REFLECTIONS. . . .

I was just sitting here reflecting. . . . I am family-free for a few days and loving every minute of it. All is quiet for now or at least till the puppies next door yelp and the lamb starts calling for his momma. (Doesn't help that the owner has put a little bell around his neck!) Country livin'!



Trying to stay focused reflecting on my memories of the wonderful time I had up in Canada. As you can see from these pictures, it was just spectacular. I went out for a walk as the sun was coming up and snapped most of these.
Such tranquil beauty. . .


If my thoughts stray and I turn my reflections inward, I can get a little crazy with the "if only's" of daily living and the past. What good does that do to be introspective? Just causes more stress. So instead I have to breathe deep and let go. This very moment is the only one I know I have for sure. I will reflect on these reflections!!

Remember that you are special and the ripples of your life affects others, too.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. . . .Confucius

WHILE THE CATS AWAY. . . THE MICE WILL

. . . . Do their laundry.

After returning from a weekend in SF, I could barely get in the back door. Seems the boys were "watching" the house for us, and decided it was a good time to do their monthly laundry. Oh, well. At least I am not doing it anymore. Kids. . . .

The city by the bay, did not disappoint us. The weather was perfect, the accommodations and food terrific. However, the Giants did disappoint when they lost to the Padres. Thankfully, they won the next day so they are on to the playoffs. Go Giants!!

MIRACLE MAYA

On a November day in 1998, my brother called and told me Maya was born, but was not expected to live through the night. She was born with a condition where her lungs could not expand and had to be resuscitated for 15 minutes. We were all devastated and I rushed to LA Children's hospital with my sister to help in this crisis. I am a Labor & Delivery nurse and just could not believe that there was such a poor outcome and that this could be happening to my family. When we saw Maya, it was just heartbreaking. Her swollen body was hooked up with so many tubes and her prognosis was dim. They were getting ready to put her on a heart and lung machine. However, they tried a an experimental treatment and she began to improve. We all took turns sitting by her, talking,singing, praying, caressing her frail little body. She spent over a month in the hospital and it was such a joyous day when she finally got to go home.

I have watched with pleasure, Maya grow into a beautiful young woman. She's smart, witty, dazzling, loving, unpretentious and tons of fun. As you can tell, I adore her. If you have read the "cowgirl tales blog", you will know that I am just one of her many fans. She is just an amazing kid.

I can't imagine life without my precious niece.MY MAGNIFICENT MIRACLE MAYA

FLYING KITES

I was driving into my driveway this evening, and it looked from a distance that there was a huge flock of swallows flying in the dusk. As I got closer, I was amazed to see that they were white-tailed kites. When we first moved here over 20 years ago, there was a couple who nested in a tall pine on the edge of the property. At the time, they were considered rare. They were almost extinct at one time in California. We were always pleased to see them nesting each year. If there was ever an extra-terrestrial bird, this would have to be it. They are a medium sized raptor and have a characteristic hunting technique of hovering in mid-air sometimes for almost a minute facing into the wind before diving for prey. They are just awesome to watch. I am thrilled to see that our couple has been fruitful and multiplied into a large flock.

So that is your ornithology lesson for the day!These pictures were courtesy of the internet.

ROOMMATE REMORSE!?!?

The kid came home tonight, to believe it or not-borrow the vacuum. He then began to apologize profusely to both of us for leaving so many messes over the years, being a slob, and taking us for granted. Seems that he has a roommate that leaves piles of clothes, trash, etc in his wake. . . Sort of like "Pigpen". You might say what goes around, comes around. I am just rather shocked that it is my son who is being the neat freak!

"PROPERLY TRAINED, A MAN CAN BE A DOG'S BEST FRIEND!"

Not sure who owns who!! Ben's new ride! His first time in the speedster. In the past, he has been limited to the truck. But the old dog deserves some new experiences in his old age. He just loved it! Playing the part of a distinguished gentleman. We'll have to get him some "doggles"!

GEEZERS!

IT SEEMED A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME. . .

Now how often have I used that expression! But this time I am talking about kids! It just so happens that I recently became "child-free" so to speak. Empty nester! I realize that I have been warned that it could be just a temporary situation, to not get too excited. For the time being, I am ecstatic and loving every minute of my freedom. I can't believe how peaceful and quiet it is. No drama going on when I get home from work. No nagging to clean up teen messes and spew! No looking under all the cushions for the remote control. Less laundry! Less groceries! Less electricity consumption! (Sort of!? Kev has been by on the weekends to do his laundry and clean out my pantry)

My son's last days at home were rather eventful. He fell off his skateboard and spent a couple of days in ICU with a brain contusion. So we did send him off with a new helmet. (It is probably still sitting in the box!?!?)

