Kim's Kul-de-sac

2008-06-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hello!

If you're visiting me here I've moved to here. Check out the awsome blog that Mike P. built for me! I promise to keep this blog up to date and I'm starting with the story of how I met DH and why I love all things Paris and Cowgirl!

2008-05-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a visitor I am NOT excited about!

And I don't think he's very happy. It looks like his tail got run over. Why didn't they aim for his head. They say he's a bull snake and not a rattler. I don't care what he is...he's five feet long and he's a snake!

2008-05-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

A new visitor...

This is who came to visit this morning. He is tiny and beautiful! I think it's a he. Aren't the males the gender that has all of the color? I really need to get out the bird book!

2008-05-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

The weather in Arizona...

is absolutely gorgeous! I decided since it was so nice that I would get a hummingbird feeder for the backyard and sit outside to enjoy this beautiful day that we are having. In the 9 years that we have lived here I don't think it's ever been 83 degrees at the end of May. Need to soak it up and remember this come July.

No sooner did the feeder go up than I got a visit from this little guy.

Then he sat in the tree above me for quite awhile. I've never seen a hummingbird sit still for this long!

We get lots of birds in our backyard. I wish I could record the sound for you and I wish I knew what all of those birds were saying to each other!

We have lots of dove...

And a not so good picture of another bird we have alot of. They are pitch black and have bright yellow bills.

And, of course, I was joined by my constant companion, good ol Maverick. He's really been slowing down but he was checked by the vet who says his heart is still good and he can keep taking his pills for sore joints!

Here's to beautiful weather and great companions!

2008-05-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight....

Babysitting these two while Mom and Dad are out on a date!

Tomorrow...

Babysitting these three (that's right three) while all the parents go to Six Flags!

Loving it!

2008-05-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

Been busy...

Playing with these two! Enjoying beautiful weather, High in the 60's and some rain on and off. Papa and Grammy got them a truck to drive and they are having the time of their lives. Dylan is a very cautious driver. Mason still needs alot of practice.

Lots of pictures to post. The drive here was beautiful. We took our time getting here and hit alot of Antique stores. Of course we are coming home with a truck full! Will post more later. Dylan is driving the little girl next door around in his truck. Out on a date already!

2008-05-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in forever! But, things are going to change. The great Mike P. and I got together yesterday and came up with ideas for a banner and a new blog name. This one really suits me and since I know I will love looking at it I'm sure I'll be posting regularly. And, since I'm on my way to Colorado to visit grandbabies there'll be lots of pictures! Happy Mother's Day everyone! I'm off for a week of Grammy heaven!

2008-04-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Crossroads, what crossroads?

Sorry to cause any worry. My crossroads, of course, are regarding DAM. The person who comes twice a month to help me with her has hurt her back. Not sure if she can help anymore.
Do I try to find someone else? No one can replace Chanin. Do I try to do everything myself...out of the question. For right now I am going to wait and see what happens. Miracles happen. Just ask my friend that called me today to tell me that her second round with cancer is unexplainably in remission. She has survived a brain tumor and leukemia. How much can one person endure? Apparently alot! Makes my DAM problems seem like nothing! So there crossroads, take that!

2008-03-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm...this is where I am right now

CROSSROAD

Function: noun Date: 1686
1: a road that crosses a main road or runs cross-country between main roads 2 usually plural but singular or plural in construction

a: the place of intersection of two or more roads

b: a small community located at such a crossroads

c: a crucial point especially where a decision must be made

2008-03-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

So, this is what it feels like...

to feel good again. If you have seen me lately you probably noticed that I wasn't feeling too good. I first wrote it off to allergies. Then it moved to my asthma bothering me a little bit. Next I thought it was the cold that Jennifer brought to work. And I was probably right on all three counts. What I didn't realized is what it could turn into until I went to see my doctor yesterday. A chest x-ray, four prescriptions later, and a somewhat good nights sleep and I have awakened feeling better. Is it possible...that fast? I'm sure I'm not 100% by any stretch but I am so much better. Diagnosis ~ bronchial pneumonia and asthma. Treatment ~ antibiotics, steroids, inhaler, and kick ass cough medicine that can only be taken at bedtime!

The relatives have left with the only casuality being DAM smacking the tree. Boyfriend, hereby known as JD, will never live that down. Oh, and one minor casuality... SIL put laundry detergent in a water bottle so she could do laundry at their motel. Forgot that it was detergent and took a big swig! Another Kodak moment lost!

We did sit down and talk about my concerns for DAM. Conclusion...DAM will never have a conversation about where she wants to be buried, her directives, her feelings about where she wants to live when I can't take care of her anymore and so on. None of my questions got answered, except I now know that DH's siblings know where I stand and will back me! And, I now know that my personality (and DH's) is completely different from theirs. We are the fixers of all things and that must, must, must, come to a screeching halt!

Here's to a good day and lots of medication!

2008-03-24T14:16:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick visual for you...

Dear SIL and boyfriend took DAM to the Botanical Gardens today. Not a good move. DAM doesn't like desert flora. She's a California girl and thought she would be seeing GARDENS!
She wanted to come straight home but boyfriend insisted they stay. Here's the visual...

Boyfriend pushing wheelchair

Boyfriend stops pushing wheelchair and DAM says just leave me here

Boyfriend doesn't set brake on wheelchair and walks away

DAM is found crashed into tree

Trip to first aid center and home again

SIL off to pharmacy to get necessary medical supplies so DAM's leg bandages can be changed when necessary. Do you think she will stay for that? I don't think so. How nice to come and visit and get to just drive away!

But isn't the visual priceless? Oh to have been there with a camera!

2008-03-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

You're right...

I have been AWOL for way too long. Dear Aunt Myrna (DAM) has been pretty normal (that may be pushing it a bit) but, for the most part nothing earth shaking has happened. Maybe it's all of the rain we got. But, I see this changing soon. Why? Because the family is descending upon us starting this Wednesday. Family, meaning DH's older brother, and his sister who I have not seen since her last excursion to AZ to tell me what I needed to be doing for DAM. That didn't go over too well with me, hence we haven't talked since. I'm sure she'll be full of advice this trip. Maybe she'll deliver it to her dear little brother! So, do you think I could be so lucky to have a little mouse appear soon? I'm just thinkin...

