Today the rancher, who owns the cows on our hills, decide to move the cows to a new location. Normally the cows are very quiet. You'll hear an occasional Moo of course, but today those cows wanted to be heard! It was non-stop mooing for a full hour at least as they made their way across the hill.
There was one time several years ago that a cow behind our house became stuck. He must have fallen into a ravine and literally couldn't get unstuck. He was so noisy. Finally a helicopter actually came to get him out.
When we moved into our house in 2004, there was a house across our street that I refer to as the "Ugly Brown House". A year or more ago she finally put some money into a new roof and removed the horrible brown siding. She also has a pool that I'm told the city brought her fish that eat mosquito's because she refused to properly care for the pool. We've joked that a bull or cow is drowned in her pool and you'll never know it because of how nasty it is.
Her backyard opens up to one of the hills where the cows roam. (I have hills on 3 sides of me.) Next to her house lives our other neighbor who I'll call House is Never Done. House is Never Done has spent a fortune for the past several years to turn his plain house into a french cottage. I must admit, it's very nice, inside and out. I certainly appreciate the work he's had contractors put into it, but it seems as if he's never satisfied and it may never be finished.
Well, one day several years ago, Todd was at House is Never Done's house with Paula when they realized there was a cow in the Ugly Brown House backyard. Todd lifted Paula up over the fence and she was staring straight into the face of a black Angus bull. Holy Cow! (pun intended!) Ugly Brown House may have closed in her fence by now. She's an odd duck that one.
I'll leave you with the below joke I found online.
A lady from the city and her traveling companion were riding the train through Vermont when she noticed some cows.
"What a cute bunch of cows!" she remarked.
"Not a bunch, herd", her friend replied.
"Heard of what?"
"Herd of cows."
"Of course I've heard of cows."
"No, a cow herd."
"What do I care what a cow heard. I have no secrets to keep from a cow!"
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Ace Ventura lives at my house
My husband has an uncanny ability to find what I consider unwanted critters. I realize that I live in the hills and am therefore, closer to God's creatures. That doesn't mean I have to like it. I don't mind the cows, deer or wild turkeys that frequent my neighborhood. I can even live with the skunks if they stay upwind. It's the creepier creatures that bother me. Thank goodness it's rarely me who comes across them.
We have a gopher snake named Snake. Snake was in my backyard near our BBQ when my husband saw him. Todd grew up with snakes so you can imagine his joy. We feed the snake, house the snake in a glass aquarium and pay electricity for Snake so he can be snuggly warm. (rolling eyes)
Many years ago my husband came across a tarantula in our backyard. It was a big one too. He put it in a nice show and tell container (one of my favorite Tupperware!) and Paula brought him to preschool the next day for their science table. We have an abundance of Black Widows in my backyard too.
We have raccoons that come frequent our backyard at night scavenging for food. Last night, Todd turned on our BBQ to cook chicken and out flew a scorched rat! That's a first and I hope a last.
We have a gopher snake named Snake. Snake was in my backyard near our BBQ when my husband saw him. Todd grew up with snakes so you can imagine his joy. We feed the snake, house the snake in a glass aquarium and pay electricity for Snake so he can be snuggly warm. (rolling eyes)
Many years ago my husband came across a tarantula in our backyard. It was a big one too. He put it in a nice show and tell container (one of my favorite Tupperware!) and Paula brought him to preschool the next day for their science table. We have an abundance of Black Widows in my backyard too.
We have raccoons that come frequent our backyard at night scavenging for food. Last night, Todd turned on our BBQ to cook chicken and out flew a scorched rat! That's a first and I hope a last.
Here are a just few pictures I have so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.
A moth Todd got to land on his shorts.
A moth Todd got to land on his shorts.
Snake
Our industrial strength bug zapper. It goes off non-stop.
the cows on our hills across the street from my house
Turkeys behind our house on the hill in February 2009
THE tarantula in our backyard
This snake Todd did not bring home and was further down our hill.
Two ducks who want inside my house for some reason
Friday, July 31, 2009
Welding mask or sun visor?
Here in my neck of the woods it would appear a memo has gone out to a certain ethnic group, which will remain nameless, that wearing regular size sunglasses are so yesterday. Here in Northern California many folks have kicked it up a notch. Today, a sun visor that resembles a welding helmet is the preferred method of keeping sun off your face. These over sized sun visors are all the rage here in Silicon Valley. In case you haven't seen one I've included a couple here for you.
You can sport your favorite country.
