Long Weekends

This past weekend was 5 glorious days off. The first day was filled with rain/snow. Courtney showed up for the summer though (which was super cool). We had dinner out with great friends, we did yard work, I sewed up a skirt (which took 2 days longer than I thought it should ... photos coming once I get someone to take them), cage fighting night with screaming friends and large pans of enchiladas. I haven't seen Indy yet (which I need to do this week)

Funny picture from a friend at work (which I happen to totally agree with).

Photos from dinner out coming soon.

New The Wire word - Shorties (a.k.a girls)

The Wire

Last night we watched 3 episodes of The Wire (an HBO show that takes place in Baltimore). Mouser said that it would help me with my street vocabulary. Last night I learned two new words. Mope (someone who speaks and dresses ghetto) and beshitted (something that becomes shit). Beshitted will have to be worked into every day use!

More to come as the show continues.

On Their Back

Lately I've been hearing mellow songs and just grooving on them. There is one that is titled, "on their back" ... which has nothing to do with what you are thinking. It is playing right now and fantastic!

Recently I've seen two movies that I need to see again to even understand. First is Southland Tales. It seems like one of those movies that if you were drunk or high you might get. But, I just couldn't follow what was happening. The second is Revolver. It was written by two of my FAVORITE writers for film (Guy Ritchie and Luc Besson). The movie is about the odds and has a bit of action, gangsters and of course twists and turns (that only Ritchie and Besson could put together). But, at the end of the film ... you are still wondering.

Anyone seen these two films?

Back Yard Re-Work

Since the spring we have been working on re-doing the back yard. Moving the shed a month ago was the first step. Removing bricks was the second. Putting in railroad ties has been the latest part of the rework. Here are two photos of the work. You can see that the hill is taking shape. After this, we'll be bringing in some rock and getting the beds in planting shape.

Thank goodness for a good weather weekend.

Baby Birds

Saturday afternoon I noticed that Moab was looking at the ground outside the enclosed
porch. She was licking her lips and looking ... very interested in
something. I went outside to find a very small bird sitting on the
ground screaming. He had those soft little down feathers on his head.
Just a few of them. And not many other feathers on his body. There is a
House Finch nest right above where I found him.

So, I put on some rubber gloves, had Mike get the ladder, and put the little
dude back up in his nest. Note that this nest just had 5 birds hatch
and there were now NONE in it. I could see two male birds fighting over
head and no one was going into the nest to feed the little guy.

About an hour later I noticed that Moab
was looking at the ground again. I went back out and the poor little
guy was on the ground again. I got the gloves and ladder to put him
back - but once back in the nest he launched himself right back out and
onto my shirt.

I was at a total loss for what to do with the
little guy. We have a total of probably 8 House Finch nests around the
house, so I had Mike go check the nearest one for babies. He found that
there was one bird that looked to be around the same age (same number
of funky feathers on his head).

With a held breath I put the
loan baby bird up into this strangers nest and then waited inside to
see what happened. Momma bird came back and started feeding both of
them.Ignoring the fact that one of them wasn't hers. As of today, the
baby is growing and the mom is totally caring for it! Who says you
can't mess with Mother Nature?

Let It Rain Veggies

As the seeds pop their little heads above the soil I start to think about the long term (i.e. end of the summer) plans for my garden. One of the things I hate about New Mexico is that it is SO hot during the summer days that lettuce (unless in some special area), doesn't do very well. So I just bought the above item (from Gardeners). This way my cucumbers can grow and not cover the ground ... while the lettuce is cool underneith it. I'm super excited for it to show up!

Battlestar

Weekend & Weekdays

The past 3 weeks have been pretty much ... hell (when it comes to work). I've been trying to solve a bug that has been painful! This pain-in-the-ass bug was finished up last week and the sort of relief I'm feeling is astounding. Mike flew home on Friday (after having his seat given away on an across the Atlantit flight) and the weekend was spent doing very little around the house.

