Good Morning Arizona

The Art of Cat Juggling

2011-04-19T08:47:00.002-07:00

My hubby (as if he doesn't have enough to do) has taken yard work jobs on Sundays (his one and only day off). He works as a letter carrier the other 6 days. He rarely gets to come home after just 8 hours on that job. ................. will get to the story:
One of the jobs he did this last Sunday, had weeds over 6 feet tall. Not just a few weeds - the whole yard was weeds front to back, side to side! He took pictures of the mess. He worked on it for a while ( 6 large trash bags full). He told the lady he would have to come back next week to finish it. He had several more jobs he had to finish that day.
On to the next job which proved to be even more of a mess than the first one! He spent 3 1/2 hours digging up dead bougainvilleas - oh my! He came home covered in scratches and blood.
He also takes care of the neighbors yard that is two doors down. Then he mowed ours. Needless to say he was tired.
So Monday at the post office, his boss came up to him and asked (just to be friendly) "How are you today?" Hubby said to his boss "Not so good. I've taken on a second job on my day off. I juggle cats." He showed his boss all the blood scratches. The boss in a serious tone of voice said "They still do that?"
The boss honestly thinks people JUGGLE CATS (for a living)! I laughed so hard.
Hubby answered saying "They fired me. I'm not very good at it." The boss went on his way to do "other boss things."
Hope this brighten your day - need a good laugh? Think Cat Juggling :)

"The Couch"

2011-03-30T09:15:00.003-07:00

"The Couch" We bought this when we bought the house (a few years ago.) At night time, Trixie would sleep on the floor by "Daddy's" side of the bed. Bandit sleeps on the bed. Yes, all 120 pounds of Rottweiler. It's not our choice. She feels that's where she should sleep. We try to get her to sleep on the floor by the bed but..... she jumps up there while we are sleeping and will not budge!
Then we got Smokey - He sleeps in the hallway by the bathroom door. Great, except the cat box is in that bathroom. When Mindy tries to use the cat box. well she gets chased. Soooooo she started using the couch as a litter box. When that happened, Smokey decided to mark the couch as his territory. Needless to say, the couch smelled awful.
Hubby and I tried to get it out the front door. It came in the back sliding glass door. That door has a dog door now so the couch would not fit.
Hubby took off the legs to the couch - it wouldn't fit. Then he took off the front door - it wouldn't fit. He took off the hide-a bed - it wouldn't fit. He took a electric saw and cut out the middle - it wouldn't fit. He then broke off the arms to the couch and finally it fit through the door.
Yesterday, I saw some people take the bed frame. I guess the everything else is too stinky.
I saw these people because I took down the blinds yesterday and threw them away too. I put up a new double curtain rod...... new drapes and new shears :) I mentioned to hubby we should order a new window.
Mindy is now an outdoor kitty ;)

A Touch of Green

2011-03-17T11:21:00.004-07:00

What is St. Patrick's Day without a bit of green?

And look at this little guy/gal - just popped up there all on its own.

I put a bird house up in the tree.

Right below the bird house I planted some cat nip.
Wasn't thinking about what I did until I took this picture.

Box of Chocolates

2011-03-12T09:34:00.004-07:00

My hubby loves to go to yard sales. He had always wanted a leather studded harness for Bandit. He found one at a yard sale for $2. They are over $100 if you order one new.
We tried to put it on Bandit - hour later..... we still could not fit it on the dog. Hubby suggested that I look online for instructions. The website on the harness was humanwerks.com. The website popped up with a beautiful picture of Florida. I clicked on Harness...... then I clicked on leather and chain ...... then

Oh my goodness .... a picture of a bare chested man with the harness on appeared. I called for Hubby and showed him. "Look what we were trying to get on the dog!" We laughed.
He sold it on ebay for $85 and used that money to order a "real" leather studded harness.
This is a picture of Bandit with her new "outfit."

Moral of the story is: Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get :)

Keep your hands up

2011-03-09T09:52:00.003-07:00

When the grandkids left last summer, hubby and I took up target practice as a hobby. We each got a Walthers 22. He got a Glock 45 also. This is the picture of my first target practice. Sometimes I aimed for the head - sometimes I aimed for the chest. The bigger holes were made by the Glock 45. So, with two rotties by my side and a Glock 45 in one hand, a Walthers 22 in the other hand .....
I will not get robbed in my house again!

This is the place we've gone to for target practice. It is way out there past Apache Junction - near Gold Canyon. Just look for "Phoenix" on the mountain. The gun range is right below it.

"gone to the dogs"

2011-03-07T09:16:00.003-07:00

Hubby and I decided that ... with two Rottweilers peeing and pooping in the backyard, we would have to make some changes. So hubby added a rock area (the pee and poop area - we hoped).

Then we thought, "How about a fire Hydrant?" Dogs love to pee on them, right?

Our dogs have sniffed it. But..... still pee on my grass :(

Welcome Home, Smokey

2011-03-06T18:13:00.003-07:00

It's been so long (I know, I know). We added to our family. This is Smokey. He is 8 months old and weighs a whopping 77 pounds! Bandit is now 2 years old and is HUGE! We still have Trixie and Mindy too.
So much has happened since my last post - glad to see my followers are still "following." I missed blogging. Will post again soon - I promise!

Another day :)

2010-05-04T12:00:00.004-07:00

You know how you do one thing and it always causes another thing to do and on and on......
Hubby trimmed the brushes by the office window. The cute bench under those brushes had deteriorated - sprinkler on a wooden bench:(
So I've been looking for a concrete bench to put in its place. I found this one on Craigslist. When we brought it home - we remembered the curve in the planter and decided to put it there instead. I'll have to find something else to put under the window. Maybe one of those giant concrete turtles?
Because he trimmed those brushes, the window looked worn. So I've ordered a new window. Guess I'll have to get new blinds too. Oh...... when we put in the new window, the big living room window will look worn too. Oh geezes!

a little red here... a little red there

2010-04-26T14:20:00.007-07:00

Remember this area? There were weeds and rocks and the grapefruit tree.
We continued it down to the side walk - this was just grass and the palm tree. We found that mulch at Home Depot - the expensive $10 a bag tire mulch!!! 15 bags for $4.00 - total! They had some bags in the back that had some tears - we bought all they had. When she said $4.00 we got it in the truck as fast as we could :)
Oh... see the neighbors finished guest house across the street? Two years later and we are still working on our (ummmm..... some day).

So, I painted the little bridge.

And I had paint left over - so I painted the bench.

And still had more paint - so I painted one of the gates.
The gates are by the barn/guest house.

Guess what I'm painting next?

Peeping .... "Bandit"

2010-04-25T18:54:00.003-07:00

As I've mentioned before, hubby is a mail carrier. On his route he has a house that has two German Shepards .... the owners cut holes in their gate so the dogs could see the "happenings" in the front yard. Hubby said "We should have a hole for Bandit." So if you look closely, you'll see the freshly made peeping hole.

Look I found a hole - woof, woof!

I was thinking maybe put a picture frame around the hole on the front side - ya think?

Thank You Gov. Jan Brewer AZ

2010-04-23T15:07:00.004-07:00

Not very often am I proud of our politicians in what they do or say but today....
Our Governor Jan Brewer signed SB1070 (Immigration Bill)
I listened to her speech - it was very well written. I never really knew how I felt about her until today. I'm sure you will hear about this on the news tonight. Our 12 news team broad casted it - the news team and all the people they interviewed were against it. That channel always is one sided. They had a protest outside our capitol building - it was made up of 85% kids that had ditched school. The kids threw their water bottles at the police and one of the pro-SB 1070 person standing outside the capitol too.
I keep my opinions reserved on my blog but today ..... Thank You Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona!
She did not give in to the protests and did what is right for our wonderful State of Arizona :)

Bandit

2010-04-21T16:18:00.003-07:00

All was quiet in my house - which is rare. I looked around and found Bandit asleep on the loveseat. Tip toeing back into the living room with the camera, I took this picture. The first picture is maybe.... a oh, oh you caught me? Bandit destroyed the lazy boy chair - we had to throw away. She has chewed the legs off the coffee table. Recently she chewed off one end of the couch. Sooooo...... the loveseat and the entertainment center is about all that is left in the living room.
You know, she probably did me a favor. The couch and lazy boy chairs were too big for that room..... and I never did like the "matching" coffee table. I think I'll get the two matching chairs and one ottoman - that's what I wanted anyway. Thank you, Bandit ;)

Cupcake Wreck

2010-04-20T11:38:00.003-07:00

Do you follow the blog - Cake Wrecks?http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ I am always amazed at the "wrecks" they find and so many of them. I am always on the look out for one at the grocery store I shop.

This week I found one! At Fry's McClintock/Guadalupe store I found these cupcakes. While snapping a picture with my camera phone, the clerk asked me if she could help. I asked what was this??? She did not answer and walked off to help someone else.