Sexy
Don't you want one? Admit it. You know you do.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Saw something shiny
My youngest child, Shawna, is 6.5 years old. My oldest child, Paula, is 8 years old. Paula is very organized and methodical. Her room is usually tidy and she can usually find her things even if under clutter. She does get distracted but not like her younger sibling. When you tell Paula to do something she will complete the said act in a reasonable amount of time. When you tell Shawna to do something, more than likely it won't get done. Shawna starts out with the intention to do said act, but she easily gets distracted. We joke that she'll see something shiny that takes her attention away.
This morning, for example, I helped her get dressed (because if I don't it doesn't happen) and walked her into the bathroom where all she had to do is brush her teeth. I go back into my room to fix my hair that is not cooperating at all. 5 minutes later she still hasn't brushed her teeth. I remind her again to hurry up and brush her teeth. I go downstairs to pop their breakfast of a chocolate chip waffle into the toaster oven, because I'm very Martha Stewart that way, and 5 more minutes go by. Still no Shawna.
Shawna! Hurry up!
She has a small mouth people. She hasn't lost 1 single baby tooth. What is she doing up there?!
Finally she comes down. Now we have to get her shoes on. Where are her shoes? They're not in the shoe room next to the kitchen like they're supposed to be. They're upstairs. Gah! So she runs upstairs to get them. 2 minutes pass.
Shawna! Hurry up!
She brings down the shoes but now we're so late she has to put them on in the car. This is a typical morning in my house. If you do not shuffle behind Shawna ensuring that each task gets accomplished, minutes turn into hours and the act does not get completed.
Do you have a child like this??
It's been awhile since I shared pictures.
Paula on 4th of July for the bike parade. She came in 1st place for her age group.
This is Shawna. She too came in 1st place for her age group. Their dad does a fine job of decorating!
This morning, for example, I helped her get dressed (because if I don't it doesn't happen) and walked her into the bathroom where all she had to do is brush her teeth. I go back into my room to fix my hair that is not cooperating at all. 5 minutes later she still hasn't brushed her teeth. I remind her again to hurry up and brush her teeth. I go downstairs to pop their breakfast of a chocolate chip waffle into the toaster oven, because I'm very Martha Stewart that way, and 5 more minutes go by. Still no Shawna.
Shawna! Hurry up!
She has a small mouth people. She hasn't lost 1 single baby tooth. What is she doing up there?!
Finally she comes down. Now we have to get her shoes on. Where are her shoes? They're not in the shoe room next to the kitchen like they're supposed to be. They're upstairs. Gah! So she runs upstairs to get them. 2 minutes pass.
Shawna! Hurry up!
She brings down the shoes but now we're so late she has to put them on in the car. This is a typical morning in my house. If you do not shuffle behind Shawna ensuring that each task gets accomplished, minutes turn into hours and the act does not get completed.
Do you have a child like this??
It's been awhile since I shared pictures.
Paula on 4th of July for the bike parade. She came in 1st place for her age group.
This is Shawna. She too came in 1st place for her age group. Their dad does a fine job of decorating!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Save a Broken Heart
In my mid 20's I lived with a gal named Michelle for a few years. Michelle is a kick. She and I laughed non-stop when we first met. My mom and I picked her up to go the airport where we headed for Richmond VA for my friends wedding. I was BF with the bride and she was BF with the brides brother. We worked down the street from each other and lived not too far from each other growing up, but it took my friend Jenny to bring us together.
Today Michelle posted something on her Facebook that I feel I need to put out to our wonderful blogspere. Michelle's dear friend and co-worker, whose name is Elizabeth, is the mother of a 4 year old child who needs a heart transplant. They're insurance has reached its cap. If you or anyone you know would be willing to help them out they'd really appreciate it. Here is the link to their site and it tells Aaron's story. I've also included her last post below. http://saveabrokenheart.com/
This is Elizabeth Tanner's story:
My name is Elizabeth Tanner and I am mom to 4 wonderful boys Nicholas 14, Noah 9, Ethan would be 6 and Aaron whom this blog is for is 4 years old. Aaron was born 4 years ago with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom. It is a very major heart defect that only the left side of your heart works. He has had three open heart surgeries amongst others and as of May 30th he is in renal failure and now is going to need a kidney transplant. I was just informed today that his heart is not handleing the stress and is suffering he is going to need a heart transplant at the same time makeing him one of a very few that need a multiple organ transplant. I am beside myself I truly do not know how much more I can handle.