The turtles are fine. Getting bigger. Hopefully they'll grow to the legal size before I get caught with them. Who knew, that you can't own a turtle in AZ unless it's shell is at least 4 inches!

So, here's to visiting family, mice, and disguised turtles!

2008-01-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure....

They're in love! How cute is that? See the little turtle arm on the other turtles back. They stayed that way for the longest time. How about that look I'm getting! Ha too funny. Click on the picture to see it up close. I think they like their new home. The rock that they're on is right under a UV light which they love. Still no names. How about a romantic couple name? Come on peeps, I need some help here!

2008-01-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

I just love surprises...

and I mean "good" surprises which are really few and far between. You will probably find this to be a "weird" surprise, but I have wanted one of these for a long time. My dear BIL has two of these and I am always asking about them. So, DH went to the antique store today to pack up all of his ebay sales and on his way he saw someone selling "these" on the corner. He almost passed him up but instead he turned around, yes, I said turned around to go back and check it out. Without hesitation he purchases two for me and took them to the store. He called me to see what I was doing and told me that he had a surprise for me. I told him "great" bring it home with you. His reply was that I had to come to the store to see it because it needed to be taken care of. And then he said it was something I have always wanted and he bought it from a guy on the corner. What the.........never in a million years would I have thought

of this... Arent' they freakin' adorable? I was immediately off to Petco where, believe it or not, there were other people with their little turtles looking for turtle stuff and they all got them from the guy on the corner! Who knew there were turtle floating stations. And that they have to have UV heat lights for 10 hours a day. They are still not named. Need to hone in on the personalties. I can tell you that the turtle in the first picture is the more agressive. Climbs right up on the floating station and basks in the special turtle light. The second one is shy and tends to stay under water so far. Yes, I can tell them apart. Their shells are different! Any ideas for names? Post them here! And come by the store to meet them. My owners manual says they are very social! Here's to surprises that don't involve mice!

2008-01-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

Bow your heads in silence for a minute...

The mouse has gone to a better place. Now let's just hope he doesn't have relatives. DAM confronted him in her bathroom and of course I got the phone call immediately! DH jumped into action, went home and disposed of the little guy. The only thing was, it wasn't that little. Not rat sized, but definitely not a baby. I hate to admit it but I was just about ready to have DAM committed. She got us up at 3:30 a.m. today because she saw "a mouse". Funny thing, I was home all day yesterday and up from 4:00 a.m. until I left for work today and I never saw a thing. So, let us all sleep until at least 7:00 a.m. and may no mice ever take up residence in our home. Oh the drama!!

2008-01-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

There's A Mouse In The House Part Deux~Mouse 1 Us 0

No phone calls today, I thought things were looking up. But, when we got home DAM is still camped out on the couch and said she saw the mouse several times today. She's not eating, not even her beloved ice cream. The mouse has gotta go! She's just an itty bitty thing, she'll dry up and blow away. We put several traps out but obviously this is a smart mouse. With our luck he probably escaped from some testing laboratory and was given some super drug to make him smart. I guess I'll treat myself to a glass of wine and set up for mouse watch! And woo hoo, tomorrow's our day off. A whole day to spend mouse hunting!

2008-01-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

7:00 A.M. Conversation...

DAM - Rick, (ha notice she's not talking to me!) I'm trying to figure out where I can go today.

DH - For what?

DAM - I'm afraid the dogs will catch the mouse and chew it up in front of me. I'll pass out.

DH - I wish I could do something for you, but it is just a mouse.

DAM - Can I call you if I see it? You'll have to give me your number.

DH - Just call Kim, we'll be at work together.

DAM - No response...ohhhh I must have really made her mad.

Me - I wonder if I'll hear my cell phone today? It's. just. a. mouse.

2008-01-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Just another night in paradise!

How can someone live seventy some years and have the biggest, most irrational fears that I have ever witnessed. DH and I have been playing a little cat and mouse game this last week. We're the cats and we are trying to catch the mouse. Now, I happen to think they're just the cutest little things ever, but I don't particularly want them in my house. Remember, we live in a house that is over 100 years old with large yards and lots of fruit trees. Well, we get mice. We normally are able to just wrangle the little things right out the front door. It really is hilarious. I can just picture that little mouse sitting on the porch laughing at us because he knows he's just going to come right back in. Well, we saw him last night and that little bugger got away from us. Must have been an off night. This is where the irrational fears come in. Up until today DAM had never seen the mouse. Well, that all changed at about 6:00 P.M. tonight. She called me crying like a little baby. DH drove home, caught the mouse, threw him outside and all was peaceful again. Until she saw another mouse. Now, I don't really believe there is another one. Without going into details, I know it's not the mouse that DH "threw" outside earlier. There was a blood curdling scream from DAM's room. We searched high and low and never found it. I told her there was no mouse, and even if there was it certainly wasn't going to get in bed with her, she said "it was on my shoulder". Totally irrational. So, DAM is outside and convinced that the mouse is going to get her tonight. She won't sleep and she says she's going to be sick. Over. a. mouse...Come on... All I can say is it's a good thing we got her that big, new, couch cuz that's where she's sleeping tonight, or not sleeping. And if she screams for us in the middle of the night there better be something bigger than a mouse in her room...or else!

2007-12-30T17:39:00.000-08:00

A delightful update!!!

