Monday Evening

I'm still taking questions in my entry from the other day; http://journals.aol.com/lsfp1960/LindasWorld/entries/2006/07/30/ok-ill-be-brave-......ask-me-anything/1081       I'll answer all of them this weekend.  Again within AOL's TOS agreement.

The funeral service for the lady that was killed in Seattle Friday afternoon was held today.  Please read the update on this sad event;  http://www.komotv.com/stories/44682.htm

The weather was cooler here in the Pacific Northwest this last weekend and today it was mid-70's with a nice breeze.  It's supposed to warm up a little as the week goes on.   This coming Thurs, Friday, Saturday & Sunday is the annual "approved" carport/yard sale here in the mobile park where I live.  I'm only going to participate on Friday and Saturday.  First of all I've taken a lot of stuff to the local Thrift Store (remember that day Barbara came over and helped me?  She was ruthless) But I've got a couple long tables I can set up and one big round one, so I'll scrounge up a few things, hoping to bolster my cruise "fun money" fund.

Well...dinner's ready so I better get off of here and get it out of the oven and off the stove.  Have a marvy evening.              Linda

Photo Scavenger Hunt #85

         

The entries for Scavenger Hunt #85 will be due on Sunday, July 30 at 11:00 PM EST.

The subject this week is:  Glass

 

I love old Anchor Hocking, Pyrex and other types of the glass items.  Some may remember the older Pyrex mixing bowls and little pitchers, etc.  I have a bunch of those, finding them at garage & yard sales is a bonus because they are cheaper there than at an antique shops.  They all had unique designs painted on them.  The green bowls in picture #3 really caught my eye.  I think there were 10 of them and even though they don't match my dishes, I loved the pure green color.  I sold all but two of them on eBay.  I just had to keep the two because I loved the color.               Linda

OK, I'll Be Brave ......Ask Me Anything

Following in the footsteps of Robin and Barb (QueenB)  I'll be brave and open myself up to questions.  I promise to answer as honest as AOL's TOS agreement allows (thanks QueenB for that one).  Just ask your qustions in the comment section or if you wish to remain anonymous you can email your question to me @ lsfp1960@aol.com 

Oh boy, I hope I haven't opened up a real can of worms.  Ok...who's going to be the first inquisitive person to respond?   I'll post the answers in a couple days.   Linda

Update On Seattle Shooting

I wanted to update you on the shooting this last Friday in Seattle. Unfortunately, one dear lady died in this shooting and others are in the hospital, recovering.    I'm providing a link to KOMO TV (Seattle) for the complete details.  http://www.komotv.com/stories/44660.htm

It seems like the weekend has just flown by again (how come the work week can't go that fast?)  Yesterday I stopped by a 70th birthday open house for a friends' husband.  When I got there, I took one picture of their grandkids and then the batteries in my camera went dead, so I didn't get a picture of the "birthday boy."   I usually always carry extra's but of course I didn't have any yesterday. 

The weather has really cooled down here in the Pacific Northwest.  And it's been a welcome change.  I just wish we'd get a good rain...everything is so dry.  So today, I will be watering all the hanging baskets, potted plants and the lawn (front & back).

I'm posting some flower pictures and some repeat pictures from our dinner with Bob's California daughter, her kids and two other grandkids from nearby.  We went to a local restuarant down on the waterfront, where the boats wizz by, the seagulls cry out to each other, the trains go by on a track between the parking lot and the restuarant, where you can get a good view of the new Narrows Bridge going up, and order good seafood, etc.....Steamers.

Well, I must get off here and get on with my day. I hope everyone has had a marvelous weekend. 

Until next time......Linda

THERE'S BEEN A SHOOTING IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

This afternoon, shortly after 4pm, a tragic shooting occured in downtown Seattle.  It seems a lone gunman entered the offices of the American Jewish Federation and shot several people inside that building. One victim was killed.  This happened earlier this afternoon.  Here's the link from KOMO TV (Seattle) regarding this horrific event.    http://www.komotv.com/stories/44656.htm

My prayers go to the victims and their families and to the family of the shooter.  They all face difficult days ahead.               Linda

 

On another note, I know alerts weren't working Friday evening.  I posted an entry with some local pictures that I took yesterday.  You can find that entry at; http://journals.aol.com/lsfp1960/LindasWorld/entries/2006/07/28/i-got-mail-/1076

I Have To Give Credit, Where Credit Is Due

Robin from; http://journals.aol.com/robinngabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/  started the postcard exchange, with 8 postcards from Sacramento.  Thanks Robin, it's been interesting and fun to get postcard greetings from all over our great country. 

If there's anyone else out there that wants a postcard from Washington state, just email your mailing address to me and I'll get one in the mail to you.    Linda

The Friday 5'er

 

                

      Hi guys!!! 

If you want to play all you do is cut and paste these questions into your journal. (there is no deadline as to when you can do "The 5'er) When you have answered them come back and leave a link in my comment section.  On the following Friday I will have a new set of questions! Have fun!

FROM ROBIN AT; http://journals.aol.com/robinngabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/entries/2006/07/28/the-5er/1696

 

LET'S PLAY!!!

 

1.  Do you think McDonald's has the best french fries or Buger King?  Have to choose between these two only.

McDonald's hands down (or fries down in this case)

 

2.  If you could change the month right now what month would you make it and why?

August, well because in August I get over a week of vacation time and I'm going ........well lets just say I'm going somewhere.

3.  When you put on a pair of shoes which foot do you put the shoe on first?

right foot

4.  What is the biggest lie your parents ever told you?

I don't remember them telling me anything that was a lie...I remember when they were expecting my brother that I was told we were going to have someone special come to our house.  I was thinking maybe....a puppy or a pony.  So that's how I interperted what I was being told.  (I never did get a puppy or a pony)

 

5.  Do you keep your eggs in the carton they come in or in the special egg spot on the refrigerator door?

In the carton, I hate those in the door egg thingy's.  They just collect dirt.

Thanks Robin......Linda

I GOT MAIL !!!

I was so excited when I finally got home tonight and found four beautiful post cards in my mail box.  Thank you all so much !  I still think my mailman had them at his house and didn't bring them until he read them all. I'll put them in my scrapbook so I can look at them again and again. This is fun...who thought of this ?

After work tonight I met Bob and his California daughter, her two kids and two of his other grandkids (they live nearby here in Washington) at a great little seafood place called Steamers.  It's not very big but there are tables inside and out and it's down on the waterfront.  From their parking lot, you have to cross two sets of train tracks, so with trains coming & going, people walking along the walkway  at the top of the embankment and kids playing on the beach...... it's a great place to hang out on a summer evening.  Oh and I forgot about the boats going by on the water, and our beautiful Narrows Bridge in the distance.  We had a wonderful relaxing couple of hours.   Bob's California daughter and her two kids always come up for most of the month of August.  Bob flew down to Pasadena two weeks ago and drove up with them last week and then his son-in-law will fly up about a week before it's time for them to go home and drive back with them.   It's a good arrangement. 

