tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50837618945836260182024-03-12T22:54:27.047-07:00Mom of ThreeIt's my life right? That's what I used to think. Technically, I guess it still is my life only it's kinda been hijacked. I love my family, my husband, my kids, my friends, my neighborhood and my life. I am BLESSED. Yet I still need an outlet and this is it. When I am mad, I write about it. When I am happy I write about that too. And in the end I usually laugh about the past and the post. My kids have taken over my time, my money and my heart. It’s just what happens.The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-79983559322977716552021-02-23T00:37:00.003-08:002021-02-23T09:20:09.506-08:00Portland to Las Vegas - An Update<p> When I last updated, we had a plan. A busy, busy plan. We executed the plan.... I'll review our week as it unfolded. </p><p><b>Monday 15, Tuesday 16 (my birthday), and Wednesday</b>..... Bob and I packed, painted, and prepped. The boys went to school and helped when they could. Fia was working and going to school. </p><p><b>Wednesday </b>evening, Coulter and I flew to Las Vegas, rented a car, and made it to the hotel in Summerlin.</p><p><b>Thursday</b>, Coulter went to school. I picked up keys to the house and immediately had to check it out. I picked up keys to the PO Box. And then, Coulter had lunch and then went to check out a house we had seen on line. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12QzeUkOcmm3d-AV4F5r3dTncSwscyfsPPcjIAhYoFbBwlh2uQPBFnZ1fR4AzV17TyWUO9R1LbeaLWju6YEax8US-YXk_QT7d1DD15NuCsJ4QzVSDhgptgc7akxadjbw0TWjXraDdg90/s2048/IMG_0043.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12QzeUkOcmm3d-AV4F5r3dTncSwscyfsPPcjIAhYoFbBwlh2uQPBFnZ1fR4AzV17TyWUO9R1LbeaLWju6YEax8US-YXk_QT7d1DD15NuCsJ4QzVSDhgptgc7akxadjbw0TWjXraDdg90/w578-h434/IMG_0043.HEIC" width="578" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The rental house isn't anything special but the location could not be better for our family. Bob and I have been worried that our kids would feel stuck at home in Las Vegas. Here in Portland, it is easy for them to get around on the MAX. When that isn't convenient, an Uber is about $12 anywhere in town, that will not be the case in Las Vegas. There is a Smith's (Kroger) about two blocks from our house. In that same complex are many little shops; sushi, boba, hairdressers, a dance studio, pizza, a couple other restaurants and so on. Then, three blocks away is a Goodwill and a Home Depot. Additionally, freeway access is just beyond that. I couldn't have picked a better location if I tried. </p><p>Coulter and I had lunch on the Strip and then checked out a house. It was awesome, old, and it needed a ton of work, but it had great bones. Lastly, we had a great dinner with friends on a patio. It was so nice to connect there with friends. FIRST CONTACT! </p><p>Bob and Kees started out at about 7am from Portland and made it about half of the way. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTRwSX1Yh8w4b5Ouj5qgCczSnPWN0X5qJrEl-R0I6MVIPw8c5RfCBZqYJb8ec3hBAfgN2oIQKSnAR7ChsW_SHfdyRSt2ciqG0dsqYf5A8Gqd-5KPeevAimnMyAjptctPKKKmdZToLUbY/s552/Screen+Shot+2021-02-23+at+12.03.57+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTRwSX1Yh8w4b5Ouj5qgCczSnPWN0X5qJrEl-R0I6MVIPw8c5RfCBZqYJb8ec3hBAfgN2oIQKSnAR7ChsW_SHfdyRSt2ciqG0dsqYf5A8Gqd-5KPeevAimnMyAjptctPKKKmdZToLUbY/s552/Screen+Shot+2021-02-23+at+12.03.57+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTtsTCgsafD-l0-7RY_wEjp7pTrN1jO_uyIW3VI6p-r1xg5EYzpUBPMuMva8Oo7xGiYdo8o7az6uWg3Xc9Z_UmbYGg67sxYTvmXT6knlOX3vGZrVAWvkDaULdIBfxdqJXXMpIyItRPsw/s1905/91DC9D72-8106-42A6-A2FE-3EE57724775A_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1905" data-original-width="1125" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTtsTCgsafD-l0-7RY_wEjp7pTrN1jO_uyIW3VI6p-r1xg5EYzpUBPMuMva8Oo7xGiYdo8o7az6uWg3Xc9Z_UmbYGg67sxYTvmXT6knlOX3vGZrVAWvkDaULdIBfxdqJXXMpIyItRPsw/w255-h432/91DC9D72-8106-42A6-A2FE-3EE57724775A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="255" /></a></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-decoration: none;">Thursday's Trip</span><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTRwSX1Yh8w4b5Ouj5qgCczSnPWN0X5qJrEl-R0I6MVIPw8c5RfCBZqYJb8ec3hBAfgN2oIQKSnAR7ChsW_SHfdyRSt2ciqG0dsqYf5A8Gqd-5KPeevAimnMyAjptctPKKKmdZToLUbY/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-02-23+at+12.03.57+AM.png" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friday's Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwWHeUPRivRYtMSvjkF79-oFkQJvrqcUrMTG6oZim89TNc0mHaJXZfXsL-AyRhxc1J-RJ_qUX53kcXlo0Jvtypy1q6V3k_ImTRe2TEHSqHj0S6RtOflXOq04yKNXBLEKQ3n2v4V1p_B0/s510/Screen+Shot+2021-02-23+at+12.03.14+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="349" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwWHeUPRivRYtMSvjkF79-oFkQJvrqcUrMTG6oZim89TNc0mHaJXZfXsL-AyRhxc1J-RJ_qUX53kcXlo0Jvtypy1q6V3k_ImTRe2TEHSqHj0S6RtOflXOq04yKNXBLEKQ3n2v4V1p_B0/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-02-23+at+12.03.14+AM.png" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Friday</b>, I addressed a few minor issues at the house while Coulter was in school. We picked up lunch, a couple groceries, a garbage can, keys for everyone, and novelty Las Vegas key chains for all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzD5JErNTZGNyWA9eUXrZS_lxaifARY2kfu6w9_Orv5z1C4tuv4-s4rwBe1fUgRlWu-4AtmiFdJx-MmXoEcZg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>At about 2:30, Kees and Bob rolled into town. Hugs all around, now start unpacking you lazy bums! We got the truck unloaded in about 3 hours, I unpacked a bunch of the kitchen, directed traffic, and determined where the shelves would go in the garage for the things that will not be unpacked. I found a great Cubano place for dinner. Everyone was tired and ready for bed. Kees and Coulter stayed at the house, Bob and I stayed at the hotel. </p><p><b>Saturday </b>we returned the truck, had lunch, and went to the airport. Coulter and I had a 3:30 flight.... that was delayed.... for four hours. Gah.... Plus side, I won $70 and then quit. I'm a winner. And, I arrived to a lovely dinner dropped off by a friend. I am blessed. </p><p><b>Sunday</b>, the Portland crew got the house ready for Monday because carpets were going in and the kitchen cabinet were being painted. Oh, and I bought a car for Bob. His died last week. Great timing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob's new ride<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWTHvmqOUZRiFPqzGlN3ut1RJMv8metapOvZzPyWTe2as5P9FZCnx0yFlUzw0cm0m04Z6X47QwqJtbTdAgJYSdvvx0uoSeG4ZQ6uBJ0UcHRuSH5Gj7vhkwnttXLMgEs3qSRJBWS2Kkg4/s2048/63564769820__A7437578-1370-4F01-B612-D55C112232B8.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWTHvmqOUZRiFPqzGlN3ut1RJMv8metapOvZzPyWTe2as5P9FZCnx0yFlUzw0cm0m04Z6X47QwqJtbTdAgJYSdvvx0uoSeG4ZQ6uBJ0UcHRuSH5Gj7vhkwnttXLMgEs3qSRJBWS2Kkg4/s320/63564769820__A7437578-1370-4F01-B612-D55C112232B8.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">TODAY'S CRAZY! </span><span style="text-align: left;">Monday, today, it was total pandemonium. Fia had work at 8:30 so Coulter and I took her and picked up a caffeinated beverage. When we arrived at home, the cabinet painters were at the house. We quickly cleared the remainder of the counter and they got to work. As soon as that was done, the carpet guys showed up. They were pretty impressed at how clear the space was. The bathrooms and our closet were packed full of all our stuff.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master Bath<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFCKXHhJL377Rbme5LZ1u5SwqJRhSF8e6tds5ekq3qs_yR1PomAp7_4foJTYtGqviIyXho5WEGut6Lu0Pz0ooyta6k7M59EFN-bea1sAZHGZk-B43fE2iLT4nP7E0GXN4KoRpbjnnfqE/s2048/IMG_0077.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFCKXHhJL377Rbme5LZ1u5SwqJRhSF8e6tds5ekq3qs_yR1PomAp7_4foJTYtGqviIyXho5WEGut6Lu0Pz0ooyta6k7M59EFN-bea1sAZHGZk-B43fE2iLT4nP7E0GXN4KoRpbjnnfqE/s320/IMG_0077.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kid's bath<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMxRFr5UfiVhq1fVROXKJjlekrLs-7_AYQx-vm5knf8gQtNCO3weInzwRCz_TX6HTakfCqGCG9VSxBF8-WD86xiGnEuoTCNqYLIrLMLdQ4GoNQnSQeypafHdLoiSaFU6Qz-Qyh-jQGe0/s2048/IMG_0082.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMxRFr5UfiVhq1fVROXKJjlekrLs-7_AYQx-vm5knf8gQtNCO3weInzwRCz_TX6HTakfCqGCG9VSxBF8-WD86xiGnEuoTCNqYLIrLMLdQ4GoNQnSQeypafHdLoiSaFU6Qz-Qyh-jQGe0/s320/IMG_0082.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kitchen Crew<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbQUa6k2GpKb4OG-SOC-e_U3tShX9Csd3uxvBjTOuLwMjvHuWfbwzeM-GwmK3FRxddNoTMkX75fQ4loVRMlhXHNKJEM6M7iugjmyYljWFxN4h-ykexghNDCEF3yFIoe2g_3ddp8C-vn4/s2048/IMG_0078.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbQUa6k2GpKb4OG-SOC-e_U3tShX9Csd3uxvBjTOuLwMjvHuWfbwzeM-GwmK3FRxddNoTMkX75fQ4loVRMlhXHNKJEM6M7iugjmyYljWFxN4h-ykexghNDCEF3yFIoe2g_3ddp8C-vn4/s320/IMG_0078.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coulter dismantling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvIM13WcRx882VB4rD2ngt-vyiPVn1leCMkafuxeqX2zTmxlq4500tmGtURnnBcDtf8SgnIK6qSaYY7y8fb6YP7VaYqPJcbTazqxtfijRkyMWllvgCfKnA15E5FQfk0wCcDo36ctsQ4Q/s2048/IMG_0076.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvIM13WcRx882VB4rD2ngt-vyiPVn1leCMkafuxeqX2zTmxlq4500tmGtURnnBcDtf8SgnIK6qSaYY7y8fb6YP7VaYqPJcbTazqxtfijRkyMWllvgCfKnA15E5FQfk0wCcDo36ctsQ4Q/s320/IMG_0076.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Carpet crew<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylkIMarPL-qLoZf458KYMiFSD_qNWf7td7ZtGK6KKK2GNYokYSZnnHdGFPCD6FoCA_UW4YYAKuUjC17miwNctU29QNXORlX-x8IT0qZv9BKQJt6noMEfgNXZmCIfNesL2NmlmDXlOm7s/s2048/IMG_0079.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylkIMarPL-qLoZf458KYMiFSD_qNWf7td7ZtGK6KKK2GNYokYSZnnHdGFPCD6FoCA_UW4YYAKuUjC17miwNctU29QNXORlX-x8IT0qZv9BKQJt6noMEfgNXZmCIfNesL2NmlmDXlOm7s/s320/IMG_0079.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9yENm34e77j6IWe2dpppQvUU7_sgcPFcJld2wg5ZuB6HbQHByfmRbPhW1VK4KqRBq5xESciWN-0cbtbtv_pMOuJBQ3N3-sCiMNfa4rb0T-UuhRgICj3iahoNRQl4ktdyzN04oYf79TM/s2048/IMG_0083.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9yENm34e77j6IWe2dpppQvUU7_sgcPFcJld2wg5ZuB6HbQHByfmRbPhW1VK4KqRBq5xESciWN-0cbtbtv_pMOuJBQ3N3-sCiMNfa4rb0T-UuhRgICj3iahoNRQl4ktdyzN04oYf79TM/s320/IMG_0083.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Midstream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFN6GBpgaB8lR1xyrg9ITCZOM0gD5SUdA64gPmuqbUIw1DqNRcODI3o-cL-hWdlDE0CuzqPdGBtVfIRUHNfMOYzBIeqSt8MpxDzUqP23vdXtMVmRvKdPTZST9Ap_EN45ial6RHK72X38/s2048/IMG_0084.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFN6GBpgaB8lR1xyrg9ITCZOM0gD5SUdA64gPmuqbUIw1DqNRcODI3o-cL-hWdlDE0CuzqPdGBtVfIRUHNfMOYzBIeqSt8MpxDzUqP23vdXtMVmRvKdPTZST9Ap_EN45ial6RHK72X38/s320/IMG_0084.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Carpet in Kees' old room<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxF43oOiARW7rFb8mFA6mChAPbCefk6suy8US8Jv9-iJ2xY1xyQ1xH3sGLKATmxR_sGsmkwnG19TwWK84iFb-e1CLbC_kFMOLBhRYLRisv5Ie-oxRu3BGrNvKiYxfrW01w7dUQII1XXZ0/s2048/IMG_0087.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxF43oOiARW7rFb8mFA6mChAPbCefk6suy8US8Jv9-iJ2xY1xyQ1xH3sGLKATmxR_sGsmkwnG19TwWK84iFb-e1CLbC_kFMOLBhRYLRisv5Ie-oxRu3BGrNvKiYxfrW01w7dUQII1XXZ0/s320/IMG_0087.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waiting for the paint to dry.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLfHciGOAEMDANHkEbq-z-FBjHL2AIlcwOA8zBryAyw1ZVowxe5CTkySPHofiJTakeuvUG8X32KMhQVz1anxNgPtLkKfGQsuiEZ7H99XEKrMGj5Tk8Bg-_ruF6HHTc6KoqxxEqxM9zZI/s2048/IMG_0091.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLfHciGOAEMDANHkEbq-z-FBjHL2AIlcwOA8zBryAyw1ZVowxe5CTkySPHofiJTakeuvUG8X32KMhQVz1anxNgPtLkKfGQsuiEZ7H99XEKrMGj5Tk8Bg-_ruF6HHTc6KoqxxEqxM9zZI/s320/IMG_0091.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stairs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoF2exYDUBqJHbpma0q4iiYv1P6xoRd5UuxliB-B8MgC7LEf1qC5WUsdpHN8yI2Zoyr0QTVZbTrcOBE9fcqMuLhIEstWiAlfHWIqoZtQI_EcqmUxEMmWqk3AXrVZzOy3JLrcNw67Vm48/s2048/IMG_0092.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoF2exYDUBqJHbpma0q4iiYv1P6xoRd5UuxliB-B8MgC7LEf1qC5WUsdpHN8yI2Zoyr0QTVZbTrcOBE9fcqMuLhIEstWiAlfHWIqoZtQI_EcqmUxEMmWqk3AXrVZzOy3JLrcNw67Vm48/s320/IMG_0092.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New Carpet!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3jG5PASIMSUIIQWAPzMCHYHRt4DTOUS4SXnCw0Lw7M2AKU9I0rZE4UKws1kdhDLTNe6K0D0URRms8clRevPffv03pDtPaBKDKiePLDlB6UA3xRAI2ARuLeEPjYxcMMo2jTLUdHmdfUo/s2048/IMG_0093.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3jG5PASIMSUIIQWAPzMCHYHRt4DTOUS4SXnCw0Lw7M2AKU9I0rZE4UKws1kdhDLTNe6K0D0URRms8clRevPffv03pDtPaBKDKiePLDlB6UA3xRAI2ARuLeEPjYxcMMo2jTLUdHmdfUo/s320/IMG_0093.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>I went to run an errand but got called back, there was a problem. They told me all the 1/4 round needed to be removed. They wanted to leave and come back another time. Ah, no, I can take it off. I spent the next hour and a half crawling all around the upstairs. Good times. </p><p>Because of all the chaos, Hácee was being totally neurotic. He even nipped at one of the workers! He has had a really hard time with everything. Me being gone for three days really made him nervous. I took him to <a href="https://www.mudbay.com/stores">Mud Bay</a> and got him a <a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjE3ImBwv_uAhUHC60GHT1RCesYABAsGgJwdg&ae=2&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESQOD2m5QbqwGPf6sq5mtpWDgQzgZ8-ift00TXfAEenSkkxD8l30LTSPQYCgR3ORS-oQV97a64-VORFG9GwjfVj_c&sig=AOD64_09z7WRf3cOrG6JzLCcsjVvhjwqbQ&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjYpoGBwv_uAhVNuZ4KHW5sC2QQ0Qx6BAgTEAE&dct=1">Thunder Shirt</a>. It helped a LOT! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He could not get closer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVNKVdCtG5wr4jYgJ-usspkSOkwUsFJIKRzuke9FrPRX3nZJE-WtD3nD5cG6Cna5YWSLKOQ3TObw3kTJ8rDwMSubmE3HpkUrK42LyK-Hv8fBeR2SniFUsLSV72Q63ZvzZKY9DwopurxI/s2048/IMG_0064.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVNKVdCtG5wr4jYgJ-usspkSOkwUsFJIKRzuke9FrPRX3nZJE-WtD3nD5cG6Cna5YWSLKOQ3TObw3kTJ8rDwMSubmE3HpkUrK42LyK-Hv8fBeR2SniFUsLSV72Q63ZvzZKY9DwopurxI/s320/IMG_0064.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How I found him this morning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cHPyQnxqhDbEX8H8Dox2OjrE8IXqfKRu-QYYvhuqGVk7jYfSF1LbPVwt0ZjmvVXdFTnJ4sy5HOiGXfoAvWolW0R8jhOyNX-4o7bnhXslyU9tkds1zmc5pAq3eKsVdjo7r7kmaIU_tC4/s2048/IMG_0071.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cHPyQnxqhDbEX8H8Dox2OjrE8IXqfKRu-QYYvhuqGVk7jYfSF1LbPVwt0ZjmvVXdFTnJ4sy5HOiGXfoAvWolW0R8jhOyNX-4o7bnhXslyU9tkds1zmc5pAq3eKsVdjo7r7kmaIU_tC4/s320/IMG_0071.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>While painting and carpet were happening, Coulter and I worked on installing a closet door in Sophia's room. Of course I didn't have all the pieces so I had to run an errand to pick up the pieces. Meanwhile, I got a call from the car place, they needed some paperwork signed and they kept my license! AND, Fia texted and needed a ride home from work and needed a new cast. Yes, because it's convenient, she has a broken finger right now. </p><p>I picked up the pieces we needed to finish the closet job, picked up Fia, dropped the pieces, and took Fia to the cast room at Kaiser. As I waiting and hiring a someone to clean the roof, Fia texted that she needed me. Her finger healed a bit sideways and they were talking about surgery. Great. We went back and forth and decided, no surgery because it can cause stiffness. </p><p>We then went to the car place to finish the paper work. While Fia waited, she ordered dinner. Our kitchen is out of order! We picked up dinner, soup, and then realized we don't have spoons. We borrowed some from our neighbor. </p><p>After dinner, Coulter and I reassembled our rooms. I am tired but I will not sleep on the floor. I watched the Britney Spears doc with Fia after that..... and here I am. </p><p>So that's it. Not much going on with the Leeks. I'll post pictures of the kitchen as soon as the cabinets are done! More to come and I am exhausted. </p><br />The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-45712509347349898012021-02-14T22:00:00.003-08:002021-02-14T23:59:12.260-08:00Portland for 22 years, PANDEMIC, *poof* GONE....<p> Last January started with a lot of excitement for the future. In my work I had a partner starting that would be able to help me a great deal. Bob was settled in to his gig at the County as the CIO and we had some fun travel planned, some for work, some for fun. </p><p>At the end of January, I flew to San Diego to visit a friend that I had worked with via Zoom for five months. Connection is very important for me so I wanted to meet her in person. It was lovely. Next I traveled with Bob to Phoenix. He had a business meeting and I went to meet my new working partner. When we got home we had a big dinner with about 16 friends and my dad. We even spent the evening dancing in a big funky crowd. The next weekend we celebrated my 55th birthday party. It was a lovely gathering at a local watering hole, and my mom got to attend. The weekend after that I headed to the beach for a long girls weekend with my high school pals. When I got home, Bob and I went to dinner at a steak house with friends to celebrate on the day of Bob's 50th birthday. We were getting ready to host Bob's 50th birthday party on March 14th when...... COVID. Being more responsible than some, we cancelled his party. I was exhausted after all that but hard to believe how different things are. And we haven't done much since. </p><p>Then social unrest came to Portland. I protested 3-4 times per week. I took each of my kids. I wore protective gear and I never once was aggressive toward another person. 99% of what I witnessed was peaceful and unifying. I did get gassed and shot but that is beside the point. </p><p>Bob was at the county and working to create equitable outcomes for his employees. When he asked for assistance, he did not get the support he was looking for. It seemed like it was time to allow space for someone who might garner more attention and he resigned. A few months later, I left my job to pursue something that would be impactful closer to home. </p><p>September, October, November... The kids were going to school online. Fia moved home from college and has been taking classes online at the community college and working at Starbucks. Bob was gigging but feeling impatient about funds and timing. Because of that, he broadened his scope while looking for work. I was looking locally but when he started looking out of Portland, I paused. Well as we know now, he found work in Las Vegas as one of the Clark County Deputy CIOs and so now.... everything is moving in that direction. </p><p>The interview process started in October and completed in December. We decided we would take it if a trip to LV felt right.</p><p>In early January, Bob and I flew to Las Vegas to look at neighborhoods, for him to drug test, and for us to decide if it was real. It was. We had to start the process of moving. </p><p>Luckily, I had started to get rid of things when I left my job. It was not NEARLY enough. I was doing it to organize. Moving is way different. </p><p>In early January we informed everyone and started getting the house ready to sell. The kids were and still are totally on board. Good Lord what a process! Basically, I mentally moved in and out of every room getting rid of everything I could. Well, that wasn't good enough. We had to get rid of more. When we started looking at houses in Las Vegas online, we realized we had to stage and got serious. I hired two painters, Bob has been clearing space, moving furniture, getting things ready, and painting at every moment he can. He's been a beast. I have been picking out and picking up paint, and getting everything we need to complete the work. We had to paint the walls, ceilings, and trim. This is a 1927 home, so lots of trim. If you had more than 15 minutes, you got a paint brush, and got to work. Of course then the carpet looks terrible; two dogs, three kids, countless parties, barf, poop, food, dirt x 16 years = new carpet. Yay. Those old kitchen cabinets? I refinished them 14 years ago but they are (were) grubby. They are currently at the shop being stripped, sanded, and painted. </p><p>We started packing anything that didn't need to be used. At this point we have packed about 65% of our things or gotten rid of them. I will have to get rid of more on the other end because this is happening too fast to make all the decisions. The guest house is FULL! Bob has taken six thousand pounds of junk to the dump and there is still more. Bob and the boys re-seeded the back yard. Coney pressure washed, I pressure washed. </p><p>And mind you, all this painting, cleaning, tossing, packing was happening while the kids were in school, Bob was gigging, and Fia was going to school online. I was orchestrating on this end, but also in Las Vegas. I have rented a house, a PO Box (5325 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite D-19, Las Vegas NV 89148), set up our utilities, still house hunting, and generally communicating with all the people who help with those things.</p><p>Then there is the actual moving. Since it's a government gig, we get to do everything and pay for it. Again, YAY! Know this, finding a large truck to take out of Portland is next to impossible. My theory: rich people are moving here and squeezing the market. They have moving companies do the move. Poorer people (or government ppl) are moving out of Portland because it's expensive and they are taking the trucks with them. After weeks of looking, we found a truck with Penske and they have been great about communication. I hope it goes as planned. </p><p>The original plan - Coulter and I were to drive Bob's car to Las Vegas and depart on Saturday, Feb 13th. On the 11th, Bob's car threw a code. He took it in. The fix is $9,000. He needs a new car and it is cheaper to get one here. We went on Friday to Carmax because it was about to start snowing and we knew what car we wanted. We got there, hopped in the new car, and headed for home to get the title and THAT car threw a code. AND, as we were headed home the snow and ice were coming hard. We had to get back safely. The code was a major deal, there were no other cars we were interested in, no car before we go. </p><p>I came home and booked tickets for Coulter and I to fly to Las Vegas and rent a car on Wednesday. This snow and ice was not letting up and we need to help Bob and Kees, so now we can. Additionally, we had to rent a hotel because we won't have what we need to stay at our house because we can't drive with our car full of stuff. OK, fine. </p><p>There are lots of things that have had to be on hold because ICE STORM! We couldn't have left Saturday anyway. </p><p>Today, Saturday, I crawled around on the floor and cleaned up paint spots. Yesterday I went through thousands of pictures and threw away more than half. (OMG When are we supposed to adequately organize those during our life?) Bob painted ceilings, replaced wall switches, and packed. I packed. How do we sill have things to pack? </p><p>This afternoon we took a walk with the dog. I wore spikes on my shoes... thank goodness. Hácee slipped all over, Bob did too. No one fell; success.</p><p>When we got home we sat down to plan. We have lots to consider; When the kitchen cabinets come back and when to make sure the kitchen is ready. We have to be ready for the carpet guys on the 22nd and that means no furniture that is heavy, tall, has glass, has a computer, or is hard to move. Who is here when and who can load? And the dog... he needs a temporary home because he is a neurotic. </p><p>PORTLAND - We pick up the truck on 2/16, Tuesday morning (my birthday), and drop the dog with friends. Coulter and I will help load the truck and then we fly. Bob and Kees need to depart on Wednesday late, Thursday early at the latest. </p><p>LAS VEGAS - Thursday, Coulter and I will pick up keys to our house, keys to the PO Box, figure out if there is anything critical we need (Beer, wine, Gatorade, snacks) and then we meet with friends for dinner outside. Our first LV contact since accepting the job! We are very excited. </p><p>LAS VEGAS - Kees and Bob will probably arrive on Friday. We'll unload as soon as we can at the rental house, we have a three car garage. We'll stay at the hotel when they get there on Friday. Then, Coulter and I fly back on Saturday afternoon. Kees and Bob will do some set up in the house. The truck needs to be back by Sunday. Bob starts work on Monday. Kees will go to school in LV at PPS on Monday as well.</p><p>PORTLAND - Monday, all the carpets get swapped out upstairs, in the hall upstairs, and the stairs. The kitchen cabinets get put in ???? sometime. </p><p>Eventually, Bob and Kees will come home, we don't know when yet. We will have to do some set up in the guest house once it is empty and can be staged. It is full to the top until we load it into the truck on Tuesday! </p><p>..... And that is the end of the plan for now. My biggest concern today is the giant, old, tree in front of our current house that is being attacked all night by ice. If we survive that, I will feel better and consider that perhaps we are past the mishap part of the move. Tomorrow we pick up a few last minute things, continue to fix little things, pack (seriously!?!), and mentally prepare. </p><p>Wish us luck. This is all so strange.... and did I mention, we're doing this all in the middle of a pandemic? That brings a whole different set of issues but let's focus on what we can.