Britain, Bookstores and Buses

We've been to Europe once and it was a very short trip. We left the kids at home with California Gramma and took off for a week to Great Britain searching bookstores for used out of print Christian books. We didn't find many but saw quite a bit of the island by train. I fell in love with the beautiful country-side with stately sea-side castles, sheep and shepherds wandering the back streets of lonely villages, woolen mills, red double-decker buses, quaint old-fashioned musty hotels from the nineteenth century that cost an arm and a leg, the black taxi cabs of Edinbourgh, huge, busy round-abouts that scared me silly only because I wasn't used to the speed used to get around them, tea at a little old lady's totally locked up home (a key in EVERY door!) with a country-city garden, and a bookstore in the basement of well maintained upper class home. Ironically enough, B got the biggest find of used books ever, the week after we got home. I would love to go back.

Chuggy's Hawaiian Birthday

Honolulu Harry's -- One fabuluous restuarant

My sister was born in Hawaii the year after it was made a state. So all things Hawaiian pertain to her and Kedj, who was born there as well.

On her birthday we drove for about an hour to a Hawaiian restuarant that was a total surprise to all of us. (Can you tell we like surprises in this family?)

Well, the surprise was well worth the anticipation. The decor brought back memories of days spent on the island growing up. But the food was out of this world. (Sorry, Mom, but I don't remember you cooking like this!)

The appetizers were unlike I have ever seen before. B ordered a number of them. Sweet potatoes coated in coconut and deep fried were my favorite.

Marinated chicken in lettuce wraps and all kinds of sauces filled us up even before the main courses arrived.

The food was fabulous and I would love to go back for more. But alas, the restuarant is only about 1400 miles away.




A little Hawaiian girl who doesn't know whether she is married or not. A flower on one side says she is but the other says she isn't.
Don't you wear warm red wooly socks on your ears?
Gramma and three of her grandsons.

Part II of A Well Planned Surprise

To continue... As we were waiting in the parking lot next door we spied Jailgy and Da who drove up beside us. Mom and Kedj arrived soon after but parked in Datillo's parking lot where they would not be able to see us. I think Mom thought something was up, but certainly not to the extent that we had planned, because she told us later she scanned the parking lot in her immediate surroundings for familiar cars. I really don't think she was expecting either Babbyboebee or me. She was just looking for her local off-spring.

I hope it was not too much of a shock for her. We did space out our arrivals so that we would not all surprise her at once. Maybe that's too mean too. One shock after another.

Jailgy and Da came first and told Gramma that they wanted to join them and make it a party. Soup walked in next and then Chuggy with all the gifts.

The pushy "waiter" (Babbyboebee) came next and try to refill Mom's water glass, much to her chagrin. Apparently her double take was priceless. When I put my arm around her a few minutes later she was truly surprise that I was not actually experiencing damp Vancouver weather as she was led to believe by our phone conversation. I know that she was really surprised because she was actually shaking and started (continued?) to cry.

I haven't had so much fun planning and executing a surprise in such a long time. It was so much fun that I would do it again. Now let's see. Whose birthday is next?

A Well Planned Surprise

No pics today. I have the camera but can't load up because the connecting cord is home in Canada.

I woke up at 4AM on the day of my departure because I can't stand to hear the alarm and I know it would have awakened B too early. It was set for 4:57 but when I saw 4:01 I thought I might as well get up and get my bags in the car and do some other last minute things. I don't know what I was thinking when I set the alarm for that time other than that I guess I thought I could get ready and out the door in record time of 13 minutes. We left the house at 5:10 and got to the airport almost three hours early. It was waaaaay tooo early. I got through ticketing, customs, immigration and screening in about 15 minutes and had to wait for two hours and 45 minutes for my flight. A good long time to enjoy a Starbucks!

Needless to say the flight was uneventful. I did get a whole row to myself which was really nice.

I arrived in S.D. early even though my plane left Vancouver 45 minutes late. Go figure. Jailgy picked me up about 20 minutes after my plane landed and we went to lunch at Togo's. I haven't been there since she lived in Union City. The avocado on the sandwich sure hit the spot. We were both very good and shared a sandwich and had only water and not pop.