The last picture (# 11) is especially for Robin in California.  I had nothing to take for lunch today & I only get 30 minutes so I called Bob about 10:30 and asked him where he was....he was in the north end of town, somewhat close to the hospital, so I begged  him to bring me some lunch.  After telling Robin that I only worked a few blocks from Frisko Freeze and that I hadn't had one of their burgers for years, I'm happy to say that situation has been rectified. YUMMY !!!!!!!!!!!!!  The shake ?  Oh, it was a chocolate one of course.

Until next time.....Linda & Gabi the cutest little cat in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

They Better Be Telling The Truth

My personal weather report from the ABC station in Seattle;   Dear Linda,

What a hot ride we had over the weekend. Temperatures topped out at or above 95 degrees in Seattle Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It's only the second time we've had 3 days in a row reaching 95 at Sea-Tac Airport. Some parts of western Washington even made it to the 100 degree mark. We'll have one more day of hot weather on Monday. Temperatures are going to ease back a few degrees, but we'll still be in the upper 80s to lower 90s around Puget Sound. Cooler air from the Pacific Ocean starts moving inland late Monday night. A layer of marine clouds should develop Tuesday morning. The sun is set to break out by afternoon with highs only in the upper 70s. Wednesday and Thursday are shaping up to be mostly sunny days. Temperatures will be slightly warmer, reaching the lower 80s. I'll believe it when I see it.   I WANT SNOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, I can't take it anymore........

After nearly freezing to death in the office air conditioning, I came home to 100 degrees on my porch, 94* in the living room and 92* in my bedroom.  They say it's supposed to cool off as the week progresses but don't believe them anymore.   Well enough of my whining, I'm going to go put my mumu on and see if I can stand to do some dishes and start dinner.  Ohhhhh yuk..............

By the way, someone mentioned my entries are like two monitor screens wide...I do not know why that is. I've not pushed or clicked on anything I shouldn't have.  And the font I use is only 14....so I don't know what to say.  

A Request From One of My Cousins

I called my cousin Lorna down in Salt Lake this afternoon as we hadn't talked for a long time.  Her mom was my mom's youngest sister.  And they and their older sister and one brother grew up on a hop farm outside of Sunnyside, Washington.  It was during the depression and grandma fixed things they had a lot of every way she could think of, so make them more appealing.  My mom recalled that they had rutabagas (all year long, in the winter out of the root cellar) and asparagus (it grew like weeds over there) almost daily in the summer.  We got to talking about all that and I told her that I had the recipe for our grandmother's most famous asparagus dish.....she asked for a copy of the recipe and so I thought I would share it with my journal land friends, too.  So here all you asparagus lovers is ;

Grandma Stern’s Famous Escalloped Asparagus

 

2 lbs cleaned, uncooked asparagus

12 soda crackers crumbled

4 or 5 hard boiled eggs

2 cups medium white sauce **

grated cheese

 

Butter casserole dish & layer the ingredients, except white sauce & grated cheese.

After all ingredients are layered, pour on white sauce and then sprinkle with grated cheese.  Bake about 25 mins at 325*

 

** medium white sauce-  2 tablespoons butter or margarine, 2 tablespoons flour, dash of salt and 1 cup milk (evaporated milk makes a richer sauce)  In a microwave able 2  cup Pyrex measuring cup; melt butter for 30 seconds, stir in flour and salt…blending to make a paste.  Add milk gradually, stopping to stir mixture every few seconds.  Cook for at least 1 minute , stir, cook another

1 ½  to 2 ½ minutes longer, stopping to stir every 30 seconds until mixture boils.  Stir well after removing from microwave .

 

Now grandma didn't have a microwave in which to cook her white sauce.  She did it in the dead of summer (eastern Washington gets very hot in the summer) on a wood burning cook stove. No doubt it took a watchful eye to keep it from scorching. 

 

If you try it, tell me what you think............Linda

SPAM FILTER

It was set at medium but I moved it to the highest setting.  Now I'll have to continue to check the spam folder on a daily basis to make sure email I want isn't going in there.  These people are a royal pain in the rear.

It's hot here again today, I don't want to even go anywhere because if I do then I have to close up the house and it will be even worse in here. 

Yesterday Bob & I met a bunch of people at the Olive Garden that I used to work with at a Family Practice residency clinic.  It is operated by the same health system I still work for.  I had six great years there and like some of the other places I worked...still get together with some of them for dinner or lunch from time to time. We had a wonderful time and even tho I still have email or phone contact with them because of my present job, I don't often see them unless I run into them at the hospital. (And I rarely go over there). Even the man that was our big boss back in 1994-1999 showed up.  He has really moved up the ladder with the health system and is now really a "big-wig."  We all liked him...he was a great boss and always looking for ways to unite the employees....picnics, BBQ's on the patio outside our break room, parties & potlucks for every occasion during the fall & winter months. Everyone loved him and consequently there were very few problems, everyone worked hard and took pride in what they did.  From the Olive Garden we headed out to Puyallup to Wal Mart (oh it was nice & cool in there).  I took some pictures at the dinner, so was able to get those printed out and got one more top for my cruise.  Oh and we stopped at Barbara & Phil's house and I gave them their cruise documents that I picked up for them last week.  Barbara is sick again with strep throat. Obviously the antibiotic she took back the end of June, didn't get it all. Phil told us he was going to challenge us to the climb the rock climbing wall on board the ship....Ya Right!!!   Fat Chance !!!  Can't you see two old ladies trying to get their fat ______ up a rock climbing wall ??   Anyway we got a chuckle out of that one.

Ok, I'm going to go and see if I can get something done today that doesn't require me to sweat....until later.  Linda

Another One This Morning

Here's today's phony email;

From:Mike Johnson
RUE 25 MACCORY
ABIDJAN-COTE D'IVOIRE.
WEST AFRICA
Number +22508354580

Dear,

My name is Mike Johnson from Sierra Leonian. I am 20 years old and a
student.  Please I would like you to assist me as urgent as you can,before
they kill me.My father is a wealthy cocoa merchant.Trouble began early last
year when  my father's associates began suspecting that my father is not
givingn proper accounts of all the tonnes of cocoa being cultivated by local
farmersn in  some villages.

This mistrust deepens between Oct-Sept, 2003 when they discovered avery
large some of money my father deposited with a Bank here in ABIDJAN-COTE
D'IVOIRE (FORMALLY IVORY COAST in West Africa. As a result of this discovery
  and the envy on the money he was poisioned by his associates.At his
hospital bed ,he revealed to me the reasons of his sickness and directed me
where to get the documents of the said deposit which he made on my name as
the next of kin,being the only child.He dvised me that in case  he die, that
I should not stay in this country Sierre Leone because his  associates will
equally kill me hence my mother had died five years ago of  breast cancer.

