and the winner is...

me!! I was 100% correct, we got zero snow last night!! I figured that we wouldn't, I'd hoped we would, but knew that it was not in our forcast (even though the forcasters forcast that forcast).

I am getting ready for work, although today is a bit different than normal days. I have new student orientation at the culinary school up the road from the store. We go ever 6 weeks to show the "kids" what they should wear on their feet. Some walk on by and think that they would never be caught dead in clogs, while others ask questions and stop by the shop later. This is my second orientation. I have everything ready at the shop and Kevin will have to wake up early to take me. Which he should have remembered as he was drinking his beer and staying up until 2:30/3? I did remind him that he was getting up early when he came to bed (although I'm sad that I was wakened so I could remind him).

So, my latte is getting cold and as much as I love updating the blog I love warm coffee even more. So that is that. Chaio!

bored bored bored

Thought I would do some stocking of shelves at work, but I have run out of energy. So instead I update the blog for the second time in one day!!! The weatherman is calling for more snow tonight and into tomorrow. I don't see it happening, just because he is calling for it. Since they didn't see this front coming through (the one that dumped a fair amount of the white stuff on us yesterday) I am not sure I trust what they say. :)

I am trying to think of anything I have not told you all, my dear readers.

Nothing is coming to mind at the moment. And I am expecting a friend to drop by the store anytime now. She is in from Urbana, IL. We are sad that she is not here anymore and we are plotting ways to make her come back here. She says it is the plan, but not until she is finished with Grad school, in 3.5 years!!! Well, the woman does have to do what she has to do.

Linsel just walked in (a friend)...so latah!!

let it snow

you know how the rest of the song goes. it was a winter wonderland yesterday! the entire city pretty much shut down (although it was already since it was new years day). i had been hoping for more of the white stuff overnight, but no such luck. i had visions of ahmed calling me and telling me that i needent come in. oh well, such is life.

happy new year! i hope everyone was safe this year. we ended up going to dinner, out for one drink and then over to jill and mark's to ring in the new year. at about 12:07 we hit the road. when we got home the cats were both alive and some of our things were scattered in the living room. it's funny, josie has not yet destroyed anything (the clogs are not destroyed, only altered) she just pulls things to the floor.

the girl came in right after 5 so i could leave a little early (yea!!!). by the time mark had showered though all we had time for was catching the street car and heading for sushi. i did manage to have a drink with my friend tanya who is visiting from urbana, il.

and then the snow came. and it was snow!! none of the crunchy white stuff that we have had years past, but full on snow. great packing snow! we played and played with josie (who adores the snow) and of course didn't get any pictures. we took the camera, kev just forgot to take any.

well, the shower is calling and i must get a latte in me before heading out to work today. maybe he'll tell me to close early...(wishful thinking)

new years eve

well, it is upon us once more, we will be ringing in the new year with friends and sushi. actually dinner will happen much earlier than midnight, but we will still toast to the new year. i have told a couple of people that i am open until 6 and now i have been told i should close between 4:30 and 5. one person has come back already and the other told me she'd be here after 5, when she gets off work. i can only hope that she gets off work early too...

we are having the great debate of going home after dinner to ring in the new year with the critters, or to go to a party that people we don't know are hosting. i vote home, just to make sure that the dog is going to be okay. i think people in our hood will be setting off fireworks and i know that josie is scared by them. i just worry that she will get scared and hurt herself or the cats. kev doesn't think she'll do anything, and he doesn't think that the neighbors will really be out...i've heard them out already and i've seen josie's reaction. but as kev says, "we'll see."

i think i may just go outside and scrub off the holiday greetings on our window here at the shop. or just sit here and figure out what the plans are for after work (now that i get to leave a little early-i give the girl 15 minutes after 5 and then i leave her a note!). i know that mark and i will most likely be meeting for a drink, and then to dinner...

happy new year to all my devoted readers! i know there are millions.

dog park

Yesterday was the first day we took Josie out to a huge dog park that is a little of a car ride away from our house. She was excited to get into the car, as she's not gotten to go for a ride for some time, but when we got to the park I thought she was going to jump through the door itself!! I have never seen her so excited (except for when Kev and I have both been gone and we come home at the same time). There was one other dog there, who almost peed on my leg...hmmm? She was a bit growly in the beginning, but soon she and Frisbie were tearing after each other and were in heaven. She wore herself out running the entire park, which is about the size of a football field I would say. The greatest thing about it is that it is fully fenced!! I see us going there much during the summer!! As it was it was very muddy and she got herself a bath when we got home.

The cats are doing well, starting to play a bit with each other out in the living room. They hadn't for a while because everytime they would start something the dog would join them wanting to play as well. The trio is quite the funny one!!

Work was amazingly busy the past few days (I took Christmas through yesterday off). I have much paper work to get caught up with, which I have not even started. I had quite a bit of shipping to do today as well. It is nice though, I work two days, have one off (New Years Day we're closed) and then work two days with two days off after that. Not too shabby a schedule. I will probably take the end of month papers home with me tomorrow so I can get them done for the 2nd.

Well, I should go and email people their tracking numbers for their clogs...

before i start hearing it from the friends...

I have been lax because I had family in town. Now that they have all gone back to their homes *sniff* I can pick it back up again. We had such a fun time with everyone here. It allowed me to cook for many people, one of my favorite things, as well as introducing some of my family to some of my friends here.

We went last night to see Somethings Gotta Give. Very funny movie, although it did drag at certain parts. The cast was perfect for it though! Then went to Portland City Grill afterwards for Happy Hour. That place has some of the best little nibblies ever. We met our friends, Chuck and Marcy there so they could meet my parents.

We ended up having battery issues with the car. As in it died when we were trying to get my parents back to their hotel the other night. This is where living next to a mechanic comes in handy. We are going to have to talk with Jaun to see if our battery held a charge or if we need to get a new one. He told us to keep the one he put in our car, but we just feel like we shouldn't take advantage of him. I don't know...

It snowed last night. I got up to feed the animals (yes at 7:30 which is the latest Simon and Josie will allow me to sleep on the weekends) and take Josie out and low and behold there was white on the ground!! Josie was not too sure as to what it was and why she should have to go out to do her business in it and tried to turn around and come back in, but I didn't let her until she'd gone. Which was the fastest I've seen her go!! Usually she likes to dawdle out there and we'll let her run around by herself (she's gotten good at letting us go back inside while she figures out where she wants to go) and then she'll come tearing around the house and onto the deck when she's done.

Mundane, yes, but you all ask for it (at least that is what Kev tells me from his conversations from various friends).

More when there is more excitment in our lives!

ahhhhh, it's done

Well, dinner was a success. We had brisket, Mom's holiday potatoes, green beans with toasted almond slivers and herbed corn. It was quite tasty.

It has been such a nice visit. And the great thing is that I have then next four days off still!! Julianne and David head out tonight for LA and my parents are here until the 29th. We are planning on a day of shopping today and then who knows. I think Dad and I are going to take the bus home when done, since 6 won't fit in the Honda!!

Josie was a super star and didn't beg at dinner, she cuddled with my sister and was basically just a great dog!! I keep saying it, but it bears repeating. We lucked out with her, she's a gem!!!

She must have known I am typing about her because sghe is trying oty wh help me abd climb in my lap,.


artgghghkhyju; o'u
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following orders/requests

So, I got the email, "more pictures please" from my friend Kerri in OK. She just updated her blog so I thought I should update mine.

We have had a great first three weeks with Josie. We have been reminded why we wanted a dog that was at least two years old, when visiting friends homes with puppies. They are cute, but look at this face. She and I were having a little play time when her Dad was still in bed. She was so happy and full of puppy goodness without the destruction and sharp puppy teeth!!

Simon and Chloe even hang out with her now. I'm not fond of the shot of me, but in the other one we took just after this it looks as though I am strangling poor Josie. I'm not, I was just trying to get her to look at the camera.

And you have all heard how much she loves her dad. She likes napping with him, sitting next to him while he's on the computer, or just being near him. Although right now she is perfectly content to chew on some rawhide. Not my first choice of chew toys, but Kev got her some when I wasn't looking.

We gave dear Josie a bath yesterday and sadly didn't get any "wet" shots of her with her fur sticking out in all directions (quite cute really). And I didn't think she could get any shinier than she was already like this shot with Marcy. But when I got home last night she was gleaming...again sorry that I don't have the shot to compare. We will be recharging the camera today since we have family arriving tomorrow.

Well, I think I have dried too many eyes out now. I heard that I have quite the following of readers. I only know of a handful of people so if any of you wanted to let me know what you think...the address is as the top of the blog.

the sunday before christmas

and all through my house there were creatures stiring,
and boy there better not be any mouse.

One Chloe, one Simon, one Josie all rose.
One Shannon sat typing as Kevin still dozed.

The tree was lit, the presents not wrapped.
We really want the critters to help us with that.

As the days drew nearer for family to come.
All Shannon could think of was what she'd not done.

To vacuum, to dust, to pick up the clutter.
Don't forget to get steel wool and a yellow dobie scrubber.

Taper candles for the table an air freshener for the car.
If this house is it's cleanest she'll be such a star.

And so she sat thinking and dreaming of cleaning.
And knew that she'd get everything beautiful and gleaming.

Just where is the energy, where is motivation?
In the kitchen she can make her latte creation.

So off she goes with such a clatter,
or great another thing for her to pick up later.

To all that don't get to come to our home,
we wish you all well and will see you when you roam.

For anytime any of you wish to come see,
we'll be here with a sofa on which you can sleep.

Just call ahead to make the reservations,
we'd hate for you to come while we're on vacation.

Happy holidays to everyone this cool December morn.
We'll think of you all on Christmas without the creamed corn.

