox Church is doing for the Bishop's House, which is right next door to the church. We're so proud and thankful that he's finally done!

Home!

2009-12-02T13:49:00.004-09:00

Bella grew!!!!!
Manderzz in the fabulous Cold Bay airport..there is a pic of me...it's not good!! It was a long, crowded flight after 4+ hours in the ANC airport, we were tired!

We made it home after a very long bumpy flight, I still don't feel very well, the bumpy flight didn't help I've felt sort of "off" since Friday! ughhh no time for this!
We stopped in Cold Bay...then had to circle here until there was an opening, but we made it. Today, unpacking. and cleaning of course. I did order Christmas gifts because I'm just weird like that! I'd rather order than stand in line in a store.

Anchorage, STILL!

2009-12-01T12:15:00.000-09:00

We're at the airport, we've been here for awhile, tried to sneak on the 9:35am departure, but no room. Our flight just landed...we should be on the way home in a few minutes! I hear the wind is "brisk" and the visibilty is decent. And all 9 of our bags made it safely...whewwwww. That is good.
We had a nice dinner with our friends, even played a game, a different kind of game than we've ever played. It's to facilitate communication. The Ungame. It was good. We need to buy it.

We borrowed clothing for sleeping and washed our outfits :)

Mandy got crafty...and playing the deep game we played

I better get my pics on before it's time to board...will probably be busy for a week once I get home, it seems to be that way after a trip...and I have holiday STUFF to accomplice too.

The Trip That Never Ends (cleaned up a bit)

2009-11-30T15:16:00.002-09:00

We had a good day yesterday, even though the 3 of us were getting a bit testy and anxious to go home. We bowled 3 games (quite badly...but it was fun nonetheless) then went to Hethykins and Steve's house for dinner! I try to do this every time I'm in ANC if at all possible. She's been my confidant and has been my bestest buddy for 26 years!
Steve made moose steak, garlic mashed potatoes and salad...it sounds like an average meal, not so! Steve is an amazing cook!!! It'd be dull if I cooked it :) I got hints on making our moose as tender as theirs, thanks guys!!
Steve and T had never met...they talked and talked about killing animals to be eaten...Maybe Steve will come out to fish this summer. Soooo I think they got along :)

Manderzz did Marina's hair

The kids played Scrabble too. I feel a new game obsession coming on! (I know you'll approve Donna!)

Today we were SUPPOSED to fly home. The flight went, T went. Mandy and I decided to PenAir up on their offer of free tickets ANYWHERE Alaska Air flies (MEXICO??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and stay until 12pm tomorrow...Heth will be here any second, we'll be off the internet until tomorrow am.
LOVE free tickets --some of the fares are $1600-$1800 EACH :)

Family Friends and Culture

2009-11-29T08:43:00.007-09:00

The sets was gorgeous, but we read in the program to not take pictures after I got these few, being a rule-follower I didn't take any more.

Manderzz shared some with me...yum! My salad was gross.
The whole gang...Wonder if we'll EVER have occasion to include MTM's and K's families too??
C & B were so cute. Silently entertaining themselves while the adults talked and talked.
I think Frederico was Mexican not Japanese, oh well. He was good.

It's our last night in ANC --we're sooooo ready to be home. I know that Jr, Dylls and Bella are very ready for us to be home too. Friday we met up with my brother Rick, Brenda and their boys at Benihana. What a meal! It was delicious! We had a great time visiting too. We were exhausted and I was in bed by 9pm.
I'd been up since 5am to hit Sportsman's Warehouse for guns, ammo, hunting/sledding clothes and who knows what else, A LOT of stuff. People thought we were sooo rural Alaska that we chose THAT store and THAT stuff to buy on Black Friday. Whatever --all the other electronics can be purchased on line and shipped to us, why bother with the crowds and lines? (plus we're not doing the crazed electronic thing this Christmas, our "indulged" kids have more than enough already!)

Yesterday we ran a few errands, Target and Old Navy for Mrs. Beard's class. T went to REI for some gifts while Manderzz and I ate at the Middle Way Cafe -
http://www.yelp.com/biz/middle-way-cafe-anchorage
I want to eat that sort of food all the time! I think Jeff needs to open a place like that?!! Or Alena?? Come on guys! Someone...
Last night was the big night, The Nutcracker! We met Patty, Dave and DJ. It was lovely, Manderzz liked it a lot. Patty gave Manderzz a sweet little ballerina ornament as a keepsake (she's so thoughful that way!) T survived and didn't fall asleep, but there will be no more ballets for him.

Today, just a quick trip to Fred Meyers I haven't gotten 2 items for Mrs. Beard's class and T has a few more things to get (don't know where we'll put this stuff. We literally have 9 pieces of luggage and 2 carry-ons each and CB thought we were slackers in the shopping department!! WE acquire huge amounts of crap without even trying.

Thanksgiving..

2009-11-29T08:05:00.007-09:00

The youngest kids played the piano together (like 100 years ago??)
AS found T's ginormous flashlight..
We played Apples to Apples...Juno won, if I remember correctly. I got only one card :(
Some of us wrestled.
Others arm wrestled.
AG beat both of us --duhhh.... I'm a treadmill-elliptical sort of gal. I make teens do my heavy lifting or T when he's in town!
Holy cow...we are due for a new video game to entertain us!
They were having some deep conversation about how much line is released when the reel is turned or something ridiculous like that.
We didn't invite the dads to the table.
The spread, I meant to make it all, as I'm the one that is home, but I only had time for half of it. T, Jr and Juno ended up making a couple items each --THANKS GUYS! I was not doing well at about 3pm.
I am going to move on to cookies and more kinds of fudge :) OK maybe after cookies and cream bark (white bark with Oreos --yum!

Our actual Thanksgiving was mellow...we didn't want to crash anyone's dinner here, so sort of snuck to a not-too-fancy restaurant. Ughhh I've been sick ever since! (Or maybe it was the coffee at 5am on an empty stomach on Friday morning)
BUT we had a delicious and fun Thanksgiving with all of our kids and our buddies AG and family (minus MS...we all hope Dyls and MS be OK with being in the same space soon --someday! LMAO...teens!)
I hear it's deep fried turkey @ their house on Christmas and a New Year's Eve party at ours.

T bought some new game (the one that if you buy the REALLY fancy version like Jr's grandmother pre-ordered for him comes with real night-vision goggles!) I'm sure some Modern Warfare 2 parties will be happening this month too. The boat is in town and I HOPE we're done traveling for awhile!!!

Opps AG's Halloween Madness That I Forgot to Share

2009-11-28T13:48:00.001-09:00

I know it's totally late, but I went to bed super-early last night and it's quiet this morning (I even did laundry, to me that means we've been gone too long...all my workout clothes have been throughly used) My one complaint about this hotel --it's HOT!! Like 73 or 74 degrees...even in the exercise room!

Cute little Melina...

AG and neighbors (Ray and T's co-workers) put on the best Halloween ever! Full-grown Somans were too frightened to go up the stairs! Mothers were angry that it was so scary and tween and teens had to dare each other to go up the stairs...
They had "dead" bodies with axes in them already in body bags with evidence tags in the yard...fog everywhere and the creepiest 6'7" (or something like that) Jason (or maybe just some scary guy?? I don't want horror movies) at the top of the stairs with a REAL chainsaw yelling at everyone. (the chain was removed) the sound and the smell was very scary then add the huge creepy guy and the fog ughhhh....

