Sunday, December 13, 2009

I'm an auntie!

Yeah hooray!  I am an auntie!

Baby Cole came early, so as to make sure I get to spend much quality time with him when home in Portland for Christmas.  I had told Nicholas I was prepared to take Jen for long walks to make sure he came before my vacation was over, and now he'll be an old pro in this chilly winter world.

Cole Xavier Ford was born 11:55 pm, December 11th.  He was 7 lbs. 3oz., 21 1/2 " long.  I can't wait to hold him myself, but I have heard that Grandma and Grandpa got to cuddle with him, and I think he is in Nick's arms in the picture.  I was tickled to talk to Nick yesterday afternoon after a hearty nap.  Jen, what a trooper, was only in labor 5 hours! 

Blessed are we!


Saturday, October 10, 2009

I'm a Big Girl Now

Well, at least I remember that when I got my rigid gas permeable contact lenses that they were sort of for kids.  Most people think it is the weirdest thing - have never heard of someone sticking an uncomfortable little disc of plastic on their eyeball.  Kids usually think it is cool - like when Maddie and Mia sit on the couch with me reading a book and they can see the contact floating on my eye.

So after a tortuous year with my lenses, many days in glasses because of irritation, and eye allergies that were bothersome, I saw my eye doc and asked for some relief.  About five or so years ago, I tried to make the soft lenses switch, and it was terrible, but Doc Fisher said they have made so many improvements in lenses.  So two weeks ago I walked out of the office squinting (because of dilation) and eager to try sticking the soft month-long disposable lenses onto my eyeball.  I was back a week later hoping the headaches were from the prescription and not a case of H1N1, and to my relief, the power was too strong.  So now after another week, my eyeballs feel great!  Plus I have to use an allergy eye drop first thing in the morning, but it doesn't burn like the drops of years past. 

So I wear soft lenses like the other grown-ups!  I love you, little RGP lenses!  You were good to me for over a decade - comfortable as any soft lens, but now...I'm loving a new lens. 

Monday, September 28, 2009

Holding out on Fall

Everyone has been saying how the colors are great in the mountains - the aspen are turning famously golden.  But Thomas and I found that they were still pretty green.  We took a motorcycle ride up through beautiful glades and peaks.  It was gorgeous, a bit chilly at times, and a LONG ride.  My poor tushie couldn't handle more than forty minutes or so at a time.  There were some lovely patches of gold, and many more lovely vistas.  I imagine there will be a couple more good weekends for viewing...

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Disenchantment in the jury box

I think today was supposed to be inspiring, awesome, and gratifying.  Or at least that is sort of how the judge got the instruction hour started.  I had the (not so) coveted jury duty letter in my mail box a few weeks back.  Today was the day.  I remember when I had received one back during my days at Metro CareRing.  I read my book and magazines for three hours and then caught a bus back to work disappointed that I didn't make it past first base.  I was really intrigued about what happens in the great halls of justice, but didn't get invited past the sea of peopled numbers. 

Today I figured that I could head down to Tiri's Garden afterward to check-in as the Urban Peak youth were leaving.  I thought I might take care of an errand while downtown, and then after a bus ride home, I hoped to harvest potatoes and make jalapeno pepper jelly.  Of course last night I wondered if my plans hadn't jinxed me.  Tonight I can say the jinxed me.

The first group of numbers called was at least four pages long, a murder trial I overheard from an old lady who was dismissed late in the morning and then called her husband from the public phone in the waiting room.  She said they expected that trial could last a week.  Phew!  There were a number of groups that were called and left.  I just kept getting closer and closer to the end of my book.  Then between 11:15 - 11:30 am I heard "#1360", and before the woman could call my number again, I snapped to and called back "here".  Another half hour and I would have been on my way! 

The trial was briefer than the briefing for jurors before jury selection, before trial, and before instructions on how to deliberate.  I cannot imagine how dull that gets to be for lawyers and witnesses waiting to get on with the trial.  The trial was regarding a protection order and determining whether or not the defendant broke it.  I was in the first twelve to take a seat for questioning and wasn't suprised when I was asked further about the kind of law my dad practices.  I listened to the comments of others about their previous experience with protection orders, quite a few actually.  Some potential jurors seemed argumentative just to get dismissed.  One woman who was quite emotional about her story ended up not getting cut.  I noted that maybe only two others had college degrees, which made we wonder if the others with degrees were "smart enough" to get out of it. I was in the six to make it to the next round.  Though it wasn't the outcome I wanted for my day, I felt the sense of obligation and accepted it without complaint. 

What troubled me, and still does, is that at 6:15 pm when I delvered the verdict in court, I felt so much more mistrustful of our justice system than inspired to have been a part of it.  To watch the public defenders trip over their words, objections, and questions, it doesn't give you hope for low income peoples who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.  A comedy of errors that left me disappointed.  And the prosecutor carries such a weight of the burden of proof, but the facts and evidence provided was really quite slim.  It makes one wonder to what a jury of your peers looks like: race, ethnicity, gender, education, etc.  What makes the people who decide your fate your peers?  Unfortunately, there was not a great consensus in the jury room to start our deliberations, and admittedly I felt a bit outnumbered and belittled for my understanding of the "facts".  I would have felt more comfortable knowing that a more logical, objective group of people would be deciding the fate of the defendant.  There are winners and losers, and sometimes they win and lose for the wrong reasons, or at least that is how I felt at the end of it all.  But my "one day, one trial" is done; it will not carryover to another day.  I am left disenchanted and hopeful never to be sitting behind a table waiting for six people to decide my fate, as the case was tonight.  Six people who brought baggage to the table and various interpretations of the law, too.  Oh boo...

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

What luck...

It wasn't really luck at all.  I got good news from my dad this morning that my uncle was taken off the respirator last night, and he transitioned well.  They were able to take out some of the other tubes this morning, and he continued to handle it well.  There is a long haul before him to regain his health, but to think there was only a 1% chance three days ago.  I am grateful for all the prayers, but not as grateful, I am sure, as my dad and uncle's family.  Good news!!  peace...

Monday, September 14, 2009

Feeling your strength

Thanks for any prayers offered up already.  My uncle went from a 1% chance of leaving the hospital to 20+% chance.  He is still unconscious, but he has been responding to my dad's voice with hand squeezes, and they have had to restrain him because he is fighting the ventilator and tubes.  These are positive signs for his fight to live, but they all still need prayers for strength and courage.  There is no word at the moment for when they will know how things will end.  I do believe God is lifting them all up through all of our prayers.  Whatever the outcome, to know they have courage to see it through and faith to believe they are not alone...thanks...

Sadness...

While I know that wondering will get me nowhere, I am sitting at my desk, about to go to lunch, wondering where my parents are, if they have landed in Denver, if they are in the air, if they have arrived in Wichita yet...