He also instructed that if he dies, I should look for a foreign partner who 
will help me to transfer the money out of this place (Abidjan Cote
d'Ivoire), to his account and the person will help me to invest the money in
that country. Based on this, I had to contact you bearing in mind that you
will be humane enough to protect my life. My father finally died on the 5th
of june,2004  and since then, I was out of school and went into hiding
because of my father's asociates. All the relevant documents of the
$8.000,000.(Eight  Million United States Dollars) that was deposited in a
Commercial Bank by my  late father, are with  me now.

I will give you 15% of the total money, if you can help me transferring it
into your Account, for onward investment in your  country. Please contact me
  immediately with the above E-mail address and include your telephone and
Fax  numbers to enable me send you all necessar documents asregards the
money  before they kill me. It is a risk free transaction.
I'm waiting for your urgent reply.

Best regards.sincerely,

Mike Johnson

I Am So Sick Of These Emails !!

I have already received two of these emails today.  I get at least one a day and they are nothing but a scam.  Is anyone else out there getting them, or have these con-artists just picked out me  to harass?  I forward them all to AOL Spam but they keep coming from different email addresses.  Here's the one that just came thru;

******************************************************

GOOD DAY,
My dear, Please read very carefully, It is with tears that I am writing this message to you from a hospital bed far away from my home where I have no mother, father, sister , brother or any relative, in the mist of strangers with a diffrent language that I don't understand, imaging how painful it is being a cancer patient, Firstly let me introduce myself to you.

I am Mrs. Almira Ahmed Hassanal Bolkiah, a widow to Late Sheik Ahmed Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, I am 38years old and I have a son of 11years of age  who is at the moment in Benin Republic and I am suffering from cancer of
the lungs which I will soon undergo the operation, I want to also let you know that I am writing you this mail from a private hospital here where I am taking my part-time treatments, what will you do if your doctor come up and tell you that you have only few weeks to live? you can imagine the kind of pains I am
going through.

My husband is the first Son to the last wife of King Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sadul Khairi Waddien, the former Prime minister of Brunei Darussalam, the tiny oil-rich country on the Island in South-Eastern Asia, let me save your time by
not amplifying my extended royal family history which has already been disseminated by the international media during the controversial dispute that erupted between my Husband and his step-brother, the sultan of Brunei H.M.Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah who is the present King/prime minister of Brunei.

As you may know from the international media, the sultan of Brunei accused my husband who is his step-brother for financial mismanagement and impropriety of US$14.8 billion dollars and this was as a result of the Asian Financial crisis
that made my husband's company Amedeo Development Company that was inherited by my husband and government owned Brunei investment company to be declared bankrupt during his tenure in the office.

However my my husband was kept under house arrest by his own step brother, our bank accounts and private properties including a crude oil export refinery were later confiscated by the sultan and to worsen the whole thing, he has to assassinate my beloved husband and I was placed under house arrest by the
sultan so that I will not tell the international community what has happened and that is where I developed this cancer of the lungs which is killing me now but I still believe that it is the will of God that life treat me this way.

To avoid further prosecution and sufferings from the sultan and his security operatives since I have lost my husband and I have my only child to keep me happy, I decided to leave my country Brunei to Benin Republic in West Africa where my husband has deposited the sum of ( US$21 Million  Dollars) in a reputable bank but unfortunately for me this my illness has became worst and I have been placed at the hospital for medical attention here, so I am planing to fly to abroad for good medication and a perfect surgical operation because according to what my doctor told me that I may not live for more than a month without this operation, I am so scared about this because she has made me
understand that I have only 20% chance to survive this surgery and for that reason, I want to make a future for my only son before undergoing this surgery so that even if I die on the process of this surgery, my son will be taken care of by you.


The reason why I am contacting you is to know if you can arrange for a better hospital over there so that I can come there for a better surgery and also to know if you can take care of my son when I will be undergoing this surgery, I have decided to give you this sum of (US$ 21Milion) that I inherited from my
late husband so that you can invest it in a very lucrative  usiness in your country, we never can tell what will happen during the surgery, so that in case if anything happen to me during this operation, my son will have someone to take care of him and a business/funds to inherit for a good future or if this surgery
gos well, I will have a business that I can use to take care of my only son.


Please note that this fund is lying with a reputable Bank here in Benin Republic of West Africa and as I am writing this message to you from a hospital bed, I am not sure that I will survive this operation but even if I have to die, first I want to secure a future for my only son.

You may ask yourself why am I saying all this but I believe you never experience his kind of problem either have you meet anyone in this kind of situation, have you ever use a lap-top in the hospital to write a letter to a stranger for help?
From a foreign land where you have no father, mother or anyone who can help you? In the mist of people that speak  entirely different language? When all the people you trust become the people after your life? Well, you may not
understand but I want you to take this more serious and urgently important.


All I WANT FROM YOU IS TO TAKE THE MONEY WITH MY SON AND INVEST IT SO THAT YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF MY SON IF I DID NOT SURVIVE THIS. please get back to me very fast so that I can tell you what to do because my days now is being numbered.

May the peace of God be with you

Mrs. Almira Ahmed Hassanal Bolkiah

*****************************************************

The one I got earlier today even had my full (first & last) name in the Subject line.  Anyway, like I said....I'm not sure if everyone is getting them or is it just me.   There should be a way to put a stop to them, as it's obvious they are bogus. 

From the local ABC TV station

Dear Linda,

You probably don't need a thermometer to know we're squarely into the Dog Days of Summer, but just in case you do have one, it certainly read over 90 degrees Friday afternoon -- or perhaps even over 100 -- as western Washington endures its hottest heat wave since 1998. Here are some of the high temperatures: Vancouver (WA): 104 Portland: 104 Shelton: 102 Kelso: 100 Olympia: 100 Bremerton: 99 Seattle: 97 Renton: 97 Tacoma: 97 Arlington: 93 Friday Harbor: 92 Hoquiam: 90 Everett: 90 Forks: 89 Port Angeles: 89 Bellingham: 88 Eastern Washington was over 100 in many spots, and you look at that list and see a lot of places that don't get hot even during heat waves (Friday Harbor, Port Angeles, Hoquiam) really sweltering today. The record high for Seattle was 94, so it's been broken. In fact, 97 makes it the hottest day since it hit 97 on July 28, 1998. Olympia's record high is also history with their 100-degree reading, breaking the old record of 96. Hoquiam's 90 also broke their record high of 89. Those triple digit readings around Portland are also all records, with Hillsboro, Oregon tying their all-time record high with a 108-degree reading Friday. As to where we go from here, first up is a very warm and stuffy night. Overnight lows tonight will be in the mid-upper 60s -- we're only expecting it to get down to 69 in Seattle tonight. Saturday, it's more of the same, but it now looks like it'll be juuust a little bit cooler. It looks like the air mass will cool just a tad, and there might be some high clouds drifting north from a weak system in Oregon that could block out a few sun rays. Still, it'll be hard to notice as it's still well beyond sweltering by Seattle standards. Temperatures Saturday are expected to reach the low 90s -- we're going 92 for Seattle, which would end up short of the record high of 95. As usual, a little hotter away from Puget Sound and toward the foothills. The coast -- especially the south coast -- could see some drastic cooling Saturday afternoon as the winds shift from northwest to southwest and blow the cool air off the ocean. This windshift will be moving north through the day. Another toasty night Saturday night, with lows near 70. Sunday is our transition day in the western Washington interior with that wind shift to cooler weather gradually moving east through the day. However, it's not looking like the cooler air will make too much headway until Sunday night. Thus, yet another toasty day in the Puget Sound area, but highs should "only" make it to the upper 80s. The cooler marine flow gets a little more footing for Monday, cooling us out of the sweltering category. But with a still very-warm air mass in place, we're still looking at afternoon temperatures in the low-mid 80s. The gradual cooling trend continues through the week as the marine flow just a little stronger each day, and helps cool off the air mass a little more. Highs Tuesday will drop back to around 80, then upper 70s for Wednesday and mid 70s by the end of the week. Stay cool out there! more...