I took a picture of the price ($17.99) but it's a bit blurry. But..... $17.99???

Got any guesses what they might have been thinking?

Before/After ...almost

2010-02-14T20:29:00.003-07:00

Remember when I posted this picture way back in May of last year? No..... well, that's ok. We have been working on this area as time allowed. You all told me that you had one of these neglected areas - it made me feel better. It's that side of the house where we never go. So with all the projects going on, this area kept being pushed aside for other things.

This is what that side looks like today. We still have a lot more to do. The stones will continue down to the sidewalk with a big planter around the palm tree. Lots more plants to plant ...... Didn't want you think I was just laying around enjoying our 78 degree weather!

Friends?

2010-02-13T08:24:00.002-07:00

This is what caused all the "news" for the last three days on ALL the news channels here in Phoenix. This is what happened......
The young guy that owns this house had a dead pine tree in his back yard. He asked his friends to cut it down for him - the payment was a couple six packs of beer. The house owner went to work. They, "the friends" cut the tree ...... well, part of the tree. The friends put a spot light towards "it" so the home owner wouldn't miss it. Spotlight? Well, the home owner works night shift.
It's been two weeks since the tree was cut. The home owner wanted to get it completely cut down but.... When asked why he hasn't taken care of it, he said he's had to deal with his house being robbed. I know all about that! My house got robbed a year and a half ago - it took forever to fill out all the insurance papers!
Sooooo the home owner has a partially cut down tree, his house robbed, and the neighbor complaining constantly to the city and the news. During the news interviews the home owner is "taking it in stride." The tree will come down today - all the tree!
I was on the five o'clock news last night. My moment of "fame" was brief and will not be going national or on YouTube!
Oh...you ask what my opinion was on the interview? I was the only one interviewed that thought it was funny :)

Like Daughter, Like Mother .......

2010-02-12T11:31:00.002-07:00

Looks like my daughter won't be the only one in the news lately...... Yesterday on the news I saw this piece of "news" about one neighbor complaining about what his neighbor put in their backyard. The news didn't show what it was. But... they did show the street sign of where it was. I called hubby and told him about it. When hubby got off work, we drove over to check it out.
Hubby called me this morning to go over and take some pictures before the city makes them cut it down. In my "jammies" ..... hair NOT combed..... teeth NOT brushed ..... had put on a old jacket that had dog/cat hair ( looked like a homeless person) I drove over to take a couple pictures.
There was the news team interviewing the neighbor across the street that had complained. I waited in my truck - I did NOT want to be on the news!
When the reporter was done, I got out of my truck and started snapping pictures. The reporter noticed me, of course, I was the only one out there. The reporter asked my opinion and said she really want to have me on TV. I explained that I hadn't combed my hair, brushed my teeth, and HAD on my jammies! She said "Oh that's ok.... I'll only take the interview from the shoulders up. Lots of begging.......... I agreed.
It will be on tonight's news. When I called hubby, he said "I wonder if this will go national?"
The horror of that hadn't crossed my mind when I did the interview.
As I type this post I'm thinking it could go worldwide on YouTube.
I really don't want to be remembered as the lady who......
I'll tell you tomorrow how my interview went - might even post a picture of the "thing" in the neighbor's backyard ;)

Cake

2010-02-04T09:31:00.003-07:00

This is my daughter's friend , Lori :)
This is the bakery.

Yesterday I was checking my phone for calls. It said my daughter left me a message, soooooo I called her. I left a message. At 8:30 last night she called me back. "Mom, you called me?" asked my daughter. "Yes, I did. I have a message on my phone that you have good news." She laughs and says, "Mom that is an old message. The good news is that the Denver Post is posting an article about the bakery." "It's still going to be in Thursday's paper?" I asked. She said, "Yes. Mom do you know how to find it in the paper online?"
I go to the computer and proceed to follow her instructions to find the area where the article will be. I find it AND I find the article about the bakery. "Did you know it was in Today's paper?" I asked. "Oh no" she said. They were going to get lots of the papers tomorrow when it was published. I told my daughter I let her go. She needed to call Lori, her friend and let her know.
These are two of the three pictures they published in the paper. The first one is Lori. They did not take any pictures of my daughter :( The article consisted of questions and answers the reporter asked at the interview at the bakery.
I am so proud of both of them.

Drum rolls .... please

2010-01-25T09:42:00.002-07:00

I know you all have subscriptions to The Denver Post........ wait a minute, you don't???
Tuesday (tomorrow) a Denver Post representative is coming out to my daughter and her friends new bakery to........ wait for it....... wait for it.....
write an article AND take pictures of "the" bakery to feature it in The Denver Post.
How cool is that???!!!
I'll let you know when it will be published so you all can watch for it in your paper ;)

Watch out Colorado....

2010-01-19T11:41:00.004-07:00

Don't you love it when we have something to brag about? I touched on it lightly in another post. My daughter went to a "bakery school" in Dallas years ago. The grocery store she was working for sent her there :) She always worked in a bakery. Working at many grocery store bakeries, she finally had the opportunity to work at a privately owned business. When that went under due to the economy, she found another bakery to work for. Unfortunately, that business didn't make it either. She and her friend had helped get that business started. It was built in an area where there was no other businesses to draw customers from.
Her friend had saved her money from working there. She had spent a lot of time checking out areas to start her own bakery. She asked my daughter to help her.
One week before Thanksgiving, the new bakery opened!
My daughter and her friend, by themselves, opened a business. That Saturday before Thanksgiving my daughter told me they did $1,000 worth of business. We were all so excited.... until the next Saturday came. Business had been steady all week but the next Saturday their business had doubled!
It's been two months now. They have contracts from some restaurants. It's just the two of them and their business is like "Saturday" every day! They make everything from scratch (of course) and they make up their own recipes.
My daughter said a couple days ago that she thinks she has met everyone in Denver! Watch out Colorado.... "there's a new bakery in town!" I am very proud of my daughter and her friend :)
I know, I know..... need pictures

and here comes January 2010!

2010-01-08T10:49:00.003-07:00

Unbelievable how last year flew by! We had company non-stop from April into September. Some invited and welcome company and then some uninvited and not welcomed but came anyway. We had the pool remodeled - what an event that was. We added Bandit to our family. We lost Si - an long-loved family member. We bought the new truck - I got to fly to LA to pick it up and drive it home. There was the driveway addition. There was the front yard landscaping projects. Between the remodels and the company it was a quite a year!
Here it is January...... We have already got calls from family members that want to come back again this year. I feel like a hotel booking agent sometimes.
The pool decking needs to be taken out - oh no! There is a leak in one of the skimmer's pipes. We had to hire an underwater diver to plug up the bottom drain and one of the pipes in the skimmer. The pool cleaner works cleaning the bottom of the pool but.... since the skimmer is "plugged" I am the new skimmer! Geezes, here goes more thousands of dollars. Going to look into a "bailout" for my home/ "hotel." .................... just kidding
I finally found a wooden bridge for that one landscaping project. I know... I know.... you want pictures :)
Hubby bought me a 32 inch monitor for my computer. He's going to mount it on the wall so I can have the complete view out the window. Then he said..... look like that window could use replacing. Then you know what that means - new blinds or shutters ... then paint the room .... then the desk and chair will have to be updated.
Did I mention the barn (as I call it) that we built a couple years ago is still waiting to get done? The outside of it is done but the inside is not. It will be a guest house. Maybe that won't be such a great idea - some of our company might just stay and never leave. It could be a workshop ... to store all the stuff for our to-do-projects. Or it could be the game room... that big game room we have inside the house could be moved out there.
I am very grateful that my decision now are "light and easy" compared to days long ago. Wishing God's Blessing to all my friends this year 2010

In Memory of Si 3-22-92 to 11-22-09

2009-11-23T10:12:00.002-07:00

My daughter and her husband were living in Denver. They both worked at King Soopers. Her husband found a Siamese cat in the parking lot of the grocery store. He brought it home to my daughter who loves cats! My daughter was pregnant at the time with their first child. Their first child was born in February. The cat was also pregnant and had a litter in March.
Beings they lived in a apartment that did not allow pets..... they gave me the kittens. They were all so cute! I found homes for two of them.
I kept the other two.
As indoor cats only, they were in charge! What delightful, fun, loving cats! When I brought them to Arizona, it was the first time they had seen the outdoors. I lived in an apartment on the third floor. They would go out on the balcony and sleep on the patio chairs. I got married. We moved into the little house in Tempe. The cats loved sleeping on the back of the couch. There was a large window in the living room and plenty of birds for them to watch (supervise).
At age thirteen, Sally - Si's sister got very sick and died. I think I cried for six months.
We sold that house and moved to where we are now. The first day I brought Si to our new home.... I brought him inside, opened the cat carrier, he ran. He ran into the sliding glass door. I opened it to show him it was a door. Out the door he went and over the fence ............. oh no! This was his first time at the new house and his first time outside.
Hubby and I were both so worried. We live close to an main hiway. Four days later he came home. ohhhhhhhhhh!
After awhile we introduced him to the backyard. He loved investigating all the things back there. We put a cat door in the pool bathroom. He could come and go as he pleased. He stayed only in the backyard. When we got Bandit a year ago, Si decided maybe the front yard would be better. Si would jump the fence to go sleep under the palm tree in the front yard. Fluffy and Buttercup, the neighbors cats, would join Si during the day sleeping under the palm tree.
During the night Si would sleep inside on the back of the couch. I don't know why that one night he was out by the hiway. They say... sometimes cats know when it's "their time." I got that call at 1:30am.
Hubby and I really didn't think Si would make it. But he did. His face had healed. His fur had grown back. He limped a little with his back leg. Around his eye had been scratched - he had problems seeing. But he was back enjoying the backyard again. Sleeping in the house at night and sleeping on the back patio in the warm sun during the day.
Yesterday morning, I had fed Si. The dogs were being rowdy in the house so I threw them both outside and put Si outside too. I fixed hubby and I breakfast. Later, when I went outside to check on the dogs and Si................

