tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59867792012-01-02T07:56:13.288-08:00Wherever You Go, There You areMelonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.comBlogger7101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-40800768040419080652012-01-02T07:55:00.000-08:002012-01-02T07:56:13.313-08:00

I really should post more often. Or, I should give up blogging forever.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-69969261239108250652010-01-27T21:06:00.000-08:002010-01-27T21:14:46.903-08:00

My version of fast food is to cook a big pot of something and heat up a serving whenever someone is hungry.I'm also doing a modified pantry challenge. I say yes whenever a family member wants something from the store, but I'm making an effort to cook stuff in the pantry/freezer/fridge instead of buying.Tonight I pulled two containers of broth? (how can I possibly think I don't need to label it

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-2624264557838562182009-04-21T19:31:00.000-07:002009-04-21T19:32:46.699-07:00

I'm not posting much here, but you can find me on facebook.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-37476593825548117822009-02-17T18:58:00.000-08:002009-02-17T19:00:12.401-08:00

Go to http://www.professionalsahm.com/ and read all about it.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-68361166600462523872008-12-04T07:43:00.000-08:002008-12-04T07:46:55.118-08:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-21704992417336726552008-11-16T21:07:00.000-08:002008-11-16T21:09:31.972-08:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-48508036480628494612008-07-29T06:51:00.000-07:002008-07-29T06:57:43.485-07:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-64425549914712402222008-07-13T18:57:00.000-07:002008-07-13T21:40:00.787-07:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-63561031773354455032008-07-13T18:23:00.000-07:002008-07-13T18:26:47.066-07:00

Here's proof that horoscopes are lame.Lisa picked up an OK! Weekly. As I glanced through, I stopped to read my horoscope for the week of July 21: ... Though the summer may have gotten off to a slow start, now it finally, snaps, crackles, and pops ...What? It has been snapping, crackling, and popping since last summer!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-91168851360550408712008-06-30T17:58:00.000-07:002008-06-30T18:03:43.616-07:00

After years and years of learning every single day without ceasing, here comes a holiday for unschoolers!July 24, "Learn Nothing Day"!It's less than a month away, so start thinking of how you can be ready for this momentous, first annual day of leisure for learners.Learn Nothing DayThere is art to go with it here:Learn Nothing Day ImagesPlease pass the word. Thanks.Sandra

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-31408159055288240762008-06-08T20:36:00.000-07:002008-06-08T20:48:47.448-07:00

Stephanie and Clint hosted a plucking party this morning.It wasn't too difficult, though I wasn't the one who got everything set up, collected the chickens, or chopped off the heads.Superintendent Clint had to hustle a bit to keep up with the plucking women-folk. To his credit, he did all the set up and clean up. Oh, and the chopping of heads. And the dipping of the feathered creatures to make

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-24959945890422789952008-05-19T21:16:00.000-07:002008-05-19T21:18:16.321-07:00

Check out my new store!SkateBaby

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-7926540685163486082008-05-14T21:47:00.000-07:002008-05-14T21:57:51.677-07:00

Jenna?If you recognize this expression, you recognize it.True Love!I think my dog needs a pet.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-32699279665510668562008-02-29T21:47:00.001-08:002008-02-29T21:50:28.033-08:00

No more Polaroid?It was my first camera.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-21818463562275624812008-02-18T20:09:00.000-08:002008-02-18T20:11:48.231-08:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-64974992005042635922008-01-18T18:11:00.001-08:002008-01-18T18:12:38.254-08:00

You know this is for you. Happy Employee Holiday Parties!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-68308646986362413772007-12-21T22:05:00.000-08:002007-12-21T22:16:34.682-08:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-3525667173081461862007-12-07T18:01:00.000-08:002007-12-07T18:21:10.212-08:00

I just gave one of my blog pals a hard time for not having posted since summer! So I figured I better post something wintery myself, to avoid being a hypocrite. Although the person I should really be hounding for a new post isNo, wait. This one is really out of date.PS Look closely to see the giant snowball in Lucky's mouth.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-27837900484688022152007-11-22T10:53:00.000-08:002007-11-22T11:00:32.385-08:00

http://borsabella.com/Or try borsabella.etsy.com

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-90815116100928545892007-11-16T19:06:00.000-08:002007-11-16T19:25:26.182-08:00