I admit, there was a time when they were just too cute. Probably when they were 6 mo old and asleep. Just kidding. . . . . . I have to say with my boys, there was, rather is never a dull moment. Not so long ago, they were adorable little boys running around getting into mischief--but things are different now! They have grown up a lot and I like to be completely unaware of any trouble they might be getting into!

KEVIN IN THE KITCHEN. . .

Kev offered to fix breakfast today. Once again, he whipped up a great breakfast! The crepes were just delicious. But then I looked in the kitchen. This was just the sink. . . Should have seen the counter and stove. At least he did promise to clean it up. . . later. So here is the recipe. It will make your mouth water to see the end result!

CREPES WITH STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE FILLING

Ingredients for crepes:

1 1/2 c milk
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 Tbs oil
2 Tbs sugar
Directions:

In mixing bowl combine milk, flour, eggs, oil, and sugar. Beat with mixer till well mixed. Heat a lightly greased 6-inch skillet. Remove from heat.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the batter; lift and tilt the skillet to spread the batter.

Invert pan over paper towels to remove crepe.
Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet occasionally.
Return to heat; brown on one side only.
Ingredients for Strawberry Filling:

1 (10 oz) pkg. Frozen strawberries, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 Tbs sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ tsp cornstarch
Directions:
Drain berries, reserving juice. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fold in berries. Chill. Roll each crepe with 1-2Tbs cream cheese mixture. Place side by side on plate. Mix strawberry liquid and cornstarch. Cook. Stir over medium heat until clear and slightly thickened. Pour over crepes.

Kevin's crepes with strawberry filling.

Try it! You will love it!

"LA DOLCE VITA". . . . NELSON, BC

Kootenay River and Mountains

It is that time of the year when I get away from
the drama of home-life and head north to one of my favorite spots in America and enjoy "the sweet life" with my "Canadian couzins".

These pictures say it ALL! Beautiful country, wild and crazy friends, delicious gourmet meals with fresh baked bread. What more do I need to recharge my worn out batteries again.


I learned to kayak and so did the "pony girl". She also did a little swimming or maybe you would call it "dunking", since she tipped Gina into the icy water of the Slocan Lake.
SLOCAN LAKE, NEW DENVER,BC

New Denver was originally a mining town named after Denver,CO. It was converted to a Japanese internment camp during WWII, where about 1500 women, children, and elderly men were housed in small shacks. Many of these tiny homes still remain. One of the most famous inhabitants, was David Suzuki, best known for hosting the show, "The Nature of Things". Although, the conditions were deplorable, perhaps the views here inspired him in his quest for love of nature and preserving the environment. It certainly has captivated me!

The chamber of commerce brags: "When you come to visit you will be able to enjoy a holiday free of cell-phone hassles. No annoying ring tones, no one-sided conversations shouted from the next table, no bothersome calls from the office. Just enjoy your holiday and listen to the sounds of silence. Serenity in nature. . . non- motorized trails. . . no exhaust noise. . . just the sounds of nature. . . "

Well, not quite. The silence was interrupted by loads of levity, loony behavior, (dressing like a Doukhobor to stay warm), joking and lots of shared food and beverages with friends.

That was just my first weekend welcome to BC. Next, it was on to Nelson. "The Queen City" of the Kootenays, renowned for its culture, recreational activities and the stunning beauty surrounding it. An ideal location for filming many movies. Baker Street seems to be a hub of activity and gets shut down for about any excuse, whether it is a parade for the graduating seniors,farmers market, the car collectors city cruise, or as I got to experience first-hand, The Market Fest. Bands played on both ends of the street, and vendors set out their goods. What a blast!

The best part of the trip, though, was spending time with a close friend who can sing me "the song of my heart" when I have forgotten it! Which is so easy to do with all the turmoil that everyday living seems to hand out to me.
Ms.G did run a tight "spa" program of long walks and uphill climbs, healthy eating and reminding me of the error of my many ways. . . ("Put down the toilet seat!" Take off your shoes!" "Step it up!" "Back straight!" "Chin up!" "Use your cloth napkin for your spew!") The "strenuous" workouts, were mixed with "the porch party", girls night out, watching reruns of curb,knitting club, enjoying the view, contemplating on the meaning of life. . .

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget."

I am so thankful to my friends up North for reminding me to enjoy the sweet life!

LA DOLCE VITA