We buried Si yesterday.

Special Note:

2009-11-06T13:43:00.002-07:00

For those of you that follow my blog: My son-in-law is in Iraq - he was not at Ft. Hood during the time of the shooting. My daughter and grand daughter, although live in that area, were not on base at the time of the shooting. My family in Texas is ok.
I know I haven't been on my blog lately - life is taking it's "twists" and "turns." Whatever the outcome, God has a plan - a good plan!

L is for Leisure World

2009-10-20T09:51:00.004-07:00

L is for Leisure World. My parents, when they decided to retire, built their home here in 1986. It's a large gated and guarded community for people over 55. There are beautiful homes along the golf course. I always wondered where I would live when I retired. (After moving 42 plus times in my life, it had always crossed my mind where I would finally "land" up.)
I've been retired three years now. It was a big surprise that I decided to live here - not far from where my parents had retired.
Life is amazing with all it's "twists" and "turns" ......

Hope your day is great.
By the way, I'm L for late for my Monday post, again :(

M is for Maildog

2009-10-15T14:22:00.003-07:00

Since hubby is a mail carrier, it seemed like the most appropriate Halloween costume would be the same for the dogs. Unfortunately, size XL is only for dogs up to 50 pounds. Bandit did not get a costume....... yet. So M is for Trixie the Maildog. I know, I know, it's not Monday. I'm late again.
Si .... his face drained for two days. I threw away three towels from all the blood and pus that came from his poor face. I really didn't think he'd make it. The side of his face is a bloody scab - his one eye is scratched pretty bad - and one of his legs limps. He is still alive and seems to like living on the kitchen table. (It's near the food dish and up high enough away from Bandit.) I pick him up and take him outside in the backyard to do his "thing." It is so amazing to me that Si, being almost 18, is "ok" (for now).
Thank you, all for your concern and kind words. I thought you might want to know how Si is doing.

N is for Nursing

2009-10-06T14:41:00.002-07:00

My seventeen and a half year old cat Si is not doing well. This last weekend I got a call at 1:30 in the morning. They asked me if I had a siamese cat named Si. I said yes. (He has tags with his name and my phone number) They said .... we found him in the middle of the road over by the hiway. He was just sitting there. The people were concerned that he might get hit.
I said I'd be right there.
Si.... who NEVER wanders away from the house, had "walked" down the street, rounded the corner and was heading for the hiway. I drove down and picked him up. I don't know if he was in a cat fight??? His face was swollen and he was limping. That is extremely NOT like Si.
I've been trying to Nurse him back. Bandit has been trying to help too. He is very old and I don't think he's going to make it :::heavy sigh:::
I'm going to take a break from blogging :(

O is for Oreo

2009-09-29T08:17:00.002-07:00

I know.... I know... It's Tuesday but I really have been SO busy. The Labor Day Party and then the company, :( then the new landscaping on the side of the house started, then the new pool remodel needs to be repaired :( ........... oh, and my birthday. Thank you all for the wonderful comments.

So today on Tuesday (sorry) O is for Oreo. I learned (I hope) not to say in front of my hubby that I really like something or I always wanted something. That is not a bad thing but..... when we first got married, I said I really like cactus. So hubby, being a new hubby to me, rushed out and bought cactus. At that tiny little house that I posted about for my "T" I had THOUSANDS of cactus.

I mentioned that I always wanted a cookie jar collection. I was thinking 20 cookie jars would be cool. Five years ago I STOPPED counting at 450. In the cookie jar collection are many Oreo cookie jars..... still unopened with the tags.

People ask me what I call the decorating in my house. Modern?... Traditional?... Country?.... nope, I call it comical :)

P is for Present "Birthday Present"

2009-09-21T10:13:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, we drove up to Sedona to celebrate my birthday. The weather was Perfect! We shopped .... hubby (who doesn't really like shopping) found this ring for me. I was so surprised! First of all, he does not like the shopping part AND he doesn't like the spending money part BUT... he found this ring. He asked me if I liked it. I love Sapphires! It has a silver setting with turquoise on each side. What is there not to like???
So P is for Present ... birthday present from hubby :) woohoo!

Thank You, Deb :)

2009-09-16T12:24:00.003-07:00

http://ladybugfromtexas.blogspot.com/ I was reminded today that others need our help. Please check out the link. I don't know this person but I do know .... when there have been lots and lots and lots (and lots) of very rough times, the person(s) who stepped up to help me, are the one(s) I still remember to this day!
I sent one this morning - sure hope it brightens her day! God Bless!

Happy Birthday Bandit

2009-09-15T09:35:00.003-07:00

Today is Bandit's first birthday. Yes, it's been a year of: chewed up dog toys, throw rugs, pillows, blankets, lawn furniture cushions, antique pillow case, two dining room chairs, the pool bathroom, lazy boy chair AND countless plants and holes in the back yard. AND.... the living room window that she went through while barking at a small black kitten.
She'll probably add 20 more pounds to her now 100 pounds when she's done growing. She is a BIG DOG!
We bought her almost a year ago after our house got broken into and robbed. I picked her out and brought her home in a baby blanket. In the beginning she fit the cat door that was installed in the pool bathroom door. Now she uses an extra large pet door. The bathroom ::::shaking head:::: needs to be remodeled. We'll do that when she's finished growing up.
She loves to sneak up on the bed. It's really easy to know when a 100 pound dog is on the bed though :) She knows "sit" and "down" and "gimme paw" and her favorite "bye, bye." We can throw snacks at her from across the room and she catches them almost every time.
Oh my goodness .... when she barks, it is LOUD. The whole neighborhood is protected when she barks. But then again.... some of the things she barks at, well, are hilarious. I have a calendar on the wall by my desk. The calendar has pictures of Papillons - she barks at it every day. At night time when we turn on the lights in the game room, she barks at the reflections of the neon lights. Dogs can be so funny sometimes.
The last two weeks I've been training Trixie and Bandit to walk together on leashes at the same time. So far it is going ok. These are short walks in the alley where there are mininal distractions. We walked a bit farther yesterday. We walked by some doctor offices that were all glass. Bandit started to have a barking fit. I looked over and saw she was barking at her reflection in the glass.
So here we start year two. The first year was priceless ..... well, beside all the things she destroyed LOL.

Q is for Quik Trip

2009-09-14T08:17:00.003-07:00

My favorite gas station is Quik Trip. Today gas is at $2.59. They have everything in there..... most important :) you can get a drink. No, not just any drink. They have this huge fountain with everything you can imagine. And... my favorite :) you can mix the drinks. Here is a link on how and what to put in your drink to give it that extra kick! http://www.quiktrip.com/drinks/products_RECIPES.asp
Check out the other Q's at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

Barbie went postal?

2009-09-12T16:50:00.002-07:00

Hubby is a letter carrier - Today we got the monthly letter carrier magazine. Sometimes they have some cool stuff in there. I was going to save it for my "P" word but ..... couldn't wait that long. How about that! Barbie's gone postal!

R is for Ready Rotty

2009-09-09T08:02:00.003-07:00

I have not had a chance to post my R on Monday until today (Wednesday). The company left yesterday with more coming in a week and a half from now. This is Bandit with her life jacket on. She is trying to entice someone to come out to the pool and play with her. Everyone thought she was adorable. They did not see the Lazy Boy chair she ripped to shreds yesterday after everyone left. Oh that dog!
This is Bandit ready to play. Me...... I am ready for a vacation. (or moving and not telling anyone our new address :)

Check out the other R's at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

S is for .....

