Friends, I have found an awesome gift for you!! Expect one someday. In a thank you card, a birthday card, or just because! These two are making really cool stickers and I just bought a bunch cause I know you will love one!! Check it out. Diana, there are a couple you might like for your retail!!
Love These Stickers!
Coming next to this blog site, a recipe that could be right off the mixing bar from Juniper! Paige, you need to try this one! Alden, do send this on to Paige. A hibiscus spicy margarita! Wait until you see it - you're going to want one!!
Tonight, an Old Fashioned! Thanks for the bitters, Alden! Can't wait!!
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Sometimes, there are things.....
Sometimes there are things in life that are so beautiful, you just want to cry!
It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! -Mark Twain
Friday, March 24, 2017
Thursday, March 23, 2017
The Week Rolls On....
The slide out our door has stabilized. Not much change. However, the road down south continues to deteriorate. Many, many people drive that road twice a day to work in Jackson. They sit on the edge of their seats wondering what they will do if the road closes. The way around is an enormous detour; certainly not one you would want to do daily.
See more about the road closure in this week's paper.
Sagging Road
Then, up Addie's road, things are starting to slide there too. I think they are off to spring break, so they have a bit before they have to worry. Today's report from their road follows.
See more about the road closure in this week's paper.
Sagging Road
Then, up Addie's road, things are starting to slide there too. I think they are off to spring break, so they have a bit before they have to worry. Today's report from their road follows.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Evening Take
Here is what the Slide 1 looks like this evening. And now, pictures as well, from Slide 2.
Sunday Morning
Sunday Afternoon
Every 12 Hours
Now that I'm home for awhile, and an event is happening out our back door, I have a project which is named "Every 12 Hours". A bit of the hill across from our house and the Snake River is sliding. Here is a picture from yesterday at 4:16, one at 5:22 and the next from 8:50 am this morning. Stay tuned for more!
The south road is open. They were able to block off the slip sliding lane. We'll see how long it stays open!
The south road is open. They were able to block off the slip sliding lane. We'll see how long it stays open!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Slip Slidin' Away
It has begun. Warm temperatures and thawed out earth has started the land sliding. South of where we live, just two miles, the road is now closed. Check out this press release and video. Many, many peoples' lives are soon to be affected with this road closure. Hundreds of workers that are employed in Jackson live on the other side of this road failure.
Failing Road
And we've just begun. Up on Togwotee Pass, I drove yesterday under another slide, ready to let go anytime. It might not be so bad. Some cleanup and road will be opened again. We hear there is a really big slide up the Granite Creek Road, closing off that side road.
This spring has the potential to be just as epic as the winter that will form this spring. With landslides and flooding, we are going to have our hands full. Concerns for property damage and loss of life keep me awake and on edge.
Here is something cheery - good friends Todd and Janet are off on some tropical excursion at some islands by Africa - Comoros Islands....? They had a very good day fishing! One thing about those two, they know how to take a vacation!!
Failing Road
And we've just begun. Up on Togwotee Pass, I drove yesterday under another slide, ready to let go anytime. It might not be so bad. Some cleanup and road will be opened again. We hear there is a really big slide up the Granite Creek Road, closing off that side road.
This spring has the potential to be just as epic as the winter that will form this spring. With landslides and flooding, we are going to have our hands full. Concerns for property damage and loss of life keep me awake and on edge.
Here is something cheery - good friends Todd and Janet are off on some tropical excursion at some islands by Africa - Comoros Islands....? They had a very good day fishing! One thing about those two, they know how to take a vacation!!
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Back to a Frenzy!
After a very nice flight across the US, good connections, and on the ground to meet Michael, I am back to work! Building reviews are numerous; everyone wants their work reviewed quickly! And then, just for fun, throw in a fire! Fortunately, the house did not burn down.
Seriously, are having candles really worth it? This afternoon, off to Riverton for some much-needed training. I'll be back on Friday. So everyone knows, there is a skirt stake marinating in the fridg for my husband who has been patiently solo for so many weeks this year.
Thank you Darlin'.
Candle Starts Fire
Seriously, are having candles really worth it? This afternoon, off to Riverton for some much-needed training. I'll be back on Friday. So everyone knows, there is a skirt stake marinating in the fridg for my husband who has been patiently solo for so many weeks this year.
Thank you Darlin'.
Candle Starts Fire
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Life is About Experiences
I read a lot of books. Mostly on leadership and self-improvement. (There is much work to be done!) Anyway, after each book, I try to think of at least one important message I gleaned from the book. And, although I cannot remember the book, I do remember a message that resonated loudly for me, "Life is not about stuff. It is about experiences."
