And here is my attempt to get the full moon at a time when it is nearest to the earth. This is taken from the front courtyard here in Green Valley. New camera working fine, photographer iffy. I wish you all could come visit us here, it is so nice.
Love ya'll

It's been a while since blogged, as I was reminded by my daughter, so here goes. While Green
Valley has been on the cool side, we still have the beauty of nature to enjoy. The finches are having a snack before bed time and I have a chance to try out my new camera Cookie gave me. I haven't had too many chances since we got back from Idaho due to wind and rain, but, I'm on it now.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Well here it is the day after Christmas and a day of catching our breath after such a full schedule the last few weeks. As I said in the last post, Chet and Cookie and I made it to Nampa on a Saturday two weeks ago. That meant we only had a little while to get ready for the big day. Cookie had to go right to work that Sunday so we didn't get to spend much time together like we usually do getting ready for the Holidays. Erica and Melissa had to work overtime as well because of the time off for their trip to Las Vegas, but, all worked out beautifully as it always does.
We opted for the traditional turkey dinner, this year, with all the trimmings and it was wonderful. Lindsey, Marlin and Kylie, Kevin, Marissa and new baby girl Aurora came over for dinner. Aurora was born on Thanksgiving Day and what a cutie she is and a cuddle bunny. It was the first time I got to see my latest Great grandchild and a while since I got to hold a baby. Her big four year old sister, Marissa, entertained Aurora and the rest of us with the wonder of it all. Of course the some of the other great grandkids were here and made the day a delight showing their talents as photographers. Nothing like new digital cameras to bring out the ham in everyone. Ady did a video which we all watched on the "big screen" that had tears running down all our faces.
Well I hope you all had as much fun as this clan and just think it is only 364 days until we can all do it again.


Love to all

Hi all,
As I'm sure you all know Cookie and Chet came to Green Valley for a quick visit and to drive back to Nampa via Las Vegas with me for the Holidays. We spent a couple of days sight seeing around down there, then headed north. We stopped in Las Vegas for "R&R" ( I say that laughingly") and to see Pat and Mike for a bit. As it turned out Erica and her family were in town as were Mel and Greg so a good time was had by all. And of course we had to hit the "Office" a couple of times, plus, we all went to "Joe'sCrab Shack" for a wonderful dinner. Not sure if it will ever be the same. That has become somewhat of a tradition. Ady and Rylee had a great time doing the Mocarena dance with the waitresses, and a fine job of it I must say.

Mike had to work on the on the three days we were there so was hard o catch up with him. We decided to drive out to Primm to have lunch with him on Fri. Was a nice visit but way too short and we still haven't had a chance to see his 2 new horses.

We also got a chance to do a little Christmas shopping while there. Would have liked to stay a little longer, but, it was time to move on. We headed on to Nampa on Sat. and had a lovely drive, the weather was very nice and Cook and I traded off driving so it wasn't quiet so hard on either of us. Have to get ready for Christmas so a lot to do in the next couple of weeks. "Honey Bob" is flyng up on the 22nd for the fun and festivities. Can't wait for hm to get here.

Think that pretty much brings things up to date. Looking forward to seeing everyone over the holidays.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL,
Again it has been a while, but I have an excuse. Seems the aggressive aleve taking for my arthritis was not good for my stomach, which caused me to have a bleeding ulcer. After trying to tough it out for a couple of weeks I had to cry "uncle" and seek medical help. I spent five days in hospital, but, am now home safe and sound. May not have been quite so bad if I had not popped 4 of them every morning on an empty tummy, duh. So bare in mind, "Do as I say not as I do". Anyway, all is good now.

Bob and I are anxiously awaiting Cook and Chet. They are flying here tomorrow for a few days, then the three of us are going to work our way back to Nampa via Las Vegas. We hope to do some shopping there for Christmas before heading on north. It is a busy time of year as you all know and as usual I am way behind and not the least bit concerned about that. Will be fun to get into the kitchen with the kids and make all the goodies. Just thinking about the smells and laughs brings a smile to my face. Tis the best time of year. Bob will be flying up to Nampa the 22nd to join in the fun.

I wish joy and happiness for all of you and look forward to seeing everyone.

I think I may have been slightly remiss in keeping all informed of the adventures in the desert, so here is the latest. After a day of cleaning out the garage and filling the back of the Jeep with goodies of every kind and description, Bob settled in for the night planning to take said goodies to the Legion for the annual yard sale on Sat. He went out yesterday morning only fo find the Jeep wouldn't start. Strange eminations from lights and horn, but, no motor. Deciding the battery was low he hooked up battery charger only to find that it registered 0. Now everyone who lives in the desert knows batteries are only good for about 3 years, regardless of how many miles you put on car, or even if it is always stored in garage. Sooo, he decided to take it out, load it into my car and take it and have it checked. After much ado and to do, borrowing tools from friend Terry, because of course bolts are metric, he finally got it out and into my car. Off to the parts store. Sure enough said battery is DEAD!!! so he bought the only one in town that fits his Jeep, loaded it in my car. Now as he is starting to leave, low and behold, my Altima won't start. So going into the store again he borrows a tester for my battery only to find it too is DEAD!!! Needless to say they just happen to have battery for car and would be happy to lend him tools to replace my battery, because, of course I don't happen to carry tools of that nature in my car. After about 3 hours and much cussing and $300 we are both proud owners of new batteries.

In the I meantime made arrangements to go to the Legion with friend Debbe for "burger night" prep. And of course being Vets day there was an inordinate amount of activity which put us somewhat behind. Sooo we imbibed a little, took in the concert the high school band put on for the Vets. and waited for the kitchen to clear. Bob had made it through a shower and came ready for something to ease the heat he had suffered through all day. We finished the day with hamburgers and booze, then returned home to enjoy the spa and festive lights and fire in fire pit.

Not a jack o lantern, but, a lovely candle