Wordless Wednesday:

(We're all allowed to splurge once in awhile right!?)

This post is linked to:
Wordless Wednesday @ Home Grown Families
Wordless Wednesday @ Project Alicia
Wordless Wednesday @ Alot of Loves

Meet Me On Monday

Java @ Never Growing Old hosts "Meet Me On Monday" over on her blog. It's always fun getting to know a little more about blogging buddies so I thought I'd join in too. She asked us to answer these 5 questions about ourselves...

1. Crunchy or soft tacos: Homemade crunchy tacos are my favorite. I don't make them often because they are so messy to make but boy does my family love some homemade crunchy tacos.

2. Do you scrapbook: I never jumped on the scrapbooking bandwagon. I'm very organized with my photos and kept up the baby books nicely but never did officially scrapbook.

3. Do you take any daily medications: Nothing other than Vitamins and such. No prescribed medications, thank goodness. I do take Boniva for my bones but it's one pill once a month.

4. What is your favorite sound: It would have to be the sound of water, either the sound of crashing waves on the shore or the sound of a nice gentle waterfall. As much as I love the sound of water though, I love it even more when I hear my two grown children having a conversation together. They don't get to see each other often so I love it when they get a chance to connect and be together.

5. Where were you born: Right here in California...and I'm still here...much to my chagrin!

Happy Monday!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: How many siblings do you have? Sisters? Brothers? Are you great friends with your siblings?

I am the oldest of three girls, no brothers in the family.

My middle sister is 3 years younger and we have always been best friends. She is incredibly funny, beautiful, soft hearted, and generous to a fault. I cannot ever picture my life without her in it.

My youngest sister is 9 years younger than I am and is one of the nicest, sweetest people you'd ever meet. She NEVER says anything bad about anyone and I respect her so much for that character trait. It's just not in her nature to bad mouth anyone or anything. She too is beautiful, funny, soft hearted, and generous!

I am beyond blessed with wonderful sisters and that is the one thing that I will always feel sad about for my own daughter. I wish she was able to experience life with a sister, but you know what, God is good! God blessed my daughter with a fabulous long time best friend that is a true sister of the heart. I'm sure they will be best friends and sisters for life!

Wordless Wednesday

You never know what you'll see on the open road...

Stand Up Paddle Event

Even though Howard is still recovering from his recent surgery, we decided to go out of town this weekend as originally planned. Our very dear friend Kathy's son Steven died unexpectedly one year ago from a thoracic aortic dissection and a memorial stand up paddle event was scheduled yesterday, come rain or shine, and rain it did!

Steven was 40 years old when he literally dropped dead on the floor at the surfboard shop he owned. He had no idea he had heart issues although his father, Kathy's husband, had died of heart problems at the age of 39. Since Steven's death, all of Kathy's family has been tested and subsequently one of her other son's has had heart surgery so as to avoid the same fate as his brother and father. Luckily, he was there yesterday, healthy, and able to support his late brother.

Steven was an avid surfer and was one of the first ones to promote SUP (stand up paddling). The idea of stand up paddling on a surf board was new to me but since learning about it, I've noticed it more and more. I saw alot of it in Hawaii this past summer and thought of Steven every time. Here is a picture of Steven in a SUP race...


Yesterday was WINDY, RAINY, and FREEZING but about 100+ people gathered at the Long Beach Harbor for the 1st Annual Adler Paddler SUP event. It was a 2.8 mile race around the harbor and fundraiser, raising money for Steven's son's college fund as well as The John Ritter Foundation. John Ritter died unexpectedly of the same thing and his wife and daughter were there with us yesterday to show their support. John's widow, actress Amy Yasbeck, called Kathy months back and has been a great comfort to her. It was a wonderful thing to witness and be apart of. Twelve of us camping buddies braved the cold and rain to support Kathy and even a few mentioned that maybe next year they'd join in on the race. FYI, I wasn't one of them. I'll stay back, take pictures, and buy raffle tickets to support the cause! John Ritter's wife said next year let's call it "Adler Paddler Ritter Sitter!" She thinks like me, she'd like to watch this event while sitting on the sidelines!

Here are a few pictures from the day...








Here's Kathy with us, some of her camping club buddies (it must be the angle of the camera because I look like 2 ton Hanna in this photo!)


This girl was smart, she's showing everyone how she attached her jacket to her paddle and used it as a sail...


Here are a few pictures of Amy, John Ritter's widow...



