Ann Again...and again

So right about now I should be having an incredible time with my family.  That was what I wrote down on the itinerary so-o-o-o-o-o-o, we'll see.  ON OCTOBER 1st :->

I truly hope that I am having a fabulous time where I am. I hope you are as well. Get back to me October 1st and we'll compare notes.

I'm still hoping that you will visit me on October 1st. Yes, it's true, I'm so unorganized that I didn't line up guest bloggers, or create posts for my "away time".  Ugh. October 1st I'll have lots to say and share!

I would be most grateful if you would visit my blog on October 1st. (I'm away and can't find the computer savvy (or well organized "plan ahead" time) to create words - or pictures - to entertain while I'm away for a few days. October 1st works for me!  I hope it works for you too.

Well, another Race For The Cure has come and gone and we had a fantastic experience.  My sweet Katie joined for her 3rd time.  I'm so proud of her.  She was telling her little sister, "Lily, you have to come walk with us.  We need to save the boobies!"  And yes, yes we do. L. to R. - Kathi (sis) Pat (mom) Ann (me) Katie (daughter) Kim (new friend and 7 year breast cancer survivor) It didn't rain on us as hard as it did last year.  By my Pacific Northwest born and breed radar I didn't think it was going to rain so I didn't carry an umbrella. But my smart girl thought she better bring one along.   "Here mom, share the umbrella."  I'm so glad it started to drizzle toward the end of our walk.  This is one of my favorite pictures of all time.

It's that time of year, I'm grabbing my serious walking shoes, carbo loading and wearing my pink because this Sunday I'm joining my family and the sisterhood to Race For The Cure.  It will be the third year my oldest, Katie, will be joining my mom, sister and I.  It strikes your heart and takes your breath away when you get to the top of hill and look back at the thousands of fellow fighters.  I look forward to the day we don't have to race any more.  Until that time, let's get moving and enjoy our weekly Friday night party - the Virtual Girls Night Out! *The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends ". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on something cozy and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll do the same and say "Happy VGNO!"* Time For Some Tunes! Amos Lee "Flower" Time For A Cocktail! Pink

I don't understand algebra either.  I guess I should stop judging it then.

"Have you seen my glasses?" I hear this at least once a week from my husband.  "They were right here... I thought?"  Then we go through the usual script of 'Have you checked the desk? The night stand? Your car?' I'm sure, if you're an eyeglass wearer, or live with one, you have a very similar dialogue. On more than one occasion we've had to buy another pair to replace the missing glasses .  (Which leads me to wonder, did he really just want a different style of frame and this is his sly way of going about it? ;-> ).  Thankfully we've found a wonderful site for the eyeglass wearer, full of wonderful styles and options at terrific prices, GlassesUSA.com .  GlassesUSA.com has designer styles for men & women.  Their lens types range from reading, bifocal/ multifocal glasses , single to prescription sunglasses.  What's really fun is their Virtual Mirror. Just upload a picture of yourself and try on any of their styles. We've h

~Yep.  Add to that, a cozy sweater.

When my first baby was born I didn't know what was in store for me.  One thing I thought would be for certain would be all those "cuddle times" that I saw in magazines and commercials.  Instead I had a child that had no fear, hugged so tightly it hurt and wouldn't let you touch her hair without a struggle.  (For whatever reason she wasn't snuggly with me, but she was, and still is, with my mom - her grandmother.  I'm so grateful.) I soon came to learn about sensory issues and various syndromes that cause some to process life very intensely.  What a fantastic eye-opener!  Over the years I have learned so much about how people "deal" and it's helped me to empathize with a stressed out mom trying to control a screaming child at the grocery store, or a dad trying to cope with a tantrum throwing toddler.  I hope they hear my mind calling to them, 'Patience. Patience.  Try to keep your cool. If people stare, let them stare! Keep your cool.'

Just when I think I've got this "dog ownership" thing down - it's been 5 years - Benny reminds me he's a sly, not-so-little guy. Our town was going through a bit of a heat wave and before I took my kids to the neighborhood pool I thought I'd prepare some corn on the cob and get a zucchini from the garden for dinner later.  My husband loves to cook so my part is mostly Sous-chef.  That's fine with me :-> After the corn was shucked and the zucchini prepared I caught up with my kids into the heat of the evening to lounge in the warm shade.  When Rob got home he called to say he started up the grill for the ribs.  Great, I said, I can smell dinner from here.  Then he added, "OK.  I see you only wanted 1 corn on the cob?  Is that just for me?"  'No', I said 'I bought 4 ear of corn, they're on the cutting board, along with a zucchini.'  Then I hear "Um... Uh huh. Oh... I gotta go".  That damn dog! Just when I th