</p>The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-26092465197580781192020-11-03T06:55:00.004-08:002020-11-04T13:35:22.336-08:002020 Road Trip Reset - Election Edition <p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQyWopcGBy14kZlDJJaPUZ-20Xn8hH0XPMVdf8EGfcDd9yes4gezgo0LPl8nLR4uCkwoHvt-ph37nKD0ZHygQDn5LrUnNUshJoC7I6WCHNTSd_2AEjrrXgOSgDyQaOJV_XSoIVix1nWM/s2048/717226FB-45D4-4C8D-B4C7-5A7B680D089D_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQyWopcGBy14kZlDJJaPUZ-20Xn8hH0XPMVdf8EGfcDd9yes4gezgo0LPl8nLR4uCkwoHvt-ph37nKD0ZHygQDn5LrUnNUshJoC7I6WCHNTSd_2AEjrrXgOSgDyQaOJV_XSoIVix1nWM/w640-h478/717226FB-45D4-4C8D-B4C7-5A7B680D089D_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br />I</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t has been an interesting trip. I planned in two days; Monday and Tuesday, and left Wednesday after golf with the Speed Queens, m’a girls. I put two foam mattresses, a plastic chest of drawers, a porta potty, a little food, my clothes, a lawn chair, and water in the van. I put my golf clubs and extra stuff in the rocket box. I was ready for weather between 20 and 100. </span><p></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I knew approximately where I was going the first day because I was meeting Ed and mom in Twin falls, so I went that way. I didn’t have a place to stay, so I stayed at a truck stop. When I arrived, not being certain of homeless protocols, I inquired within as to the rules. I found the one woman working and asked her if I stayed in the parking lot if it was A) safe, and B) permissible. She assured me both were affirmative. I parked, covered all the windows, set up my camp, turned on my hotspot, turned on Netflix, poured myself a glass of wine, and settled in for the night. It was a bit loud, but I have ear plugs. It was fine. I think this is the adult equivalent of a blanket fort. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The next morning, I investigated Boise and enjoyed seeing all the sights, especially the historic homes on Warm Springs Road. After my wandering, I played golf at <a href="https://www.warmspringsgolfcourse.com/">Warm Springs</a> with Bob, Jeff, and Rick, retired golf buddies. Rick was my favorite of the three. He spent time in Portland and was a pretty hip dude. Jeff was quite serious and a pretty good golfer…. Until the 10<sup>th</sup> hole, when he fell apart and acted like a preteen, throwing his clubs and such. And Bob was kind of goofy and a follower. Our round was uneventful other than Jeff’s tantrums. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">After the round, they invited me to a tavern. I accepted. When I arrived, I was fully expecting to be outside but there they were, inside. I joined, though since, I have decided I would and will decline all inside invitations moving forward. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The conversation started out nicely enough but as soon as Jeff learned that I was one of the “rioters in Portland” in his opinion, he wasn’t’ having it. I told him I was one of the moms and he took away, rioter. I explained that I have not been involved in any riots, only peaceful protesting and have been shot by rock salt, rubber bullets, and pepper spray. He said, “If you don’t like it, don’t go,” and he laughed. I tried to explain that our police force was using excessive force against the people of Portland and I was protesting that. It went back and forth. Quite frankly, I sat there and took it until I didn’t, at which point, I put Jeff in his place. He questioned my motives, who I was with (Antifa? WTAF?), why I wore riot gear, why I supported reform, etc. I shut him down explaining I am an American and it is my right. I have experienced protesting with each of my children over the summer and I will do it again unless things change. I told them how things did not get violent until the Police come, that many protesters work to stop fires, vandalism, and the throwing of projectiles. The crowds provide food, protective gear, medical care, etc. Jeff would not believe me because he had seen what was really happening on his news source. Gee, I wonder what that is?!? My firsthand experiences were nothing to him, he dismissed me and would not believe what I said. I was surprised how aggressive he was toward a single woman, traveling alone, who was his guest. I bet he’s a blast with his close friends. This conservative man, who claims he wants law and order, was, again, going off the rails. He showed me who he was on the golf course, this was not surprising. Bob went with Jeff, onaccounta, he’s a follower. Rick got disgusted with his friends and left. I think he’s surprised I didn’t storm out. I’m not afraid of a disagreement, or even a fight (at least in the safety of public). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">That was a really good first interaction with people for me. I realized I needed to be a bit more incognito and protect myself a bit better. And, instead of saying I was from Portland, I decided to say I was from Oregon and quickly change the subject. This proved to be a better takt. Additionally, I asked way more questions than I answered. That is not always how I am, but I decided early on to make others defend their stance, be the offense. It’s safer, and I wanted to learn about people so this is how I moved forward as much as I could.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> <br /><br /><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The next night I stayed at a KOA near Twin Falls because I had a 9am Tee time at <a href="http://www.canyonspringsgolf.com/">Canyon Springs</a>. It was AMAZING! I played alone, in 2 hours and 25 minutes, and shot a 92! Best round ever! I even hit one tree and lost one in the water. It was 28 degrees when I teed off and got up to 35. Thank goodness I planned for everything from the 20s to the 90s (no joke, and I ended up using almost all of it throughout the trip!)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokOYks_D78eDcCZDM8ul7epYp6g6EvGD67kFOGvl3_FLOkwCTEeI7N4_xdXhlV-coPfrNcgJ61JmTERRKq4fj0ys5aKC3EP-jYk2U98VCjlXznM5sIcWkunXHpEGj2dLYkfzGtSY1ykE/s2048/BC8DB5C4-1DE4-41BC-903C-83094484526B.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokOYks_D78eDcCZDM8ul7epYp6g6EvGD67kFOGvl3_FLOkwCTEeI7N4_xdXhlV-coPfrNcgJ61JmTERRKq4fj0ys5aKC3EP-jYk2U98VCjlXznM5sIcWkunXHpEGj2dLYkfzGtSY1ykE/w640-h480/BC8DB5C4-1DE4-41BC-903C-83094484526B.heic" width="640" /></a></div>CHECK OUT THAT HAZZARD on the 10th<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO43n7nZDueOrLnv0Gv36Wgqk9vHDnJr1MCWawVmW_6Z3A5k0BfQKMa2kr4vMvMmcTFlyLopvxjjouCruDFI0c2NfjQTKkrUVrxbjG96kz2O3-3RGEpMqlyoABHT8alL6DrUPVmd8H-s4/s2048/489AB327-BCE9-4D36-866E-339BC559A16E.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO43n7nZDueOrLnv0Gv36Wgqk9vHDnJr1MCWawVmW_6Z3A5k0BfQKMa2kr4vMvMmcTFlyLopvxjjouCruDFI0c2NfjQTKkrUVrxbjG96kz2O3-3RGEpMqlyoABHT8alL6DrUPVmd8H-s4/w640-h480/489AB327-BCE9-4D36-866E-339BC559A16E.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waterfall</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEO6_IdYfkNnokjCd8tmt06XEJwhjZuIiyDXY_NpqMEgtMN28C1j8EoBOzGVt3EAWSX6y1OvikfjUeNx4cJu4elqfLVCYu4f67ZUKPNfN5pF9mSlHfzVI2PWJPYfFCNcmXDDDnbSYeac/s2048/88C11824-B839-414C-A34D-18E831B6B1C9.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEO6_IdYfkNnokjCd8tmt06XEJwhjZuIiyDXY_NpqMEgtMN28C1j8EoBOzGVt3EAWSX6y1OvikfjUeNx4cJu4elqfLVCYu4f67ZUKPNfN5pF9mSlHfzVI2PWJPYfFCNcmXDDDnbSYeac/w480-h640/88C11824-B839-414C-A34D-18E831B6B1C9.heic" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Post round, I built myself a platform for my bed. I thought I could stand the slant, but I am a Van Princess and needed a level bed for my van down by the river. I am a very spacial (not special, com’on) person and planned this platform the evening before in my head. I determined (by guessing) that my feet were about 5” below my head. A 4x4 and a 2x4 together equal 5” in thickness. I got a ¾’ piece of plywood, had them cut it to 6’8” x 3” and had them cut a 4x4 and a 2x4 into three pieces; (2) 3’, and (1) 2’. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BTnrLZmjyu6PeBBigHh6pptnZkAQQqtQyU1g5sYEby5BtuIzhhUMm341LBN7OMfT-5-pD-89hQ4-dbeTmhBUitp4jlKUm7VEuSR9mdea_zV4Qp4h_qnqsbu4G4g29eQZMzdqK1B8iRI/s2048/4046C6A9-1EFB-4BEF-9998-95EDAA5F1473.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BTnrLZmjyu6PeBBigHh6pptnZkAQQqtQyU1g5sYEby5BtuIzhhUMm341LBN7OMfT-5-pD-89hQ4-dbeTmhBUitp4jlKUm7VEuSR9mdea_zV4Qp4h_qnqsbu4G4g29eQZMzdqK1B8iRI/w300-h400/4046C6A9-1EFB-4BEF-9998-95EDAA5F1473.heic" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New platform bed</div></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I parked the van and put golf balls on the center console to assure that the van was level. I nailed two sets of the pieces together and set them in the van, slid the plywood on top and put golf balls on my platform…. they didn’t move. SUCCESS! I nailed the plywood onto the “legs”, reassembled my van and headed out. With the space under the platform I now had a “basement” for storage of things like my first aid kit, tools, umbrella, etc. HANDY!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">After contacting mom and Ed, they were about an hour behind me, we decided to meet at the RV park instead of trying to stay together. It’s a good thing because I went a totally different way. I must have hit some setting on my device that sent me around Salt Lake (which is fine by me). It was a beautiful drive and a road I had not been on before. I saw the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Slide_(Utah)">Devil’s Slide</a>. Click it, it’s cool. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibONnBmLlSZCYjFcasKD6uVeA21kkDgH9NK0vlZlc1fKhnztnJe1nPK-eok8Ci-PS5hyVLouB4iR4S5JjzfldNJkvG8o480K4Ex6QNVxRHGEGVQFZ2_FDxMy9dE0bVWHna3ebZ9TSjC9M/s2048/9E5C227B-3909-4747-B93C-4D279E0F94E7.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibONnBmLlSZCYjFcasKD6uVeA21kkDgH9NK0vlZlc1fKhnztnJe1nPK-eok8Ci-PS5hyVLouB4iR4S5JjzfldNJkvG8o480K4Ex6QNVxRHGEGVQFZ2_FDxMy9dE0bVWHna3ebZ9TSjC9M/w480-h640/9E5C227B-3909-4747-B93C-4D279E0F94E7.heic" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I made it to mom and Ed, we had a nice reunion, dinner, and I hit the sack, we were headed to Moab and I wanted to be ready. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">We started out the next day together but decided we’d just touch base now and again so we weren’t driving each other crazy. It worked. We hit <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm">Arches</a>. As always, it was beautiful. And, I didn’t realize they had not been there. As we headed out, mom informed me we weren’t staying, that we were pressing on. OK, no golf that day I guess. We went on through Monument Valley and stayed on the <a href="https://www.navajo-nsn.gov/">Navajo Nation</a>. They were very serious about COVID and had check points going in and out. There were no services on the reservation except gas. No restaurants, no hotels, no stores, nothing if you’re not from there. We were good. Next stop, PHOENIX!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Mom and Ed had a RV place to stay in Phoenix, so I contacted my good high school buddy, Annette, who lives there, and she invited me with open arms. With COVID, it’s hard to know who is doing what. I was happy to stay in the driveway, but she insisted I stay in the house. It was Sunday and they do dinner with her parents every Sunday, so I was able to see and surprise Gary and Sveya. I’ve known them as long as I’ve known Annette. It seems strange that they were younger than we are now, then… nah, that can’t be. We had a nice time. Dinner, wine, lots of conversation (including race cars and politics. Gary is a Trump man), and plans. It was not too contentious because Gary is a good guy and just decided that we would agree to disagree, even on what was happening in Portland. Again, a conservative that would not believe what I have seen with my own eyes. The media is a powerful tool and the GOP has been using it against the people for political gain for years. It’s sad because it is straight manipulation. I have seen Portland in its glory and pain. Neither is reflected accurately by the press.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Gary and I dropped his race car off at the shop the next morning and teed off at 10am. We had a nice time, talked about golf, kids, cars (I want a race car), and old days. It was fun, I played mediocrely at best.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The next few days all blur together. My aunt Karen and I played golf with a strange dude who would not shut up. At one point he said to Karen, “You want to hit it…” and Karen shut him down (rightfully so), holding her hand up and saying, “I KNOW.” He stopped doing that. Annette and I played as well. She beat me by about 10 strokes but again, we had fun. We went out for an outdoor cocktail and appetizer afterward. I love being able to go to a place outside. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">While I was there, I got to do laundry, reorganize the van, sleep in a real bed, shower, wash my hair, all the things you can do when you have a house. I was so grateful to have been able to spend time with Annette. It’s been a long time since it’s been just the two of us. The weather was perfect the whole time and I left with a full heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOxNpxnAq8BxN8Y8OxC_jTvr-69ErFiRH_Kou_pWpTcaKi6io2cYG9TWNJI3zjTsNlJmN25015i9qkF8ouQxZd46gbjuyjOO0mKdSR0NVzuwPawlhSgxL-pIvmKI00vgDu8_eJCnjAFc/s2048/7F258F9D-597C-4D56-8D7D-C44994BD0C0A.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOxNpxnAq8BxN8Y8OxC_jTvr-69ErFiRH_Kou_pWpTcaKi6io2cYG9TWNJI3zjTsNlJmN25015i9qkF8ouQxZd46gbjuyjOO0mKdSR0NVzuwPawlhSgxL-pIvmKI00vgDu8_eJCnjAFc/s320/7F258F9D-597C-4D56-8D7D-C44994BD0C0A.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIv3YgMjg5zYnOnmrHPrLsl5hJ3U46MuHETCkfro5h4H3l7ppYDyXyxBOUmmLUNJ9I05vRu2ak0Gl3f9eFLnU8CccyEQo8Zs3PbT-bqEh5dGkRpiD5tqu-dAjN8YCwXrj_azhkLcTIwc/s2048/ED2D5597-F54B-4F33-B9B3-FF11624FD075.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIv3YgMjg5zYnOnmrHPrLsl5hJ3U46MuHETCkfro5h4H3l7ppYDyXyxBOUmmLUNJ9I05vRu2ak0Gl3f9eFLnU8CccyEQo8Zs3PbT-bqEh5dGkRpiD5tqu-dAjN8YCwXrj_azhkLcTIwc/s320/ED2D5597-F54B-4F33-B9B3-FF11624FD075.heic" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXU2nkYe2uUI4KLIqozXcnQEXkpNzg4aeWHbLSwa-r16gN9FORKw6zeOxMN83uX-9-gmnBf4aUQ4lfkNsCY52d1a2NdLbKh_n72Ja2f3qSrbaMxi7kZmibjNza2i1-3hk1bj3Sj4EXGs/s2048/EBCE4533-FAC3-475C-BD9B-29E8E7E61035.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXU2nkYe2uUI4KLIqozXcnQEXkpNzg4aeWHbLSwa-r16gN9FORKw6zeOxMN83uX-9-gmnBf4aUQ4lfkNsCY52d1a2NdLbKh_n72Ja2f3qSrbaMxi7kZmibjNza2i1-3hk1bj3Sj4EXGs/s320/EBCE4533-FAC3-475C-BD9B-29E8E7E61035.heic" width="320" /></a></div>Karen and I and our RVs<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXJ5X4WLIBxrmqx8cAVEOd28bG2bdixUODIosq5W8eyiQ1Gw14vKrm-KuWZtJ8niYDlQ1lqfxKCsPP0qbsQYf1DSoPbk67tbO1JPE4aYYxq09u5XjxE6VOf-09_r-rKtF6Ktv0qreh-c/s2048/D038DB3D-68B8-4D99-9F5C-A4EFE4D894AE.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXJ5X4WLIBxrmqx8cAVEOd28bG2bdixUODIosq5W8eyiQ1Gw14vKrm-KuWZtJ8niYDlQ1lqfxKCsPP0qbsQYf1DSoPbk67tbO1JPE4aYYxq09u5XjxE6VOf-09_r-rKtF6Ktv0qreh-c/s320/D038DB3D-68B8-4D99-9F5C-A4EFE4D894AE.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbVcfwAUJlvc8XZ1k7oV6ZoAn99Du8ubn7PDcc0ZyjEL9peXmy1gPTGqQowIMaIIpXj0s7ASGXLV-nRxKTuVMhznRrHYXBT_VRVWhvDIpv7nVijQeBT5dYelOhwamr6jsNzTtbAlvrKM/s2048/10002505-ED9E-4A71-8848-EA3A703AEF4A.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbVcfwAUJlvc8XZ1k7oV6ZoAn99Du8ubn7PDcc0ZyjEL9peXmy1gPTGqQowIMaIIpXj0s7ASGXLV-nRxKTuVMhznRrHYXBT_VRVWhvDIpv7nVijQeBT5dYelOhwamr6jsNzTtbAlvrKM/s320/10002505-ED9E-4A71-8848-EA3A703AEF4A.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">At this point, the plan was; mom and Karen were headed to Atlanta to Rick’s, Ed was headed to Indio, CA where he was going to camp out until mom got back. My plan was to loosely follow Ed just in case he needed help. I worry about him traveling alone especially with his health as it is. As it turns out, Ed did have a breakdown, but he had a plan that was able to get some guys to him to get him going. After that, he was good. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I headed toward Palm Springs which is just past Indio. I took my time and decided to veer through <a href="https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm">Joshua Tree</a>. I purchased an <a href="https://usparkpass.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA-f78BRBbEiwATKRRBFaq-thMUqbzKBDtKTgyOiB0HGyqgCXtiWvDf08XQrlvPxjjscSzFhoCLFUQAvD_BwE">America the Beautiful Pass</a> (including <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm">Yo’ Semite</a>!) in Arches so, why not? It was beautiful! The rocks are crazy. They look like regular rocks only they’re 40 feet tall. The weird thing is there are no small rocks around them. Just giant rocks, regular rocks about a foot and smaller, and sand. I believe they must have been cracked into large pieces and the wind wore them into stone looking bits. With the amount of geology I’ve had, I think I’m pretty close. It looked like Bedrock from the Flintstones, very cool. Then there are the cacti and trees…. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I also got to use my mom skills and planning. I stopped to take a picture and a woman came off of a trail with two massive cactus needles in her finger and they were barbed. We all masked up before I came close. I had all the right stuff and the knowledge that the only way out, was the same way they went in. Luckily, they came out whole. I handed over first aid supplies (and backups, cause, hello, I’m a mom) and went. They were very grateful. POINTS FOR MOMS! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZsZ5V9y5l60BIkXSPUwZdsYYZBCNd7akbYGFM77cIoXiQ3m0DWjs_N7S8arVSR_NQ3AZ65TMGB6aYizWGw3O8FFqvx6K2j6Tbm-WTP1B9TULs_vIcg4ECpbTqi-EpB4-Fdih4CpUMII/s2048/FF4AED81-EC8A-457C-BA69-E879149CE862.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZsZ5V9y5l60BIkXSPUwZdsYYZBCNd7akbYGFM77cIoXiQ3m0DWjs_N7S8arVSR_NQ3AZ65TMGB6aYizWGw3O8FFqvx6K2j6Tbm-WTP1B9TULs_vIcg4ECpbTqi-EpB4-Fdih4CpUMII/s320/FF4AED81-EC8A-457C-BA69-E879149CE862.heic" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhij-x2ur5P-HN-1-K02xT6bV19MO0dTitPWf8QLVfjQSz9tOLwB5xLNeFL4AsyxmuBFAKdlP_ags178DXQ9q1ES-8ctSyPTVESudJc5b49FfaXt6in9_lXa11i7O6zPTnkaeSwuIOi7LE/s2048/2C50B7A9-9378-424E-9979-BE6F6BA5235E.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhij-x2ur5P-HN-1-K02xT6bV19MO0dTitPWf8QLVfjQSz9tOLwB5xLNeFL4AsyxmuBFAKdlP_ags178DXQ9q1ES-8ctSyPTVESudJc5b49FfaXt6in9_lXa11i7O6zPTnkaeSwuIOi7LE/s320/2C50B7A9-9378-424E-9979-BE6F6BA5235E.heic" /></a></div><br /></span><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I ended up in Palm Springs at a Truck Stop after picking myself up some takeout from a local CalMex? Place. It was pretty good. I had a tee time at 7:30 so I was headed to bed early.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I got up, got ready, and headed out to <a href="https://tahquitzgolfresort.com/">Tahquitz Creek</a>, the Resort Course. I smacked a few at the driving range and teed off. At the first green I realized I left my Sand Wedge at the driving range. I was trying to go to fast and turned, caught my foot on my golf cleats, and caught myself on my right side. I popped up and drove back to get my stuff. I kept moving around to make sure I was OK and other than a little sore, I was fine. By the 18<sup>th</sup> hole, I was not. Shit. I don’t know at this point if something is just pulled or broken but my right peck, side is killing me. Like laying on it hurts. I was able to finish the round. I went sight-seeing around Palm Springs as much as I could. Most of the neighborhoods are gated. I am not crazy about that. We have enough “us and them” division in our country without extra gates. Is crime really that bad in Palm Springs? I doubt it, and it isn’t because of the gates. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I talked to mom, who assured me Ed would be fine in the area on his own (they have friends there) and she would be back soon so I should go. I wanted to start heading home, I was missing my family. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I stayed at a convenience store in Ranco Mirage, got up at 6:30 and headed toward <a href="https://www.indian-canyons.com/">Indian Canyons</a>. I got coffee and headed up the Canyon. I arrived right as the gates opened so there was no one there and it was 72 degrees. I hiked <a href="http://www.hiking-in-ps.com/palm-springs-indian-canyon-trails/andreas-canyon/">Andreas Canyon</a>….alone. I loved every moment. Next I hit <a href="http://www.hiking-in-ps.com/palm-springs-indian-canyon-trails/">Palm Canyon</a>. There were about 20 people there and the temps had jumped to 80. I hiked around and headed out toward the PACIFIC, destination, unknown, via I-10. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmoflMJ8bsQ0yvpv6IQPJc52ern1YMD7_2QQN2zoTNEsfTw_HuxMIPUF7o-ecHZOYVuFIXp_sDIPchlOqgjgVrvFSOVtbq6SYUu89VoA669bEivr3FK63dkAYYlr5_ETiSLYZUQSFp1c/s2048/EA0245F2-F875-4C97-AA09-A471865EDACF.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmoflMJ8bsQ0yvpv6IQPJc52ern1YMD7_2QQN2zoTNEsfTw_HuxMIPUF7o-ecHZOYVuFIXp_sDIPchlOqgjgVrvFSOVtbq6SYUu89VoA669bEivr3FK63dkAYYlr5_ETiSLYZUQSFp1c/w480-h640/EA0245F2-F875-4C97-AA09-A471865EDACF.heic" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ROuK-Sq4o2vje2ZnwJ8dLA3YIaTAKtioMx3se1qdLR2mFrKVLmjk4wNwMMVpfofREAiXRVvnh0SdnuitsSBR_CfRA96v5G0fykSqCJogbsJvW4lumkOp5-DNCvS4mnTDe86Gbr2bxJY/s2048/6B3E73AC-43FA-43D1-9ED7-D7E2EA7C11C6.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ROuK-Sq4o2vje2ZnwJ8dLA3YIaTAKtioMx3se1qdLR2mFrKVLmjk4wNwMMVpfofREAiXRVvnh0SdnuitsSBR_CfRA96v5G0fykSqCJogbsJvW4lumkOp5-DNCvS4mnTDe86Gbr2bxJY/w480-h640/6B3E73AC-43FA-43D1-9ED7-D7E2EA7C11C6.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A tight fit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4QHvcm-VL5cwHtwf88MftJWVICVu7qHwEbn7SXR92ablDcCXUxFOIhZeyXJpTkXzY6kLhlh1WVxZhY8J_wtSQ53jNcohEdofKVvmVg8rPWPp8KQP5NAHz5qORNi37Wo4xa35I5ItBEc/s2048/4E3DF95C-FB58-41FF-9D85-D889B442F51A.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOMnGX9-rDdxYHf8JMDrT5PuKnt0P0HsLrBkzhqgUwIKUILf2XgPxVyyC5SozslmwUzQMLwM0e88iSWcS2Im8SqJ50P_oVObgtFoGAbOfDN-k9UzQhQa2XtqM6_E1CvPM8RB9RVbi4Ro/s2048/2C09FD6B-4E05-4B31-AF51-65FCBD02CB93.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOMnGX9-rDdxYHf8JMDrT5PuKnt0P0HsLrBkzhqgUwIKUILf2XgPxVyyC5SozslmwUzQMLwM0e88iSWcS2Im8SqJ50P_oVObgtFoGAbOfDN-k9UzQhQa2XtqM6_E1CvPM8RB9RVbi4Ro/w640-h480/2C09FD6B-4E05-4B31-AF51-65FCBD02CB93.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I drove through the desert, through the mountains, saw dinosaurs, saw Trump signs, saw Biden signs, lots of other signs who I don’t know. I was listening to NPR as I drove for about an hour and a half. It was the first time I had listened to the radio other than a five-minute, top of the hour, news flash in days. I found myself getting agitated. Four or five times that day, when I had started my car, Diana Krall’s S’Wonderful came on and I kept turning on the radio. When I noticed that I was getting agitated, I let it play. I didn’t fight it anymore. It was the right thing, and then two minutes later, I came around the corner in Ventura and BAM, there was the PACIFIC. It put a giant smile on my face, the whole thing. The fact that I was headed home, that I wanted to go home, that my phone turned on tunes for me at the right time for no reason, that the Pacific Ocean screams HOME to me. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWumWvbucStehWEJBPZFoFvV6mv1qGJpP4Z-82-YX6GBx-rSVF5AabTv_N9crPtgbYGAmysM8O5bs7tpYyl415OLCVgozbdVwR6GyS1nIQGdTleBhe8bHUoXOYyRo1RJrFKYPHIyg0ms/s2048/FFDA0E00-6FAA-46A3-BC6F-EE2FBFECFD21.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWumWvbucStehWEJBPZFoFvV6mv1qGJpP4Z-82-YX6GBx-rSVF5AabTv_N9crPtgbYGAmysM8O5bs7tpYyl415OLCVgozbdVwR6GyS1nIQGdTleBhe8bHUoXOYyRo1RJrFKYPHIyg0ms/s320/FFDA0E00-6FAA-46A3-BC6F-EE2FBFECFD21.heic" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsZ9lkHv_flhwwyo13FsSSTSBcG2lOm1NoOFcMWJhbKAyxiZRclYewXwYjwGxF0mlEPQwSf9eED9cmlOw9DaXiBpyVeQA24LACFcgtfTuTWBBNqS6kF79ZQOeL3hXPeE6yWRXvoe0KoE/s2048/B28D03EA-78A1-4E5A-8780-649CBBAB8204.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsZ9lkHv_flhwwyo13FsSSTSBcG2lOm1NoOFcMWJhbKAyxiZRclYewXwYjwGxF0mlEPQwSf9eED9cmlOw9DaXiBpyVeQA24LACFcgtfTuTWBBNqS6kF79ZQOeL3hXPeE6yWRXvoe0KoE/s320/B28D03EA-78A1-4E5A-8780-649CBBAB8204.heic" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I drove up the coast as my phone continued to play DJ. I don’t know what it’s playlist was but it included everything on my phone; kids’ books, my audio books, kids music, classical, rock, jazz, comedy, opera, RnB, pow wows, train noises, Gregorian chants, rap, go America music (for when that was fun for me), everything. Obviously, I skipped through most of it, but it was fun thinking about all the memories we made as I was adding all of that to my iPod(s), iPhones, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">At 10 minutes till sunset, I hit Pismo Beach and found <a href="http://www.pismobeach.org/290/Eldwayen-Ocean-Park">Eldwayen Ocean Park</a>. What an amazing view! So, I sat in my van, on my bed, and watched the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean. Same as it ever was but ever so spectacular. It’s one of those things that makes me feel small and insignificant, yet also, part of everything, all at the same time. Awesome in the true sense. Every time I watch a beautiful sunset, on the Pacific, I feel blessed to witness such beauty…again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDhXevTI0_qIO7DnkK73ayd7y9U-70ihqINe887gSqqEspk-bLPvVnHtm8s9gDlRcrnrGztowF80MBRsfP1tyoPc617thbB7HxsaI4z9T_dbEkIUMdxg7BwgK1i-NSwcqWLqIkTB1GoQ/s2048/F94A1F74-BF07-4C2F-815C-C833DA2F0DD0.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDhXevTI0_qIO7DnkK73ayd7y9U-70ihqINe887gSqqEspk-bLPvVnHtm8s9gDlRcrnrGztowF80MBRsfP1tyoPc617thbB7HxsaI4z9T_dbEkIUMdxg7BwgK1i-NSwcqWLqIkTB1GoQ/w640-h480/F94A1F74-BF07-4C2F-815C-C833DA2F0DD0.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAYyb4_8YrjhI11xLC-CGOz5e-SXxDsiMmO_9KkKoWzl4SFL0aoA4TkfH2GacEutxU2oaAw4lVktb434mntTkwt0hyd3dP_PHZ993bT-vKHZkmq8cIsP26lITZzNZqxbeFfS39XHdi9g/s2048/F6E7D26B-6A49-411A-A504-FA74E570745A_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAYyb4_8YrjhI11xLC-CGOz5e-SXxDsiMmO_9KkKoWzl4SFL0aoA4TkfH2GacEutxU2oaAw4lVktb434mntTkwt0hyd3dP_PHZ993bT-vKHZkmq8cIsP26lITZzNZqxbeFfS39XHdi9g/w640-h480/F6E7D26B-6A49-411A-A504-FA74E570745A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74WQA6-j3AyokVUcTxBkA78sGVRGAbVWAflC_4t_1dhWGgbC2HCOOQ8w_8Nwb_v7nXuJHWxt_uDEKMAEZZLoiYvOUy1GB1PWi1ESuHsf0jG6NV6_9N5MsofYFv0vDxtbTT1l1xss21gU/s2048/CF2A5939-08BD-440F-96D5-78910B3495BF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74WQA6-j3AyokVUcTxBkA78sGVRGAbVWAflC_4t_1dhWGgbC2HCOOQ8w_8Nwb_v7nXuJHWxt_uDEKMAEZZLoiYvOUy1GB1PWi1ESuHsf0jG6NV6_9N5MsofYFv0vDxtbTT1l1xss21gU/s320/CF2A5939-08BD-440F-96D5-78910B3495BF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvgYvL6OAtvtg8bkedK_8WLewPbhy98AIlzMh1_fxkHTCIpuIJ6p3rk263JuBHsEt6064VthY2v2ZK3eT4QM2e-A53fwTi-jlafD_3CbjKWwdz_kObuuO-3nvQRQSB5vG0GKtptfortE/s2048/0BEA9ECE-3B44-48E4-83FF-47220A25FD83.