My uncle, my dad's only sibling, had ventricular fibrillation yesterday, resulting in a loss of consciousness.  He was on a respirator last night when I first learned of this, but have no idea what condition he is in now.  Terribly shocking and out of the blue!

Yesterday I also learned my best friend growing up lost her baby at 33 weeks of pregnancy.  These two and their families are in great need of comfort and strength.  All prayers are welcome...

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

too lazy to write

I haven't found (or made) time to post all the exciting things happening this summer.  Life's been a lot busier than one can maintain for too long. 

The last weekend in August, Tom and I returned to Portland to see family (and some friends this time, too).  Most notable was Nick's wedding to Jen Zea - now Ford!  It took me a minute to place myself in reality as I entered her phone number in my contacts list as Jen Ford - crazy!  Granted, I haven't changed my sister's to Miki Greenlee. 

After working or being on the road since fourth of July, I conceded to stay home for a weekend, though I had wanted to get out of town with the long weekend.  Our low-key weekend was anything but!  Friday I spent a half-day at the farm before picking Mary up from the airport.  I also picked up a couple books at the library for planning a wedding, as if that wasn't distracting and a wee bit stressful.  Mary & I rendezvoused late in the evening with Jennifer to dance, dance, dance on the one night Vinyl was playing in town.  Phew!  Three hours of getting down left me pooped!

Saturday, I slept in until practically noon (well, at least lazed in bed), so instead of breakfast, Tom and I went to our favorite sushi place for lunch, followed by errands on the west side and grape leaf plucking at our friends Ryan and Britta's house before church.  We had a wild and raucous evening of playing LIFE with Mary and then Gabe.  What a hoot!  Mary took us all by surprise when she spun the wheel and ended the game as a Billionaire Tycoon!

Sunday, I slept in again, but not as late.  Tom & I went to the farmers' market and got some olive bread, which became lunch.  And then we got 1/2 bushel of cukes and a bushel of chiles and had ourselves a domestic day of pickling 20 quarts of cukes and peeling/freezing chiles.  Phew!!  A hot and spicy day in the kitchen!

And since we had one more day, Tom & I met up with (cousin) Jake for an eight mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park on Monday.  It was fun to have family time. It was invigorating to hike, and the scenery was lovely.  We finished off our play date with pizza and beers.

Did I mention I was tired today?  Anyone can guess that I slept hard this weekend, but I am not sure "enough" is true, too.  And my legs aren't sore, but biking to work this morning took a little more energy than I wanted to give. 

Sunday, August 16, 2009

contentment...

Too many stories and not enough hours in the day!  The first pic is from the geysers in Yellowstone, and the second is by St. Mary's Falls in Glacier.

Tom's & my drive through Yellowstone & Glacier - awesome and marvelous!
My sister's wedding - beautiful and blessed!
My trip a week ago to pick peaches - grounding and gorgeous!
My weekend here - a first in a while!

Friday I enjoyed talking with friends about Now You Know and sipping on special lemonade.  I made nectarine cobbler from some I picked last weekend.  Saturday I had to work in the afternoon, but it was still a productive day on all accounts.  It was fun to get back to church, but the pinnacle was a date night with Jennifer to see Julie & Julia and nibble on raw fish.  It was fun to hang out with her last night, but I also got to hang out this morning with Jennifer, Claire, Ahna, Ezra, Shawn, Andrea, and (drumroll) Baby Mackenzie.  It was our first meeting, and after everybody else left, I got to hold her for a very long time.  It was great.  I also loved getting to play with Ezra while Ahna and Claire cleaned up in the kitchen.  I would have helped, but keeping him into mischief with me was my contribution.  We tumbled around and read books and disappeared under a tapestry fron the coffee table.  It was a morning and afternoon of falling in love with babies again.  It has been so long since I have gotten to hold a baby and rock her and cuddle a little one in my arms.  And with the near-30 days between visits with Ezra, I could rough and tumble for hours and not tire - or so I think.  What a wonderful way to start my day, only made better by Tom's return from a visit with his family.  Ahhhh....how Sundays are meant to be spent...

Friday, July 31, 2009

Big day tomorrow!!!

Tom and I have traveled across the country (by car) to be here in Portland for my sister's big day tomorrow!  She and Marty wed at 2:30 pm PST.  Pray for us, pray for them!  What an exciting day for all of us to remember.  I am working on my toast for tomorrow night...pray I say the right things.  I love them both so much; it is just an honor to be here and stand up for them!  Off to Captain Jack's counter for the "inspiring juice"...

Friday, July 24, 2009

It's all happening...

Oh my goodness - A week from tomorrow my sister marries!  Even more exciting, tomorrow begins Tom's & my roadtrip to Portland!  I have never done the drive and am very much looking forward to it.  We will stop in to Yellowstone and Glacier along the way.  Maybe they aren't exactly along the way, but we are especially looking forward to those days camping.  Wednesday we will arrive into Portland as stinky as ever and clean ourselves up for days of fun and family. 

Speaking of fun & family, here is a picture from last Sunday in the park!  peace and safekeeping....tori

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Reunion!!

What an exciting day for the five ladies who moved into the Columbine House just seven years ago...Ahna, Erin, Jennifer, Mary & I gathered for City Park Jazz tonight - celebrating friendships and a few birthdays.  Erin & Lotson came to town for the first part of their week-long vacation.  The music festival on Saturday was a contributing factor, but there was also the joy of seeing all of us!  Jennifer invited her parents, and Tom, Lotson, Oren & Ezra rounded us out.  It was fun to hang out, but the food was pretty amazing, too.  Thank God for friends! 

Sunday, July 5, 2009

A tragic story for a lovesick girl who just wants to dance...

A tragic story for a lovesick girl who just wants to dance... My dear sister has suffered an unlikely tragedy so close to her wedding day. A knife fell from the kitchen counter to glance across her right foot, severing the tendon of the big toe! Wednesday night she was in the ER getting it taken care until surgery Friday morning. She is on crutches for 3 - 4 weeks, and then in a walking boot for 3 - 4 weeks. So at best she'll be in a boot for her wedding. She was so looking forward to the dancing! We are all just at a loss because there is nothing any of us can physically do or buy or anything to change her condition. But I do believe in the power of prayer, and if you do, too, will you offer up one for her. Alas...

shreepy - shreepy

I would like to have thought I could sleep in past ten am. I went to bed after midnight last night, and Friday night I didn't sleep well, and Thursday night was late with an early rise for work before camping. But here I am...About 7:30 am I just knew it was time. I couldn't keep falling asleep and going back to this dream where I found a hidden cupboard in my grandparents' house in Pat's old room. It had all these beautiful pieces of glass and porcelain from Japan. There were a couple things I really wanted to get to keep. It was so neat to get to feel like a kid going exploring for treasures. I remember how much I loved going through my parents' closet or through the basement storeroom exploring for forgotten trinkets or dresses or boxes of "stuff". It is still a fun endeavor to go exploring, though now it is usually in thrift stores. In my dream I was pulling these treasures out of hiding and thinking maybe I could just take one little thing, but I knew they belong to my mom and her siblings. I couldn't just take anything, so I put them all away and would ask my mom about them. But then my grandpa came home - the scrawny and scruffy guy from his last summer. He asked me to help tuck him into bed, so I did. I keep dreaming about them, waking up crying and missing them. I don't want to keep going back to bed to find myself wandering through the same dreams... Last Saturday I was in Omaha for Nikki's wedding, and after the ceremony and reception, I walked downtown and around the lake. I was overwhelmed with wanting to call Grandma, so called Grandma's house. It was sad, and I cried, but sometimes I just can't help but want them back. So here I sit feeling sad and sleepy. It looks like a cloudy Portland morning outside. I guess I will have to keep dreaming...

milestones...