Today we went into a warm and humid greenhouse. From room to room, there were plants to admire. Cacti. Spring bulb plants in brilliant blooming colors. And then, the butterfly greenhouse. Walking through a screen curtain, into a vestibule and then another screen curtain, we entered a hot, humid, plant filled room. With butterflies.
Standing there mesmerized, it was a somewhat magical experience. Mind you, it was 16 degrees this morning in Grand Rapids, Michigan! The big blue hand-sized butterflies flitted here and there. Their iridescent blue wings darting around peoples' heads, around giant plant leaves, and never seemed to land. A waterfall cascaded in a corner. The humidity was thick and the air tropically hot.
And if this wasn't enough for the $14 entrance fee, there was a Ai WeiWei exhibit - his first exhibit in the world of this type. If you are going to be an artist, make a statement. WeiWei certainly does! Each piece of his work, unique and unusual, makes a statement. Check him out at Weiwei What a bonus, treat, and privilege to the day's experience! Here are some pictures of his work.
Don't be fooled - these are not plastic crabs - they are individually made of porcelain and represent a crab feast thrown by Weiwei which he was not able to attend after being taken into custody by the Chinese government. Seems the government isn't too fond of his political artistic statements.
We finish our afternoon, weary but content with the day's really neat experience. I would come back. And spend a day next time. They say the outside gardens are amazing. Next time.
In closing, a few more images with the reminder - life, my friends, is about experiences. Not about stuff!
Today we went into a warm and humid greenhouse. From room to room, there were plants to admire. Cacti. Spring bulb plants in brilliant blooming colors. And then, the butterfly greenhouse. Walking through a screen curtain, into a vestibule and then another screen curtain, we entered a hot, humid, plant filled room. With butterflies.
Standing there mesmerized, it was a somewhat magical experience. Mind you, it was 16 degrees this morning in Grand Rapids, Michigan! The big blue hand-sized butterflies flitted here and there. Their iridescent blue wings darting around peoples' heads, around giant plant leaves, and never seemed to land. A waterfall cascaded in a corner. The humidity was thick and the air tropically hot.
And if this wasn't enough for the $14 entrance fee, there was a Ai WeiWei exhibit - his first exhibit in the world of this type. If you are going to be an artist, make a statement. WeiWei certainly does! Each piece of his work, unique and unusual, makes a statement. Check him out at Weiwei What a bonus, treat, and privilege to the day's experience! Here are some pictures of his work.
Don't be fooled - these are not plastic crabs - they are individually made of porcelain and represent a crab feast thrown by Weiwei which he was not able to attend after being taken into custody by the Chinese government. Seems the government isn't too fond of his political artistic statements.
Another porcelain piece. Amazing detail.
Last, but certainly NOT least - meet grand niece, Reighlynn. Although it is the first time I have met this gem, I still feel like I know her, thanks to her enamored contingent of relatives, eager to post pictures, videos, and stories of her entry and growth into the world. She is tall and squirmy at this stage. Her mother hauls her around, bouncing and chatting to quell the impatient youth. This girl is going to be something. I can feel it!!
We finish our afternoon, weary but content with the day's really neat experience. I would come back. And spend a day next time. They say the outside gardens are amazing. Next time.
In closing, a few more images with the reminder - life, my friends, is about experiences. Not about stuff!
Friday, March 10, 2017
Only on Vacation
I have never spent much time in museums. Vague memories of standing next to the giant concrete lions in Chicago lace my memory. Walking in a museum with high ceilings and dinosaur bones. I just was never interested.
Until I toured the Fundació Joan Miró museum in Barcelona. Something sparked! Hanging here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mom, George, and I find two wonderful museums to take refuge from this bitter cold winter/spring day. The temperature has been around 22 degrees all day with a knife-like wind. Ugh. It was good to be in a warm museum.
The Mercury Fountain floored me in Miro's museum. Created by Alexander Calder, I became enamored with this man's work. Turns out, Grand Rapids commissioned a piece from him and we found it today, perched in front of the Grand Rapids Town building.
Here, another Calder piece. Named an "ani-mobile", this piece is in the GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum). They proudly display a Warhol piece in this museum as well. Some other favorites I snapped.
Next stop, UICA. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. These folks seem to like acronyms. A five story concrete, we enjoyed art which was a bit more edgy and provocative.
Buses pulled up to deposit loud and enthusiastic children in front of the museum. It made me happy to see young kids get this kind of exposure to art. As Mom noted, I was hunting and fishing instead. That's not all bad either!
Until I toured the Fundació Joan Miró museum in Barcelona. Something sparked! Hanging here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mom, George, and I find two wonderful museums to take refuge from this bitter cold winter/spring day. The temperature has been around 22 degrees all day with a knife-like wind. Ugh. It was good to be in a warm museum.
The Mercury Fountain floored me in Miro's museum. Created by Alexander Calder, I became enamored with this man's work. Turns out, Grand Rapids commissioned a piece from him and we found it today, perched in front of the Grand Rapids Town building.