It's not that I don't enjoy cooking. I'm just rawther tired of having to come up with culinary delights day after day. Plus, I seem to be a bit short on time lately.Today I got one of those recipe-chain e-mails. For some reason, I was able to input a recipe.Sorry, Katie, it is not gluten-free.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-76118639098048111332007-11-14T21:24:00.000-08:002007-11-14T21:27:03.677-08:00

I found this in a carton of eggs. Poor hen!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-72434861787257099122007-11-12T17:51:00.000-08:002007-11-12T17:53:25.801-08:00

Watch this video to learn a bit of learning.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-37082400638934151242007-11-04T09:56:00.000-08:002007-11-04T13:03:17.084-08:00

This one is for Dawn and David

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-50066870365377984702007-09-11T20:05:00.000-07:002007-09-11T20:08:56.222-07:00

All I have time to say at the moment is that attending the 4H State Fair was definitely worth it!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-60238440750559010952007-07-07T15:10:00.000-07:002007-07-07T15:25:48.713-07:00

We traveled to Poulsbo in June to help celebrate Pat's niece's graduation from high school. It happened that their neighborhood was having a multi-family yard sale. Carol and I took a long walk Saturday and came home with laden arms. This is just my stuff:A new-in-sealed-box puzzle of American baseball stadiums.A Zelda game for Jackie's gameboy - in box with gamebook!A really cool-looking

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-49973253460556686302007-05-23T19:24:00.000-07:002007-05-23T19:28:30.725-07:00

I've got to find time to visit Peter and Celia in McMinnville. They are now raising their own beef for their restaurant. And an organic garden too!If you are ever in the area, stop in for a meal. I guarantee you will be glad that you did. Tell 'em I sent you!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-50735026828824253632007-05-23T14:27:00.001-07:002007-05-23T14:43:22.639-07:00

My brother came to visit last weekend. That inspired Pat to mow the lawn. Ronda made cake and we ate it outside. The "kids" all got along great, after the little ones realized that Lucky wasn't going to eat them. Finally, my gnome enjoys the fresh lavender.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-2326703034983442262007-05-23T14:10:00.000-07:002007-05-23T14:26:39.474-07:00

I'm actually on my second lettuce harvest of lettuce I planted in February from seed and from some plants I purchased. It is so tasty! It's a pain to wash it though. I hate bugs or sand in my salad, so I wash each leaf carefully. Here is a photo of the strawberry/lettuce patch in February and again yesterday. You can see that something found one of my strawberries, in spite of the net covering

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-74139410405047729352007-04-30T20:49:00.000-07:002007-04-30T20:51:57.851-07:00

I was driving home today (my second time today; the previous post refers to my third trip home) and saw a truck with a skeletal fish on the window. It said "Fear No Fish".What the heck does that mean? Christian fish do not need to fear non-Christian fish? Athiest fish do not need to fear Christian fish? My fish is cooler than your fish?If anyone knows, please tell me.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-12503985325479879612007-04-30T20:41:00.000-07:002007-04-30T20:48:32.738-07:00

Someone in my neighborhood got a yellow lab a few months after we got Lucky. She is smaller and lighter in color.I was driving home today and saw that neighbor walking her two dogs. The yellow lab was taking care of business in the street; when she finished, they walked off.I pulled up along side her, and as politely as possible, said that I saw her dog poop and her walk away without picking it

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-90123954141173699722007-04-28T11:02:00.000-07:002007-04-28T11:50:51.107-07:00

In the past six weeks, I've started a part-time job, gone out of town twice, and performed in a play for the first time since second grade. That may be why I haven't posted since March.When I took Jackie in to audition for ACT's Charlotte's Web, I made a spur of the moment decision to audition along with her. This was my favorite story when I was a kid. After reading it aloud several times to

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-67797839730411259202007-03-29T08:52:00.000-07:002007-03-29T08:54:00.331-07:00

Have you seen this funny video? Of course, my car looks nothing like this

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-31302153371351295292007-03-18T18:01:00.000-07:002007-03-22T21:50:18.666-07:00

Today is our 11th anniversary. We moved into this house on this day in 1996. Jackie was 7 months old and crawled for the first time.Lucky is now 11 months old.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-24973963529503482022007-03-01T20:54:00.000-08:002007-03-01T21:05:19.211-08:00