And this is a picture of Clark (far left), Steven's 14 year old son as he finished the stand up paddle event. He was chilled to the bone but smiling from ear to ear from such an accomplishment. The wind was brutal and I'm sure it was so hard for this little guy to finish the 2.8 miles but he did it. He did it in memory of his Dad...


And now getting a congratulatory kiss from Grandma Kathy...


The weather was horrible but the spirit at this event was bright and sunny, just like Steven Adler and John Ritter were in life. May they rest in peace.

My Poor Hubby

My husband had surgery on Wednesday for what we thought was going to be a fairly simple procedure but it turned out to be not so simple after all. During this past summer, Howard noticed what he thought was a boil on the back of his neck. In the meantime, months passed and all was forgotten until I caught a glimpse of his profile about a month ago. Oh my goodness, it stopped me in my tracks. He obviously knew it had gotten bigger but had done a good job of wearing things with collars and was really good at hiding it from people. That small boil had grown to about the size of an orange!

After much arguing (why do men not want to take care of themselves and go see doctors!?!), he finally went to my doctor and was referred to a surgeon. In addition to finding out he now has high blood pressure, the surgeon scheduled surgery to remove what he thought was a benign tumor. Once he got in there though he found out it wasn't a tumor at all, it was an abscess. Howard had a hugh abscess and is really lucky the bacteria didn't spread to his bloodstream. He could have gone septic at any time.

As soon as the surgeon and anesthesiologist saw the abscess they immediately agreed that Howard is a diabetic, which was total news to us. It makes sense though. It may have started with a little boil but if you are diabetic, you don't heal properly and it looks like that was the case. He will be having blood work done next week to confirm the diagnosis.

They also noticed a heart arrhythmia during the surgery but an EKG done yesterday showed that he had converted back to sinus rhythm, thank goodness, but he'll be seeing a cardiologist soon too.

So now my husband who never took any medication at all takes blood pressure medication, heart medication, aspirin, vitamins, pain meds for the incision from surgery, and may be starting insulin soon. Poor thing, but he's handling it all pretty well considering it means a complete lifestyle change for him.

So as you can see, we've been pretty busy around here with the surgery and many many doctor appointments but I'll keep you posted on his progress. So many friends and relatives have called, dropped by, and sent texts wondering how he's doing. He's a lucky guy to have so much support.

A sweet friend dropped off these beautiful tulips Wednesday night for Howard. Aren't they pretty and spring like!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Do you use a PC or do you have a Mac Book? My computer died last weekend so it's at Best Buy trying to get repaired right now, but in the meantime, my husband talked me into getting a Mac. It's definitely different and I'm not sure I like it.

I hear the Macs take about a week to get accustomed to and then I'll be in love. We'll see about that!

If you have a Mac, do you have any helpful hints or words of advice you'd like to pass along?

Computer Issues...

I don't know what happened but sadly my computer died this weekend. I even had some computer savvy camping friends take a look at it but they weren't able to bring it back to life. I guess it's gonna have to go see the Geek Squad at Best Buy this week.

I'll be back when I can!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Have you ever DRIVEN a motorhome of any type?

This weekend is our monthly camping trip (aka camping club weekend), but I won't be doing any of the driving. Never do, hopefully never will. Driving the RV is hubby's job and he wants to keep it that way. I really don't think he trusts me!

Our first motorhome was a smaller Class C motorhome and I could drive that just fine. A Class A motorhome is what we have now and it's like driving a bus.

No thank you ma'am!

Jake and I are happy to sit in the passenger seat and watch the world pass us by!

Hubby did kinda force me to drive our Class A motorhome once, about 3 years ago. He wanted me to get the feel for it just in case there was an emergency and I needed to drive it. I don't think he likes me playing with his toys...he hasn't made me drive it since!

Starting At The Front Door...

Do you decorate your home for the holidays? I have always decorated for each holiday, and even though we are pretty much empty nesters now, I still enjoy celebrating and decorating for all of the different holidays, and I like to start at my front door. I think by decorating your front door and porch, it gives the impression that fun, creative, warm, inspiring, and welcoming people live inside...




Holiday decorating doesn't have to be expensive, time consuming, or extravagant either. I picked up these St. Patrick's Day shamrock decorations from Joann's last week for half price. The nice thing about Joann's is that they always put their holiday decorations and supplies on sale early, giving us plenty of time to enjoy them while getting them at a reasonable price. All I did was add some ribbon and tape it to the top of the doors. I found out the hard way that tape alone doesn't secure decorations to the doors very well. Now what I do is place a piece of tape on top of the door, push in a flat thumbtack, then place another piece of tape over the tack. It works great and with the piece of tape over the tack it doesn't scratch the door jams at all.