Now that a new week has begun, I'm trying to decide when to start the next large project. My motivation level is really really low.

Any advice? Give up and become a gardner?

Sunny Days

The grass is turning green. The fruit trees are in full bloom. I can smell the grill and summer fun just around the corner.

Spring Flowers

I'm not sure about spring flowers and the whole May showers bit (since we had snow this past weekend).

But I'm at home this afternoon (waiting on someone ... who was SUPPOSE to be here between 8am-12) and I figured I'd take some photos of the flowers out front. Pictures of spring in New Mexico.

Bad Kitty

On The Road

In Jack Kerouac's book there is a lot more drinking and driving than what is happening with me - but we are on the road again. We just made it to the motorcycle track (Deming New Mexico), where the skies are blue and the wind is blowing (go figure ... spring in New Mexico).

The photo is of Bend and his thoughts about traveling. He road down here on my lap.

Of course Mike is the other photo. Go Speed Racer!

Bad Omen

This morning, while walking into the office, I was next to a large building and I hear a THUMP. I look up to see a bird falling down right over top of me. It was a pretty little blue colored bird. This must mean something about today!

When The Outdoors Kills

I have probably never felt as bad as I have this weekend. First, I got a Wii. Which means that on Friday night I spent way too much time bowling (leading to a sore rear on Saturday morning).

Saturday was filled with a trip to the dump, unloading a shed, digging up trees and weeds, another trip to the dump. Ending with 9 people helping us move our shed across the yard. All of this is occurring outside where my allergies are making it very difficult for me not to sneeze and scratch at my eyes.

I wake up this morning to feel even MORE sore than I did on Saturday morning, and my right eye is swollen. I mean really really swollen. It looks like I ran into a wall or something. Anyway, today was putting all of the crap back into the shed, another trip to the dump, and transferring my closet from winter to summer. I'm now wearing fuzzy pink slipper and sitting on the couch drinking a large glass of water. For a 2 day weekend I sure am TIRED!!!!!

Heard On NPR This Morning

For those of you that don't know - I was born in Kalispell. My whole family is from there. This story just cracked me up!

Kalispell attempted robbery leads to charges
Posted: April 1, 2008 01:02 PM
Updated: April 1, 2008 10:53 PM
A Kalispell man will now be facing a slew of charges after allegedly attempting to rob Taco Johns with a replica of a Glock tactical pistol.

Officials with the Kalispell Police Department say that Shane Roe, 24, entered the business on Monday afternoon, displayed his pistol and then demanded free food.

The employee refused, and then Roe is said to have laughed and demanded money from the register. The employee refused again.

Roe then placed an order, paid for it and sat down with his female companion.

Officers later found Roe outside the Kalispell Center Mall and when he tried to hide his gun from view, he was arrested at gunpoint.

The gun was later determined to be an air-soft pistol.

- Angela Monroe reporting from KAJ in Kalsipell

A Flathead Valley man is facing Attempted Armed Robbery charges after allegedly trying to rob a Kalispell fast food restaurant.

The Kalispell Police Department responded to Taco John's at around 2:30 p.m. and officials tell us that a male and female suspect walked up to the counter to place an order, the man then demanded the employee give him free food, and displayed a pistol.

The employee refused and the man then demanded money from the register, but again the employee refused to comply with the would-be robber. The suspect then placed an order, paid for it, ate and left.

Authorities later located the suspect near the south entrance into the Red Lion Motel at Kalispell Center Mall, where a brief altercation ensued and the pistol was spotted.

Shane Roe, 27, ended up being arrested at gunpoint and is now being held at the Flathead County Detention Center pending his initial court appearance.

- Angela Monroe reporting from KAJ in Kalispell.

Ode To A Daffodil

As I sit her blowing my nose (allergies) and suffering away ... I
think, "My how I love spring flowers." In Seattle they would appear and
I would love to see them. Here I see them and revel in the gorgeous colors ... but they now always mean allergies for me.