July fourth - yesterday marked one year from moving in to this house! It was on the fourth of July that I took independence from Betty and came to be on Williams Street. It hardly seems like it was only a year ago... I am still so grateful to Betty for taking me in and helping me heal. Thank you! July second - the reason for the anniversary yesterday even - it was five years ago that I was struck by the car on Colfax while I was riding my bike. It isn't the best to remember it like that, but I remember it as a "Wow - look how far I've come" moment. In the last year, I settled my lawsuit with the state. Not long before that I finally bought a bike. I also had surgery to fix my hip, and now look at me...biking and all. My hip still has its days, but let's not dwell on that. June tenth was the date of my surgery last year, and now that I am a year out, I can jump again. I haven't taken up jump-roping just yet, though I think about it every now and again. And I think maybe I am allowed to run again, but that would just be crazy! Woo woo!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The meeting...

The meeting of Tom's parents, his sister and her family with my parents went well! Phew! We had a fun weekend. I took that Friday off and showed my parents around the farm and to Same Cafe for lunch. My dad got to see my apartment, and my mom saw the transformation from a year earlier when she came to help me move in. Marie and company went to the Rockies game Friday night, while the six of us went out for a nice dinner - the first meeting. We had a great time, good conversation, and some laughs, too. Saturday the sky looked like it would open up at any minute. We nixed the bbqing in the park plan, as that would only be a temptation to the sky. My parents came over and then the Vigils and Salas family rotated through the place. After church we went to Same Cafe and set up for a fantastic party. Many friends joined us, our parents toasted us, and we got to sample Tom's first batch of mead. A great night...a lot of fun! Sunday was pretty low key as we hung out here in the morning. Marie and family came and hung out for a while before they had to hit the road home, and my parents spent the afternoon hanging out. It was father's day, so we planned to take my parents out for sushi at our favorite place - Mr. Sushi at Wadsworth and Bowles in Littleton. We drove all the way over - the opposite direction of the airport, mind you, only to find they were not opening until the time we needed to leave for the airport. One other place in the vicinity that we haven't tried was also closed. We got stuck in traffic and ended up having to drop them off at the airport without lunch or dinner. To make it worse, the airport was crowded, security lines were long, the brew pub they found to grab a bite had run out of hamburger buns for my dad's order, and the icing on the cake: the flight was an hour late. I felt rotten for not getting to treat them after the treated us to such a wonderful weekend - both of our parents were and are extra great! How lucky we are to know we have them behind us...

Friday, June 19, 2009

the countdown nears its end...

Well, with all the cleaning and such, I forgot to countdown.  Now it seems mere minutes away!  My parents flew in this morning.  We had a terrific time wandering around.  I showed them the farm, and they met Deb & Faatma.  We made it to SAME Cafe, where we will have an engagement party tomorrow after church.  And then home!  My mom helped me get a little settled in post-surgery last June, so she was delighted to see how things turned out.  My dad likes the place, too, though cable to watch the US Open was lacking.  We went over to the hotel where Tom's family is staying to drop off tickets to tonight's baseball game, so they've all met.  It was fun to sit and talk for a bit before I took my parents up the road to their hotel to tuck them in for an afternoon nap.  When Tom gets cleaned up from work, we'll rendezvous with our parents for a dinner out!  Oh goodie...

Monday, June 15, 2009

Jazz!!!

It's more than a genre; it's Sunday evenings for the next several weeks (as long as we're here)!!  Hooray, it's that time when the picnic blanket and frisbee come out.  Tom walked me to the park to meet Mary.  We brought cherries to share.  The frisbee was used to direct our walk to our resting place.  I would like to believe my throws were much more on course, but Tom can throw it a whole lot further than I can!  It was a fun walk, sort of like the dotted lines in the Family Circus cartoons when one of the kids walks all over kingdom come from the curb to the front door.  Anywho...jazz anyone?

the countdown

I really should be writing about how much fun Tom and I had in Portland with the myriad of family parties.  Or maybe about all the tornado sitings, which actually started while we were in Portland (I didn't want to leave the house to do laundry on Sunday because the sirens were sounding every five minutes).  Yikes!

But even more exciting is the fury of housecleaning to prepare to welcome Tom's family and my parents to Denver on Friday!  I haven't even lived here for a year, and oddly enough I find that I am still nesting - putting up the plant hooks this week, I hope.  And I just organized my art supplies, so they don't have to take up six shelves, making room for mead-making supplies and gardening odds and ends. 

I am so excited.  Or as Tom puts it, I am beginning to get frantic...

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Pictures!!

I finally have the coveted material of blogs...pictures. I mean, everyone can write about their days, meal, or upsets, but images are so much better. So here are a few from Tom's and I my trip to Portland. Sadly, our return to Denver was eventfully long...arriving at the airport in Portland before the plane had even left Denver to pick us up! I got home a bit after 3 am, terribly disappointed in my potential sleep time, relieved I finished my book on the plane. (So these pictures are from Auggie's girlfriend Jean's graduation party in the park....the Ford family has grown exponentially in the last year.)

A game of washers...between sibs and the to-be bro-in-laws And the family with sibs in order (age not height).

Saturday, June 6, 2009

the fear...

Do you ever get the feeling that the clocks are all wrong, you weren't paying attention, and you might have missed the boat?  Well, it was sort of like that...
 
Tom & I are in Portland this weekend visiting family.  We threw a party for Miki & Marty last night - for all the young friends, rather than a bachelorette party.  It was all fun & games, plus wine-tasting.  We spent the day shopping and prepping food, and then, voila!  We had a terrific time.  The "newlyweds" game went over with lots of laughter.  About twenty bottles of wine were finished off.  And we got to sleep in today.
 
