It's been a few weeks since it officially turned to Spring. But it also took a while for our blossoms to catch up.

The weather has been mostly wet and cold with a few gorgeous, sunny ones tossed in. Now it's sunny, but chilly. This coming weekend will be pure liquid sunshine! Not such a bad thing; I have much work to do in the house. The nicer weather beckoned and we had to follow, so housework suffered.

I also have several new projects in the hopper. The finishing touches on a baby gift for my cousin's new baby girl should be completed this evening and mailed tomorrow. I am working on two writing projects for my mom and step-dad. My writing has been on the back burner for a few months. I'll get that up and running this summer. My babysitting days will cut back to about three, so that gives me more time for my hobbies and interests.

It's also time to dust off the old sewing machine(s). I have two, so I need to clean them and see which one works the best. I've ordered Balsam Pine from Maine to make scented pillows that I hope to sell at a local Farmer's Market, or online. Three pounds of the wonderful stuff should work out nicely.

The nice thing about the seasons changing is a sense of freshness. No matter what the time of year, it feels like I get another chance to do something different. I'm praying summer isn't too hot this year. Humidity and I don't like each other very much. I would like things a bit drier to get rid of the mold and mildew. They take up residence like visiting relatives that won't leave. I'm thinking of buying Mold and Mildew Remover by the case.

Another unwanted "pet" leaves shimmering trails across my carpet in my office. Slugs are strange creatures. I can't find any when I search for them. Cleaning up their slime isn't a fun chore. They look weird, too. And their purpose?? Bait for fishing?? One was in Rockie's food bowl last night. It was flipped into the grass with a stick by me - after I first inspected it and looked at it's spots, little nobs on it's little head, sort of cute little face... if it really has a face. Still.... ew. I suppose a trip to the local nursery to buy some slug bait that is safe around pets is in order. Don't cats eat slugs? You'd think they'd at least try to earn their keep, furry little beasts that they are. And I almost don't dare mention the ants. We are at war with them. I'm winning.

No complaints. In Montana we had racoons, porcupines, coyotes, all kinds of interesting critters - oh yes, the darling deer that loved to eat my garden. Every part of the country has it's blessings and curses. I'm still waiting for an earthquake I was told happen frequently. There was one a few years ago, but I slept through it.

Time to tidy my wee apartment for the evening. The sun is setting and the golden light is peaceful. Perhaps, tomorrow evening, I'll go downtown to the river to watch the sun set. It's supposed to be the last "nice" day of the week before the rains come back. To sit on a grassy hill, watch boats on the Willamette River and sip something delicious would be just right.

Our Brother's Keeper

Things happen around us that are unusual, sometimes interesting, sometimes not so harmonious. This evening was one of those times.

Around 6:30 this evening, our apartment parking lot was filled with police, sheriff's and SWAT. We've had some neighbors that had activity that would have police banging on their doors, but since they've moved out, we were wondering what was going on. Not much was shared with us. We stood around watching them prepare for something a few blocks away. Turns out our place was the staging area. I started to pray. There's been too many things in our area lately ending in shootings between police and suspects. It hasn't ended well for the suspects.

Officers were putting on vests, masks, helmets and were armed with assault rifles. One sheriff made us giggle as he came around the SWAT van eating, yes, a doughnut. The Police Chief was here directing things. It was very organized and guarded. I did get a little video, but after the last one I took, I was a bit gun-shy (no pun intended). Brandon got some good video, though.

One woman involved needed a restroom and used my daughter's and we offered to watch 4 small children until things were resolved. They didn't need it then. About a half an hour later, though, they did. So the kids came to my home. Ages 4, 3, 2 and a baby. I gave them cookies and milk and put cartoons on for them. We made a tent from a box, table and chair and they played happily, then settled down on the couch, thumbs in mouths and became mezmorized by the TV. They have now gone home - three sweet children with their grandparents and a darling little girl home with her mom.

The peaceful evening I was looking forward to had a different turn, but taking 4 frightened children in and seeing them laugh and play made it much more worthwhile.

The situation, which could have had a violent ending, has ended with a calm surrender to the police and that individual will get the help he needs. It's been an interesting night.

My, how time flies!

I hadn't realized how long it's been since I've last posted. Life has been busy with the grand children, crafting and just plain life. I've been trying to find lost pages of my book that I started writing a few years ago. I need to make the time to work on it. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained", as they say.

We've since added Flicka to our family. She's a darling cat. Very loving and playful. She and Cap'n Jack are good friends. Her mortal enemy is Rocky, but I know they'll grow on each other soon. Rock wants to play and Flicka wants no part of a dog!

My purging of unnecessary junk in my office seems to be an ongoing project. I'll put things aside that I think I'll use, and a few weeks later end up tossing it anyway. I've got a bin for Goodwill, much to my husband's dismay. He's rather put it in the dumpster. But they have much more life in them - and I know they'll meet a need somewhere.

Today started off rainy and cold, and now it's sunny and very windy. Now that I have a car, I worry about trees falling on it. It's older, so insurance won't cover major damage. Lots of rain to soften the ground, then high winds make our tall pines topple easily! Living in Oregon you have to choose where you live carefully - check out for flooding, landslides. I'm still waiting for the earthquakes I've been told happen around here. I slept through one of them. Boring. Nothing like the ground moving to shake things up a bit. I'm craving adventure. We had it in Montana. Lots and LOTS of adventures. Here - not so much.

Perhaps I'll go out and make one of my own!

New to me

Activities

My goodness! The Grands have kept me running. I was able to get dinner started, but housework is out of the question. I'm way too tired in the evenings to be productive in that area, too. I prefer to knit, cross-stitch or write these days. I need to schedule my writing in more if I'm ever going to get any headway with my book. I've got two in the "works".

It snowed this morning, but didn't stick. It's raining now.. and cold. VERY cold. It would get nice and cold in Montana, but not damp like here. The mold and mildew is everywhere and I almost am considering them as pets with all the cleaning up after them that I need to do to keep from sneezing my head off!

Rocky is growing like a weed. She's 4 months old now and weighs 23.80 pounds. Her behavior is getting better. She likes to go for rides in the car now and is pretty good once she settles down. I think she's afraid of going to the vet. Don't blame her. The last visit was better than the first and all her shots are up to date. Now to get her fixed and licensed. Oh joy.

That's it for now. Dinner beckons.

My Birthday (yesterday)

I had a GREAT birthday!! Ron went way out for me this year. Not only did I get a wonderful card, but a dozen roses, delicious dinner at Olive Garden and then he bought me a new computer!! The laptop still works, just not as perky as it used to be. Now I've got a desktop that is amazing. He was so generous and sweet!!

Now to put my music and photos on it. This will be a great opportunity for me to really organize my stuff and not put any junk on it. Nice, clean and 250 Gigs of storage!! Whoo Hoo!!! My first Dell!!

Time to get ready to go watch the Grands. Tah for now!!

Ah, The Holidays

Now that the holidays are over, a calm has fallen over our homes. The children made out like bandits! It was a wonderful time. There is only one thing that would have made it absolutely complete - the rest of the family. I wish my son and his gal had been with us.

We are all scattered across the Western United States - Montana, New Mexico and Oregon. But the distance never stops the love! That reaches across all boundaries of time and space.

I hope everyone in my family knows the love I hold for them in my heart. Not being able to communicate with some of them causes a deep sadness and longing, but I know they are well and I wish them all the happiness and success in their careers and lives. (Yes, you, Dear Brother and Dear Dad).

May this new year bring peace, joy, prosperity and true love into your lives - family, friends and strangers. By loving more, we can all bring that about.