Daunting the cold dew of winter days passed.
Daffodils peak out of the solid ground.
Delicious golden yellow.
Daydreaming of warm summer nights.


The photo is of my brother from a St. Patrick's day basketball game (Boston against San Antonio). He was one of the only Boston fans there. When we were kids people thought that we could be twins. What do you think now??

King Quilt Finished

This is the first king size quilt that I've ever finished. I've started a number of them. But, finishing always seems to be the problem. At the end it was a 10.5 hour push to get through them. Thank goodness it is done and on the bed. The cats totally approve as well!

For Cats Sake

I just saw
this article about a kitten that has "I heart ." on it's
side. This is cute because the kitten's mother is named Dottie.

Awwwwwwwwwwww. SO CUTE!

Bike It Up

This morning I rode up to work for the first time since the 18 degree
morning back in February. It was 33 degrees with a nice warm breeze. It
was great to get back on the bike. Test out the new head light that I
got around Christmas. And of course to have my workout in before I
start work.

Yippy for bike commuting!!!

Note
- I've never looked so hard at a pair of shoes as I did last night
thinking, "These weigh less than those. I'm taking the black pair."

Zen Dog

I heard about this dog on NPR this morning. I went in search of photos.

Meditating dog seems ... like an amazing thing. I hope this Zen Priest gets there.

Spring Is Here

I woke up this morning sneezing. Spring is officially here!

Happy spring and enjoy the photo of Moab and Methow. The flowers are the first of the bulbs to have flowers so far.

Tick - Tick

I'm in the copy room today. Waiting for the printer to warm up. And I
can hear the tick tick of what sounds like a clock. This wouldn't be so
strange - except there are no clocks in the room.

I'm somewhere ... where the ticking is a bit alarming. So I walk around and
listen closely next to all the machines and cabinets. Finally I find
where the ticking is coming from (a supply closet). I open the door
(heart racing) to find a large clock shoved in there.

Living in a world where you think there might be a bomb in the closet at work sort of sucks!

Legwarmers Making A Comeback?

Today while walking into my building I spied the strangest thing. A
lady wearing tight red leather pants and off red legwarmers. This is
strange on many account. First, off I live in Los Alamos (not known for the fashion). Second, I'm at work and people have a tendency to wear sandals and socks to work. Third, it is warming up a bit and tight leather pants seems like ... well HOT (and not the Paris Hilton "hot").


What this showed me though - is that legwarmers MUST be making a come back.
I'm going to have to get on the ball and knit up a pair to wear with
spring skirts!

If I had a camera at work I would have posted a photo of this ensemble. Maybe next time I'm out in Santa Fe.

PINK PINK PINK

A co-worker just dropped off a pink donut. I normally wouldn't eat a donut this early in the day - but it was pink with sprinkles. A bit of history about Christina ... as a kid ... once or twice ... when I was REALLY good ... my dad took me to a donut shop and I got to pick out ANY donut I wanted. I went with the pink with sprinkles.

Now, as an adult, when I eat a pink donut with sprinkles - childhood memories rush back and I'm instantly put into a state of utter bliss. My smile is wide and my tummy is full! Thank you god of pink donuts!!!

Inside Out

Yesterday I was wearing a pair of pants (favorite pair of cords that
will have to go into the winter bins soon) that have a little flower
lining at the top of them. On the inside seam of the pants.Nobody will ever see these pretty little flowers, except for me. And I like wearing the pants mostly because of the little flowers.

It is like being happy from the inside out. Ever experience this?

St. Patrick's Day

I didn't post this on Monday. I guess if I'd just hit the "publish" button it would have appeared ... but no.