Check this one out. What you will see, is a video of two street sweepers moving garbage. In the form of a clock! It is actual time too. Pretty neat to watch! Now this is modern art!
Outside this museum a view. Kind of artistic on its own, if I might say so myself!
Next stop, UICA. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. These folks seem to like acronyms. A five story concrete, we enjoyed art which was a bit more edgy and provocative.
Buses pulled up to deposit loud and enthusiastic children in front of the museum. It made me happy to see young kids get this kind of exposure to art. As Mom noted, I was hunting and fishing instead. That's not all bad either!
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
His Name is Moses
If there is such thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as a dog that is adopted by Gunk & Di. Meet Moses. He is one of those dogs. A gentle giant, I wasn't sure how it would go when I arrived to their vacated house this morning. Diana said he was a bit of a watch dog. And that is what he did. He watched me. I spoke softly and introduced myself. This dog could rip off my arm! With no further concerns, he allowed me in, elicited no sounds of warning, and we are now big buddies. What a sweet soul.
The wind is howling again today. No storm fronts, just threats of 50mph wind. And so it seems to be happening. This house creaks while the forest around whirs in the wind gusts. Despite the blue sky day, there is no motivation to want to go outside. Ugh. Wind is a four letter word!
Thanks Dad and Linda for letting me hang out! I had a great time. This is Aiden next to Nana and dad Mark towering off to Aiden's right! Of course, that's Toby in Dad's arm. Toby is glad I am gone!! Thanks again! Love the Artic Cat sweatshirt too!!
Monday, March 6, 2017
The Howling Illinois Wind
This is the storm front, headed our way. The black line indicates Dad's house; my location. We all settle in to the evening as the weather alarm squalks out its warnings. There is no basement in the house, only a cellar which one must go outside to crawl into.
The sound of this wind takes me back to childhood. There are no other places I have been where wind sounds like this. I hear the wind in the trees and the bushes outside. I hear it swish around the house. But the big wind sound that is unique is the one of wind as it rolls across the flat, bare land. There is a pitch to the sound. Not a low pitch. Not exactly a high pitch. I'd call it alto pitched. It comes and goes in rounds. Now loud, loud, loud, and suddenly quiet. Then a wave of loud again. And all this precedes the real front. The one shown below, still miles away. I'm thinking sleep will be difficult tonight.
Tomorrow will be the one week anniversary for the tornado that hit Ottawa. I toured the area today, on my way in to Dad's. A stop by Mom's childhood home with the unhappy report of significant damage to the kitchen area. Giant oak trees, pulled from the earth, picking up sidewalks and pavement, litter the area. Roofs were peeled off and hurled about. A house missing its roof posted a sign at the front door, "For Sale, Roof Leaks". Humor is good in a mess like this.
The entire town of Naplate is still "closed". Sheriffs post both ends. Dad shares pictures of destruction. This is not a town of great means; many people will find hard times ahead. Businesses may never reopen.
Feeling a bit like a looky-lou, I capture a few photos from south Ottawa. Sleep well and may the winds be kind.
The sound of this wind takes me back to childhood. There are no other places I have been where wind sounds like this. I hear the wind in the trees and the bushes outside. I hear it swish around the house. But the big wind sound that is unique is the one of wind as it rolls across the flat, bare land. There is a pitch to the sound. Not a low pitch. Not exactly a high pitch. I'd call it alto pitched. It comes and goes in rounds. Now loud, loud, loud, and suddenly quiet. Then a wave of loud again. And all this precedes the real front. The one shown below, still miles away. I'm thinking sleep will be difficult tonight.
Tomorrow will be the one week anniversary for the tornado that hit Ottawa. I toured the area today, on my way in to Dad's. A stop by Mom's childhood home with the unhappy report of significant damage to the kitchen area. Giant oak trees, pulled from the earth, picking up sidewalks and pavement, litter the area. Roofs were peeled off and hurled about. A house missing its roof posted a sign at the front door, "For Sale, Roof Leaks". Humor is good in a mess like this.
The entire town of Naplate is still "closed". Sheriffs post both ends. Dad shares pictures of destruction. This is not a town of great means; many people will find hard times ahead. Businesses may never reopen.
Feeling a bit like a looky-lou, I capture a few photos from south Ottawa. Sleep well and may the winds be kind.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Northern Michigan Tour
It was a nice day to take a trip up north. Final destination - Jen's house near Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Having time, I found a side road when the countryside turned appealing. Luddington. Suddenly, there were hills and orchards and pretty red barns. Unfortunately, even after a drive, I couldn't find the same scene from the main highway. The side roads were slushy and the promise of spring seems still a ways off.