But getting her Thursday was the reason for the fear.  Our last two trips were wrought with snowstorms - in Portland at Christmas and in Denver for Grandma's funeral.  We'd checked the weather a few times, confirming that there was severe rain expected, but nothing to slow us down.  We planned to carry our bags on the planes, so we printed our boarding passes and lounged around Denver a little longer than usual (for our usual 9:40 pm flight to Portland that lands at 11:15 pm - we've flown it three times already).  The parking lots were full at the airport, so we had to drive a little further into the boonies to another lot, waited and drove in a little further on the bus.  Security was a breeze, and we took up residence in our favorite quiet section overlooking the terminal.  We heard on the loud speaker that stormy weather was causing a flight to California to board and leave early and wished that we would befall the same luck.  A couple chapters of our books later, we looked at the time and saw that the plane would preboard in about 5 minutes.  We turned back to our books to the sound of "Will Ms Victoria ford and Mr Thomas Vigil please come to gate A26?"  Holy cow!!!  Were we that lucky to be leaving early and didn't hear them announce that they were boarding????  We grabbed our bags and ran down to the gate.  Three different gates occupied the corner of the terminal, so people were lined up in every direction.  A little out of breath, we threw our boarding passes on the counter and announced our arrival to find out that a family had been seated in our row and needed to be moved because of the children; would we kindly switch seats to the exit row?  Sure, no problem.  We ended up with less legroom in seats that didn't recline, but we were ten rows closer to getting off the plane when we landed...small consolation, but we were sure relieved not to have missed our flight....the end my friend.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Random post about the Post

A few weeks ago I was gathered with the ladies with whom I"booze and peruse" over books, a book club of sorts.  We got on the topic of newspapers.  Sadly Denver lost the Rocky Mountain News, and for those who didn't subscribe, it was a great loss.  Though the Post and the News had a Joint Operating Agreement, they were different papers.  And while we won't get it back, we stand lose another paper.  So many people have gotten rid of their subscriptions because of either the loss of the News, they never read it, everything is posted online anyway, etc.  Well, as readership goes down, so will the paper.  One friend said that night, a subscription to the paper could be seen in some ways as a kind of community tax.  Just as I pay taxes, so somebody else's kids can go to public school, so should they get the paper, so I can have one delivered to my door.  Not everyone can access news online, so let's not lose our paper.  Even Tom's parents get the Sunday edition in northern New Mexico. 

Really...$5 a month!  For $5 a month I get a paper everyday.  There are recipes every Wednesday.  During these weeks of Spring, the Grow section comes out every Friday.  What would Sunday breakfast be without a couple pages of the funnies in color?!?  People will pay $5 for a rental movie, twice that much for a movie in the theater!  A fancy coffee drink doesn't last a whole month, nor will a pint of some quality beer from the bar.  But for $5 a month, the newspaper employs a lot of people...not just writers, but printers, photographers, marketing reps, and a whole lot of morning delivery crews. 

Of all the ironies, promoting a newspaper online on a blog!  Ridiculous, I know, but if we didn't sit on the porch working that Wednesday crossword three weeks ago, would Tom & I be engaged already?


Monday, May 4, 2009

Still in shock...

I'm not sure anymore who reads these things, but it is still fun for me to write my heart out. 

This week has been a whirlwind.  This month, really, is where it all begins.  But getting back to work this week, getting my heart back in Denver, has taken a lot of effort.  There is so much to do at my desk, plus working evenings and Saturdays.  I am just tired and overwhelmed.  So it was quite nice when Tom and I were able to meet on my porch after work on Wednesday.  We sat on the futon on the porch and did the crossword puzzles from the newspaper.  Tom's been great for helping me process all that has happened.  

He pulled out this old medal, Virgin of Carmel on one side & Sacred Heart of Jesus on the other side.  He was telling me about how his mom had given it to him when he was young, and how, on its key ring, it had traveled everywhere with him on his motorcycle jacket, protecting him, so he could make it to that afternoon sitting on the porch with me.  And then he was down on one knee telling me he will love me forever and ever and asking me to marry him!?!?!  Oh my goodness!!!  

Since Wednesday I have been terribly busy with life and work.  I have been grateful to slowly call and visit friends to share the news, but I don't really like calling the attention to us.  My heart is all excited and wants everyone to know, but I also want to just savor this time and these emotions with Tom.  I am terribly behind in sharing the news with friends near and far.  Do forgive me if you see it here or hear from another first.  As I wrote, I am still a little in shock...

Monday, April 27, 2009

Henderson Street

It's not easy being on Williams Street instead of Henderson Street.  I look around my apartment and see all the concrete reminders of people in my life: blankets, pictures, hand-me downs, decor, and memories wrapped up in objects.  There is a story for most everything around me...
- one orange chair is a remnant of my JVC year in Denver, and the other is a token of the Columbine house that Jennifer's parents found for her at a garage sale.  Mary has the other one.
- the sun, moon, and stars mobile is from Spain from Amy when she studied abroad our junior year of college.  I missed her terribly then. 
- a candle bound together with shells found me on the beach outside Vicente Guerrera, Mexico in 2008 when I went on a walk'n'talk with God about where to go next when college was over.  The top half of the candle I found heading South, giving me pause for my considerations of volunteering in Central America.  The bottom half I found heading north, making me wonder if it mattered where I went as much as it mattered how I lived whereever I am. 
- a ceramic pot on the window ledge was crafted by my old housemate Erin, now in Renton, Washington.
- a black beret that my grandpa wore, that he gave me before he died.

I could go on and on...but my mind is really preoccupied with a house on Henderson Street.  A house in which I have spent much time, in which I can visualize where things are "supposed" to be.  But already photos have been stripped from the walls, and favorite things have disappeared.  I wrote to Grandma & Grandpa one time - in college maybe - "where my heart is, there my treasure lies", and I told them that they had a piece of my heart.  That I treasured them.  In truth there is a lot of my heart on Henderson Street, and in this second time of loss, I guess I lose another little piece of my heart.  I don't want to be melodramatic or rash in my actions, but part of me wants to take up residence on Henderson Street and preserve everything as I remember, pretend like I am just a girl again sleeping over at Grandma's house down on the big brass bed.  I know that it is a very emotional desire to be there soaking up their presence in that house.  It is fantastic to think that it will bring me closer to them because really they are already in my heart.  ahh....more tears...

And as I continue to grieve, I feel so silly because I still have so much, so many memories, a home on Henderson Street that was my own, family that is still there that loves me and lifts me up as they grieve, too.  What a selfish child to want what I cannot have, to want what I cannot get back!

Friday, April 24, 2009

a special recipe...

My grandma was fabulous inthe kitchen!  I don't remember ever eating anything I didn't like, but there are definitely memorable dishes and treats.  The "GUMDROP JUMBOS" recipe was clipped from a newspaper.  Along the edge she had adjusted the baking time and temperature, and in her beautiful script penned "very good".  They are very good cookies.  Grandma made them for us at Christmas time every year, save this past year when her oven had died shortly before Christmas.  The peculiar ingredient is ketchup, which we speculate adds a bit of color and lots of sweetness, but the magic ingredient she put into this dough, as she put into all her treats for us, was a heaping portion of love!  I am not feeling brave enough to try the recipe myself yet; how could they even compare?  But someday I hope to make them as well as my grandma did. 
 

