OUR PATIO

This is our patio. It was a project that we did this afternoon. A friend of mine, Lori, showed me pictures of her patio and I was very impressed with what she had done. I paint our patio every summer and I have always wanted to do something different. I would love to put in stone tile, but it would cost a lot. The way this is painted kinda looks like tile.

Kim taped off the squares for me and I painted. It took us a few hours and I think it looks pretty good. I also posted a couple pics of the before and during process.

Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. I hope everyone has had a good one. I had Saturday and Sunday off from both of my Jobs and Monday off from one of them. I am getting ready for work now. It is only a three hour shift so it should go quick. Kim and I went to the races last night and a movie yesterday afternoon. The movie was kinda slow. It was a Jennifer Aniston movie called Management.The Races were also kinda slow and not that good. But, we had fun. The weather is great, Sunny Sunny Sunny. We always wish we had just one more day when we have the weekend off, and now that we do have one more day, guess what?, I want one more day still. Oh well, We had a good weekend and lots of good food, mostly popcorn I think. Hope everyone also had a fun and safe weekend.

DEADLIEST CATCH

Captain Phil from the TV series "THE DEADLIEST CATCH" came to Rays Food Place last week. He was a surprisingly nice guy. He has his own brand of coffee " Phil Harris " and we sold tons of it. He signed autographs for everyone and on anything that you had. He also had coffee mugs and pictures. I think after anyone met him, if you weren't already a fan of crabbing you are now. Vickey , A friend of mine from Kmart took photos of him and his son, who was also signing autographs. She had brought her grand daughters in to meet Captain Phil. They had fun. And so did the 2000 other people who came in to meet him, by the way, they all came thru my register too. I did tell a lot of them "hope you have a Crabby day". Most got it , some I'm not so sure. Any way it was kinda fun to have a celebrity of sorts in our little town.

BIG BRO BEN

HAPPY HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
MOM!! BELLA REALLY KNOWS
HOW TO CELEBRATE MOTHERS
DAY!!! THIS IS BEN'S MOM WITH
ALL TEN OF HIS NEW BROTHERS
AND SISTERS. AREN'T THEY
CUTE. BEN AND BELLA LOOK SO
MUCH ALIKE, THEIR FACE IS THE
SAME FACE. IT'S AMAZING. I
HOPE THEY ALL FIND
WONDERFUL HOMES

OREGON-- YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!!!!

For those people who love Oregon,
today is a really good day. It is pouring down rain outside. The temp is around 54 degrees and you can hear the thunder in the distant. It is not terribly cold or hot, just kinda cool , luke warm. You can either sit by the fire or enjoy the rain outside ,on your covered patio of course,. Makes no difference.


Spring time in Oregon is something everyone should get to see at least once in their lifetime. Beautiful colors and greenery are everywhere and you can go from 80 degrees one day to 45 degrees the next. Splashing in mud puddles is definetly allowed. Shorts and coats can be seen in the same group of people , they may be drinking coffee or licking ice cream cones, and all Oregonians seem to really love it.

I complain about the weather sometimes , but I have never complained about the beauty that surrounds and makes up the Willamette Valley. Mountains, Oceans, blue skies and green trees. Plenty of wildlife and flowers and hiking, skiing (both snow and water) camping, swimming, biking, horse back riding, all with in a stones throw.

AHHH , SPRING TIME IN THE GREAT NORTHWEST..
YOU REALLY GOTTA LOVE IT !

BIG BEN !!!

This is an updated photo of Ben at 9 months. He is in the same chair as the photo I took the first night we had him home in September 2008.. In an earlier post I also took a photo of him in the same chair at six months old. I think it is fun to see his growth in progress

HERES THE THING....THERES NO PLACE LIKE HOME !!!

I like to visit Face book and My Space. They both have different attitudes than each other. Heres what I mean.

Facebook:
I feel like I am in a Big City. A Big Loud Noisy Nervous City. Excitement is everywhere and people are racing around from one place to another. Horns are honking, cars are zooming past you, Kids are laughing and yelling and playing, Dogs are barking and running. There is confusion everywhere and yet I am having fun. I look left, right, up , down, under, over, every where there is something new and different to try out. Fast, Fun and Silly. Snow balls are flying , listing five favorite anythings, comparing my self to everything, You can learn a lot about yourself . That's What I feel when I visit Face book.

My Space:
Night Club arama. Party Animals are everywhere. I have never had so many drinks, tattoos, music, and invitations in my LIFE. WOW, Crazy stuff. It is also a very fun place to visit and interact with friends and family. A little scary though for someone with not much experience.

My Blog:
Home Sweet Home. I feel relaxed, peaceful, safe, and quiet here. I come here when I just want to tell a story or share something that has happened. I love reading about my friends and families daily events. Blogging is comfortable for me and I love it. Hope to see you all soon in our crazy world of communication. Does anyone Twitter?

