Princess Of The Known Universe

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T04:07:00.000-08:00

Another Good Error Message

2012-02-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Yep - another good error message. Who thinks these things up??

Baby Shower

2012-02-12T06:10:00.001-08:00

We had a tea party baby shower for a friend. It was great fun. Sometimes small groups of friends with lovely stories can be ideal!

Cinnamon scones!

Oh Fishy!!

2012-02-11T07:19:00.001-08:00

I think our beloved fish is dying. He has been floating upside down and then righting himself for a few days. He was a mothers day gift from the cats some 5 years ago. He has had a long happy life - and it is heart breaking to see him like this :(

Spring?

2012-02-04T18:04:00.001-08:00

While out on my super slow walk today I saw this!
Is it really spring? Didn't the ground hog say more winter?

What Is Up? Or In?

2012-02-03T06:44:00.001-08:00

Are you wondering what is happening out here? Well we are all doing really well and keeping a close eye on my belly button. Will it stay an inie or become an outy? Just no telling!

Late For The Holidays

2012-01-28T08:12:00.001-08:00

I love holiday bulbs. I like to start them around Thanksgiving and then hope they open up by Christmas. This year, however, I did not have that happen. I got this bulb from a white elephant exchange at knitting. It is a great color and in all honesty it has made the holiday season seem to last. I'm happy to have it in the window now (the start of February). Sort of like a Valentines flower!!

True Love.

2012-01-27T14:56:00.001-08:00

My honey knows that baby and I love sushi. No raw fish - just veggies - but the little girl relaxes after I eat it (and I enjoy it too). Here is what he made me last night!

Mini Moab Vacation

2012-01-22T06:58:00.001-08:00

Mike and I decided to take a quick little trip to Moab this weekend. It was meant to just be a quick hike and visit trip - turned out to be one of the best Moab trips. It was only for a day and a half - but that is about all I can deal with at this point. A lot more photos will be up on Flickr.

Oh Christmas Tree!

2012-01-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

We hate putting away the Christmas tree. Just hate it. But once a year it has to happen and my DH just doesn't want to let it go!

2011 Moving.

2012-01-14T07:06:00.000-08:00

In 2011 I tried to keep moving and keep track of what I was doing. Here is my year in review from this fantastic site (dailymile.com). It is a free site and if you care to join we could be buddies and cheer each other on!

Also if I had known I was two freaking miles away from a sweet 500 mile mark I would have gotten my butt out on New Year Eve!

Happy 2012

2012-01-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

With the new year comes the arrival of our baby. Of course we are a few months out - but I'm not the type of person to wait too long. Here is a time laps video of Mike putting stuff together in the baby room. I especially like the cats roaming through at different points. They seem interested in what is happening in that back room.

2012 is going to be a very interesting year for us!

RIP Dear Leader

2011-12-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

Updating Blogs & Reading

2011-12-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

If you happen to wonder why I'm not commenting on your blog it is because my blog reader died. I'm trying to find a new one and get all my blogs set back up. I miss all of you! I wish I could remember all the blogs I like to read off the top of my head.

If you are wondering about the video this is Moab (our smallest cat) who has a new baby (an iphone cover). She carries it around, takes it to the bathroom and tries to feed it.

Happy Thursday.

2011-12-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Just to brighten your day!

Cats & Holidays.

2011-12-09T05:16:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure how it is in your house - but in our house the cats seem to always want to be involved with present wrapping. This kitty takes it to a whole other level!

Half Baked.

2011-12-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

Do you want to know what our little baby looks like half baked? Yep. We are past the half way mark and she is growing up a storm!

Oh Christmas Cookie!

2011-12-04T15:33:00.001-08:00

It is that time in our house. The season for baking cookies. Do you have holiday baking traditions?

The Kevins - Holiday Letter

2011-12-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,
We have strung our lights, we are ready for our gifts, and we promise we have been good this year.

Sincerely,
The Kevins (who are in the holiday spirit)

Where oh where ...

2011-11-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in a while. We spent Thanksgiving with my family - which is always an adventure and then returned home. While going to the grocery store I dropped my new iPhone 4S and the glass exploded. It makes blogging hard for me since I normally use my phone. I promise for a good holiday update in the next few weeks!

I miss you guys too.

Last Track Weekend!

2011-11-12T08:47:00.001-08:00

Yep. This weekend is Mike's last race of the year. We are in southern new mexico and it is actually a little bit cold!

We got Moab a new bed for this trip - but Methow has decided she likes it best!