After arriving in H we tried to meet up with Chuggy at WalMart (and no, I didn't buy anything...yet!) Since she was doing her chauffeuring rounds with her kids we missed her and caught up with her at Henry's right by Mom's house. Chuggy took me home to her house where we waited for Babbyboebee to wake up. He had arrived earlier after working all night the night before and desperately needed his sleep. Soup showed up shortly after and it was then time to head off to the restaurant for Mom's birthday dinner. As we waited in the parking lot next door we felt like little kids anticipating our own birthday party. Soon we spied Jailgy and Da and they rolled up beside us. I then started to get nervous and commented to Babbyboebee that this was as nerve racking as my own wedding! (Well, maybe not as, but almost.) We were so pleased that we were going to be able to pull this off. And we did! Next episode later.

Beck's Socks

Her favorite color is still red. She wears it well. Even her husband has admitted that yes, sorry to say, red suits her. At least these will not be the kind of object you wear in public.


They are more for wearing around the house on a cold winter day. Not that it ever gets really cold in Hemet. But these will be warm enough to ward off that early morning chill before the afternoon heats up.

Her birthday is on the 23rd. Do you think I can get them done? There are two.

Babies, babies, babies

The last of the expected babies was born almost three weeks ago. Now there are four very little ones here in our assembly. From oldest to youngest (back to front) there are PC, PY, "Bob" and Prince D. After years of "drought" we've finally had a hay day! They are all beautiful and so very precious.

"He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." Isaiah 41:11

Oh! Suzanna!

I know. We should have called her Susie. After her aunt. But who would have thunk it. A banjo player.

New Knitting Horizons

I thought I would try my hand at knitting a shawl. This yarn came in the mail the other day that is so soft and beautiful. The pattern I got on line and looks like a challenge. Hoo Boy! Don't look for results any time soon. I will post my progress but can't promise any speed. It will definitely be a change from wallabys and socks.

Coffee Time

So, we've been away to Denver. Alas, there are no pics, but one. And it's ugly. Because it's a long trip (about 24 hours) we utilize the local coffee shop over the gas station coffee to help keep us awake. Starbucks is the number one pick because they are so consistent. But when I'm home I prefer to make my own. Except when I'm feeling especially lazy. Which is too often.
Here's what I see when I splurge at the drive through at Starbucks and then spend a "million dollars".
Home is much better and FAR cheaper. Besides, I don't have to dress up and go out and pretend I'm a YUPPIE that I'm definitely not. I can stay at home and be an "at home mom."
Even though it's much cheaper at home you still have to bite the bullet and buy the espresso machine. (We did years ago). I enjoy getting up in the AM and making my coffee just the way I like it. Nice and hot. Not too much chocolate. And good creme that I can swirl out with my fingers. (Don't worry. My fingers are clean.) The convenience cup I use when I'm in a hurry to go out the door to take LJ to school. In my "Un-yuppie" clothes.

A Short Respite

We had breakfast in Burlington last Thursday. Since Keith and Janet were visiting from CA, Dave and Suzanne thought it would be fun to meet somewhere for breakfast. Gordon and Mary Jane joined us for the day.


We next went to Deception Pass for a short hike to the water. It's beautiful there and so peaceful.
Who can resist a beach full of rocks? No one with a heart of a boy.
Even though these "boys" are all over 50--some in their 60's they still had to test their ability with a rock. Or two.

Honk if you knit!

I re-discovered my brother-in-law's blog spot and lo and behold I found this" honk if you knit . " Pretty neat. I may just order one myself.

Emergency Meals

Don't you buy two different types of chili for one meal? I do when I buy them at different times and can't remember which one I bought before. Beats me why I didn't buy two the first time. Maybe I was thinking we were empty nesters already. (Gasp! I don't think that day will come very soon. I'm not ready for it and neither are the kids).

This is one of my easy dinners. If Teege is home I do three cans (but I don't think STAGG'S has a third variety). Add a pot of rice, some peas and mix up a batch of corn bread muffins with honey butter and you've got one quick, tasty meal.

Next time I'll buy two cans of the same variety of chili. Or maybe I should go back to making it from scratch? Nah.

Jailgy's b-day

Happy Birthday to you, Jailgy! Here's a birthday bouquet for you from Save-On!

When we were turning four and five Mom had a double birthday for us because our birthdays are 15 days apart. I remember that we had a huge party with lots of guests. Some kids were there that I didn't even know. I suppose they were the kids of the friends of my parents. Who knows? But they sure weren't my friends.