Mission accomplished. Couch was bought! At first I thought this was going to be a miserable day. It started that way. We loaded the "scooter" into the back of the truck. Went to Levitz. DAM could not find anything she liked. And, she was very vocal about it. She would look at a couch and very loudly state " they want $700 for that, I wouldn't give you $7.00". After about 10 minutes of that I began to Shhhhhhh her. Which really didn't go over well. DH told me to tune her out, but how could I, people were STARING!!! At that point I was ready to just stand behind DAM and make the universal sign for "CRAZY" but I just smiled and looked embarrassed. So, on to the next store...or so we thought. Out to the parking lot to load the "scooter" again, but the tailgate would not open. DH said that was payback for me not having any patience. 20 minutes DH, the ever so handy man, got the tailgate down and we loaded the "scooter" again. Off to the Room Store! Unload "scooter" again. We first went to the clearance store and, of course, found nothing. Next we go to the real "Room Store". I was totally losing all hope by then and decided my best bet was to just get lost in the store and let DH and Myrna figure it out. Well, the doors opened and the angels started singing!!! Right there in front of our faces was the perfect couch! Soft, long enough to lay on, and bright colors! Signed, sealed, scotch guarded, and delivered tomorrow morning! Room Store you rock! It was painless... and obviously an agreeable price. Way agreeable if you ask me!

So, we load the "scooter" again, and off to Costco...

Do people go to Costco just to eat? I think they do. You could stay there all day and just go from stand to stand taste testing all of their food. And people do just that! So, after unloading the "scooter" we wheeled through Costco, got DAM over the fact that these prices were not unreasonable, and left with Lobster, Filet's, and a smile on DAM's face.

Two hours and fifteen minutes. That's all it took! Back to the parking lot, load "scooter" again and we're headed home. Unload "scooter" one more time and we're home and happy.

See what you can do in two and a half hours and make someone happy! Who knew?

Will I be able to walk tomorrow? We'll see...inventory has to be done at Mystic Paper. Oh joy!!!

2007-12-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

A few suggestions for Christmas 2008

So, Christmas with DAM was for the most part pretty uneventful. Until she started opening gifts! I'm going to give suggestions for next year while they're fresh on my mind. I'll start with the gifts that were best...

1. Flowers - way to go Jason! She loves flowers and they require nothing more than a phone call from the delivery man and 3 subsequent phone calls from DAM to me so she can find them. They're right outside the door...hello! Relatively painless! Oh, and then there's the conversations about how those flowers stayed so fresh when they are sent all the way from Iraq.

2. DH and me - A surf and turf dinner. One of the biggest lobster tails I have ever seen and a fillet that was oh so tender! Again, one of her favorite things....food.

Now for the list of what not to give her...

Nothing that has anything to do with electronics.

1. DVD - no concept of why she couldn't watch this on the same machine that plays a CD.

2. CD - If it plays music she's not interested. She's listened to music all her life and she's sick of it. Forget the fact that when she's happy she hums like nobody's business. And she loves to watch figure skating especially when they are skating to someone singing live.

3. Cassette - Why do you need 3 different machines? But, actually she wants to listen to the CD because it is someone talking about how to alleviate stress in your life. I really need to sit in on that one!

4. No blankets. She gets 3 or 4 every Christmas and she doesn't use them. But she stores them and then complains that she has no room for anything.

5. Visa Gift Card. I'm not actually sure which list this should go on because it was actually a very thougtful and unexpected gift. DAM's first thought was that she wanted to go to Costco and stock up on lobster and filets. The first problem is that Costco does not accept anything but
American Express. Good luck explaining that one. Second problem, you don't stock up on Lobster and Filet Mignon with that amount of money. I'm guessing you might get 2 meals. That would totally throw DAM into a fit.

6. No long sleeves and no night gowns. She would never sleep in a night gown. Trust me, she just won't. And long sleeves, she hates them. So, the long sleeved night gown it totally out of the question. She already has plans for me to cut the sleeves off so she can wear it as a sleeveless dress in the summer.

7. No fuzzy scarfs. She only puts scarfs on when she goes outside. What does she go outside for in the freezing cold? To smoke....fuzzy scarfs catch on fire way to easy. It's pretty and she should wear it when she goes to Walgreens, but she doesn't. Well, maybe she will...we'll see.

8. So, back to the gift card. Can't use it at Costco so DAM has decided that on Sunday, (our one and only day off) she is going to Levitz to get a new couch. Translation, we will spend Sunday taking her shopping until she finds the couch she wants. We will then load it, haul it, unload it, load up old couch, and move in new couch. And it will be partly paid for with the Gift Card.

9. We will then proceed to go to thrift stores until we find a cassette player so we can learn how to take all of the stress out of our lives!

Isn't is amazing that what should be so simple turns into so much friggin' stress and work for the people that the gift isn't for...and you know that the funniest part is...she was stumped that no one thought to get her the one thing she really wanted... A. Purse. Who knew!

2007-12-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays!

2007-12-22T09:32:00.000-08:00

Look who's home!!!

Happy, happy family!!!

2007-12-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

Just a little update...

My son-in-law is home!!!! Cristine is happy, the boys are happy and won't let him out of their sight. You can just hear the relief in Cristines voice. She even left her cell phone at home when they went to dinner. No more sleepless nights. No more getting up in the morning and looking out your window to make sure there were no "official" cars outside. Fourteen months of constant worry, missing your husband, and handling two rambunctious (is that spelled right?)boys all by herself. And now I can breath a sigh of relief. I worried for her too, more than she knows.

Now for the "other" update...the T.V. is fixed. All it took was unplugging it and plugging it back in. I guess these uber smart T.V.'s reprogram themselves. Pleassssssse don't ever let me forget that.

So, all is well in my sitcom life...for now!

2007-12-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

It's the end of the world....

If you're DAM. The T.V. (which is at least 10 years old) in her bedroom is, well, it's all messed up. Translated that means DAM rolled over on her remote sometime in the middle of the night and, well...it's all screwed up. Usually I can fix it with a few pushes on select buttons. Not this time. Some channels work perfectly fine, some channels are in spanish, and some just buzzzzz. It's usually all or none. Not a mixture! So, I tried to fix it, DH tried to fix it, no luck. And I'll be, well, forget about me, she wanted to know who to call to fix it! It's 9:00 P.M. and she is just going to have to live without T.V. tonight. NOT GOOD ENOUGH...she is camped out on her couch with her other T.V. Who the &^^#$&*&&$% needs T.V. that bad?