DC Trip

2011-11-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a short re-cap from our trip out to DC. Mike got an award from Secretary Chu (which was exciting). It was our little spuds first trip to the East Coast (already went to the West Coast a while ago). Hopefully once the kid is born it travels this well!

Miss Me?

2011-10-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

I'm going out to DC this week to hook up with Mike for a few days before we fly home. I'm excited to go to some museums and see a few friends. Hopefully I'll get loads of great photos and I'll post them!

See you on the East Coast!

Strange Creature.

2011-10-25T04:40:00.000-07:00

Any ideas what this little creature is? I thought maybe a squirrel - but it is large for a squirrel for these parts. This little guy has been bringing down the bird feeder and helping himself to whatever he likes!

Warm & Sunny.

2011-10-24T04:37:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to be a bit better about blogging (especially now that the world knows about my secret). Fall is my favorite season. The changing colors, the cooler weather and how on a cool day the warm sun can feel so amazing. Methow loves to sunbath as well (all year round for her - but fall she also enjoys).

Do you have a favorite season?

Walking Surprise.

2011-10-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

While out on a Sunday walk I saw a bunch of lovely sunflowers just poking out of the forest. It appears as if they have just re-seeded them selves and are going wild. But, they sure did make me smile. I thought about picking some and decided to leave them for the next person!

Did you see anything this fine Sunday?

Project 333 - Expecting Edition

2011-10-13T17:18:00.001-07:00

If you don't read my knitting blog this might be news - or of course you already know this since I just posted it there.

Mike and I are expecting. Want to know what that means for project 333 ... Well let's just say very few clothes fit me so it is pretty easy.

This Morning!

2011-10-06T14:26:00.001-07:00

It was an amazing sunrise!

Because Tuesdays Sometimes Suck.

2011-10-04T16:22:00.001-07:00

Monday Night Fun!

2011-09-26T19:04:00.001-07:00

Look at what Methow found in the back yard!

I had to stop her from eating it!

Tomato Sauce!

2011-09-26T17:46:00.001-07:00

Pounds of tomatoes this year - and guess what I made!

Only Summer Fruit

2011-09-25T16:04:00.001-07:00

Since we got a cold snap this year all of the blossoms on the fruit trees died. Four pears is what I got this year!

I've harvested the four and am letting them ripen.

Thursday is for ANGER!

2011-09-22T07:27:00.001-07:00

Long Time

2011-09-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

I'm having a hard time keeping my blog up to date. Just a lot of life happening. Tonight we are enjoying dal for dinner. I'm nor sure if any of you dear readers eats dal with a side of nann - but if you ever get the chance you should try it!

Race Weekend

2011-09-10T10:39:00.001-07:00

Race weekends are filled with relaxing, Mike working on the bike and cats demanding attention!

Tis The Season

2011-09-05T15:42:00.001-07:00

Can you tell what this is? Green chili season in New Mexico. All over the place people are roasting and the smell is amazing. These are my favorite chilies from Hatch. I store them in bags and freeze them. A years worth of deliciousness!

Kevins!

2011-09-01T06:10:00.001-07:00

The white Kevins like to get broody. They stay in their coop and hope to hatch eggs. This last time we tracked how many days - 23. Which is how long it normally take for an egg to hatch!

Friday - For the Kitty Lover In You!

2011-08-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

Because Venture Brothers ROCKS!

2011-08-24T06:36:00.001-07:00

Sleepy Girl!

2011-08-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

It has been stormy the past couple of days and it makes Methow sleepy!

Pickling!

2011-08-22T04:13:00.000-07:00

I love refrigerator pickles. A lovely buddy, Bonnie, has a garden overflowing with cucumbers - I of course took some.

Local Dirt Biking

2011-08-21T12:30:00.001-07:00

We went up to the ski hill yesterday and saw some pretty sweet dirt bike racing!

Of course it was dumping rain!

Friday!

2011-08-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

Video by a no name girl which if you haven't seen has become crazy popular.

You know you have made it when Stephen Colbert covers you!

HAPPY FRIDAY! "hope the song gets stuck in your head!"

Chupacabra Trapped & Caught Near Hospital.

2011-08-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Mystery solved. Chupacabra is just a funky looking animal!

Hump Day Humor!

2011-08-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Life lessons to live by :)

Summer Time!

2011-08-14T16:30:00.001-07:00

This is the fifth tomato

to be pulled out of the garden! I love summer gardening.

The craft fair this past weekend was perfect.

When The Cats Away

2011-08-10T19:24:00.001-07:00

DH decided to go on a short motorcycle trip up to Colorado. While he is away I don't ever make a big pot of coffee, but I make just enough for me. With my new super cool vintage percolator I'm now set!