(I guess Mom couldn't find any this year.)

Love you all!

we have a tree!

Kevin went yesterday to the Lents Little League (Lents is the park near us-huge with a large baseball park plus much more) tree lot and got us a tree. It is a nice little tree, very full and round, almost shaped like Simon!! We hung the lights, the garland, and all our plastic ormanments I have gotten every year of my life. It is such a cute tree!! The kids, thus far, have left it pretty much alone. We believe that if you allow them to investigate while you are putting the tree together they will not be as curious later. In years past this rule has worked for us, but this is our first real tree...

Work picked up today, YEA! Yesterday was about mind numbing. We are going to see The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) tomorrow with some friends. It should be....long. I am excited to see it, but not as excited as two of the people I am going with. Chuck and I are in the same boat as we didn't read the books. But Marcy and Kevin are nuts about it all (where do you think I got the LOTR from?).

I don't like candy anymore, I've decided. We have gotten candy from just about every manufacturer we carry. My teeth feel hairy, my stomach wants nothing to do with anything sweet again for a little while, and just the thought of it makes me feel funky.
Crap!! I forgot to call my Grandma Sam (Dad, send me a reminder so I do it tomorrow morning, will you?) to tell her we got the chocolate pecan pies for Xmas dinner. I still have nothing but Mom's Holiday Potatoes on the menu. I have to figure out what to buy at the store on Monday. Maybe we'll just eat a ton of potatoes!! :) No, I'll make something good, I promise.

So it's like this, I'm outta here!!

josie likes to chew

Well, you guessed it, Josie has decided that a pair of my clogs made a tasty treat. Luckily Kevin caught her and gave her all kinds of hell AND the clogs were not that damaged. She also likes a pillow I made out of an old button up shirt of Kevins. Not sure why, but she takes it out to the front room, tosses it up in the air and then after a while becomes bored with it. We are trying to curb this obsession.

Her true colors are showing and although we don't like what we are seeing surface we are in love with her and are willing to work with it. We will be making something to block the kitchen doorway that is not a baby gate, she jumps over that (and we are worried she will hurt herself at some point.

Kevin just got our tree, I hear it is not super tall, but it's taller than our 4' tree we usually have. That one is at the store in the window. It's the perfect height in the window on the table.

Okay, I'm rambling about nothing too exciting and I must go.

too many chocolate clogs

My gem of a boss has brought in these little Swiss chocolate clogs he got for his birthday and while I am thrilled he has opted to share with me I am sad that they are here making my willpower get worked overtime. They are just sooooo yummy and smooth and they melt in your mouth, sigh.

Okay, what interesting news do I have? The dog is still the cutest dog I have ever known. I did go on Sunday to help out with Second Chance Companions. They are who we got Josie from. I sat with three dogs (I only had to hold one) for four hours and tried to convince passersby that they wanted to give one of them a home. One did get placed that day and I hope that they decided to keep him. SCC does a trial adoption, where they hold your $ until you give them the go ahead to cash the check. So, if it doesn't work out then they will take the dog back so they can find a forever home. It was a fun day, tiring, but fun. I am going to help once a month on the second Sunday.

We are going to go get our tree tonight come hell or high water!! It was a dry day today and so we need to take advantage of the situation. I didn't want to get a tree in the rain and have it drip all over my house. As it is we will probably be battling the cats and Josie to keep it upright. Wish us luck.

Well, it is now just about 4:00 and so I have two hours left. It is not a busy holiday season for us which makes me a bit nervous and sad.

So, visit Clogsnmore.com, buy shoes and be happy!! :)

Love you friends.

sorry

With the holidays rapidly approaching I have neglected my blog. I know that Russ is probably checking when he wakes and before he goes to bed to see if I have done any updating everyday since last Friday!!

We have "fixed" the fence in back so that Josie can be let out without being on her leash. She can no longer get into the neighbor's yard, nor can their dog get into ours!! YEA!!

We have started the cleaning process so that when my family is here next week they are not disgusted by what pigs we are (oink). Actually it's not that bad, but there are a few areas that got a little *forgotten* that need some special attention. The fridge is so darn clean now it is almost a little frightening.

Work has been busy! I can tell the last minute rush of shoppers have started to panic. I have many shoes waiting to be picked up by UPS already and expect to have more by the time they get here this afternoon.

It is already almost 1:00 and I am finally just putting my lunch in the microwave. Anyone who takes their lunch to work I have found these Betty Crocker things that are quite good and not much $$. They are Bowl Appetit. I am hooked on the garlic parmesan pasta!

Okay, micro is ringing so latah!

what a voice!!

We went last night to the show and I am here to tell you he's got a set of pipes!! The sound at the venue is great and the band played without any effort. You could tell all of them were having a great time on stage, which is always a plus in my book.

Rufus even mentioned the clogs he bought...but I whooped before he was done speaking so all I heard was, "I just got these clogs today..."

We did leave a little early, as I had to work and Josie needed to potty. We also have a party we are going to this evening so I didn't want two late nights in a row. I figured that they were free tickets so to leave with probably just a few songs left it wouldn't be a crime (I'm sure Kerri you would think differently).

Well, must get things ready for my favorite UPS driver...

boy howdy!!

So if yesterdays blog entry left you wanting more be glad you checked back today!!

What a day at work. It's been fabulous. One of my favorite customers came in and while she was here Rufus Wainwright came in and bought three pairs of clogs. I acted all cool, but let him know I knew who he was, and he ended up asking if I wanted to be put on the list plus one for the show tonight. I said, "wow, that would be really cool. Thanks." While he was here he got a bazillion phone calls and during one he said, "I'm at this really cool clog shop. The girl here is really nice..." I kid you not Russ and Kerri!!!

So, we are going to a show tonight. Anyone who is not sure who he is can find a couple of songs here.

The show is at the Aladdin Theater. I am excited about seeing some music!! I know my friend Linsel will be jealous!! :) tee hee.

Okay, I'm out.

woo hoo

nothing thrilling to report on, but when i got home kev was talking with russ who was asking if i'd updated the blog yet and if i had to please not spoil it. i don't think i had and even if i had kev doesn't read this thing and has no idea as to what i put in it, unless i tell him which i don't usually because i think he finds it rather boring really.

i just ate a burrito made with black beans and kidney beans. it was good but a bit small. maybe i'll make some nachos to fill my tummy (see, i told you nothing thrilling to report on).

chloe is sitting on the computer desk watching josie who is laying on the floor at the bottom of the stairs that lead into the cave. simon has found a lap and is sleeping, kev is on the sofa in the living room doing crossword puzzles. i am putting off working on a canvas i told a friend i'd have pieced together for him by friday. it will be done by then. actually you all should check out craig's site. www.capturedlight.net he's got some beautiful photos of portland in his gallery.

okay, speaking of craig i am now feeling guilty and will take my mike's hard lemonade back to the sewing room to start the process of piecing (is that spelled right? it looks all kinds of wrong) together craig's canvas.

hi to mom and dad who just got home from pennsylvania where they moved my grandma into an assisted living program. i'll talk to you two soon...

take two...

I tried to post this last night. I had it all typed out and hit post & publish. Then it got sucked into the void of "cannot show this page."

Josie has a friend! We took her over last night to meet our friends yellow lab, Edgar. At first I must admit I was a bit worried. She was carrying on, growling, hackles raised, teeth bared...but then something happened and after a bit more sniffing of each other they were off. They ran around the backyard at top speed for what felt like hours, really it was probably at about 15 minute spurts.

Jess and I then took the kids on a long walk, over a mile!! They did quite well, although they are both pullers on the leash. Josie and I and Kevin are working on this. We ran into two large dogs, and Josie was a superstar! No growling, no barking, not a peep out of my girl. She usually would be a bit growly, but with her pal Edgar acting like such a star she had to fall in line. I praised her and praised her and praised her!!

I may be going this weekend to help Karen, Josie's foster mom, with showing some dogs at PetCo on Sunday. I want to meet the woman who kept such good care of my little girl and help her find forever homes for the others that are in her care. This way she can adopt more and save them too.

Must go, have to go to work early today to do inventory and place a massive order today. It never stops!

josie

We just got back from taking Josie on a 45 minute walk. She did okay, but we do have to work on her socialization with other dogs. She tends to bark at them and growl a bit. It's fine if they are on a leash, but when they come up on her she's not fond of it. We think she tried to nip one dog in it's butt as it barreled up on her. My sister said that her dog, Oscar, tends to be like that when on his leash, but when at the dog park and everyone is off leash he calms down and plays. She thought it had something to do with being protective. Sounds about right to me.

Chloe is coming out more and more. In fact she's been sleeping on the sofa in the living room lately. She gets chirpy and weird when Josie noses around, which makes Josie jump back, but everyone seems happy. Josie's tail is constantly wagging when her cats are around.

We had a dead mouse. The house is a bit stinky now and we are trying to get rid of the odor asap. Kev says he can't smell it, but he also doesn't have the keenest sense of smell. I, on the other hand, have a very "touchy" olfactory system and feel as though it is starting to consume the rest of the house. Kevin located the source the other day and has gotten rid of it, but the smell lingers. Wish us luck as we take on this challenge.

So, today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday, Julianne!!! I spoke with her earlier and didn't realize the date. Now she says I'm fired. I feel so badly about it! We'll have to do something big to make it up to her.

We are going to go get some fabric and stuffing so I can make Josie a bed. I have the fabric for the top, but not anything that will work on the bottom. I am also hoping that Fabric Depot has some big pillow forms. I think they do. I am going to make a coordinating pillow for the chair in the living room, where her bed will reside. She sleeps on an old blanket that is too small for the beds and she loves it. I am going to wash it for her today. She drops fur like no other!! And we thought the cats shed.