GUMDROP JUMBOS

 

- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened

- 1/2 cup each, granulated sugar & brown sugar, packed

- 2 eggs

- 1 tsp vanilla

- 1/4 cup catsup

- 2 3/4 cups flour

- 1/2 tsp soda

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 1 1/3 cups miniature gumdrops (about 1 1/2 lbs)

 

Heat oven to 350.  Cream butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla & catsup thoroughly.  Stir in flour, soda & salt.  Fold in gumdrops.  Drop dough by scant 1/4 cupfuls 2" apart onto a greased & floured baking sheet.  Bake 12 - 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Makes 1 1/2 - 2 dozen large cookies.  "very good"


Monday, April 20, 2009

A eulogy for Grandma...

The eulogy I offered at the funeral today:

 

What a blessing that we gather on such a beautiful day to remember such a beautiful woman!  The gathering of family and sharing of stories buoys me as we remember a woman who has made a tremendous difference in all of our lives.  Our stories sound a little familiar as we remember a woman who welcomed us with open arms, a warm smile, and all the time in the world, as we remember a woman with faith enough to move mountains.

 

Victoria Evelyn Dieringer, to all who knew her, she was "an ordinary saint among us," a woman who loved God so extraordinarily much that it showed in all she did.  To me, she was my grandmother, my godmother and my namesake.  I am blessed to know her well because she was also my neighbor.  Growing up down the street from Grandma's house, we spent a lot of time together, which confused more than a few who sometimes thought I was one of the twelve.  The memories we made and her role modeling run deep.  A strong matriarch and a true Christian, Grandma embraced a call to love and service.

 

My little sister Miki and I have been reflecting together about our dear Grandma D.  Granted, we first remember card games, gum drop cookies, and daily mass.  We cannot remember a time she won in concentration, but she was always willing to play.  A game of Trouble, UNO, cribbage or crazy eights was always in progress until we were a little older, when Grandma taught us to play Gin.  And her cookie jar was never empty when we visited, even in the summer when we would visit every day to swim and play.  Though in the summer when the raspberries were ripe, we had no interest in cookies: we would hop the fence from the pool, scamper through the bark to the berry bushes, and stuff our mouths.  If there were enough, Grandma would give us a little silver mixing bowl to fill, and magically she turned them into a frothy whip served over homemade custard, a recipe I have tried to recreate without success, more than once.  During the school year, twenty-five minutes before the first bell, daily mass began under the upper-grade wing in the old worship space.  The only acceptable tardiness for school was attending daily mass.  On most mornings the four of us Ford kids vied for the spot next to Grandma, getting to hold her hand during the "Our Father".  Even still, I loved to sit next to her at mass when I came to visit, partially so I wouldn't look so short next to my family in the pew.  These stories can go on and on.  Over thirty years of running up and down Henderson Street to play, and Grandma was never too busy for us-- whenever we showed up, we had her undivided attention. 

 

These memories of "childhood" give way to who Grandma was.  As Miki & I grew up and followed her footsteps down the halls of St. Mary's Academy, we paid more notice to her leadership, faith, and strength.  Often by her side for these activities, we remember Grandma for 8 am daily mass at Holy Family, praying the evening rosary, communion calls to nursing homes, visiting homebound parishioners, and hospitality for all who knocked on her door.  Even at the end, she wanted to make sure her friend Mary would know she could not bring her communion and visit if she was delayed at the hospital.  Grandma made time for supporting good causes—the list is long.  Her enthusiasm for the Holy Names' sisters' commitment to Catholic education and justice for women has always been strong and made such a difference in our lives.  She modeled their values of faith, justice, and compassion most humbly in all aspects of her life.  Speaking for many young women and mothers who knew her, we all have tremendous respect and admiration for the way Grandma accomplished so much with quiet, confident graciousness – a way of life we all aspire to.

 

And above all, we remember Grandma for her unfaltering dedication and love for our Grandpa.  The love between these two generous spirits throughout their years of marriage inspires us all.  Her attention and service to him did not go unnoticed, even when we were too young to understand. 

 

Watching my goddaughter, six-year old Maddie, look on and look around at the family gathered around Grandma at the funeral home on Saturday, I remember what a blessing it is to have been Grandma's "Girlie-girlie".  To have lived my first eighteen years one street-crossing away.  To have had my first sleepovers up the street, most of my birthday parties, and all of my Christmases.  What a blessing!  It will be my responsibility, and all our responsibility, to remember Grandma to Maddie and to the younger grandchildren and great grandchildren.  To share the stories of fortitude and faith with the youngest among us, so they remember, too.

 

My grandma was a humble woman, doing so much, none of it for recognition.  She was moved by her faith, called by her God.  When she was weary, she believed God would give her strength, and when she had emptied herself for others, God would fill her up.  Although she certainly knew hardships and pain, her losses never impeded her ability to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with her God. (Micah 6:8). 

 

As we look on at her body, we do not see her here with us.  We cannot sit with her in her regular front row seat.  There will be no more games of concentration, and I will have to try harder at the raspberry whip.  Though we grieve for ourselves and each other, we celebrate and say, "Allelulia! She has risen, too!" because we know in our hearts that God lifted her up and gave her eternal rest; she is reunited with the love of her life, dancing again.  She will live on in our hearts and our memories.  We love you, Grandma.  I love you, Grandma.


Sunday, April 19, 2009

to be here...

The airport was more forgiving than the plane ride.  Tom and I moved around at leisure, played on the internet, and ate Twizzlers.  Granted, the hour delay I was hoping for extended over and over.  Having waltzed through check-in and security around 7 pm, we watched the crowded airport empty from a seat overlooking the terminal.  Our flight, booked to depart at 9:25 pm, didn't board until well after 11 pm, only to get in que for take off behind eight other planes.  The ride was a test of comfortability and exhaustion.  We touched down half past 1 am, gathered my bag from the carousel, and walked right out and into Marty's truck.  I kissed Miki good-night as the alarm clock blinked 2 am.  And shortly thereafter I blinked my eyes closed for sleep.  A long, long, emotional day...
 
Waking up to another long, emotional day, I found myself crying into the pillow from a bad dream.  In some ways this whole thing is just a bad dream.  I have had to admit to my friends and co-workers in Denver, people who don't how amazing my Grandma was.  To be here, to hear people say "I'm sorry", to be with people who knew her: it is disarming and uplifting at the same time.  The waves of emotions come when they want, and almost always when someone asks, "How are you?" and offers a hug.  It is in that embrace, feeling most vulnerable, that I know I am not "OK" or "Fine" or even "Just trying to keep it together."  Deep down I am torn apart, trying to be strong like Grandma, willing myself to have steadfast faith like Grandma. 
 