Can someone please tell me why St. Patrick's Day is so big? Why everyone asks you, "Where is your green?" I can honestly say that I am NOT Irish (if that was your question). I can trace my family back to 1180. NO IRISH. So, on Monday, I wore no green. I didn't have a Kiss Me I'm Irish t-shirt on. I didn't do anything. I can say though - that if my life were on the line I could pull some green out of my ass. Notes on green ....
1. My eyes are green.
2. I'm sometimes green with envy.
3. I have a lot of green plants.
4. You will probably find me with a dollar or two on me.
5. I often have green toe nails.
6. I've never had gang green.
7. Yes - yes - it is allergy season.
8. My kitchen is avocado green.
9. My brother has the Boston Celtics leprechaun tattooed to him (please don't ask why).
10. Broccoli is one of my favorite foods.

Does that cover my greeness?

Winds & Madness

The spring winds are officially here. I thought it was a bit strange that they had started so early - but I think they are here for sure now. This past weekend was amazing. It was so windy that it looked like a thick fog all over Los Alamos (you could barely see it from White Rock). The trees in the back yard looked like they might fall over at any minute. The poles holding up the weak fence on the back side of the house fell down. And, the wind appears to continue to want to blow the rest of this week. Amazing.

I'm also wondering exactly how long to make the sleeves of this sweater that I'm working on. Right now they are something like 3 inches from my wrist (which makes them sort of 3/4 sleeves). But, a bit shorter might make the sweater look more summer-like. Oh creating your own clothing can be so tough.

Onion - The Movie

Mouser sent me this. Onion The Movie. Cockpuncher. Too freaking funny!

Traveling In Comfort

When traveling, the cats have a particular method for relaxation. Bend's is on my lap. With all attention being paid to him. Moab's in in my knitting. Which makes doing anything other than giving her attention really hard. I have never, to this point, had them both in my lap at the same time. Thank goodness for that. I'm sure it would be WWIII - if they ever got together.

You Call This Spring?

This morning we are another snow delay. When I listened to the message I thought they were kidding. SNOW DELAY? It has been warm. Okay - a bit cool the past couple of days. But, in general it has been nice out. My bulbs are coming up for heavens sakes.

Crazy Weather

So it was nice last week (50's and up). Then it snowed Sunday night. And it has been colder now than it was all of last week (of course with a bit of wind). I'm totally worried about the date to plant my garden this year. Hopefully once it warms up (after this cold front) it will stay warm for a while. Guess I'll just have to play it by ear. This weekend is the first motorcycle race of the season for Mike. I hope that this year goes without any mechanical issues.

I got this from a friend. Sort of funny - figured I'd share.

A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features. However, if she is menstruating, or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire.

No further studies are expected.

Working Ladies

This was sent to me by Krista. Thanks Krista.

Yep ... The Wind Returns

I think spring is officially here. The herbs in my wind have sprouted. The house has been shaking as the wind whips around outside. A fresh batch of manure festers over the garden. Oh - and I saw 2 baby bunnies this morning. SO CUTE! What more could a girl want?

Well ... for the wind to stop.

On other topics. It appears as if early morning yoga just doesn't really work for my class. I think we are going to have to move it back to the afternoons.

I have great photos from this weekend to post ... coming soon.

Wonderful Warm Days

It was in the 50's yesterday. We got more yard work done in one day than we have in the past 3 months. There was a downed tree (from a previous snow storm) which was hacked up. We took 2 loads of stuff to the dump (one being yard waste). Cleaned up the vegetable patches (and covered in manure and compost). Today I'll probably clean up more weeds and finish racking up the yard.

SPRING FEVER!

Also. Check out these Valentines Day M&M's

House Projects

Last night while sitting in the hot tub Mike and I talked about this up coming summer (yes ... planning for summer already) and what we have to get done. I think we will do a bit of landscaping (or relandscaping stuff we don't like) ... I'm going to order 5 new birch trees. We are going to cover or treat the cement deck out back - and build a slatted roof over it. I think we also need to re-paint the house this summer.

Sounds like a lot ... but hopefully we get started this long weekend (since it is warming up).

Ill Feeling

I'm not feeling too well today. I hope that cold isn't coming back. So, I'm home ... resting in front of the fire. This is what Methow thinks about having fire!