To feed everyone Mom and Dad had removed a closet door to use for the table set up on the lanai (Hawaiian patio). Even though we sat eight every night for dinner our dining room table wasn't big enough. (Actually, there were only seven--Chuggy was born the next month. Umm. She did this when she was eight months along and had five kids nine and under? Miracle Mom) It was my biggest impression of that day. That and the fact that Kedj had to go to the hospital to get stitches in her arm because she hurt herself in the automatic window in the back of our station wagon. (Yes, this was in the olden days when there were still station wagons around that had the last seat facing backwards. We thought it was a blast to ride around town that way until we got sick one too many times.) Maybe that was on another day but I don't think so. Mom always seem to have something drastic happen on the days she was the busiest. I believe she was out buying birthday presents for us. Now that wouldn't be on the day of the party, would it? If I know my mom, I think it was. Maybe she should write a book.

I wish I had pictures of that day. If there are any around, and I don't think there are, they probably are in the format of slides. We had thousands of slides. Mom was the picture taker in the family, but I don't think she even thought about the camera that day!

One of my presents that year, if I remember correctly, was a "mink stole", "pearls" and high heels. My, wasn't I the lady. Too bad I can't stand high heels, don't wear fur, and never wear pearls.

Horses Again

This guy is not dead. He's just trying to fool you into thinking that way so he can get some peace and quiet. I'm sure that when George throws over some hay he'll quickly wake up. Actually, it looks like he's lying in some hay! Maybe he's had too much.

And you thought my son needed a haircut! I don't know much about horses but I'm pretty sure one of the signs of age is long hair (that and worn down teeth).

So he must be pretty old.

Or else he's a teenager.

Just a quote

"We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development ... We can not do everything, and there's a sense of liberation in realizing that."

I don't know where I read that but you can apply it to the rearing of children as well as working with souls. Paul planted, Appolos watered, but God gave the increase. (I Cor. 3:6)

South of the Border

Yep! I was able to get over the border in record time. Coming back was even better. Later I heard the traffic report that said there was a two hour wait going in to the States. So going bright and early is the key.

I took the time to visit a yarn store in Birch Bay. Closed. Too bad. They missed out. I was looking for some fine wool yarn as well as some Fleece Artist yarn. Beautiful stuff made in Nova Scotia.

I got lost looking for the yarn shop and stop to chat with a local to get my bearings. He told me of some houses for sale there in the area. I might be tempted. It is so peaceful.

Blaine is such a quaint town. Just about all it has is a post office, pizza parlor , and an espresso stand or two. That's all I need. We've been tempted to move here but after checking out prices lately decided that where we are now is best. Property prices have skyrocketed here as everywhere else.

My Other Job

We worked till midnight Wednesday folding these pamphlets and still didn't get done. There is still as much and more to do besides stapling and folding. Once that's done they need to be cut to the proper size. Then there is the packing and shipping to do as well. And this is just one order. I wanted to go over the border early this AM as the line-ups are not as bad then. But obvioulsly not. Maybe tomorrow. If we go over the border to mail books the shipping is a lot cheaper since we can get a book rate. We didn't figure that out for a long time and ended up paying a lot more since we didn't know that USPS considers our pamphlets as books. Not until we read their brochure did we find out that a pamphlet to them was a one page folded "thing". Oh, well. We're not here to make money, I guess. (But we still have to eat.)

Thankfully, I don't do all this alone. I have lots of help. B does all the writing (!), stapling and cutting. I have help (LK, H, and HC-the one with the fat belly) with the endless folding. Usually, I end up doing all the packing and shipping myself although B drives me over the border and we make an afternoon of it. His reward is a pizza, of course. Mine? What else but a mocha? It's definitely worth it.

BTW, if you want to place an order, give me lots of time.

Babbyboebee

You may want to add this to your favorites. It seems Snutch has been working on a different site. http://baabeeboebee.blogspot.com/ but still won't blog.

Some Meeting Pics

I never know what I'm going to find on the camera when I finally get it back from the girls. I had it in my purse at meeting last night and took it out to show Joyous the pic of a new born filly at LJ's barn and then never saw the camera again until I found it in my purse this AM. I really don't mind because the girls generally take pictures that I like and can actually use myself.

This was kind of a surprise. Usually you take this pose on the way to the hospital on the day of delivery. But then again, maybe it will be today because they sure look ripe, don't they? These young Mom and Mom-to-be, TR and HC, are actually due on the same day at the end of the month. It will be so much fun to have two more little ones running around.

Thought Granma would enjoy another pic of PC. He's being held by Bethany.

And Dolly.



Gran, Teege and Aunt Ruth. (Some day I'll get a better picture of Teege. He's very camera shy these days.)

Ultimate Frisbee

The kids have re-discovered a new sport. They enjoy it so much that, like little kids, they'll even play in the house. LK didn't know I was outside shooting through the glass door from the porch.