RS is a Ghostbuster T was very scary! Neil-Boresting.
Dorks in their costumes

and a SCARED teen!

Wonder Woman and ohhh it's Sugar too.J& E stopped by too!

Our First Black Friday in a City with Malls

2009-11-27T15:30:00.000-09:00

Wow..where has the week gone? We've gone to dr appts (t is fine) and watched too many movies. I've worked out and we've swam in the pool, played in the huge wonderful hot tub and ate. That's all I can remember from the week!
Thursday we were sad, missing the boys and our puppy has practically adopted the Hladicks LOL...they sent 16 pictures of her with them! They suggested picking ourselves up a new puppy! Jr has been watching her, but between school and work he needs help. I really think he'll never have kids after this week!
AKGlitterQueen and crew picked me up THUR we hit Old Navy as they were about the only open place. Then later T was kind enough to take me to Michael's which opened @ 5pm. We got a lot for Mandy's class. For the family they adopted for Christmas (Unalaskans as always have come through more than EVER expected and this family of 5 are going to have an AMAZING Christmas!)
We were going to hit ToysR Us at 12am...but couldn't justify it. We just didn't have much to get there. 4 am at Sears or was it JC Penny's?? We just didn't NEED anything enough to get up.
BUT 6am at Sportsman's Warehouse, THAT's Worth waking up at 5am, getting there by 5:30--whatever!

My big purchases...a clearance sweater, matching scarf and some glove-mittens.

My view for quit awhile:

These piles don't include the copious amounts of ammo

and 3 sleds....

It took until 7:30 we spent soooo much $$$ omg... it was very cute, some people were selling coffee and muffins while we were in line, they'd been up all night going to the lines all over town.
Back at the hotel, breakfast with a 100 happy hungry people (some kids' hockey tournament happening this weekend, good weekend for Alaskans from all over to come to ANC!) then back to the mall to let Manderzz spend HER $$$, She's been patient. 2 stores and she was satisfied. T ran into one of his best friend from growing up in Kodiak, that was very fun! Maybe he'll talk Mark into coming to Unalaska this summer!
A quick trip to Costco..then I demanded to come back to sleep. We should've been bowling with AKGlitterQueen and kids, but ...no sleep was needed.
We did try to pick up our Nutcracker tickets..that was a cold, wet failure, I hope we can get them tomorrow.
T and Manderzz are at a fast food resturant (yuk!) I had half a bagel, peanut butter and some pineapple. Sick of eating. We are meeting my step brother and family for dinner tonight at Benihana's. We've never been, I hear it's wonderful!!
CB was appalled that I wasn't into Black Friday, omg it's too much for my brain, all the crowds, all the lines...no Wal Mart, no Best Buy EVER....but the calm stores we went to were nice. I purposly chose "nice" places.

Wow, We're Easy to Please.

2009-11-23T11:48:00.000-09:00

I love this hotel! They took us to the Orthodontist and picked us up...I tipped them, but that's NOTHING compared to paying for a taxi! And they just knocked on the door with a note and a yummy piece of cake --"Dear Hotel Guest: Happy Monday
Since we want you to feel at home here at Embassy Suites, we though y ou would like a home-baked treat. We hope you will enjoy a piece of home baked strawberry cake from our Pi Kitchen + Bar.
LOVE IT!! Ok off to the gym for a couple of hours before we head to the airport to pick T up. Dinner @ Outback and some movie tonight :)
Ohh and braces for Manderzz after her last molars come in. Better get Dyl's done now and her's in a year or so.

Mellow Day in Anchorage!

2009-11-22T17:52:00.004-09:00

Heder and Steve 2 of my favorite people ever!!
We needed a t-shirt for working out!
Manderzz at the movie.
We DO need a place to eat yummy food while watching a movie...someone needs to do that in the bottom of the Intersea Mall!!!

We made it!!! The weather was up & down all day....not good at all when we were driving to the airport, but cleared enough that at about an hour past our original time of departure 3 flights landed! We were on the 2nd one....although the 3rd beat us here. We got in pretty late last night, after picking up some people in Cold Bay...man what a full flight, glad we got off the ground that 2nd time!
This has been one of the quietest days I've ever had in Anchorage. It was close to 10 before we got settled into our GORGEOUS wonderful suite at the Embassy Suites hotel. They gave us free Internet, which should be $9.95 PER DAY (not a fee that I care for one bit!) and a basket with some goodies and a free pay per view movie...I love this place! Manderzz was a little hungry, we were able to order appetizers in the lounge/restaurant downstairs. She got hot wings (Go figure, if no chicken strips she goes for wings!) I ordered the cutest, yummiest appetizer. I have to get them again to show Jr a picture! It was like sushi tacos with ahi and cabbage and I think terrikai sauce. Really fun!
The pool looks great, hot tub too. I worked out this morning for 2 hours and the cardio machines all have TVs built in...there is nothing on at 7am on Sunday morning, so it didn't matter, but the machines were very nice! The breakfast was free and had omelets cooked to order, biscuits and gravy and all the fixins...no crab, shrimp or smoked salmon, but the price is right!
We had purchased tickets to the 10:45am Sunday showing of New Moon, thinking it'd be quiet -HA it was packed, we ended up sitting in the 2nd row! I did enjoy the movie and will be listening to the books. I thought I couldn't stand Edward...I think I'm on "team Edward" now, Sorry CB!

H & S picked us up, we wandered around the Sears Mall killing time before the Bear Tooth Theater opened for the movie we wanted to see! It's so fun there. I can't stop ordering gyro pizza to move on to anything else! I have the 2nd half to eat later tonight fter a lot of cardio of course. The play 2nd run movies, this afternoon it was Julie and Julia. I listened to the book. It sort of followed the book, with a bunch of extra "Julia" thrown in.
Tonight...swimming, Manderzz is going to try to help me figure out the arms for free style as I missed class yesterday and again to the cardio machines...lots of books and magazines to read!
T is scheduled to leave Unalaska at 1pm tomorrow, we'll go to the airport to meet him after a long lazy morning of cardio, pool, hot tub and fancy buffet :)

Duck Hunting, Bake Sale and We're Out of Here Today --We Hope!

2009-11-21T13:52:00.001-09:00

I didn't bring a camera to the 6th grade bake sale this morning (they've adopted a needy family for Christmas) but I did get Jr. Making his 'sis some cream puffs for her contribution.

Bella and T went hunting this morning!

Manderzz and I are about to head to ANC for 9 days! I was so overbooked this morning that I skipped stroke clinic (learning how to swim better) and a hair appt (REALLY bummed about that!!) I did go to the gym for 90 minutes and helped at Manderzz' bake sale at Alaska Ship Supply. Her class is really excited about helping the family they've adopted and are learning a lot about finding deals online (gotta know how to work it!) And looking for deals on practical items, plus a few fun things too.
The weather is not tooo bad out...if it holds for 3 hours we may luck out!!

Girl Day at Our House

2009-11-19T14:37:00.000-09:00

Yesterday Jr was at work (WED night seafodd buffet night) Someday I've got to go and get pictures, it's fancier than the brunch --well should be it costs more!? I haven't been in at least a year..
Dills was at wrestling, but Juno stayed to hang out with Manderzz....they turned 14 of Margarita's pecans into the most colorful ornaments!

This Santa scares me...'just sayin..