4 years ago 6 weeks after Aaron was born we lost our then 27 month old son Ethan to what is called hypotropic cardiomyopathy. It was devastating to our family he was never diagnosed so it happened very suddenly. Through our family and friends and there emotional support and love we have made it this farr. I am starting this blog because I realy want to share Aarons story with many he is a miracle and the biggest fighter you have ever seen.
God has a reason for all things in this life we do not know what it holds for us. Aaron is here for a purpose I have been told that by many so I have to share with the world what is happening. Ethan was here on this earth with us for such a short time but he was here long enough for Aaron to be born. We have suffered emensly for loosing him my grief and the grief of my family I cannot even put into words. I keep trying to put aside my grief to take care of my son Aaron. We are truly going to need help from the outside. We have to start fundraising the transplant will take place in UCLA . He will have to wait until one is available I dont know much about the process but I will learn all I can in whatever time frame that is given to me. It is going to cost more than our Insurance covers us for we have a lifetime maximum of 350,000 and we are already very close his antirejection medication after surgery alone is more than $7,000 a month. We need help. my number is 925-899-1010 I am in the process of trying to set something on the blog to donate but you can just contact me in the meantime.
Today Michelle posted something on her Facebook that I feel I need to put out to our wonderful blogspere. Michelle's dear friend and co-worker, whose name is Elizabeth, is the mother of a 4 year old child who needs a heart transplant. They're insurance has reached its cap. If you or anyone you know would be willing to help them out they'd really appreciate it. Here is the link to their site and it tells Aaron's story. I've also included her last post below. http://saveabrokenheart.com/
This is Elizabeth Tanner's story:
My name is Elizabeth Tanner and I am mom to 4 wonderful boys Nicholas 14, Noah 9, Ethan would be 6 and Aaron whom this blog is for is 4 years old. Aaron was born 4 years ago with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom. It is a very major heart defect that only the left side of your heart works. He has had three open heart surgeries amongst others and as of May 30th he is in renal failure and now is going to need a kidney transplant. I was just informed today that his heart is not handleing the stress and is suffering he is going to need a heart transplant at the same time makeing him one of a very few that need a multiple organ transplant. I am beside myself I truly do not know how much more I can handle.
4 years ago 6 weeks after Aaron was born we lost our then 27 month old son Ethan to what is called hypotropic cardiomyopathy. It was devastating to our family he was never diagnosed so it happened very suddenly. Through our family and friends and there emotional support and love we have made it this farr. I am starting this blog because I realy want to share Aarons story with many he is a miracle and the biggest fighter you have ever seen.
God has a reason for all things in this life we do not know what it holds for us. Aaron is here for a purpose I have been told that by many so I have to share with the world what is happening. Ethan was here on this earth with us for such a short time but he was here long enough for Aaron to be born. We have suffered emensly for loosing him my grief and the grief of my family I cannot even put into words. I keep trying to put aside my grief to take care of my son Aaron. We are truly going to need help from the outside. We have to start fundraising the transplant will take place in UCLA . He will have to wait until one is available I dont know much about the process but I will learn all I can in whatever time frame that is given to me. It is going to cost more than our Insurance covers us for we have a lifetime maximum of 350,000 and we are already very close his antirejection medication after surgery alone is more than $7,000 a month. We need help. my number is 925-899-1010 I am in the process of trying to set something on the blog to donate but you can just contact me in the meantime.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
WW Update Week 3
Yay! I weighed in today at 148 so I'm down -1.2 lbs for a total lost of -5.2 lbs. Go me!
This past week this my appetite was better. I wasn't as hungry, although I did have one night where I caved and ate a bunch of Wheat Thins and sharp cheddar cheese.
Below is what I generally ate everyday. It totals to about 22 pts give or take. I'm supposed to eat 20 points daily, and then there are 35 extra points for the week that I can divide how I want. I'm using mine for wine. =) Throughout the week I upped my water intake, although I'm still not at 64 oz like they suggest. I can't be running to the bathroom all day!
I also did a good 1 hour hike on Sunday with Dina & Susanne (neighbor friends) in our hills that included some huffing and puffing. I'm parking at the end of my work parking lot too. Just little things but it all adds up. My friend/co-worker Tina also lots 1.2 pounds this week. We ROCK!!