Sitting in Grandma's living room before lunch, the tears rolled down my cheek.  The glider, the piano, the coffee table of her books.  The mantle of her pictures.  The things naturally set where she last laid them.  Her neat little handwriting on a note by the phone.  They all suggest she'll be back from the store soon, is on her way home from getting her hair trimmed and curled, or just down the hall behind a closed door.  To see a home so familiar and crowded with family that feels so empty.  Denial is no longer possible. 
 
We went to the viewing after lunch.  She doesn't look like herself.  She doesn't look like Grandma.  But she looks at peace, and the one comfort I hear over andover is that she didn't suffer, even that she looked a little bit more radiant and at peace on Tuesday.  Watching my goddaughter, six-year old Maddie, look on and look around at the family gathered around Grandma, I remember what a blessing it is to have been Grandma's "Girlie-girlie".  To have lived my first eighteen years one street-crossing away.  To have have had my first sleepovers up the street, most of my birthday parties, and all of my Christmases.  What a blessing!  Maddie still has GC, but it will be my responsibility, and all of my family's responsibility, to remember Grandma to Maddie.  To share the stories of fortitude and faith with the youngest among us, so they remember, too. 

Friday, April 17, 2009

the unexpected...

I am hard pressed to believe where I am tonight. A week ago I was just getting out of Good Friday service, thinking about what to pack for Easter in New Mexico. Again I was thinking about packing tonight. Tom and I are at DIA, despite the snow - the blizzard that made the news in Portland hours and hours ago. It has been a taxing week for everyone! My neighbor wrecked his bike and tore a ligament last night. A garden I work with has hit turnoil to the point of the resignation of its leadership. And for me...well, Tuesday was rough. I was stretched to the max after being out of the office three days last week and again on Monday. I was slammed on Tuesday and ended up running into a number of snags while trying to edit revisions made to the big grant I manage. I was a little past deadline, but with time out of the office and many events, it couldn't be helped. Gratefully, I got to take a moment to breathe with friends. Jennifer, Mary, Sarah, and I spent some QT in a friend's hot tub, soaking away the stress that had been building, unaware of more to come. Tuesday night my dear grandma, godmother, and namesake joined her beloved in heaven! It was unexpected by all, least of all my mother who was at her side just before her heart stopped. A brokenheart from all I can make out is the cause of our grief. It has been a tough week to anticipate returning to Portland and not seeing her at church, or at the kitchen table, or in the glider in the living room. Never again to see her leaning over the counter talking to a long-distance relative on the phone during family gatherings. Never again to hold her hand for grace, to pass her the cards for her deal, to call on Sunday to see how her week has been. To taste her raspeberry whip as I have never been able to mimic. To find a bag of gumdrop cookies under the tree with my name on it. To celebrate our feast day together. It has been a time most heavy for my heart, and for so many hearts. She touched many lives. So tonight Tom and I sit in the airport in the midst of a snowstorm rendering many homebound. Our flight is an hour late at best, hopefully at most. We'll wake in Portland with family, with loved ones who share in our sorrow. But behind my own tears of longing to see her again, there is a sparkle to know they are dancing together, my grandparents, my godparents, my namesake & my birthday boy! And how lucky for them to be together again, in God's glory everlasting!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

blessed tiredness...

I had a first this week!  I was invited to a conference in Durango, Colorado, of which I didn't see much besides the hotels and the Steamworks Brewery.  The drive both ways was sunny, and the mountains were so gorgeous.  I enjoyed getting to see some more of Colorado.  Along the way we found the most wonderful Organic Peddler and Peace of Art Cafe in Del Norte.  It made for the perfect lunch spot both ways.  The cafe is a cordwood building structure - beautiful colored bottles creating pictures inbetween the wood.  I enjoyed talking with Mike both stops.  His wife Kim is quite an artist and visionary!
 
But with over seven hours on the road Monday and again on Wednesday, I am relieved to have a couple days to rest before the four hours to New Mexico for Easter with the Vigils.  (I really would love to get there sooner than later...)  We are coming back Monday, so we can celebrate Easter dinner on Easter instead of Saturday.  I had an exceptionally full day at work to make it home long enough to drop off my bag and head to church for services.  Unfortunately, tiredness and hunger made it hard to be really present after an hour and a half.  But isn't that what the triduum is all about?  blessed tiredness...

Sunday, March 29, 2009

ooof...

I am tired!  It has been a pretty full weekend.  I got to host "Book Club" on Friday, and we had a lively discussion about a book many of us felt a biy wishy-washy about.  The cast of characters were Jewish, so we had Manishevitz to complement our snacks.  Then after church Saturday, Tom and I played four extremely amusing games of The Game of LIFE.  A hoot...I don't remember it being as silly as when I played it at Grandma's house.  And today I ran errands, cleaned house, worked for a couple hours, and have been trying to spring-clean my closets.  I am pooped!  g'night...

Friday, March 27, 2009

pre-bad fish

beautiful, realxed ladies of columbine...
These are a couple group shots after my thank you morning with the ladies.  It is hard to believe that about about seven years ago we first looked at the Columbine house to consider if it was a possible future home.  Goodness how we loved it...

Family Christmas photos

Ezra has a thing for Tom.  He loves checking him out, though rarely does he actually want to be held by Tom.  These pictures from Family Christmas in January are funny.  The first one Tom is make his squinty funny face at Ezra.  I think they're pretty cute together.  Jennifer just looks silly...I can only think she didn't get what she wanted from Santa. 

New Years seafood

My dad has a history of making seafood chowder every New Years Day for those who can come and celebrate, eat, drink, and play games.  The chowder is improved upon each year, it seems, and so have the names of each year's soup pot's contents.  Tom and I improvised, and he made crab stuffed prawns with linguine and scallops.  It was amazing!!!
I helped de-vein the shrimpies and stuff them with little balls of crab treats, but Tom made everything, including a really rich and creamy sauce to drizzle over it all.  Yummmmm...

blue skies...

If you live in Colorado, you know that blue skies are usually only a day away.  I decided to head in late to work to avoid the slippery mess of the morning.  An hour and a half of shoveling snow and clearing my car from a heavy load left me pretty swetty this morning, but my sidewalks are bone dry now.  The streets are steaming, and the gutters full of run-off.  Amazing! 
 
It inspired a picture of the table and chair in the bakc heaped of snow.  This inspired downloading all sorts of pictures onto my computer - for your benefit. 
 

Thursday, March 26, 2009

the 25th...

Evidently sleeping through Sunday and missing work Monday (also sleeping through most of it), I ended up losing a day.  In a conversation with Mom tonight, I learned that today is the 26th.  It is not the 25th, which was yesterday, which is also Amy's birthday.  I knew the 25th was Wednesday, and I knew today is Thursday.  But somehow everything else didn't add up.  I am not sure exactly which day I lose, maybe the 26th, since tomorrow I will wake up on the 27th. 
 