It's time to break out the squirt guns on Facebook , so look out , here I come.

HAPPY EASTER

HELLO EVERYONE. HAPPY EASTER. I HOPE EVERYBODY HAS A REALLY FUN DAY TODAY AND GETS TO ENJOY THE THINGS THEY LOVE THE BEST. HAVE A GREAT DAY

SOME HABITS......

Just thought this is interesting. Ben still loves to lay the same way he did at just a few weeks old. He is just a little over 8 months in the second photo and I think he was just about three weeks old in the first.

SPRING IS SPRINGING (finally)

These are some crocus that have just started to bloom at our house. I thought they looked very Springy. I love this season.Working in our yard is one thing that I love doing . It is so much fun.

SNOW !!! HAIL!!!! MARCH IS IN LIKE A LION FOR SURE

This is a picture of Ben after our very long walk today. He is warming up by the fire. It's one of his favorite places to lay around.

In this picture I was talking to Ben about dinner. I think he likes the idea a lot.

This is a photo after Ben ate his dinner. May be time for a nap!!

I just woke him up. I think he will probably go right back to sleep. Also one of his favorite things to do.

Talk about a Lion.............

We woke up Sunday Morning to HUGE snowflakes. Then it hailed. Then we got a little sunshine. Weird stuff. It snowed again Monday morning and then turned out to be a very pretty day. Today Ben and I went on a long walk and it Hailed on us for most of our walk. We usually walk around our own neighbor hood , which is actually quite large and growing.

Today I let Ben decide where we went. Every time we came to a corner I would stop and let him choose which way to go. We only went around one block twice. The rest of the time we were going to new places. We were a long ways from home when it started hailing though and it was kinda cold. But we Had a good time. Got to see a dog that was having some training issues. ( sometimes that can be Ben) but he was good today.

I am still waiting to here from Rays for a second job. I went in on Friday for an interview and he was suppose to call me yesterday but I haven't heard from him yet. My fingers are crossed in hopes that he will call me soon. He seems like a good manager. Pretty young though, I think.

I tried getting some snow pictures Sunday but by the time I got my camera out and ready it had stopped. So no pics this time. I am posting some updated pictures of Ben. He seems to be really wiggly most of time so I am having quite the time getting good ones. Anyway hope everyone is enjoying daylight savings time.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

HI EVERYBODY, HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING A GREAT WEEKEND. IT'S MOSTLY SUNNY IN OREGON TODAY SO IF YOU HAD ANYTHING TO DO OUTSIDE TODAY WAS A REALLY GOOD DAY FOR THAT. SO FAR WE HAVE ATE LUNCH OUT AND WATCHED A LOT OF TV. TOMORROW WE ARE GOING TO GO TO THE COAST. IT SHOULD BE FUN. THE WEATHER WILL PROBABLY NOT BE THAT GOOD THERE, BUT BEN WILL HAVE A GOOD TIME RUNNING ON THE BEACH. HAVE A SWEET VALENTINES DAY !

AMAZING TALENT!!!

This young lady is from Hawaii and is the winner of a Beauty Contest held in China. She was on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and this was her Talent in the Contest.

A DAY AT THE BEACH

On Sunday We went to the Beach. It was the very first time Ben has been there. We had so much fun. The weather was super Beautiful. It was really warm, no wind , and lots of sunshine. There were Dogs, Kids and People everywhere. Ben had a blast. He was jumpy at the waves at first, but then when he got used to them he just played in the water. He ran and ran and ran. He got to meet a few dogs, one mean one that growled and bit at him, And he got a ton of pets.

While we were there we ate at Mcdogalls(Mcdonalds). Ben had a hamburger and chicken strips, frys and some ice cream. What a Day!! Happy Happy Happy.!!!!!

The ride to the coast was a little rough for Ben. He got car sick three times. Yuck!! But on the way home all he did was sleep. It was a great day. Hope we can do it again soon.

HAPPY "SIX MONTH" BIRTHDAY BEN

THIS IS A PICTURE OF BEN THE FIRST NIGHT WE HAD HIM . IT WAS TAKEN IN THE SAME CHAIR AS THE NEXT PHOTO OF HIM AT SIX MONTHS.



THIS IS A PICTURE OF BEN LAST NIGHT ON HIS SIX MONTH BIRTHDAY. HE HAS REALLY CHANGED ALOT SINCE WE FIRST GOT HIM. HE IS SO BEAUTIFUL.

!
THIS IS BEN BEING , WELL, BEING BEN! MAY HE HAVE MANY MANY MORE BIRTHDAYS!

A NEW YEAR

Hello everyone. Just checking in to see how the New year is going so far.
Some of My news Years Resolutions are:
: Win the Lottery!!! ( Any Lottery will do)
: Have fun every Day
: Be a Better Wife
: Be a Better HR Manager
: Walk Ben Every Day
: Love each day like it is a Saturday!!!
: Try to get my MY Space page set up
: Write something on my Blog, Face book and My Space more
: Do My Pilate's again. Lose weight
: Be a better friend
: have better New Years Resolutions

Anyway, I hope every ones New Year is off to a great start.