Well, popcorn has just been brought in so I must go.

rain

It has come. Today has been raining almost constantly. Not complaining, just informing.

Kev said that the crew was all sleeping when I just spoke to him a minute ago. Until Josie heard his voice and they I could hear her following him. She hangs on his every move. I really feel she thinks the sun raises and sets on him!!!

She is an escape artiste though. She doesn't like the whole getting gated into the kitchen thing so we must come up with a better solution. I really don't want her to have the run of the house while we're gone. At least not until she's used to the idea. I have no clue how she'll react to Kev's absense once he finds work.

Speaking of finding work, that is going well. Has some prospects, but don't want to jynx so I will wait until he is hired on somewhere to say anything.

Last night at work we had an open house. One of my favorite reps showed up and gave a presentation about the history of his company. It was great to see him all of 12 hours he was in town!! He's back through next week so we can do dinner then. We had a great time, drank some wine, ate some cheese, sold some clogs. Much different thing when you can drink wine while selling!!

Tonight we are going to have a low key night at home. I was invited to go to Pioneer Square (basically a full city block downtown that events are held at) to have some beer with some girl friends, but since I have been a bit icky in the health arena I figured I'd wait until I was 100% before doing any of that.

It will be me, Kev and the fur kids for an evening of Scrabble? Haven't brought that idea up yet. I am hoping for burritos though!! We got the chicken and way too many beans when we went shopping on Monday so we gotta make them...

Well, getting ready to close up shop (in 45 minutes) so I should go fill some clog racks.

a bit better

Well, after coming home early on Tuesday and not going in yesterday I am up and ready to go to work. My throat hurt so much those two days that I could barely speak. It isn't 100% today, but we are having an open house at work and I have to be there. It does feel better though and my body doesn't ache anymore.

Kev took Josie on a loooong walk yesterday at Forrest Park (over by where we used to live). She did really well. Came home and pretty much slept all night. Although everytime Kev gets up to get or do something she is up in a flash following him. It's quite funny! I joke with Kev about it all the time and all he does is laugh and hug her. I think he likes having her hang on his every move. Simon still is hanging out with us, after keeping a low profile since the chase. He didn't come out much on Tuesday but has increased his time out of the sewing room each day. Now he wanders whenever he wants. This makes me the most happy, but I'll be happiest when Chloe is with us too.

Josie does hang out with me in the morning though, and when I leave she whines a bit. It makes me feel like she does like me!!! Simon pretty much hangs on my lap whenever he is out. YEA!

Well, I am off to do my hair!

throat sooo sore...

Since I only got one day off this weekend I have not allowed my body to fully recover from feeling icky. Yesterday I thought I was going to be fine, throat was feeling better, body not aching. Then I woke up today. My throat hurts with each time I swallow and my body wants to just be wrapped up in the blankets back in bed. I may have to talk to Ahmed about leaving early today. We'll see if he has things to do this afternoon, if not he may have to be closing for me.

My day off with Josie was great though. She joined us on several of our errands, all revolving around her (okay just PetCo was for her and the bank was for us). She and I went for a walk, while her Dad stayed home and put away the groceries. We actually left her for the first time today. We got a baby gate from friends and gated her in the kitchen. She just hung out, but was so excited when we got home. She is a funny girl. She wakes up with me, let's me take her out and feed her (which she doesn't gobble up in one sitting) and then she'll hang with me for a while, but it's back to the bedroom to her bed by Kevin. She is a daddy's girl!!

Last night we did have a chase happen. She decided that Simon's fast movement was something she should investigate and Simon didn't agree. Hence, he took off running (a bit freaked out) and she ran in persuit of him (thinking he was playing). I yelled for her to leave him, and after a couple of times she did.

Jill was over to watch KU basketball. It was a bit nerve wracking at times, but they pulled it out!

As many times before, I must finish getting ready for work. Ugh...

Josie and the pussycats

Well, for those of you who didn't get the email (don't know if there are any), meet Josie. She is our two year old, black lab mix. She is one of the best dogs I have ever known (besides Oscar, my sister's dog). She is such a fabulous girl. We are just a few days into this whole, dog "ownership" thing but loving every minute of it.

I told my parents and honestly, was a bit surprised by their reactions. Dad sounded like he was excited for us and Mom just said, "you're going to turn into one of those women who have 30 cats and 40 dogs who get arrested..." I assured her we wouldn't and that we would give her human grandchildren.

I can not wait for everyone to meet Josie!! She is learning new things everyday. Kev's been working with her on heeling and "giddy up" which apparentally means, let's go.

The cats are adjusting quite well. Simon and Josie are cohabitating very well and Chloe is interested, but not soo sure yet. Curiosity will get the best of her eventually!

I am so smitten with all my kids!! Josie and the pussycats!

what i've learned

dirt needs to be cultivated (thanks, dad)

it's zummo, not zumo (sorry chris, thanks russ)

wear layers to work when expecting a shipment (must burn this into brain)

take an umbrella everywhere you go in winter in portland (duh)

laundry doesn't carry itself back to be put away (kev's working on teaching it though)

the heart has to let go, even sometimes when it hurts the most (friend from cat group~ just lost her little love)

sometimes you have to move things around to realize you liked it better where it was in the beginning (oops)

be thankful (always, even if you have to figure out what it is your thankful for)

tee shirt sheets

Everyone should own a set of the tee shirt sheets. They are so warm, without being suffocating, and they don't want to let you out in the morning. It has been getting rather cold here at night (nothing like the midwest I know, but it is cold for here) so we busted out the tee shirts! Nothing is as warm and inviting as those sheets, baby!!

Kev was cleaning the house last I heard. I just about repeated myself from yesterday's post. OOPS!

The bus shall prove to be tiring, I am sure. With the ol' bus buddy still there talking of fish they have cooked and packages people want him to ship. Yaaaaawn. Sorry, Dad, I should be more compasionate, but he's duller than dirt! :)

I only have roughly 45 minutes left of work. Wooohoooo. I am looking forward to going home, having a "meal in a bag," doing some more picking up (whatever Kev doesn't get done today) and getting things ready for cooking tomorrow. I have decided to make my rolls tomorrow and the cheesecake. If the rolls are a bust I have bought frozen rolls we have to pop in the oven on Thursday. I am hoping mine will turn out. I had a customer tell me that what make rolls turn into hockey pucks is people who don't let them sit long enough. I will heed her warnings and let the yeast do it's thang.

Keep safe this holiday season and remember, be thankful!

cleaning out the storage closet

Today was spent cleaning out the storage we have off of the cave. It had become a catchall for the extra crap we didn't have any place to store. So, we unloaded the whole room and I consolidated the boxes of things we want to keep and created boxes for trash and donation. We have quite a few things we are letting go of that will find new homes. A couple of coats we never wore anymore and some things that I had acquired at the yard sale we had at the apartment before we left.

We have done a bit of rearranging as well. The computer desk is along a different wall. I'm not sure if it will stay like this, but we'll see. So far we are liking the way it is feeling...

Thanksgiving food has been bought. Got me a 15 lb turkey for $3.03!!! Don't know how the girl made it happen, but it was supposed to drop to a certain price per pound after spending $25. When it didn't automatically do it she did it maunally. I'm not sure how she came up with $3.03, but I'll take it!!! :)

We have six friends coming over for dinner on Thursday. I am getting very excited about cooking for so many people. We have pecan and pumpkin pies coming to dinner with two of our guests. YUM!! I am making turkey, garlic cheese mashed potatoes, green beans with almonds, stuffing, and, if they turn out edible, parmesan and pepper homemade rolls. We bought some frozen rolls just in case the homemade ones turn out like rocks.

I am tired and going to go sit on the couch for a while. It's been a long, busy day of organizing and cleaning.

shoppers

The shoppers were waiting for Friday and Saturday to roll around! It has been busy busy busy here. I love when it gets crazy busy on Saturday since it is my last day of the work week.

I am half way through my day...lunch has been consumed and Chaz brought me a cookie for dessert. I will eat it later as I have already eatten some pears I brought from home for dessert...they just called my name louder than the cookie.

We are getting ready for the stragglers thanksgiving. We will go grocery shopping tomorrow after going out to my bosses house for Kev to take a look at his computer again and by the other store to check in. After groceries we are going to a farewell party for some people we know who are moving to Chicago.

It has gotten very cold here!! 30's today, although they said it was supposed to get up to lower 40's. BRRRRRR!

Okay, going to get ready for round number 4...come on people!

your address

I have sent an email to most of my friends asking for their current addresses (not email, house) so that I may start compiling my holiday card list. When I told Kevin that we were going to write the letter this year he complained, but when I stated that if we don't write it we're not sending anything because I am the one who hand writes the cards. He realized that if he didn't want to get suckered in to helping with that he should just agree to the printed letter. We have had so much happen this last year that I felt the letter would be the best way to go. Of course now that I have set myself up to write it I will fail terribly and none of you will get squat from us. :) At least that is my M-O.

Boy work was slower than slow today. Not sure why. I am ready for the rush of gift buyers. WHERE ARE THEY!???

let it snow...

What a wild day of weather we have had today. It was a combination of rain and snow while I waited for the bus and then as we drove into the city the rain disappeared and it was just fat snowflakes. Now it's stopped snowing downtown and is just cold and wet. It's winter in the Pac NW!! Kev called saying when he woke he felt like he was back in Kansas for a minute, the flakes were huge!!

I have been busy placing orders at work, must get items in for the holidays! We have thought about a red show sale for Christmas. Not sure if we are really going to go through with it, since not everyone celebrates Christmas and red is so associated with it.