2009-08-31T07:39:00.005-07:00

There are So many words to choose from "S." I'm picking these:

Sexy Senior turning Sixty in September on her trip to Sedona wearing her new Sapphire bracelet. Check out other "S" words at: http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

Pink.. ya think?

2009-08-29T12:00:00.003-07:00

Hey... how ya doin'
I saw on tv last night where it is the "rage" to put sunglasses on your dog's butt. But when I put my hubby's black sunglasses on Bandit, they didn't show up in the picture. I gotta find her some "pink sunglasses" ya think?

My First Million Dollars

2009-08-25T08:39:00.002-07:00

Yep, I made my first million today..... unfortunately it was on FarmTown and not real money. It's an unspoken contest between hubby and I, who is going to make it to 34 first. I was winning.... until today. It's fun - it's something we can do together.
Yesterday, was my 6 month check up. I have osteoporosis and have been taking Boniva. I have a yearly bone density test taken (among other things) but....... he told me I am improving. He said my wrists have improved greatly.
I almost fell off the chair laughing (but I didn't). I want to tell him it's because I play FarmTown. LOTS of FarmTown and use my fingers and wrist to click on this game. So, just to let you know, being on the computer is "good for you" :) Have a Great Day!

T for Tempe

2009-08-23T14:34:00.006-07:00

When we got married at the end of 2000, we bought this tiny 848 sq. ft. house in Tempe, Arizona. This was our first house. We paid $69,000 for this 1959 bungalow. It had 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a tiny kitchen and a tiny living room. It had never been remodeled. The floors were painted concrete. The whole (848 sq. ft.) house had only four fuses! In the picture is the new sidewalk (it didn't have one when we bought it). Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport replaced the windows, doors, insulation, swamp cooler, (did I mention ... it didn't have air conditioning), the heater and the roof two years after we bought the house. We had to sign an agreement not to sue the airport for the noise.

The washer and dryer and the water heater were outside in the back yard. To help with the spiders, dust, ..... in my "laundry room," hubby built a little wooden room for me. It cut down on some of the dust, but I had to take a broom to sweep away all the spiders.

Our dining room was in the back yard too. Hubby built a "deck" out of old pallet wood. We put the table and chairs under our tangerine tree.

He also built himself a wood shop out the old pallet wood. We lived in that house until 2004 when the market went sky high. All these little houses by Tempe Town Lake and ASU were going for $300,000 and up. We had many offers for this tiny little house within minutes of the listing. We sold it, of course, and with lots of cash in our wallet, we bought our current house. So T for Tempe and lots of memories (and cash). Check out the other T's at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

Just a note

2009-08-20T07:53:00.002-07:00

Just a note from me to you;
Since April we have had company - First, his ex-wife and her husband, then my sister several times (the graduation and wedding), then the grand kids for over a month..... my husband throws a Labor Day party at our house (I do all the work) and we found yesterday hubby's brother is coming to stay with us in September. :(
The closed sign I published was for my house. I'm beginning to think we run a bed and breakfast (no one pays us though). If my visits aren't as frequent as before, I'm getting ready for the party and more company :(
I will still post (especially on Monday - I like coming up with words for letters). And Bandit's first birthday is coming up in September.... "the birthday girl." So is mine ( a BIG one).
Soooooo..... later alligator

Closed - One Word Wednesday

2009-08-19T13:54:00.003-07:00

U is for Underwear :)

2009-08-16T13:52:00.004-07:00

One of the house in the neighborhood is up for sale. This house is gorgeous. It has everything! And.... for $2.5 million it should! One of the things that was not listed in the amenities of the house was the view.

Yes, they forgot to mention the view of the Underwear(see it?) on the clothes line at the house directly across the street. I wonder if that helps in the sale of this fantastic house???Check out the other U's at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

One Word Wednesday

2009-08-12T16:23:00.002-07:00

BANDIT!

V is for Valley of the Sun

2009-08-09T12:29:00.003-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_metropolitan_area If you click on this link you'll find that Phoenix is known as the "Valley of the Sun."
I tried to post pictures but the picture "thingy" is not working for me today. We are all enjoying the heat in Phoenix - hope your day is great too! Check out the other V's at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

I'm farming :)

2009-08-07T14:09:00.004-07:00

I am addicted to Farmtown. The grandkids did it - they got me hooked! I went from level 1 to level 24 in just two short weeks. Soooooooo......... If you don't see me online, I'm farming :)

Earthquake felt in Phoenix

2009-08-04T07:56:00.003-07:00

Yesterday there was an earthquake in Baja California, Mexico. This 6.9 earthquake was felt 460 miles away in Phoenix. They showed on the news a pool in Surprise, Arizona :::shaking::: It happened at 12:59pm. I was not home at the time. I did not feel the earthquake. I did notice my mirror while I was out and about yesterday. I took a picture of the mirror with my new phone. Although I didn't feel the earthquake, I did feel the 119 degrees heat!

W is for Waco, Texas

2009-08-02T12:59:00.007-07:00

reminds me of... the ones I love:::: deep in the heart of Waco, Texas

the first time he came home from Iraq (2004 - 2009)
check out the other W's at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcVSxcgrhOs

$479.26

2009-07-31T10:07:00.004-07:00

Our house is all electric - all the houses in this neighborhood are. We knew when we bought this house the electric bills would be high in the summer. This July has been really hot. We had the grandkids stay during July (not normally a good time to visit in Arizona).
I opened up the SRP bill this morning...... I hope you all are sitting down. The bill for July was $479.26. In the four years we have owned this house, that is the highest electric bill so far. So I thought I'd brighten your day - when you open your electric bill, it could be worse. Happy Friday!

Eat Cookies :)

2009-07-29T11:09:00.003-07:00

I've had two phones just plain DIE on me recently. I've been trying to wait until it got closer to the day I could get a new phone on my plan. Phewwwww .... I made it! (barely) I went in and bought the new TMobile G1 phone. Yesterday when I was in Fry's (our local grocery store), I decided to try out the camera. I took this picture and sent it to me. Then downloaded it from my email. Amazing! I know that's been out for a long time but.... this is the first time I've been able to do that. I love new toys :)

X for Xerothermic

2009-07-26T12:54:00.006-07:00

Xerothermic
–adjective
1.
of or pertaining to the condition of being dry and hot: a xerothermic climate.
2.
adapted to an environment that is dry and hot: a xerothermic organism.
Origin: 1900–05
I looked up all the words that start with X. This word seemed to fit PhoeniX "to an X" - being dry and hot .... yep, that's how it is here. I would think the easiest job in PhoeniX would be a weatherperson. "And how is the weather today?" Dry and Hot! We are Xerothermic!
Check out the other X's on Monday at:http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

Is my Blog jealous?

2009-07-23T10:49:00.006-07:00

Google Blogger is not allowing me to comment or see followers (my page or yours). I'm hoping it's something that is being fixed by blogger. If it is on my end - I don't have a clue how to fix this. It's happened before. I tried removing some widgets and that fixed the problem (before). Not this time!
Right before the kids left they had me join Facebook. I can see their pictures and play some computer games with them. I'm wondering....... Is my blog jealous of Facebook? Maybe it sees me spending time there instead my blog? I could use hubby's computer to "Facebook" but will it still see me? The computers are in the same room. Did my blog secretly mess itself up so I would come back off of Facebook to spend more time on it......?
Anyone know how to fix the comment/follower problem?

I miss you!

2009-07-22T08:08:00.003-07:00

It lightning and thundered and rained the night before - yesterday morning it was raining. I love rain! It is such a rare and special occasion for it to rain. As the kids were packing their things in their mom's car yesterday morning they said..."Why did it wait to rain when we are leaving?"
"Because, the rain lets you know how much I will miss you!"

Y is for Yard Sale Finds!

2009-07-19T15:17:00.004-07:00

Happy Monday! Saturday morning hubby "hunts" for yard sales along the way to work. These six colorful geickos for only $5 is what he found at one of the yard sale this weekend. Yep, all six for $5. I've wanted some for a long time but they are too expensive in the stores. We put them out around the back YARD. It will add some more color back there AND it will give the dogs something to bark at - LOL Check out more Y's at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

It's a cat ...No, it's a dog!

2009-07-18T11:15:00.003-07:00

We've had this new neighbor cat visit my house a lot lately. Fluffy (a neighbor cat, too) and the orange kitty come over every day and sleep under my palm tree most of the afternoon. It's a friendly kitty. Si, my cat sleeps under the palm tree with them. So it's a daily cat party at my house. I don't even have to clean up, or shop for or do any of the entertaining- woohoo!
Anyway, I was going to take a break but this was just too funny. We were rushing yesterday to get to the Imax theater on time. While driving to the Arizona Mills Mall (that's where the Imax is) grand daughter says... "Grandma, did you know the orange kitty was sleeping on your couch?" "No, I bet the cat came in through the pet door," I said. "We'll have to find it and get it out of the house when we get back," I said. We saw Under the Sea in 3D and then out to lunch. We had a great time. When we came home..... there was Trixie sleeping on the couch. I guess Trixie can look like a orange and white cat when you are in a hurry :) Shhhhh don't tell Trixie!