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvgYvL6OAtvtg8bkedK_8WLewPbhy98AIlzMh1_fxkHTCIpuIJ6p3rk263JuBHsEt6064VthY2v2ZK3eT4QM2e-A53fwTi-jlafD_3CbjKWwdz_kObuuO-3nvQRQSB5vG0GKtptfortE/w640-h480/0BEA9ECE-3B44-48E4-83FF-47220A25FD83.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I pressed on to just outside of San Francisco. I knew it would be hard to find a place where I would feel really safe, so I decided for my splurge, to stay at a hotel. I tried <a href="https://www.hoteltonight.com/?utm_campaign=google_desktop_us-english_brand_exact&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign_id=1495933104&utm_adgroup=95550526069&utm_targetid=kwd-2819026105&utm_feeditemid=&utm_creative=hotel%20tonight&utm_matchtype=e&utm_loc_physical_ms=9032339&utm_loc_interest_ms=&utm_adposition=&utm_ad_id=420248874908&utm_device=c&utm_network=g&gclid=CjwKCAiA-f78BRBbEiwATKRRBMZoXtICliHe9mI_N8dZZsrYwaVd_YLwLIjDfIqI9YcvDZ65_Ox0ChoCzR0QAvD_BwE">Hotel Tonight</a> and BINGO, I got an Aloft for $89 all taxes included and it was 2 miles from me. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Van Princess upgraded to indoor plumbing and Hotel Queen for the night. It had a kitchenette and everything. I would have rented it as an apartment back in the day. I took a bath, shaved, watched some SNL and passed out.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yesterday (we’re up to yesterday!), I headed toward San Francisco via a Hispanic outdoor market that I happened upon. Tacos for breakfast? Yes please!</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I got a mango and a jicama for the road. A perfect picnic. I have learned a dinner of grapes and cherry tomatoes can be quite satisfying.</span></span></h1><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG1MgOEP2vHIQn8qu3lTG86lcNpYyuRSzgORji9WpixM5eBKngQFefnkXzqUSazpvLIMlUOgFen9txM9oHUqWj44xpLkRv9rqFdGFv6Y1FIo4FTlBIO5YwI_z8M4QBO3NJKWyRESWrO4/s2048/5DFA7095-7F0E-4C5B-85AB-1C46E717A10C.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG1MgOEP2vHIQn8qu3lTG86lcNpYyuRSzgORji9WpixM5eBKngQFefnkXzqUSazpvLIMlUOgFen9txM9oHUqWj44xpLkRv9rqFdGFv6Y1FIo4FTlBIO5YwI_z8M4QBO3NJKWyRESWrO4/w640-h480/5DFA7095-7F0E-4C5B-85AB-1C46E717A10C.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOEC3OmbUJmema5ec-K7CMPIWH1PmhpqtBxD_1GiPbUEi9mi3YPhhggyswGwRbRzbtgE96N2TM02FEPaVGAUc7Evh5xD9Wm0eNRSyPONp0B8fDMb7h9Aw1iQJQlU0R46PX_phklNym8A/s2048/FE9E99FF-D1A7-4D6C-B5AC-F2C8EDFD6822.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOEC3OmbUJmema5ec-K7CMPIWH1PmhpqtBxD_1GiPbUEi9mi3YPhhggyswGwRbRzbtgE96N2TM02FEPaVGAUc7Evh5xD9Wm0eNRSyPONp0B8fDMb7h9Aw1iQJQlU0R46PX_phklNym8A/w640-h480/FE9E99FF-D1A7-4D6C-B5AC-F2C8EDFD6822.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I drove the usual route through the city, I stopped and walked piers, little parks, bits of the Presidio, walked on the beach, dipped my toes in the ocean, went through the Golden Gate Park, got Won Ton Soup and ate it in the park, and generally scratched that itch. I drove through town and stopped twice to give food to some homeless people. Once guy I coaxed out of the street with some extra tacos. He came out of the street and seemed happy to have something to eat. He was pretty out of it. The next guy was carrying a lot of stuff and I said, “Hey brother, do you want some food?” He said, “Yes!” so I gave him a bag full of everything I had, including unopened peanut butter, beef jerky, almonds, pecans, etc. I will say, I noticed a lot less homeless people there. What has happened? I will follow up because something appears to be working, unless the problem is being pushed out of sight. I am curious. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FYNzQWP3wyt91xZYCgvGsKy6nNviYJNTU6G7MiRvJDv0OmorN-tEojWn0hXpR8icc3GqPWmfz4ftJEsebKolZo6rTB7-6939_bd10WNpwOdgspoLfJJ6YvpzikwRg0sY95GcX0t4lcU/s2048/F3203F03-2107-49E5-8A62-5F254261CD55.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FYNzQWP3wyt91xZYCgvGsKy6nNviYJNTU6G7MiRvJDv0OmorN-tEojWn0hXpR8icc3GqPWmfz4ftJEsebKolZo6rTB7-6939_bd10WNpwOdgspoLfJJ6YvpzikwRg0sY95GcX0t4lcU/w480-h640/F3203F03-2107-49E5-8A62-5F254261CD55.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAMPufLz6cbyjPU0mKU9y_Bt4PvECvOUqoc1-NsqrXyrsf9A7fXGQeVg5U6XKUcef2T8kHlQF1jx2OYs8-geiRWeNKSmE7Hlm7kKcOltLd7vfxftttP7fwqzIT3rLyDm8Ioc0ikfL_xA/w640-h480/5CB32A9A-8755-48B0-B1A9-8CA07CA11C7E.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyAg0ZEJXoTj-haWKTxfrAkC8us1FiMGF4ia2oFJggvRTo2wNarKEghbo0sXpQENy_PyMYkyJ-8w9gcnKtAMmFoKw1qreS6Gh9BwLFKeiuf6D12GtQg83XZ0iw46EdGppI0_59bN-7rI/s2048/3FC4F161-846B-410E-963B-1DE4D7EBFB68.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyAg0ZEJXoTj-haWKTxfrAkC8us1FiMGF4ia2oFJggvRTo2wNarKEghbo0sXpQENy_PyMYkyJ-8w9gcnKtAMmFoKw1qreS6Gh9BwLFKeiuf6D12GtQg83XZ0iw46EdGppI0_59bN-7rI/w640-h480/3FC4F161-846B-410E-963B-1DE4D7EBFB68.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG_ewWS2GdFxsqWswX1Rbcdw56W7Z0mv_S-RwDOT9oIACKT3GQRTh5j1xqABQAbOY5bO69Qlp-v4CtPeQqrwdatzppPY1_TLEYXDXFFfVE8RCcyX3NhSiEt9IEMahdL1yus2MKpRdwxQ/s2048/1B275AF5-0F4C-48E1-B538-CE144D84C8D2.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG_ewWS2GdFxsqWswX1Rbcdw56W7Z0mv_S-RwDOT9oIACKT3GQRTh5j1xqABQAbOY5bO69Qlp-v4CtPeQqrwdatzppPY1_TLEYXDXFFfVE8RCcyX3NhSiEt9IEMahdL1yus2MKpRdwxQ/w640-h480/1B275AF5-0F4C-48E1-B538-CE144D84C8D2.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I decided to head toward Sonoma to connect with my friend Ellen. She is working there on a project. I arrived in Sonoma and ah, there is nowhere to be homeless there and I knew she wouldn’t be there until the next day. I couldn’t find camping or anything. The cheapest hotel was $190…nah. I called Ellen, she gave me the address of the house she’s renting while she’s working there so I slept in front of it. It was soooo quiet compared to a parking lot… dude, seriously. I slept like a rock. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC-5NbZV8uzb6_ACFyn5yc4eXQ3IAv1UT1fkgv8Aeg21AAhS4r94dx9RXtCVhIDqBA83PsTGKmjUvkiDEUpkMdSHym0Oguqoo9ZiFsMxqTopa4GH7Dl2XbrU7jl8Es8JGwZs1ayAkPWw/s2048/EA80F087-6334-4A1C-AF55-8982E2AAD74B.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC-5NbZV8uzb6_ACFyn5yc4eXQ3IAv1UT1fkgv8Aeg21AAhS4r94dx9RXtCVhIDqBA83PsTGKmjUvkiDEUpkMdSHym0Oguqoo9ZiFsMxqTopa4GH7Dl2XbrU7jl8Es8JGwZs1ayAkPWw/s320/EA80F087-6334-4A1C-AF55-8982E2AAD74B.heic" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNn69gQEnJTHwMraCKp-8PsM1D8vnz19lZzl12V0wMTfdi17fSNltapk61G0iwLBW-emhFfjlyfjUqwdg9g034-vLa7SOh-PGBimC-XrBhsgxJvcTR46V7ebID6ohCRT6ZKoMlzZ8yldc/s2048/D5A97A6E-DEBB-407B-8991-A2EE90ED5A58.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNn69gQEnJTHwMraCKp-8PsM1D8vnz19lZzl12V0wMTfdi17fSNltapk61G0iwLBW-emhFfjlyfjUqwdg9g034-vLa7SOh-PGBimC-XrBhsgxJvcTR46V7ebID6ohCRT6ZKoMlzZ8yldc/s320/D5A97A6E-DEBB-407B-8991-A2EE90ED5A58.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HsQecy6xYc8BDglJw9SHBW8-Px55Jb-samZnTK_e5Cax3qkfLP4X935yiv0NY5dO6CXMRnGpTxSWWcClg_ag_VYvxm7ujacHXFG1E_BIasU_ApSoVmWLIITAWeFi5k9pqjeLmqeovbY/s2048/96AFDC70-F54B-4D1A-B995-90182D872B94.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HsQecy6xYc8BDglJw9SHBW8-Px55Jb-samZnTK_e5Cax3qkfLP4X935yiv0NY5dO6CXMRnGpTxSWWcClg_ag_VYvxm7ujacHXFG1E_BIasU_ApSoVmWLIITAWeFi5k9pqjeLmqeovbY/s320/96AFDC70-F54B-4D1A-B995-90182D872B94.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbb6Xvmcw8vXWD5X1zh4f_27iH5MBaKHYs2BnmVO8GO2Zuml-eAGMf6RYeeuzwmD9AEihLzZuCjMBYCZdU5GqyJikXDaA8QvFBYWo9EU3ViNqE-jw6KU9KYIRuEA5T3nGCduw3VK60wk/s2048/7ABEFC34-34A8-4403-BD94-7BB12165F164.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbb6Xvmcw8vXWD5X1zh4f_27iH5MBaKHYs2BnmVO8GO2Zuml-eAGMf6RYeeuzwmD9AEihLzZuCjMBYCZdU5GqyJikXDaA8QvFBYWo9EU3ViNqE-jw6KU9KYIRuEA5T3nGCduw3VK60wk/s320/7ABEFC34-34A8-4403-BD94-7BB12165F164.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttujeTunTyWFsj0vRtYaCBEgNKTaF9NMIWkj5Uah0RRYFkDo85vZXnWiQWfKATwbsEqUDMNpMKwiUngavaZ4181XherIDFc-wE39wNyQb_kJF6dBmeoETqpiW4MXhQBBFVjTw1XA25xA/s2048/2A141833-5FBE-401B-A323-062EE57158C9.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttujeTunTyWFsj0vRtYaCBEgNKTaF9NMIWkj5Uah0RRYFkDo85vZXnWiQWfKATwbsEqUDMNpMKwiUngavaZ4181XherIDFc-wE39wNyQb_kJF6dBmeoETqpiW4MXhQBBFVjTw1XA25xA/s320/2A141833-5FBE-401B-A323-062EE57158C9.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This morning, I woke up around 6:30 and got ready. I found a park and threw out garbage, folded my sleeping bag, organized and put on my make up. Then I went to Starbucks. I was sitting in the parking lot and realized I had not brushed my teeth, so I did. When I finished, a homeless woman came up to me and said, “I am homeless, do you have anything that could help?” I said, “Food?” She said “sure”, so I made her a care package of what I had left; almonds, pecans, chips, and I gave her my jicama since I still had it. She needed it. I verified her pronoun and she confirmed. She had a mustache and chin hair and I did not want to be disrespectful. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We talked about where she’s coming from. She’s from Las Vegas and she and whomever she is with are trying to figure out where to go next. She asked about Seattle and Portland I told her it’s cold in those places this time of year. From a practical standpoint, this is not a good time for a person from Las Vegas to be homeless in Portland or Seattle, it’s not a good time for anyone. She had not considered the weather. Ahh… yeah.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I went into Starbucks five minutes later and there she was asking how much a…whatever was. I was behind her and said, “Get whatever you want.” A big smile and a precise order. I don’t care who you are, you know what you want at Starbucks, when you know what you want. It was a few bucks and we carried on our conversation about where to go and how to be safe. We parted ways friends of sorts. I know I’m not actually homeless, not even close, but you do see some things when you don’t have a place to go at night. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I left Starbucks and here I am writing this piece in a public park. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This has been a great trip and I have learned things. When I left it was with the excuse that I was following mom and Ed incase they needed something. Really, it was just an excuse. I wanted to get out of town, I needed something. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">At home, all of us are in the house all the time. It used to be just me from 8:30 to 3:00 most days, even when I was working. It was good. When everyone came home in March, it was good. Really, I enjoyed it all. I still do for the most part. But all of 2020 was collectively getting to be a lot. Bob left his job when it was apparent that he was not the right person for the job right now. I left my job and there are still lose ends, that’s all I’ll say about that for now. Sophia spent 5 months in an apartment downtown with friends and working but is home now. We’re still trying to figure out how to make her comfortable at home again. The boys are having trouble with distance learning and Bob has really stepped up; connecting with their teachers, talking to them, helping them schedule. It has been great because my method of being exasperated and yelling doesn’t work. Believe me, I’ve tried. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And COVID in and of itself, all the missing things; friends, travel, parties, throwing parties, barbeques, going to the pool, movies, indoor dining, carpooling, visiting family. It’s like, “Heather, stop being Heather!” And the stress of, what is this really and what are the long-term ramifications of the illness? Who gets the sickest? Why? Why do some people get lesions on their brains? Hearts? Lungs? Just one? All three? None? Why? Can you get it again? Will it be as bad? </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And politics… I won’t go into any details, but I really do not understand how the Right is cool with what is happening right now and how their guy is pushing a dangerous narrative. Their silence is deafening.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And protesting for (this is not political) Black Lives Matter. Until that statement is true, do not come at me with your blue (a choice) lives, or all lives, or Trump (a stupid choice) lives matter. Yes, I saw that on this trip. WTAF right? My experiences protesting are real and they are mine. I have not been violent ever. I want reform and I should be able to protest peacefully. Currently I can’t, so I go in riot gear to protect myself. Nothing more. The police are the violent ones. I have seen it night after night. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I broke my wrist this summer so that sucked. I did it protesting. It was my own fault but really, I shouldn’t have had to be there. Why were the Feds in our city? I ended up playing one handed golf, it was better than not playing.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What have I learned on this trip? Here are a few things but just a few about me. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I like to drive. If I don’t have a destination, I will drive too long. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I like to investigate cities to learn what makes them tick. What is the history? The homes in Boise really had me curious. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I go to bed early when it’s just me, I also get up early. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I don’t really drink alone, especially in the van because peeing in the porta potty, in the middle of the night isn’t great. And, having a glass on the porch, with Bob, is so much better.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I enjoy being alone. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">When I am in my “natural” environment, I talk to everyone. But I don’t have to.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I can listen more and not interject myself into others’ conversations. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I miss my family. I love them all, individually, and collectively. This I knew always but still, it goes in the list</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I loved my babies, but I am really enjoying teens and beyond. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bob is still the right choice for me. That was never in doubt, I just always feel it when I’m away.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;">I need to find a better daily balance of news, social media, family, house, social responsibilities, politics, etc. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I ended up listening to music 99% of this trip so I could just be with myself. I thought I wanted a pod cast or a book but no, just me and tunes. I found I was smiling almost all the time with music, driving, beautiful scenery, and my thoughts. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everyone wants my (our collective) attention, but that’s just it, it’s MY ATTENTION. I get to decide where that goes, and I have not been choosing wisely. I need to choose better for me, so I can be a better me, for a better mom, better wife, better example, better friend, whatever. I have to give my attention to what needs it and will not poison me. Too much politics, or protesting, or COVID, or whatever is poison if not balanced. This trip was me ripping up the playbook and resetting, an emergency reset. I needed to get away from the politics mostly before the election. The thought of our country being so hateful toward others is really hurting my heart. God, I pray it redeems itself tomorrow.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I have learned that most people are lovely when you are face to face. Except the few that are very indoctrinated, they become less lovely, more abrasive and staunch in their opinions. The majority of interactions I had were brief and at a distance. The longest interactions were on or at the golf course. The only loud Trump supporters I saw were men, unless a woman was with her man, then the couple was a Trump couple. I did not talk to one woman who admitted to or talked about being pro Trump. Every time I saw a loud or big (obnoxious to me) display of Trump regalia, it was on a truck, a large truck, with a white man driving, and nine out of ten times, they were driving fast and erratically. It felt like, “Fuck you, I’m driving for the president.” I have no stickers on my car other than a Grant HS sticker (GO GENERALS!) I was cut off many times, I lost count. Perhaps it’s because I’m from Oregon? No, it’s because they are assholes. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I found that most people who are Trump people dismiss his antics. Ah, that is who he is. To me that’s like, “I love my husband, but he sleeps with others, steals from me, calls me names, and beats me but he means well. You’ll see.” Everyone I met believes what they have seen about Portland and that we’re on fire, everywhere, all the time. I say, “That is not true.” And almost like a reflex, they say, “I saw pictures!” or video. I explain that I have protested many times and it’s generally fun and celebratory until the police show up. Oh man, no one believes that. I talk about the general services offered to everyone by the civilians; medical help, food, water, protective gear, security, legal help if you need it. All of that is organized by the community to support the message of Black Lives Matter and the fact that we need police reform. They say, “but the riot gear!” What part of, “It’s fun until the police come.” Are you not understanding? If you are not wearing the gear, you can really get hurt, you can get hurt with it. This “back the blue” is such crap. but they will not listen to anything I say. Is it because I am a woman? From Portland? Liberal? It is surprising how certain they are that I am wrong, and they are right, even when I AM THERE!? Even when <u>I don’t say anything</u>, and they say things AT me. They’re sure they’re right. Yes me, not saying anything. It happened. More than once.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Living in a van is great and not great. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want but you don’t have a place. I like having a place. Even if it is a daily destination. Because how do you know you’re done driving? More planning is good for me. It’s hard to find a place to go to the bathroom or take a shower. Playing golf, a lot of places have locker rooms so that wasn’t too big of a deal for me. It’s also hard to find a safe place to sleep. I have a reliable vehicle, but what if I didn’t? I think with the economy, minivan travel with one person is going to be a thing, there needs to be a safe place for vans, or cars, or tents for just one night. Not a place to live, but a place to camp. I don’t know what this will look like, but I predict, this will be a thing. It wouldn’t be the first time I nailed a one-off thing. VRBO your driveway? Just saying. Offer a shower and a bathroom in the morning? I’d pay $15/$20 every other day or so to stay in the city in a safe place. Generally, I was asleep by 8 and out by 6:30. That’s not too intrusive. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I have a soft spot for old people and unhomed people. I handed out what I could in San Francisco and was also glad to see that there were less homeless people than last time. Again, I will investigate. I am always willing to have a conversation with anyone, time willing. The woman today was bright but lost. I hope she finds her way. She wanted to engage, I was very glad to be a kind person in her day and offer a little support, and an ear for five minutes. We could all do that with everyone more often, homeless or not.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I found that uniformly, masks were worn. I didn’t see a lot of push back anywhere. I was very glad to see that. Listening to news, you’d think half of the country was a bunch of obnoxious Karens and Bubbas who refuse to wear a mask and yell in Walmarts. That is not what I saw. I did see Trump rallies; I did not see Biden rallies. The rallies were loud, intrusive, and in-your-face. Not my jam but I just rolled by. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I will be home tomorrow, election day. I pray our country does the right thing. The division in this country is deep, but we can heal. I don’t know if we can take another four years of our current White House occupant. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I will focus on what I can, my family, my well-being, not too much of anything poisonous to me, exercise, balance. I am going to stop trying to convince people that trump is a horrible human being. If they can’t see that, they can’t see. I can’t make someone see. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">And for you, and me…. Do this, go on a solo trip, think, stop the news, go out in nature, play golf, just play, hike, drive, stop for sunsets, miss your family, sleep in your van, get uncomfortable, school a stranger, listen more than you talk, play music LOUD, follow your gut, go to bed early and get up early (yeah, I wrote that), love more than you think you can, and for the love of all that is holy, VOTE!</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-21281413997796592232017-11-16T17:36:00.001-08:002017-11-16T22:41:28.486-08:00Harassment - It's Time for a ChangeThere is a great deal of sexual harassment that has been brought to light recently. There have been famous men from many walks of life but mostly male politicians and men in the entertainment industry that have been exposed for who they are and what they have done. Of course many are "sorry" or "embarrassed" though I believe that is only because they were caught. The worst offenders are those who deny what they have done and/or call their victims liars. Why would anyone lie about being groped by a powerful man? Most of these women have much more to lose than to gain by coming out with these allegations. While this is true for many powerful men, not all men fall into this category. Most men that I know are good and decent people and support women. <br />
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Sexual harassment has been a societal norm for, well, forever. While many men have been warriors, politicians, preachers, lawyers, explorers, professors, etc. Women have generally been the care takers. We have been put in our place repeatedly and reminded that if we are aggressive, it isn't feminine. If we don't dress attractively, we are worth less. If we are fat, we are worth less. If we are unattractive, we are worth less. There are endless things or looks that make us less-than in our society that has been historically lead by men. The rules have been in place to raise-up men and oppress women. We are shushed in meetings, men take credit for our ideas, men speak over us, we haven't been taken seriously in business and so on.<br />
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To make matters worse, the right, the GOP, the party of "Family Values" is standing there right next to and supporting perverts and pedophiles. "Why are these allegations coming out now?" "Why bring up this issue 10, 20, 30 years later?" "Why didn't she say something when it happened?" I know why. Because, our patriarchal society has oppressed us, has gas lighted us, told us that "That just means he likes you" or "He didn't mean anything by it." or "If you want the job (promotion, position), put up with it."<br />
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We women have always felt the harassment was wrong but the majority of those around us were older and went along with the status quo because that's how it's always been. If you can not prove what happened, it's your fault. You are the whore who brought it on, "What were you wearing?" You are the one that was in the wrong place at the wrong time, "Why were you walking there alone? or at night?" You are the one that was incapacitated by drugs or alcohol (often given by the perpetrator), "What did you think would happen if you were drunk/stoned?" You were the one that went on a date or had a drink with the person, "Hey, they spent a lot of money on or time with you. What did you think was happening?" All of that has meant that men are the figure heads and to be believed and women are hysterical and not to be trusted to see what is really happening and certainly not believed. And, when everyone in power is a man, has a man for a boss, can be fired by a man, or can be negatively impacted by a man, they tend to go along with the men. Who wants to lose their job, home, friends, co-workers, reputation, etc? No one, that's who. Back in the day, men "chased skirts" and women were to accept it. <br />
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In the case of Alabama's Roy Moore, the women didn't come out against him when it happened because who was going to believe a silly 14 year old over the District Attorney? They were children! <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/roy-moores-accusers-responses/story?id=51138718" target="_blank">There are now eight women</a> who are not connected to one another but have similar stories during the same time period of time and many of the evangelical right are blaming the "Obama-Clinton Democrats" rather than seeing the truth, he's a pervert and a pedophile.<br />
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I can not get over the BS from the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/roy-moore-jim-zeigler-mary-joseph-david-hall-2017-11" target="_blank">Alabama State Auditor, Jim Ziegler, who compared Moore and the women (then girls) to Joseph and Mary</a>. Moore is a guy who has put the Bible and Christianity at the center of his political career but doesn't seem to understand much (if any) of what is in-between the covers of that revered book, the Bible. As so many people do, they pick out the parts of the Bible that serve their needs and ignore the rest. I am so disheartened by Christians on the right that I hardly recognize Christianity anymore. If that is who the right chooses to represent them, if that is who they want to "lead" then I am against them with every fiber of my being. <br />