Kevin is going grocery shopping today. It will be nice to have more food in the house. I asked him to come up with three meals he'd like to have the rest of the week. Next week we can have the leftovers PLUS turkey!!! Nothing better than turkey sandwiches! Mom makes them the best though. All it is is mayo, turkey, cheese with a little salt, but she makes them better than I have ever been able to!!!

Speaking of Mom they should be in PA now dropping Grandma off at her new apartment today. I have posted that letter today. I was supposed to a couple of days ago, but I kept forgetting. I'm only human!

This weather has kept people off of the streets, which means it's slow in the store. I am supposed to be getting some things for hte windows so I can change them out today, we'll see if Ahmed remembers! :) He's prone to forget things...I swear we share the same brain half the time.

Well, I have some boxes to put away and things to inventory.

back at work

Just as the title says, I'm at the shoe store. It's been a fast moving day, but slow as far as customers go. With the days getting cooler more people are staying inside. BUT this shall change as they get acclimated to their surroundings.

I have come up with my Thanksgiving menu, the boys will all be fed well. I found a roast turkey reciped online that sounds fantastic! If it works out well I will make it again for Christmas. It's pretty basic and there aren't too many herbs or flavors to combat the taste of the bird.

I also have found a roll recipe that I will be trying as well. It's for parmesan, pepper rolls. It sounds quite tasty, really. I forgot to talk with Ahmed about my time off I'd like to get during the time my parents are here. There is a bit of time before then though.

I warned Kev that it may get unbearable these next few weeks because of my excitment, to which he replied, "I don't see how you can talk any more about it than you already do." Trust me, I can talk MUCH more about it!!!

The house has stopped smelling of paint fumes. This is a nice thing. Kev's doing laundry right now, and will be caught up with much when I get home. I will probably still have to do some of my own things when I get home tonight, but that is okay.

We went out to sushi last night with friends for Kev's birthday. It was such a nice time. We have some great friends here!! Jill and Mark and Chuck and Marcy met up with us at our favorite place Umenoki. It was just a walk away from our apartment, but it's worth the drive!!! Boy, watch the girl get sidetracked! I was looking to see if there was a website for Umenoki and ended up on citysearch rating the place. They don't have a site, and the editorial review wasn't right in my opinion...

Well, I have a few things to take care of. Namely my desk. I don't know how, but it always looks like a tornado has run over it at the end of the day.

More later (THREE days in a row?!?!).

ummmmm paint fumes!

We have done it, we have done something I said we were going to do on the blog at the time I said we'd do it!!!

We don't have a purple wall anymore, we have a bark mulch wall!!!! Ain't it purtty? I even painted the small wall like I set out to do. It's not a huge change (Kev kept saying he couldn't tell a difference, until it was done) but it is a warm change!! The original "cream" color Kev had painted (which was the same as the ceiling) looked so grey on the wall behind the blue sofa. Now it looks like a lighter shade of what is on the rest of the walls. The picture didn't really show much so if you want to see it, you must come to the house!!!

My parents are on their way to Pennsylvania with my Grandma. They found an assisted living program back there for her to move to. She's been missing PA and it's been so much for my parents to take care of her. They say she seems slightly excited (she's not mentioned going back to the house since they started talking of her apartment). I will post a letter to her today so she gets some mail shortly after moving in. I will try to write her letters every few weeks.

The breeze comment from yesterday was spot on, well actually it was downright windy!!!

Two posts in two days, I better not spoil you all!! (Especially Russ)

Today I will plan our "straglers Thanksgiving" meal. I like having our friends who don't have family around to go home to over for a big feast. So far we have one friend who is excited about it, Chris. I think I caught him by surprise when I called to invite him. He's such a fun guy that I wish we would do more things with him, but his work schedule is a bit wonky, maybe better now that he is on full time...we'll have to ask him. Our other friend, Linsel, may have forgotten about our invite since we made it at his "denial party" the other night. He and his roommates are denying that summer is over so we all donned our summer togs and sipped cool refreshments in the heat of their overheated apartment. It was a great time!!! I'll have to remind Linsel of our invite...

Well, I'm off to plan a menu!

sunday, rainy sunday

Well sports fans, it is another rainy day here in the Pacific NW. The temperature is in the 50's and there is a slight breeze out of the west. Okay, I don't know about the breeze, but the other stuff is true!!

I am trying to get my dear, darling Kevin to wake so we can tackle the big purple wall that awaits paint. I am getting antsy. I will be much happier when it is painted "bark mulch" like the rest of the room. I have also decided to cut the original color with white to make a lighter version so I can repaint the small wall behind the blue sofa. The cream Kev painted it looks like grey in real life and there is something about the combo that doesn't fit in my design mind.

I am going to send in the troups, I only hope they can do better than me! "Chloe, Simon it's time to wake up dad."

hmmmmm

So I am sitting here at work trying to think of anything that my dear friends and family would find interesting. It's sometimes a very difficult thing to do, come up with interesting anecdotes to keep you all satiated.

Our friend, Bob, whom we stayed with in St Louis, was here overnight last night. He came by the house and he really liked it a lot. We joked with them that three of our houses could fit in theirs while we were visiting. Bob loved the cave (all men who come to see our house love the multimedia room we have so lovingly named the cave). The thing that surprised me most was he actually pet the cats and spoke to them. He grew up in a very large family and they never had animals. He never understood the feeling we have for the kits and always thought we were a bit off our rockers. Maybe there is something about being a dad that makes it easier for him to understand now?

I have run out of coffee it home which means I am draggin' my wagon!!! I had a cup from this great place around the corner from work, but unless I have it right when I wake up it is futile.

Don't you all love the big words I am using this evening? And, they are all from my own thoughts, not from the thesarus!!! (Anyone catch Friends a week or so ago?)

I have just under an hour left of work and I have things to do, so I should go do them (in theory this works, but please reference two paragraphs ago and realize most everything will be waiting for me in the morning)...

I am probably going to play a bit of solitare, pick up my desk, surf the net, maybe right an email or two (but I have pretty much used up all my brain power writing this thing so maybe not).

kitchen is clean!!

I was making breakfast for myself this morning and I decided today was the day I deep clean the kitchen. I am cleaning the oven right now. It's a self cleaning one!! :) I am thinking that I will do some deep cleaning around the house the next few weekends so that when the time draws closer for my family to visit I will not have to do the mega cleaning as I usually do. I am at a loss as to what to do for our carpet in the cave though. It is quite stained from the former owners. We are eventually going to replace the carpet, but not before Mom and Dad come. I have warned her though.

Kev's been looking in the Sunday paper for work. I don't know what he has found, if anything, yet. I know that he will find something soon. I have faith in him.

We, for once, are all caught up on laundry!! Well, I do have the sheets to do, but the clothing is all done! Woooo-hoooo!
It is an ongoing battle since our machines take a long time to do their magic. But, I shan't complain since they are in the comfort of my own home.

I have come up with the list of things to do to the house to increase it's value so when the time comes to sell we will make some $$ off of it. I am a firm believer of the "do one room at a time" theory!! I am thinking since we started on the kitchen it will be the first we tackle. We have discussed different flooring and have decided to go with the vinyl tiles, not the peel and stick, but the type you use the glue and what not. Our original thoughts were to use ceramic, but the bathroom is done in that and boy oh boy is it cold!!! Since the kitchen doesn't have a heat vent we have decided we need to go with something that will not freeze our feet in the winter. That and I think the vinyl will be much easier to keep clean. I also want to add some shelving to the wall by the fridge, it's a big empty space right now that could be used for storage! Then I think the kitchen is done. Oh, and I would personally like to replace the loud dishwasher!!

This will all start happening as soon as we are a two income family again, but in the mean time we can do some "shopping" around to see where we can find what we want and get the best price.

Will take pictures as "construction" begins and ends. Probably won't be for some time, most likely will happen after Christmas time.

Time to go get the sheets to wash...chores never end!! :)

exciting day planned tomorrow

Well, it's exciting for me at least. When we were in St. Louis Ahmed got a call from the Western Culinary Institute, whom have just moved up the road from us. The woman asked if we would be interested in having a table at their new student orientation. He said he had to check with me...

I jumped at the chance!! I said of course we would do it and have been busy getting all sorts of goodies ready to take with me. I've written up information sheets on the three brands we are taking (I must complete those tonight) and a "why clogs" q & a page.

I am quite excited about being given this opportunity. We already sell quite a few clogs to the students, they are actually told to come to us by their instructors, but with orientations every 6 weeks (yes, we will be attending them) we will gain so many new customers!!! Now we just have to make sure we have things in stock, or next challenge.

Kev's gone to see a head hunter, they helped him with his resume (just needed a bit of beefing up) and are looking for jobs within their database for him. I am glad he has taken this next step, as I am sure he is too.

Well, I'm off to go finish up some last minute things before catching my bus home for an evening of board games and pizza with Marcy and Chuck.

fun fun fun

We are now back in Portland and I am getting ready to go to work. We had a fabulous time in St Louis. The friends we stayed with, Bob and Amy, have the most beautiful little girl! Abby has the best personality I have ever experienced! She found her toes while we were there too and just couldn't get enough of them.

The reception was fun, it was nice to see everyone again. We even had a great time with a former roommate of Kev's that I was not all that excited about seeing again. Let's just say we have all done a bit of growing up. He admited to being a jerk back then, and the two of us were sad when he and his wife left the party. I got her email and their address so we can keep in contact. Yes, Russ, Jason was actually very very cool!!

The weather while we were there was odd, very warm indeed. It is kind of nice to get back to where I have to wear a sweater!!! I am hoping things at the store didn't go haywire, I always worry when I am gone.

Kev is planning on calling a couple of places today. I will be checking in with him later in the day to make sure he has.

I am going to go pack my purse for my first day back to work. Even though it was a short, mini vacation, it was worth it for me! I needed a little time away from work and time with good friends.

ta for now...

well...