I went to the completion celebration for the school's upgrade project --forgot my camera...there were a couple other bloggers there, it was a very nice ceremony! The school looks fabolous and should be much more sound, safer and fuel efficient.

I love sledding pictures!! That's very obvious --the kids are happy and outside! Plus they're very fun to scrapbook.
Worked out for almost 3 horus this morning....have 2 meetings and swimming and a trip report to get done this afternoon and evening, I feel like I'm working :)

And big decision: Jr is staying home alone!! EVERYONE please make up an excuse to drive by and make sure there aren't 2x as many cars as usual (3 trucks & a RAV) We were once left alone, 4 teens and a cat...one creature didn't survive and we're STILL in trouble! It was BAD BAD BAD....

I Love Snow...When I'm Not Flying.

2009-11-18T12:12:00.000-09:00

Yesterday was fun! It was snowing like crazy...the 2 youger kids took the puppy sledding across the street. I worked out a lot...didn't have an accident when a grater was coming at me on my side of the road in the snow?? I'm still muttering about that? Why would the driver do that? It's a perfect road, wide-ish, flat, paved...no obvious reason to mess with my head.
Manderzz made a snowman, I learned how to make cube steak from moose meat. I only like very tender meat...this was absolutely delicious and worth the $120 or whatever the gadget cost!

I made more peanut clusters, then as I don't even like peanuts I tried macadamian nuts and pistacios too --yumm! We have candy for the entire holiday season, really must move on!
I've already worked out, gone to the dentist, my teeth are perfect... just 2 more silver filings to be "fixed" apparently they're wearing out or cracking...that's fine, it'll be nice to have no metal in my teeth at all! The kids all have dentist appts this week too and now I have to get a temporary put on the worst cracked filling Friday...that way I can get the permanent one when the dentist comes back in just a few weeks --fun! It better stay in, no fun to be messing with a tooth while running around Anchorage!!

Manderzz' adorable snowman, who was spoting pusky arms and nose!

Random Cabala's gadget that I'm really going to love!

Enough candy to last a month...

AG and I walked while AS played basketball last night, Pattycakes popped in, haven't seen her in ages, ended up talking instead walking or watching...opps!

The dads played raquetball last night.

I have to write up the saying to go on Jr's yearbook page...right now..I should quit blogging and get it done so I can swim @ noon. I'm getting close to being done with my "Indoor Triathelon" which comes to over 3000 hours of working out....I must be adding that wrong. It's 1660 miles, you get 30 miles for each 60 minutes of exercise...I'm on a break from school. Anyone??

Nothing Exciting Going on...

2009-11-17T10:49:00.001-09:00

I think lots of snow is exciting! Seems like last winter was without good snow. We live on a flat, paved road, have a huge parking lot and there are 3 males to shovel. And my Rav4 gets around so well. No reason to not love snow!!

Life in the valley is so much more serene than over on the docks!

Stopped by the school to pay for Jr's yearbook page...there was a potluck for principal's appreciation day. I snuck a bit! Everything was so good!

This picture cracks me up:

Derick made Aunt Cathy's banana cookies for T...they didn't work, too much butter or not enough flour, too bad!

Isn't Bellla growing quickly?? She ALMOST always makes it outside now...although the snow is as tall as her bottom, sort of freaks her out. Manderzz and I are heading to ANC on SAT night after a long day (working out, stroke clinic, Manderzz; bake sale --her class adopted a needy family through the Salvation Army, her game, a birthday party for a cute soon to be 3 year old....THEN we head to Cold Bay THEN finally Anchorage. We have tickets to New Moon on Sunday morning, and with any luck at all HEDER will have us over for a delicious dinner with her wonderful family. I've been working out and doing things around the house lately....not much that is blog-worthy. A mom cooking, cleaning, organizing, working through a to-do list.

Monday Troy catches up with us. He's got appointments most of the day TUE. After that I'm not sure what the plan is for most days. Pattycakes is going to be there, maybe dinner with her? AKGlitterQueen and kids are coming up too! We've got to get pedicures, it's a tradition when we get together....maybe Thanksgiving in a diner?? I'm good on turkey and stuffing for awhile, but didn't have any pie as I need to practice crust before I make any pies. --I guess Christmas will be at AG's --the infamous deep fried turkey! We're having a New Year's party here! Now I just need to buy Christmas gifts, we're being calm this year. Not a ton of fancy electronics, did that last year. Nothing has broken or come out since then that is important.

Stocking stuffers are the hardest to find, I'll try to do that in ANC. I need to go alone to do that really, hard to do with Miss Manderzz along.

The Mightly Duck Hunters

2009-11-13T10:04:00.003-09:00

I can't believe it's been almost a week since I got home! Ohh yeah...I saw Jonathon from the TB in the PENAIR area in ANC....ignored him also..those guys are everywhere!!

Ughhh worn out planes don't make me happy! I'm going to assume they put their money into the engine and not into making the inside look decent.

Manderzz made me a chocolate cake with A LOT of frosting!

Time has flown, I've ignored my computer, badly. All the moms and friends feel neglected --sorry x7! I have been swamped, really! Every day flies by: kids, puppy-working out-errands-housework oh and T too.
T and RS took Bella the mighty duck dog hunting last night. They got 4 ducks for Irene...Bella couldn't be bothered to even glance at them. Then she hid in the grass from the rain only 3 feet from T, but wouldn't come..and to top if off refused to walk back to the truck, T had to carry her back! She needs some training and she's only 13 weeks old.

T has some appts in ANC and I'm going with him, little princess Manderzz was NOT pleased, her parents going to ANC yet AGAIN and she who "NEVER has ISSUES" NEVER gets to go...plus the drama of a puppy taking all the attention she USED to get....she's almost 12, I guess the drama is par for the course?? LOL...I thought, why not? It'd be fun to bring the kids. The silly boys can't be bothered, Jr. is looking forward to a lot of OT at the hotel, Dills just can't be bothered, he really can't stand shopping, waiting around for appointments to be done and hotels are even boring to him (Not me...I like hotels!) I told Manderzz she could come....OOPS should've looked first...no seats! I was stressing out for a day, not wanting to tell her, then not wanting to go myself...I remembered the special number that we can call to get seats when it's a time that the seafood industry is moving people and seats are not to be found looking online.
I was a very distraught mommy....not even an act, but a polite distraught mommy...the very professional, fast, smart and helpful agent got her a seat -- on the 21st, not the 23rd like T and I were originally scheduled to leave but that's good enough, she also changed my outbound WITHOUT A FEE --that's awesome and doesn't happen very often --no way that a 11 year old can fly alone in the winter! 1) She'd be scared, sometimes the other passengers can look a bit frightening --I have never personally witnessed arrests upon arrival in ANC, but I do know it's happened. 2) There can be drunk people -- yuck! 3) the flights make stop(s) usually in the winter and 4) the weather is sucky, usually making for a bumpy ride.
We're used to all of this, but it's just easier when a parent is there with you, when you're a kid.

Today is the car, hotel, tickets to the Nutcracker (I hope!) and making desserts for our early Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow night. After dinner we're going to play games with AG's family! I miss playing games!! They played last week when I was at the school board training and Manderzz beat everyone, she's ready to play again!
K, off to buy more Spanish peanuts as I burnt the first ones,I can't make peanut clusters with over-cooked peanuts (thanks for the recipe Martha!)

Still @ the Conference, Heading Home @ 2pm

2009-11-08T10:22:00.001-09:00

Not a lot of photo-ops yesterday, LOTS of talking, lots of learning....some eating and a bit of shopping too.