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You may say that "Not all Christians are like that." or "Not all Christians support these men." I know that. But if you are not standing up for women and shouting loudly that what those men stand for is wrong then you are on the wrong side of this fight. <br />
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While I'm at it, the same people who oppress women have oppressed others who are different than they are. Gays, lesbians, transgendered, queer, non conforming, bi, people of color, people of varying religions, people from other countries..... all humans deserving of respect that they are due. The same rights that every straight, white, cisgender, powerful man gets by the "nature" of the patriarchal society that we were all brought up in. We all deserve to be treated equally due to the fact that we are humans. PERIOD. It brings up the idea that when you are privileged, equality feels like oppression. Powerful men are not being oppressed, women and "others" are owning our rights. If you don't like it, too bad. I guarantee you, those of us that have been oppressed by the nature of who we are are not oppressing you, we are sick of the whole thing. We are taking control of our selves and we will not be gas lighted into believing that what we know to be true is anything but that, the truth. <br />
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I have experienced sexual harassment and oppression by men. I have been put in my "place" in the past. I suppressed who I was and gave up my power to fit into the norm. No more....<br />
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I am raising a daughter who, I pray, does not have to deal with these issues. Who won't have to change to fit in. Who can and will stand up for herself and those oppressed when she sees it. I am also raising two boys who will support all people equally. Who will stand up for others when they see oppression in all its forms. And lucky me, I am doing all this with the love, support, and understanding of my husband who is a leader. He is not only a leader, but a leader who works diligently to level the playing field for all the people he works with. He also is an example to our kids and that is the greatest thing of all. When you know better, you do better. <br />
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Yes, when you know better, you do better. I highly advise that all men learn and do better. When all people are treated better, our society does better and isn't that the goal? <br />
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In closing, I want to say that there are women who have gone along with the oppression of the "other" and have vilified those who make accusations against power. It is a broad societal issue but the base is in the power of many men. I also want to say again, I believe most men are good and decent people and stand up for what is right. Most of the men I know fall into that category. I hope you will all work to raise up your friends and neighbors. In the end we are in this together and will end up in a better place working together. I wish you safety and peace.The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-66985157561447538612017-07-21T16:27:00.000-07:002017-07-21T16:27:45.192-07:00Peaceful Camping In the San Juans ;-)Last year our summer was totally freeform due to my quitting my full time job unexpectedly. My family needed me and they are my first priority. I decided that this year I'd start planning our summer in December since lots of things fill up quickly. I talked to the kids about camps, trips, activities, etc. The standard response was something close to, "meh." I know! Camping!<br />
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Camping...ah, the quintessential summer family happy-time experience. I booked two camping trips for this summer in December. One in the San Juans for a week in July and one for a week along the coast in August and then finishing at Crater Lake. Booked, paid, all ready to go into the New Year with a plan.<br />
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As summer approached I talked to the kids about our plans. The boys were non-plussed about any of it, Fia just didn't want to go, period. Fia needs to take Driver's Education. Mind you, until a week ago, it was scheduled and picked up IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE! We signed her up for one in August and it starts two miles from here. Awesome sauce.... She will take it with a friend so that is good but annoying that it isn't here, it isn't convenient, it will interfere with one of the planned trips. After much discussion, and convincing by Bob, I decided to let her out of one of the camping trips. She will stay home in August if any of us end up going camping. <br />
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The other side of that is that she had to go camping with us in July in the San Juans. I encouraged her to get a friend to go with us but she insisted that no-one would want to go and that it would be terrible. Fia had a dance performance on Saturday so we also postponed our camping by a day to start with.<br />
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Fia was not happy at all on the ride up to Lopez, our first destination. Mind you, it is a long trip from Portland. The kids all listened to music and stayed pretty quiet. We were stuck in standstill traffic a fair amount as well. The drive between Centralia and Everett is almost all city and it becomes a very long drive with all the traffic. We left home at 10 and arrived in Anacortes at 4:30. We learned that there was a ferry out so no-one was sure what time a ferry would leave. Luckily, it left about 5:30. They boys got out and ran around the ferry, Fia stayed in the car and listened to music.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaXd7fSJ6q2JRDWnPCxpKxhEinh2qNjEUV234oqq-RHpqebG6VbbWDXH74EivFDriVXWlJGkRd8-9Yp1bSd7nEz1OJBcxYp6bPllKNuL3eF9bSwxx0q40_l-Xe33244gyPa4QumYJCko/s1600/IMG_2053.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSmLWa6iAu4__APludos5Qcrby85CjHBhcbkYrzHkxVP4LAsykbGSW0GDv0nbdTsZIXQjPxU0zHS73j3WDUp2YC-xsNHHHEBakIMbTkobLH_1ZCvaoR9J-8Peb_gwYy4HH_UXeiBfQkM/s1600/IMG_2052.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8RjsgMYTOLIh-GM4Or5sXfTlGhJd_1Ks1Gc26KvVKLko2a_W-bm4Bf3MxHQeb0ig2ndmoRvez5lfZsDmJ50UWiEOV07aD2t3QabHm8ullhdHavM5X3NPJLF2s6fuXqbR3hfktQE1efA/s1600/IMG_2055.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8RjsgMYTOLIh-GM4Or5sXfTlGhJd_1Ks1Gc26KvVKLko2a_W-bm4Bf3MxHQeb0ig2ndmoRvez5lfZsDmJ50UWiEOV07aD2t3QabHm8ullhdHavM5X3NPJLF2s6fuXqbR3hfktQE1efA/s640/IMG_2055.jpg" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSmLWa6iAu4__APludos5Qcrby85CjHBhcbkYrzHkxVP4LAsykbGSW0GDv0nbdTsZIXQjPxU0zHS73j3WDUp2YC-xsNHHHEBakIMbTkobLH_1ZCvaoR9J-8Peb_gwYy4HH_UXeiBfQkM/s320/IMG_2052.jpg" width="240" /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaXd7fSJ6q2JRDWnPCxpKxhEinh2qNjEUV234oqq-RHpqebG6VbbWDXH74EivFDriVXWlJGkRd8-9Yp1bSd7nEz1OJBcxYp6bPllKNuL3eF9bSwxx0q40_l-Xe33244gyPa4QumYJCko/s320/IMG_2053.jpg" width="320" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3RL49D6wUomyr9Vg8fp7R1uMOLoRjDaHsnu2mJrZuDsdNMBjf8786AIag974P5v7G6O8YqrHWavhkfYbJUDYvENpj_-QJ80u4e5P9QLQ-tUNH6im7HVuw-ciesBms3cy70ibt20KPt8/s1600/IMG_2056.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3RL49D6wUomyr9Vg8fp7R1uMOLoRjDaHsnu2mJrZuDsdNMBjf8786AIag974P5v7G6O8YqrHWavhkfYbJUDYvENpj_-QJ80u4e5P9QLQ-tUNH6im7HVuw-ciesBms3cy70ibt20KPt8/s320/IMG_2056.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUH7NMgMH2QZdoYjMc9kQgJn2szCdYUsqI-ry03sFA5TGQ3G0GIpa_ZYTyx0cQCl2LUZAfUs2nEo71xNr-v0hadeUgwoTUNV_HdA90A5-yWyj0a07709cndOs8E12BySFJetmcplQVmno/s1600/IMG_2057.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUH7NMgMH2QZdoYjMc9kQgJn2szCdYUsqI-ry03sFA5TGQ3G0GIpa_ZYTyx0cQCl2LUZAfUs2nEo71xNr-v0hadeUgwoTUNV_HdA90A5-yWyj0a07709cndOs8E12BySFJetmcplQVmno/s320/IMG_2057.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
When we arrived at the camp site, the kids got to pick their spots first and Bob and I set up our tent. Yes, we have three tents. Fia needed some space after all. We nibbled out of our food and had a pretty quiet night. We discovered that the bathrooms were closed and there were only portapotties. Gah.... No showers. Fia sat up with Bob and talked. He was really good with her about talking her off the ledge. There was no wifi, no service, and therefore, no communication. AHHHH!!!! She was mad we made her go, it was "stupid"! She lobbied to go home. No dice.<br />
<br />
Day two we drove around the island and explored. Bob and I found the places we went 21 years ago on our honeymoon. Eventually we stopped in the town, bought a few things but most importantly, we all got books at the local shop. We went to the beach at Spencer Spit State Park. The weather was perfect and the tide just right for soaking your toes in. Kees, Bob, and I sat at the waters edge, Fia and Coulter set up their camp away from us. Shortly into our time there, Fia lobbied once again that this was stupid and she wanted to leave. I said, "No." and she went down the beach to be mad alone. Fine....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjmSvoA5JmnWMj6hKNl7Ekl9r9vVPOeRZ3vkG6shKSolBueN8FWrnnI0A6xF-MG5hj9Sfx1oAZh26HyMQq5FORKSC1zzG3sYRDGXxJ2ZD2XdDTMy-yaHmsMax9pHzgWm8-8Utzmf2aIU/s1600/IMG_2075.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjmSvoA5JmnWMj6hKNl7Ekl9r9vVPOeRZ3vkG6shKSolBueN8FWrnnI0A6xF-MG5hj9Sfx1oAZh26HyMQq5FORKSC1zzG3sYRDGXxJ2ZD2XdDTMy-yaHmsMax9pHzgWm8-8Utzmf2aIU/s320/IMG_2075.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEjBoAOOcjesnOs-p9aX2ypui3a-p6hBFj8Hb8JYpLnxEyucLpMyRRfaepKiglXuFCF9qoGX-2LY3k4dCTU-6RGWxdFQha7Dn7BrNqyvlalOVohTmgH-PMDGHX3ScazPVesTVrfZYbaQ/s1600/IMG_2067.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEjBoAOOcjesnOs-p9aX2ypui3a-p6hBFj8Hb8JYpLnxEyucLpMyRRfaepKiglXuFCF9qoGX-2LY3k4dCTU-6RGWxdFQha7Dn7BrNqyvlalOVohTmgH-PMDGHX3ScazPVesTVrfZYbaQ/s320/IMG_2067.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQV8HWncG72lnZ7JeUDfrCEOHsnYrWiXXZG7mQa0XmK6lSEFUa5VfwqOEbWxfLLDI8ZsRj2kqFW0pSv6nLtH-wb4-GO9P9A13IstP8tCoeThXeGVZojnNFWcEt6C3x4eiSb-QALp0yjk/s1600/IMG_2066.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQV8HWncG72lnZ7JeUDfrCEOHsnYrWiXXZG7mQa0XmK6lSEFUa5VfwqOEbWxfLLDI8ZsRj2kqFW0pSv6nLtH-wb4-GO9P9A13IstP8tCoeThXeGVZojnNFWcEt6C3x4eiSb-QALp0yjk/s320/IMG_2066.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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That night we went to town for the skate park and then dinner. The skate park was pretty cool and the boys had their bikes and a scooter. Then dinner, it was a little place surrounded by rabbits. They were everywhere. We had a nice time for the most part but Fia still wanted to go home. Back to camp for s'mores and bed. We packed up the next morning, grabbed breakfast, and spent a little time on the beach. Kees and Bob read, Fia and Coulter stayed at the coffee shop with wifi, I balanced rocks. It was a nice meditative break for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqFZLrOuPXdVOvw4AyuhsNH4oVdSJVlWOxiz_sBRmK9gsx8aT7A2uIBEMPQTQsqSo4QZoUuJj0UpbPnJ7hzkJ7MuLoodkhv7ar0HEtPV18cMWdiSDnYe3sLCFh68DKVJ7Eu8h-eObtac/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr082gaOpMswJePLt8S1YGCEl8IiKavoELnlpbYqH-JTQ5B5-b4g1wkpzzcDEC6YOy-tAO7ZeImOjLZpBsZQS9GFJWvJhGeOHNhq_ilhSmX4v_J2XeOsYoMmeADwz_DVgU851LIr79xHE/s1600/IMG_2088.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr082gaOpMswJePLt8S1YGCEl8IiKavoELnlpbYqH-JTQ5B5-b4g1wkpzzcDEC6YOy-tAO7ZeImOjLZpBsZQS9GFJWvJhGeOHNhq_ilhSmX4v_J2XeOsYoMmeADwz_DVgU851LIr79xHE/s320/IMG_2088.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqFZLrOuPXdVOvw4AyuhsNH4oVdSJVlWOxiz_sBRmK9gsx8aT7A2uIBEMPQTQsqSo4QZoUuJj0UpbPnJ7hzkJ7MuLoodkhv7ar0HEtPV18cMWdiSDnYe3sLCFh68DKVJ7Eu8h-eObtac/s320/IMG_2087.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OUjfXRLS0O2ohfFGS7F3Su_qJdpzf5qwZ3eyU0wC_SG28JjM6x_dYNFlXMXFUhorF9dotCnHs-VNLdnIq4N5Nxmnz7O1o1mPLWsI8jE2_6eHOO_ZOSRom8b6-Oq9zijv-mnvaQN5jxE/s1600/IMG_2097.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLD8AfB5i4rY789iPrHFGGh76awSazmZNbSVXedSq2eZxIQ2LL9dbmIbTpH9KdyxyeNYHY-y8t1rXjKnTRpBw3bH3zaoW3y1bSTQsTwgqM2T_d7OX_KUdlAbgt9ppbDXybml_itZf4thw/s1600/IMG_2096.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7qxpZJ63r5Rh9QjiYthue658I9gnmV0ItgwkUOD_uI2vkzxyytmIa0XfHLvgeL9k6nMDETLGBwdPjBXkhIMBsnwweMLR2UmfxyTyRDum9eKQkY0wgJ49aRRwxbQlVbKRJSTAaJZ1_Ao/s1600/IMG_2093.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7qxpZJ63r5Rh9QjiYthue658I9gnmV0ItgwkUOD_uI2vkzxyytmIa0XfHLvgeL9k6nMDETLGBwdPjBXkhIMBsnwweMLR2UmfxyTyRDum9eKQkY0wgJ49aRRwxbQlVbKRJSTAaJZ1_Ao/s320/IMG_2093.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLD8AfB5i4rY789iPrHFGGh76awSazmZNbSVXedSq2eZxIQ2LL9dbmIbTpH9KdyxyeNYHY-y8t1rXjKnTRpBw3bH3zaoW3y1bSTQsTwgqM2T_d7OX_KUdlAbgt9ppbDXybml_itZf4thw/s320/IMG_2096.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OUjfXRLS0O2ohfFGS7F3Su_qJdpzf5qwZ3eyU0wC_SG28JjM6x_dYNFlXMXFUhorF9dotCnHs-VNLdnIq4N5Nxmnz7O1o1mPLWsI8jE2_6eHOO_ZOSRom8b6-Oq9zijv-mnvaQN5jxE/s320/IMG_2097.jpg" width="240" /><br />
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Finally we headed to the ferry for Orcas. <br />
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Orcas is much bigger but, as we learned, is much less accessible to the salt water. The beaches are all private and the one that we did find that was public was only 30 feet wide, beyond that it was private property. Very unfortunate. First we adventured into town and picked up a few provisions. Fia was able to catch up with her crew on the last bit of internet access. Finally we set up camp in <a href="http://moranstatepark.com/" target="_blank">Moran State Park </a>and went to the lake. Pretty lake but the public area was covered in goose poop. Gross! Fia and Kees went swimming, Coulter napped. Dinner that night was simple, hot dogs, and more s'mores. Bob and I finally got showers (yay!) and then bed time. Man it was nice to be cleanish. <br />
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The following day we got up and made <a href="http://www.beyerbeware.net/2011/06/no-mess-camping-omelettes-in-a-bag.html" target="_blank">bag omelettes</a>. They were great and now one of Kees' favorite things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqixorsrYyMC2g92G9X0BeAZ6dr4PaUG_Kxr0tytW0uFYdPFc9OqxJnIuIcMTsMtSXOY6yvNR61kNgOt9WLLljFPIA-LS67CruHdlKBERQn09CW3vtfKZFMnOEvznG_67Yr92WmkKCXQ/s1600/IMG_2099.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqixorsrYyMC2g92G9X0BeAZ6dr4PaUG_Kxr0tytW0uFYdPFc9OqxJnIuIcMTsMtSXOY6yvNR61kNgOt9WLLljFPIA-LS67CruHdlKBERQn09CW3vtfKZFMnOEvznG_67Yr92WmkKCXQ/s400/IMG_2099.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Next we ventured around the island finding the <a href="https://doebay.com/" target="_blank">Doe Bay Resort</a>. What a lovely spot! Bob and I enjoyed the view while the kids enjoyed...... the wifi.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0_Uk6Szr0QjeJqweyYY8o1eGZH7smNJi6V7ppSTcpqN8T3BUkAIKHHVNvYLc9YoEWueQPdMF83166yazPQtVaqCJxik8y9I5odemvfgZ2nhrUPlyRz1C_JtFddqtUeb92CafXPUGFq0/s1600/IMG_2101.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0_Uk6Szr0QjeJqweyYY8o1eGZH7smNJi6V7ppSTcpqN8T3BUkAIKHHVNvYLc9YoEWueQPdMF83166yazPQtVaqCJxik8y9I5odemvfgZ2nhrUPlyRz1C_JtFddqtUeb92CafXPUGFq0/s640/IMG_2101.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
We tried, unsuccessfully, to find a beach spot and ended up going back to Goose Poop Park. It was a beautiful day so we all read, Kees and Bob went out in a paddle boat, Fia went swimming and lobbied to go home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn09idxS3Lq7VpoP7HHox-iCRk7zCHs_utJxDUwHh5caHIjtToG8xJFAS_6aPdI5zdpAZ2D3wgbrfTZrxX_KVR-AWI5oTlwrRhMqNFFKIbbFHXFEoSnYxn7CvJi_0mKxxIHAwzKD_1U0A/s1600/IMG_2104.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaLIOJkB2KqgWPwVg8ueviwa0BaB2FBMZARWBV7o3GI6HW4skJRdtNxjoy6JgpMlWOWMIF2sDd2Ad9axdxFG06W8TCeXuBcLFVPxWaAAvLGJBCLLaCcIlw1IcLBQgQaSiDOa_JOpW0GM/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaLIOJkB2KqgWPwVg8ueviwa0BaB2FBMZARWBV7o3GI6HW4skJRdtNxjoy6JgpMlWOWMIF2sDd2Ad9axdxFG06W8TCeXuBcLFVPxWaAAvLGJBCLLaCcIlw1IcLBQgQaSiDOa_JOpW0GM/s320/IMG_2073.jpg" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn09idxS3Lq7VpoP7HHox-iCRk7zCHs_utJxDUwHh5caHIjtToG8xJFAS_6aPdI5zdpAZ2D3wgbrfTZrxX_KVR-AWI5oTlwrRhMqNFFKIbbFHXFEoSnYxn7CvJi_0mKxxIHAwzKD_1U0A/s320/IMG_2104.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<br />
That night, Bob and I decided we could give in for the last night and go home the next day. I was sick of the fight and ready for my bed. When we demanded everyone come out so we could talk about next steps, Fia damn near refused to come out of her tent because this whole thing was terrible and she wanted to go home. We MADE her come out. When we announced that we'd be leaving the next day Fia was on board. Again, Fia and Bob sat out until midnight talking.<br />
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It started raining in the morning so that got the kids and Bob up and they packed everything. I was still sleeping, hehe. This is the most motivated the kids were the whole trip! It was cooler that day so it was a good time to go. We got to the ferry two hours early. Again, there was a ferry out so the schedules weren't firm and there were no reservations. Fia was going to make damn sure we made it on! We did.<br />
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We arrived in Anacortes around 2:00 which would get us into Seattle at about 4:00. Not so great for the traffic. In north Seattle, going 70 mph, we lost a trailer tire in the very left, HOV lane. We quickly pulled over to the shoulder on the right. We could hear the metal rim on the ground. Thank God we didn't fishtail or worse! AAA was no help since we had no coverage for that. Eventually we determined that we'd unhook the trailer, I'd take the spare to get it pumped up and we'd go from there. I was able to find a Discount Tire and ended up purchasing two new wheels and tires. Again, thank God they had the right ones! When we got back, there was Bob sitting on the hill waiting. He had the trailer jacked up, the old rim removed and he was ready. I stood guard on the side of the freeway to make sure he didn't get hit. It's scary when cars are zipping at 70 mph just 8 feet from where you are standing. All in all it took about an hour and $60 to fix. Not too bad but.... Now it was 4:45 and traffic sucked. <br />
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We slowly moved through Seattle, Federal Way, Tacoma, Olympia..... HOME! We finally arrived at home at 9:15 or 12 hours after we left the camp site. That is a long day. <br />
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Everyone retreated to their spaces. Fia to her room and wifi, Coulter to the basement and Xbox, Kees to his fort and Xbox, and Bob and I to the front porch. Everyone got a quick shower, new clothes, and our beds. <br />
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The things I will take away from this trip are;<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Teens hate being away from their people and also hate being with you when you take them away from their people. </li>
<li>You can't change someones attitude but you can roll with it and / or ignore it. </li>
<li>Sometimes you have to bend for peace. </li>
<li>Me being kind and forgiving is better for everyone, especially for me. </li>
<li>I love all my kids but sometimes I am not fond of them.</li>
<li>I don't like sleeping on the ground. </li>
<li>I do like showers, clean showers, daily.</li>
<li>Bob's wisdom is different than mine and that is a good thing.</li>
<li>Family trips, certainly camping trips are becoming a thing of the past for now. </li>
</ol>
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So I guess it was fun. It was certainly beautiful. Bob and I will return someday but for now, our deck, our fire table, and the commute to them is just about perfect. We will vacation daily in front of our house and the kids can do summer how they want from here..... and I am "OK" with that.</div>
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<br />The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-1868510259843015492016-09-20T15:50:00.001-07:002016-09-20T18:52:20.310-07:00Coulter's Experience So Far<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Many of my friends have asked how school is going for Coulter. </span>It has only been two weeks as of tomorrow but I am hopeful
for his first year at the Ivy School. As I wrote previously, he missed his first day of school and I was worried for him but he bounced back and had a great first day. They spent the first couple days getting to know each other and talking about how the classroom will function. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">On the following Monday, he was excited to go to school and that had not happened for quite some time. I got a call around 1pm from a teacher. She called to tell me about an incident that involved Coulter. She said, "Everything is fine and Coulter is fine." to assure me Coulter wasn't hurt or </span>anything. She explained that a kid in his class had bullied him. She was talked to but didn't back down. She eventually pushed Coulter and one of the teachers witnessed it. She was taken to the office, her mother was called, and she was sent home. That is the information I got from the school. </div>
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Coulter experienced bullying at his last school and I was very worried about him and how he would respond to this situation. I went to pick him up so I could be there and support him. I was a little early so I waited anxiously in the lobby, I worried. Five minutes later he came out of his classroom smiling and with a bounce in his step. Wha???? I asked, "How was your day?" He said, "Great!" I was confused but happy for him. </div>
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On the way home I explained the phone call I received and asked him about it. He told me that the class was listening to a story and he and this girl had a disagreement about the interpretation. She was loud and getting in his space. He rolled his eyes at her and that was what pushed her over the edge. She said, "You rolled your eyes at me and now I am going to bully you all year long." She proceeded to shove him periodically throughout the day. She lunged at him, tried to trip him and grumbled at him under her breath. I asked if he talked to a teacher. He said that he did but it wasn't until he was pushed and caught by the teacher that they physically stepped in. They talked to her earlier but it hadn't made an impact. Coulter then said that she was sent home. </div>
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He couldn't put it into words why he was happy that afternoon but I think it was because he felt supported and cared for. Instead of hearing, "You need to work it out." as he had so often in the past, they did something about it. He seemed to let the whole incident roll off his back. In fact, he talked about the new friends he made, the games the class played and how they got a long recess and lots of freedom to move around. His focus was right where it needed to be, on the positive. This made my heart swell with pride and joy. He had handled it perfectly by using words and not being aggressive back. And the school handled it perfectly by stopping a physical situation with real consequences. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day I drove Coulter to school to talk to the teachers and ask if he had done something more to antagonize the girl. They confirmed his story, it was just the eye roll. As I was getting ready to leave, one of the teachers pointed out the girl's mother, then walked with me, and introduced us. The girl's mother was glad to meet me and was a kind and responsive mother. Just how I like them. She, like me, is not a parent that thinks or says, "My kid would never do that!" She actually said, "I know when someone says your daughter did _________. She did it."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We chatted and this girl's mother told me some back ground on her daughter. She wasn't making excuses but explaining. It made a lot of sense. Then the daughter walked by and the mother said, "Hey X, this is Coulter's mom. We are on the same page with how our kids need to act." And then she gave her the mother's all knowing stare. It wasn't said out loud but I heard...... "Girl, do you see this mother and I? We are on the same page and you better fall in line." The daughter nodded affirmingly and went to class. Her mother then said, "She knows we are onto her. She knows we are talking and this will make a difference." She was a lovely lady and I was grateful to know we could talk. I told her if Coulter did or does anything that I need to know about to please let me know. We agreed to stay in touch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the next few days I asked Coulter about the girl. For a few days there wasn't much to report other than she wasn't bugging him. A few days later, he reported that she sat as the same table as he did at lunch. I asked, "How was she?" and he said, "Fine." I asked, "Why do you think she was nice?" and he reported, "I think her mom scared the crap out of her." And then he laughed heartily. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then I have talked to the mom who told me that her daughter said, "Coulter is actually pretty nice." The mother also had an interaction with Coulter and reported that he was very polite and charming. I told her, "He better be or else.... " We laughed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rest of his week was great. They all learned how to navigate the classroom and their day. Coulter made a few friends and now has a new best friend, Lily. There is lots of movement. They get a full hour of recess daily. The time spent learning is in bigger chunks and open to interpretatiion on how they learn. The Montessori method seems to be working for him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After being so concerned about where to send him and not knowing what to do to help him, I am grateful. I am grateful we found a place where Coulter can be Coulter and not have to worry about being different or bullied. I am grateful that he feels safe and secure. I am grateful that he is strong and has a positive outlook. I am grateful that Coulter can learn how he needs to learn. So far it's all great. I pray that it stays this way for him. He is so much happier and that makes me smile. He helps when I ask him to and has generally been agreeable. This has been a great ride. JOY!!!! ……that is what I have to say about my feelings for Coulter’s experience at his new school. I'll keep you posted. </div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-23755010035737095402016-09-20T15:50:00.000-07:002016-09-20T19:19:43.148-07:00Coulter's Experience So Far<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Many of my friends have asked how school is going for Coulter. </span>It has only been two weeks as of tomorrow but I am hopeful