Weekend Love!

2011-08-07T19:15:00.001-07:00

Well the weekend has come and gone. I'm more exhausted than I was before it started. But a few things happened. First the Kevins turned 1 year old today. A whole year since their birth. In other news cherries are coming into season. Rainer cherries to be specific. I love them so much that it is possible for me to eat them until I vomit.

Image of the Day

2011-08-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

From Sci-Fy Blog: Megatron Cat

Dust Devil

2011-08-03T06:26:00.001-07:00

Dust Devil a video by RocketGirl* on Flickr.

While driving home from ABQ the other day we saw this amazing dust devil. Normally dust devils around here are small and short lived. Not this one!

I Feel This Way Sometimes!

2011-08-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Days End!

2011-07-26T18:37:00.001-07:00

At the end of the day - this is what I come home to find!

Summer Putting Up!

2011-07-24T18:02:00.001-07:00

The basil is popping and pesto had to be made. I also dried dill and cayenne peppers. I've never dried these peppers before - can't wait to try them!

How is your garden doing?

California Trip.

2011-07-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last week we were in Palm Desert California. It was hot. Super super hot (as in 114 most days). But, we did get out one morning to go to Joshua Tree. The park was really cool. I had no idea that Joshua Trees got so big. The rocks were very scratchy and seemed to be made up of millions of smaller stones (from reading the guide on the park that they are granite).

Over all it was a nice trip. A little pool time, Mike was in meetings most of the week, dinners out, bowling, antique shopping and hiking!

An Update ...

2011-07-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

I noticed the other day that my blog has more photos than stories or notes on life these days. Figured maybe I should change that a little. Last night, while it was dumping rain at our house, Mike noticed that his wedding ring was missing. He had been working in the garage most of the day and wearing rubber gloves. So, he sat on the floor pulling rubber gloves apart. I was certain that an adult melt-down was about to happen. I have no idea why, but I thought to check the bed and under the bed. With one quick glance I noticed the ring under our bed. When I gave it back to Mike he said that during the night he heard what he thought was a washer hitting the floor - but it was just his ring.

Adult melt-down averted!

In other news another nice error message with a robot. People online have been coming up with really good error messages!

Summer Macros.

2011-07-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

Summer time around here. 90 degrees or so - which is perfect for taking macro shots of all kinds of tings. Any idea what type of lizard this is?

4th of July

2011-07-04T19:35:00.001-07:00

We aren't allowed to have fireworks this fourth. So we had some bubbly instead. Happy fourth everyone!

Not sure if you can tell - but my corn is knee high and it is the fourth of July!

Fire Update

2011-06-29T08:52:00.001-07:00

Day 4 of the fire and it sure is one mean mother. Seems to be burning all around. We have been held up at a friends place in Santa Fe - but we are thinking about going back. Not "unloading" but being closer to home and the fire means less waiting impatiently.

Here is the crap that is falling in our back yard.

So the plan is to be ready to leave at moments notice - but to be home.

Fire

2011-06-28T08:31:00.001-07:00

The past few days have been crazy. Sunday we flew to Chicago for a meeting. Once we landed our phones went bonkers. A fire had broken out and Susan wanted to know what to do with all the animals. We formulated a plan. Susan, Ray and Lee loaded up the rv and the trailer. The trailer had the chickens in it and the cats were inside. Our buddy Ray drove the whole flock down to his house in Santa Fe. We bought one way tickets home - $1000 - and we got back home: just in time for a state trooper to tell us we could drive up to the house. Back to Santa Fe we went. The wind rocked the rv all night as we slept fitfully. Our 3rd fire evacuation in ~10 years. I'm not sure I like living here.

Methow.

2011-06-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

We let the cats out back as long as we are out back. There is a lady on Flickr who always has amazing photos of her kitties playing and running. I decided to see if I could snap a shot or two of Methow at full speed.

Wild Fires.

2011-06-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we noticed smoke coming from the mountains near by. Since yesterday it has been burning and filling the air with smoke (not as bad as the Arizona fire - but still smoky). Summer in the south west!

Birthday Party.

2011-06-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

I decided for my birthday to take a photo with each guest. You can see the full set here.

Thanks again for all of the birthday wishes. It was a splendid day/week and year!

Fridays ...

2011-06-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here is what Fridays look like around our house. We try to get to the ski hill once a week to run/bike out the trails and then have lunch. Today the trails were covered with butterflies and dust. But, the lunch was delicious and refreshing! There is something perfect about a small town when you can get away like this.