I'm packed and ready to head home this afternoon, time to get busy selling my eBay! For reals!!

We'll be heading back over for some medical in a couple weeks..ANYONE up for puppy sitting for just a couple days???

I found peanut oil for AG's husband to deep fry a turkey for Thanksgiving and picked up some stuff for CB too. Didn't do all that I wanted to do, but there is always next time, right?

I wasn't able to work out this morning as the gym opened late...bummer! Back at it 6am tomorrow!!

Can we start baking holiday goods and listening to Christmas music yet??

Here's TFP hte president of the Unalaska Board of Education. Or Her Majesty as I like to call her, moderating the resolutions meeting this morning. Later today she will take her position as AASB president...go Tammy!!

A Long Day..Then A Bit of Fun

2009-11-07T10:43:00.000-09:00

We had a long day of meetings and seminars, learned lots...then the annual AASB scholarship fundraising dinner. After that we needed a change of scenery...several of us ran to Target to grab some little things... ohh the fundraiser was AMAZING every district donates items, then we bid on them ...omg hand carved ivory and soapstone figurines, signed items from Phil off the CM from us, handmade dolls from up north, just all sorts of wonderful Alaskan teasures. OVER 15k was raised! 15 $1000 scholarships --horray!!

6 Hours of Fabulous-ness

2009-11-06T04:38:00.004-09:00

She's called the Glitter Queen with good reason...
Look, I do have a better pair of shoes with me....haven't worn them yet.....but I might :)

Rama is so cute! I didn't get enough pictures of Heather, but I'll make up for that before heading home.

The first day of the conference was good, at 5 Heder swung by, we went to The Glacier Brewhouse...Rama and the moose joined us shortly afterward. It was wonderful 2 of my favorite people and a delicious dinner too!! Heder had to leave us too soon :( I hope to see her lots more before going home!!

R is so fun, I need to update my wardrobe, I seem fine for home, but much too dull! I'll see her more than once every 5 years and pick up some pointers. Nothing tooo crazy, mostly better footware. She hates my lime green Danskos ---ohh they're soooo comfortable though and my feet do get tired with all the working out.

The kids are off for parent-teacher conferences, so the puppy is not alone. I owe Manderzz some clothing from Abercrombie for all her efforts...hope the girls can help me choose, I think I passed them 2x yesterday, I see Juno much more at home than traveling with her!!

Rama and Heather both need to come to Unalaska....one has an insane number of miles on her AK Air account and the other is married to and AK Air employee...helloooooo....everyone wants to meet you guys! And Rama can't wait to meet AG and CB especially, maybe not at the same time.....

LOVE the Gym..want to spend 4 Hours There

2009-11-05T08:50:00.004-09:00

I think I get to see my old buddy AKGLITTERQUEEN today, she's CRAZY fun!! Horray!

I swan for 30 min and did the stationary bike for 45...I feel great! There were mandy more things to do in the large gym, can't wait to get back there later tonight.

Home is not a happy place, Bella and I have a definate routine...the kids are off for parent-teacher conferences, having to bribe Manderzz to fill in for me. ohhhh bother.

AASB Conference!

2009-11-05T00:02:00.003-09:00

We had a tough time getting out of Unalaska, our 1pm flight was canceled, we were rebooked for 5:30. It made it. It was SOOO windy leaving I was terrified even with a "flying pill". I was able to calm down and sleep for about 2 hours...just in time to wake up for the horrible turbulance before we landed in Anchorage. I love to travel...just sometimes it scares me!
Keith from the Wizard and maybe some of his crew --dudes in Wizard jackets? were on the flight and Phil was at the airport too. We ignored them all! We were more fascinted about the new wacky earrings chef Jeff was sporting and saying hi to jr. (chef Jack came home after vacation) and noticing that Juno and I chose eerily similar hats, gloves, scarves and jackets...we'll get a picture, it's scary!

I ordered soup...it was cream with a few potatoes and a dollop of sour cream! Not light at all.

Our lovely student reps Juno and BH

JC the superintendant is hiding and Dan the Library man is shown too.

Ummm yum!! I want to be 16 or 17 again ..lol I had ice tea.

Taking a bit of advice from CB, I actually unpacked and didn't leave my stuff strewn all over the room, I never thought about that until I heard about that from the other point of view!

I don't have the awesome Halloween pictures from AG's house darn it! So when I get home I'll post those. Must get to bed I HAVE to swim and ride a bike before the conference...my indoor tri-athelon is getting close to being done and I'm just half done!

Halloween At Home..

2009-11-02T17:38:00.006-09:00

I have to break Halloween into two posts...home and the festivities at "Trooper Housing" or "The Apartments" as the housing is referred to.

Pumpkins were carved.... (I missed Dills making his masterpiece complete with "boogers"

Manderzz decorated:

Gifts were opened:

Bella was cute --(always!)

Costumes were worn: (I don't have the "scary jester and the burger King" things were just too busy :(

Trick or Treaters came by:

Plenty of food was eaten:

Apples to Apples was played:

A song was sung (poorly I do have to add)

Cake was enjoyed:

Dad got tired after the 2 hours we spent over at the apartments:

I hear the boys played Xbox until 3 or 4 am.....

I was asleep!

Teen Are Entertaining, That's For Sure!

2009-10-31T12:53:00.007-08:00

We adults got a little goofy too --we had to stay awake until 12:30am!

Some of the GREAT costumes at the dance:

There are our kids...sitting... LOL Dills was dancing later on. We've got Marilyn Manson, Michael Jackson and some really cute "cow people" I called them that, not them.

That funny bunny needs his scary jester mask

Halloween Dance

2009-10-31T09:17:00.001-08:00

AG and I chaperoned a dance last night....it was cute, LOVED the costumes. We were stationed in the hallway watching that nobody wandered into the halls, I am grateful.... that music! I am officially ancient.
Jr & Juno made some "candy sushi" to sell at the dance & worked hard to put it on. I think the kids loved it? Even Dills said it was THE BEST DANCE EVER...and he never says positive things about events like this one.

The rice krispi-treat with all sort of candy "sushi" actually tastes really good!!

A "fancy" version to share with Kelly --the guy who makes "Real sushi"

I have to go workout...I have many more cute costume pictures to add when I'm back --I dressed at "Jr's annoying mom" and AG as MS's annoying mom...

It was late, we dressed in sweats.

I can't explain it, but Annie the 100 pound bouncer's costume really freaked me out!!

This shot is for Robin! LOL T was enjoying the dance a lot...took a little nap at one point!

Backwards Inside Out Day & a Concert Too

2009-10-28T11:57:00.001-08:00

I made it another 1 hours 45 min on the cardio machines at PCR...had to get home to catch the kids in their outfits before they changed. Somehow Dills thought "inside out-backwards" was an excuse to dress like a fisherman in a white t-shirt ..it was from Hollister, but it's inside out & backwards! And his favorite new sweats, a lovely black pair of FCA (Fishing Company of America) pants that were his father's from a fundraiser years ago.

The puppy eats like she's starving....Help anyone with how much to feed her?? I don't want to overfeed, but she acts like she's starving all the time, I swear 2x what goes in comes out! She's hyper, happy and playful now, everyone is having a lot of fun with her.

Tonight's big even was the band concert. Yes, poor Rama, it's that season yet again. Now there are 3 bands --5th and 6th, Jr. High and High School.