Breakfast: 1 pouch of blueberry oatmeal from Trader Joe's - (3pts)
Coffee w/non-fat milk (2pt)
Lunch: 2 hard boiled eggs (4pt) [or Lite Progressive soup which is 3 pts]
Diet caffeine free root beer (0 pt) non-fat fruit yogurt (2pt)
Snack: String cheese (2) [or fruit]
Dinner: 2 egg omelet with tomatoes (4pt), 2 glasses of wine (4pts)
Dessert: WW Giant Fudge Bar (1pt)
If I keep up this momentum I should be in bathing suit condition in 3 weeks for our camping/boating trip and even better for my Cabo trip in October with my skinny cute friend.
This past week this my appetite was better. I wasn't as hungry, although I did have one night where I caved and ate a bunch of Wheat Thins and sharp cheddar cheese.
Below is what I generally ate everyday. It totals to about 22 pts give or take. I'm supposed to eat 20 points daily, and then there are 35 extra points for the week that I can divide how I want. I'm using mine for wine. =) Throughout the week I upped my water intake, although I'm still not at 64 oz like they suggest. I can't be running to the bathroom all day!
I also did a good 1 hour hike on Sunday with Dina & Susanne (neighbor friends) in our hills that included some huffing and puffing. I'm parking at the end of my work parking lot too. Just little things but it all adds up. My friend/co-worker Tina also lots 1.2 pounds this week. We ROCK!!
Breakfast: 1 pouch of blueberry oatmeal from Trader Joe's - (3pts)
Coffee w/non-fat milk (2pt)
Lunch: 2 hard boiled eggs (4pt) [or Lite Progressive soup which is 3 pts]
Diet caffeine free root beer (0 pt) non-fat fruit yogurt (2pt)
Snack: String cheese (2) [or fruit]
Dinner: 2 egg omelet with tomatoes (4pt), 2 glasses of wine (4pts)
Dessert: WW Giant Fudge Bar (1pt)
If I keep up this momentum I should be in bathing suit condition in 3 weeks for our camping/boating trip and even better for my Cabo trip in October with my skinny cute friend.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
WW update
Today is week 2 of my weight watchers plan. Last week my coworker/friend Tina and I started back on WW. In 2006 we were on it and I lost 22 lbs in 5 months. I reached Lifetime in 2007 which is when you stay at goal for 6 months. I did really well for almost 2 years total, then started letting my bad habits take over.
Today I weighed the same amount I did in 2006 when she and I started. 149. Last week I weighed 153!!!! I almost freaked when I saw that. But the good news is I lost 4 pounds! I knew I'd lost a pound in a week but I didn't think it was 4 pounds. I think most of it the weight was water weight from being bloated on the steroid Prednisone. Either way I'm thrilled. I'm only 5'3" so I can't afford to be that heavy. I've been told by doctors that I have a 100% chance of getting adult onset diabetes. I had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies and in fact was on insulin w/my 2nd pregnancy where I had to give myself a shot 4 times a day. Not only that, but my brother is type 1 diabetic. They say the only thing I can do is stay healthy to prolong the disease.
Now the plan is continue losing. I'm going to Cabo in October with my really cute friend Kim and it's imperative that I look good. If the men just check & seek her out and ignore me I'm going to be devastated. It doesn't matter that I'm married and therefore not going to pursue them.
Why am I sharing my weight on a public blog? To stay accountable to myself and you. Every week on Thursday I'll post how I'm doing.
Alrighty then. I'm off to have some birthday cake for a co-worker. Just kidding!!! I won't eat the cake. I'll just look at it longingly.
Today I weighed the same amount I did in 2006 when she and I started. 149. Last week I weighed 153!!!! I almost freaked when I saw that. But the good news is I lost 4 pounds! I knew I'd lost a pound in a week but I didn't think it was 4 pounds. I think most of it the weight was water weight from being bloated on the steroid Prednisone. Either way I'm thrilled. I'm only 5'3" so I can't afford to be that heavy. I've been told by doctors that I have a 100% chance of getting adult onset diabetes. I had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies and in fact was on insulin w/my 2nd pregnancy where I had to give myself a shot 4 times a day. Not only that, but my brother is type 1 diabetic. They say the only thing I can do is stay healthy to prolong the disease.
Now the plan is continue losing. I'm going to Cabo in October with my really cute friend Kim and it's imperative that I look good. If the men just check & seek her out and ignore me I'm going to be devastated. It doesn't matter that I'm married and therefore not going to pursue them.
Why am I sharing my weight on a public blog? To stay accountable to myself and you. Every week on Thursday I'll post how I'm doing.
Alrighty then. I'm off to have some birthday cake for a co-worker. Just kidding!!! I won't eat the cake. I'll just look at it longingly.
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