Sincerely, KOMO 4 Weather Producer Scott Sistek

I won't be sitting out on my covered porch to eat my dinner tonight

The picture speaks for itself. I've actually shut the front door, because the heat coming from that covered porch is too much.  I did go out in the car and drop another bunch of postcards at the post office.  When I came home I found Miss Gabi sitting on the dining room table in front of the big floor fan. Who can blame her?

*****************************************************************************

The Gift

Roger was in trouble.  He forgot his wedding anniversary.

Patti was really angry.  She told him "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in  6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE".

The next morning Roger got up early and left for work. When Patti  woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.

Confused, she put on her robe, ran out to the driveway and brought the box back in the house. She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.

Funeral services for Roger have been scheduled for next Friday.

It's so hot........

It's gotten very hot here this afternoon.  My living room is up to 90 degrees, the porch outside my kitchen window is up 98 degrees. And I need to close up the house and go out to run some errands.  I haven't even put on my makeup yet today and I went down the hall, thru my bedroom to go to my bathroom to do that little chore and there on my bed is "Miss Queen of the House."

I just got a call from Susan, her sister is with her now and she's about to have a CT scan of her chest and abdomen.  The doctor told her that the biopsy revealed the spot in her breast, was lymph material and that,that particular type of matter had to get to her breast from another part of her body.  So the CT scan is to check and see if they can find the root of the problem.  I told her I'd put out an urgent prayer request and that people from all over were lifting her up. She started to cry and said how grateful she is for you all.  Thank you.

Ok back to the task of "putting on my face" so I can go out in public.      Linda

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

I just got a call from work regarding my co-worker Susan.  She had to have a breast biopsy this last Monday and she got called today from the doctor's office to come in & bring someone with her.  The news was not good.  It is very serious !   Susan is a single lady in her early 50's and is in the process of selling her house so she can move to Olympia to be closer to her elderly mother who is not well.  Susan is a sweet, gentle Christian woman but I'm sure she is feeling very scared right now.  Please remember her and her family in your prayers in the upcoming days.  She is supposed to be moving the weekend I leave for Alaska so I can't even help her with that.  

"Lord, we just ask you to lay your hands on Susan, and comfort her and her family as she goes thru this ordeal.  Thank you for what you're going to do in Susan's life and in the life of her loved ones. Amen!"               Linda

The 5'er

From Robin at; http://journals.aol.com/robinngabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/entries/1677

                

      Hi guys!!! 

If you want to play all you do is cut and paste these questions into your journal. (there is no deadline as to when you can do "The 5'er) When you have answered them come back and leave a link in my comment section.  On the following Friday I will have a new set of questions! Have fun!

 

LET'S PLAY!!!

1.  Does anyone really care if Oprah is gay or not???

No I don't care and I just wish the "rumour mongers" would go get a real job and leave these people alone.

 

2.  What is your favorite old time game show on tv?

Let's Make A Deal

 

3.  I had waffles for breakfast and I was wondering what do other people put on their waffle?

Just a little butter and a little regular maple syrup.

 

4.  Who do you think would make a good President of the United States? 

I don't know that there's anybody out there anymore that would make a good President.  And that's really sad for our country.

5.  If you could do anything this weekend what would it be?

I'd like to be sitting with Robin on her couch and watching several  half naked, strong men unpack the rest of her  boxes and bring her a cold glass of ice tea and me a Dr. Pepper when he gets sweaty. Yup !!

I DID IT !!

I got both the front and back lawns mowed and have the sprinklers going.  It's so dry, I think I'll let them run all night. I don't pay for water here so that makes it nice.  My feet are filthy, the back yard is the biggest and driest.  I just had an old pair of slip on canvas shoes, with no socks .....so I think I'm going to hop in the shower and hit then sack with my book and my kitty.  Maybe I can vacuum early in the morning and call it good for the weekend.    

Robin, I'm glad you're TV is hooked up.  It's always nice to have access to the necessities of life.  LOL

Until next time.......hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (that's advice from Robin's dad & me) and have a good night.      Linda

 

 

 

 

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

Here's the weather outlook that I recieved today from the Seattle TV station I usually watch.  It is unseasonably warm for us here in the Pacific Northwest, like Europe we normally have fairly mild weather in the summer.   Today at work we received a list of ways to prevent heat-related illnesses during high temperatures.  I thought I'd take the time to share them with all of you.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Heat stress is caused when the body is unable to cool itself by sweating; several heat illnesses such as heat stress or exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occasionally result in death. 

PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLINESSES

. Have an adequate supply of water and drink regularly.

. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.

. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light colored clothing.

. Block out direct sun or other heat sources.

. Use cooling fans/air conditioning and rest regularly.

. Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses; monitor yourself and those around you.

. If anyone show symptoms, always take this very seriously; have them take a break to cool down and provide them with cooling water.  If symptoms worsen within 15 minutes, call for medical help and have them transported for medical evaluation.

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION

. Heavy sweating

. Exhaustion, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches or fainting

. Mood changes, clumsiness, irritability or confusion

. Pale skin

. Upset stomach or vomiting

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE

. Red or flushed, dry, hot skin, sweating may or may not be present

. Confusion, losing consciousness, or bizarre behavior

. Seizures or fits

. Collapse

. Rapid or weak pulse

. Panting/rapid breathing

. Any symptom of heat exhaustion, but more severe

It was explained to us by the "nurse types" that work in my office that alcohol and caffeinated drinks actually cause dehydration and are the worst thing  you can drink on a warm/hot day.  So I guess if I'm going to have a soda, this weekend,  it will be a root beer or 7-up type drink.  Even iced tea, if it has caffeine is not a good choice.     I know come December, when we are all complaining about freezing, we'll have forgotten all about these sweltering days of July. 

I still haven't managed to get my front and back lawn mowed.  If I don't get out there later this evening, it will have to be very early in the morning.     But for now, I'm going to try and get the dishes washed. I have a fairly good breeze coming in my kitchen window and a little fan clipped to the sill to help that breeze along.      Until later........................Linda

My Texas Postcard

I got a postcard from Barb the other day and this evening I found Gabi lounging on her pink blanket with the card.  She must think the armidillo on the front is another cat.  Anyway, thanks again Barb for the card. 