Days of Snow

Since Sunday it has been snowing on and off. Monday and Tuesday we were on a delay for work (which meant coming in around 10AM). The roads are now icy and it was something like 8 degrees out this morning. I've been really digging winter this year - but I wonder ... is there enough wood to keep me warm??

Also, heard from Courtney that she got into New Mexcico Tech. YOU KICK BUTT GIRL! I'm proud of you.

Oscar Time - Annual POTKU Awards

Given that the Oscars are coming up, I figured that my movie awards should be out there as well. I’m tired of these award shows where only the quarky comedy or uber melodramatic movie gets the awards. We all know that it is easier for an actor to cry on screen then to die in a realistic manner. Why is the best death scene not awarded? Why are films, where the acting is good, but the films aren’t all that great, always awarded? Why are the movies that have all the hype the ones that get the awards? Why are there only awards and not penalties for movie travesties? Why don’t they ever tell us what made these people win over other? I care what the judges thought. Please, tell me why Babel was EVER nominated for anything!

No nominations. Let’s just get right to the awards.

Best Animated Film – Ratatouille [This movie makes you want to cook. The story line has something for both adults and children. The animation is more in the old school Bugs Bunny era, which I love]

Best Cinematography – Sunshine [The marketing for this movie was terrible. But, don’t hold that against them. A stunning visually appealing film to watch. Audio and visually speaking, one of the best films in recent history]

Best Supporting Actor – Stardust/Robert De Niro [As captain of a boat and in touch with his feminine side, Robert nails this roll!]

Worst Acting Job – Balls of Fury/Christopher Walken [Christopher, what were you thinking? Bad Bad Bad.]

Best Fight Scene – Live Free or Die Hard [This whole movie is action and fighting. Good wholehearted action!]

Best Sex/Fight Scene – Shoot Em’ Up [By far one of the best campy action films of the year, and the sex/fight scene is one of a kind]

Best Book Translated to a Movie – Into The Wild [Good job guys. Taking a story of a young mans adventure and death doesn’t seem to blockbuster … and you didn’t try to make it into that.]


Worst Book Translated into a Movie – I am Legend [Why does it seem to be impossible for film makers to take this book and create a movie based on it without “holywoodizing” it? Stop fucking with it.]


Worst Movie Intro – Superbad [You should please spend more money on your movie intro]

Best 80’s Reference – Hot Fuzz [No it is not Juno. “By the power of Grayskull” you should watch this film]

Best Naked Scene – 300 [One of the best hot and steamy sex scenes without seeing too much sex]

Best Cast Ensemble – Smokin’ Aces [Great cast … and Ben Affleck gets killed!]

Worst Sequel – AVPR [This was a terrible film. Aliens and predators beating each other up on Earth should be good right? Nope. Too many loose ends and not enough story.]

Best On Scene Birth – Knocked Up & Shoot Em’ Up [This is right. A tie. There is nothing like seeing an umbilical cord shot instead of cut, and Katherine Heigl makes you believe that she really is pushing out a child]

Best Foreign Film – The Host [Unexpectedly good. Monsters, not too much computer work, and loads people dying]

Best 80’s Remake – Transformers [More than meets the eye. That is for sure.]

Worst 80’s Remake – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [Yuck, yuck, yuck!]

Best Double Feature – Grindhouse [Ultra violence with stellar characters.]

Best On Scene Boner – Smokin’ Aces [This film is worth watching just for the young kid. Great acting James Conkle]

Worst Film of 2007 – Mr. Bean’s Holiday [I can’t believe I wasted the time to watch this. TERRIBLE. There was no good part to this film. Acting, plot, directing … TERRIBLE]

Moab Utah - Oh Yes

This past weekend we decided to go camping in Utah. We decided on Moab - we were going to try hiking the back side of a long mountain bike trail that we haven't been to before. Given the temperatures last week, it was probably NOT the best idea to go camping ... but we figured it might warm up a little in Utah.