So this is the plan for tomorrow. Bring home a T.V. from the store. Hook it up. If it works it's DAM's T.V. and she'll have to buy another one. Translation, we will have to go buy her another one. She better start coughing up some $$$ here. If alternate T.V. works then it's the cable and we'll have to call cable man. Translation, we'll have to alter our days to be here between whatever hours they tell us they can be here. Translation, our time doesn't matter!!!

Oh well, whatever...in bigger and much more important news...Son-in-law who has been deployed in Iraq for 14 months is almost home. His last phone call was from Germany which means if they fly all night they'll be home around 6:00 a.m. in the morning. Home to hug Cristine and his boys! I wish I could be there, but really, who wants your mom there when your DH has been gone for 14 months! But really, I could babysit couldn't I? I know, stay out of it! And I will. I will give them 2 weeks and I am so going to Colorado! Welcome home!!! Love you!!!

2007-12-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

My hopes have been dashed...

DAM is not going to California. Too cold and icy in Big Bear. There would be no bag lady scooter rides around the lake, she would probably freeze to death at her 3:30 A.M. smoking time, and what!!!! no T.V. in her room at night. That's. it. I'm. not. going. Can you hear the feet stomping? Oh, that's right, they're my feet. Are we ever gonna have a house to our selves? I just want to go to Colorado and see these little faces.

They've been having a blast in the snow. On a happy note their daddy should be home on Thursday. Just four more days of shoveling for Cristine.

I guess that means no lunch from Judy B. for me! We had a little bet going on whether DAM would actually go. I'm such a loser! Does anyone want to adopt an Aunt? She can even bring the dogs with her. What a deal!

2007-11-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

Can you smell the turkey?

Steroid driven Maverick can. Let's just say it was delicious!

DH started decorating for Christmas!

Complete with a giant wreath!

And Santa in a fishing boat...don't ask me about this one cuz I have no idea.

And here is DAM checking out the progress.

Well, sit down and stay a while. DAM had lots of advice to give!

And here is what I woke up to this morning. A deflated poor Santa welcomed me!

2007-11-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

Did I forget something?

Nope, I didn't. You see we spent Thanksgiving with Mike and his family but DAM wouldn't go with us and even I can't be that mean. DAM loves turkey so today I'm pretending that it's Thanksgiving Day for DAM! And I have to admit I love cooking these big dinners. After all, I only do it twice a year! Here's the turkey ready to go in the oven. I always stuff my turkey with apples and oranges. Love that little hint of citrus flavor.

Ohh...starting to smell good. Time to cover up a few parts!

This one is going to wake up soon...the smell of something cooking is going to drive him crazy. Those steriods are still doing their thing!

And Abi is already in position.

Thought I'd give you a peek at DAM's living space. Kinda pretty huh? She loves flowers and her T.V. which is on 24/7. She even has one in her bedroom that stays on all night. Thank goodness for adobe walls. We can't hear a thing in our part of the house. In fact her bedroom is all adobe walls. It used to be the garage. I don't know when it was added on to the house or maybe it was original. I can just picture a Model T parked in it!

And here is DAM watchng ice skating. She loves sports of any kind.

So it's a good day at my little sit com home. DH is putting up Christmas decorations, the turkey is cooking, Mike and Georgeanne are coming over for dinner, I'm blogging and listening to KNIX stripped (that's acoustic Country Music for those of you who are wondering...lol) Life is good! Did I mention that my SIL Kathy called and said she is taking DAM for 2 weeks at Christmas? I know whe won't go, but I'm hoping she'll go. It will be good for both of them. But I know she won't go. What do you think? Let's take a vote. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. There might even be a way to turn this into a contest. I'll work on that. Time to go baste the turkey!

2007-11-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share this...

This means my son-in-law should be home by Christmas!

This is just one of the banners that my daughter is working on. This will be hung somewhere near the base where the buses will bring them back. Can't wait to see what she does for the banner at home. This has been a real learning experience for her. This is the first time that she didn't come home during a deployment. She has gained a ton of independence. Some of which I'm sure she will gladly hand over to DH when he gets home, like mowing the lawn, well that won't be for awhile since they live in Colorado and I'm sure have snow by now. Ahh, diapers! I think he gets of diaper changing duty!

Anyway, I am excited for this to be over for them. Fourteen months is way too long for a husband and daddy to be away.

2007-11-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

Darn it...no camera!

I hate it when I forget my camera. This would have been a great shot. I got home and the most important thing in the world needed to be taken care of...DAM needed ice. You have no idea what we go through with the ice situation in this house. Granted, we live in Arizona, it is November and still 90 degrees today (what's up with that?) but come on, there is a water cooler right there in her living space. It produces cold water with the push of a button. Maybe she needs to hear the tinkling of ice in her glass. But, then again, couldn't you put ice in your glass, go to the water cooler and put ice cold water over ice. No, not DAM, too much work. After all they're all of maybe 5 ft. away from each other. So much easier (and tastier I'm sure) to get water straight from the faucet. It's semi warm and of course melts the ice almost instantly!
And there you have it...something to obcess about! DAM needs ice and when she runs out we are never there to get it for her. I'm thinking I need to hire someone to deliver ice to the house. Friggin' rediculous! It really gets me when she asks for ice and then says it's too cold to take a shower without a heater...COME ON!
Well, I guess I got through this without pictures, after all, how exciting is a picture of ice? It just makes me feel better to document it with a picture!