B.C. (before children), I never had any trouble getting a job. I went quite easily between working and not working. In fact, I'm not sure if I could count every single job I've had. Once I worked in a shrimp cannery until the first coffee break. It was the most miserable job I've ever had. I didn't even bother to turn in my time card. That was how little I worried about getting another job

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-71047628811626435792007-03-01T20:38:00.000-08:002007-03-01T20:40:01.114-08:00

I can never remember my typekey sign in and password. Well, I think I know the password, but my log in failed so I think I'm using the wrong name. Now Dawn will never get to know my response to her three hours. Good news, though. I'm glad to hear it!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-41383475739773869482007-03-01T20:18:00.000-08:002007-03-01T20:35:54.362-08:00

It's been over a week since I posted.Pat and I went to an estate sale last weekend. I found a baseball mit, which is good, because the girl's hands have grown and Jackie is now using the one I used to wear. It came with a very old softball. We gave that to Lucky and he loves to chase it. We have to remember to take it away when we are done throwing it, so he won't chew it to pieces. Pat

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-77066756315267163622007-02-22T17:55:00.000-08:002007-02-22T18:53:15.714-08:00

The girls have been spending one afternoon a week with Gramma.They called me to ask if it was OK for them to watch Little Miss Sunshine. By the time I got the message, they'd already started the movie. I would have said, "Yes", anyway. It was on Lisa's list of movies she wanted to see.If you can overlook F*** in every other line of dialogue, this is a very sweet movie. There is a drug scene

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-58521225223149666832007-02-19T10:21:00.000-08:002007-02-19T10:29:58.048-08:00

Pat and I were going to go for a motorcycle ride yesterday, but opted for the car due to high winds.We met up with some friends at Terra Blanca, then visited Hedges and got a great group photo in front of wine barrels and a sign that reads "Columbia Valley Red Wine". I only regret that we didn't get a group shot with the rooster.Pat and I made a quick stop at Blackwood Canyon on the way home.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-43599805478633832502007-02-18T10:30:00.000-08:002007-02-18T10:42:45.024-08:00

February 17th was a short sleeve day with no wind. Perfect for puttering in the yard.I cleaned the strawberry bed and planted lettuce seeds in the hopes of harvesting some before they bolt. I do this every year, with little success. Maybe this will be the year?Our frosty gnome watches over the irises. I think he's glad to see warmer weather too!Pat's vinyard. Lucky has been chewing on the

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-56417594431558982082007-02-18T10:07:00.000-08:002007-02-18T10:21:39.011-08:00

My neighbor called yesterday to ask if we'd like to join her on a hike up Badger Mt. It turned out to be an all girl hike, except for one Lucky dog.Although I miss the days when hardly a soul would be encountered on Badger Mt., I must say that the new trails make for a much easier time of it. Or maybe it was easier because I had Lucky pulling me up. Lucky pulling me down was much more

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-74343265551840275792007-02-14T17:20:00.000-08:002007-02-14T17:31:44.626-08:00

Has it really been 9 months since I last purchased a bra?I had bought 2, slightly different from one another.I've much preferred one, so, as you might imagine, it is getting plenty of wear! (9 months x 30 days per month. You do the math.)Last month I took Lisa to JCP. Her friend had bought a new bra there, and Lisa thought she'd like a similar one. While we were there, I tried on a few, but only

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-37949666107253822432007-02-11T09:31:00.000-08:002007-02-11T09:42:43.567-08:00

I was tagged by Chelee.I had to disable the inside light to get a clear picture. I'm tagging CV and Dawn.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-51615913979871474032007-01-25T16:49:00.000-08:002007-01-25T16:51:13.542-08:00

"To guard against the risk of fire, people who wish to sterilize their sponges at home must ensure the sponge is completely wet. Two minutes of microwaving is sufficient for most sterilization. Sponges should also have no metallic content. Last, people should be careful when removing the sponge from the microwave as it will be hot."