It was around 0 degrees out our first night - which is why we got a hotel for the second night. The hike we wanted to do, wasn't passable on the icy road. So, we ended up hiking the Moab Rim Trail (which was in the shadows most of the morning and very cold). The trip was lovely fun even with the super cold weather.

The photo are of the snow as we drove through Colorado (after having breakfast with a good friend up in Taos). Mike and I trying to get a fire burning in super cold weather. And the trail that we hiked - steep and covered in snow.

The kicker for the whole weekend is that on Monday (MLK day ... and another day off of work), I got sick. And am still feeling really sick. Head colds are the worst!

Two New Mexico Funnies

The other day I was driving home and there was a government truck in
front of me. The light was red. And the truck just kept on driving out
into the road. By the time the light turned green the truck was over
1/2 way through the intersection. I found this amazing.

The
second funny thing I found was at the grocery store. I was looking for
ground nutmeg. I was looking in the N section (since the spices arealphabetized
). What idiot puts ground nutmeg in the N section?? I found it right
after the GARLIC. I guess "ground" is now part of the spice name.

Sometimes this place makes me laugh!

Cake & Old Photo

As promised. Snow photo ....

Also, it is Ian's 2nd birthday today. This is the cake I made for him!

Snow - Storms - & Lay Offs

Yesterday was a snowy day - which was great (photo to be posted later).
The lab shut down at 2PM and sent us home. There was probably a foot of
snow on the drive that needed to be shoveled. This morning it was icy
on most of the side streets (so they told us not to come into work
until 10AM). It is now around 10:30 and the director is speaking ... he
just said that after all the people who took the voluntaryseparation
... THEY WILL NOT BE LAYING ANYONE OFF ... at least right now. Thank
goodness. I'm happy that a RIF wont be hitting friends, family, and the
housing market.

Funny

Happy New Year All.
I, as of today, have no new years resolutions. Maybe I'll try to blog more. But, who knows. I got this from a friend. Thought I'd share.

Rants From The Airport

I'm sure in the new year I'll try to be less ranty. Or less judgmental. But for now ... I must post my rant (typed into my iPhone) from my last airport trip.

Please explain the muffin top pants and terrible shoes that people wear at the airport. Ever see those ass cheeks that are squeezed together so hard that you think the ass crack is going to explode out the top of the pants? Why are you wearing pants that are two sizes too small for you? Gold platform shoes ... in a snow storm? Really, you are not a Vegas showgirl. And even if you are, should you be wearing that out in public? I'd venture a guess that your mother taught you to dress better than that.

And what about those people who fart in public and they think you wont know who in the crowd did it. You are sitting next to me!! I totally know it was you, and so does everyone else! The restroom is right over there ... try a little walk.

Now my next question ... who came up with the tight low-rider pencil thin jeans that men are wearing these days? Your pants used to be baggy and showing off your underwear. Now the pants are SO tight that your satin boxers don't fit down the jeans. Yes, I can see them sticking out the top. If the ladies are muffin tops, the men are mushroom tops. maybe your next fashion conquest will be a man thong. At least that way I wont have to look at your Micky Mouser drawers.

You've walked by three times, I have a little comment. What the fuck is up with the fingerless weight lifting gloves? You are in an airport! Is there a Gold's gym on your way home? You should probably change out of those tight cowboy jeans before you do any squats ... I fear they might split down the back!

Is the real purpose of modern fashion to just show off tits, ass and other goods? If that is really the point, I'm going to have to design a new line. I'm thinking a bullseye flap that opens over and mans crotch (that way ladies can check out the goods before going home with you). For you ladies, I'm thinking let's do a see through shirt and chaps. Why fuck about?

I guess I'll never really understand the changing fashions. And I'll never understand how people can leave the house and show total strangers as much T&A as they do.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Just want everyone who reads my blog to ... well have a great holiday! Eat, drink and be merry.