Would you believe that I've had a flag pole in the front of my home for over 20 years now too. I love changing out the flags for the different holidays and seasons. Years ago these decorative flags used to be expensive but they are so inexpensive now. I've even picked up brand new ones at thrift stores for $2-$3. Spending such a small amount of money on something that makes me so happy is completely worth it to me, and it's fun.

Decorating for the holidays just makes my heart happy, over and over again, year after year after year. Hopefully it warms the hearts of my family, friends, and the neighborhood too!

This post is linked to the following linky parties:
** Wednesday's Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
** Works For Me Wednesday @ We Are That Family
** Whassup Wednesday @ Elements Interiors
** Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating
** Thrifty Thursday @ Tales From Bloggeritaville
** Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions
** Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple

This Bird Has Left The Nest...

I worked Wed, Fri, Sat, and then again yesterday...

They all were days from (you know where!)...

Then, they had the nerve to ask me if I wanted to work again today...

I think they pretty much got the hint when I gave them the look...

I told the other birdies...

This momma bird is leaving the nest...

Don't call me for a few days, or a week...

Unless one of our other birdies completely falls out of the nest...

I'm tired...

And getting ready for Camping Club Weekend!

"Snowflake...Smile!"

A new blogging friend Jen posted this on her blog a while back and I just had to share it with you.

This just makes my day...

It's Friday

And I'm nosy..

So here's the question: Which do you think is of more importance in life, love or education?

This is a hard one for me because I feel both are essential for fulfillment and self-confidence, but I think education is so so important, especially if you are a woman. What's that old saying "Love can't pay the bills!" Education can and does pay the bills!

Having said that, I want to say that having a love for my creator, my God, is way more important to me than anything else in this world. In fact, it's #1 for me, along with the love I feel for my husband, children, and family. Without this love, I'd be lost.

I was able to receive a very good education and have had a wonderful career (which I didn't start until my children were a little older by the way). It certainly has made me feel more fulfilled, more accomplished, more self-confident, and has allowed me to earn a very nice paycheck while doing a job that I love, but I know I have been blessed. I have a career that allows great flexibility and I was lucky enough to choose a career path that is 100% perfect for me.

I've been blessed in both departments, love and education. We will be celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary this year! It hasn't always been a bed of roses, but I'm glad neither one of us ever gave up!

Well, I guess I didn't answer that question very well did I! As you can see, I value and cherish both (but I still say education is imperative!)

Moving Up In The World...

We have an upstairs loft where we've had a big screen TV for about 12 years now. In the summertime, the loft area gets quite hot so it's not used much, but in the wintertime we're upstairs alot. The heat rises so it gets nice and toasty up there. I'm not a big TV watcher but I enjoy sitting upstairs with my laptop, reading blogs, facebooking, ebaying, etc.

Well, our loft TV bit the dust a few months back, but in away it was a good thing. We're not ones to go out and buy the latest trends in ANYTHING, so having our TV konk out forced us to get a new one and to catch up with the latest technology. We ended up getting a nice flat screen that can be mounted on the wall or placed on a stand or table. It's awesome, but big! We may end up moving it downstairs and mounting it on the wall at some point but for now it's in the loft. We only had one problem, we didn't have a stand. We had it sitting on our coffee table for the longest time. Like I mentioned, we're not quick about anything. It takes us forever to decide on things.

I don't know if the stars aligned on that day or what, but as luck would have it, I came across a TV display table (is that what you call these things?) while out of town on our RV trip last month. We hauled it up the steps into the motorhome and brought it on home. It holds the TV perfectly, it's just the right length, and I really like the black distressed finish...



While setting everything up, I look my time and carefully wrapped all of the cords up in the back of the TV, using Velcro tape to organize and get all of the cords up off of the floor. Having a jumbled up mess behind a TV drives my organized self crazy.



Yes, it took extra time to be a little more organized but I think it was worth it. I really feel that if you're taking the time to do something, no matter what it is, take the time to do it right and do it to the best of your ability. Believe me, I know I drove my kids nuts with saying this when they were growing up, and I've been teased many a time, but that's just me, and I think in the long run it's always worthwhile.

This post is linked to:
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
We're Organized Wednesday @ Organize and Decorate Everything
Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating