ROAD TRIP!

Author's note: Due to technical difficulties, this entry was delayed.

Well, half a road trip.

About ten days ago, we found out that Amanda needs to be in AZ on Tuesday and I wanted to go too. Having become accustomed to flying when I want to get somewhere farther than four hours away, I decide we should fly. I check airfares. OUCH! $210 each way for each of us. OK, I can drive, pay for gas and pay myself a salary for that amount of moola. So, we decide we are going to drive.

I talk with my boss about taking a week off. Guess what! He has a car in California and a closet full of "stuff" that he needs to get to AZ. He was going to take it in March. Would I like to take the car down and fly back? Uh, let's see. Drive the boss' car; stay at the boss' house; not have to take three days of vacation and fly on his miles that are going to expire. Yep!! Win, Win for both parties.

I went and picked up the car today and packed an entire closet into the back of a Ford Freestyle. Hubby and Boss both think I should have taped it and sent it to Ford. They have never seen so much stuff put in a car and still have room for people to travel safely. (Thanks for handing down that talent, Dad.)

January 12

To my family:

Thinking of you, fondly and introspectively, on this anniversary. We have changed and grown in numbers and strength and I know Dad is proud of all of us.

Keep up the good work. I know I am.

HAPPY 21ST ANNIVERSARY

Twenty-one years ago this day, my lovely spouse decided to accept me into his family for better or worse.

I believe there has been many more betters than worses and so does he.

Here's to at least twenty-one more.

The Human Mind is a Wonderful Organ

As I discussed yesterday, the nephews were visiting. One of the most amazing things I have seen is the transformation of my nephew. His early years, living with my sister, were rough, to say the least. He has been living with his father and step-mom, who should be knighted with sainthood. (Yea, I know that is a totally mixed-image, but you get the jest, I am sure.)

We were at the barn for my lesson and someone asked him who he belonged to. He replied, my Aunt Liz. He was then asked, how is she your aunt. He replied the way a ten-year-old would, "my grandma was her mother." No mention that my sister is his mother; no mention of her whatsoever.

Later in the day, someone asked him if he remembered who she was. He said no. She said well, you and your sister came to visit at the other barn. You guys rode Luke. He said, sorry, don't remember. He then asked me about it. Well, the only other time he as been to the barn was with my sister and the "brat" girl who was living with them, about four years ago. I asked if he remembered, the "brat" (NO, I didn't say it like that), her dad, his mom, my sister. He said no. Can't say that I do. Is it ok that I don't remember? Yes, it is. Except, he also doesn't remember our (the Stevens Family Birthday Trip) to Disneyland that same year.

Ah, but I have photos of that trip. Glad the other "trip" is locked away. Thank you, Janelle.

What not to say to a Six-Year-Old

Ok. So two of the many nephews were visiting today. Both their parents had to work. We like having them over; they like playing pirates, cowboys, indians. You get the picture. And six-year-olds are full of questions, which require answers that make sense to the six-year-old.

Niko, the six-year-old, asks me "How much would you sell me Rufus for?". I hear, "How old is Rufus?" and quickly answer, "Two".

"Cool", replies Niko, "I have two dollars at home. Can we take him tonight when we go home?"

I spend the rest of the day explaining that Rufus has to stay here, even if he does pay me $2 for him. His landlord, his neighbors, the county will not allow him to have a horse, even if his parents would...All explanations fall on six-year-old ears that do not hear.

His parents arrive, and he immediately runs them to the pasture to see his new horse. And, they, to no avail, attempt to explain that the only animal they can afford to feed is their Boston Terrier, Eva. Niko promises to buy the hay for Rufus. Then, my very tired pirate loving nephew begins to cry that cry that says, "I finally hear you, but now I don't care. I am tired."

Moral of this story: Always know the question you are being asked by a six-year-old; otherwise you may have given away the farm for a song.

Boating Saturday

Just a few photos of our outing on a friend's boat on Saturday. We had a wonderful time. We cruised from Sacramento's Miller Park down to Cliff's Marina near Freeport and back home. A few minor glitches, but a beautiful day none the less.

Heather piloting the vessel.

Sara intently watching Heather.

And here I am piloting the vessel. I didn't crash or ground the vessel.

PUNK

Sometime this month, Angus celebrates his 19th birthday. I hope I age as gracefully as he has been. But, he is still a punk.

He had a growth on his toe, which we have chosen not to remove. Our vet is certain that he could not survive the anesthesia process. So, we have been soaking it; keeping his jogging boot on; and treating him with antibiotics.

So, why is my 19 year old dog a PUNK!?

Every August for the past five or six years, he decides he is not going to eat. Maybe his tastes change; maybe he just isn't hungry. Previously, I thought it was because it was hot in August or it was because I am usually gone for a week each August. But this August has been unusually cool.

In the past, tri-tip and mashed potatoes have worked. Or ground turkey and rice. Not this year. Got to find something else. At least he ate his bacon and eggs for breakfast.

First Birthday's are always fun

for everyone and sometimes for the birthday girl.

Went to April and Steve's house last Saturday to celebrate Bailey's first birthday. She will officially be one tomorrow. Happy Birthday, Bailey. (Artwork courtesy of elder sister Bridget.)


Here are some photos of the family.

Bailey in her ballerina outfit.

Trying out the trike.

Big Sister, Bridget, riding her two wheeler. She, too, is dressed in a pink ballerina outfit.

Off to Beautiful Fresno

The Raisin capital of the world. Not quite the armpit, but close.

Kevin and Kelly are celebrating their 40th birthday this weekend. So, it is off to Fresno we go.

Party on, dude!!!

So, there will be no March Madness or Formula 1 update until Monday or Tuesday, depending on how long it takes for me to recover.

Go Tigers!!!!!