Dumb-Dumb

So do you remember when we lived in LB and my most embarrassing repairman call was to the garage door company?...Well, let me remind you. The garage door wouldn't open and the reason was because I was pushing the wrong button on the opener.

Today, I have just tied or exceeded the embarrassing call. A couple of weeks ago my furnace stopped working. Called the furnace company that fills my oil tank and does the maintenance on the furnace. Woody came out and fixed it and it was a legitimate problem that needed fixing. Great guy. He knows the garage code to come in on his own. Knows not to let the cats out etc. This morning the furnace again wasn't working. I called them back and requested Woody because he was just out here and hopefully, whatever the problem is it will be still covered from the last bill.

Woody was here for all of 5minutes....it was the batteries in the thermostat! Bless his heart, he said he'd tell the company he works for that it was a loose wire or something. What a guy!

I've been sitting outside on Mom's swing with a blanket in the sun. Its warmer this way than in the house, but not now...the furnace is back to running again and surprisingly the thermostat numbers and other information are so much brighter. Sort of like the difference when the printer is running out of ink and then putting in new cartridges...very bright!

Great way to have a precious day off activity.

New puppy or am I mistaken...its Abner!

Now that I'm back from vacation and had a couple of days before returning to work. I had a great idea to take Abner, the big boy, in to be well groomed or shaved, whatever as he has such a thick undercoat and doesn't like me to brush him.

Bet he now wishes he would have cooperated more with me. He now looks like an Italian Greyhound...more specific, he looks like Zach and about the same size.

He is shaved except for his front legs, tail and head. What a funny looking guy. He keeps throwing himself on the ground and then gets back up. Is this because it feels like to him that he's falling a mile since there isn't any hair to land on? I can only think it must be like sitting on the toilet with the seat left up.

He certainly has his summer cut, or like Tyler's cut. You all must come over and see this guy before too much grows back. Funny thing is, he still looks big, but not at the moment as cocky...Chloe has been giving him lots of potty mouth hissing.

Red or White?

With my new status at UAL and the motivation to do something additional in the work world...last night I took a class and received a certificate good for five years to be able to serve wine, beer or even real cocktails in a bar. In a couple of weeks, I take my food serving class.

It almost seems like a dream job area for me. Serving people and making sure they are happy with what I can give them. It would be like one of my parties at home.

"Would you like red or white wine? Or how about a bacon wrapped date, stuffed with blue cheese?" I looked very briefly on Craigslist and here is my example of great fun. Benaroya Hall has an event and looking for people to help during intermission etc to serve. They gave about seven dates to be available. Now that is exactly what I want! No big commitment, pocket money and listening or getting a glimpse of the event. Yes, I'll wear black and white. Another spot of interest....Woodinville winery row. They have people set up for the tasting rooms...now I'm qualified to legally do this. So when will Airfield have their facility set up? I could be on the "on call" list! Or how about, when we volunteered for the YMCA fundraisers...those where caterers hired to dish up etc. The best part of all of this - is I again could be paid to talk just as I do now and love.

This really could be exciting.

Apple Peach French Toast!

Let me tell you how very, very excited I am about my trip this week.

Going to Fredricksburg VA....being with Charley's family, dinner for his nieces birthday...all good and it will be fun and interesting seeing the Washington DC area. Always great, but...from there we are driving down to Wilmington NC which takes about 5 hours. Basically from Seattle to Spokane. Last time I did a driving trip in that area (sort of) was with Sheri and Mom. We had a lovely time and I remember the country being to different and interesting. Of course, this time, it is winter and it won't be as green.

I got the pleasure of picking out where to stay. I didn't want your basic hotel even though was Charley's first thought. Stay at the Hilton on the beach where he's stayed before. Nope, but thanks. We can drive the 15 minutes to take a walk on the Atlantic beach. I picked the cutest B&B ever. You have to look at it www.Rosehill.com. We are staying in the Wedgewood which according to my new friend Bob, the biggest and quietest room. Can hardly wait....and the menu, I'm already eager to eat good southern food. Its very close to the Cape Fear River and I'll stroll there in the evenings.

Seeing the Greek Aunties is going to be a blast. You all would really enjoy them....so cute. We'll be eating lots of Greek food as well....do all trips need to be centered around the yummy food? Well, yes.

Doesn't this sound like the best! Thanks to all who have helped with pet sitting for this trip possible. As usual, I'll keep in contact via e-mail, blogs and of course phone. Hugs, Hugs, Hugs.

Read, Read, Read

Last night I just finished the last of my Christmas books....The Help, Dear John, and Whistlin' Dixie - Nor' Easter. All are fabulous and I am willing to share if anyone wants a new read.

Thanks family for knowing my taste in books...you've given me hours of enjoyment!

This Time Last Year

I'm feeling very sorry for myself today. Laying on the couch, taking cold tablets and sneezing every now and then. Not fare, I had a cold not two months ago and don't deserve it again yet!

But, having this time by myself, lets my mind wonder to this time last year. We were reading out loud from Danielle Steel's "Coming Out". Laughing, talking and crying as we watched Grammy in her hospital bed. Rotating the book so there wouldn't be any quite space. Leaving to give updates to my sister and brother, while waiting for Denny and his family to get here. Dave, Charley and Tyler have just left to get back home so that they don't have to drive too late over the pass. My daughters and myself in the only hospital room without whispers as we continue to read and chuckle.

I took Mom with me to work on Sunday and I'll have her travel with me tomorrow as well. Its so nice to take her on field trips.

Maybe tomorrow, I'll finally be able to go through her boxes? We'll see.

Foreign Film Phase

I just watched an amazing movie last night. So put it on your list to order or go pick up at the video store.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. French foreign film. It is so good. Also I recently watched another foreign film...again so good...The Red Violin. As long as you don't mind ready the sub-titles. Very enjoyable.

Let me know after you ALL have taken the time to watch these how much you loved them.