Poor AG she had to do paperwork before the band concert because she's that busy :(

CB came along and helped Jr study for the SAT while we waited. (we got there early to get a seat on the top row!)

Dyl played trombone & percussion too!! We were all very proud.

AS did a fantastic job on trombone, this group of 5th & 6th graders has only been playing 1 quarter and they were quite good.

Several of the XBox playing teens are also talented musicians:

Rama is lucking out...I couldn't find the link to show Dyl playing the drums...it's only about 5 seconds long. I'll post it if I can figure it out.
I only made it 1 hour 15 minutes at the gym this morning and have yet to accomplice much else. I better get moving and get some projects done. Will go back to the gym later :) YES, I really do enjoy cardio. I wish I enjoyed the weight room and swimming as much!

Monday,... Monday....

2009-10-26T19:09:00.006-08:00

The first mess that didn't come from her body!
Manderzz assembling our puzzle. We found the 12 pieces and they were thrown in a cauldron with all the other families' pieces. We'll see if we win on our TV program Flash! Unalaska on Wednesday night.
Silly kid, looking up "ghost" in a huge scientific encyclopedia.
I LOVE THIS PICTURE, goofy kids!
She says this is a hippie outfit. There is a colorful fringed vest from a halloween costume 5 years ago that is hippie-ish. The rest looks normal and comfy to me!!
I guess I dress like a hippie everyday according to my daughter as this is about my daily wardrobe!
Real food, and a sit-down meal. I promise I'll do it again tomorrow night kids.. we ate on the run again tonight as everyone's schedule was different.

We had a REAL full sit-down dinner with 4 different items last night...time gets away from me and we end up having something small like tacos that everyone grabs when they are home. T is out on patrol but all 3 kids + Juno and I were all here yesterday!
My husband emailed, he worked on deck yesterday and is sore today heheh...he better do that more often...can't go soft! He's been doing it for 25 years, he'll deal with it..
I need to get better about dinners, I know it's important to all eat together. We certainly do better when Dad is home.
I walked on the treadmill for almost two hours this morning! Then took AG out to lunch. She bought me lunch on SAT, so I owed her, love salads from Mag Bay...almost as much as amaretto sours (not for lunch!)
2 of my kiddos dressed up for spirit week today, they've never really participated before, I was very shocked! They looked cute as their version of hippies.
Manderzz and I went to the library yesterday and tonight too. We did a scavenger hunt to be entered in a drawing for a big basket of Halloween goodies (there is a Dobby mask that Manderzz really liked) and a $100 gift certificate to enjoy everyone's favorite brunch!! It was fun and we delved into shelves beyond the TV DVD series!!

Ohhh and yes, Bella is getting curious and busy! This reminded me of last June at the Great Wolf Lodge when my sister left her sweet kiddo Jack with me and Jr while she and the other 3 kids went to the water slides. Can't leave babies alone for a minute!!

The Busy Weekend that Won't End...

2009-10-25T17:03:00.003-08:00

I slept in, missed brunch, darn it. But I ate Grand food 2x yesterday, I think I will be OK without MORE!
Manderzz and I grabbed the puppy and CB and walked "Glass Beach" and then for a bit on Summer Bay Beach too. It was so nice nobody wanted to go inside. Not a lot of glass, but lots of sunshine and fresh air.
Manderzz made CB some special cookies and he gave her a FANCY pair of sunglasses, he gave Jr some too --Manderzz' are so cool, Jr's make him look like a weird John Lennon wannabe. I'll get a picture when he's feeling more photogenic.
We ran into Dan Y, and Linda with her dog Molly on the way home near Tuitakoff Field. Molly doesn't care for babies! Funny dog.
Dan was playing with his giant kite, for kite boarding?? Straightening the cords or something, Bella was enamored!

The party last night was fun! I introduced AG to Amaretto Sours --blended not on the rocks and she EVEN liked them!
We sat with Linda (all 3 of us have mystery husbands who are hardly ever in town) and Dede and her husband who's gone almost as much...but is in town this trip.

Manderzz and I are off to the library-- Cora has a contest to win $100 to spend at the Grand and a bunch of Halloween stuff...we have to give it a try! Will miss Lauri ...GET WELL!!!!!

Manderzz' cookies

Our pumpkins need attention!!

CB gets to hold Bella for the 1st time; Manderzz looking sooo cool in her new glasses.

Bella got cold and climbed into CB's jacket

Summer Bay was gorgeous today.

Bella really liked Dan Y and she wanted to make friends with Molly...Molly will give her a chance in maybe a year.

Saturday Fun --Edited

2009-10-24T18:36:00.001-08:00

I am acclimated to Unalaska again, I just ran to the landfill in shorts and a hoodie. The weather HAS improved, there is no wind and instead of miserable slushy stuff in the air there is a light fluffy snow falling.

Dill in maybe his last swim meet (at this point he says he's choosing Cross Country next year)

Manderzz' very pretty and delicious cookies.

Happy puppy...then cold wet puppy.

Lots of glass after a couple stormy days!!Silly Bella, thought she was stuck on this 9" stool. Juno said it could be the time out stool. (the new gate to keep her off the carpet came in record time! Amazing as I got the free shipping from Amazon, ya never know...I thought it'd take 3 weeks, I got in in 5 days!

Today was BUSY as always...I took pictures of some of the activities, one hasn't happened yet!

Dills participated in his last community swim meet this morning. I admit I snuck away with AG to the GINORMOUS garage sale that MS's sophomore class put on in the cafeteria of the high school, I missed some of the meet, I only saw Dill swim the backstroke 2x, not his best event.
He was mad at himself for not swimming his best, he didn't want to eat lunch out as is our tradition after swim meets. Sonia and I went with AS and his buddy Chris. Manderzz was still home with her cold, I brought her back some chicken (thanks CB for reminding her that a girl needs her weekly chicken & fries meal!)
We then made Mandezz get out to the beach for some fresh air, it was so nice! There was lots of glass too. Bella was loving it until she got wet and cold.
Last night I rolled out a batch of sugar cookie dough and Manderzzz cut and baked the cookies. She made her own icing, found food coloring to make it Halloween-colored and decorated cookies while puppy sitting. I say a girl who can do all of that isn't sick anymore!!
Tonight is a teacher party at the Grand a fund raiser. Go-figure, isn't everything we do around here raising funds for one thing or another? I don't mind at all.
AG and I aren't teachers (I DO NOT have the patience, I admire you and all who do-- mamawas!!) but she is the secretary and I'm on the board so we get to go! Should be great.

I volunteered as a DJ with Jane yesterday for an hour. Oh man, we had to follow Dan Y and Darryl from the hotel --THEY'RE SO GOOD! We were not as professional nor as peppy! I have had several people say we fine and they liked my country music :) The radio station had coffee, cinnamon rolls and homemade muffins for breakfast, pizza for lunch and a party at 7pm to celebrate their GREAT week of fund raising --our town loves our radio station, I hear they took in two times what their goal was, but Jane can talk about that on the UCB blog!!!
I couldn't go to the UCB party as we watched MS play volleyball, she has really improved! Good Job!

Ohhhhh that was AFTER we walked the track at the PCR watching AS's basketball practice and AG locked her keys in her vehicle... OMG I was laughing so hard, she had to get the police to help! She'll be in the famous blotter hehehe....I took a picture with my phone, but it's blurry...