Anyway, the weather outside is frightful!  Finally!  I am really excited about the snowstorm because I have been waiting and waiting for moisture.  I have crossed my fingers over and over as I told wannabe community gardeners, "no" DUG would not be turning the water on early just because we had what seemed like two weeks of weather in the 70s.  Oh wait - I mean a whole month!  But for having come in like a little lamb, March is going out like a lion.  ROAR!!!  It is, of course, sad to hear my friends' flight was cancelled and to know there have been a lot of accidents and to think of the people who have been living outside or in cars with the nice weather and got caught unprepared. 
 
So for the two hours I was at work, over two inches of snow accumulated on my car.  The snow came down so big and wet this morning that the streets outside were just wet.  But then crossing Downing to the office, the ground was slushy and white.  About noon the temperature dropped low enough that the roads in the neighborhood finally turned slick.  The snow has let up only temporarily, but the snow furiously flurrying outside now looks much smaller and drier.  The wind just keeps blowing it in.
 
So I am off to bundle up and dream of flowers and plants and trees sucking up the moisture for a beautiful spring!  buenos suenos...

Monday, March 23, 2009

Bad fish

"Bad fish" usually brings to mind a certain band I like, but Sturday night it brought up something different.  It seems the only thing that could have caused the tummy cramping, etc., unless it is the flu.  Tom and I went out for sushi at one of my old favorites, but I don't think we'll go back there again.  I went to bed feeling a bit heavy in the belly and by midnight I was tossing and turning, rubbing my belly to help digestion, and fighting the inevitable.  Yesterday I slept until it was time to go to bed again.  A hot shower and a delivery of 7-up and Gatorade from Tom were the highlights of the day, and possibly the plain piece of toast I kept down.  Yuck!
 
My body aches all over, which makes me wonder if the fish was just the trigger of something bigger.  I have slept for most of the past 48 hours, and I am still tired!  Ridiculous!  Well, T4B4me...

Monday, March 16, 2009

From start to finish...

I have had a bad case of the Mondays!
 
I am not sure if I would have consulted my calendar, that my day would have gone more smoothly, and that I would be in bed by now!  I knew I had to be at work pronto this morning!  I drove, despite the beuatiful forecast, because today was the beginning of three days of packing seed packets for distribution to over 2,000 households of DUG's Seeds & Transplant Program.  Laura manages it beautifully and had arranged for a number of us on staff to pitch in with getting the boxes of seeds sent over to the center for packing.
 
I pulled in right at 8 am, hoping I hadn't already missed her.  She said her goal was to be there at 7:30 am, but that was indeed early for a Monday.  I had missed her, but Michael was finishing loading his truck.  I got all but one of the boxes left in my little coupe, and while we were about to repack the box into a bag that would fit, Laura's intern came in and offered to take all of them for me.  I graciously refused since (1) I didn't want to have to unload them all and carry them around to the other side of the building to the street and (2) I figured I would drop my car off at home on the way back and bike to work.  I had tossed my bag at my desk and raced off.
 
Halfway there I realized I hadn't written down the address, though I remembered the cross streets.  I didn't have my phone or calendar (where it was written down).  There was no "rec center" where I thought I was supposed to go, so I pulled over a couple blocks away and asked a kind old man if he knew where the East Montclair Community Rec Center was.  It turns out he was a member at the Montclair Rec Center and went inside to check on his rec card to see if it listed the address.  As it did not, he gave me directions, then followed me there to make sure I got there.  Really a very sweet old man!  Very generous of his time to help a damsel in distress as myself!  I was terribly confused because the center was about a mile SE of where I thought I was going.  There was a less helpful but equally sweet old man at the desk who insisted on finding where I was supposed to drop the seeds by loudly telling everyone else in the building what I was supposed to be doing, though it was becoming quite obvious to everyone else that I was in the wrong place! 
 
A quick call to the office confirmed that I was right on the money for my original cross streets, but it was a mix up of the East Montclair Community Center and the Montclair Rec Center that hindered my direction getting.  Alas! 
 
Having dropped off the car, I sped off on my bike back to the office, only to realize I'd forgotten my helmet - oops!  And then once at the office, I realized I had other meetings that would have been easier by car - until they ended up being canceled.  I would have known if I opened my calendar, at which point I would have been reminded that I was working till 9 pm tonight, attending a class.  Luckily, I had leftovers from last week in the fridge at work and had time to come home and get dinner before the class.  And then tonight while brushing my teeth and getting ready for my shower, I realized I didn't send Laura my LiveWell update for the next newspaper - she'll have my hide, except maybe she didn't notice yet!  I should be asleep.  I will be soon, and then I can wake up fresh tomorrow and get the day right!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Luck o' the Day!

I am a bit tired and a little bit sunburned on my forehead and nose!  Ooops!  I was thrilled to finally make it downtown for the St. Patrick's Day parade (though we still have a couple days till St. Patrick's Day, Denver did go all out for the parade yesterday).  A friend has been inviting me for years to hang out at her family's large street party, and after cold weather and lame excuses in years past, I went to bed a little early and planned my travels to take full advantage of the fun.  The bike ride to Jennifer's warmed me up, and I locked my bike up there to reunite at lunch time.  The mall ride got ridiculously crowded, but we were all trying to get to the parade route before it started and would block our access across the street.  I saw friends from Metro CareRing days and bookclub.  It was fun to talk to everyone, but even sillier was getting tipsy before noon - Guiness after Guiness!  My goo'ness!  I hadn't figured on the sun, so I was a bit red in the face when I made it to 1 o'clock brunch at Jennifer's.  Even better, Tom had driven his truck to escort me and my bike home for a long nap and hydration.  All in all, I am ready to do it again! 

Sunday, March 8, 2009

gorgeous day

So I really want snow or rain or something...the sun is amazing, don't get me wrong!  I enjoyed walking to the coffee shop with Jennifer and Andrea today.  We even got to sit by the open doors with the sun shining on our arms and faces.  And then walking back and hanging out in front of Jennifer's place was beautiful - too warm at times. 
 
But really what a treat to have gotten to have a date with Betty.  I haven't gotten to spend anytime with her lately.  We're both such busy people.  I had asked if I could take her to dinner and a movie as a thank you for her three weeks of hospitality last summer.  So we went to see a movie playing only south of town, and without a car Betty won't walk that far.  It was a lot of fun.  She got to have her buttery popcorn, and then we had healthy salads at Watercourse as a treat afterwards.  It was a very special evening for me!   peace

dish duty

It is super exciting~
 
SAME Cafe (soallmayeat.org) is this delicious cafe where you pay what you want for your meal.  Brad and Libby source as much of their food organically and/or locally and serve up soup, salad, and pizza.  There is usually a couple choices of each, with at least one being vegetarian.  I think I have written before about how I like going there after church on Saturday - good food, good company because Mary works that shift, and always a good time. 
 