We are heading to St. Louis tomorrow. We hadn't planned on going, with Kev's job situation and all, but a good buddy of his offered to help us get there (we will be paying him back!!!). I am now expecting a call from the moms (in 3-2-1). We know what you all will say, and you are right, but in our defense life is short. We are only going for three days, and yes we think it is worth it.

I am sorry we didn't tell you on the phone, but we just decided in the last couple of weeks. Please, don't be upset and know that Kev's got something lined up for when we get back (at least that's his story).

I will report back when we get back.

cold has come to the Pac NW

It is true, winter has just about begun. The cold is here and the rains are on their way. We failed to get the eaves done, but the lawn was mowed one last time. I cleaned the heck out of the house, which shouldn't have to happen since I have a stay at home husband right now, but...

It is quite sweet actually, all of Kev's buddies are sending him job sites and postings and keeping tabs on his "search." He did apply online to a place the other day. He said he is going to call this place where our buddy Chris Zumo works (Chris called last night to check to see if Kev had called yet). He works for Volkswagon. Not sure what exactly he does, something with calling people who owe on their cars...but it is work and $$. Kev said he'd call at the beginning of next week. Anything would be good now. We are doing fine, moms, so don't worry. It just is getting a bit old walking in the door to computer games and basketball. I am trying to not be resentful, but it's rearing its head.

I am just finishing up at work, a whole 45 minutes to go before I get picked up. The bus is wearing me out. My bus buddy talks a lot (MORE than me and louder, too) and quite honestly is a bit boring. I really don't care what type of fish he or his wife is going to be cooking, and if I have to hear one more story of him shipping things at work (he works for a postal annex place) I am going to scream. I know, I am such a peaceful girl and this doesn't sound like me, but I'm done.

I think the time change/darker earlier thing is taking it's toll on me this year. I'm just a touch crankier these days. I should calm down soon, but for now I feel like being snotty. Just like allowing yourself to be depressed, I think you should allow yourself to be grumpy. It's theraputic (sp).

Okay, going now. bye

what fun we had

Well, my day with Jill and Chaz was fabulous!! We had such a great time. Breakfast was wonderful, and the shopping proved to be lucrative for us all. It was a day of gift certificate shopping for me. Not totally, but mostly. The weather was almost hot, okay not almost it was darn hot!!! It was near 80!! Today is going to be close to the same, with the sun out as well, so we are really going to paint our little hearts out and get the eaves done.

I am hungry and need a latte so I am going. Short and sweet. At least I have written something for all my die hard fans. :)

yea, saturday!!!

I have had such a busy work week!! Today alone there was never a dull moment and rarely a time where I did not have people in the store with me. I had to call Ahmed a couple of times to come help me. And, even though at 3:00 I felt as though time was standing still, looking back it seems now to have flown.

So, this past week. Let's see.

Wednesday: nothing exciting to report.

Thursday: alot of the same as Wednesday.

Friday: went to a birthday party for our friends, Marcy and Jason (they share a birthday so had a joint party). It was a wild night, as most of the people invited are still college students. Did it make me (us) feel old, you ask? When the drinking games ensued, yes, yes I did (Kev actually played a hand). We were out a bit later last night than I would usually like to be on a "school" night, but I did survive today.

Saturday: I worked my bootay off and Kev cleaned the heck out of the house. It was nice and clean when I walked in the door. It was a gorgeous day today. A slight chill to the air, bright sun in the sky, and...that's all I can think of. I have now finished eating dinner (yummm, bowl night) and watching the World Series. I know dear Jill is probably crying in her beer (or did she say they bought wine) due to the Yankees's loss.

*Remember kids, set those clocks back tonight before bed!*

Sunday: Jill, Chaz and I are running around doing the fun things three young women do on a day where none of us work. We have not had a day off all together in such a long time!!! I am expecting to have a fabulous time, I would expect no less really. We are meeting for breakfast (thanks Mamasita Peggy for my birthday$$ so I can have b-fast with my girls) and getting an early start of being together.

Okay, so I'm going to go obsess on what to wear tomorrow.

Sorry it's been so darn long again...I know, you've heard it before.

ahhhhh, work

Yesterday was so nice to see the girls. We went to Washington Sqauare Mall and walked around. I tried to spend my Gap gift certificate my sister sent for my birthday, but no luck. I think that this Sunday will be different. You see, this weekend Jill and Chaslyn and I are going for a girls day out. We are all looking forward to it! It's been so long since the last girls day that I can't remember when it was.

Today at work has blown by! It helps that I started with the funniest ladies this morning! They just stopped back by with another woman who is with them (for a work convention). Boy, I have laughed both times they have been in today. I told them they had to come by towards 6 to make me laugh some more before I had to head home. One of them mentioned happy hour... I love work when I have great customers in. Very rarely I get real pieces of work in (am I tempting fate?!?!) that are so unhappy with life that they have to take it out on everyone around them. But that is usually few and far between.

Most of you know now that Kev's no longer with Enterprise. I back his choice 100% and am not worried of him finding work. He is quite marketable and I know that whatever job he wants and applies for will be his. That being said, he has been enjoying his time off. I have left him chore lists occasionally, but he's done quite a bit around the house on his own. I am hoping that since today is oddly beautiful (70's and sunny) that he is painting the eaves. I can not promise you that he has, but we can all hope.

Well dear readers, I am going to take my leave. I have some work to do, as it is my Monday and I have paperwork from the weekend to catch up on. I will post more as more happens.

our thrilling weekend

Okay, now that I have your attention...

Saturday night, our friends Joe and Chaz come for dinner. Lasagna is really good, wine is tasty, salad- out of this world. You ask, "can a salad really be that good?" To which I answer, "Yes." I don't know what Chaz did, but she makes a mean salad!! We watched A Mighty Wind afterwards. One of the funniest movies I have ever seen!!! Russ, you should really give it a try. I know you didn't like Waiting for Guffman, but Wind is funnier!!!!! Everyone, rent this movie now!!!

Sunday, was not all that thrilling, I did get Kev to go with me to a fabric store. I had to get some things for a pillow I am making for a wedding. So, I did finish that pillow yesterday. Boy howdy it is beautiful, if I do say so myself. I took it with me to Jill's, but that comes after the haircuts...

I got my hair cut and it looks FABULOUS!! I have found a new hairsylist (actually Jill found her and shared). I looked at myself in Suzette's mirror and thought that I actually looked like a grown up woman. And it didn't feel like the wrong hair style on me. It used to be, with my former stylist, that she'd put so much goop in my hair I'd get a headache. With Suzette I can not wash it the next day and it still looks great. She's from the school of thought that less is more. I love her!!!

After Jill got her hair cut (yes, appointments on the same day) Kev and I went to her and Mark's apartment and drank nice wine and ate cold pizza. Both were quite lovely. I took my latest creation to show my dear friend and get feedback from her. Jill loved the pillow. She said if the recipients did not like it or appreciate it that she would give it a good home. I guess that means she really was impressed with it. After the wedding I will post a picture of it. I don't think the bride or groom read the blog, but you can never be too careful. (I guess they know what they are getting now, if they do read it, but they have no idea how absolutely beautiful it is!!!)

Today is Monday and I am going to meet the girls from the apartments. I have not seen Kerry or Betsy in a long time!! It is going to be so nice to see them. I am going to pick them (with Manny-Kerry's baby) up and we are going to go out to a mall. Oooooh ahhhhh! It's a nice place to walk around and not get rained on. Which rain is in the forcast so it's a good thing we're going there. Plus, it won't be as busy today with the kids back in school.

Well, on that note I must go take a shower and then clean out the trunk. I have to make space for Manny's pram.

Bye for now...

home

I think I may have frightened some customers today. It did not stop them from buying, but it did leave them wondering who in the world they just purchased their new clogs from. I had too much caffiene and my first customer was a wacky woman whom, I think, rubbed off on me. She is the nicest woman, just a little off her rocker at times.

My bus ride home was quite interesting. I have a bus buddy, Bill. He's a nice enough guy, but not someone I would say, invite over for dinner. I also have met a guy, Matthew, through a friend of mine. He sometimes rides the bus at the same time as me in the evening. Tonight was one of those evenings. Matthew and I share the same energy and work well with each other. Bill was a bit frightened (he did admit this to me at one point). I assured poor Bill that it was the Coca-cola I had just finished drinking, but I don't think he believed me. I usually don't have the evil caffiene after 1:30 at the latest. At 5:45 I was drinking my last sip from the bottle. Buzz, buzz, buzz. You all think I talk fast when I am not hopped up on a caffiene high...boy howdy I was talking almost as fast as my sister (Love you Julianne!!!).

I am waiting for Kev to get home with dinner and the ingredients for the lasagna I am making for our dinner tomorrow night with Joe and Chaz. We hung out with Chaz on Tuesday for the ol' birthday and invited them to come see the house. The last time they both were here we were in the middle of painting and there was no furniture.

Today I left Kev a grocery list. At 5:45 he called my cell telling me he hadn't gone yet that he was still hanging with Chuck. To which I replied, "you might want to leave now since I'm not going with you when you do go." I really don't want to cook two dinners tonight, so let's hope there is still a rotisserie chicken left.

Okay, must go relax. I am starting to type as fast as I was talking on the bus and that scares me just a tad.

Latah!!

tired

So, as most of my friends know, yesterday was my birthday. It started out as a regular day like any other. I got up, took a shower, ate breakfast and went to work. Then I got the wild hair to go out for a drink with friends after work. It was a great evening and everyone had a fabulous time, especially this birthday girl. It wasn't so much that I drank a lot, because in the scheme of things I had very little and was sober when we headed home, I just went to bed too late last night!!! When we got home I was antsy and stayed up puttering around the house. Not really doing anything productive, just staying awake because I could.