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-36301224042016369802007-01-17T19:00:00.000-08:002007-01-17T19:15:13.117-08:00

Ha, ha, you fell for that, didn't you!Seriously, though, I will pay $50 to anyone who gives me a lead that results in a family contracting through me to host an Au Pair for child care, infant care, or the cultural exchange Educare with the Au Pair Foundation. The family can be anywhere in the US of A, as long as at least one of the parents in the family is either a US citizen or Green Card

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-2201940558162960672007-01-17T08:59:00.000-08:002007-01-17T09:05:07.326-08:00

Jackie has been having fun with this game.Now she is playing pool at the same site.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-46356490993198448032007-01-16T16:52:00.000-08:002007-01-16T17:07:59.549-08:00

We are such packrats in my family. There are so many things I hold onto for the wrong reasons. We are getting some extra cash for a new project (Thanks for the inspiration, Chelee!) through selling some of the stuff that we just don't USE and that can be replaced should we later decide we miss it. IOW, we are holding onto the family heirlooms, at least for now.Twice now I've pulled out the

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-75784495656846746952007-01-14T10:42:00.000-08:002007-01-14T10:48:15.357-08:00

I've joined a group for sharing photos of food prepared from Vegan Lunchbox. I haven't had a chance to make something and take a picture yet, but I was inspired to take a pic of dinner the other night. This one is vegan. Polenta, beans, broccoli and salad. Yummy!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-71899547326624845502007-01-03T17:56:00.000-08:002007-01-03T17:58:15.693-08:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-6859202204473755762007-01-01T19:05:00.001-08:002007-01-01T19:05:22.094-08:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-22122032282984380892006-12-14T21:22:00.000-08:002006-12-14T21:55:28.918-08:00

This year I've figured out why Christmas is so stressful for me.It's because I'm really bad at at. I'm failing Christmas.I don't plan ahead for any of it, don't put money aside, don't hold off buying things for the kids so they can look forward to getting stuff for Christmas, don't think about mailing presents to out of town folks until it's nearly too late.Although there are plenty of things my

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-32513610667823644302006-11-30T08:50:00.000-08:002006-11-30T09:05:10.659-08:00

The US Postal Service has developed a program designed to help teens stay safe online. The program offers an engraved ring that will help teens remember to keep their personal information safe online. To order the ring, send your first and last name, mailing address, and birthdate to...... to someone whose link came up when I clicked on the ring offer. I suppose they need your mailing address to

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-19160306199883856632006-11-28T21:23:00.000-08:002006-11-28T21:45:08.510-08:00

Little Bitty Riding HoodHolding Up the RefrigeratorThe Sweet Life of Lisa

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-47911247200166320042006-11-18T10:15:00.000-08:002006-11-18T10:23:18.197-08:00

I'm sure by now you've heard of the way Delta airlines handled a woman who breastfeed her child on an airplane. And not just a baby - this child was nearly two years old.Someone needs to take a stand on this issue!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-41413296744657880432006-11-09T15:41:00.000-08:002006-11-09T15:47:51.639-08:00

In one of the many places I lived while a college student, an elderly gentleman lived in the apartment below me. He was horrified by the price of just about everything.I've become him.I'm constantly shocked by how much things cost.Today I had the bright idea to take Lisa to Ranch & Home to look for blue jeans. I expected to see prices around $30. Nope. $55 for their junior line - Cruel Girl.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-39872685152303497942006-11-05T22:03:00.000-08:002006-11-05T22:05:34.974-08:00

I finally had a chance today to revise my Munich slideshow. It is a very slow process. Every time I watch it, I think of something else that could be tweaked. I'm fairly happy with this version, though. It was uploaded Sunday evening, so may not be available quite yet. Check back soon!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-14718363713345361462006-11-04T10:32:00.000-08:002006-11-04T10:33:41.975-08:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-37971949181840037192006-10-25T21:26:00.000-07:002006-10-25T21:30:39.239-07:00

I took Jackie to a pumpkin carving party sponsored by her church. I wasn't planning to carve myself, but they had LOTS of extra pumpkins. So I gave it a try.My pumpkin won a third prize in the adult competition. My prize was a Halloween candlestick. And we got to keep our Jack O'Lanterns.Happy Halloween!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-87369128894797705562006-10-17T20:05:00.000-07:002006-10-17T20:33:18.682-07:00

Drug testing for parents on welfare: McGavick Yes, Cantwell NoLike this is going to solve our welfare system problems? So, if a welfare parent is found to have drugs in their system, we... cut them off of welfare? Then what, find them a job? Excuse me, but I don't want to be the boss or employee to hire/work with someone who has a drug problem. Oh, I forgot that the compasionate