2007-11-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

Whew, a quiet week...

and a fun week too! DAM's only catastrophe was forgetting how to use her remote control. At one time I actually made a drawing of the remote for her and wrote on the side which button to push with a line going to that button. Apparently that was lost (she blamed it on DH lol...everything is his fault!) When DAM came to live with us she brought stuff that hadn't been used in decades, like a bathing cap. We had a pool when she first came and she used it, broken hip and all, but come on, who uses a bathing cap for crying out loud! So with each move, and believe me there have been a few, a little more got thrown out. And you know what, she remembers everything she had. There was an assortment of purses that disappeared. DH got blamed for that. I suggested he go to the thrift store and get her 10 purses and she'd be good to go. After all, I'm sure that's where her original stash went and I'm sure they threw them out...gross! Honestly, I have one purse people and I go somewhere like, hmmmmmm WORK every day. One purse, that's all you need. Especially when your life consists of watching T.V., doing crossword puzzles, and the occasional trip to Walgreens. The thought of going to Walgreens without a matching purse! How do you match bag lady anyway? Now, mind you DAM has nice clothes that she gets as gifts every year. She should be wearing them for gosh sakes! Nope, she's saving them for a special occasion. Hmmm, I wonder what that would be? Believe me, I have several ideas but I won't go into that now.

So why did I say it was a nice week? Main Street rocked Friday night! There was a car rally that happened in conjunction with "A Night Out In Downtown Mesa" which Mystic Paper is involved with. One person, Linda Morrisey, who doesn't have any affiliation with Mesa other than the fact that she works for NEDCO in Mesa, single handedly created Memories On Main Street, a car rally that was sanctioned by the City of Mesa and, (here's the good part) allowed cruising on Main Street. And how many classic cars showed up, OVER 1,000! That's right, it was the best Friday night ever! Linda rocks! I ran into her in the grocery store today and they are talking about doing cruising every month. It's probably all of the same people that got cruising banned in the 70's, but they are now much more mature, hah! Well, I am sure they are, I was a teenager in the 70's and I am Sooooo mature now! Go here to see some pics of Main Street. So, that's it for my week. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I got the T.V. Guide to DAM before I had to go dumpster diving for it!
Woo Hoo!

Have a great week!

2007-10-29T10:41:00.001-07:00

Tragedy has been averted...

When I went out the front door to leave for work I noticed that the blue barrel was actually not the one that went out today. So, since I don't want to hear all week long about how hard it is not to have two T.V. Guides I went through the trash and found it! Hallalujah, I could hear the angels singing. Then I turned and saw all of the neighbors watching me in horror. A trash digger in our neighborhood...horrors! I ran that guide into the house and presented it to DAM. Peace shall reign for the rest of the week, at least in the T.V. Guide department.
Posted by Jennifer and Kim at 10:31 AM 0 comments

2007-10-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

Tragedy has struck...

I must have missed the first alarm this morning or DAM slept in. After that big dinner last night who wouldn't sleep in. She said it was a good thing she only got 1/2 of her steak because she would have eaten the whole thing! Mind you she is teeny tiny. Probably weighs 100 pounds sopping wet. Here's a pic of SDM and FGR. Don't they look like they just enjoyed some steak? You know DAM shared with them. They're smiling!

Anyway, back to the tragedy. I hear the microwave go off at 5:00 a.m. Once I'm awake that's it, I've got to get out of bed. So I head to the kitchen to make my morning ritual...

and I hear "Kim, is that you?" Mind you if she would just turn around she would see that it's me. I reply, "Yes, what do you need?" DAM - "Listen, don't go anywhere, I need to ask you something. Did you save me the T.V. Guide from your Sunday paper?" Tragedy!!!! I looked at the table where the paper should have been and realize that DH through it in the recycle barrel already. I head for the door to avoid said tragedy just as the trash truck was pulling away from our barrel. So why is this a tragedy? Our household gets 4 papers delivered each and every day. Sharing a newspaper is not something DAM is willing to do. I guess she would share it after she was done with it but I would still be missing some of the paper because DAM disects it, and removes all of the puzzles. She is a crossword puzzle fiend. I know you're thinking that she should have her T.V. Guide then. Right you are, but one T.V. Guide isn't enough. DAM must have one in her front room and one in her bedroom. Can't it be taken back and forth? Too much work...such a tragedy! As DAM tells us constantly, "You don't know what it's like to be me." I guess she's right, I don't.

Happy Monday, I'm off to make breakfast!

2007-10-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Yep, this is gonna be fun!

Here's another peek at life in Johnson comedy land...DAM's dinner. Not prepared by me, dinner is DH's thing. Really, he enjoy's it. Or, maybe he just enjoys knowing that there will be something edible for dinner.

Can you say spoiled? I don't think they get this kind of treatment in retirement homes! If the steak looks blood rare that's because it is. Just the way DAM likes it. O.K., I'm spoiled too. He'll barbecue my steak just the way I like it. This is funny because DAM has to eat at 5:45 p.m. No earlier, no later, it's all about the routines here!

Taking pictures at home is going to change everything! Dinner is served with a smile on his face instead of Mr. Grouchy saying "what the F*** was I thinking?" He never ever says that, really. No for real! Here's steroid driven Maverick (SDM) and Fat Golden Retriever (FGR) jockying for position. Come on, it's STEAK! Of course, the dog's think that DH just barbecued for them!

That's it, Johnson comedy land will shut down since the source of my never ending comedy will retire soon after one more ritual. But's that's a whole nother blog! I'm off to watch the Rockies hopefully do some magic. Good night!

2007-10-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

I've decided that my life is a comedy...

and should be considered for a new sit com. I would say reality show but I want the choice of who will play my character. I'm going with someone much younger and thinner! Why do I feel like this? For starters DH (Rick) and I have been married for 9 years. In that 9 years various relatives have come to live with us. The visitors have stayed anywhere from 3 months to 2 years to the present live in who has been with us for hmmmm 4 years! DAM (dear Aunt Myrna) came to live with us because she fell and broke her hip. For most people that means a trip to the hospital and a hip replacement. Well, not for DAM! She stayed home, lived in pain, and paid nurses to be with her 24/7 for 3 months. After seeing how expensive that was she decided that it was time to come and live with us. I'm sure DH offered at some point but never in a million years did we think she would ever leave CA. This is where the sit com begins. We insisted DAM go to the doctor which she did. It went sort of like this...Dr. "you'll have to get your hip x-rayed." DAM "that's fine". X-ray tech "you're hip is broken, you'll need surgery." DAM "no, I will never have surgery." Dr. to us "if DAM doesn't get her hip fixed she probably won't live 6 months." Receptionist "that will be $100". DH "that was cheap". DAM "cheap hell, I could have told them my hip was broken!"

