Sunday August 30th

Yesterday, despite the rain in the morning, the show went great. I made a profit and enjoyed working it by myself. Here is a picture Michael took of my display. Not the greatest picture, we took it with his phone. But it gives you an idea.

This sure seemed like a long month. We are going to try and enjoy the end of summer as much as we can. Because before long it will be just a memory.

Friday August 28

This should be our last hot day for a little while. Rain expected tomorrow and much cooler temps. Tomorrow is my jewelry trunk show at House of Brews. I will be working it myself this time as everyone else has other things to do to enjoy at the end of summer.

Dr visit went well yesterday. He gave me a prescription for 6 visits of massage therapy for my arm since the physical therapy was not working. Now to find a therapist that takes my insurance and has an opening.

Wednesday August 26

Haven't blogged in a few days. Not much has been going on. We have been busy at work and I've been busy getting ready for the show on Saturday. I have not promoted it as much as I had planned.

The weather has been pretty nice the past week, but, the next few days starting tomorrow it is supposed to warm up again.

I am saddened that Ted Kennedy has passed away. The democrats lost one of the good guys. My entire life it seems there has been a Kennedy in office. What an interesting life he lived, good and bad.

Have a good Wednesday.

Saturday August 22

I went and had xrays taken on my arm. Nothing injured - just tendonitis. Which means more physical therapy and wearing this arm brace. I did get some good news on my lab test. I had a perfect score on my A1c. Very happy about that.

I had Ed from work take some picture of my earrings. He does such great work.


Today is Michael's company picnic at Riverfront Park. Free tickets to the IMAX. The movies showing are The Amazon or Tansformers.

I also need to take the dogs to the groomer.

Thursday August 20

I am so tired. Only got about 4 hours sleep last night. Pain and worry are not the best sleep inticements.

I drove up to the doctor's office and had my 3 month blood work drawn. I had his nurse make an appointment to have my arm xrayed. I will do that tomorrow.

I brought pico de gallo for everyone to munch on and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Happy Friday to all.

Wednesday August 19

Not much went on yesterday, I even worked through lunch. When I got home it was too hot to cook so we got a Papa Murphy's pizza. We watched the last remaining Gene Simmons Family Jewels episode that we had recorded which was the season finale.

Today after work I am meeting up at Michelle's art studio jewelry pal Kameron to discuss the upcoming show in September. I know Jeanette is going to the boat races on the last day of the month, so, I am going to ask Kameron if she wants to sell her wares on the 29th at House of Brews with me.

At lunch I went by and confirmed the arrangements for my show on the 29th. I finished the flyer using the lovely alien girl above. Still need to post to craigs list.

Met with Michelle for a few minutes after work. I met Kameron and she makes some nice jewelry. A little more expensive than what I do. She is working a craft fair in Hauser Lake this weekend, so, it looks like I might have to solo.

Hot dogs and watching Keith and Rachel tonight. Hooray for Barney Frank!!!

Wishing everyone a fab Thursday.

Tuesday August 18

It is election day. I completed my ballot and will drop it off on my way to work. I did not vote for the woman who has signs plastered all over this side of town. I figure someone is paying for all those signs which makes her bought and sold for. We have always had the worst city council, some more corrupt than others. All I can hope for is the guy I voted for wins and does well.

Last night I made one of our favorite dinners - Texas Hash (kind of a meaty spanish rice) served with cucumbers in vinegar and garlic toasted buns on the side. We watched Gene Simmons and his Family Jewels. After that I made some jewelry and went to bed early.

Monday August 17

I am up early with arm pain once again. I have a doctor appointment this week and I am going to have him xray my shoulder and arm and see what is going on in there.

I received an interesting comment from another Spokane jewelry artist on my old blog. I'm interested in meeting this person and learn what they do and maybe connect and put together a trunk show. Check out their blog here. From their site I joined an online Spokane Crafts Group. It is so exciting to be able to converse and learn from others so my craft can get better.

Sunday August 16

Such a beautiful day. Clouds, sun and 70 something temperature. We decided to take Jiffy for a drive. Figured out that the check engine light was because the gas cap was loose. Whew, glad it wasn't anything major.

We drove east this time. One of my favorite pastimes is driving through the different neighborhoods looking at houses. I should have become a real estate agent. So we drove out through a section of town we don't go very often. It's kind of rural and mixed with industrial but close in to town. After that we drove out to Otis Orchards when we started to get hungry. We stopped at the Otis Grill. It was really busy, so we were thinking the food must be good. And it was.

The two guys sitting next to us just wanted to make me shake my head. They talked about shooting and killing birds, how they cannot believe the democrats have won everything and how they vote a straight republican ticket no matter who is running. I kept thinking he probably has one of those Sarah Palin in 2012 bumper stickers on his truck.