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1160540192877717002006-10-10T21:02:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:06.450-07:00

Three months later, I've compiled a slideshow of photos from our trip to Somerset in July. We visited Patrick's cousin, Patricia. Their mothers are first cousins whose mothers were born in Ireland. May (Patrick's grandmother) immigrated to the Northwestern US, while her sister Sadie (Patricia's grandmother) stayed in Ireland. May's daughter Peggy grew up in Mt. Vernon, WA and raised four boys

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1160020238503540112006-10-04T20:44:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:06.334-07:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1159475047832454822006-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:06.221-07:00

Photo by JackieCopyright 2006

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1158954108206204162006-09-22T12:36:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:06.101-07:00

Jackie made this costume yesterday for her Bitty Baby doll. She was going to make an M&M costume, but decided the orange felt would make a cute jack o'lantern.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1158594582790759682006-09-18T08:48:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.985-07:00

What is going on with blogger? I'm about to give up posting comments on all y'all's blogs because I keep getting error and page not found messages.This is the worst thing that has happened to me in the past 5 minutes.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1158529218659094452006-09-17T14:38:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.876-07:00

We watched Little Manhattan last night. It was really sweet, except for the part where the kids were throwing up exorcist style from cooties. Don't watch this movie while eating.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1158529111939254042006-09-17T14:34:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.762-07:00

I listened to some talking head on TV this morning, saying how much safer the world is now that Saddam Hussein has been captured.The war in Iraq only proves that humans are fully willing to kill other humans.Somehow that does not make me feel safer.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1158292431731337512006-09-14T20:46:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.652-07:00

I was flying high because not only did Lisa and Jackie end up having one of their dance classes at the same time on the same night, but all their classes took place on only two nights a week.Then Jackie pleaded to add the jazz class. Oh how I did not want to be there a third night. But, she really, really, wanted to give it a try and I thought that jazz would suit her well. Apparently it does,

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1158266741832048102006-09-14T13:42:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.538-07:00

We've mostly kept Lucky out of the girl's bedrooms, as they are both full of tempting things for a puppy to chew on.Yesterday I was in there fiddling with computers, so I let Lucky in with me. All of a sudden he started to growl, something he has rarely done. He was staring at Lisa's poster of Avril Lavigne. The poster is low on the wall - just about eye level to the dog.I couldn't convince

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1157645832526072142006-09-07T09:14:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.424-07:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1156785761483812242006-08-28T10:16:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.315-07:00

I love the way that brainstorming can create ideas.As a mom and wife, I often (mistakenly) feel it is my job to solve all the family's problems. However, a solution that could work for me may not be the best for my children or husband. So I throw out an idea or two with the statement that we are "just brainstorming". Any suggestion, no matter how crazy or impossible, is worth at least fleeting

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1154829425644909992006-08-05T18:56:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.205-07:00

I have a great reason to blog today. Someone has asked me to revise a short essay that I wrote a few years ago. This inspires me to write just about anything but the essay. Maybe even clean the house!This feels like the busiest summer ever. Between 2 weeks in Europe and a puppy, I’ve really been spinning from one thing to another. The house is in a serious state of entropy. Every day there

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1154319839795110212006-07-30T21:23:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:05.092-07:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1154284411547191932006-07-30T11:31:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:04.863-07:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1154123148970045962006-07-28T14:33:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:04.746-07:00

For the second time on our trip we were delayed by thunderstorms. The Chicago airport was closed and the pilot said we didn't have enough fuel to circle while waiting. So we flew to Detroit and sat in the plane for about 2 hours, before returning to Chicago. Fortunately, our connecting flight was also delayed by the weather. They made everyone pick up their luggage, then recheck it and go

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1153785095085922182006-07-24T16:35:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:04.628-07:00

I can hardly believe what a fabulous times we are having here in Bristol. Ken and Pat's property is beautiful and they are just so NICE!!Ken arranged to have us go on a boat ride on the Avon river. Singe, the boat driver, told us all about the various structures along the way. Bristol was one of the early centers of England and sent off an explorer who 'discovered' Canada well before Columbus

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1153728628245187522006-07-24T00:51:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:04.518-07:00