for his first year at the Ivy School. As I wrote previously, he missed his first day of school and I was worried for him but he bounced back and had a great first day. They spent the first couple days getting to know each other and talking about how the classroom will function. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">On the following Monday, he was excited to go to school and that had not happened for quite some time. I got a call around 1pm from a teacher. She called to tell me about an incident that involved Coulter. She said, "Everything is fine and Coulter is fine." to assure me Coulter wasn't hurt or </span>anything. She explained that a kid in his class had bullied him. She was talked to but didn't back down. She eventually pushed Coulter and one of the teachers witnessed it. She was taken to the office, her mother was called, and she was sent home. That is the information I got from the school. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coulter experienced bullying at his last school and I was very worried about him and how he would respond to this situation. I went to pick him up so I could be there and support him. I was a little early so I waited anxiously in the lobby, I worried. Five minutes later he came out of his classroom smiling and with a bounce in his step. Wha???? I asked, "How was your day?" He said, "Great!" I was confused but happy for him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the way home I explained the phone call I received and asked him about it. He told me that the class was listening to a story and he and this girl had a disagreement about the interpretation. She was loud and getting in his space. He rolled his eyes at her and that was what pushed her over the edge. She said, "You rolled your eyes at me and now I am going to bully you all year long." She proceeded to shove him periodically throughout the day. She lunged at him, tried to trip him and grumbled at him under her breath. I asked if he talked to a teacher. He said that he did but it wasn't until he was pushed and caught by the teacher that they physically stepped in. They talked to her earlier but it hadn't made an impact. Coulter then said that she was sent home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He couldn't put it into words why he was happy that afternoon but I think it was because he felt supported and cared for. Instead of hearing, "You need to work it out." as he had so often in the past, they did something about it. He seemed to let the whole incident roll off his back. In fact, he talked about the new friends he made, the games the class played and how they got a long recess and lots of freedom to move around. His focus was right where it needed to be, on the positive. This made my heart swell with pride and joy. He had handled it perfectly by using words and not being aggressive back. And the school handled it perfectly by stopping a physical situation with real consequences. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day I drove Coulter to school to talk to the teachers and ask if he had done something more to antagonize the girl. They confirmed his story, it was just the eye roll. As I was getting ready to leave, one of the teachers pointed out the girl's mother, then walked with me, and introduced us. The girl's mother was glad to meet me and was a kind and responsive mother. Just how I like them. She, like me, is not a parent that thinks or says, "My kid would never do that!" She actually said, "I know when someone says your daughter did _________. She did it."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We chatted and this girl's mother told me some back ground on her daughter. She wasn't making excuses but explaining. It made a lot of sense. Then the daughter walked by and the mother said, "Hey X, this is Coulter's mom. We are on the same page with how our kids need to act." And then she gave her the mothers all knowing stare. It wasn't said out loud but I heard...... "Girl, do you see this mother and I? We are on the same page and you better fall in line." The daughter nodded affirmingly and went to class. Her mother then said, "She knows we are onto her. She knows we are talking and this will make a difference." She was a lovely lady and I was grateful to know we could talk. I told her if Coulter did or does anything that I need to know about to please let me know. We agreed to stay in touch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the next few days I asked Coulter about the girl. For a few days there wasn't much to report other than she wasn't bugging him. A few days later, he reported that she sat as the same table as he did at lunch. I asked, "How was she?" and he said, "Fine." I asked, "Why do you think she was nice?" and he reported, "I think her mom scared the crap out of her." And then he laughed heartily. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then I have talked to the mom who told me that her daughter said, "Coulter is actually pretty nice." The mother also had an interaction with Coulter and reported that he was very polite and charming. I told her, "He better be or else.... " We laughed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rest of his week was great. They all learned how to navigate the classroom and their day. Coulter made a few friends and now has a new best friend, Lily. There is lots of movement. They get a full hour of recess daily. The time spent learning is in bigger chunks and open to interpretatiion on how they learn. The Montessori method seems to be working for him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After being so concerned about where to send him and not knowing what to do to help him, I am grateful. I am grateful we found a place where Coulter can be Coulter and not have to worry about being different or bullied. I am grateful that he feels safe and secure. I am grateful that he is strong and has a positive outlook. I am grateful that Coulter can learn how he needs to learn. So far it's all great. I pray that it stays this way for him. He is so much happier and that makes me smile. He helps when I ask him to and has generally been agreeable. This has been a great ride. JOY!!!! ……that is what I have to say about my feelings for Coulter’s experience at his new school. I'll keep you posted. </div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-76067965705783672102016-09-15T16:15:00.002-07:002016-09-15T16:15:42.307-07:00In the GrooveI have been "retired" again since April but it has taken until about now to get in the groove. It was great to be home over the summer with my kids. They needed me. Now they're back in school and I have been figuring out my days. <br />
<br />
Over the summer we spent lots of time around Portland. I had intended to work all summer so I didn't plan any big trips. Most summers that I have been home the kids and I go on at least one big road trip. We talked about going up to Vancouver BC but in the end, the kids just wanted to be home. Why spend the money and time if they weren't into it? We spent time at beaches and swimming holes but mostly we were just hanging out. It wasn't super productive but it was relaxing. I would give this summer a B.<br />
<br />
My biggest reason for quitting my job was that the kids were not thriving. I know that we are very blessed to be in the situation that allows me to be home and I do not take that for granted one minute. When I was working, I just didn't have the energy to give to all three kids. I got the basics done but that's about it. Here were the challenges of me being at work.....<br />
<br />
Sophia - We live 100 feet from her high school. I always planned on being "that house" for the kids and not being home with the teens was killing me. The kids would come over every day for lunch. There were between 7-10 kids daily and poor Sophia was trying to keep them in control, keep them cleaning up after them selves and not eat all our food. It was stressful for her. AND, when I got home from work and had to clean the kitchen before I could make dinner, I was not happy. They "tried" to clean but a teen's clean and mine are two different things. I was tired and not in the mood to clean, make dinner, clean again, finish basic household duties and then finally sit down. Most nights that I was working Bob and I would not sit down until 9 or 9:30 after straightening the house up after the kids. <br />
<br />
Coulter - He is a pretty happy go lucky kid most of the time but he was depressed. Beverly Cleary is an excellent school but it wasn't working for Coulter. At <a href="http://www.pps.net/beverlycleary">Beverly Cleary Schoo</a>l Coulter didn't have many friends. As a matter of fact, he only had one. That one friend didn't live in the neighborhood and wasn't returning to BCS in fall. This was a very sad thing for Coulter. He was being bullied and was an easy target because he is responsive. He explodes and that is great fun for the kids causing the stress for him. His teacher was so supportive but she had 34 kids in her class and couldn't protect him all the time. He needs to toughen up a bit, I know that, but it was more than being tough, he was feeling broken. The adults there kept an eye on him but there are more than 850 kids at BCS. <br />
<br />
Kees - Well, he didn't say much about me working but when he did, he was sad. He just missed me being here when he got home. We used to go over his day and just snuggle on the couch most days. He missed this tremendously. He felt lost. <br />
<br />
None of the three did their chores. They are great kids but they just "forgot" or conveniently did other things. When the cat is away..... I get it. Again, this is where Bob and I got so frustrated. We would come home and nothing was done even though lists were left. Finally, we hired a nanny to come and direct the kids. It helped but they didn't like it much. And, it was money that I was spending when I shouldn't have had to. Mostly, I didn't like being mad and frustrated with the people I love the most. These were not the interactions that I wanted the kids to remember. It was not the parents Bob and I wanted to be. Messes are acceptable but a messy house is not where I feel in control. I was feeling more frustrated than love, I was feeling let down and I was feeling like I was letting my kids down. We even went to counseling to try and figure out how to function as a family with two working parents. It didn't work for us. <br />
<br />
I left my job in April and I could see the difference in the kids immediately. I was thrilled to be home for the kids and their friends. The boys thanked me daily for weeks for being home. They were truly, deeply happy about it. Most of us never know if / how much our kids appreciate us. Maybe they don't usually give it any thought but when things changed how they wanted it to, they knew it and said so. Sophia was more subtle but she was happy I was home.<br />
<br />
Sophia and her friends thought it would be a total bummer to have me here. In fact, it gave them more freedom. Where Sophia didn't want them getting into our food, I gave them leeway. I bought stuff on sale, boxes of pasta, granola bars etc and created a "Teen Food" Box. Anything in there is fair game. Best of all, I got rid of my left overs. Teen boys will eat anything! I could give rides, a couple bucks, some advice, a bit of support, but mostly, I set parameters. I think all the teens were glad I was home giving them directions. They are all here every day. Now I am available for emotional support, food support, and neighborhood mothering. It was my plan all along! The kids don't even knock any more, they just walk in and yell, "Hey mamma Leek!" I love it. It's loud, messy and not cheap but it's totally worth it for us. <br />
<br />
Kees has perked right up. He is so helpful. When I ask him to do anything, most of the time he just does it. Talk about a kid who wanted direction. He is cheerful and is happy to have me walk him to school or home and we spend a little time cuddling most days. He is still my baby and I am glad to give him the attention that he needs.<br />
<br />
The biggest shift has been for Coulter. Coulter was diagnosed with ADHD last year. The meds he was on made him depressed though I am not sure it was the meds or his surroundings at school. Eventually, we let him stop the meds. I was so worried about him. By the time we decided he really needed something different, it was too late to change schools as the lottery cutoff was over in March. I started searching the District for a new school for him in April. At this point it didn't matter what it was as long as it was different His teacher suggested the Ivy School. It was one of the options that I looked into and applied for. He was number 5 on the waiting list..... It was hard to know what to do. If we couldn't find an alternative for him I even considered home-schooling him. We waited all summer to hear from anyone....... Three days before school started at BCS we got the email, "Coulter, you have been accepted to the Ivy School." We were all thrilled, especially Coulter. <br />
<br />
He started a week and a half after the other two so we got some quality time together and we both enjoyed that. The extra time allowed him to volunteer at the school and get to know some of the adults. He finally started last week and he is loving it! He is dealing with a couple difficult kids but he feels supported and cared for. He takes the city bus to and from school or he can ride his bike, we practiced. He is a different kid. He is happy again and joyous. He feels confident. I am very hopeful for his future at <a href="http://www.theivyschool.org/">the Ivy School</a>. <br />
<br />
For me, I am learning how to be a stay at home mom again. Iva is the happiest to have me home. We walk the kids to school or the bus stop, she runs in the park and follows me around the house. I think she is making sure I don't go back to work. I have re-engaged with school advocacy. I am on the Board of Community & Parents for Public Schools. I have been asked to join a boundary review committee for the District. I am merely a member of the PTA right now..... we'll see what happens there. I will add things in as I see fit and when the kids need me, they come first.... community next. I have been asked to do and be many things, but so far, I am only doing what I want to do. <br />
<br />
I am making dinner....most nights. I am driving the kids to their lessons and sports. I am parenting my three and about 15 other neighborhood kids. I do laundry (the dryer is broken so it's taking forever to dry). I clean the kitchen three times per day and I am not mad about it. I assign chores and they get done. I do the shopping during the day. I have had a couple lunches with friends too.<br />
<br />
I am back home, I am happy, I am grateful and best of all, I am available for those that need me most. Yes, I am getting back in the groove and loving it!The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-16629667988785833972016-08-26T14:47:00.002-07:002017-02-28T12:48:28.740-08:00Guest House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To rent this guest house email Heather at pdxleeks@gmail.com</div>
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The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-212651992625757172016-07-21T13:52:00.003-07:002016-07-21T13:53:24.914-07:00An Open Letter to the DNC<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I would like to
preface this letter by stating I was a Reagan Republican.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of his quotes that reflect some of my
views;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“There is no limit to
the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Live simply, love
generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I know in my heart
that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there
is purpose and worth to each and every life.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The current party no
longer values the above statements or us ALL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It values those who agree with the party leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that the party has swayed so far to the
right and spews vitriol, I walked away and joined the party that accepts all
humans as equals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>__________________________________________________________</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
July 21, 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the DNC, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been watching the RNC all week trying to learn
something about their message and platform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been very hard to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The speeches mostly have bashed and dehumanized Hillary Clinton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They collectively spread fear and hate toward
the “other” and there is LOTS of other because the attendees are 95% plus white
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know the average age of
their attendees but it appears to be 50+.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The speeches are primarily fiction and opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heartfelt opinions but still, opinions….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vitriol aimed at the other is offensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As someone who disagrees with almost
everything I have heard at the RNC I feel that I am seen as un-American by the
right wing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The RNC has dehumanized Hillary Clinton so that when she is
elected, anyone from the GOP that reaches across the isle will be a traitor and
an outcast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t work with someone
who is that dehumanized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what they
have done to Barack Obama when they demanded his birth certificate, when they
call him names and when they refuse to work with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why is it that the GOP rails on the private server of
Hillary Clinton yet no one mentions that both Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell
did exactly the same thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there
were fewer lives lost under Secretary Clinton’s time as the Secretary of State
than most of those before her for both Democrats and Republicans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet the GOP has railed against her even
though they found nothing illegal or wrong about how she handled her job thus
dehumanizing her further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the DNC approaches I hope that you are paying
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to come together, we
need to see the good, we need humor and we need to value all human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are stronger together. I want to know what
you are going to do to make things better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to hear about how coming together can create a stronger America
that still has open doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
hear about room for more diversity and inclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our country is 95%+ immigrants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All but the native people are
immigrants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to be
surrounded by people that look, act and think like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to hear about the experiences of
others, learn about their values and traditions and live in a richer world and
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please do not spew hate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want to hear how bad the other guy is and dehumanize him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is pretty good at doing that himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let him and the GOP implode on their
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not need to stoop to that
level because we have strength in our diversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A test; picture a standard Republican.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That becomes much more difficult on the
Democratic side of the isle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To that end, be kind and accepting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak for things and not against.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call out what is good and denounce things
that drive hate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cross the line in the
sand to reach for your opponent’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As Ronald Reagan once said, “I know in my heart that man is good, that
what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to
each and every life.” The RNC would be wise to listen to its elders living or
dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since they have completely ignored
the value in all of us it is the responsibility of the Democrats to be the leaders
and stand up for what is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
end, it will prevail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I/we have high expectations for next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please do not disappoint us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all want the same thing, a better place
for our selves and our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
you know better you do better. We implore you to start us on that path at the
DNC.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heather C Leek<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom of three<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wife of one (only one ever)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Community Activist<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PTA member and leader<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hopeful member of the human race<o:p></o:p></div>