Good thing the food was good and the waitresses were all very friendly and happy.

When we got home I spent the afternoon making jewelry.

Saturday August 15

Yesterday was a frustrating day for the company. When I went home for lunch the sun was shining through some clouds with a light breeze. By the time 3:00 came it was overcast with dark clouds and sprinkling. When we got to Coeur d'Alene it was pouring sheets of rain. This was an outside event. Most of the staff spent the first hour dumping water off tables and drying them best we could. Then putting tablecloths on the tables. Out of the 450 that were to show about 150 brave souls showed up. There was plenty of food. We ate sitting in the rain. Maureen and I decided to skip the boat ride. As we neared Spokane the rain let up and was just cloudy. Sorry, no pictures, didn't want to bring the camera out in the rain.

This morning is blue skies and perfect. We should have waiting one more day.

Michael wants to go to Snow's Auto and price car alarms and go to the mailbox place. Those are the plan so far for the day.

Friday August 14

It's Friday! Today my company puts on their annual bbq and cruise around Lake Coeur d'Alene. 474 people have RSVP'd. The weather is supposed to be cool and maybe rainy. So I wonder how many will show up. I'm taking my camera, so, maybe tomorrow I will post pictures. I love all the people I work with and am looking forward to partying and just having a good time with them tonight.

Michael came home sick from work yesterday. So he will probably won't be going on the cruise today. We talked budget and went over the bills for the month. We are still above water, but winning Powerball would sure help. I plan on buying a ticket when down in Idaho tonight.

Not sure what we are doing for the weekend. The weather should be perfect. Maybe a drive and a little antique shop browsing. I know I have to work on jewelry and build up some stock for the show in 2 weeks. I heard from Michelle, who owns the art studio. She is planning her trunk sale for September. I am looking forward for that. I need to plan a get together with Jeanette and Kameron to meet Michelle and brainstorm what we are doing for her sale. So I need to call both today.

Thursday August 13

I love quiet mornings. It rained overnight and everything is cool and damp. Little traffic noise this early, just sounds of chirpping birds and the calls from crows. These are the kind of days I like to stay home. But that is impossible today.

Last night, with the goal of staying on budget, we made burritos from the pot roast. I made fresh pico de gallo. We spent most of the early evening watching recorded episodes of Operation Repo. We found a new tv show we like on the History Channel called Pawn Stars. It's a reality show based on a family owned pawn business in Las Vegas. The Dad cracks me up. But it looks like it was cancelled. Seems like alot of the shows I like get cancelled. The later part of the evening I made jewelry.

Wednesday August 12

It rained over night. Of course it did because we ran the sprinkler for a couple of hours in the backyard. Sort of like washing the car.

We watched the movie House Bunny last night. It was cute and funny. I found myself laughing out loud.

Tuesday August 11

What a busy morning. After showering, I had to make the frosting to go on Maureen's strawberry birthday cake, put the pot roast in the crock pot, make lunches, finish the 5 pairs of earrings I started last night and all the other things that need to be done.

We went to Cafe Marron in Brown's Addition for lunch. It was nice. I had the turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich with the Luna salad. Even our boss, Linda, came along. It was a great lunch full of yummy sandwiches and salad and girl talk about all kinds of topics.

I signed up for 401K at work today.

When I got home the pot roast was done and oh so tender. It will make wonderful burritos tomorrow with our homemade salsa.

I'm working on jewelry tonight.

Have a fab Wednesday.

Monday August 10

Michael was downloading some Light Scribe skins on my computer and got a bad virus. So my computer was out of commission for a day until he could get it fixed. But I am back now.

Saturday the cable tv guy showed up. He activated the upstairs outlets so we were able to rearrange the furniture to our liking. Yesterday we went to the grocery store and bought 2 weeks worth of dinners and lunches. We have vowed not to go out for 2 weeks in an attempt to stay on our budget. We will see how it goes.

I did make the pork chop dinner and it was fantastic. Plus we have enough leftovers for dinner tonight. Tonight I have to make a strawberry cake for Maureen's birthday tomorrow.

We watched the movie Inkheart. It was good. The scenery was breakthtaking and the story was interesting. We watched True Blood last night at it was fabulous. Always a cliffhanger, I cannot wait til next week to see who made it our alive after the blast.

This morning I went to my physical therapy appointment. My arm is still sore but it is improving. Sticking to the budget, I did not stop for coffee.

Saturday August 8

It's finally Saturday. A much cooler day. Looks like we had rain overnight.