Last night Tom came with me after church to get some dinner.  I had eaten their food for lunch (brought in for a DUG training I had all day) and was excited to see what was still on the menu and what had changed.  The place was packed!  They were recently the cover story of Westword magazing (www.westword.com), so I am sure the word was reaching new folks.  I didn't see any of the usuals, but there was a line!  Tom and I found a seat close to the counters, and I helped serve up cookies and refresh the tea.  Tom tried to troubleshoot the ice/water machine that wouldn't work.  As the crowd died down, we got some grub and conversation with Mary.  But it picked right back up again.  The dishwasher finished volunteering, so I stepped in to help.  Tom, too!  We washed dishes for an hour, and I'll admit my back started aching a bit.  But we had fun - teasing and talking with the other volunteers.  It was such a rewarding night.  And I was pooped!  Ready for a nap after work and before church, I came home and slept like a baby!
 
If you see this in time, or can figure out how to search for it on line, NBC national news will air a piece on SAME Cafe on Monday, March 10th - 5:30pm MST.  best!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

FISHY FISHY!!

I "made up" a recipe, and everyone enjoyed it.  I was inspired to make some fish for family dinner because Ahna and Sarah were not attending.  They are even more strict vegetarians than I.  So I talked it over with my rolfer last night, and she recommended a fish packet of rice, vegetables, and fish.  I discussed it with my co-workers, and Scott recommended a fish packet with vegetables and fish with a white wine/butter sauce.  Well, I still needed to be lactose intolerant for Gabe, so I was thinking more along the lines of asian. 
 
What I did prepare (with a lot of assistance from Tom): parchment packets of sweet potatoes, carrots, red bell peppers, onions, and brocolli rabe topped with a fillet of salmon doused with a marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable broth, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili sauce.  And as Tom overheard me listing the ingredients, he included, "Love; don't forget love!"  The rice was on the side, and an extra packet of vegetables was steamed in case Sarah could make it (which she did, and I am grateful to have had something special for her, too!).  The other tasty and terribly unappealing looking dish was a reprise of mashed potato casserole - a small casserole dish was untouched at Thanksgiving and promptly frozen.  It always tastes good, but Thanksgiving wasn't yesterday, so it lost some of its charm.
 
Well, I best get to bed.  I had a rough start to my day, and now that it has quieted down, a headache is creeping in.  g'night....

Sunday, February 15, 2009

I heart weekends...

And what a fun weekend to heart...
Not only was the lovers' brunch yesterday at the Otto's home, but I don't have to work tomorrow!!  Woo Woo!!  Mary and I are going to stretch our legs in the front range.  Snowshoeing was a possibility, but with all the sun we've had, there certainly isn't going to be snow anywhere close.
 
I was delighted to spend lots of time with Tom this weekend, too, though he has to work tomorrow.  He has been cooking up a storm.  And while the saying goes about the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, it might apply to me, too.  Listen to these recipes: tomato & roasted red pepper soup with roughy, shrimp, and scallops in it with homemade tortillas on the side.  Campanella noodles with strips of vegetables sauteed in a tomato-y cream sauce with garlic and onions and pesto bread.  Yum!!  Vanilla and caramel ice cream...Oh goodness!  I am going to have to fast the rest of the week!
 
The other delight is that Tom likes thrifting.  We went and found valentines for under a pbuck apiece at the Goodwill on our way to the lovers' brunch.  It was a scream finding things for everyone.  I also keep finding these old orange bits and pieces - containers and jars and such for pasta or cous cous or whatnot.  The older the better.  It has been fun making fun of things and laughing at the odd things we see that someone else has given away, or wondering why they didn't give them away sooner.  Oh la...peace and love to you...

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

the meat run

Oh the warm days...is it Spring already?
 
So I haven't posted lately as I have been busy - oh wait, that is always my excuse.  But really Tom and I did make the "meat run" this past weekend.  I already stand corrected on "giving away all Tom's meat" because it wasn't given to me and I won't eat it.  Anywho, it was a nice couple nights and days down in Miami.  It started off with an early start (not as early as it could have been, but I admit I was the slowpoke) and beating traffic through Colorado Springs.  We made it to Colfax Tavern, otherwise known as the red building between I-25 and Taos that advertises "COLD BEER".  Roger, an old friend of Tom's, served us up some pizza - sans meat on half - and a couple pitchers of cold Shiner.  His brother Daniel joined us, too, though Julie had homecoming events and couldn't come.  I had a lot of fun watching and joining in on the banter across the table.  I really enjoyed myself.  Another highlight of the weekend was an improptu game of two-on-two, turn one-on-two, turn one-on-one.  Tom and I disembarked from Daniel and Julie's house to walk over to his parents' house.  On the way we discovered that his sister and family had returned from the homecoming parade and were loading up the basketball hoop to set it up in one of the bays at the firehouse.  So we helped out, so Maya and I could take on Andres and Dave.  It was great fun until Maya bailed out.  I really couldn't handle the guys on my own, especially with Andres amazing arm.  Then he bowed out, and I took my game up a notch since it was just Dave and I.  We had a lot of fun, but it wasn't over until Tom stepped in and completely blocked any hope I had of dribbling, shooting, or moving in general.  Needless to say, I was no match for his defense OR his offense.  It was an unexpected bit of excitement for the day!
 
Tom did make it home with a box full of jerky and a little cooler of steaks.  The "meat run" was successful.  Traffic was easy coming back with everyone at home or the bar glued to the Super Bowl.  We missed family brunch and football reluctantly, but neither of us cared about watching the game.  I didn't care about much of anything really - I couldn't keep my eyes open past Colorado Springs, and unfortunately my conversation skills were drowsy and incoherent as I continued to ask questions and fade in and out for the answer and my responses. 
 
Back to work for now...tomorrow I hope to bike!  G'night...

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

boots!!

It's official!! I bought my first cowboy boots!! And the joy is all mine. While I did have my eye on a pair of really basic square-toe brown boots, they weren't very comfortable on my feet. That was a bummer, particularly after driving to the one store that I knew had them. However, my little beauties fit just right, which I am told is the sign to look for. They aren't all red like Ariel's from Footloose, and the brown and orange pair didn't go over as well as they could have, but here is what they look like! Kind of girly, huh?
I wore them to work today. I will wear them tomorrow. And tomorrow night I get to wear them to the rodeo. I have to say that I have been wanting a pair of cowboy boots for a long time, and the time was finally right! Even more exciting is that Tom took me shopping on the Harley. It was our first ride of 2009 and my first time with my new orange helmet! Woo woo! loveyousomuch...tori