Friday already

2009-07-17T07:08:00.003-07:00

The kids leave this Tuesday morning. (It's really been 30 days?) Our "to see" list is still a bit long.
Imax theater today - slumber party tonight -WaterWorld tomorrow - Skateland the next day - Frank Lloyd Wright Institute - Monday ..... then off they go! So I'm going to take a short break.

http://www.franklloydwright.org/Home.html

patience.....

2009-07-16T08:25:00.009-07:00

My hubby's brother sends us unusual stuff in emails. He sent this picture and thought I'd share with you.

Z for Zipps again :)

2009-07-15T14:13:00.004-07:00

http://www.zipps-sportscafe.com/index.html
I want to try Monday again! (Not that my Z for Zip Code was bad) As I was driving home from DMV, I drove right by Zipps. And I was thinking...... How could I forget about Z for Zipps??? Hubby and I use to have date night every Tuesday here at Zipps. Now that I retired, we have date night every night ;)
Keeping fingers crossed that Jen doesn't kick me off the Letters Z-A. I just started this last Monday....... and Wednesday LOL http://unglazed.blogspot.com/

Pink Eyes

2009-07-14T09:53:00.006-07:00

This silly picture is of Bandit with pink eyes :) Remember I got her a pink life jacket? Well, now she has "eyes" to match. No flips off the side of the pool or down the slide or off the diving board.............yet :)

Z for Zip Code

2009-07-13T07:59:00.004-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZIP_code

Since my hubby is a letter carrier, I thought of Z for Zip code.

Did you know that zip codes started on July 1, 1963? It did not become mandatory until 1967. And that ZIP is the abbreviation for Zoning Improvement Plan? It's always "cool" to learn something new OR relearn things we've forgotten about.

Happy Z Monday! go to http://unglazed.blogspot.com/ by Jen to see other "Z"s

Alaska is #1

2009-07-12T08:23:00.004-07:00

Each state has its own unique characteristic. Arizona is "famous" for being very hot. We are in our 112's and higher now...... with last night at 10 pm being 108.
I read on AOL News this morning about earthquake prone states and was quite surprised to find which state was number 1. I had guess California - since I was born and raised in California and lived through a few earthquakes there, I just presumed!
Here is AOL's list:
#10 is Oregon with 73 earthquakes were recorded for all between '74 - '03
#9 Utah 139
#8 Montana 186
#7 Wyoming 217
#6 Idaho 404
#5 Washington 424
#4 Nevada 778
#3 Hawaii 1,533
#2 California 4,895
with number 1 is Alaska at 12,053

To all the Girly Girlz

2009-07-09T19:24:00.004-07:00

Today, grand daughter and I went to Girly Girlz. She had her hair, make up and nails done. We signed up for "beauty" camp on Monday. This place is so cool! Here's the link: http://www.girly-girlz.com/index.html
Grand daughter gave Trixie a bath today - blow dried and brushed her fur. Then she dressed Trixie up for "princess day." Happy Princess Day! Remember Queen for a Day show long, long time ago? Well, grand daughter and I declared today as Princess Day :)

The Pink Thing

2009-07-08T07:39:00.005-07:00

Yesterday they took me in the truck. I like to go for a ride :)
Then we stopped, we all got out including me. We were walking toward a store when I saw something I should bark at. Those four ladies drinking coffee looked kind of scared but.... I wasn't barking at them.

We went into the store. They were talking to some lady. I started smelling up her shirt. They yelled at me to stop it. Then they put on this funny pink thing. I was scared.

We went back to the truck and got in. Then we went to some place that had ice cream. I tried to help my BFF - she had ice cream on her face. I cleaned her face. oh no, more yelling.....

We got home. I enjoyed the ride. We went into the pool. They put that pink thing on me again. I went in the pool too. Hey, woof woof, this pink thing is fun!

Swimming with Bandit

2009-07-07T08:09:00.003-07:00

My grand daughter loves to swim in the pool. Since grand daughter is Bandit's BFF, Bandit has learned to get into the pool on the step side. Bandit gets in on the first step, then careful gets on the second step. She's a bit scared of the third step so grand daughter is always there to help :)
It is the funniest thing! Bandit is big. With her front paws doing the doggie paddle and walking on the bottom with her back paws, she "swims." hehehehe
If grand daughter can get Bandit to go down the slide....... Or off the diving board........ Or maybe flips off the side of the pool....

Bandit's BFF

2009-07-06T09:27:00.002-07:00

I haven't posted about Bandit in a long time. It seemed like I only posted when she was being her "bad dog" self (which was most of the time). She has taken up a new past time...... among digging holes in the back yard, chewing up my newly planted plants........
She wakes up and whines at the door to be let in the house to :::drum rolls::: lay by the bedroom door where grand daughter sleeps. She whines, cries, scratches the door and then howls if grand daughter does not hurry and open the door. Bandit and grand daughter are BFFs.
Can you believe she is still a puppy? A BIG puppy!
Anyway, we had a great weekend holiday. We covered pretty much all of Phoenix. The fireworks at Tempe Town Lake were fantastic! The kids want to come down next year for the fireworks here again. The highlight of the weekend for my grand son was when grandpa (my hubby) took him to Hooters. All the girls gathered around my grand son for a picture. He is still smiling :)
The highlight for my grand daughter besides getting a bear at the Hard Rock Cafe - was driving grandma's truck. Yep, hubby took grand daughter out and had her drive around in an empty parking lot. (She's 11) She was tickled pink!
Hope your holiday was as memorable!

2009-06-30T22:30:00.001-07:00

I'm going to take a break from this blog until after the 4th of July. Have a safe holiday.

Are you smiling today?

2009-06-26T10:06:00.002-07:00

A mother is driving her little girl to her friend's house for a play date. "Mommy" the little girl asks, "how old are you?" "Honey, you are not supposed to ask a lady her age," the mother replied. "It's not polite." "OK", the little girl says,
"How much do you weigh?" "Now really," the mother says,
"those are personal questions and are really none of your business." Undaunted, the little girl asks, "Why did you and Daddy get a divorce?" "That's enough questions, young lady! Honestly!" The exasperated mother walks away as the two friends begin to play. "My Mom won't tell me anything about her," the little girl says to her friend. "Well," says the friend,
"all you need to do is look at her driver's license.
It's like a report card, it has everything on it." Later that night the little girl says to her mother,
"I know how old you are. You are 32." The mother is surprised and asks,
"How did you find that out?" "I also know that you weigh 130 pounds." The mother is past surprised and shocked now. "How in Heaven's name did you find that out?" "And" the little girl says triumphantly,
"I know why you and daddy got a divorce." "Oh really?" the mother asks. "Why?" "Because you got an F in sex."
:)

Walkin' Wednesday

2009-06-17T08:35:00.006-07:00

Last Saturday, my hubby found this bench at a yard sale for only $5 woohoo! I put it over on the side of the house were we put in the "first" set of planters. Everything is growing nicely. I'll have to share more of the beautiful flowers I put in this area.
This a part of the "second" set of planters we put in the front of the house.

This is part of the "second" set of planters too.

A picture of the "second" set of planters together. (that is my ADT sign if you are wondering) I have red and yellow rose trees in the first one - orange and lilac rose trees in the second one.

My hubby and I go out every morning and check all the planters for new flowers. I found two jalapenos on one of my plants this morning. The torch bougainvillea that the "dog" (from ****) dug up - I repotted and put in the FRONT yard is going to make it :)

I took Trixie and Bandit for a walk after hubby left. This is what I found in one of the neighbor's yard.

I found this in another neighbor's yard. Trixie, then found the neighbor's cat. We had to make our walk short. I have two cats and Trixie doesn't give them the time of day but..... neighbor cats, ummmmm different story.

What is it? Tuesday

2009-06-16T08:35:00.006-07:00

This is a close-up picture.
While driving around running errands, I saw this tree. I always keep a camera ready in the truck just-in-case. I stopped in the middle of the road (not looking to see if anyone was behind me first - oops). I need an "I'm a Blogger" bumper sticker for the back of my truck! Does anyone know what this tree is called?

(The people that live in this house don't speak English. So asking is not an option - I tried)

Dog Friendly Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

2009-06-15T08:21:00.006-07:00

Yesterday, I took my other sister (I have two) and her husband to the Phoenix airport. She asked me if we could bring Trixie (the good dog) along with me. We didn't but it got me wondering about what people do with their dog when traveling. Sooooo I looked up Phoenix Sky Harbor and dogs. These are some of the pictures and info I found out. Did you know Phoenix Sky Harbor is considered the "friendliest airport"? I didn't either. This airport is definitely dog friendly!