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Proud American<o:p></o:p></div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-84959496351338693652015-03-24T15:24:00.003-07:002015-03-25T14:11:42.395-07:00Terrified<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As I mentioned in my last blog post, my family has experienced some growing pains as I have gone back to work. The kids are adjusting.......more or less. We have asked the kids to step up and take responsibility in a few ways. First, do your chores. Second, you need to be organized so you don’t forget what you need to have at school. Third, you need to get out of the house on time for school. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bob and I have outlined chores for each kid every day. I can count on one hand the number of times they have fulfilled their full obligation of chores without being told. Basically, the cat is away….you get the picture. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The kids have been pretty good about remembering their stuff for school. Coulter has only forgotten a couple times. In the past, I brought things to school for the kids at least once or twice per week.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The kids all get out of the house on time for school. Kees is a champ. At 7:57 he runs out the door, shoes on and backpack ready. Sophia leaves around 8:15. She walks over to a friend’s house and then on to school from there. I usually leave then too. I’ve been riding my bike to work so that gets me to the office just after 8:30. This leaves Coulter at home alone. He leaves just after I do to get to school at 8:45. I make sure that he’s totally ready before I leave. I say, “Coulter, you need to leave in 10 minutes.” To which he replies, “I know mom.” Coulter has a tendency to, let’s say, forget things and loose track of time. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Two weeks ago today I received a robo call from the school saying, “A student in your household was marked absent. Please contact the school.” I thought that was weird but sometimes they make a mistake. I called the school and they said it was Coulter that was marked absent. Hmmm…. I had them call up to his classroom to confirm. </span>The secretary called back, “He isn’t in his classroom and they haven't seen him today.” </div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I panicked a little bit and called home. No answer. Luckily, I had driven this particular day. I stood up and announced, “My son is missing, I have to leave.” Everyone agreed this was what I needed to do. I went straight home calling the whole time. I called Bob and told him what was happening and told him to meet me at home. Perhaps Coulter was at home afraid to answer for fear of getting in trouble? <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When I got home I ran into the house. “Coulter, COULTER!!!! Where are you?” I searched the whole house as fast as I could. Maybe he was hiding? I begged him to come out. “COUTLER, PLEASE, I’M TERRIFIED!” Maybe he’s at the library. It’s his “Go to” spot. I drove to the library. It was closed. He wasn’t in the coffee shop next door either. Now I’m really scared. I called 911. “5’2”. 105 lbs. Blond, with a rat tail. About a foot long. I don’t know what he was wearing. No, he’s never gone missing before.” I am trying to be brave but my son is missing and he’s been gone for three hours. I am as afraid as I have ever been. I can't breathe... in out, breathe Heather. I can’t describe how that feels and I hope others never have to go through that. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I call the school to let them know that I reported Coulter missing and the police are on the way to take a report. The secretary tells me, “He just walked through the door.” I say, “Call him down for me. I will be right there.” Coulter needs to explain himself and he needs to see how upset and frightened I am. I get in the car and go to the school. I call Bob and tell him to meet me at the school. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I see Coulter and tell him to come with me into the Principal’s Office. I try to convey how upset I am but of course, he’s an eleven-year-old boy. He doesn’t get it. I let him see my tears and makeup all over my face. He has no excuse. He claims he fell asleep. It was two days after Day Light Savings Time kicked in. I suppose he could be tired. He says my phone call woke him up and that’s when he realized he was late. Really? Three hours? He’s sticking with his story. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bob comes and tries to convey his angst. Then the school councilor comes in. We all try to explain to him that his actions have terrified us all. I tell him how precious he is to me and that this can’t happen ever again. He apologizes but still, there is no way he can understand the feeling a parent has when a child is missing. Eventually we all calm down. Coulter missed lunch so Bob and I take him to get a quick something. We’re all exhausted and hungry. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We eat and talk. Coulter finally apologizes without sounding like we’re being over reactive jerks. We take him back to school and Bob and I go back to work. I am exhausted. Seriously, it’s crazy what something like that takes out of you. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Later at home, Coulter apologizes about five more times. He seems to have heard us. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But…. A week later, I get the robo call again. I call the school but this time they report that he showed up at almost 10. He was more than an hour late! He reported to the school secretary that I knew he was late. Ahh…no I didn’t. I ask to talk to him and she puts me through. I tell him that he is in big trouble. I wanted him to ponder that all day. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When we all get home Bob and I sit him down again. We go through the whole thing again. I can’t believe he did it AGAIN! We take away his electronics for two weeks, no iPad, no computer, no TV, no nothing. Of course this is almost more punishing to us than it is to him but there isn't much that means anything to him. The only thing that would break his heart is if we took his books....but I don't want to break his heart, I love him. I want him to be safe, I want him to thrive, I want him to follow the rules. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I ask him why he has done this. </span>He says, "I don't know." <br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Me, "Coulter, there must be a reason." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">C</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">oulter, "School is boring." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Me, "Well too bad, school isn't an option." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Coulter, "I just didn't want to go."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We go back and forth and it's nothing specific at school. No bullying or anything and then it hits me. </span></div>
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Me, "Coulter, is it the quiet and being alone you like?"<br />
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Coulter, "Yeah. (He starts to cry.) I never get to have quiet time alone." And it's true. Kees is always right there. It's sort of his job as the little brother. <br />
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I try to impress upon him the importance of going to school. I have to know he's safe and if he doesn't go to school I don't know if he's safe or not. I also tell him, "Not going to school is illegal. It's called truancy." Maybe that will do it. Again, he seems to understand and I tell him we'll work on getting him some alone time. That seemed to help him. I also told him that his part of supporting our family was to go to school, to follow the rules and to do his chores. I tried to impart that it was his responsibility and it was how he could support me in my new job but mostly I want him safe. </div>
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So we'll see how things go from here on out. I want him safe and I don't want to break his heart. He's a lovely boy who made a couple of bad choices. I hope he knows how much I love him. I'll continue to tell him and check in with him. Eleven is such a weird age and difficult to know how best to handle these things. I am doing my best. </div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-71886748515422138422015-03-22T10:44:00.001-07:002015-03-22T10:44:14.121-07:00Working Woman<div class="MsoNormal">
I contemplated going back to work for a
while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In late January I thought, “I
should start looking for a job.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be
careful what you put out into the universe!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>About two days later my friend Gary Boyer posted that he was looking for
an assistant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He is a very successful mortgage broker. </span>I PM’d him and said I was
looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A day later we had lunch, four
days later I met with his assistants and within a week or so I was at a desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Talk about fast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whew…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I have learned a few things in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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#1 - If you focus on what you want most of the time
something comes along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important
to be specific in your focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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#2 – Don’t over think things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I sat down and really pondered what I was
about to do I am not sure I would have done it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This isn’t a bad thing it’s just important not to over think. Often
times you can talk yourself out of a great opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I am doing what I am doing I am glad
I’m there and I am glad I didn’t over think it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#3 – It’s important to take care of yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I have greatly enjoyed my (almost 15
years) time away from work I find that I am enjoying being productive and part
of a team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not making a fortune but
I am learning something new, contributing to people’s dreams of buying a home,
helping Gary’s Team move forward and hopefully providing some much needed
relief to those that were already in the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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#4 – I like being there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#5 – There is an adjustment period. My family has had some
growing pains. I will write another post about specific incidents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a short while I thought, “What have I
done?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I know my kids are capable
and ready for this, they just don’t know it yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their immediate reaction was, “The cat is
away!” and that isn’t what Bob and I are looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So we are all learning at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The adjustment period has been rough a few
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT… and that is a big but, it
isn’t about the kids, it’s about me and I am enjoying myself so they are going
to have to adjust and grow too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ultimately, I guess it is about the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw college coming and I am not willing to
amend my lifestyle so I needed to figure out how to help pay for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A job was the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it has ended up meaning more to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize that it would make me feel
needed and wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make me part of a
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me use my brain for more than
the day to day stuff I was working on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The PTA was a lot of work (sometimes full time) but it was very
thankless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This feels rewarding, more
each day<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bob and I are working with the kids, setting expectations
and holding them accountable for being participants in this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We (Bob and I) can’t do it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They MUST help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gary has been understanding and has even
given me flexibility to come in a bit later to make sure the kids get off to
school on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has meant a great deal
to me to have a boss like Gary who knows the importance of family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He works exceedingly hard but he knows, when
family calls, it take first priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ah…the learning curve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am used to being highly efficient and handling lots of volume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this is new to me and that I will get
faster but man, it is frustrating not to be able to rip through
everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness the people
that are training me are patient (to a fault).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will get there but in the mean time it’s hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I have a question and can’t figure
something out I take my stack of papers and go ask where to find info or how to
get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They take two seconds and bang
it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just spent 15 minutes looking
for the answer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep telling myself,
“I’m learning.” but still, it’s frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end I will get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know I will pick up speed, learn the ropes, help the team and
ultimately will be successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so
will my family. I believe it’s important for my kids to see me working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know I was in hotel management but they
have never seen me work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also need
to learn that my absence isn’t license for them to mess around but to rise to
the occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That this is important to
me and they need to support me just as I have supported them their entire
lives. The kids need to step up and grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have all the skills, I know because Bob and I taught them, and now
it’s time to implement those skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s my time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We will all be better for this in the end I hope we can all
survive the learning curve!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in this
for the long haul and I plan on being very successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-72876651426155116352014-09-24T16:20:00.001-07:002014-09-24T16:20:41.728-07:00Brian the PoetToday I made a new friend at Starbucks. I was behind him in line and struck up a conversation. He is an interesting guy and in the few short moments that I had with Brian I learned a few things. Brian is very friendly, he is a Vietnam Vet, he has an injured leg that he's having a hard time with and he is an accomplished poet. He told me that his friends call him Poet and that he wanted me to call him Poet. I agreed.<br />
<br />
If you live in the Hollywood area you probably know of Brian, or as I call him, Poet. Poet is a hunched over homeless man in his 60's. He carried the sign, "Too ugly to prostitute, too old for jail." He's is in pretty bad shape. About a week ago I gave him a dollar mostly because I wanted to ask him how he was and what he needed. That was when he told me about his leg. He said that the doctor told him if he didn't take good care of it, he would loose it. Here's a guy standing all day to make what little money he does and he's threatened with the loss of his leg.<br />
<br />
I am no saint but I did think it was important to get him supplies to take care of his leg because he said he couldn't afford them. I went straight to Rite Aid and bought gauze, tape, self clinging wrap and antibiotic cream. He was right, it is expensive. It was about $22.00. <br />
<br />
The homeless situation in Portland is problematic. Who can know why someone is homeless? Some suffer from PTSD. There are many issues associated with PTSD, for some being inside is terrifying, others have substance abuse, anger issues or can't relate to their families and loved ones. Others are mentally ill and some choose to be homeless for reasons that we may never know about. One thing I know is no one says, "I want to be HOMELESS!" when they are in kindergarten. <br />
<br />
Taking care of homeless people is expensive not taking care of homeless people is even more expensive. I don't know what the answers are and I don't believe just handing over money is very helpful. Services, shelter, sustenance, support in many forms: those are the things that are helpful. <br />
<br />
I do not know what the future holds for Poet but I will continue to check in with him and see what he needs. I promised him that I would do my best to keep him supplied with bandages. What I did not say is that I will keep checking in with him to see what else he needs. I will not give him cash but I will give him food, dry socks, tarps and whatever else he might need. <br />
<br />
I challenge you to see the homeless in your neighborhood and if you are inclined, ask them how they are doing. Often times a little bit of kindness can go a long long way. The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-30151986958767114072014-07-28T17:44:00.000-07:002014-07-28T17:44:15.401-07:00Mount Airy and Atlanta....FinallyIf you followed our trip on this blog you may think that we didn't make it past Ohio. If you followed us on Facebook you know we made it all the way to North Carolina, Georgia and back home. The truth is, I was tired! Driving for hours on end is exhausting. It's been a long time since I did that much driving...wait, I have never driven that much. More on that later. <br />
<br />
We made it into North Carolina and Bob showed us around his home town, Mount Airy. It is where Bob and Andy Griffith grew up. Not at the same times of course. I have often joked that I married a big Opie. It's a cute town and I was happy to see it through Bob's eyes. He drove us around to all his old haunts and told us what he did here and there. The neighborhood he grew up in hasn't changed much....except a tree his family planed out in front of their house when he was four. I don't know how big it was before but this is it now. <br />
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I had a funny interation with the woman who owns the house now. I didn't want them to think I was some weirdo just taking pictures of their house. I said, "My husband grew up in this house. His family planted that tree when he was four." She barely looked up and just said, "Oh." Strange. Wouldn't you say, "Wow" or "Would you like to look around?" or "When was that?" Nope, just, "Oh." Hmmm.... </div>
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We met up with one of his friends from PK - 11th grade, Kristen and her two sons. It was fun and they are a very nice family. </div>
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The next day we wandered around Mount Airy and checked out the town. They are famous for three things (four if you include Bob); </div>
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.verysurry.com/come-home-mayberry-andy-griffith.php">Mayberry</a> / <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/andy-griffith-9542091">Andy Griffith</a></li>
<li><a href="http://myfox8.com/2014/07/27/descendants-of-famed-siamese-twins-celebrate-family-ties-in-mount-airy/">Chang and Eng Bunker - Siamese Twins</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAOsb9eF8jM">Donna Fargo, the happiest girl in the whole USA</a>.</li>
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They have really done a good job of using and maximizing these attractions. We went to the Visitor's Center and I got the full run down on what to do in Mount Airy from one of their volunteers. It was very thorough and honestly, hilarious. My favorite part was when she told me that we could (Read this in a slow-southern-drawl), "<a href="http://www.visitnc.com/listing/world-s-largest-open-face-granite-quarry">Visit the quarry</a>. It doesn't cost anything but your time to get there and it's only a mile and a half. It's the largest granite quarry in the world and it is so big, and so white they can see it from space!" I didn't say it but no, no you can't. You can barely see it on Google Earth when you only look at North Carolina. Funny. It is big and impressive though. </div>
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We left Mount Airy and drove for five plus hours to get to Georgia. The kids were excited to get to Atlanta to see their cousins and sit still for a few days. The plan was to be there for 5 nights. We drove into Lawrenceville first which is where Bob's parents live. We had a nice visit and a home-made dinner. Man, we needed that. We had been eating out every night and I was sick of mass-preparred food. After our visit we went to Bob's sister's house. Ingrid and Brian are great hosts and we were looking forward to seeing them and their kids and again....sitting still. </div>
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One of the problems of sitting still is that you relax. When you relax you can get sick. When you get sick, you're no good. I was no good. I got a cold probably spurred on by allergies. Allergies in different states in different hotels.... yuck. Bob got it too. I was down for a couple days and didn't fully recover until we got home!</div>
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Our time in Atlanta was packed with friends and family. It made me realize that we need to go to Atlanta for a couple of weeks to get it all in. There are MANY people I didn't get to see. We did get to see our friends the Combs' and the Malm-Cluett's. Barbara put together a beautiful brunch for us. I was so honored. It was fun to catch up and hear about all the goings on of friends from the past. </div>
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We spent one afternoon with my Aunt Holly, Uncle Rick and cousin Bobbie Hurt and her family. The kids got to go swimming and and we caught up around the pool until the thunder started. That stopped that part of the day. Bobbie and Holly made a great dinner and again, we were so honored to be in their company. </div>
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While in Cumming (an Atlanta suburb) the kids got to go swimming in a swimming hole that had rock water slides. That was a big hit. They even got to jump out of a tree into the river. It was a beautiful setting and such fun. </div>
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Guns...not such a thing in Portland but a big thing in the South. Uncle Brown (Brian) had a BB gun and the kids were quite excited to try it. They set up some targets in the back yard and went to town. Coulter and Kees even got to blow up a couple of full soda cans. That was good stuff. </div>
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Sophia spent a day shopping and going out to dinner and a movie with her big cousin Jessica. We were also there for her 18th birthday when we went out to dinner. We also visited with Bob's brother Bas and son Austin and caught Bob's sister Connie and her family as they passed through town on a vacation. There were lots of touches but not a lot of long visits. Our time was just so short. </div>
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We had nice meals and company. All in all we had a great time in Atlanta. We got do do laundry (ohh, ahh), sleep in the same place for a few nights and plan for the rest of the trip...somewhat. We knew that we were going to head to New Orleans. While in the neighborhood you may as well. Originally we were going to go to Memphis but the kids decided they wanted to go to New Orleans instead. So that was the plan, to leave bright and early on Wed and head to New Orleans. More in the next post. </div>
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The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-85230473639439727322014-07-10T05:06:00.001-07:002014-07-10T05:06:42.294-07:00Bad Sleep in Ohio<div><br></div><div>Last night was a terrible night for sleep. I had the weirdest dreams; unsettling, confusing, nothing worked, I couldn't find anything, I didn't know where my family was, people were constantly in my way...just general chaos. </div><div><br></div><div>My dream... I was at Crystal Mountain and dropped off Bob, Sophia and her friend Ella B. I drove down the mountain to our really fabulous mountain place. When I got there I couldn't find a place to park. I was driving Bob's Mercedes. </div><div><br></div><div>Next thing I know I'm walking around and looking for our place. I get there and can't remember paying for it or signing papers. I look around and think, "We should rent this out." As I'm contemplating this Bob Calls, "Where are you?" Mind you Bob and Sophia don't ski. The next thing I know I'm driving back down with just Sophia. </div><div><br></div><div>I get back and can't find the mountain house. There is also a large crowded market right outside where it should be. Bob calls and I miss the call. When I try to call him back I have a universal Comcast Remote in my hand. It does everything but only a computer scientist could understand it. I try to call him but it's too hard. Of course while I'm trying he calls again and I can't answer. </div><div><br></div><div>I finally decide to just go up there. I ask Sophia where Ella is. She says, "I don't know!" Like I am some big jerk. Now I'm panicked. I go to look for the car and can't find it. I start running around the crowd looking for the car. I press the lock button and hear it. When I get to the car it's a 6 seat golf cart. I figure I've got the keys for it, I'm taking it. Sophia is with me and we are freezing. We are headed toward the mountain and I can't steer very well, we're freezing and I can't call or figure out how to answer my remote. The car starts swerving off the road. And then I woke up....</div><div><br></div><div>Last night Sophia lost her iPod and I am pretty sure that got me thinking about the cell phone. Then I tossed and turned and didn't sleep well. Plus, being on this road trip has us all "off" a bit. I'm staying awake now, it's more restful than that "sleep" I just got. I'm exhausted. Hopefully better tonight. </div>The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-87650933019847974752014-07-10T04:58:00.004-07:002014-07-10T04:58:53.577-07:00Milwaukee<div class="MsoNormal">
Milwaukee bound….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s see…. It must be July 5<sup>th</sup> if we’re in Milwaukee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First things first, we went to the <a href="http://www.mpm.edu/">MilwaukeePublic Museum</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had reciprocal
benefits and it is where I went as a kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ah, nostalgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a life size Native American exhibit
where they are hunting bison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
was a kid you’d hit a button and the noise to go along with it would come
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I literally remember being in my
stroller and being terrified of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was scared and thrilled at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They don’t do the noise anymore…it’s too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really added something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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There is Old Milwaukee Town where they show rooms from all
the different cultures that moved to the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We found all of them including the Dutch and Scottish rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are dinosaurs, bugs from everywhere,
animals, artifacts and then exhibits from many different cultures from all over
the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We topped it off with an