I'm still willing to send cards out if you email me your mailing address. 

 It was a horrible day at work today, I'm so sick of the stuff that's going on there. (Monica, if you're reading this...you know what I'm talking about)  I've been working for most of the last 46 years and I have never worked under such conditions and it seems to be getting worse by the day.  I'm glad I only have one more day there this week. 

My son just stopped by for a short visit...he works not too far from here and had just finished his shift.  It was nice to see him.  Even though we are in the same town, I don't see him very often...he's busy with work, church and of course the girlfriend.

Ok, I'm going to read my alerts for today and do the dishes and then it will be time to head down the hall with my book and my kitty.  Have a marvy rest of your day....    Linda

 

POSTCARD JOURNEY

Here's 4 more postcard visits to spots in the great state of Washington.  I especially like to go to the Aplet & Cotlet Factory in Cashmere. They are delightful little treats, good at anytime of the year.  Out of the four cards, three are places in Eastern Washington.  You can actually smell the desert sage as you cross over the summit of Snoqualmie Pass into the eastern part of the state.

I did go to the travel agency place and pick up the documents today on my lunch break.  Do you know (oh, Robin is going to love this) there's a Chocolate Buffet at 12 midnight on that ship.  Can you imagine ????  I think I'll pass on that event.  How can you stay up until midnight and gorge on chocolate stuff and then get up early in the morning and get ready for breakfast and the day's activities? 

Well, folks...it's 8:30pm and I desperately need to vacuum.  It's fairly cool in here tonight and since the temperature's are going up as the week goes on, I need to get this task done. 

So until next time..............Linda

P.S. Did anyone get any mail from me today?   I got a card from Barbara (Queenb) today, it's a picture of her dog that looks like the Texas State Roadkill Animal-the armidillo. LOL    Thanks Barb, when I was in Texas visiting friends, I saw quite a few of them........flat.  

P.S.#2  Did I ever mention that I hate my vacuum cleaner.  It's only about 4 years old but it's one of those horrible bagless machines, this one from Eureka.  Yes I think I did mention it before and we talked about all the stuff swirling round & round.  Well, this one has got to go, the first chance I get.  Also, a huge black spider scurried across the floor and before I could suck him up....he disappeared under my computer desk, so now I'm sitting here with my legs wrapped up around my shoulders so he can't jump out and get me.    I'm going to bed..........bye

Photo Scavenger Hunt #84

         

The entries for Scavenger Hunt #84 will be due on Sunday, July 23 at 11:00 PM EST.  From Krissy at; http://journals.aol.com/fisherkristina/SometimesIThink/entries/1111

The subject this week is:  Things that start with the first letter of your name

Interpret this any way you like.  No rules!  Just have fun!

 

Well, I know I don't have a picture of a land mine, or a Larry, or a loom or even a lobster....all I have right now are the ones I've posted.

The lady from the travel agency called today.  My  c______e  documents are ready to pick up, which I'll do on the way home from work Tuesday.  (You notice I didn't say the "C" word) 

Did anyone out there get any mail from me today?  Just checking...... Don't forget to let me know when yours arrives. 

Until next time,  LINDA

Safe Landing

Discovery has landed safely, back from a 13 day misson to the International Space Station !  WELL DONE !!!! 

Scenes of Washington State

I've mentioned before that I have tons of postcards from Washington and other places.  I've decided to share some of the Washington cards with you in this and in future entries.  I hope you enjoy them.

 

I was able to keep the house cool enough (fans, fans, fans) in order to get my ironing done today.  It took hours, as I was also moving sprinklers and talking on the phone from time to time.  I did watch two movies this afternoon while ironing.  The first was "How to Loose A Guy In 10 Days" and the second was "Diary of A Mad Black Woman."  Both are great movies.

Until next time........Linda  

Royal Caribbean

Since my cruise is less than a month away, I was looking on Royal Caribbean's website tonight.  I am so excitied about this upcoming event and have been going over all the details of my "home away from home" for the week of August 11th thru August 18th.  Here's the description of the ship from Royal Caribbean;

"The multilevel Centrum is the hub of this ship. It's an airy, light-filled atrium with gliding glass elevators, palm trees, panoramic windows, gleaming brass, and chairs and low tables placed in cozy groupings. Most passengers gather here for a pre-dinner cocktail as live music plays in the background. Other popular spots include the convivial Schooner Bar, the elegant champagne bar and the Solarium, a serene, glass-enclosed pool area with a retractable ceiling. The Viking Crown Lounge is a Royal Caribbean signature; floating 11 decks above the ocean, it's an observation point by day and a pulsating dance club at night. There's also a casino and show lounge. Go for a seaside jog on the top deck, spend a few pampering hours at the spa or work out with a view at the ShipShape Fitness Center. The Windjammer Café is a casual alternative to the formal, two-level Aquarius Dining Room."

************************************************

I watched a documentary today on the Discovery Channel about the making of their newest and the biggest cruise ship ever, "Freedom of the Seas."  It was mainly built in Finland but then they had a problem and couldn't put it back in dry dock because the harbor in Finland was iced in.  They loaded all the workers and crew on the ship and headed for Germany, the closest dry dock facility that could accommodate such a big ship.  It was amazing to watch how this huge ship shaped shell became a luxurious floating hotel.   Then when they were finished with it, the ship took it's maiden voyage across the Atlantic to New York.  I believe that ship is in service on the east coast.

Well, that's enough, I'm sorry to go on and on about this cruise business.  I promise I'll try to restrain myself.......until next time Linda & Gabi

Gabi Speaks

She has spoken and is now fast asleep (again).         

The Drunk Needs A Push

Thanks to former high school classmate Chet and his wife Barb for the following;

A man and his wife are awakened at 3 o'clock in the morning by a loud pounding on the door.  The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.

"Not a chance," says the husband, "it's 3 o'clock in the morning!" He slams the door and returns to bed.

"Who was that?" asked his wife. "Just some drunk guy asking for a push," he answers.

"Did you help him?" she asks.

"No, I did not, it is 3 o'clock in the morning, and it is pouring out there!"

"Well," says his wife.  "Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down and those two guys helped us?"  "I think you should help him, and that you should be ashamed of yourself."

The man now feeling obligated, gets dressed and goes out into the rain and calls out into the dark, "Hello, are you still there?"

"Yes," comes back the answer.

"Do you still need a push?" calls out the husband

"Yes, please!" comes the reply from the dark.

"Where are you?" asks the husband.

"Over here, on the swing." Replies the drunk.

*****************************************

Well, it's another sunny, breezy day here in the Pacific Northwest.  The TV weather guy says the high should be 78 degrees at 5pm today.  I have Avon to deliver but other than that I don't need to go out in the car.  So my plan is to accomplish something around here today.  What that shall be, I don't know at this point.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday, until later.....Linda

They Are In The Mail

Not counting the gals in England, it will be interesting to see who gets their card first.  I'm sure the England ones will take much longer to arrive.  Anyway, as they arrive please let me know, OK?