Weekend Biking

2011-06-15T06:07:00.001-07:00

Mike and I road up to the bagel shop this past weekend. Hot, smoky, but really nice!

Summer Macros.

2011-06-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Time Goes By.

2011-06-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Seems like forever since I've blogged. Guess life just gets away from me. Tomorrow is my birthday so I thought I should get my butt in gear and post something.

As most of you know we live next to Arizona where there are wild fires burning. As it burns and my lungs kill me from the smoke - the sunsets look amazing. The sky seems to be on fire!

Summer in our house means a lot of grilling and partying out back. Here is my honey having a lovely time!

Hope all is well with you and I plan to try and get a little more blogging in!

Wondering ...

2011-06-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering how we are doing without Bend? We still miss him - but he has a place of honor in our house. As we walk down the hall we chat to him. Mostly "Hi Buddy - how is it going."

The Kevins - Go To Oz.

2011-06-05T18:10:00.001-07:00

Did any of you ever watch the HBO show Oz? It was about prison (a bit violent and really made me never want to see the inside of a jail). Well that is what we are now calling this inclosure. See, Kevin's were eating my garden, digging up the grass and basically running the whole back yarn into the ground.

The fence was a serious labor of love. It took Mike two full weekends and was not fun to put up. The girls seem to be adjusting to it well though and our hope is that over time they forget about the rest of the yard.

New Dinner Item!

2011-06-04T20:14:00.001-07:00

I got this pan from King Arthurs and the recipe. It has taken me a while to make them - but here they are. Home made hamburger buns. They taste amazing and really weren't that hard to make!

Gardening 2011

2011-06-01T11:19:00.001-07:00

During the weekend - while trying to get the fence up - I did some weeding in the garden. Why is it weeding takes so long but has such a big impact?

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T16:49:00.001-07:00

Around here it means bbqing and back yard work. For a white girl like me it means burning in the sun. Yes - that white spot is where my shirt was. I'm a lobster!

When The Cats Away ....

2011-05-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

The mouse does play - she plays in the kitchen re-organizing everything.

As part of my Project 333 I'm going through the kitchen again. Thinking about what I need and what I don't need. I have 4 full sets of dishes. I have a lot of silverware sets. I have too many dishes.

So, what does one do about this? Well I apply my Project 333 criteria to my dishes. I've found that sentimental plays into my kitchen more than my closet. What I've decided to do is move dishes into a temporary cupboard until I can decide what to do with them. Live without them for a while and see what I love and dislike about the stuff that is currently out.

So my cupboard now looks a bit empty - but we'll see how it goes.

Garden veggies!

2011-05-23T18:30:00.001-07:00

The first radishes of the season!

Geek Art.

2011-05-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Being someone who made coffee for a living I appreciate good coffee art. Amazing work!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-05-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Carol has another great Ten on Tuesday (sorry it is coming out on Wednesday). 10 Favorite Things to do Outside.

1. Just be outside. I love the smells, sights and sounds.
2. Hike/run. Traveling through the woods is a great way to relax and forget about all the crap that we seem to deal with day in and day out.
3. Eat. Back yard BBQing is one of our favorite things to do. Just good inside and eat outside is lovely too.
4. Garden. Putting seeds in the ground and watching them come to life is amazing. I like knowing where my food comes from.
5. Chicken watching. Might sound odd - but there is nothing more relaxing then watching the flock of Kevin's cruise around the back yard. We could spend hours doing it.
6. Hot tubing. We mostly hot tub in winter. But, sometimes in summer as well. In hot water, watching the stars on a clear cool night - AH ... nothing better!
7. Sparkler Dancing. In summer I like to have a ton of sparklers on hand and I like to dance through the back yard with my sparklers.
8. Biking. Something about the breeze through my hair and the peddles beneath my feet that can make any day better.
9. Spinning. I like to take my little wheel out and get some good spinning in.
10. Chess. Yep. You heard me. We have a board that we keep outside and we like to sit with a cool cocktail, listen to the rustling of the leafs in the aspens and play a good game. I normally beat the crap out of Mike - but it is fun none the less.

What do you love to do outside???

Tuesday Laugh.

2011-05-17T07:57:00.001-07:00

For any of you that use twitter!

Moab

2011-05-15T09:07:00.001-07:00

I love taking photos of the cats during rv trips!

Sunday - Race Day!

2011-05-15T08:59:00.001-07:00

Sunday here - which means racing time! I spend most of the day outside being Mike's pit Betty.