Christina

Moab 1/2 Marathon

Well Erin, Krista and I found out that we made it into the March Moab half ... YIPPY! Now I'm just worried that it is the same weekend as a motorcycle race. I really hope not. But, if it is ... I'll be in a pickle!

You might be wondering why does it matter that we got in. Don't you just pay and get to run. NO NO NO. This is a lottery race. So, getting in is like Christmas presents.

Cat Abuse

When you are enough to give the best.
Get your kitty her or his very own wig! I know my kitties
would love it. Moab would really get into it.

Evening of Snow and Parties

Today was a pretty fun day. Mike, Krista and I went up to the ski hill to snow shoe around. Then I returned home to finish up 5 dozen cookies and get dressed for a cookie exchange. I'm of course pretty tired now. But, am ready to hike up the ski hill again tomorrow!

Cloned Cats

These cats would scare the crap out of me at night. But, nice to see we can now clone cats and make them super hero glow in the dark!

Holiday Snow

It really feels like the holidays when it snows! I just love it. Yesterday it started up around 2 and didn't really stop. It is still sort of snowing now. And of course the schools are on a delay - but not the lab.

This past weekend a group of us drove up to Denver for a baby shower. It was great fun to hang in the car and to see Karen (and her lump). The drive home was through crappy weather. But, what do you expect while driving up to Colorado.

Sunday I finally got holiday cards done, presents wrapped, and packages put together for shipping. I always worry that during the holidays packages wont get there on time if you wait too long!

I'll post photos of the snow. I'm hoping that it keeps coming down so I can go home and snowshoe! Now where did I put those snowshoes??????

Morning Commute

This photo was taken this morning while I was driving up to work. It is a bit out of focus - and you have to look to see the herd of elk in the back ground. But, they are there. I was stopped for 10-15 minutes while they crossed the road.

Addressing Global Warming!

Prime Rib Dinner.

This past weekend Mike and I went to Cruces for his motorcycle banquet
dinner. It was at a hotel where it was suppose to be a prime rib
dinner. I was not interested in the chopped meat - but they did have
some lettuce and cheese/crackers.

Mike finished 8th over all for the experts. I got a bit of shopping done while down there - then we returned home.

Moab
is allergic to her food (we think). So, today I'm going to go get
something new and see if that helps her tummy! Hopefully it is
something as easy as that.

Mike leaves tomorrow for 2+ weeks of travel. I'll have plenty of time to fiddle with Moab's food while he is gone.

Spin Those Wheels

It was a balmy 35 degrees out this morning. I, of course, found that to be the perfect peddling into work weather. It was a lovely morning. Although the sun didn't really come up until I was almost at my door. And I'm sure it will set early. I love the bike - and it loves me.

Details:
55 minute ride.
New head light - ROCKS.
Thought I had a flat I was going so slow
My buns could have fallen off from being so cold ... but a couple of jumping jacks helped!

Lonely Tires

I haven't biked to work in a week. My butt misses the bike and my tires miss the road. It was 16 degrees out this morning. I decided not to bike in. The question is - what is TOO cold for biking? I'd say anything below 20. But, I'm not sure on that. If it doesn't warm up soon ... I might just don the face mask and bike in anyway.

I bought a new head light for my bike. I like it a lot. Rechargable and sleek. Now I just want to use it!!!!

Oh The Weather Outside Is ....

Day after Thanksgiving snow!!!!

Turkey Day Hike

A group of us went on a hike out Deer Trap masa today. It was a very nice day for a hike!

I'm thankful for the sun and the cool air on my face.

Caching

I went out caching in White Rock today. I got two of Mouser's caches .... and one from Mesa Mike. It was a really nice day out - although now I don't feel too well.

What to do to make the head stop banging!

Weekend CRAZE!

As I sit here drinking a warm cup of java ... I look back on the crazy
busy weekend. Cooking club on Saturday night. Prepping for it on Friday
night and Saturday. Then a birthday party for Ellie on Sunday.