I did go see the new movie "You, Me and Dupree" today.  I must say I enjoyed it, the critics usually don't see things the way the general public does anyway.   Owen Wilson is such a smooth character, and he always seems to play basically the same type of person.   Anyway, it's worth seeing and probably more of a "chick flick," I'm thinking the guys probably won't like it that much. I don't mind going to the movies alone, mainly because then I can sit where I want to sit and lean over on the seat next to me and be comfortable.

It was a beautiful sunny but breezy day here in the Pacific Northwest, I think it probably was up in the high 70's or low 80's.  The sky was blue with big fluffy white clouds floating by.  And that mountain of ours was truly a magnificant sight once again today.   Here's a link for more information about our Mt Rainier;   http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm 

Gabi really is back to normal and I thank all of you pet lovers for your kind words.  She's such a precious little girl, I'm glad there was nothing seriously wrong with her.

Now, we are heading down the hall to catch some zzzzzz's.    Until next time     Linda

Gabi

Thanks for all your well wishes for Gabi.  She is absolutely back to normal !  Her usual routine in the morning is; she sits patiently at one corner of my bed and as soon as I start to get up, she's up on her feet, tail in the air and she starts her little squeaky meow.  Then as my feet hit the floor, her feet also hit the floor and she runs up the hall towards the kitchen, then back to me, then to the kitchen again until I get there to ready her moist food.  Now this is a cat with two bowls of dried food and water out for her at all times, one in the bathroom and another in the kitchen.  You'd think I was starving her the way she acts in the morning.  Oh and we go thru the whole routine when I get home from work in the afternoon, too.  And on the days I don't work....she starts in about 4pm begging for her moist food.  (Can cats tell time?) At times in the morning, I fake her out by stirring like I'm going to get up, but then I just turn over. She seems to have figured this out because she never flinches until I'm really getting up.  Anyway, we were back to our normal routine this morning.  I have called the Vets office and made a slight complaint, since I did ask and the gal said she'd have no side effects, I think she should have been more up front with me.

Well, I have a day off today.  I've been trying to decide if I'm going to a movie this afternoon or stay home and stick to business.  There is a new movie out,  "You, Me and Dupree" but I'm not sure if I want to see it or not.  I do like Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson & Matt Dillon but the reviews say it's basically a stupid movie.  Then there's "Cars," I've wanted to see it too, because I continue to be fascinated by the animated films that have been coming out.  There's a great cast in that movie too, you just don't see their faces.

I talked to my dear friend Judi in San Diego last night.  She like Barbara has been a friend since grade school and she's also going on the cruise.  I hadn't heard from her in awhile and she explained that she'd had a slight TIA about a week and a half ago, plus before that the sewer line out in front of her house caved in and well, you know what...backed up into her bath tub, etc. She had to stay in a hotel for almost two weeks. She thinks the TIA was from the stress of having to re-locate, fighting with her insurance company, etc.  She's had a horrible few  weeks.  She still has to have a MRI on her head and the doctor has upped her from a baby aspirin each day to a full size aspirin but she's feeling fine.   I actually was laughing at one point of our conversation, telling her I hoped the ship didn't sink when all of us old folks boarded with all our pills and potions to get us thru a week at sea.  Judi has been living in San Diego since 1961, moving there with her new husband who was a dentist and in the Navy. He ran off years ago and left her with two young boys to raise alone and she is now looking forward to retirement as a dental hygenist.  She says when she retires, she's moving home!!  After all those years, in that lovely climate she wants to move back to Washington.  She says her boys are settled and have more money to travel than she does, and her mom, brother and sister and their families are up here and this is where she wants to be. I'm thrilled and will love having her close by. 

Well, I'm going to eat some breakfast and decide what to do with the rest of my day, besides mail the post cards.  There are 4 cards going to folks who didn't ask for them....but I had the addresses so made one out for those people anyway.    I hope when you get your cards, you'll post a picture and link your entry to my journal so I can see you with your cards.  Robin only got 3 1/2 of us to do that, since one of her recipients was shy and took a picture of her dog with the card she received.

Robin....I hope all is going well and you're frantically unloading boxes into that new house.      Until next time, Linda

Going Once, going twice.......

I have a stack of post cards addressed, and still have a few post card stamps and post cards left.  So if there's anyone else out there that wants one from Washington state, please email your mailing address to me by Friday (July 7th) at 10am Pacific Daylight time.  

We've had delightful cooler weather the last couple days, with light rain showers.  It's actually been a nice break from the heat we had last week and the week before.  The TV weather guy claims it will be up in the low 80's by Sunday again. 

I'm wondering about our Robin tonight, wondering how things went with the house they want to lease. I hope everything is ok and she's just busy lugging boxes into the place.

Well, I'm going to go do the dishes and then it's down the hall with my boo and my kitty.        By the way my little Gabi gave me a scare this morning.  I took her to the Vet yesterday after work to update her shots.  I asked if there were any side effects and they assured me there were not.  Well, this morning, she never moved off my bed as she usually does. She's usually running up and down the hall  begging for her breakfast, and doesn't let up until I fix it for her.  I did put a little of her tuna feast in her bowl with a little warm water (she likes it that way) and took it in the bedroom and put it right under her nose. She sort of stood up briefly, took a little lick of her food and then laid right back down on the bed again.  She was also very warm to the touch.  I had to go off to work and leave her like that and I was just sick about it. At 8am I called the Vet office and the gal said that she might be having a little reaction to the Leukemia shot, apparently that sometimes makes them very drowsy for a day or two.  Well duh !!! That's why I asked tech at the time, would she have any reaction to the shots.  If it wasn't for the fact that I really like the Vet, I think I'd change clinics.  The front office staff seems a little abrupt and sometimes even rude.   Anyway, she finally ate her breakfast tonight and seems to be pretty much back to normal.  So all is well....Linda

LAST CALL

Hello there, well I've survived being back to work for two days, after a very short vacation.  Two more to go and then I'm off for the weekend again.  One month from today...that ship leaves the dock in Seattle with some of us old folks on it, sailing off to Alaska.  The time has really flown, since I first planned this event last August.  

  I'm excited about another happening coming up September 8th, not only is it the first day of the Puyallup Fair but Bill Gaither and his group are coming to the Key Arena in Seattle.  I got tickets the other day for myself and my friends that live in Oklahoma.  They will be here visiting their son and family then and are excited to have an opportunity to go to this concert,too.

This is the last call for the postcard offer.  I have a list of those you have emailed me and indicated that they would like a post card from Washington and I will mail those out this weekend.  If there is anyone else out there who would like to receive a card, please email your mailing address to me before Friday morning.

It's cooled off a bit and the TV weather guy says we are going to get some rain starting Wednesday (we'll see).  I hope so because I'm too tired to go out and water tonight.  If it doesn't rain Wednesday, then I will water when I get home from work. 