Cat-tastic

2011-05-14T10:10:00.001-07:00

The cats are missing Bend this weekend - but they are doing okay! It is going to be a while before we can RV without thinking about him.

Craft Fair Weekend.

2011-05-09T18:41:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was the Los Alamos craft fair. I have never been do tired. A whole day is just a bit much. The fair was great though. Lots of interest in the reusable bags and bowl covers.

Geek Zodiac

2011-05-04T11:32:00.001-07:00

Doing okay?

2011-05-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

You might be wondering how Mike and I are doing with Bend's departure. I know we kept getting calls from people. Grief is a strange thing. For a few days all I could do was cry and now I cry at strange moments. Out of the blue something will make me think about him and I'll loose it.

I finally put together a big photo book of Bend and we get to pick up his ashes this Thursday. I'm sure it will be emotional, but the closure will be good for us.

The girls are having just as hard a time dealing with Bend's departure as we are. Methow waits for him at night and wont come to bed. Moab is super happy and likes to run around quickly.

Crazy Spring.

2011-05-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today it is snowing out. Snowing on May first, what in the world is up with that? I found this massive moth on the front step of our house this weekend. I'm glad one of the cats didn't eat it (because the vomit from this large moth would have been too much for me to handle).

One More Thursday Fun!

2011-04-28T12:36:00.001-07:00

Because You Need To Smile!

2011-04-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

Bend - Cat of Mystery

2011-04-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

Bend - Cat of Mystery, a photo by RocketGirl* on Flickr.

Some of you know - but we had to put Bend down on Monday morning. I haven't blogged or chatted about it because I can't stop crying when I think about him.

We had Bend for nearly 11 years and he was a cat with personality, love and attention for Mike and I that can't really be put into words. Our house is very very empty without him. He was the first to greet us at the door, the first to come to bed and always wanted to be near and around us.

Our house is a very sad place right now.

Easter Sunday.

2011-04-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Easter is always a fun time in our house. It is the day after our anniversary and there is always a lot of food. This year we had Japanese visitors (who had no idea what Easter was all about). We tried to explain the bunny, candy and Jesus. It wasn't easy.

This year we did breakfast burritos and loads of other food. Delicious meal!

Funny - And True.

2011-04-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

My hubby works with Steve.

Spring.

2011-04-17T19:40:00.001-07:00

Want to know what spring means for me?

Yes that is my shoulder and yes it is sun burnt!

Broody Chickens

2011-04-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

Broody a video by RocketGirl* on Flickr.

Ever wonder what you should do with a broody chicken? Here is an instructional video.

Smile - Your on Camera!

2011-04-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

New Photo Style.

2011-04-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from the weekend. It was a great time and Mike kicked some serious butt.

Bend loves snuggles

2011-04-11T17:59:00.001-07:00

Bend loves snuggles a video by RocketGirl* on Flickr.

From this past weekend. Bend sure does love RV trips.

Racing in the cold!

2011-04-10T12:42:00.001-07:00

It is freezing out and the wind is blowing. This is what cold racing looks like!

RV Time!

2011-04-10T09:26:00.001-07:00

It is that time of the year again. Cat RV season!!

Wednesday Fun.

2011-04-06T13:15:00.001-07:00

SWTM 1.1, subtitles from Funny Farm Films on Vimeo.

Real Science

2011-04-04T11:14:00.001-07:00

Real Science a video by RocketGirl* on Flickr.

Purring Kitty

2011-04-03T17:14:00.001-07:00

Purring Kitty a video by RocketGirl* on Flickr.

Bend loves to hang out on roving and while I'm sewing.

Want to know what our weekends hold - this is what!

Error Day Again.

2011-03-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Another lovely one. I love the robot!

Project 333 - What Works.

2011-03-30T02:46:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering how Project 333 is going as we transition into spring/summer? It is tough with all my summer clothing out and yet it is cold in the mornings. I've figured out something interesting though. My clothing can be categorized into three things; daily work (winter/summer), special meetings, and weekends.

I've broken down my wardrobe so that now I have ~33 items in each of these categories. I'm not including shoes, or jackets, or jewelry. But, I'm focusing on clothing. The first three months of 333 it was harder because my weekend (gardening/dying/working around the house) clothing were included. I felt limited with my work clothing.

One thing I have noticed through out this spring change over is that a) I don't buy new things each season just because they are new b) I end up buying the same looking thing over and over (and have ended up with 5 cotton blue sweaters for summer) c) thinking about what I have and what I need is so much simpler when I have so few items.

Project 333 really is amazing.