The mess before the birthday party was enough to send me over the edge. Moab had an accident (poo)
all over the living room carpet. I had to steam clean the carpets and
clean her (which bathing a cat in a sink is odd with one person). Then
Bend tripped me while I was taking some trash out. He of course
screamed, I fell into the side door - my right shoulder and right side
of my head going through the glass in the door. The glass - not that
balling
up glass - went into sheets and went EVERYWHERE. Part of my shoulder
got cut up and Bend was in hiding for a couple hours after.

I'm happy it is Monday. I'm happy I have yoga tonight. And I'm really happy that it is a short week!

This is a photo from my dad's hunting trip.

Morning Again

Mike was suppose to call me from China last night - at midnight. I never heard from him ... and when I call his cell ... I hear someone speaking in Chinese. I'm a bit worried that he got there and he wont be able to contact me :(

The ride in this morning was great. It was a bit warmer ... I wore a neck warmer ... and I put some heavy duty cream on my face (it has been getting chapped from the cold air). I was a good temperature the whole way up! I think Krista might bike up with me on Friday. Yippy! Bike buddy.

On another note. Last night I had a large gorgeous fire going and was relaxing in front of it all evening. Bend and Methow were as close to the fire as they can get without burning themselves. But, Moab was no where to be found. I looked for her (half heartily) during the evening. But, before bed I started to get worried. That is when I heard the saddest meow ever. I had locked her in the gear closet after I got out the neck warmer. Poor kitty was in there all night. I felt TERRIBLE! Hopefully she forgives me by the time I get home tonight!

Sunset & Weekend

Here is a photo of a sunset I took last week (wait ... can't find the photo). Here is a photo of Mike racing. He won the championship for Heavy Weight Twins. Yippy Mike!!

LIFE WISH

One of the things that I miss about Seattle is the morning bike commute. This past weekend I decided that I'll just start commuting by bike here. It is a bit more intense than my ride in Seattle, but well worth it. I've biked into work on and off - but people always try to scare you with the, "You might get hit by a car." I let this stop me for a while. But, while reading a climbing magazine ... there was a quote from a guy that I took to heart. He of course was talking about climbing without ropes. I'm only talking about bike commuting. "It isn't a death wish - but a life wish."

Details of this mornings commute. 38.8 degrees out. Left the house at 5:40. Was physically in my office by 6:40. Showered, dressed with first cup of coffee in hand by 7am. I now feel like everything is right with the world! My plan is to come in by bike Tuesday-Friday each week. Now all I need to do is get a bike locker outside my building!

Inapropriate Airport Shoes

I thought about blogging about what people wear to the airport. It is amazing watching everyone walking around. I could sit there for hours. People crying. People laughing. It is like watching a movie with my own sound track playing through my iphone.

I have to say though - most people wear shoes that they just shouldn't be wearing in an airport. They can barely carry their luggage.

Yesterday I saw the Los Alamos Arch for the first time. I know - I know ... how long have I been here and why haven't I hiked up there before? Good question. It was very cool. Plus the scenery was amazing. No photos. I was busy just checking out the great views.

Monster Truck

Here is Ty's birthday cake. The question of how to incorporate pumpkins and monster trucks was a tough one!

Ty loved the cake and wanted the trucks for himself ... which wasn't surprising.

Cleaning Garden!

During the breaks of frosting and chilling Ty's Monster Truck cake ... I cleaned out the garden and went for a run. The cake still has a bit more work to do - so I'll post photos once I finish. Here are before and after photos of the garden .... and I found a bunch of carrots hiding .....

Last night a group of us went out to see The Bad Seed. If you have a chance you should go see it. It was pretty funny.

Costumes

I just got this photo from my sister-in-law. My little nieces are WAY too cute!

Being that they live in Texas I'm sure that they were warm enough - in case you were wondering.






From a friends blog I'm posting this other photo. What a great idea for costumes!