IMAX movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to sit down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the MPM we went to our lodgings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were blessed to have a house to stay in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sophia’s buddy Katia’s grandparents’ (Do you
follow that trail?) house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They summer
in northern Wisconsin and said we could stay at their city house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We settled in and then had a quiet
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d been driving for days and
needed some down time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob and I let the
kids go to town on devices and he and I watched Netflix to our hearts
content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had snacks, wine, no kids in
earshot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahhh…. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We all slept in but our gluttony made everyone tired the
next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We survived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The big outing the next day was the <a href="http://mam.org/">Milwaukee ArtMuseum</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The art is always top notch and the building
is world class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really, mind boggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks like a ship on land, a BIG
SHIP!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGQJPkQL0fU">It has sails that go up and down</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to check it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you are ever in Milwaukee you must go
and see if for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, this
museum brings back memories for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
always loved it as a kid and it’s fun to see lots of the same pieces still
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were lucky enough to see a
great Kandinsky exhibit while we were there too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bingo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids’ areas are excellent and
vary from hands on to learning about optical illusions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>After that we went to the Geodesic Domes though now they call them the <a href="http://county.milwaukee.gov/MitchellParkConserva10116.htm">Mitchell Park Domes</a>….that’s just weird. We got there with very little time to spare but we squeezed them in. The bugs outside almost killed my kids……</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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After that is was dinner at <a href="http://www.kopps.com/">Kopp’s</a>. The burgers are as big as your head…really. So well fed, tired, run hard….we all crashed.</div>
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We woke up at about 9 on the 7<sup>th</sup> so pack up for
Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While a nice two night stay was
a luxury, it was time to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
cleaned up, loaded up and off we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My next post….Chicago. <o:p></o:p></div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-50378102044412134492014-07-09T18:54:00.000-07:002014-07-09T18:54:36.726-07:00The 4th in La Crosse<div class="MsoNormal">
Sioux Falls was just a quick stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slept, ate, swam and left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within a few miles we were in Minnesota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we drove across the state I noticed
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty, lots of farms
and hills but not a lot of roadside attractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>South Dakota doesn’t have a lot of things to
see beyond the Badlands but they make it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was pretty impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And (this
is looking ahead) the minute we crossed into Wisconsin there were windmills
everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No windmills in Minnesota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hm…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Our trip across Minnesota was pretty much business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drive, stop at rest stops and make it to the
next goal, Milwaukee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we
were approaching La Crosse, Bob and I asked the kids if they wanted to press on
or if they wanted to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the 4<sup>th</sup>
of July and the kids wanted to stop and play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We made it to La Cross by 2:30 and just let the kids play in the
pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They needed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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After pool time we went downtown to get dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to <a href="http://www.buzzardbillys.com/la-crosse/">Buzzard Billy’s</a>, a Cajun
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone got what they wanted and
then we went to <a href="http://riverfestlacrosse.com/">Riverfest </a>three blocks away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People were scouting out spots for the fireworks so when in La
Crosse…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be from La Crosse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found a spot and then Bob went to the car
to get provisions; chairs, blankets, jackets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<br /></div>
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It was fun to watch the crowd go by and see all the smiling
faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People were really happy and just
having fun together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob came back and
we set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids ran and
played.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did some bungee thing,
bought a few treats and giggled together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s the good stuff of just spending time as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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At 10pm the fireworks started. I negotiated with a couple who
had a great view to let us sit with them when the show started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>La Crosse does a good job with the fireworks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the things I appreciate about the Midwest
is that people show their appreciation when they like a firework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the beginning of the show people were
oohing and aahhing and then breaking into applause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fireworks lasted about 20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kees, who hasn’t been to a fireworks show in years kept asking, “Is this
the finally?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept telling him, “You’ll
know when it is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor kid, he hasn’t seen
big fireworks in years because we are always at a family event or block
party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year he indeed knew when it
was the finally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fireworks went off
for about two straight minutes and there were hundreds of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the second they were done….the crowd erupted
in loud and unanimous cheering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We went back to the hotel fed, happy and ready to proceed
the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good day.</div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-37866189013575582092014-07-09T16:39:00.000-07:002014-07-09T16:56:07.412-07:00A Good Time in South Dakota<div class="MsoNormal">
We got up in Rapid City and the kids just couldn’t leave the
pool with the cool three-story water slide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bob was anxious to get on the road but my mom’s intuition told me to let
the kids play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Bob, the minute
the kids are miserable, we will be too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had been so great to this point we better let them play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And play they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally at 10:30 am we told them we had to hit the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had things to do, places to go,
things to see….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plan for the day was
Wall Drug (you can’t have a trip across the mid-west with out seeing Wall
Drug), the Badlands, a missile silo and …..well you will just have to wait for
the last one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t even know we
were going there yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.walldrug.com/">Wall Drug</a> is only about 30-40 minutes outside of Rapid
City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We counted 60 Wall Drug signs and
billboards in that short distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
REALLY want you to stop there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
funny place with about 4 square blocks of kitsch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids wanted to see every corner and Bob
and I tried to steer them on a swift path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are jackalopes, dinosaurs that move and make noise, every kind of
“gift” from their gift shops and so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spent about an hour and half there and picked up lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coulter needed pizza and was about to freak
out if he didn’t get some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Then off to the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm">Badlands</a>, it was only ten miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Badlands are amazing with each colored
layer telling it’s own story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The layers
tell of an arid landscape four million years ago but a humid jungle like area
200 million years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The colors and
topography are like nowhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
greyish layer doesn’t grow anything but the red one is flush with plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are fossils from 250 million years ago
and 250 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is rough,
beautiful and fully different than other landscapes we had seen as yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
After we passed through the Badlands we went to a missile
silo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a strange little place with a
portable outbuilding that is the above ground portion of that silo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A silo that at one point could have been the
beginning of the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a humbling
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a film about the silo
and how it ran from day to day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were people there running drills and practicing for years for a 20 second job,
a terrifying job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we can all
agree, thank God it never came to pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We wanted to go on a tour but it was full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens….and onto the next thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hopped back in the car and headed for Sioux Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only had about 300 more milers to
go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 200 miles in I started seeing
signs for an <a href="http://www.1880town.com/">1880’s town</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHAT?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After miles of these signs, at the last moment I got off the interstate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled up to a gift shop, walked in and it
didn’t look like much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked
about the “town” they guy said, “Well, it’s a whole town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to see it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For whatever reason, I thought he was
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paid $35.00 and we went
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first part was an homage to
“Dances with Wolves,” Big deal….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we
stepped out the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No kidding, it was
a full town with about 30 buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had been moved there from various parts of the state and turned
into a town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked through about 8
of the buildings and then Bob, the boys and I went into the saloon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sophia went to keep the horses company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The Saloon was a fully functioning building and it looked
just like a saloon you’d see in any western movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a stage, a bar, barkeep, a few cowboys
about, a mistress and a second level with a great baluster that would be
perfect to throw someone through in a bar fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was picture perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the back of the saloon was a costume
shoppe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was $5.00 to dress up and go
about town in period costume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys
wanted to do it but I thought we’d only be there for a short while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few minutes I thought, “This is so
perfect I have to let them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will
only want to dress up for a little while longer. “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Boys, let’s do it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were thrilled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The boys got the usual; pants, shirts, boots, bandanas, hats
and of course a holster with a gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
took them all of about 3 minutes to start shooting up everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They robbed every establishment in town; the
bank, the train depot, the train, the mayor’s office, the salon, the photo
shop, the blacksmith but they saved the best for last….the saloon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
They put their heads together and came up with a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went inside so I could document their
misdeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told one the cowboys about it
and he went out to talk to the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After their chat he held open the heavy door so they could bust through
the swinging doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coulter, aka Wyatt,
went for the table with the barkeep and the deputy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kees, aka Hubertus, went behind the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coulter had the barkeep get up and go get the
booty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kees was ushered out of there and
then the barkeep grabbed the bag of gold and handed it to Coulter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coulter turned and ran out firing his gun on
the way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The barkeep yelled, “Go on,
get outta here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t you come
back!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was classic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was hard to leave because the boys could have robbed
everyone a second time and had a great time doing it but it was time to press
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finally got back on the road and got to our hotel at
almost 10pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was late but totally
worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t have missed that
experience for the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am almost a
week behind on my blog and still, it is my favorite part and it was totally
accidental.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Next up….La Crosse!<o:p></o:p></div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-62750320296799128562014-07-08T07:07:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:07:21.133-07:00Mt Rushmore and Rapid City<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh my goodness, I am behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have wasted all our time having fun and not blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hahahaha… <o:p></o:p></div>
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We departed Cody and parted ways with mom and Ed and our
beloved dog, Iva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a crying mess
when we were around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was better to
make a clean break so we said goodbye to mom and Ed and didn’t get to say good-bye
to Iva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Our destination, Rapid City, SD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took the “scenic route.” This included
lots of two lane roads, dirt roads and construction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed through the Black Hills and due to
our pace, took in quite a bit of the sights and dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, lots of beauty and wholly different
than other scenery so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We headed up into the mountains and over a pass that was at 9500 feet. It was cold and there was snow on the ground. This picture was taken fairly close to the top. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRTr127KQgrSzUkMXjocPUMgn6Acno8ATqDC5hljnsBHceLlA2sFjN59JxxBCJpERkC6_62GSXxv-CuYl802f6Y0xZI9R0_6tVxDiQXlCjHoD8IrF_jh5EEm2zzwIuPdNVB9qr9tD6K4/s1600/IMG_5589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRTr127KQgrSzUkMXjocPUMgn6Acno8ATqDC5hljnsBHceLlA2sFjN59JxxBCJpERkC6_62GSXxv-CuYl802f6Y0xZI9R0_6tVxDiQXlCjHoD8IrF_jh5EEm2zzwIuPdNVB9qr9tD6K4/s1600/IMG_5589.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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And this one is of some really large granite blocks. Hard to see but they were huge and very impressive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyT3LSwqB326MWLgA9CWddLv9Mil7lHnEa18_3wIwtkKzedYotWvWLYV27pO5gMerF0qRXsZXdk_KRc7WuiGd9fUhXnf4H28leJoLTXkwUakKgjRD8hkfRaJO86mEVJXORwhZHKmoJLk/s1600/IMG_5590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyT3LSwqB326MWLgA9CWddLv9Mil7lHnEa18_3wIwtkKzedYotWvWLYV27pO5gMerF0qRXsZXdk_KRc7WuiGd9fUhXnf4H28leJoLTXkwUakKgjRD8hkfRaJO86mEVJXORwhZHKmoJLk/s1600/IMG_5590.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only
thing we scheduled to see this day was Mount Rushmore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed a few really interesting things but
we were gunning for the end goal; hotel and pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that I am sorry we didn’t get
to stop for was the Jewel Cave National Monument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were right there and just drove by…it was
almost painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the roads would have
been better perhaps we could have worked it in but the trade off was all part
of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We got to Mount Rushmore around four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has changed a lot since I was there last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a huge parking structure (that costs
$11.00 to park in and you don’t have a choice). There are also about four new
structures with an amphitheater in back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The museum is quite good but the movie, made in 1988, made us all
giggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s amazing what technology has
done over the past 30ish years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
looked really old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids learned all
about how the mountain was carved and at the end Kees got another pin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left about six. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Another half an hour and we arrived in Rapid City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s quite a cute town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids were dying to eat out so we settled
on TGIFridays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a good choice and sad
since we had been going on the cheep and having sandwiches and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a waste of our “big night out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On to more important things….the hotel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The kids were very excited when we got to the hotel; it had
a three-story water slide!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went as
fast as they could to get their suits on and then back to the pool where they
slid for an hour and wore themselves out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
First thing in the morning they were back at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had spent quite a bit of time on the road
and they needed to get some energy out Bob was anxious to get on the road and I
told him that this is where we needed to let the kids take the lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they are not happy the trip gets to be miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He acquiesced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We let the kids swim until 10:30 and then we
hit the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday, July 3<sup>rd</sup> – next up? Sioux Falls
SD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-44433203948913437882014-07-04T22:33:00.000-07:002014-07-04T22:33:56.822-07:00Cody Wyoming<div class="MsoNormal">
On Tuesday the first, we drove to Cody WY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you our engine was still giving us lots
of trouble and I was preparing for the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we headed toward the East Entrance of Yellowstone we passed LOTS of
bison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While ordinarily this wouldn’t
present a problem, with our engine in it’s poor condition I got nervous every
time we had to slow down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The slower we
got, the more the car would shake, the RPMs would bob up and down and the
engine would sputter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the looky-loos
were rubber necking at every chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was nerve racking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point the
bison were totally messing with us and standing right in the road in front of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty rude if you ask me and they
didn’t seem to care at all that I was worried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bison….what cha gunna do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we
got past the pesky bison it was (fairly) smooth sailing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the car was faster and running more
smoothly it was easier to appreciate Wyoming and it’s beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so very different from Oregon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a country we live in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqELg5OOZYRyGg8VIPJ3IR16gXIYVHftbW9fREEQFProJRx4wQJkpmbxJuzNhbVp7koziQfNxexv5bdcFsBD2HJePLtOunIjKEBZ5PXjz0t5rQBs6Gcr0YmmmFI5C21JQbMbu9XZfBvw/s1600/IMG_0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqELg5OOZYRyGg8VIPJ3IR16gXIYVHftbW9fREEQFProJRx4wQJkpmbxJuzNhbVp7koziQfNxexv5bdcFsBD2HJePLtOunIjKEBZ5PXjz0t5rQBs6Gcr0YmmmFI5C21JQbMbu9XZfBvw/s1600/IMG_0222.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We finally made it to Cody at about 1:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped Bob and the kids off at the Wild
Bill Cody Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you I joined the
Asian Art Museum in San Francisco because it was one of the places that had
reciprocal benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was looking
forward to going but I had bigger fish to fry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom went with the pack, Ed went to a bar to watch the USA World Cup game
and I went….wait for it…..to the Dodge Dealership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was grateful that Cody had a Dodge
Dealership!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I rolled in unannounced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mind you, I had asked Bob to call ahead and he wouldn’t/didn’t do
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I walked up to the service desk
and pleaded my case the two women looked at each other and code talked, “Well
we just got that thing and Jesse is going to check for Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we need to lift that other thing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kind of jargon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One went back and confirmed that Joey could
take a look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whew, that was too close.