It's made for a tired day at work, but luckily time has not stood still, rather it's zipped by and I have less than an hour and a half before I get to head home and see...

our new sliding door!!! (I was going to be incredibly cool and load a picture, but all of that is saved on my computer at home and I can't remember how to get to my picture hosting site from anywhere else) Kev sent me a picture of it all installed and finished. I can hardly wait to see it and to open it with the greatest of ease.

As it is right now, I am planning on going home and collapsing onto one of the couchs and not moving until it's time to collapse on the bed. I will probably change into my pj's as soon as I walk through the door. I am hoping Kev has kept up on laundry, as he promised he would, but we'll see.

Okay, now that I have "wasted" some time I should go clean up my desk. I come in on Tuesdays (I know today is Wednesday, just hang in there...I do have a point) and it is so clean. By Wednesday it's got a few more things piled on it and by Friday you can forget about actually seeing the top of it. Once Saturday rolls around I know I have to leave it clean for my co-worker so I clean it up. Actually that is a bit of a streching of the truth...I tend to clean it up as I go throughout the week. But as it stands right now, mess.

Now, I bid you all adieu.

tee hee

Finally my friend Kerri updated her blog. I was just getting ready to update mine, thought I'd cruise by her address and see if I could indeed give her a lump of trouble here. Nope, she's too fast...

Kevin and I just got back from an afternoon of mild running around. We are now home and preparing ourselves to do some home stuff. Mainly clean the place and discuss when we should really paint the one tall wall that remains purple in our cave. Do we think the family room and hall need some type of molding around the ceiling? What kind of repair we'll have to do when the guys are done installing the sliding doors on Wednesday? The list goes on.

I have made one new pillow for the blue sofa and have another in the works. It's softer and squishier than the ones that came with it, and it is a nice cream fabric that has quilted diamonds on it (Don't worry Mom, the cover comes off so I can wash it!!).

Okay, going to head out.

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

peace

ants...

Woke up, got out of bed....no comb across my head though. Went to the kitchen to grab a cup and found ants in my kitchen!!! To quote my dear friend, Megan, crapdammit!!! They were along on teh floor at the edge by the current "sliding" door. I killed the lot of them (yes, as in dead) and used Windex to clean the area. I don't know if the ammonia will make it so the new ones can't follow the sweet, sweet trail the now deceased ones left, but I'll give it a try.

Work has been zooming by this week! I have been asked out for girls night, but not sure I am feeling like it. All I can say is, we'll see how I am feeling tonight after work. I guess Naomi and some of her girlies are meeting downtown at a bar and then going to a movie, which I had already told her I wouldn't go to (not that I don't want to see the movie, nor is it that I don't want to spend time with the girls- it's just that I have a long bus ride home from downtown and I am lame).

Listening to Katie on Today gooshing all over George Cloony. Kind of sickening, actually.

I got word from Dad today that Mom got to hang with Hazel again!! She and their cat have not been able to be in contact with each other as Mom's immune system has been getting stronger. They went to the doctor's yesterday and her levels are where they were hoping they would be at this time and now Mom does not have to go in every week, just every other. As soon as they got home Mom called Hazel, and within a few minutes of coaxing Hazel came to her for the much needed lap time/snuggle. YEA!!! She was told that it will take about a month for her to feel back to her regular strength, but I see Mom squashing that and feeling like herself sooner than that. I don't know why, perhaps it is because she is the woman who, on her first day home, vacuumed. I know it was to make sure that her environment was clean and bacteria free, but still...she vacuumed!! :)

Okay, must go and fix me some lunch to take with me.

sliding door

Our new door arrived yesterday! It will get installed next week, although I wish it were sooner. I am hoping that all goes smoothly and there are no glitches, but I doubt that will be the case. They are going to have to cut some of the siding and change the way the door sits in the room a bit. As it is right now the old door sits in a little recess that is about 3 inches deep. When they are done it will be flush with the walls. I think, ulitmately, it will look better to have it flush. The door is soooo pretty!!! It's white, with panes and I can't wait to have it installed. To be able to open a door with one finger, rather than your entire body weight...ahhhhh.

I just got done reading my friend's blog...Kerri. She mentioned being sad when I don't post as often as I once did. I will try to post more often, but she don't post everyday either!! Yes, missy, I'm talkin' about you!!!! :)

My parents have informed me that they will stay at a hotel when they are here in December. This will make life less stressful for them, and most likely for us as well. I'm not sure what arrangements Mom made with the Holiday Inn Express that is just a hop skip and a jump away, but it's all taken care of. It will probably be best for everyone, and since we are going to rent a mini-van while they are here we can be the shuttle. We can get Dad put on the contract so he can be the shuttle driver between the two places too, if he wants. It is his vacation, so maybe we will take on that responsibility!!

The rains may have come home to roost. Which makes me a bit sad, because we were hoping to get the eaves painted before they started. I'm thinking there will be a break in the rain this next week, so we can get it done. There are some projects inside so we can just do those while the days are grey and rainy outside.

Don't get me wrong, I do like the rain. It is quite cleansing and rejuvinating. Our lawn is even coming back to life. So I guess we may have to mow it again before winter.

Okay, that's it, I'm done for today. That satisfy you Kerri and Russ?!?

really, it's been that long?!

I didn't realize I had not done any updating. Sorry Russ!!

We went to Seattle this weekend to visit some of our friends. Their daughter, Vivian, is the perfect child! She and Kevin had a great time playing with Mr. Potato Head among other various toys. She is just smitten with Kev!! I know how she feels.

I have huge projects for myself at work. I must reorganize the stock room to get ready for Christmas goods. I am hopefully going to get Kevin to help some evening when we are closed. It will just be easier if there are no customers in the store when redoing everything back there!! We have a ton of old styles that just need to go away.

I have designed my closet, I want to have shoe cubbies instead of the boxes that I bring them home in. This way I can see everything in the morning and I don't have to open every box (yes, I do have them labeled, duh!!). I also think we may need to do some decorative painting/glazing on one of the walls in the bedroom as well.

Okay, I'm at work so I do need to go, but I did want to tell you all that we are still alive and kicking here in the PAC NW.

Oh, and Mom's doing great!! Her energy is getting greater and greater. She's been cleaning almost like she was before this all started. :)

Thanks to those who sent cards adn what-not when she was in the hospital.

no chain link

At least those were the words uttered by Kevin. I am inclined to agree, as I really don't like chain link. I just am at a loss figuring out how we will tell Juan. We want to be good neighbors and have a great relationship with him, but we do enjoy our privacy in the backyard. I was thinking we could tell him we like the wood fences better and were planning on putting one up next spring, but who knows.

Have had some fabulous conversations via email at work with a customer. She ordered a couple of pairs of clogs to be shipped to her in Canada and we got to talking yesterday when she placed the order over the phone. Just an hour ago she emailed me about their new kitten that they had to pts(put to sleep) last night due to a fatal virus kittens sometimes get (maybe something similar to distemper). I was honored that she would know she could write me about it. I emailed her back telling her just that.

It's been a slow day at Ye' Olde Clog Shoppe. I still have boxes that I need to get unpacked, but every time I try to people come in. It's not a shopping day though and usually I come back up front answer a question or two and they leave. Ah well, the world of retail is a fickle one indeed. I have to say though that the day has been zipping by. I will soon be heading home to try out another new recipe.

Last night's "Spicy Beef Salad" left a little to be desired. The beef, although Kev put it in the marinade before I got home (late once more) didn't have the kick either of us thought it would. Tonight we have a "Tequila Chicken Fettuccine." We'll see. Don't know how the two flavors will taste together, but we are up for new things!!

So, upon ending todays installment I will send out this...

I have not gotten one real email since Saturday the 27th!!! I know you all get a look into "our world" because of this blog, but I have not heard what is going on with all my friends in too long!!!

Hello, anyone there?!!?

Nothing too exciting

So I ended up writing up orders and doing some tedious paperwork last night. I know, "one shouldn't bring home work" but I have not been able to get these things done at work and I needed to get them done.

Kev called me a couple of times last night when the band was playing two of the songs I had hoped they'd play Monday night. Jerk. :) He had a great time, although I have not spoken to him much about it...unless I spoke in my sleep last night (a possibility).

We are going to head up to Seattle this weekend. We have not seen our friends Darrel and Megan and their little girl, Vivian, in over a year and a half. They bought a house 1 1/2 years ago and had been on us to get there so we could help with various projects, but it couldn't happen until this weekend. I am also going to visit Ahmed's friend's clog shop there too. I know, it's work, but I want to see the place I call every so often. I also heard that Viv is in her gold, metallic clogs I sent at the beginning of summer. I will have to take loads of pictures!!!

I am quite excited about December, I know it is a ways away, but the fact that my family is coming for Christmas is just wonderful. I have been testing recipes to make while they are here. I know I will be making clam chowder!!! I tried it this past weekend and even though Kev was skeptical when I told him I was going to make it, he loved it!! He even went so far as to buy a can of chowder just in case it was horrible. That can is still in our cabinet! Homemade cheesy crescent rolls too, not sure if they will be part of the menu, or if I will find another roll recipe I like better. I know, it's only October, but anyone who knows me knows I like to plan in advance. I am my mother's daughter!!!

Talked with Juan, our neighbor, last night. We talked a bit about spliting the cost of a chain link fence to run between our properties. I told him I'd talk to Kev and let him know. We had been wanting to put up a privacy fence, but teh more I started thinking, the more I thought we could maybe plant some trees like the ones that are sheilding us in the front, from his driveway. I will have to talk to our landscaper (our friend who owned his own landscape business in Eugene, OR a little while ago before moving to Portland). He said he'd help-for food. He suggested trade, I suggested feeding him. He liked the idea. I am sure I mentioned him and our deal before, but just a quick refresher.