We do not plan on going anywhere special this weekend. Just working on projects around the house. I think we plan on rearranging every room in the house. The first room of attack will be the upstairs bedroom, which we call the green room. At least we will not have to paint because I love the 2 color greens of that room. The closet will be for Michael's clothes. Need to move his desk and desktop computer in there and a work table.

Movie for this weekend is Inkheart. Dinner will be smothered pork chops, fresh green beans (more from Joyce's garden - thank you Joyce) red potatoes and peach tea.

I have jewelry orders to make and deliver, a birthday present to mail and alot of odds and ends of a never ending to do list to complete.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

Friday August 7

We had a hellacious thunder and lightning storm last night. Absolutely loved it! It is supposed to be cooler this weekend and I am definitely looking forward to that.

Yesterday I went to Rings and Things and spent too much. Always do. After work I met up with Michelle at her art studio. I showed her what I make and we talked about her plans for a show. She is very interesting. Artist, astrologer and very talented.

I made tacos when I got home using fresh tomatoes and jalapenos from the garden for pico de gallo. The tacos were so much better than using bottled or canned salsa as an add on.

It is actually almost chilly today. What a difference. I ordered lunch from White Box Pies on Sharp Ave to take to Michael for our lunch. We ate outside but it was pretty cold. But it was nice seeing him.

Thursday August 6

It's cooler and cloudy and I'm off to work.

I stopped and returned the movies this morning. I also stopped at Brewed Awakenings on Division for coffee. This morning I treated myself to a german chocolate sugar free mocha.

Thank you Lisa for the Maya Angelou quotes. Speaking of Lisa, I have added to my new blog a link to her beauty business. I think we should all order her products so we can look fabulous, just like Steve!

Wednesday August 5

There is Thunder in the sky this morning. A nice change. My second physical therapy appointment for the week is this morning, so I must get going.

The appoint ment went well. I can move my arm much better. Stopped at Tully's on Regal for coffee. Not many sugar free choices and they were more expensive than other places. I had an Irish Creme mocha. Plus no punch card is offerred. I won't be going back there again.

I went home for lunch and sure looked like rain. But it passed by without even a sprinkle. When I came back to work my second monitor went out. Our IT guy, Tom, had to replace it. I am so spoiled, I cannot even imagine doing spreadsheets without 2 monitors. Our summer cruise is a week from Friday and the company ordered logo shirts for us to wear. Most everyone's was too small, so , they had to re-order. And today our correct shirts arrived. Mine is pink.

It was hamburgers and bought potato salad for dinner tonight. A little news, a bit of Keith and the crazy show Wipeout. I'm now ready to retire for the night.

Have a fabulous Thursday.

Tuesday August 4

Up early again this morning. I guess we went to bed too early last night. Last night my friend Melissa called. I haven't seen her since running into her in the Safeway parking lot after quitting from Guardian. She is still working in that hell hole and she says it has even gotten worse since I've left. But she is talking about moving back over to Seattle. We made plans for us, including Joanna, to get together around the 15th. It would be so nice to see them again and hang out.

Stopped again for coffee this morning. This time I stopped at Deb's on Northwest Blvd. Their marquee now claims they are the "prettiest" landmark in Spokane. I agree, it has its girly on. All decked out in pink and angel wings. The baristas are friendly and so far the coffee has been good. This morning was a sugar free 20 oz double toasted marshmallow quad mocha.

Lunchtime I decided to go over to Beads and Treasures on Monroe. It's a 1/2 bead shop and 1/2 junk shop. I cannot find 2 strings of black beads I bought awhile ago, so I went and bought more. I know by doing this I will find the lost beads for sure. The owner, Linda, was not there today. I found a few neat beads. After my little shopping adventure I needed to stop for lunch and the only place quick was McDonalds. Big mistake. Food was awful - I said no cheese - got cheese. Fries I think were cooked yesterday. I am crossing the McD's on Monroe off my list no matter how hungry I am.

It's going to be an early evening for me tonight. I am tired and have a physical therapy appointment in the morning - early. Michelle who shares my office is on vacation for the rest of the week. It will be quiet without her there. Tomorrow the weather is supposed to start cooling down. I think we are all ready for that. It was a touch muggy today.

Monday August 3

I woke up early to shoulder pain. Even the hot shower did not help this time. I'm beginning to think physical therapists are quacks. But I'll drag myself up the hill this morning and hopefully it will feel better when I get to work.

It's a beautiful morning. The drive up south hill was nice. Too bad it's going to get hot again. The appointment went well and my arm is feeling much better. On my way to work I stopped at Legal Addiciton coffee stand and ordered a 20 oz sugar free toasted marshmallow-macadamian mocha.