***Guest Post brought to you by Dan Del Piano*** An Elvis Resort Is The Next Step In The Career Of Daniel Del Piano Daniel Del Piano is the consummate success story, having created successful enterprises in many diverse areas over the course of his career. Dan Del Piano is now bringing his skill and expertise to his latest venture, the foundation of a luxury resort dedicated to Elvis! A Mississippi Ranch Gives Dan Del Piano The Vision For His Resort One of the career interests of Daniel Del Piano has always been real estate. It was this interest that enabled Dan Del Piano to discover a 794-acre location in a town in Mississippi. What Daniel Del Piano learned about this property was that in 1967, Elvis Presley had bought 155 acres of it - a ranch that he could use as an alternate home when life at Graceland, with its popularity as a tourist site, got to be overwhelming. After Elvis' death, Dan Del Piano learned, the ranch began to draw thousands of fans each year, fans who

Can't escape the symbolism of the date.  September 11, 2001. As much as I don't want to watch remembrances, relive it all, it's everywhere, all around us and a part of who we are.  So I will move through all my emotions and say how grateful I am to be where I am, and how honored I am by all of those that are trying to make things better.  Let's raise a glass, toast those that are truly deserving, and enjoy this Virtual Girls Night Out! *The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to truly get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends ". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on some cozy "what-ever's" and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll do the same and say "Happy VGNO!"* Time For Some Tunes! Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band " The Rising " Time For A Cocktail!   World Peace 1 1/2 oz Bombay Sapphire® gin 1/2 oz fresh

*** Guest Post from Eric Schaer *** Eric Schaer's Scottish Honeymoon Plans Preparations are under way for the fall 2011 wedding of Eric Schaer and his fiancé, Cathy Mallet. Following the wedding, Eric Schaer and his new bride will take a morning flight to Scotland for their much anticipated honeymoon. Paying homage to the Scottish heritage of Eric Schaer was very important, so Cathy gave him complete freedom in planning their once in a lifetime trip. Honeymoon In Scotland For Eric Schaer The first stop on the couple's honeymoon agenda is Edinburgh, where they will be staying in a top-rated hotel located near the Royal Mile. After seeing the sights, including Edinburgh Castle, Eric Schaer and Cathy will depart Edinburgh to embark on new and exciting explorations in the Scottish Highlands. With their sights set on spotting the famous Loch Ness Monster, they are planning many adventurous visits to local historic castles. After taking in the scenery, the couple will

"How do you feel having your little girl look so grown-up?" My 13 yrs. old daughters teacher from last year was in the hallway with us yesterday.  We did a brief "catch-up" on our summers and, as the conversation was winding down, and my girl was walking away, her former teacher put her hands to her face and mouthed the words, "Oh My Gosh".  She then asked the question I've been tossing about in my brain for a while now, "How do you feel?" My daughter is in 8th grade, stands tall at 5'9 and has a body to match that height.  Same growth that I had, no surprises.  The problem with having the height and all that goes with it is that people, better yet strangers, assume you are older than you are and address you in a more mature way than you're ready to handle.  It's a pretty gross feeling, I remember it well. So with the question of how I'm feeling, loads of thoughts go through my mind.  There are so many angles, so many em

We're keepin' the "soccer mom" vibe alive with our new (to us) car, a Honda Odyssey.  And while my daughters aren't thrilled with this new vehicle, I am overjoyed.  I just returned from a little road trip to the Oregon Coast to meet up with my mom and sister and I relished every minute in a car that A.) would start when I turned the ignition key and B.) well, my mind just kind of stops there because I am just so happy to have a car that works. The other day I chaperoned a group of kids to Oaks Park .  It's Portland, OR own amusement park and it's adorable. I'm not the only one who wanted to get in that last summer hurrah and found our van joining a slightly busy parking lot.  We grabbed our things and I strolled while the girls ran to the ticket booth.  I knew their hoodies wouldn't last long because we were experiencing an usual heatwave, but my voice somehow didn't register in their excitement.  While the girls were standing in line for

Well, we have a new (to us) car.  It's a Honda Odyssey.  I like it, but my girls want our old van back.  I'm not exactly sure why, other than the fact that change of any kind is difficult and they probably want to stick with what they know, even if that means, no air conditioning, constant repair bills and getting to know the tow truck drivers by name.  Change is all around! Let's hold on tight, hope for the best and get going with our blog party, the Virtual Girls Night Out! *The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to truly get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends ". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on some cozy "what-ever's" and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll do the same and say "Happy VGNO!"*   Time For Some Tunes! Alpha Rev  " New Morning " Do yourself a favor and get this song, listen to it while in the garden, go