“Thank you so much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Iva and I went to
the waiting room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I went toward the waiting room I stepped outside to give Iva
a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked around the grounds
I was eyeing the new cars and trying to figure out if I wanted another van or
something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the news wasn’t
good I’d be getting a new car in an hour or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We finally made it to the waiting room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The waiting room had five men and one other woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men all appeared to be working farmers
and by the conversation, a few were vets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fox “News” was on the TV and the conversation followed the
reporting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their take on things was, to
be polite, “right” wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t /
didn’t agree with them but I like to listen to try and figure out why people
think what they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they eyed me, we talked about Iva and
what a great dog she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
congress could use a few dogs, they bring us all together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forty five minutes in Joey reported to Julie and Julie
reported to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sixth cylinder was misfiring and I needed
a new ignition wire, it would be $200.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is AWESOME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t have been happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They asked for permission to fix it and I was
all, “Yeah, do it!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another hour later and it was done and ended up being only
$129.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to tip them but they wouldn’t have
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up writing a really nice
review and thanked them for their honest, quick and friendly service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are going to break down with a Dodge,
do it in Cody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hopped in my smoothly running car and picked up the
gang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked into the hotel, had a
bite to eat and went straight to a gunfight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yup, a gunfight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really
fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdZu5hw8FINLJLQBwUBrYvA_G58JZZU4iV7P13E_UzWcwLAkiDaM1LEgFJbqZtxnxAFMW0-j8kCHlrNB8kXKin86e2E-3S306pDz461z-TIqxMpI41hcYBwwEyhrpYTRqlrTkcHv8zTA/s1600/IMG_5557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdZu5hw8FINLJLQBwUBrYvA_G58JZZU4iV7P13E_UzWcwLAkiDaM1LEgFJbqZtxnxAFMW0-j8kCHlrNB8kXKin86e2E-3S306pDz461z-TIqxMpI41hcYBwwEyhrpYTRqlrTkcHv8zTA/s1600/IMG_5557.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next up RODEO!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
luck would have it, the big professional rodeo was in town and we got to see
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may have been wasted on us but we
had a lot of fun and this in not something you see everyday in Portland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And certainly not with that crowd in an open-air
arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think this was their
first rodeo….hahahahaha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It WAS my first
rodeo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bucking broncos and bull
riding were my favorites, well that and the clown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked like Eric Stonestreet and had a
great sense of humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of his lines,
“Whoa, that looked like it hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
know the great thing about landing on your face?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No danger of a broken ankle.” True.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were home around 11 and crashed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From a campground in Yellowstone at 9 am to a rodeo in Cody WY at 8
pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We packed it in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our little cowboys and cowgirl were tuckered
out and slept like logs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great
day and we didn’t even need a new car!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s a good day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-24207944252798226122014-07-04T12:35:00.001-07:002014-07-04T12:35:23.178-07:00Yellowstone<div class="MsoNormal">
I haven’t written because we had no service in Yellowstone and have
been busy, going hard and we each fall into bed at night with new experiences
under our belts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Sunday we woke up in Idaho Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First things first, the boys had to relearn
the etiquette of the free breakfast room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No shirt, no shoes, no service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And for mom’s satisfaction, no pajamas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Leeks have standards!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first stop was Shoshone Falls just east of Twin
Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s called the Niagara of the
West and is beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water was
flowing well and it gave an impressive performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were leaving an entire bus full of
Japanese tourists unloaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect
timing on our parts, we left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now,
onward to Yellowstone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95A-jLjdiSzYzQvV6aaUzONMW-RwOilH5ugFKuzLAw_T7cr2XgIZYmfrp2eP-Q8vsKs0Bm2a-AJJsu5AsqJUC8jJqHFBYAVkaCXFyYadYM-bVIRPS4LGLQIVik4SCa3NKUskmsazdqAU/s1600/IMG_5452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95A-jLjdiSzYzQvV6aaUzONMW-RwOilH5ugFKuzLAw_T7cr2XgIZYmfrp2eP-Q8vsKs0Bm2a-AJJsu5AsqJUC8jJqHFBYAVkaCXFyYadYM-bVIRPS4LGLQIVik4SCa3NKUskmsazdqAU/s1600/IMG_5452.JPG" height="237" width="400" /></a><o:p> </o:p>The trip to Yellowstone was fairly uneventful until….. Just inside the gate, at the least convenient
spot, the “check engine” light came on and the engine shook anytime we got
below 30 mph. Pretty disconcerting. Our van has over 110,000 miles on it. Before we left, Bob and I agreed that if it
went belly up mid trip we’d just get a new one and press on. While the timing was horrid, having a back
up plan was reassuring. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We arrived at the campsite, set up camp and then headed to
Old Faithful, the Yellowstone Lodge and the first set of paint pots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plan all along had been to all ride in
the RV with mom and Ed while in Yellowstone. With the van on the fritz, this was even a
better plan. What made it even more
desirable was the fact that Iva (our dog) was with us. The RV stays much cooler than the van when
they are not moving. While dogs are
welcome in the park, they are not welcome on ANY of the paths. They are also not supposed to be left in
cars. This makes having a dog with you a
true pain. We decided to leave her in
the RV at most stops and hope for the best.
She barked like mad every time but it was the only way we could all see
the sights. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1ae7KGQPUr3uaKuHBi9QU09bZ4zYFbov16fya1jpxNO7r6g0yvvylBPVBHMBNP_N6A2e6KuLENH-SKi-6uHC-A5JBF7giX_3CG8s-w4d-J1CqEyMBQLoydOnqpmW27xTVJHg2dTH0jg/s1600/IMG_5480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1ae7KGQPUr3uaKuHBi9QU09bZ4zYFbov16fya1jpxNO7r6g0yvvylBPVBHMBNP_N6A2e6KuLENH-SKi-6uHC-A5JBF7giX_3CG8s-w4d-J1CqEyMBQLoydOnqpmW27xTVJHg2dTH0jg/s1600/IMG_5480.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Old Faithful did it’s thing after we waited for 30 minutes
or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were about 2000 people and
hey, our Japanese buddies from Shoshone Falls were there too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they brought three more buses full with
them, hooray! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We went through the lodge and as always, it is
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rough-hewn logs and
natural bend of branches prevail in the structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stone fire-place is central and it’s
chimney reaches up four stories and out the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a marvel and a national treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to the gift shop and Kees got a pin
and Coulter bought a Yellowstone mug as a gift for my mom. The pin Kees got started a
collection.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the route back to camp we went to the paint pots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The paint pots consist of colorful pools,
bubbling mud pots and steam vents that can reach 300+ degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are not shy about sharing the fact that
many people have died or been badly burned over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most gruesome story being of an eight
year old boy that fell in a boiling pool and was recovered a day later. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that was left was eight pounds of bone,
flesh and clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made a real
impact on the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back at the campsite we started a fire and nibbled on
whatever was available for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey,
this is camping, just eat what you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At 9:30 there was a ranger talk that explained the colors of the pools,
the eco-systems and their fragility, where the heat comes from and many more
aspects of the park. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10:15 and it was lights out….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a very cold night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys were in the RV with mom and Ed,
Sophia was with Bob and I in the tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was cold but didn’t snow, like it did the week before when our
friends were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yikes! Waking up
early is easy when you are cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the morning we had a quick snack, gave mom a couple cards
and gifts (it was her birthday), headed north and then counter clock wise
around the North Loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were lots
of bison sightings, steam vents, elk, vistas, paint pots and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And hooray, our Japanese friends found
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick, to the RV to get ahead!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the furthest point of the day was
Mammoth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are amazing falls there that
emit calcium carbonate to the tune of a ton a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks like ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We made our way back to camp, had some food and went to
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bolstered our sleeping quarters with extra
blankets and all slept much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being
warm is underrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again we were up early and broke down our camp-site by
8:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Tuesday and that meant we
were headed to Cody, WY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We exited the
park via the east entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
the first time we drove the van since the “check engine” light came on, it was
still on and running like crap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made
me a bit nervous but once we were above 40 mph it seemed to run fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time we slowed down the shaking would
start again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we made it to Cody we’d
get it checked out or buy a new van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buying a new van would put a dent in the vacation
budget!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it goes and off we went….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look out Cody, here we come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-21248001017960911392014-06-28T15:32:00.000-07:002014-06-28T15:32:20.920-07:00We've Only Just Begun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are off on our next adventure and I am grateful to say that Bob is in tow this time! Hooray! The kids and I have been on quite a few road trips and Bob (God bless him) stayed behind to pay for our good time. <br />
<br />
Last year the kids and I were planning on going on an around the country trip. I thought that Bob could join us at one or more points along the way so he could keep working. It's hard to get lots of continuous time off. As we drew closer to a shove off date Bob said he wanted to come and would we postpone for a year? It was an easy decision. We waited. <br />
<br />
When Bob took his current job he told them that he would be gone for a month this summer. They said it wouldn't be a problem and the held to their promise. He is with us!<br />
<br />
I have been researching for months, pouring over maps and guide books, making reservations and getting all our museum memberships in order. The kids did a little research too and each have two locations where they will be the tour guide.<br />
<br />
Kees has been pretty, "Go with the flow." He is ready and has done a little research. He's excited.<br />
<br />
Coulter is another story. He has been really nervous. He kept saying that he was afraid that we were going to get into a car crash. I think it's because of the unknown and he doesn't know exactly what to expect. Summer in Portland is pretty great and he was going to miss his friends and the pool. <br />
<br />
Both boys were driving me NUTS! Each year when school gets out we have hit the road almost immediately. They know the routine for that. Everyone helps, everyone pitches in, everyone carries their weight. My kids are great at that. This year we waited two weeks after school got out. Big mistake. The kids all have acted like every day is Saturday morning. They haven't lifted a finger to help do ANYTHING! They have spent too much time on screens and have hardly done any chores. They have left all their crap all over, all the time. I have begged, pleaded, yelled, cried for help and it all fell on deaf ears. Our kids need a trip to get their summer in order, they need to pitch in! <br />
<br />
My mom and Ed rolled into town on Thursday evening so they could head out on Friday morning to get a jump on the road trip. Their RV can't travel and the rapid pace of the lightning van. Bob had the brilliant idea to have them take the boys. They needed to go. I was sick of trying to keep them from fighting, stopping them from leaving their stuff all over and trying to get ready to head out. Mom and Ed accepted the challenge and it was the right decision. They have had a fine time and the boys got to stay in the RV.<br />
<br />
Our friends the Klines had us over for dinner last night. We planned to come home and pack....not so much after dinner and drinks. We hit the sack. Bob was up at 6 and Sophia and I were up at 7. I had a heart to heart with Sophia about stepping up and she did. We loaded up and were on the road by 9. <br />
<br />
We drove up the Gorge and honestly, we live in the most beautiful part of the country. It takes my breath away every time. The picture at the top of this post is overlooking Pendleton Valley. It was overcast but still, so beautiful. We are now 6 hours in and have covered 400 miles and it sunny and 81 degrees. We are slated to cover 6500 miles and over 100 hours of driving so we are just beginning. Check back here for more updates. Hang on, it's going to be a wild ride.<br />
The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-1074712295050110192014-04-21T12:04:00.000-07:002014-04-21T12:04:28.898-07:00A Day to RememberYesterday we had our friends the Klines over for Easter Dinner. We talked about who's house we should have dinner at.... The Klines? They host a lot, Sarah is an excellent chef, hostess and friend. Or our house? I can cook. I like to entertain, albeit in a much more casual manner since the time line is usually free form. The biggest reason I wanted to host was because the weather was going to be nice and I wanted the kids to be able to play in the park. I know the days of the kids playing in the park all together are limited and I want to have as many of those days as I can squeeze in. <br />
<br />
The Klines came over at 4 and by 4:15 the kids were all across the street. The adults moved to the front deck to chat and take in the day. To my great joy, the kids did exactly what I had hoped. They played at the park. All 5 of our kids and about 7-8 more neighborhood kids joined in. They ranged in age from 8 to 13 and all played so nicely for almost 4 hours. They played lots of games but the big one was "The Hunger Games." They all had Nerf guns and ran around chasing, shooting, screaming and laughing. When they play "Hunger Games" no one dies for more than 10 seconds and they all have a great time. It was very sweet and they were all worn out. <br />
<br />
I can't begin to tell you what a joy our home is. I love our location. I love our front deck. I love being right next to the park. I love our neighborhood. I love that our friends come over and share happy times with us. Individually, each of these things is great but all together, it can't be beat. It gives me such joy. Truly the little things are the big things and I wouldn't trade my experience of my existence with anyone. <br />
<br />
Yesterday's goings on weren't anything out of the norm and that is what makes it even better. I get to live like this a lot and it doesn't get any less special any time. I want to hold these days in my heart and treasure them forever. I know my kids will grow and go and there will be different joys but for right now I am loving my happy days right here in my 'hood.<br />
<br />The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-40372441337117456602014-02-28T12:42:00.003-08:002014-04-21T12:06:31.214-07:00Hectic; Because Life Just is....I have been doing my duties as a mom of three and by it's nature, it is hectic. To add to the mix, I am the PTA President for my kids' K-8 school of 830 students. I have also volunteered to be the local PTA liaison to Portland Public Schools for the 482 million dollar bond to rebuild three high schools, one middle school and to repair countless others. Neither one of those jobs is glorious. I am blessed to be in a position where I can be a "stay at home" mom, though staying at home rarely factors in. <br />
<br />
Our school has grown from 450 kids about 6 years ago to 830 this year. Our rapid growth has created lots of stress and for next year and upheaval. Our first and third graders will be sent to a third campus about a mile away next year. That campus is already occupied by a program called ACCESS and they will have to adjust to this change too. The hope is that this is just a one year solution and that boundaries will "fix" the issue going forward. The idea of moving some of our community members out of the school is nothing short of crappy but in the end, I believe that is what will happen. On the plus side, the school that they are likely to attend will have many of the same folks from our current school. It is highly a emotional subject and uncharted territory . <br />
<br />
Kees will be going to the third campus. This is good because as the PTA President, I have some skin in the game. My family will be effected so I get to chime in and have my vote count. Yesterday Coulter said he wished he could go to the new campus, Rose City Park. I asked why and was very pleasantly surprised by his answer. He said "I'm worried that Kees will get school sick. You know, like home-sick but for your school. If I was there then he wouldn't have to feel alone." I was so struck by his love for his brother, his thoughtful feelings and what his solution was. <br />
<br />
In talking to Kees he is not really worried. Yes, it will be his third campus in three years but he is basically fine with it. Our children are generally more resilient than we give them credit for. I have listened to the concerns of parents in reference to their precious little children. I went to 12 schools and I turned out this awesome. Purely by the nature of having parents that care so much, these children are ahead. It also means they have the support of their parents and probably are pretty solid kids. I wish the parents would recognize their children's strength. I remember as a child when someone spoke to me in a condescending tone I thought, "I am short, not stupid." I knew I was strong and until proven otherwise, I will assume my children are strong. I know they have support. <br />
<br />
Our community will slog through this together. There are many issues that need to be addressed and three campuses are messy. There is funding, transportation, library, computers, teachers, principals, councilors, moving, aftercare, moving of the existing program, working with the other community in the building, support staff, scheduling and so on. It is a never ending list at this point. I am afraid that until the first month of school is over there will be fear and uncertainty. Until that point, I am pretty sure my life will be hectic. Wish me luck....I need it. The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083761894583626018.post-71191860636934336802014-02-05T13:05:00.002-08:002014-02-05T13:05:42.538-08:00Sophia's Birthday PresentSophia turned 13 last month and I wanted to give her wisdom. I have some....but I know so many women that are wise. It only seemed right to ask for the wisdom of the tribe. I have had some requests to post my letter. Here is my request to these women. <br />
<br />
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Dear women of the tribe, <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am writing to you because you are wise, have good advice,
are smart, talented and I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sophia is turning 13 in January and I am putting together a retreat at
the beach with a few relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are not enough rights of passage for young people (in my view) so I am creating
one for Sophia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want her to know that
becoming a woman is exciting and challenging and that she has support all
around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want her to feel your
wisdom and know that there are hundreds of years of experience between us that
we will share with her if and when she needs us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My plan is to create a book with all of our collective wisdom,
stories, hopes, dreams, failures, successes and ultimately, lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is yours to create and make what you
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can include pictures,
articles, poetry, letters, clippings, diary entries, anything you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have listed some questions as a jumping off
point but in the end it will be whatever you want to share with Sophia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please know that this can be long or
short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how busy life gets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can type and print it or hand-write it
and return it in the enclosed envelope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or, if you’d rather, you can email it to me (<a href="mailto:theleeks@yahoo.com">theleeks@yahoo.com</a>) and I will print
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your time if you
choose to participate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sophia’s book
will be a treasure for her for a long time and will be her big gift at the
retreat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The retreat is on the weekend of January 24<sup>th</sup>,
2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you miss the date please do not
hesitate to mail it later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I know
this is asking a lot of you and time is at a premium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to bind the book of 8 ½ by 11 sheets so please leave
an inch on the (long) left hand side of the paper (and if you use the back, an
inch on the right) so I can bind the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want any wisdom to get lost in the binding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The following questions are for reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can answer them or write about anything
you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main point is for you to
impart your wisdom to Sophia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Please tell Sophia about yourself as a young
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were your biggest
accomplishments? Fears? Things you loved? Hobbies?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was your life like? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did you think being an adult meant?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Please tell Sophia about yourself as an
adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your biggest
accomplishments? Fears? Things you love? Hobbies?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is your life like now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is being an adult different than you
thought it would be?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Tell a story about yourself as a young person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What do you remember that was great about being
a teenager?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What is challenging about being an adult but you
still have to face?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What is something it took you YEARS to realize
that you wish you had known sooner?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->For Example - Just because you have known someone
a long time doesn’t mean you have to remain friends with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone is an energy suck, complains all
the time or is overly self centered I can just move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have to carry people around that
don’t treat me as I deserve to be treated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Superfluous drama is for weak people with small
minds and nothing better to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cut them
loose. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Write about your memories of being 13ish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you remember that was good? Bad? Challenges?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What is your opinion of today’s media’s images
and definitions of women?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you
say to a 13 year-old girl who sees these depictions every day and may not
believe it every time her mom tells her she is a perfect Sophia. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Write about an obstacle that you faced when you
were a young person and how you overcame it or didn’t and how you handled it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What
do you see now in your former self that you wish you could go back and tell
yourself, “It’s going to be alright.” in the long term?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What
do you remember was a REALLY BIG DEAL that the mature you now realizes it
wasn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Share
an experience that seemed terrible at the time but has given you perspective
now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Is
there something you did that seemed like a good idea at the time that in retrospect
wasn’t such a great move?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If
you could go back, what would you definitely do that you may have been afraid
to do for fear of being embarrassed?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What
piece(s) of advice would you give to your 13 year-old self?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you wish someone had told you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s the best advice you can give about love
relationships?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does success look like?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does a powerful woman look like?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 31.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write anything else you want for Sophia or any
young woman you think could use good advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you so much for participating in this gift to
Sophia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want her to know that she has
many women who love and support her and that collectively, we have hundreds of
years of experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the best, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heather<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The Leekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02109042049881127947noreply@blogger.com0