I sold 2 of the bracelets I made over the weekend. Both black ones. I need to make more of that color. I am mailing Lisa's envelope this evening after work.

I took the early lunch today. Bob in our office, who is married to the master quilter, is having his daughter come in and help me figure out to thread and use my new sewing machine. Yes, I read the instructions, yes, I have tried to thread it...but with no luck. I went to Joann's and their rep showed me how to thread it, but, by the time I got home it did not seem as easy as she showed me in the store. It has an automatic threader. So finally I will figure this out so I can start sewing again.

Since we had no bread in the house or anything to bring for lunch I went over to Wendy's between Ruby and Division. It was nice to get there before the lunch crowd shows up. I ordered the boneless asian chicken wings. They are really tasty and somewhat spicy. I actually had 2 orders because I picked Joyce up a salad. The attendants handled the separate orders efficiently and were nice.

Bob's daughter came by and showed me how to thread the machine. Easy. The attachment that threads the needle will need some practice, but, I can't wait to start sewing again. She works at The Cozy Quilt shop up north at the Y and gives lessons. I may sign up for a few classes.

Headed to Safeway after work to pick up prescriptions and bacon for the BLT's. I know, we are having them again for supper. And you should see how many bright red cherry tomatoes are on in my garden this afternoon. They sure love this hot weather. Glad someone does.

Sunday August 2

I am up early, as usual. The air conditioners remain on because it never really cooled down last night.

I made BLT's with a tomato from the garden. So good. We watched the movie Taken last night. Liam Neeson is another actor who does not make a bad movie.

I have alot to do before we head out for Coeur d' Alene this afternoon.

This afternoon we drove over to Coeur d'Alene and met up with Joyce & Bill and Irene & Joe for dinner at Wagner's Hofbrau. It was not as good as when I went before. The place was very clean and the food smelled so good. But the gravy on my hot roast beef sandwich was much to be desired. But the ride out in the country to and then back home was great. The air is pretty smoky/hazy. Must be alot of fires going on. It is definitely fire season here.

The DVR box did its job while we were gone and recorded True Blood. As always this episode was awesome and left me wanting more.

Early to bed for me because I have an early morning appointment at the physical therapist. My arm is still giving me trouble.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Saturday August 1

I have started a new blog today. I did not like where the old blog was going and wanted a new start. This blog will be more about where I live and my business ventures. I hope you will bookmark me in your favorites and visit often.

Today in Spokane it is hot as hell. It is suppose to get up to 100 degrees. But as our fearless leader always says, "You can't shovel 90 degree and above weather." So true. And we did enough shoveling last winter for a lifetime.

The tomatoes in my garden are turning red and we have made our first BLT's. Is there anything better than homegrown tomatoes? My friend, Joyce, gave me a sack of fresh green beans from her garden. We cooked them up with red potatoes and a little bacon and served them with a ham steak and biscuits. Now that was a feast.

We are taking our dogs, Lady and Sammie, to The Yuppy Puppy for a day of grooming and pampering. We have been going there for a few years now. I love the owner, Aquila, and her staff. They always make my dogs look great.

Yesterday I got a voice mail from Charlie at Hollywood Video on Division letting me know we have a free video to pick up. I will need to peruse through the listings and see what we might want to rent. We saw an excellent movie this week, Appaloosa. A great cast and a good story. The story was about friendship. Does Viggo make a bad movie? I don't think so. If you like westerns, I recommend this one highly.

After leaving the pups off for their day at the spa, we drove out west to Airway Heights. We stopped at the Walmart Supercenter. I bought some more small plastic bags for jewelry and a pair of crimp pliers. We decided to have lunch at the Buckhorn Restaurant. The place is like an old log cabin and has been in business for 60 years. Not fancy, just a bar and grill with red checked tableclothed tables, no air conditioning, just a big ol' fan blowing to keep the patrons cool. All around the dining room they had western paintings that were for sale. I saw one I really wanted to buy. It was of an indian village with a paint horse. It would look perfect over our fireplace mantel. Maybe next time is what I decided. We both ordered the steak sandwich with fries and we both agreed it was good and we would like to try the place again.

We still had time to kill so we drove back to town and went to Hollywood Video. I met Charlie, who was as cute as can be, and we picked out 2 movies. Inkheart and Taken. I was very pleased to know both movies were free.

By the time the movie picking was over it was time to go back and pick up the pups. Talked with Aquila for awhile and then headed back out into the heat. Stopped at the corner mart and bought 2 bags of ice and some Miller Beer for Michael along with 3 Lotto quick picks. Wish me luck.

This afternoon I will be spending time making bracelets down in my cool and quiet studio.