We took DAM home and told her that if she wasn't going to get her hip fixed she would have to find somewhere else to live. We were attempting to change her mind. There was no way I was going to have DAM live in my house for 6 months and die! DAM said fine, she just wanted us to help her find a place close to us. So, of course we caved. Well, so much for the Dr.'s prediction. DAM has been with us for 4 years and nearly every day there is some sort of crisis. To the average person these are very dull events but in DAM's world they are huge.

Let me introduce you to my cast of characters...

Meet Maverick. Maverick is my DD Cristine's dog. Why is he with us then? Oh, that's right, we run a boarding house! Mav is about 12 years old which is like 84 in dog years! Wow, he's older that DAM I think. He's slowing down and having hip problems too. Seems to be a trend in this house. I took him to the vet a few months ago and he is now on steroids. How is that comical you ask? His appetite is insatiable. He is on a never ending search for food. Be it from the trash (most recently a jar of peanut butter), the barbeque, or the greatest spoiler of dogs ever, DAM!

O.K. this next picture is pretty gross as DH blurted out, but this is a look into my EVERYDAY life. Almost everyday I make DAM breakfast. If I don't she would maintain a steady diet of butter and peanut butter on toast. God forbid she stand at the stove and cook. Never has, never will. The microwave is only used for heating coffee (long story), or heating the dinner that we have cooked the night before and put in her fridge. So, after I have made her breakfast and delivered it on a tray this is what happens...

I know, gross...but this is what really happens. Note the dogs are strategically positioned at DAM'S feet. I would have loved to get a straight on shot but DAM would never allow that! And yes, that's her tray, I believe it's Barney! A small portion of her breakfast is delivered to the dogs even after repeated begging for her not to do it. I don't think dogs like cantaloupe but tell that to a steriod driven dog. The other character to the left is Abi. My overweight Golden Retriever. I say mine, but she really belongs to DAM who again, spoils them rotten.

This is DAM's beloved scooter. Occasionally she takes short trips around the neighborhood, typically dressed like a bag lady, or she goes to Walgreens for some extravagant purchase.

This is just about the extent of my decorating for Halloween. I really need to get busy! To us this is just a cute scarecrow. To DAM this is the SCARY LADY! Now, how could that be a scary lady? Keep reading...

Meet my alarm clock. How could this be an alarm clock? DAM gets up anywhere between 3:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

The first thing she does is heat up one of her "saved" cups of coffee from yesterday. See where I'm going with this. She heats the friggin coffee in the microwave...beep, beep, beep, beep. Remember we live in a small house that was built in 1915. While DAM isn't living in our living space her space is just off of the kitchen which is just around the corner from our room. I've contemplated ear plugs, trust me! So where am I going with this...

Let's recap...DAM gets up super early, heats coffee, wakes me up, gets on scooter (Walgreens opens at 6:00 a.m.) She navigates scooter past parked trucks. The driveway is narrow ...

Scarecrow used to be about where the flamingo is. It's dark and DAM trys to scoot between the truck and the wall. Scarecrow falls on DAM (who is easily startled) and she starts screaming bloody murder. Hence, Scary Lady! I start running to find out what happened and that's how my day started. Scary Lady has been repositioned but DAM will never leave the house again unless I reassure her that Scary Lady is not out there!

Is this sit com material? I think so. I have to laugh about it or bury my head in the sand! I think DAM will out live me!

2007-10-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

We're back...

Back in the house that I literally hated. Notice that I say hated and not hate! That's a switch. When we bought this house and moved in it was in need of much renovation. We tried living in it while DH remodeled but it was going so slow and it was so hard to live here without just a few modern conveniences like a dishwasher, garbage disposal, normal kitchen cabinets...you know, not alot, just a few things. So fast forward 11 months and here we are. This is the front porch. It's hard to tell, but where the beautiful leaded glass window is there used to be a door that didn't open. On the other side of that is the tiny dining room. The previous owner had built some sort of shrine of bits and pieces of wood that was enormous and well, hideous. I know it meant something to her but so much not our style. Down it came. Now we have morning sunlight through this beautiful window. It's such a pleasure.

This orchid tree was once super overgrown and while I loved it DH decided to cut it down along with a few (no alot) of overgrown trees and bushes. It has since resprouted and we are going to trim and shape it into the beautiful tree it should be. These trees are also called butterfly trees and the hummingbirds just love it!

This is my dog Abi who loves the backyard. It is huge and lush. I'm not quite sure what these plants are but I need to learn.

These purple flowers just recently popped up. Again, I have no idea what they are!

I do know that this is a pomegranate tree and boy is it full. Ellen made jam with them last year. Hmmm...maybe she'll do that again!

This is the only rose bush on the property. I think it needs some attention but for now I'm loving the flowers that are on it. Again, I need to learn!

This huge frog came with the house and I will make sure he stays. Isn't he cute and froggy! Should we give him a new paint job?

This is a picture of the backyard. Isn't it big! And full of fruit trees!

So there's a little tour of the house that I once hated. We are very happy here now and plan to stay for a LONG time! Still some work to do since DH is never done remodeling. Next time I'll show you the remodeling that he did in Myrna's little apartment. She too, hated this house but is now very comfortable. I guess you say "all's well that ends well!"

2007-09-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Business Section...

of the Mesa Tribune today, there's an article about keeping scrapbooking alive and guess who was featured? US!
The article if you would like to read it is linked below.
Sidebar: I would like to point out the paragraph about our prices compared to the M store. In the article he does say that we sell some permanent adhesive for 20 cents less, but what he didn't say is that we also have a Bare Elements item for $1.00 less and yet another Bare Elements item for $4.50 less! So if you purchased the same three items here instead of the M store you would save $7.20. That's a huge savings. -jw

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/96532

2007-09-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

I hate pictures of myself....but

When Carlene Federer comes in the store I can make exceptions! I was so excited. I have lurked (not stalked) her blog for quite some time now and I am constantly telling Jennifer "I can't believe Carlene has never been in our store." Well, guess what? She came in today! And she told us she had been in before. Note to self: check your customer data base every once in a while. What a fun fun person! She probably thinks I'm the biggest dork ever. One of the first things that fell out of my mouth was "your cousin is hot!" If you have read her previous posts there is a yummy picture of her cousin on horseback. And if you know me, you know that I have a weakness for cowboys. Is that bad? I'm married not dead...that's my philosophy!

