Monday, July 21, 2008

Summer family visits

Duane's brother came for a visit this weekend. A stop over on their way to a week at the coast. They are from Missouri and though his brother grew up here in town, his wife and kids haven't been to California. Bakersfield welcomed them with a nice hot day, for them to live in the pool. They played cards in the pool, read their books, dove for quarters and even managed to drop a cell phone in the pool!! And of course you can't play in the pool without a cookout (do they say that in this part of the country...I might bring it back!~) Uncle/cousin Dave fired up the bar-bie and caused the neighbors in the hood to drool...
as David usually says "Bring it"

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Paso Robles and Carpenteria

when it is hot here, the temptation of cool coastal weather beckons often.

Last weekend, while trying to catch up on clearing out the dust and cobwebs of our yard, repairing sprinklers and just trying to maintain in hot town usa, the phone call came...'would you like to meet us for dinner in Paso Robles?' As we looked at each other, sweating and sweating some more, it didn't take long to say yes...'where and when?' was our reply. Now, when Duane's folks call about dinner, they don't just think of a burger somewhere (though firestone doesn't count), they prefer finer food...yum...things bako just hasn't figured out. we like our fried mozarella sticks and deeper fried fish, cuz we are eating healthy that way. No, the folks like 'pinky up' food! Names you can't pronounce and the caution of you really aren't sure what you are eating! We decided to try the appetizers all around and not order entrees for a change, except Margaret!
Things like cheese and salami dish and a sardine and anchovy...okay, somethings I still don't like! But, I have grown to love pinky up food! Well, some of it! And after spending a weekend at the new chef Michael's, I appreciate it even more! So, this is for you chef to be Michael, and our fond memory of pinky up food!
Some beets and grapefruit (who would imagine) and avacado...it was rather tasty!! But I must say Margaret had the most interesting...Butternut squash enchiladas! They were delicious! Corn tortillas wrapped around squash with cheese and enchilada sauce! Yeah...pretty good!
And did I say cool coastal weather...it was a brisk 70 degrees and the wind blowing, which is actually perfect weather, when you dress appropriately! When it's 100 and hell where you left, it's rather difficult to think of taking a sweater! Heaters on the patio and away from the wind, and oh, maybe a glass of wine help!!
After dinner we drove south to San Luis Obispo and stayed the nite! David was in Carpenteria to shoot a wedding on Saturday nite and we decided to meet up with him and attend church with him. This is the church, Reality Carpenteria, where he was baptized! The drive from SLO to Santa Barbara area is so pretty...I was driving so don't have pics...but I forget how gorgeous it is through the Santa Ynez area! Church was awesome!!! Worship music really good, but the message!! Wow! I haven't heard such passion in a really long time...If you're interested you can listen to his messages! But where the climate is cool people choose different modes of transportation, especially when parking is limited...kinda like LBC parking! Where do you put a carseat or two!

MESS for LESS!!!

For real! Did Paulette forget to mention the meticulous care with which the store customers shop!!!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

blog drought


yes, we have all been on blog drought. From not having a computer, to having one again, just not been able to get everything done as of late...
And since others have posted their lackness of blogging, so too I will be back soon...

Sunday, May 25, 2008

flowers in the sidewalk



Mothers Day Birthday!

I'm one of those fortunate few, like those who celebrate birthdays on or near Christmas, I share mine with Mother's Day. Now if I was a guy, no problem...Brad, except when you're married with children, and you forsake your birthday to help your children celebrate their mom's birthday...so, Mother's Day has been for me a combination of days. All be also, my sister's share their days close together, 14th, Jan and 16th Jini, we have in years past combined, birthdays and mothers day...we've had a good time and many memories...moo goo gai pan dropped on the floor...
As, my children have grown up and have lives of their own, they have made good attempts at keeping them separate...thank you...this year was the big 55 for me...and being one who really does not like a big to do...I was fearful Duane would put a party together, because, that is what he likes!! But wonderful husband he is, he once again out did himself. Suprising me instead with a nites stay at a guest ranch... Rankin Ranch! Not really knowing what he was getting, being only an hour a way from town in the rolling hills from Bakersfield, he opted for a one nite stay. Little did we know of the treasure that is in our own back yard! The Ranch, comprises of 31,000 acres, an active cattle ranch since 1843, and has been a guest ranch since 1965! Cabins, pool, food, tennis, ping pong, pool table...and of course, the best...Horse Back Riding!! What a wonderful husband!!
So much fun!! We met a couple from Germany vacationing in America, starting their 2 1/2 week tour of our National Parks at the Ranch! Hartmut and Pietra! it was nice meeting you! Hope you had a great time!

My wonderful children fixed dinner for me Sat evening...Dave did the cooking...when did he learn to cook? How he loves to bar-b-que!!! steak and twice baked potatoes...yum...he continues to amaze me...

On Sunday afternoon the Chambless gang got together with their myriad of grandchildren for ice cream and lots of noise!! Henry (thank you S&L) presented his grams with my own stepping stone to go in my flower beds!! Dump truck and all!! I love it!! And it doesn't even play music!
Whew! May is almost over...This is Memorial Day Weekend!! Thank you for all those who have faithfully served our Country! What a grand Country she is!!



Update in pics

It has been a pretty quick month. With my brothers twins(They're Here!) being born, a trip to Arizona, graduation, birthday, mothers day...it's been a wild few weeks.
Almost 40 years to the date my wonderful husband has graduated with his 4 year degree!!
Way to go honey!! We have laughed through the years about him getting his 'masters degree' from Bakersfield College, because he attended so many years, but finally, after many attempts he finally has his bachelors! A lot of hard work, long hours, many papers and books to read he did it!! and I commend him! Thank you Duane, for all your hard work!!