Yesterday's brunch prepared by our hosts included baked beans in sauce, scrambled eggs, grilled sausage and bacon, potatoes, juice, and toast with honey. No coffee or tea was served with the meal. I commented on always being served beans for breakfast in England, but never back home. Patsy (Pat's cousin) was surprised, saying she thought it was an American habit.Em's 75th birthday party was

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1153575230122077172006-07-22T06:15:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:04.296-07:00

London has been a whirlwind. We are trying to see everything in 2 days and coming pretty close! Everywhere we go there are historical sites and beautiful buildings.Right now we are at the library. Looking for a place to eat our first day, I noticed a sign about Internet in the library window. Turns out you can get a guest membership and even reserve your time to use the computer. This is the

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1153063375401460732006-07-16T08:11:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:04.169-07:00

I donät know which button is control c, but the ones i JUST PUSHED were not the right ones. Let me start this over.It is nearlz the end of the first daz of the show. We had technical difficulties with our video, but finallz got that worked out.We found the Internet in a building near us. There are 10 laptops open for anzone to use. Lisa and Jackie are down the row from me now.There is a booth

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1152997621087274302006-07-15T13:50:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:04.056-07:00

If zou log on to blogger in de, which is germanz internet, everzthing is in german, of course! The z and y are switched on the kezboard.We had a fabulous Italian dinner at a street cafe. Pat had weinerschnitzel, I had minnestrone, Lisa had tortellini napoli, and Jackie had pizza tomaten und kase. Everzone reallz enjozed their meal. Then we walked over to look at a street market. Too much

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1152511096166657022006-07-09T22:56:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:03.942-07:00

=-=-=So you're saying I have a boring and very common name?????? Huh???? lol> j/k.....I've always liked my name.....-==-=-=-=I haven't always liked mine, but do now. I was born Mary Ellen Kacmarcik. Sometimes called Mary Onion Ketchup by other kids. When told my last name, people often responded with, "huh?"My parents always called me Mary Ellen, and that is what I use now, except dh calls

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1151514179806097352006-06-28T09:54:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:03.611-07:00

First day at his new home, age 8 weeksPat and Lucky, photo by CheleeCoolDesert Nights

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1149875844398740442006-06-09T10:56:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:03.500-07:00

My recipe for Harvard Beets.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1149817736132173482006-06-08T18:40:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:03.387-07:00

I suck at rating movies.We just returned Cinderella, starring Julie Andrews.Was this a great movie? No way.Am I glad I saw it? Absolutely. We've been doing a loose unit study of movies. One of the aspects we discuss is actors/actresses from one movie to another. Julie Andrews has/had a beautiful voice. The movie was worth seeing just to watch her sing. (Yes, Chelee, I know she could have

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1149776297338881812006-06-08T07:15:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:03.264-07:00

With a nudge from Stephanie, I set to getting the internal in an external case hard drive to show up as a place to store files.I wrote a nice description of this yesterday - complete with links!, but Blogger ate it. Suffice it to say that it works.Now I am drooling over an internal DVD drive for $9.99.After a $90 rebate.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1149369324059489172006-06-03T14:11:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:03.142-07:00

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1149222479815154832006-06-01T21:25:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:03.003-07:00

Lisa and I decided to go to the tail end of Live @ 5 tonight. As we pulled into the parking lot, Madonna's Music was playing on the radio. I turned the car off, but the music kept playing."Hey!" said Lisa. "The band is playing the same song!"Mere coincidence? Or universal moment of truth?You decide.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1149130686544038162006-05-31T19:53:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:02.880-07:00

My second t-shirt project. It's not as easy as it looks! Anyway, Jackie is a Bulldogs fan now.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1149028747749840142006-05-30T15:30:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:02.758-07:00

When we lived in Tacoma, we spent a number of Memorial Day holidays at Mt. Vernon and La Conner, my mil's old stomping grounds. We met with a bunch of Pat's relatives, put flowers on his grandparents' graves and about a dozen other graves whose owners I was not acquainted with. We would hike up a hill across from his mom's childhood home, then have lunch on the waterfront in La Conner. We also

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1148425905460141182006-05-23T16:04:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:02.635-07:00

While describing my shopping spree I neglected to mention my recent purchase of a brand new book. Very out of character for me, as I get most of my books used or borrowed. The book is full of ideas for ways to remake old t-shirts into "new" clothes. I've been studying it and finally got to make my first project - a wrap skirt bathing suit cover-up.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1148056404597834832006-05-19T09:31:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:02.511-07:00