TERMINAL 4: The "Bone Yard", located outside the baggage claim level on the west end, "Mutt Mitts" are provided for owners to clean up after their pets and water buckets are available for a drink. Two water faucets are located within a lighted area filled with gravel in the shape of a bone.

TERMINAL 3: Sky Harbor added another pet park called "Paw Pad" outside Terminal 3 near the base of the control tower.

TERMINAL 2: Just recently added "Pet Patch" just right outside Terminal 2.

These are some of the tips I saw online for traveling with animals.....

Do not tranquilize your pet, as the effects of tranquilizers on animals at higher altitudes can be unpredictable. (Phoenix is at 1,000 above sea level - so problem there)

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set up rules and regulations for the transportation of live animals, and your pet is required to be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before traveling by air.

Whenever possible, book a direct, nonstop flight and avoid holiday or weekend travel.

Try to plan schedules that minimize temperature extremes. The kennel that you use must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and large enough for your pet to freely be able to stand, turn around and lie down. ( LOL, well, if you are traveling to Phoenix then, to minimize temperature extremes you would only be able to travel here during ahhhhhh January and February)

Get your pet comfortable with the kennel prior to flying; this reduces stress on your pet. (I can't imagine ever traveling with Bandit - the dog from He**)

Give your pet food and water within four hours before your flight. You will have to sign a certification of the time when you last offered food and water to your pet.

Give yourself plenty of time for check-in so there is no rushing and everything is done properly (I swear - this is what it says - no rushing LOL)

We Have A Doctor In The House!

2009-06-14T02:32:00.006-07:00

Yesterday was my nephew's graduation. Each of the 52 graduates got to invite 15 guests. Out 1,400 that applied for their doctorates only 53 were accepted. One of their classmates died before he was able to finish - they gave him an Honorary Doctorate ( there was moment of silence for him during the ceremony). It was an honor for me to be asked to attend. In the picture above, my nephew had just been presented his diploma. See on the left side of the picture? They are putting on the "sash."
These are the words to the oath they all say orally during the presentation.

While saying the oath, they are standing. Their right hands are raised. The guests are seated during this part of the ceremony.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_dress If you want to learn about the gowns, caps and tassels, this link is very interesting. When obtaining a doctorate degree, each field is represented with a different color "sash."

This is my very proud sister and her husband with their son .... "The Doctor!"

Every one flies back to Colorado today. They fly back again to Arizona in couple days for the wedding. On Friday, the title will be Dr. and Mrs. ....... I wish him and his to-be-wife the best!

Purina Diet

2009-06-13T02:27:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Nugget, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.
What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again.. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's ass and a car hit us both.
I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.
Costco won't let me shop there anymore.
(Sorry, just another one of those wacky things my hubby's brother sent me :)

Do You Know Where Your Parents Are?

2009-06-11T15:35:00.003-07:00

No need for GPS ... Just look for a mailman! My hubby tells me stories all the time about people stopping him and asking for directions. Today two 80 year olds stopped my hubby and said "We think we're lost." "Where are you going?" he asks. They came from Surprise and were looking for the Casino. They thought they were in Apache Junction and that there was a Casino there.
I put an H with a circle around to show where my hubby was. See it? Just right of Tempe..... See Surprise? I circled it too. It's way up on the top left side of this map. They thought they were in Apache Junction - I circled that too. It's way out on the center of the right side of the map.
He asked .... "Which Casino are you going to"? "Harrah's Ak-Chin," they answered. I circled that too. See it in bottom center part of this map?
He said, "Yes, I believe you ARE lost (with a straight face)!" He told them if they really wanted to go to Apache Junction to find a Casino - go ahead - but, they need to get back on 60 find 10 and head South 35 miles to find Harrah's Ak-Chin.
He called me and told this story with a chuckle. My hubby the GPS/Mailman!

Auction Tonight

2009-06-10T14:10:00.004-07:00

http://a1auctionz.com/

Hubby called me and asked "Did you see the auction photos for tonight?" "No, why?" I said. He said "Check it out and then call me back." The above link is to tonight's auction - then click on photos on the top left side.

Although, my front and back yards are more of the manicured professional done yards...... It would be fun to go see this stuff and watch it sell.

I found this weather vane for the top of the barn. Remember when I had the only house with an umbrella on the top? This a rotty weather vane - cute, huh?

Will let you know how it went at the auction!

WW2 POW house

2009-06-09T08:12:00.002-07:00

http://www.sierraestrella.com/powcamp.html

A few years ago, there were these officers quarters and barracks for sale. They were used here in Phoenix when there was the POW camp during WW2. Several years ago, when these building were for sale my hubby and I lived not far from where these buildings were (Scottsdale Rd./Thomas) At that time we were looking into expanding our house. We considered buying and moving one of these on our property to use as a guest house.

With serious consideration, we decide against it and bought our current house. We built "the barn" (as I call it) on this property. When we EVER get it done, it will be a guest house. It seems that everything else keeps us from finishing our 3/4 done project.

The POW building that we had considered was sold. It was placed in North Tempe as a single family residence. I drove by it yesterday and took a picture of its "new looks."

The above link tells the history of these building. It is very interesting and I encourage you to read it if you have time.

I've been getting the house ready for company this week and then again next week. I wish the guest house (our barn:) was done.

Grand Opening I Love This Bar & Grill Mesa AZ

2009-06-04T08:17:00.023-07:00

Special ***Thank You*** to AZWright for putting hubby and I on the list to this invitation only event. Last night was the Grand Opening Celebration of Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in Mesa, Arizona. http://www.tobykeithusa.com/
After we got our tickets, we stood in line. There was valet parking and limo service.

There were a lot of people there (my picture doesn't show all the people :( The radio station KMLE Country 108 was outside broadcasting. Tim and Willy were there. http://www.kmlenation.com/

They announced all the important people that were there - the mayor of Mesa, I think they said Sandra Day O'Connor ( but it was loud and I didn't hear most of what they said) and more .... then they announced Toby Keith. I got this picture. I was wayyyyyyy in the back. Toby Keith did not perform while we were there :( We left at 9pm.

I had to take three pictures of the guitar above the bar - it was huge. They gave two free drinks to each person. We wore wristbands and they marked when we got our drink. There were hors d'oeuvres. I got to try the Twinkies that I posted about last time. They are good!

This is more of the guitar above the bar.

And the rest of the guitar.

My hubby was "in heaven" last night. There were lots of beautiful women there last night. This is a picture of hubby and Miss Rodeo Arizona.

Hubby's VERY favorite part of the evening was meeting Miss Arizona AND getting a picture of him with her! She was so nice.

We met Adrian Betti with http://www.944.com/ You can see more pictures of the event on this website. On the top of this site look for - I Love This Bar & Grill and click on the picture. He has over fifty great pictures on there.

I had a GREAT time! I was taking pictures of everything and everybody. I took a picture of this young lady. She saw me take a picture of her soooo she snapped a picture of me. I started laughing and snapped another picture of her and her husband. Her husband came over and posed with me so she could get a picture of us. Almost everyone had cameras!

There were a lot of veterans there. They announced something about free hamburgers for active duty servicemen. I'll have to check into that....

The girls behind the bar wore black t-shirts, short jeans and Toby Keith belt buckles.

My hubby and the restaurant's manager.

The guys behind the bar put on "shows"

We left at 9pm. Everything was lit up outside. There were spotlights in the sky. We had a GREAT time! We will definitely bring our friends and family to I Love This Bar & Grill. Again Thank You to AZWright :)

Grasshopper Cake - Greeley, Colorado

2009-06-03T13:23:00.003-07:00

Did you ever eat grasshopper cake? (No relative of Grasshopper Pie). If you are a newcomer to Greeley, you will shrug your shoulders, turn up your nose, and shudder, but if you belong to a pioneer family there you will smile and say, "Yes, my grandmother made it!"
Grasshoppers compounded the difficulties that the intrepid band of Greeley colonists had to overcome. Between 1872 and 1874, grasshoppers stripped the countryside of everything they could devour. The pests left nothing that was worth taking. Feed for chickens was scarce, eggs were a prohibitive price, and cake became an unknown luxury.
Mrs. Ralph Hilton, a plucky capable woman, concocted a cake made without eggs and took it to a social. The eggless cake was christened "Grasshopper Cake" and the recipe was welcomed in all homes when the price of eggs went up.
Grasshopper cake is still made by Greeley pioneer families.
**** copied from Across Colorado Recipes and Recollections - The North Plains - page 268
Unfortunately this cookbook did NOT publish the recipe for Grasshopper Cake :(
Now you know where Grasshopper cake comes from - I knew you all were wondering about this ;)

I like FREE :)

2009-06-02T13:38:00.002-07:00

We've all heard of yard sales, ebay, craigslist, dumpster diving (no I never done that), out in the alley by the trash can....... It's my hubby's day off and he is working of course (that what you do when you are a mailman). He calls me, "Dear, get in the truck and come over here." "What's going on?" I reply. "This house I'm delivering mail to has shutters by their front gate with a FREE sign on them," he says. "I'll be right there!"....said by me rushing out the door.
I like FREE and especially when it's something I can use. The smaller ones will be perfect when I clean them up. I'll put those in the kitchen. The tall door ones :::smiling::: I'll connect the three doors together to make them into a "screen." I'll put thoses in the BBQ area. Perfect! And FREE!
I know, I know.... you'll want pictures huh?