I Need My Winter Coats!!

2009-10-22T20:18:00.005-08:00

Bella enjoying her lamb!
I got a autographed card from John Barrowman! Captn Jack from Torchwood...his picture is on CB's blog, very cool, I love it!

Spoiled kids got shirts each from Manchester (Jr LOVES that University and they all LOVE football...not the American kind. We barely bother with Superbowl)
Dills got some British candy, everyone was eyeing them but he ate one and I guess hid the rest?? We never saw then again --guess he wasn't willing to share.
CB got Bella some gifts.
T the day AFTER his teeth were pulled :( not feeling too good.

I got to sneak over to Heather's for a couple hours, so glad, it's just weird when I don't get to see her while in ANC. I've been doing it for over 20 years.

T before getting his wisdom teeth removed, but after almost 24 hours of hanging out in airports and on airplanes....not fun! The SEA airport is chilly at night after 12 days in Mexico.

My coats are in storage! Brrr I have to go find them, I've been too busy (too lazy?) to go to my storage unit on the other side and grab them. So 8 or is it 10 times a day out outside in a hoodie with a reluctant puppy. This week has been full of scrubbing the floor, meetings, lots of cardio and getting several things off my to-do list. I never get bored. Today Manderzz was sick, I had an appointment for the 3 kids to get a portrait done (T is on patrol so just kids, again. The photographer always seems to come every year during red crab season (no complaints, glad he comes out here at all!!) I had to drag her out, I felt bad. I've watched 2 Zac Efron movies with her to make up for it. Evidently I'm a little behind...not anymore as soon as High School Musical 3 is over (seems pretty much like the others??)
I had fun doing Flash! Unalaska WED night with Matt L after a senior parents committee meeting --top secret stuff, we hope, but we hear the kids hear what the plan for the big party is every year.
At 10am I'm going to guest DJ with Gigi/Jane on KIAL. And they have 3 parties too! YAY I love our TV/Radio station. I've volunteered there for about 10 years and been on the board for 4 or 5. I have more energy to do my fun stuff now and I like that! I missed participating and having energy to do it and enjoy myself while there!
I get to leave again in 13 days for a week. I need a break ---lol lol just kidding, I'm a brat, huh? Hopefully I can get Jr over for Sr. pictures and to attend a ceremony at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He was in the top 10% of his class and got a scholarship, not sure where he's going to be going next year at this point.
He also wants to attend the student leadership conference at the school board conference, I have a bunch of inquires to make.

Catching Up....I Want to Book Another Trip to Cabo!! I Miss It!

2009-10-19T20:27:00.005-08:00

Fishing...the capt and the deckhand had to take the pictures, as I was NOT going to go..although the water looks OK..the deckhand got a huge hook through his hand and T got to drive the boat for a bit while they got it out....that was fun, driving the boat, not the pain or the blood!x

Sadly, the only picture of the marlin he caught, then let go.

Durado...YUMMY! I hope to bring a bunch home one of these times!

Silly pineapple drink they served poolside.

T was flipping out over this boat and the POLES...check them out. He says those reels cost like 1k EACH! For just the reels...he was a little envious!

This is the size I could handle, and only 1 or 2 a day...I'm boring.

A very tan (burned?) T and me doing water aerobics one more time

Seconds before the downpour that ended up delaying our flight later that afternoon started.

I go outside maybe 10x a day with Bella (only 1 accident today and not even smelly --YAY!) and I really miss the hot wave of humidity that would hit me when I walked outside on vacation..ohh well, it's not too bad here... mid 40s. Although there was ice on our windshields really early on Saturday morning --I know these things now, usually I'd never go outside until after 10 or 11 on Saturday after the ice would've melted.
Tried to look at my mail today, too overwhelming! Can't find my Netflix DVDs?? Nobody will fess up to taking them, so random...sighhhh...
Tomorrow we'll go see Alena! and the staff at my old office and try to sneak to the Grand to see CB...have many errands too...lol maybe, if I want to! AG-- you should be a lady of leisure too, we could run errands, lunch, workout and walk the dogs all day!!

Back To Normal...As Normal as Can Be With a Puppy!

2009-10-18T17:01:00.008-08:00

Manderzz' team.
Go Manderzz go!After 2 beaches this is what we get --hooray a sleeping pup!
My haul is on the left and AG's on the right I found the largest piece of brown that we've ever seen!
AG getting some puppy loves.

She is good on all but the really huge boulders between the two beaches...so we drove.

It was getting dark and her paws got wet...she was hiding in my hoodie, silly girl.
She's starting to climb on things and jump down too.
Kinda bugging Sugar, but being a good girl Sugar is learning to deal 'wif it.

I can't believe I haven't really been online in 9 days! Time really went quickly...I have a lot more of our Cabo adventure to share --already trying to get AG and family to come next time...I love vacationing :) Their family works so well with ours...the wives like the same things and the husbands too... the kids can just deal 'wif it!
I better post some pics of the new addition before any snorkeling or fishing pictures. We picked up Bella on Tuesday right before the flight, it was close --we couldn't even get gas for the van we'd rented (ouch!) and checked in only 30min prior to departure!! We made it and so did Bella AND all of our luggage too, and no stops on the way, ALTHOUGH we both have a cold --I knew I was jinxed when I bragged about NOT getting sick from air travel. It's not too bad, I haven't skipped working out, or doing anything else.
I read 2 books about Labs pool side, it was a fun way to meet other lab "parents" they're all very cool people and very into their labs! Got lots of hints and we made friends that we may not of otherwise. Nowhere did I read or hear that yellow labs usually look one way but rarely they can have light eyes and pink/brown nose and coloring around the eyes...we just thought Bella was cute and sweet. She's got the odd coloring, but that's OK she blends into our family of blonds with light eyes! She loves to nap (bonus!) doesn't mind her kennel as long as we're fairly close by and goes outside half the time for "her business"
She's so fun and already LOVES her duck wing that T's friend saved for her! She's out fishing with Dills and Dad today and napping most of the time (T said, "she's just like you.")
She's not a fan of the leash --the one I got in Anchorage was too small and I didn't get to Safeway until yesterday, that'll have to change....
ANY hints on raising labs and all the cool things I can teach her would be appreciated!
One very cool guy we met in the Cabo San Lucas airport (weathered in for 4 hours due to torrential rains...but that's another story) has trained his 10 month old lab "Radar" to jog on the treadmill...love it!
Bella went to the beach twice this weekend and loves it, except for the water --brrr...too little still. She was cold and hid in my hoodie after a wave got her feet wet.

Manderzz had her 3rd basketball game on Saturday, the first that we've seen --they were just practicing before we left, they lost, but it was a very close game! She's gotten a lot more aggressive the league is 6th grade up through 9th grade. She's only in 6th...big age spread.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Life is Good

2009-10-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

NO WAY that's our little Manderzz....grandma is a great photographer...now give us back our baby girl who's only 11!!!

Grandma Buddy and her new friend hiking!! I LOVE IT!!

Dyls at his swim meet. He reported that he won every heat he participated in (did he or is that how he remembers it??) not bad for being sick for over a week AND oversleeping once or twice, missing practice.

ohh this is the one that really got to us! We want our little baby girl back...sheesshhhh she looks like a teenager!
Yes, grandma sells her photographs in Kodiak, mostly of bears (she is brave or crazy that mom of T's)

Jr and Juno.

Dyls always looks tired...doing both wrestling and swimming has got to be exausting!