Well, I've got a sink full of dishes, so I guess I'll get off here and go get them washed and put away. Until next time, Linda

Photo Scavenger Hunt #83

         

The entries for Scavenger Hunt #83 will be due on Sunday, July 16 at 11:00 PM EST.

The subject this week is:  Something Treasured

Interpret this any way you like.  No rules!  Just have fun!

You know what to do, put the link to your entry in the comments section below.  Krissy :) At  http://journals.aol.com/fisherkristina/SometimesIThink/entries/1108 

Here's my entrie(s).  I am using 2 photo's for this one...I didn't get much sleep last night so don't give me any static about using 2 photo's...thanks Krissy, I knew you'd understand. LOL          Tired Linda in Washington state

P.S. doesn't everyone treasure their corn holders?

Monday Morning Survey

Monday Morning Survey (completed Monday evening) from my buddy in Texas; http://journals.aol.com/mastersblynn/ConfessionsOfAnAngelWaitress/entries/1394

1.Have you ever been searched by the cops? Nope are you kidding !  And if that had ever happened, I would never, in a millon years, tell anyone.

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?

Nope, because I don't go on roller coaster.

3. When's the last time you've been sledding?

Many years ago (1980-?), when I was a happily married woman, we had a BIG snow and we lived on a hill, since everyone else was sledding, I took a couple runs too. I'll have to try it again sometime, sledding that is.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? 

I absolutely prefer to sleep alone. (It's a good thing I'm not married)  I need my whole queen size bed to get comfortable so my back doesn't hurt.  It's a good thing Gabi stays on her towel down on one corner of my bed, or I'd kick her off, too.

5. Do you believe in ghosts? 

Nope !

6. Do you consider yourself creative?  At times...I am and then other times I am absolutely not creative and no matter what I do I can't think of creative ideas.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?  Sometimes I do and then other times I don't think he did.  I guess he and his  Heavenly Father only know for sure

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? Neither

9. Do you stay friends with your exes?  I do in some cases yes...in other case...no way !!

10. Do you know how to play poker? No and I only played hookey once.

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?  No, unless those rude neighbors of mine keep me awake again tonight.

12. What's your favorite commercial?  An old one.."Where's The Beef."

13. What are you allergic to? Soup, no that's a joke.  Just medications, all those marvy pain meds make me very ill.  Any surgeries I've had...all I got was Tylenol for pain.

 

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around do you run red lights?  Heavens no...what if someone came thru from the other direction?  That would be a big crash.

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?  Yes

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? Neither

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating?  Nope, but I was a roller skater when I was a teenager.  That was our favorite place to go...the Roller Bowl.

18. How often do you remember your dreams? Some of the time

19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? I got an email from someone (can't remember who now) the other day & it really made me crack up !

20. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles? yes

1.  I Want to Hold Your Hand

2. She Loves You, ya ya ya

3. Yellow Submarine

4.  Strawberry Fields Forever

5.  Flyswatter -huh?

21. What's the one thing on your mind now? I'm starving

22. Do you know who Ghetto-ass Barbie is? That is not a nice thing to say about Brittany Spears! (I'm keeping Barbara's answer)

23. Do you always wear your seat belt?

Yup

24. What cell service do you use? Verizion

25. Do you like Sushi? Raw fish?  No Way !!

26. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident? Not that I know of.

27. What do you wear to bed?  A cotton knit night gown (like T-shirt material, comfy!)

28. Been caught stealing? No, never stole anything

29. What shoe size do you have? 9

30. Do you truly hate anyone? no

31. Classic Rock or Rap? neither

32. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?  That's a naughty question!

33. Favorite Song?   "Flyswatter"

34. Have you ever sang in front of the mirror? Yeah, when no one is looking.

35. What food do you find disgusting? Lima beans and sushi.

36. Do you sing in the shower? Sometimes

37. Did you ever play, “I'll show you mine, if you show me yours?” Another naughty question.

38. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? No, if I'm going to do that, I'll do it to their face.

39. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? Yes

Now I'm going to go eat my dinner!    Linda

Monday Morning Question From Krissy

What drives you batty?  From Krissy at; http://journals.aol.com/fisherkristina/SometimesIThink/entries/1109

Now what drives you batty?  Put your answer in the comment section below or put your answer in your journal and leave a link to it in the comment section below.  Krissy :)

What drives me batty, crazy whatever you call it, is the people who live behind me.  They do not live in the mobile park with the rest of us old folks and they are rude, crude and socially unacceptable.  Last night, once again they started playing their Mariachi music full blast (their back yard is only separated from mine by a fence) and it went on until after 11pm.  Earlier in the evening, with all the fans going, including the summer fan in the furnace...I was vacuuming and I could still hear their music.  It drives me crazy !!!!!  And the stuff they play has that bass, boom boom boom.  You know the kind...that makes the fillings in your teeth hurt.  They moved in over a year ago and they did this all last year too.  I finally have convinced one of the "Community Liaison" from the local police department to talk to go talk to them, and he promised me today he would do that.  Everyone is entitled to have fun, play their music on a warm evening, but it should not intrude into someone else's space like that.  My alarm goes off at 4:45am the mornings I go to work and when I'm laying in bed listening to any kind of loud music at 10:30-11 o'clock at night, I am not a happy person.    So that's my answer-What drives me batty?  My rude neighbors.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!      Linda

Sunny, muggy Sunday

I have been looking for the following link for weeks....finally found it.  It's the "How Much Is Your Blog Worth?" link.  This was going around last winter so thought it would be fun to re-visit it some 6 months later.  I don't expect to hear any results from anyone, the worth of your Journal/Blog is entirely a personal thing.  This is just meant to be fun, so don't freak out if it says yours is worth a big fat "0."  The ones I read are priceless to me. Hearing about life in other countries and other parts of the US,  following a famly moving from one military base to another, hearing takes on life here in the same area where I live, etc.

http://www.business-opportunities.biz/projects/how-much-is-your-blog-worth/

Ok, now it's back to business here in the house.   Linda  

P.S.  Mine was a big fat "0" last winter.  It's gone up in value since then.

P.S. #2  I got an email this morning from friend Charlotte, down in Vancouver.  The anniversary couple spent last night in the hospital with one of their son's who's been ill all week,  He'd been to Mexico with his church group and they thought he'd picked up a bug there.  Seems it's his appendix...it's inflamed and has to come out. Best wishes to Daniel as he recovers.  We're pleased this didn't happen while he was in Mexico away from his family.