Almost Wordless Monday

2009-06-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

ahhhh...... I don't think so!

I Love This Bar & Grill - Mesa

2009-05-30T08:29:00.004-07:00

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill opened over at the Mesa Riverview recently. It's at 1065 N. Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona. They have some pretty unique things on their menu. For an example, the picture I copied from the website is: 2 Deep Fried Twinkies with whipped cream & strawberries for $4.99.
I haven't been over there since this opened. I do like the cool and unique shops at the Mesa Riverview. I'll try to go over there and take some updated pictures of what's new.
There is a I Love This Bar & Grill in Oklahoma City and one in Las Vegas. http://www.mesariverview.com/

Note: I went over there this afternoon. WOW! It is big! It is really nice! I can't wait to have hubby and I try it out. Grand Opening is coming soon - Toby Keith will be here in person! WOW!

Eat Free All Day Every Day!

2009-05-29T08:35:00.005-07:00

This "restaurant" is in Chandler, Arizona. The http://www.heartattackgrill.com/ is on 6185 W. Chandler Blvd. Check this out - for fun!

Note: I have not eaten here (and don't plan on it, ever) I can put on weight easy enough and I don't ever want a heart attack. I'm not telling hubby about this place either. I like him just the way he is (alive!).

Update: Vintage Crock Pot

2009-05-28T16:04:00.003-07:00

I just realized when I saw the ideas that maybe the picture was deceiving (not on purpose) on how big this crock is. Next to the crock I put a utensil crock and a water jug crock so you could see the size of this thing. It is very big!
Suz: Your idea is great but we have a soda pop machine in the BBQ area. It is an "ex" commercial one. We also have an ice maker out there in BBQ area too. You are in Florida - I thought it was abuse if you didn't have one ;) I know it IS abuse if you don't have a pool!

I do put utensils in a crock .... but the smaller one that's in the picture.
It's been in the backyard storing small pool toys and some dog toys too. If you want to offer some more ideas - they will be appreciated. Thanks, DeeDee :)

Vintage Crock Pot

2009-05-28T10:57:00.004-07:00

I have this vintage crock pot. It measures 24 inches high by 22 inches in diameter. It needs to be outside (I don't have room for it inside the house). It's been outside being used as something to hold the smaller pool toys. But..... I'd like to do something more creative with it. So I'm asking my blogger friends for some ideas.
It is my husband's crock pot. He bought this long time ago at an estate auction in Missouri. And he's been a bit picky about the ideas I've come up with so far. Filling it up with dirt and putting a plant in it is a definite NO, NOT EVEN. I can't wait to hear all your great ideas!

Life goes on....

2009-05-27T09:01:00.004-07:00

We've been busy working on the side of the house. I copied this foot bridge from a website to show you what we decided to do with the ugly tree stump. I've been working on taking out those aloe vera (again). I've given away thousands and there is no one else to take them. I've even advertised FREE Aloe Vera on Craigslist. So ..... I'm potting them until I find something better to do with them.
Anyway, when I get the aloe vera out .... we are going to put a foot bridge in that area. It will cover the tree stump :) There's almost a "million" very large river rocks over on that side too. I've been finding "homes" for those too. I'll use some for around and under the foot bridge. Mostly I've been putting them in the backyard planters. It keeps Bandit out of my planters. I wish I had thought of that months ago.
Bandit is doing good today. I took her to the vet to get fixed yesterday. Boy was that an experience! Try holding down a 90 pound Rottweiler in a room full of dogs with two knees in semi-casts. You know, the heavy duty wrap that still lets you "walk" but keeps you from bumping it. Supposedly helps keep the swelling down. And so you can't see all the black and blue and yellow and red........
Oh did I mention I slipped and fell on the pool decking? Life is never dull here.

Finch Sock

2009-05-25T11:23:00.007-07:00

Diane C. of http://www.sabinocanyonblog.blogspot.com/ recently posted about these Finch Socks. I found it at Target. By the way, her blog is all about Sabino Canyon in Tucson, Arizona. I love visiting her blog!
So I put the Finch Sock up by my office window. There usually 6 birds on the sock and several "waiting" for their turns. I got a picture of two but the birds kept flying away because......

No, not because of Si.......

Because Bandit was barking at (she has that loud rotty bark) .....

Fluffy! My hubby just came home with the first load of planter stones. He drop off this truck and took my truck to pick up the second load. Fluffy, the neighborhood cat came to check things out.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T09:41:00.001-07:00

My thoughts and prayers are for "ours" that are so far from home. Remember that God has a plan! Have a safe weekend.

New Flip Flops

2009-05-22T12:38:00.004-07:00

Bandit (the dog from ****) has chewed every pair of shoes I own. When my hubby's ex-wife and her husband came to visit, they couldn't help but noticed the shoes I was wearing. The left shoe was ok but the right shoe ..... was barely what you'd still call a shoe. It was the best pair I had. When we came home from hiking South Mountain with them (ex-wife & husband), I threw the pair away.

Today in the mail I got a box of shoes from my hubby's ex-wife. I wear flip flops a lot. She sent me 7 pairs from Old Navy.... in different colors.... and my size! Woohoo How cool is that?

Now, I'm not posting this so you all will send me shoes ;)

Dirty Little Secret

2009-05-21T08:10:00.002-07:00

I have this dirty little secret that I have not confessed to my blogger friends. I know we don't have to air our dirty laundry out on blogger but.... I have this area on the side of the house that is just plain ugly! I threw those aloe vera over there because I didn't know where else to put them. I had thousands and couldn't find homes for them all. This area has an old tree stump too. From that tree stump I get these "shoots." I dig them up :( I cut them down :( I put rocks on them:( They won't go away!
It was my husbands idea ( I swear)! As if he hasn't built enough around our house lately, he going to "fix" the side. Here is the first load of stones. We'll need two more loads of planter stones - 4 tons of dirt - 2 tons of sand - and then it's off to the nursery AGAIN!

Kris Allen - American Idol Winner!

2009-05-20T21:15:00.003-07:00

My hubby got me hooked on American Idol again this year. We both predicted Kris Allen would win. Kris is a talented singer AND plays the piano and the guitar!
Congratulations to Kris Allen!

"Up on the Roof"

2009-05-20T09:28:00.002-07:00

We had some bad weather here the other day. Yes, in Arizona! To say the wind blew .... would be an understatement. As always, it catches me by surprise. By the time it's done - I've lost most everything that's not cemented down in the ground. All my patio umbrellas were found in various places. One was IN the pool - one was upside down along the edge of the pool - two were broken - one in the neighbors backyard- one in a planter - one was actually ok and one was on top of the roof of my "barn." See it up there?
Now you can see it. I had to stand on the planter with the pool brush extended out as far as it could go.... hit the umbrella .... and down it came. I would love to put a weather vane up there. Maybe I should have left the umbrella up there? We'd be the only ones on the block with their umbrella on the roof.

Park Bench

2009-05-19T06:58:00.004-07:00

While reading Deb's blog http://www.LadybugfromTexas.blogspot.com/ yesterday, she mentioned that her husband bought a park bench at a yard sale. My hubby did too. I told her I would post it. It is broken but the cat can nap on it (while he's supervising the birds). I might place pots of plants on it too. Here it is.... outside my office window.

Birthday Party

2009-05-18T09:38:00.003-07:00

My son (who lives here in Arizona) and his wife and three daughters came over for a BBQ-Pool Birthday party this weekend. Of course, you remember the grand daughter who broke her leg and sprained her foot. They (the doctors) put a new cast on her two weeks ago. She is not using a wheelchair any more. Woohoo! She uses a crutch, now. Hopefully, in two weeks, the cast will come off for good. (just in time for summer break)
My hubby taped a $5 on her cast and signed it. I helped him with the added hearts :)
She didn't get to go swimming and sat on the "injured reserved section" of the pool with my hubby. Hubby ......
He decided to make homemade southern potato salad. He's from Missouri/Arkansas. He thought he'd show us "big city" folk some cooking southern style for the birthday party. While slicing the pickles, he also sliced off the top of his finger. Ouch! I told him to go to the emergency room (and he actually listened and did). According to him, he waited 1 1/2 hours and no one saw him so he left. He went to the drug store and bought a bag full of Band Aids, tape and ointments. He said he could fix his finger himself! Me, not one to argue, said ok.
And so.... my son turned 33. There is never a dull moment at my house!