Anywho, back to Carlene. She is the most talented artist. I love her work! And she lives right her in AZ. And I got to meet her...today! Totally made my day! Thanks Carlene! -kj

2007-07-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post something that I made for my daughter. It was inspired by the picture her husband sent to her. He knows how much she loves sunflowers (right down to the tattoo) and he found a field of sunflowers in Iraq of all places. So sweet of him to send it, just too bad it's in Iraq of all places! I hope she likes it, but I told her if she didn't it's o.k. Keep in mind it's like 120 degrees there!

Last picture...

Let me know what you think.

2007-07-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just gotta...

take a day off and that's exactly what I did today. I forgot just how nice it is to be able to spend a day at home. Clean the house, do the laundry, clean up the scrap room! Rick was very impressed with that...now I'm tempted to go in there and get it messy again he he! I got some reading in (lovin the new Somerset Studio). Even took a tiny nap. We had the best seat in the world for fireworks last night. Right in our own front yard. We thought we would be able to see them but not as good as we did. We had a great Independence Day, I had a great day off, life is good! I'll be back at the store refreshed and ready to go tomorrow.
Have a great evening!

2007-06-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

An amazing weekend

Don't you just love the days when it just seems like everything is connecting? That's what it was like at Mystic Paper this weekend. We had the most awsome class ever. Our new teacher, Mike Putman brought his amazing talent to our store and taught a class that left everyone saying WOW! This is an example of what was completed in class. Collage, beeswax, alcohol inks, and freedom. Not one collage looked like another. These students were given the freedom to create, explore, and stretch their artistic abilities and they all were fantastic. Now we just need a bigger classroom so everyone can experience a class with Mike Putman!

This is Mike...one of the most humble artists you could ever hope to meet. His talents are amazing and he loves what he does. He CREATES. His teaching method is amazing. Wash your hands of any artistic inhibitions you may have, you are here to create!

The other thing that made this weekend amazing was all of the people that we got to meet. So many women here for Sparkle Bella. I was fortunate to meet Karla. She came in from Southern California, by herself (so not something I would do), to attend the classes. She found our store, and instantly fit in. She even helped with sales when needed. We'll definitely be keeping in touch! Your paper fasteners will be sent right away Karla!

And these ladies. Gosh, what can you say... Michelle, Helle, Mendy, and Lilia thanks for coming in and hanging out! Loved seeing what you created this weekend. Thanks for sharing. Mendy and Lilia, how much fun to see you guys finally meeting in person after being on line buddies for all these years!

That's it for now, I have more pictures to post tomorrow. So much fun to meet people like DeDe! I knew who she was instantly. Aren't blogs wonderful...

2007-06-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

Here are victims of the %(&^&% Iraq war that doesn't get thought about too much. These sweet little faces are my grandchildren, Dylan and Mason. While they were at Dylan's T-ball practice the other day a soldier that looked very much like Daddy happened to show up to watch his kids in full uniform. Now we know that all soldiers in uniform look somewhat alike but this man obviously held a very close resemblance right down to the sunglasses. Well, Mason took one look at him and yelled out "Daddy" and ran right for him. It wasn't until the soldier took off his sunglasses that Mason realized that he wasn't Daddy and took a quick retreat. Needless to say it broke my daughters heart to see Mason so excited and then dissapointment. A two year old just doesn't understand why Daddy comes home for two weeks to visit and then he's gone for what will probably be over one year. I wonder just how many little ones suffer that dissapointment everyday? Breaks my heart...

2007-06-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Look who we had in theMystic Paper house today!!!

Marilyn Healey and the Krazy Kim Kwan!

And our very own Jennifer Wagner is here teaching tonight. Did all of you know that Jennifer is now designing for Bazzill and she is teaching at Creative Escape! How exciting for her! She's a riseing star

Jennifer is teaching her Star Spangled Banner Book. The ladies are having a good time learning how to make this star shaped book. Sewing signatures, distressing, using Texture Paint...all the things that Jennifer loves. Technique, technique, technique!

Back At It~Whatever It Is

2007-06-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for a long time now. So, let's start where I left off...The truck is back and better than ever. The Dodge guys here in AZ did a great job! I still kind of wonder whether it will be there each morning when I go out to get the newspaper, but so far so good.

My son-in-law is still in Iraq as is my step son now. I worry about them both on a daily basis. It's so hot over there. It seems like yesterday that we were sending "Hot Hands" to keep them warm and now they're asking for anything that will cool them down. Which is worse? Who knows.

I don't have any pictures to post, I just thought it was time to get back to this. I have been reading alot of blogs and have been so inspired. Mainly, this blog got me thinking this morning.
http://dawnhouser.blogspot.com. I love the way she just puts it out there. Like it or not this is me! And I can relate to the whole tat thing. Yes, I have one. Yes, I was over 40 when I got it, and yes, I took my daughter and grandson with me! Just like Dawn says it is a daily reminder. Mine is a reminder to think and pray for our soldiers that are fighting this war. Do I agree with this war, NO. Do I support our soldiers, hell yeah! Military has always been in my blood. When I was little I lived for a time with my grandparents on Edwards Airforce Base. When I was 23 I moved just outside of the largest Marine Base in Twentynine Palms, CA. (Don't ask me why, just ended up there). Lots of my friends were married to Marines and I watched them during Desert Storm. The worry and the wait. I was there when our guys came home from Desert Storm and the entire highway from Morongo Valley to Twentynine Palms was lined with people cheering for these guys. It was such an overwhelming feeling. And now, it is so much closer to home having Gale and Jason over there. I hope to welcome them home in the same way!