Make your ninja name from the following alphabet:A- ka * B- zu * C- mi * D- te * E- ku * F- lu * G- ji * H- ri * I- ki * J-zu * K- me * L- ta * M- rin * N- to * O-mo * P- no * Q- ke * R- shi *S- ari * T-chi * U- do * V- ru * W-mei * X- na * Y- fu * Z- ziIf you have time to do this, you really need to get a life!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1147999691252606432006-05-18T17:38:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:02.389-07:00

The kids twisted my arm today until I agreed to take them back to Howard Amon Park to jump in the river.What, precisely, does "no swimming" mean? Because we, I mean because there were lots of people jumping off the dock into the water, in spite of two signs that said "no swimming".It makes me mad as heck! This beautiful new dock is begging to be jumped off. Who wants to bother with the OLD

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1147963356284964862006-05-18T07:33:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:02.226-07:00

I had to chuckle over the May 18 Blondie strip.In case the link doesn't work, this is what the strip said:Dagwood is reading something and says, "Here's a sandwich recipe for curried chicken and peppers on pumpernickel."Blondie replies, "I tried it! It was delicious! Only I substituted cucumbers for the peppers and tuna fish for the curried chicken."Dagwood remarks, "That must've tasted

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1147829181340169262006-05-16T18:23:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:00.509-07:00

Whatever, MomParent Teen Breakthrough: The Relationship ApproachI want to give copies of both these books to every parent I know.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1147658406647053242006-05-14T18:59:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:00.397-07:00

OMG! I've got to stop this shopping spree!I bought this today for my girls. It is used, OK?Pat took me to an estate sale clearance he has discovered. For $30, (total, not each!) we bought two really nice, matching, solid-wood shelving units. They have found a new home under Jackie's loft bed and already have residents. While there I couldn't resist a kangaroo mom and baby beanie baby for my

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1147400346251156272006-05-11T19:03:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:00.283-07:00

For the second time this month, I've bought something brand new - and this time - expensive!I'm not sure when my problem with finding a brassiere that I love began. It probably coincided with Lisa's birth and my years of breastfeeding children.When I was pregnant, my coworker shared that her pregnant breasts went from grapefruits to watermelons. Right. I went from limes to lemons.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1147152265890127952006-05-08T22:20:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:00.155-07:00

Birthday to youHappy Birthday to youHappy Birthday Dear Dawn eeHappy Birthday to youAnd many moreon channel fourright. um.Hope you had a great day!

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1146797524016239762006-05-04T19:51:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:29:00.044-07:00

I kept thinking today was Friday, making tomorrow Saturday.Lisa was gone all day at Aladdin. She had fun and told me all about their mistakes on the ride home. Stephanie drove her, which was very nice!I've decided to learn some German language. I got a great deal on a Berlitz set with cassettes, which I can't seem to get around to. I have a couple of things in itunes and I do listen to those

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1146666539585619162006-05-03T07:26:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:28:59.928-07:00

Way backA few years ago

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1146666382227540542006-05-03T07:23:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:28:59.819-07:00

Thought it was about time I posted again.Grab a latte, turn on itunes, charge nano, skim email, visit friend's blogs, figure out how to sign in to typekey so can comment on certain blogs, change typekey password so I can get signed in the next time, check typekey user profile, and finally, time to blog!Now I can't remember what I was going to say.

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1145563124843546202006-04-20T12:51:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:28:59.693-07:00

The Historian has been added to my list of rejected reads. I hear there is an abridged version. Maybe I'll give that a try. I wonder which parts they cut out? I hope they deleted all the times it reads, "And the thing that happened next was so amazing!"In other news, I'm making rapid progress completing my 2006 HERS books. It's a fine balance - reading the book early enough to finish it

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986779.post-1144896297821350122006-04-12T19:29:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:28:59.571-07:00

If someone was really annoyed at me, I believe I'd like them to let me know directly. When I'm really annoyed, I usually complain to a third party. Guess I should write that up on one of those "my bad habits" lists.A natural consequence of reloading your OS is reloading software. We are doing this on a need to/want to basis. Today Lisa asked to reload Zoo Tycoon.Here is the rant part (in case

Melonaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00240009600329432244noreply@blogger.com1