Okay, going to finish my coffee and get my things together so I can head out to the bus in 40 minutes.

I know, excitment abounds.

russ, this is for you!

Went out last night to see Kevin's favorite band play, Ween. It was such an incredible show!! I have not been to see them in three years, we figured out. Every year they have come I have every intention of going, but then a buddy of Kev's comes along and I send them off with my ticket in tow...(think Zumo last year, Russ).

Kev was sooooo excited because they played some songs he always says, "they never play this live." Russ, I am sure you will appreciate this, they played Fluffy!!!! I was happy just to hear some live music again. Of course, getting up this morning was not easy, but with enough coffee I will be fine. I see going to bed early tonight.

Russ, I did want to tell you I screamed for Beacon Light, but no luck.

Ah, well. Sorry everyone else who was thinking I was going to give you interesting information...this post is pretty much for Russ (and anyone else who loves Ween).

I will try to think of exciting things to post later tonight, when Kev goes to the second show of a 2 night show.

more photos...

So today we puttered around the house. Went grocery shopping. Did laundry. All kinds of fun things!!!

Wanted to do more yardwork, but it was very hot here again today (90+) and so instead of risking heat stroke we decided to just clean the house. I know we would have been fine and a little hard work in hot weather wouldn't be the end of us, but there is not much we are going to do to the yard until next spring.

Thought you all might want to see a few things.

Here is our new sofa with the photos I finally decided on.

Our fabulous chest from Jill and Mark. I just love the way it is all shaping up.

And finally, our bedroom with the real duvet cover we use...

Kev just announced he was going out back to read. It is a bit toasty in the house. I may go grab a hard lemonade and join him.

Until next we meet (sorry there isn't anything fun and fantastic happening for me to write about, but I did want to write something). Kev tells me I am "going to loose eyes." I assume this means readers. :)

things are looking up

I spoke with my Mom this morning after receiving two rather lengthy emails from her. What a difference two days at home has made!! She sounded so wonderful. She actually got released on Tuesday, a day earlier than they had told her originally. She's been vacuuming, and resting as needed. She is such an inspiration to me. Such a strong woman. I am honored to call her Mom and friend.

As for the house, we have done not much more since the last post. I have redone the pictures on the wall behind the new sofa so that picture is now outdated...

Still waiting to hear from The Depot about our sliding door. I am ready for it to be installed as it has gotten hot here again, what in the 80's?! It's a good ten degrees higher than usual. This makes the house quite warm.

We are going to have to figure something out to keep the one neighbor cat away from the screen though. Simon and the little grey one, we've renamed Earl, have a love affair going on. Simon was actually petting his head the other day when Hammuda was at the house. And just yesterday while the other cream colored cat was out there Ms. Chloe was going ape, screaming and carrying on. As soon as the dog joined Jerry (the cat) Chloe started chirping and meowing at Tommy. We're not sure, but we think she wants a dog. Don't worry, not for a while would we go down that road.

Lunch is calling my name so I bid you all bye for now.

Mom is getting sprung from the joint!!

I got a call earlier today from my parents saying that Mom was getting out of the hospital on Wednesday. I am very excited as this means her cell counts are getting much better and she is on the mend. She did ask me if we were spending money on this blog (because of the pictures) and I assured her no we were not. She is quite cranky I guess, Dad says it's a side effect of being taken off some of her meds. I am just glad that she has the moxy to tell me what she thinks! :)

Okay, so here are a few more tasty treats for you!!

An old view of our bedroom. We now have a different duvet cover and have yet to take a picture of it.

We have a fabulous bookcase. We got it at Ikea for a song!!

Also, remember those fabric doors?

Okay, need to go check on my cheese cake. Made some banana bread and a cheese cake for friends who are coming over tonight.

Okay Dad helped me figure out the pictures!!

So, now if you click on the house link it will actually show you the front view of our abode.

The fun begins now!!

I once told you all of the hideous green kitchen.
We walked in and thought how pretty will this be if we paint it yellow and white. So what do you think? Improvement!!!
We added
knobs and coblat blue accents. I love my new kitchen!!!

This will be all that I post now, I want to keep you all intrigued!!

Ta for now.

And we have pictures?

Kevin showed me how to set up a photo link... Let's try.

this is the front view of the house.

I am going to post this now and see what happens, if it works the rest will be posted either later (after I eat dinner) tonight, or tomorrow.

Love to all...

pictures hung, but for how long

I have hung the family photos up above the new sofa, but I am not sure how long they will stay that way. We also took the French doors off that led into the cave. They opened inward, and just kind of hung in mid air. If we wanted to shut them we would have had to move the tv and the desk. We have talked of having them open towards the living room instead. It makes more sense (as I am sure you would agree if you could see what I am speaking of).

The orders never got written and I doubt I will have time to do them today at work (I will try though). I am sure that I will be as busy as I was yesterda, but I will hope the time will speed by faster.

Kevin was busy and did a little painting yesterday too. He painted the wall behind the new sofa, since it was so dark with the "bark mulch" behind it originally. Just one more wall and some trim to paint in the cave and it will be done (for the time being).

Okay, bus going to be here in minutes and I better get out there to catch it!!!

d'oh! I knew there was something else....

I was going to tell you all.

A good friend of my boss (his name is Hammuda) stopped by the house yesterday. Hammuda is the handy-type man around the shops when he is not living in LA. He once told me he would help us do anything at the house when he was back in Portland, I guess he likes me and since I've done random things for him (shipping, writing of letters...) he felt like he wanted to do something for us.

I looked up yesterday and he was standing outside the shop, looking in and laughing. I called out, "if you have nothing better to do than stand out there and laugh at me I have a house you can go crawl under." He and I had talked about the hump that is under the kitchen and bedroom (some contractor who'd worked on the house told us that two owners ago had raised the house on the beam that runs lengthwise and had raised it too high). Hammuda wanted to see if this was true so he went by yesterday, crawled under the house, checked the attic, looked everywhere and this is what he said.

"You made a very good buy. It is a great house, it is very sound. I didn't see any shims of any kind under the house so I don't think what the guy told you is correct. It may have been some water damage from some time ago, but I see no moister anywhere now." It made me feel so good to know that A. he likes me enough and would go crawl under my house and B. that he thinks we made a sound buy. I value his opinion and to have him say these words to me made my heart sing.

Okay, just finishing up at work and then it's off to catch the bus home. Where pictures wait to be hung and some orders for work need to be written up.

and we have a living room!!

The new sofa/sleeper is beautiful!! It has made the cave feel a bit darker, so we are exploring a different paint on the wall behind it. It is a gorgeous blue fabric, but it just absorbs the light in the room. We have added another lamp, but still want to paint the wall behind it a white.

The living room is now looking like a room we can use, finally! We arranged it when I got home from girls night (I ended up going and having a wonderful time). Now, tonight, all we have to do is hang pictures and finish moving a few things around and it will be perfect. But, knowing I am my mother's daughter, I will always be moving things around in every room.

It could be Christmas time now, I want my family to be here now to see everything!! I know that my Mom is going to love it, just as my Mamasita did.

Well, Ground Force is calling my name (best garden/design show- on BBC America).

stomack/stomach...what's the dif?

Boy, and I thought I was proofreading these posts quite well.

Went to the apartments last night to have a dessert party with our friends who still live there. It was nice. We got to meet Kerry's sister, Steph, who is visiting from the UK. They invited me to girl's night, which I am still on the fence about. On one hand we really need to save money and with the sofa arriving I am antsy to get decorating, on the other it would be nice to get out with the girls (most of whom I've not seen in a while-they are the coffee girls Kerry sees every Thursday). I will wait and see where they want to meet and when and go from there.

Things with Mom are progressing, but aparentally not as quickly as she would like. She has her good days and she has he rough days. Her white cell count is rising though, which is a good thing. I know she really wants to be home for the recoperation part. But, she does need the more sterile environment of the hospital for a little while longer. Everytime I speak with her she sounds a bit stronger. I keep telling her this, but I don't think she believes me. I promise, I am not giving her lip service!!!

Well, it's time to get ready for work. Must pack my lunch.

Ta-ta

sofa sofa sofa

I got a call today from Ethan Allen that our new sleeper/sofa is ready to be delivered. WOW, that was fast!! I had gotten a call from the woman we "worked" with about it being shipped on the 15th from the warehouse. Overnight delivery?!?! I doubt it, probably was scheduled to arrive then and she got mixed up? Anyway it is ready to be in our home. I left them a message, as they were closed for the night, and I left Kev's number as well so if they can't get me they can get him. He's got a bit more flexible schedule than I do right now.

I have heard from our friend Russ that I have taken too long to post...this is a problem, I am sorry. I do wish to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSSELL T (15th) and DAD CLOCK(16th). We will have a toast in honor of you both this evening, with whatever we decide to drink (I'm going to guess Squirt).

Speaking of drinking, I must go and figure out what we will be eating this evening. My stomack is telling me it's been too long since I ate my lunch.

Bye for now.

update time

Okay, let's see if I can remember all that happened this past week:

Wed: Peggy arrived and Kevin and she picked me up at work to go out to dinner downtown. We went to a great Italian place that we have only been to once before, but must remember it in the future for it's GREAT happy hour menu. Every plate is just 2.95 and they are pretty substantial. We shared five plates and had some drinks before coming home to crash. Peg loves the house and was quite impressed with what we have already done.

Thurs: I worked while Kev and Peg went and saw Finding Nemo. Such a sweet movie for Mom to take her son to. :) I took the bus home and we grilled steaks and made my Mom's warm dijon potato salad. It was a nice evening, and the margaritas flowed very freely!!