Thanks to my trusty Garmin, Jen's house was found with success. Time was granted to check out the small town of Empire. Later, we would eat at the single bar. A delicious onion, blue cheese burger with sweet potato fries. Oh my. Delicious!
Beautiful friend, Jen, by the lakeshore.
The lake is beautiful. There are lots of trees. Conifers, birch, maple, willow, sumac; trees everywhere. There was a huge blow down in 2015. A black locust fell on Jen's black Toyota pickup. It's never quite been the same. I should have taken pictures at our breakfast place. Clean, white walls, with lake-blue trim. Eggs over easy and corn beef hash. It was really great! We spoke of life's challenges and life's wins. People. And Time. Good words to consider and pause in reflection.
Some pictures, see captions and enjoy. Thank you Jen! You live in a beautiful house, in a beautiful place, next to a beautiful lake. You've got the time - go find your People!! I am honored to be one of your People!!
On the way to Empire. Big ship at Manistee. Porch front in Empire. Lake side. Jen's house and sweet Bean. What nice dogs - sweet, kind dogs.
Thanks to my trusty Garmin, Jen's house was found with success. Time was granted to check out the small town of Empire. Later, we would eat at the single bar. A delicious onion, blue cheese burger with sweet potato fries. Oh my. Delicious!
Beautiful friend, Jen, by the lakeshore.
The lake is beautiful. There are lots of trees. Conifers, birch, maple, willow, sumac; trees everywhere. There was a huge blow down in 2015. A black locust fell on Jen's black Toyota pickup. It's never quite been the same. I should have taken pictures at our breakfast place. Clean, white walls, with lake-blue trim. Eggs over easy and corn beef hash. It was really great! We spoke of life's challenges and life's wins. People. And Time. Good words to consider and pause in reflection.
Some pictures, see captions and enjoy. Thank you Jen! You live in a beautiful house, in a beautiful place, next to a beautiful lake. You've got the time - go find your People!! I am honored to be one of your People!!
On the way to Empire. Big ship at Manistee. Porch front in Empire. Lake side. Jen's house and sweet Bean. What nice dogs - sweet, kind dogs.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Traveling. Again.
The wonderful thing about the Barcelona trip is it made a new sense of relativity when traveling. Heading out today to Michigan. I should touch down a bit after mid night. Easy peasy!! Got to the airport in plenty of time (thanks for the ride, Michael), had a bowl of chili and a bloody Mary. Why not? It is a beautiful day to fly.
I have been asked, several times, where I am going. They expect an answer of somewhere warm and tropical and wonder when I respond, "Michigan". In my 51 pound suitcase, I have packed winter boots, wool wind break sweater, and tops and bottom Rivers West rain/winter gear. I am ready for the Michigan winter! You bet 'cha, I am! Bring it on - Davinchi's horse in a winter park - also shared property with a Wei exhibit! Who knew Grand Rapids would have art? I plan to walk the shores of Lake Michigan with Jen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, go to the park mentioned above, see the Alexander Calder sculpture located somewhere in Grand Rapids, and see the butterflies (clearly, they are located at an inside setting). And drive. A lot. I remembered to bring the GPS unit.
Here is what this place looks like today. The ski hill is about to hit 500" of snow for the year. Newspaper headlines predict early water release behind dams. The day is warm and the promise of spring permeates in all beings. Spring. Spring is coming! This year, we will celebrate with an induced sense of joy after the Winter of 2017. It has been a remarkable one, indeed.
I have been asked, several times, where I am going. They expect an answer of somewhere warm and tropical and wonder when I respond, "Michigan". In my 51 pound suitcase, I have packed winter boots, wool wind break sweater, and tops and bottom Rivers West rain/winter gear. I am ready for the Michigan winter! You bet 'cha, I am! Bring it on - Davinchi's horse in a winter park - also shared property with a Wei exhibit! Who knew Grand Rapids would have art? I plan to walk the shores of Lake Michigan with Jen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, go to the park mentioned above, see the Alexander Calder sculpture located somewhere in Grand Rapids, and see the butterflies (clearly, they are located at an inside setting). And drive. A lot. I remembered to bring the GPS unit.
Here is what this place looks like today. The ski hill is about to hit 500" of snow for the year. Newspaper headlines predict early water release behind dams. The day is warm and the promise of spring permeates in all beings. Spring. Spring is coming! This year, we will celebrate with an induced sense of joy after the Winter of 2017. It has been a remarkable one, indeed.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Thinking of my Hometown
The fire and emergency service was busy last night in Naplate and Ottawa Illinois. Thinking of my brother, Mike, a volunteer firefighter. He's been through a tornado before. It looks like this one was big, caused much damage, and displaced many. My hearts go out to you all as you work through the mess. Stay safe.
Big Tornado
Some good video
Big Tornado
Some good video
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