Wow...they do like their grandma, the boys usually NEVER watchtheir sister play sports --she ALWAYS watches them though....creeps!

Grandma feeding the troops who were over last FRI for a night of Xbox, a bonfire and something ab0out an egg toss in the road...still haven't heard the story behind that?!

We missed her first game, she was soooooo excited, a GREAT coach this year, she's improving a bunch! Thanks Mr. Ley!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH............ how cute!

This is the frickin life...except some fruit would be nice. All we have is cafe, cerveza (yuk), pan y yogurt! Even better minutes later our friends from the SH contest called, brought their extra food and we went to brunch! Cabo is the best.

Here's where I'm sitting typing. i should be at the pool, but T is out fishing, i could not risk getting sea sick and ruinning his expensive charter) I am catching up on emails and everything else...which I'mnot supposed to do...T wanted a computer-free trip, pleeeeaassee! That's sort of impossible. I jump om every other day or so. I've got some time before my 2.5 hours at the spa! I love that place!!!!!

My wonderful mother in law is staying with the kidws, she is getting to know them better, T even fixed her up with a friend WH --sounds like they hit it off just like AG and I did when her husband "fixed us up" My sister made a scrapbook layout and posted it on her blog....THANKS K, it's womnderful!! We haven't changed a bit, right? There is just about 30 pounds MORE of each of us to love :)

Yep, Days are VERY FULL here!

2009-10-09T07:39:00.002-08:00

Ohh yeah..we've got a little color! OMG do we look alike? FREAKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hear that happens.....

The very delicious fish from last night...thanks random pool friends!!

I'm a totaly nerd! I did water areobics in the pool, I didn't make it to the gym, I felt obligated.

This was a challange...I had to carry my partner a 300 pound grandma "like baby"

My camera was acting up the afternoon of the concert, with luck Jerry will email me pictures of the incredible afternoon we had --we rented kayaks down the beach (it's insane doen there by Billygain's Island, glad to be down here where it's quieter!) paddled out to El Arco...Lover's Beach, went to the Pacific side -- Divorce Beach I hear it's called, it's got a huge surf and they say you send the unwanted spouse out swimming there to get rid of him or her....just repeating what the locals say....and snorkled for a couple hours...omg there are literally 1000s of fish by the rocks, it was amazing.

Yesterday we just laid around the pool, visiting with couples that we've met-- 4 different ones yesterday. One couple may go stand in line with us tomorrow....i lvoe this place, have I said that before?? "Debra and Mark" had fresh durado that he caught yesterday morning, we all went to a resturant where they cooked his fish 3 ways for us...blackened, with butter and garlic & with capers and white wine. I didn't care for the wine sauce too much, but the other 2 were som of the beist fish EVER (yes Gigi...Rich's fish tacos are still #1) It was like a teeeny baby halibut (very moist and tender) but sweeter than halibut. I really wish T would bring his catch home, but he doesn't want the hassle :(

Who Knew??

2009-10-09T06:36:00.001-08:00

lol not sure how I ended up with a picture of this guy! He loved T...kept talking,being really friendly and crowding him, it was hilarious!

hehe all the people trying to get in.....

Me..that's Jerry the fan T met at the pool...he was downing Waboritas way too fast...NOT GOOD...he was hurting yesterday.

It was hard to get a clear picture, they had a fog machine.

Jerry and wife...poor Jerry...notsmart to drink 8 Waboritas!

We knew about Cabo Wabo...I honestly had filed it in the same place as Hard Rock Cafe or Rainforst Cafe...just a expensive touristy place not too high on my list....I have to say, we're now fans of Sammy and of his cantina! T has maybe 6 songs on HIS itunes list...I could name 4 but didn't care enough to have any on mine.....we had no clue he was still preforming, but we liked the concert so much we're seriously considering going to sit in line again at 4am tomorrow for Saturday night's concert!!

SH has such a faithful following (again, we knew??) the audience had t-shirts from the last 30 years. of concerts and birthday bashes and the funnest...funniiest? thing was spotting fanatics that emulate Sammy --seriously! There was "Grandpa Sammy", "Stoner Sammy", my personal favorite --"Hobbit Sammy" he fascinated me, I kept staring lol...There was a scary "Bull Dyke Sammy" and a "Studious Sammy" who had glasses and looked like he found time to work between following SH around the country.

Am I crazy or does "Scientist Sammy" live in Unalaska???

For a guy who's about to turn 62, he's energetic, fun, sounds just like his records and really puts on a GREAT show! Not sure if we'll go to the extreme of finding all the Sammy fansites and friending Sammy on Facebook like our friend Jerry, but we're certainly fans now!

ATV Riding & Tonight Sammy @ Cabo Wabo!

2009-10-07T07:20:00.004-08:00

My wrist band --people plan whole vacations around Sammy's birthday week! Who knew??

T saw several lizards..I was focused on keeping up with the tour guide and not screwing up! We wanted to see a snake (we're from AK have never seen one in the wild!) but all we got to see was a hawk or eagle with one he'd caught.

T is finally relaxing...it took us a week to slow down and enjoy being on vacation. The first 3 days don't count we were in ANC or flying, pure misery.

The rumor is that some scenes from the movie Troy were filmed here at Migrino Beach. We keep hearing that everywhere we go. Maybe it was filmed at several locations??

I love ATVing we will definately do it every time we come here. T wants to do dune buggys or green zebra buggys next time --very cool!

He did it!!After 4 hours in line from 4am-9am T and super fan "Jerry" got us wristbands to the Sammy Hagaer show tongight at Cabo Wabo. I know about 4 songs from the 80s, but I'm excited nonetheless!!

Anyone Know of Any Captain Jobs in Mexico??

2009-10-07T05:11:00.009-08:00

Desert Spa...I LOVE this place...3 stories of pampering!! I've got a few more things to get done before we leave...I learned that it's not a good idea to get a manicure while just in a robe from a lovely soothing mint & eucalyptus body wrap & massage --hard to get dressed with nails that aren't completely dry!!

The huge, wonderful gym! I visit every morning before T gets up -- or today when he's back from the Sammy Hagar adventure and getting a nap. The machines have fans built in..LOVE IT!

Tequila volleyball. I get bruises, volleyball isn't for me.

A ceviche lesson, but, really why bother? Ceviche is available at a couple resturants in Unalaska and I'd rather pay than cut fish THAT small or squeeze all that juice! Why mess with perfection??

Again, T being adventorous and me documenting...I prefer it that way! I'm not a complete wimp, I'm better at getting on and off the skiffs and wave runners than everyone else -- except for T, but whatever that's his life. Our skiff at home is very tall and not easy at all to get into and out of.

He tried to talk me into going, but after going up he agreed that I'd have HATED it, I knew that!!

The first picture of us together...

My new favorite thing to drink, cactus juice. I did a quick search on the internet, couldn't find much about the nutritional content, but it sure tastes healthy -- what I imagine pushky juice (no "t"!) and aloe vera mixed together would taste like...for some reason I LOVE IT.

Tequlia volleyball can be very exciting.

I did it, I palyed BINGO one day, I lost, but it was fun.

I have been reading a lot poolside, I lost a book too. Very bummed. I left it for 30 min and it was gone...who would want to steal a book about life in the middle ages?
With luck and skill from the random Sammy groupie "Jerry" we will be at Cabo Wabo tonight to watch Sammy perform!!