Fri: We woke up with the wild hair to drive out to the coast and stay the night. First we did some running around town, we ordered the sliding door, got an extra key made for our friends so they could feed the cats, etc. Then we were off to Newport. I found a hotel that was on the beach, every room had an ocean view. The price was right and so we stayed the night (thanks Mamasita!!). It was so relaxing and nice to spend her birthday out there.

Sat: We spent some time in Newport, went to the Historic Bay to do a little souvenier shopping. Got a beautiful bird feeder for 1/2 off!!! It is now hanging outside our kitchen door. After we got back we decided to go get some food and invite some friends over to grill out with us. One of whom is a landscape designer. He isn't working as one now, and misses it. I told him if he would want to do some things for us, (pruning our cherry tree, helping me landscape the front lawn) we could talk payment. He, instead, suggested trade. I offered to feed him. He accepted happily. We will tackle things next spring as the rains are now coming and to do too much now would not work (I will follow things he says as he used to own his own company down in Eugene, OR).

Sun: We got up before the birds (Peggy and I), went downtown and walked in the 12th annual Race for the Cure. It was a fantastic event, just like last year. Although this year there were six of us who walked together (with the thousands of other women). After we walked we went to Jake's Grill-a fabulous eatery here-had our celebratory mimosas and ate some great breakfast. Kevin showed up right when we had finished up and paid and took us home so Peggy could get ready to go to the airport. A teary goodbye, but we are planning on going to TX in the spring so we can enjoy their new pool!!!

Where is Walter in all this, you ask? Well, it rained and rained and rained in Dallas and they canceled his flight. By the time he would have been able to get here he would have only had a day to spend here. By and by it was not worth it. This let Peggy stay the whole time at the house with us, which was quite nice.

Now that my tummy is full (we grilled out yet again) and my body is tired, I think I am done with the update. I will be a bit more on the ball in the future, just with the Mamasita in town I rarely got on the computer!! She's too much fun!

is it tuesday already!?

Time has been flying by!! Mamasita Peggy gets in tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited. Kevin is on cleaning duty today because I have a huge order to get written up when I get home for a shoe show I am attending on Monday the 15th. I love going to the shows, it's wild though because we are seeing spring/summer for next year and it's still summer now.

BUT it feels muuuuuch cooler. Mr. Zafino was right (the weather guy I watch) it is cool and overcast. There are even patches of green in our grass since it started raining yesterday!!! We'll have to mow again before we know it!

I got a call today about our sofa! It is shipping on the 15th from the warehouse and should be here in about two weeks. I still am hoping it will show up in a week, but not counting on it. So we will soon have a house with a living room that is more than just a house for boxes. Of course this means I will have to go through the box marked "filing cabinet crap" sooner than later. Ah well, such is life.

I have not written about my Mom yet, because I have been having a hard time knowing what to say. I've not known if I should write, but I know there are friends of mine who want to know what is happening and how she is doing. Also when I type it it means it's true.

Most of my friends know that my Mom has been battling cancer now for many years. She has had good reactions to the past two treatments, the first being chemo the second being part of a trial group trying out rituxan treatments. The third is now upon us and she is doing a stem cell transplant in the next few days. She has been in the hospital for almost a week now doing a chemo regime to kill all her cells so that she can have her healthy stem cells transplanted back into her. She'd had them harvisted when she was healthy just in case she had to have this procedure done. The results can be quite good, giving the person up to 7 years of remission.

It has been quite a hard, long, boring treatment for her and she has told my Dad how homesick she is. She will have to be in the hospital for about three weeks, in isolation because her immune system will be out of whack and she will be very prone to infection. When she gets out and is home she can not have contact with Hazel, their cat, and all of the plants will have to be removed as they can carry bacteria that could harm her.

This has been a very tough time for my family, but as the troopers we are we have pulled together and have given Mom as much support as humanly possible. If anyone would like her address at the hospital to send her a card, email me and I will tell you what it is. She can't get flowers or fruit, but a nice card of "hang in there" would do wonders for her.

If you could just keep her in your prayers and send all your good vibes her way that would be very appreciated by us.

light at the end of the heat tunnel

The weather man says it is only going to be in the upper 60's by tomorrow. This is a nice thing and boy am I ready for some cool weather. And it is supposed to rain!!! : ) I don't think I am the only person who is longing for it to cool off. I know the midwest folk in my life are ready for a cool down themselves.

We are steadily getting the house ready for Mamasita Peggy and Daddy Walter's visit. Kev is looking forward to spending time with his mom. I can fully understand why.

We are also preparing for a fiesta tomorrow night. The little cookout with Naomi and her husband has turned into a full fledged Mexican Fiesta!!! It should be fun. Still no word on the sofa, but I wanted to have people over and got sick of waiting for the new sofa to arrive!

The sliding door is ready to be ordered, we just have to go pick out the trim. Then it only will be two weeks before the door to come in and we have to make plans for installation. I am quite excited as it sounds like the glass is sealed very well and treated for UV protection. Our current door makes the kitchen so darn hot!! I'm sure I have mentioned this all before.

Boy, the wierdos have come out today. I just had a woman in who mentioned a spot on the wood of one of our shoes (it was glue that would rub out if she would have let me touch the shoe) and then went on to say, "it looks like someone got into the box, someone who was doing narcotics in the store." I simply said it was glue and tried to usher her out asap. She then asked if I was famous and how Jerry was, you know, my husband from Hawaii...I just said I didn't know Jerry and wasn't from Hawaii. A couple of fun girls who came in as she was leaving said I should have told her I'd tell Jerry hi for her. Oy vey!

Well, only an hour and a half left at work and I have things to get finished up before heading home.

Love to you all...

my poor friend naomi

I have met a woman at the shoe shop who has become a friend..awwwww.

She and her husband followed our home buying path (it was actually a perfectly timed first meeting that corresponded with our home buying experience which led her and her husband to buying as well). I have just gotten an email from her and she is wondering when she will have time to sit and relax. (do I insert the evil laugh now?) nah, she reads this. ;) I am hoping to have the two of them over to grill on Sunday. I have the invite out, just need to hear back from her and talk to Kev about it. Maybe we can make it a get together of several of our friends...hmmmm.

I wrote to a friend back in Kansas, Kirby is his name, about how I feel like I am trying to run but I'm up to my knees in sand. There are times I feel like I am helpless and no matter how hard I try I can't get away from that feeling. I think, because I am working an extra day this week AND it is hot here, this feeling will pass on Sunday. Then it's back to work for four days before getting a mini vacation. I am glad that I could swap days off with my co-worker so I wouldn't have to use my newly aquired paid time off. I get a week and didn't want to use it within the first month of getting it.

have to actually go do work now....bye

advertizing

I have recently been able to exercise my design muscles and have created a new ad for a publication here in Portland. Every year (twice a year) we advertize in a booklet called "Discover Portland" and this holiday season I inquired as to what it would take to change the ad we have run for the last I'm not sure how many years. The woman at MediAmerica said it would take me submitting an ad for Clogs-N-More or their designers could come up with something. I readily accepted the challenge of designing one for the store. I have come up with a great ad, the folks at MediAmerica love it, my boss loves it, I adore it. However I have to do the whole thing over in a higher resolution...d'oh!! Oh well. I have emailed myself all the pictures I used and I have a hard copy of the original ad so I can work on that at home over the next few evenings.

I have also come up with a new window display for the Race for the Cure. I've got a pair of clogs walking through pink paint that has "spilled" and they have left the tread marks. I am going to take a picture for my portfolio. It has been nice giving my brain a workout.

I just had a gentleman ask if I sold loafers. As nicely as I could I told him that we really just sell clogs, pointed out two of our most "non" clog styles for men and wished him luck on his quest. I think my favorite question I get is "do you sell shoe laces?" Now, I think to myself, "yeah, we are a CLOG store...what do you think?" But out loud I say, "No, but there are several shoe repair shops in the area that do..." Usually the person will laugh and say something about since we are clog store they aren't surprised. I did have someone earlier who couldn't understand why we don't sell white shoe polish. I simply said that we don't sell too many white clogs and don't have a reason to have the polish in stock.

The winter is definately on it's way. There is a drop in light now, it starts to get dusky earlier and it probably won't be long before the rains come back. I think, this year, I am ready for them. It has been a very hot summer. And sadly I think that is going to be the trend. Every summer since we have moved here has been hotter than the previous. This makes me sad.

OH!! Got love from the "big black dawg" Tommy today!! (our neighbor's dog) Juan was outside listening to a friend's car (he's a mechanic) and while we were chatting Tommy started walking up to me slowly. All it took was me saying his name, letting him smell my hand and he was leaning all over me!!! I am glad that the friendship has begun between us.

Well, that is the excitment of my day. I have an hour left at work and have a large order to finish writing up for the shoe show on the 15th.

cookout at 1635

Last night we went back to the apartments to have a cookout with our former neighbors. It was great seeing everyone and just like old times, although we weren't going into our apartment when we needed things... Luckily Kerry and Scott are such good friends that we never thought twice about going into their place to get water, use the bathroom, etc. Kerry framed one of Manny's little onesies. There is a brand in England whose logo is Freddie Cat. I saw them for the first time before Manny was born and told her that when he outgrew them I wanted one!!! Actually I did tell her that I would send money to her Mum in England so she could get me some. But Kerry decided that she would frame one of Manny's with a picture of Oliver holding Manny and a label saying, Great Friends. Brought tears to my eyes!!!

Kevin went hiking yesterday with his friends Chuck, Marcy and Chuck's sister. They went up to the Mt Hood area and hiked Frog lake. I worked, but the time went by quickly.

Nothing exciting, sorry kids.