Soda Can Info

2009-05-16T10:42:00.005-07:00

Have you ever wonder what some of the coding means on the side of your product?
See the 1 835 8 1843D just below the product code? The 1 means the bottom of the can was made by cupper #1. This can was made in Phoenix. The 835 is the manufacturing plant's number and area. This can was made in 2008 - the 8 is for the year. It was made on the 184th day of 2008. The 184 tells you that. There are 3 manufacturing lines. This can was made on the third line. The 3 tells you that. Then the D. D crew made this can. There are 4 crews A, B, C, and D. A crew is the day crew that works the first 12 hours. Then C crew is the night crew that does the next 12 hours. When their 4 days are done, B crew comes in and does the first 12 hours. Then D crew does the night 12 hours for four days. Then it changes back to A and C.

There are three main can manufacturing plants. Rexam made this can. Crown makes cans - their mark is a capital C. Ball makes cans, too. Their mark is Ball. This can is unusual because the can manufacturing company's mark is usually at the bottom near the product code. Hope you like my little tidbit of can information.

Update: foxes

2009-05-15T06:20:00.003-07:00

My sister in Colorado emailed me these pictures yesterday. The foxes that "moved in" last month are still there and doing fine. I'll have to ask her if they named them yet. According to my sister, the neighbors don't mind that these foxes live under their back patio porch. I guess it would be like having a FREE security system - who's going to mess with a house that has 6 foxes!

The President at ASU

2009-05-13T17:31:00.014-07:00

I actually took this picture of Air Force One! I tried last time it was here in Phoenix and missed it. Last time I got a picture of the trees.

Si and I sat out on my front yard and waited to take the picture of Air Force One.

Channel 12 was interviewing some ASU graduate's parents when the President practically ran down the steps of Air Force One. The news team almost missed it. Oops!

This has been on our news everyday. The President gave the commencement address for the graduating ASU Class of 2009 today. I couldn't remember who gave my commencement address when I graduated from college to save my life.

They warned the people that it is hot here in Arizona. It is even hotter at the ASU Sun Devil Stadium! 95 people had to go to the hospital because of the heat. They had the people come into the stadium at 3pm (the hottest time of our day). This is one of the ladies they carried out.

Their seats were on those hot metal benches.

They told the people they had to leave their water bottles at the gate. They told them that there would be water supplied to them inside. Yep.... at $5.50 a bottle!

Many, many, many thousands of people showed up for this. Some of the graduating class wore swimming suits.

They said that these would be the temperatures during the commencement speech. They were wrong.... It was 104. Hot!

This is one of the earlier pictures of the traffic. No way would you catch me out driving during this. And no way would you catch me out in this heat (unless I was in the pool). I was in front of the tv watching American Idol. Woohoo! Next week we pick between Adam and Kris :)

What were they thinking?

2009-05-13T08:08:00.004-07:00

My husband's brother sends us these emails of "wacky" stuff. His brother lives just north of Little Rock, Arkansas. I don't know if this is a picture he took but.....
This is definately a "what were they thinking" ??? And it looks like all the driveways look like that. I wondered if anyone bought one of these houses?

Bicycle Trip on Mother's Day

2009-05-10T13:22:00.010-07:00

My bicycle trip on Mother's Day - Blessing to you, Dee Dee

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T13:07:00.005-07:00

So many of my blogger friends have given me a look into their neighborhoods. Each are so uniquely different and such a pleasure to visit through pictures. Just recently I asked Mildred of Nalley Valley where her favorite place in her yard would be. She answered on a swing under a magnolia. That sounds like just the place I would pick if I lived in Georgia. Arizona is uniquely different, too. I love living here.

Bandit

2009-05-09T07:01:00.003-07:00

I haven't posted about Bandit for so long. There was a day just last week ..... I'll start from the beginning.
I now have to keep the laundry in a basket "on a table" - when sorting clothes in piles on the floor - too many pieces of undies were taken out to the back yard and were being chewed.
One and part of another dining room chairs were chewed and had to be thrown away.
After 15 throw rugs being shredded to pieces - I now have only one ( it's in the picture).
Two pillow cases - one was an antique hand embroidered that matched the antique chenille bedspread - well, they were chewed too. I'm even more careful in keeping the doors shut in the house.
The day the guys came (at 5:30am) to pebbletec the pool -we opened up the back sliding glass door to find 4 patio cushions shredded into itsy bitsy pieces and not even neatly scattered around the yard. So at 5;30am while the guys were setting up to pebbletec, my husband and I were racing around the yard picking up pieces of patio cushions.
There was the night when Bandit "took" the lemons off our tree and creatively dug holes throughout the back yard to place them. (like Easter egg hunting but with lemons)
All the tiny rocks that were part of the backyard landscaping were eaten by Bandit and then distributed in dog poop the next day on the grass.
I'm probably forgetting some of the other not cherished moments with Bandit. She is always digging holes. We have spent a small fortune getting the house ready for company. We did a lot of new landscaping in the back yard ( that I didn't even mention on my blog). Two of the new plants in the back were torch bougainvillea. To make a long story short - Bandit dug one of them up. I replanted it. She dug it up again. I replanted it. This happened four times in one day. She almost became a pound puppy that day!
On May 26, at 7am she is getting fixed!!! They said that "fixing" her will settle this dog down. This I HAVE TO SEE.

May 9th Food Drive

2009-05-08T12:07:00.003-07:00

Saturday, May 9th is the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This is just a reminder for everyone to put your sack of non-perishable goods out tomorrow by your mail box.The post office gives the letter carriers "Stamp Out Hunger" t-shirts to wear tomorrow to promote the day. Tomorrow evening, the letter carrier's union has a BBQ for the letter carriers and their families. It's something we look forward every year - It is fun!

Free KFC Dinners

2009-05-08T10:42:00.004-07:00

My husband came home from work and said you (me) need to go to Oprah.com. Rolling my eyes (I am NOT an Oprah fan), "Why?" "Well," he says, "you can download coupons for free chicken dinners." So I did. Supposedly, you are able to download four coupons. It would only let download three. So my husband tried it. It only let him download three.
So yesterday being a 101 kind of day, I thought ok..... I won't have to cook dinner. I took my coupons to KFC. Me AND the other 5 million people that live here in Phoenix were there at KFC. All of us with coupons in hand. :::Rolling eyes and shaking head:::
I waited in line. Sometime later ( much later) I walked out with two free boxes of chicken dinners from KFC.
Yesterday, since it was so hot, my husband and I went swimming before dinner. Trixie sat on "Daddy's" lap while he laid on one of those pool loungers. Bandit ran around the pool - and me, I love the pool Oodles (or Noodles, whatever they are called).
Dinner - it was good. Thanks to Oprah? KFC?

Hot~Hot~Hot

2009-05-07T16:40:00.002-07:00

It's hot today! It's going to be hot (102) again tomorrow. And even hotter (103) the next day. Woohoo! Bring it on!

What would you do?

2009-05-07T08:30:00.004-07:00

I was outside planting more plants yesterday. It seems like I visit that nursery a block from my house daily. Anyway... I was out in the front-side yard. There must be a bird nest in one of my trees in the front yard. Whenever I hear a lot of bird squawking, I know Fluffy must be near by. Fluffy is the neighbor's (three houses to the east of me) cat. Si, my cat, spend a lot of time in the front yard too but..... he is not a threat to the birds. Si is 17 years old. He goes out in the front yard to get away from my dogs and to bask in the sun.
So, I was out there planting plants listening to the birds squawk at Fluffy. The front window opens at the neighbors house and one of the teenagers who lives there looks out. She ( the teenager) then closes the window. *** I thought she was looking out the window to check out what all the squawking was about - silly me ****
Two minutes later, the window opens again. I look up to see the teenager's boyfriend jump over their front fence and climb through the window. I watched him - and he watched me watch him. You know those moments where you are caught by surprise and don't know what to say??? I was speechless.
Wondering what I should do (if anything), I chose to mind my own business. I'm sure they were ditching school and meeting at "her" house while almost everyone was at work. Just wondering, what would you have done?
By the way, isn't Fluffy a cutie?

Dale Chihuly - Phoenix

2009-05-06T08:51:00.002-07:00

We went to the Desert Botanical Gardens http://www.dbg.org/ yesterday. I've posted about the Dale Chihuly exhibit before. If you are in the Phoenix area, this is a must to go see. I tried not to tell them what to expect so it would be a surprise. Surprise it was! They were very glad I took them here - it was the highlight of their trip! Anyway.... the exhibit ends May 31. It was hard to only show one picture. I didn't want to spoil the surprise if you all happen to get to see it. What do you think of that cactus? Cool, huh?