There are several pools here, we like the small calm one, but the bigger one is fun too-- volleyball, bingo, trivia, hitting golf balls...making random people do bellyflops if they get a wrong answer or do something really stupid with the volleyball, but we follow the 2 "good" waiters --they're worth it!

I have several quiet hours today, T and some dude he met at the pool 2 days ago while I was at the spa --he met so many people that night, people tend to call him over and talk to him or just strike up conversations, then they find out where we're from, what he does blah blah blah...don't Troy and all his friends know that I am the center of the world not them or him? But I digress... One of the random pool "friends" that T has made is a Sammy Hagar groupie (who knew there were still such people??) he is here for Sammy's Birthday, again I ponder: who knew?? Evidently everyone should know that this is THE week to be in Cabo becuase it's Sammy's bithday week. He'll be playing several times at his bar Cabo Wabo. "Jerry" talked T into getting up at 3:50AM to go stand in line to get free tickets to the event tonight....hehehe he'll have to sleep for awhile afterward, the rumur is drinks will be served to the folks in line for hours.

Sooo to be continued.....ohh yeah he invites other celebs to perform, so there may be someone who I actually like?? Maybe?? I do hope he gets tickets, it'll be cool whether other singers show up or not.

Stormy Day, At Least Our Skin Healed a Bit.

2009-10-03T21:55:00.004-08:00

The sea glass from the storm...no better than what we find at home!

The shells we found after the storm.

It was getting dark and I don't have a photo program on my mini laptop. The ocean was crazy, the waves huge, but it was hot like a bathtub.

Very deserted!

T and the only other guys (the 3rd guy is mia in this shot) that were stupid enough to go out in the water.

Trying to stay outside in the midst of a squall.

This is brave for my husband...he tried a margarita..hated it, but he tried one.

Today was a very mellow day, up late...we ate breakfast indoors as it rained early. I worked out for 45 min. We ran some errands -- got some 80 spf sunscreen lol we needed it! Laid out for a couple hours, Troy visited with our NYC friends in the pool, I slept. Evidently 45 minutes cardio and a 30 min trip to Wal-Mart is completely tiring!

It rained all afternoon, but we went to the beach and the pool anyway. The storm brought in lots of sea glass and shells!! T and 2 others were the only idiots in Cabo Bay right at sunset...they had a great time in the HUGE waves though....we didn't have enough appetite to go out to dinner, grabbed sandwiches and did a couple loads of laundry. The weather will be iffy for 2 more days then better for the rest of the trip! Dyl says he won all of his heats in swimming today, is doing great in wrestling and Manderzz had her 1st basketball game today. She was so excited (as excited as MSN messenger allows one to be) Jr had a bunch of guys over for a wild xbox party with a bonfire (I hear it was soooo warm there Friday??) and an egg toss in the street, I have to find out more about THAT...weird... we miss home, hate to miss anything...it does happen sometimes. Thank goodness for grandma!

Too Much Sun, Waverunner Too --HA!

2009-10-03T21:01:00.005-08:00

These 2 guys were hilarious -- I thought someone might enjoy the picture :)

T almost got up and sang --uhhh that captn phil t-shirt!

T and some other very mature 40 ish guys on the whale slide!

Mark from CA and Bob & Maria from NYC....very nice people.

Me cooling off.

He should be cooling off in the waterfall --we moved to the pool with the others very soon after this shot. It was just too hot to be on the deck.

We went very close to Lover's Beach/The Arch on the waverunner..as soon as the weather calms down we're going over for a picnic.

Me on the waverunner!

My always sweet pals Alena! and AG didn't believe I'd go on a waverunner. We shared one, but I did drive it too, no problemo, es muy facil, so there....

We hung out by the small pool, met several very friendly people and worked on our burns, 50 sunblock wasn't enough! We went to dinner, and there was karoke. (I totally thought about you AG! You would've LOVED IT) Ohh hey how was bunko to anyone who went :( sad to miss it!!!

We did the group song Summer Lovin and danced in a silly chain a bit, but never sang a song all by ourselves....we're just not that outgoing...

Was about 91 degrees and I swear the humidity was about the same!

1st Whole Day in Paradise

2009-10-02T21:44:00.003-08:00

A bit cloudy, but soooo hot. This is also really late in the day.

So much humidity that my lense is not happy.

T loves to play in the ocean, not me!

I forgot to take pictures of much at all the 1st couple of days....getting better.
Had lots from today's adventures. I'm tired, will look at the new ones in the morning; karoke, waveruners, suntans etc. etc.

Anchorage..

2009-10-02T20:54:00.005-08:00

He's trying to not like my pup--IMPOSSIBLE!!

AG is relaxing before the flight...

A long long long day for us...from 7am - 7pm the next night, really...except for snoozing on planes.

Zoe.

OMG Pattycakes made me the coolestnecklace, green of course! I'll show it off when I get back. It's a cute teeny GREEN aleut basket on a necklace. We did this to see if I'll be darker than her when we return.

ohh so pale -- we've been in the sun only 2 days and already we're tan!

Too sad to be in ANC without visiting and eating supper with one of my favorite people in the whole world Heder! She was out of town...we wasted time, watched 3 boring movies, checked out the puppy at the kennel in Palmer ---- she's very very cute! We really didn't do much else, our bags were already about 45 pounds each that means no shopping! T went to the endodonist (just 2 wisdom teeth will be pulled on the way home)

At the ANC airport we ran into AG, Sonia for you Lauri and her co-worker Teri. I talk to AG at least once per day, sometimes MANY times a day.....how we were on the same flight and didn't even know I don't know! ...she jumped up and screamed, hugged me and was utterly shocked, it was fun! We had a great visit, too bad Teri and I both were not feeling so good on the flight to SEA, I am blaming the soup at 11pm from Chili's not the 2 very sweet ameretto sours that I had for dinner!

We're Outta Here!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-28T16:06:00.004-08:00

I'm a little sick, ignore me, look at the marlin & everyone else!

We're going to be boarding our plane in just over an hour a day and a half in ANC then off to Cabo!...I'm sure I'll post from there!
We LOVE Cabo, I'm soooooooo excited!

Jr's Pics from Brunch

2009-09-28T14:51:00.006-08:00

I think someone needs to get his own blog...he took pics of the brunch for the past 2 weeks since CB is off touring the UK....imagine that mostly dessert shots!

Manderzz is a Winner! And Grandma Buddy Arrives!!

2009-09-28T09:50:00.005-08:00

Grandma is here!!!
Everyone loves
Ummm I think that's MY carry on LOL....it sure looks like I should be the owner :) Manderzz' long legs defintely come from T's mum.
The kids having some blueberry deliciousness!

Manderzz won 3rd place in the youth category! Horray!
Manderzz' delicious muffins
Juno's yummy "blueberry twists"
Jr's fabolous "blueberry bread pudding" he used some of my cinnomen vodka in the sauce that was baked in and used as a topping...soo good, we want more! The sauce was described as "instant death" by PT --whipping cream, sugar, butter and vodka, so teah pretty much instant death! Or at least a MI
Jr is comtemplating starting his recipe, Juno working on her homemade crust.
YUM!!!!!

Manderzz won 3rd place for her blueberry muffins... they had homemade blueberry jam in the middle and big sugar (cane sugar?) on top -yummmy! Jr and Juno both baked wonderful items too. They didn't win, but I think they should've! (I'm not prejudiced at all!!!)