What else....the grandkids are all good. We missed a couple of birthday parties in CA. Sorry. We are working very hard in Downtown Mesa. This little Downtown is right on the verge of big things, I just know it!

As Expected

2007-03-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

So, I went to see the truck this morning. As expected nothing in it except what the people that trashed it left behind. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

O.K. it's one thing to steal my truck to go over the border and get your buddies, but why do you have to trash it inside and out just because.

Needless to say, there was no scrapbook tote left in it. And, a prized Paris altered book that I had been working on is gone. Well, not gone just torn to shreds. They figure it will take a month to fix it. No truck for a month....whaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
They did leave their change of clothes, backpacks, and other various things you need when you're sneaking into our Country. Do I sound bitter...you bet I am. So, I'll get off that soap box and get on to something else. Or, maybe I'll just wait, I'm still bitter.

Night Out Follow Up

2007-03-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

The first "Night Out In Mesa" was a huge success! It was so nice to see people, and I mean real people enjoying an evening out downtown. There was live music, art, kareoke, and lots of food. I think every store was open between Robson and Center. So, it's official, Second Friday of every month Downtown Mesa is the place to be!
Do you remember how upset I was when someone tried to steal my statue in front of the store? Well, this one is worse. Someone stole my beloved truck right out of my driveway. To add insult to injury my Scrapbook Bag, which was a gift from Judy Bidwell, was in the truck full of my favorite things like an entire box of vintage paper fasteners. Not just one tin, a box full of individual tins which I will probably never find again. Oh, and my cell phone....)_*(*%&^$^&(*
So, the truck has been found way out in the middle of nowhere. I immediately called the impound yard and talked the "nice" man into going to the truck and looking for my things...no luck, there's nothing in the truck but a mess according to him. I can only hope that his idea of a mess is my scrapbook stuff! Even if I have to pick up every single paper fastener one by one!!
And I will!!!

2007-03-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

"A Night Out in Mesa"

On the second Friday of each month many businesses on Main Street between Center and Country Club will stay open until 10:00 p.m.
A Night Out in Mesa will feature live musical entertainment, dining and great shopping after the "normal" business hours, with some businesses offering discounts.

We hope you come by This Friday and check out the 7 Restaurants, 3 Art Galleries and over 20 Specialty Stores that will remain open for your shopping convenience:

Anita Cookie & More

Antique Plaza

S Bistro

Baby Bliss

Vintage Charm

M Troniks

Studio T Gallery

Domestic Bliss

Mystic Paper

Blossoms Boutique

Dickson's Jewelers

Christy's Cakes

Book Gallery

Green B

Closet a la Mode

Lissa's Shop

R J Peddler Antiques & More

History By George

Sweet Cakes Cafe

Muralt:Sarbo Custom Jewelry

Inside the Bungalow

Le Studio Salon de Beaute

M & Co Papery

Mango's Mexican Cafe

Mane Obsession

The Glitter Box

Visage Gallery

Imbeau Gallery

Posh Nosh

Grandma's Kitchen

One Oh One

There are so many new businesses downtown with more opening soon, so if you haven't been to Downtown Mesa lately come on down this Friday to check it all out- there's a lot to see and experience!

My Solace Is Back

2007-03-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

I just love these little button shoes and gloves. In one of our many moves my box of "all things beloved" got misplaced. Of course I just knew that Rick had taken them to the GoodWill. Whew, I will admit it, I was wrong. I have been searching for this box since last May! They are now at home in my Scrapbook room. Safe, where I can enjoy them. I just wish they could talk. From the condition they are in I would imagine that they were only worn by one child. I'm just happy that they're back!

Have a great weekend!

2007-02-20T17:17:00.000-08:00

My Little Boy Is Back

Back where he belongs that is. Guarding the entrance to the stores. It was quite the engineering fete accomplished by Rick and Mike. If somebody wants him now I think some dynamite might be in order. Don't even think about it!

I can't wait to get home and watch American Idol. O.K. I admit it I am addicted to "certain" reality shows. Rick is constantly reminding me that these are staged, but who really cares! I haven't picked a favorite yet but will after this week. After all, I picked Taylor Hicks right from the start and everyone thought I was crazy!

So that's my post for now. I really am going to try and keep this updated (smile Chia). I have my favorite blogs that I haunt and always hate it when they haven't updated. Such an addiction. One of my all time favs is Carol Wingert's blog. So inspirational and great photography. My new favorite is My Artistic Side. This is Judy Bidwell's blog and she is creating some of the best mixed media art I have seen. And I'm not playing favorites. Judy and I go back along way. Way before the thought of ever being a co-owner of a Paper Arts store ever crossed my mind. Judy just fit right in and we're glad she's here!

Not A Good Way To Start My Blog

2007-01-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

This is probably not the best way to start my very first post on my very own Blog but here goes. I just have to get this off my chest...

Some blankity blank tried to steal my statue. This statue to be exact. My little boy sitting in the tree playing his trumpet. My Valentine Day present from Rick a few years ago. Luckily I noticed that the bolts had been loosened. They were probably planning to come back last night to get it. So ha!! You didn't get it!! He's inside for now. What are the chances of them reading this blog? Probably none, but I hope they do.

On a lighter note, 3 days until we leave for CHA. Can't wait. Classes, friends, and scrapbook product galore! Who could ask for anything more plus a break from the store. Can't wait to check out all of the new products, meet new people, and reconnect with people that we met last year. Make-n-Takes, demos, late nights, early mornings, it's all a blast. I'll have to track Tim Holtz down and see what demos he'll be doing. Love his demos. And speaking of demo's I can't to see Carol's demo. Looks so cool. My laptop decided to crash so it's off to the repair shop. Hopefully they will get it up and running in time to go to CHA with us. And that reminds me...if the laptop hadn't of broken I would have never noticed the loose bolts on my statue. I walked the computer down the street to the repair shop and when I was walking back I noticed the bolts sticking up out of the concrete. So, all things happen for a reason. Here's to good things happening for you!