Saturday Evening

First of all today was a beautiful, warm sunny day.  My friend Bob came this morning and drove me south to Vancouver, WA (about 125 miles from here).  The occasion; the 25th wedding anniversary of the oldest daughter of some dear friends of mine.  Back in the early 1970's, when I was married, we moved in across the alley from John, Charlotte and their kids Rosemary, Kathleen, Johnny and Cindy.  My daughter Julie was between Rosemary and Kathleen in age and little Cindy and my son, Jimmy are about 4 months apart in age.  Poor Johnny was just kind of in the middle somewhere. He tormented the two little ones and the three girls tormented him. The older kids all attended the same school and both families attended the same church.  Anyway, in 1976 John had a job opportunity in Portland, so they moved to Vancouver, WA just across the Columbia River form Portland. We keep in touch over the years as Charlotte's elderly parents lived just up the street from our place, until they passed away and  from time to time the kids and I would hop on the train and go down to Vancouver to visit them.  In July of 1981 Rosemary married Rick and Julie and Jimmy were both invitied to be in the wedding.  So down we went to Vancouver on another hot weekend for a lovely wedding of two special people. In fact Julie reminded me tonight that it was so hot that weekend that the frosting melted on the wedding cake and the top sort of slid to the back of it.  Rosemary's dad, John, is a baker by trade so even though it may have melted, I know it was scrumptious. Throughout the years the frequency of the visits diminished but not the friendship. In fact Charlotte has been on AOL for years so we can IM everyday, if we want to.  Anyway, today was a celebration of 25 years for Rick and Rosemary.  They have three fine sons and are active in the community and in their church.  John recreated their wedding cake (each layer a color of the rainbow) and it was beautiful as well as scrumptious. (I wish I would remembered to take a picture of it.)  They also had a lovely buffet and of course the rainbow punch, like what was served at the wedding reception. I think Rosemary would have liked to have Julie and Jimmy there also today but Julie is unable to travel and Jimmy planned to go but ended up having to work today. Like I said it was a beautiful day and an enjoyable drive to see dear friends.

Only one more day and then I have to go back to that awful place....WORK!  I don't know what little Gabi will do, she has loved having me home this last week.  She got lots more loving than she usually does.   Speaking of Gabi, I think it's time she & I went down the hall for the night.  So until next time...Linda

P.S. the reason their son Johnny wasn't in any of the pictures is because he and his family recently moved to Texas with his job.

HALIBUT DINNER

I'm so sorry you couldn't have all been here for dinner.  That halibut was to die for. I wasn't really all that hungary because of the popcorn earlier today.  But I had one small piece and my veggies.  So now I have to do a little more de-cluttering tonight while I'm watching the tube and then tomorrow I have to hit it.  My vacation is almost over. In fact....in reality it is over, because I usually have Friday's off anyway.  It's over.....no it can't be over.  I don't want to go back to work !!

Finally I saw the movie

I finally got to see the movie "A Prairie Home Companion."  It's based on a real radio show written & narrated by Garrison Keillor,about the fictional town of Lake Wobegon, USA.  This program has been on the radio for more than 30 years.  The movie was,about the fictional demise of said program.  A big wig (Tommy Lee Jones) was buying the theater where the show was produced each week to build a parking lot.  Cast members of this fictional radio show are of course the real Garrison Keillor (as himself), Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin as the singing Johnson sisters, Lindsy Lohan plays Meryl's daughter, Lola. Then there's Woody Harrelson and John C Reilly who play Dusty and Lefty, a singing cowboy act. It was corny, funny, sad and entertaining.  The music was outstanding and I can't wait for the soundtrack to be released.  Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin did a great job in their singing roles.  I highly recommend it, if you want a couple hours of entertainment with no violence, blood and guts. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420087/

I did get my ticket for the Bill Gaither concert.  His music is so wonderful, and it will be fun to see his group in concert.  September 8th is also the first day of the Puyallup Fair and because the bus leaves the church at 5:30pm for Seattle, I may not try to do both, but...I was thinking ahead and asked for the following Monday off, just in case that's the day I choose to go to the Fair.  (I don't like going out there on the weekend...too many people.) 

Ok, even tho I've had popcorn this afternoon, I'm going to cook some of that halibut.  Bob is up in the little town of Buckley helping his youngest daughter and her husband get their house ready to put on the market.  So I may just have to eat it all myself. No, I won't do that,because.... it's also good cold.  :)                  Linda                             

I GOT MINE

I got my card from Robin today...but I missed the mailman. (I think he came while I was in the shower) Drat !!! No extra credit for me. Thanks again Robin. I've decided to take a day (afternoon) off from the de-cluttering process.  I'm heading out to get a ticket from Life Center Church (where I took my grand kids to see the patriotic program last Sunday night) for a Bill Gaither Concert on Sept 8th at the Key Arena up in Seattle.  They have a bus that will take folks up there, so there'll be no driving or parking hassels ! I've never seen Bill and his group in concert so am really looking forward to it. And then I hope to see that movie I've been trying to see for weeks..."A Prairie Home Companion."  Everytime I've gone to the Grand Theater, they are sold out for that movie.  I'll try one more time (this week anyway).  

Thanks again Robin, that was fun.  I'm making my own list for the cards I'll send out on July 14th.     Linda

I'm Going To Be A Copy Cat

I'm going to be a copy cat...a couple weeks ago, Robin at; http://journals.aol.com/robinngabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/.   said she had some post cards from Sacramento and would send them out to the first 8 people who would like one and emailed her their address. 

I have tons of postcards from the cities of Tacoma and Seattle Washington.  So if you'd like one, email your me your mailing address and I'll dig into my stash and send one out to you. If you have a preference between Tacoma or Seattle let me know that too, otherwise I'll just grab one and address it. (Robin; I have your new address and will mail your Tacoma card to arrive after July 14th).  In fact midnight July 13th will be the deadline for all requests and I will mail them on July 14th.

Ok, my break is over...back to de-cluttering.    Linda 

July 5th

Well, it's over for another year.  Bob and I ended up driving about 27 miles to this Indian Casino to watch their fireworks.  We got there late and were starving, so went in and got something to eat and while we were eating we could hear the fireworks going off outside.  By the time we got outside there was only about 15 minutes of fireworks left.  That was ok, we had a good supper and except for the hundreds of people to contend with it was a nice drive out there.   Bob went on home and said he'd be back this morning to help vacuum seal the fish.....ya right. He got called to one of his daughter's place and I haven't seen him all day.  My friend Barbara happened to came over and she helped me with the fish.  Anyway, it's all vacuum sealed in the freezer except for the halibut I left out to cook tonight. 

It's very cool here in western Washington today, probably only reaching to about 65 degrees.  That's fine with me, as I am de-cluttering and I worked out in one of my storage sheds today.  I filled the whole back end of my car with boxes of stuff and dropped it off at the thrift store. It was a good feeling to drive off and leave that stuff behind. Finally out of my hair, gone, never to be seen again...unless of course I go shopping there next week. LOL

I'm really angry at some of the families that live just outside the mobile park.  They shot off hundreds of dollars worth of fireworks last night and left the debris all over the road.  Even the boxes that the fireworks came in are out there laying around, why are people such slobs?  The one family has 5 boys...they should be out there sweeping that stuff up and putting it in the garbage can.

Well, I'm hoping everyone had a wonderful, safe and sane holiday.  Now it's back to the real world.  No more holidays or long weekends on the horizon until Labor Day, September 4th.  Until next time, Linda