DOGS RULE!!!!!

YouTube - HiDef - BGT - Kate & Gin Canine freestyle 16:9 widescreen

BEN THINKS HE CAN HAVE THESE MOVES AND MORE MASTERED IN NO TIME AT ALL!!

20092009200920092009200920092009

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lost and Found

I feel like maybe I have been blessed with a tiny Christmas Miracle. Last Night when I climbed into bed I realized that I had Lost a diamond necklace that Kim gave me. I was so upset. This necklace was a replacement for one that I had lost two years ago. We put it on a chain that was suppose to be almost unbreakable. I had worn the first one since 1981. So I have been so careful to always be aware that my new one is still with me.

It must be something in the air, Kim lost his wedding ring last week. This is the third time that he lost it and so far it looks like it may be the last time. It has not been found yet.

So this Morning when I got up I began searching my clothes and bedding and closet and floors and car and garage and every where. I even told Ben that if he found my necklace that we would go for a very very very long walk.

While I was making the bed, Ben of course is helping, and by helping I mean chewing on my ankles, I bend down to pick up a sock that Ben had been carrying around earlier and there it was. My Necklace. Just underneath the bed.

So me and Ben went for a really nice walk. It was cold and wet but he had earned it . He had a good time and so did I.

Now I think Kim should promise Ben something. Maybe he will have a little miracle too!!! : )

TWELVE DAYS OF "BENMAS"

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF "BENMAS" MY TWO OWNERS GAVE TO ME............

TWELVE TREATS FOR SNACKING

ELEVEN TOYS FOR PLAYING

TEN THINGS FOR CHEWING

NINE HUGS AND KISSES

EIGHT PATS AND PETTING'S

SEVEN WALKS AROUND THE BLOCK

SIX NEW TRICKS FOR LEARNING

FIVE COLD "HOT" WINGS

COLLIE NUMBER FOUR

THREE DAILY BRUSHING'S

THEIR COMPLETE AND TOTAL LOVE

AND A SPACE ON THEIR FAMILY COLLIE TREE

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

LET IT SNOW. LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!!!

It's kinda hard to tell, but it looks a a bit like a blizzard out side right now. this is a photo out my front door.

TIS THE SEASON

I wanted to post a COOL picture of our house lights but this is all I could get to stay in focus.

Our lights are Red and White. Any way Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

DESPARATELY SEEKING REBECCA...

I Just read Rebecca's Latest Post to her blog. She has moved on to bigger and better places. I have not tried "My Space" or "Face Book" yet. I never ever thought that I would have so much fun with blogging. It has been really good to keep in touch with friends and family. A great way to share "Whats UP" with everyone. SO, Rebecca I know you are out there. I will try to find you. I love reading about the things you do so I Have to find you. Keep watching for me OK. I will be seeing you soon too. I hope,.

Hello Mom

We Received a Christmas Card from The family that we got Ben from Today. It was signed by their entire Family Including Bella, Ben's Mom. So Ben decided he wanted to write his Mom a little Holiday Note. So here is what Ben would like to say To his Mom.

Hi Mom, I miss you . I want to tell you about my new life. I am Part of a great Family. Debbie and Kim. Kim comes home in a very big truck and I can hear him way before Debbie ever does. I got to go for a long long ride in the big truck. It was so much fun. I could walk all around the inside and I didn't get sick at all. I even slept a little . We stopped once by a big field and I got to play there for a while.

During the days when Debbie works I stay home all by myself. Don't worry Mom, I am not scared at all. Debbie tells me That I am a Big Boy. I sleep when she first leaves because it is still really dark. But I have a really soft, warm bed to lay on so "No Problem". Then when it gets light out I go into my back yard and play with all my toys. I like toys alot. They squeak and rattle and I chew on them and chase them. I am a happy Puppy.

I can do a lot of good things. I can sit, stay, lay down, walk with a leash, and I am learning what STOP means. I usually only have to be told a couple times before I will do these things, Debbie says I will learn to do them better when I grow up. Not too sure what that means but I trust her.

Every afternoon, we go for a very long walk. I meet people and other dogs. Some of the other dogs are a little scary cause they growl at me. But Debbie keeps me safe from them. Kim and Debbie take me to Stores with them too. I get to go to Kmart and Pet Co. I get lots and lots of petting there. I Love petting. Do you like petting too, Mom?

Have you heard from my brothers and sisters Yet? I sure do hope they live with nice people too. Oh yeah ,I get my teeth brushed all the time. I like that, it tickles my gums and that feels good. Mom, I hope you are having fun too. Have a good Holiday season (I don't know what that means yet ,but Debbie and Kim said that I will really like it.) I guess I get some stuff in a stocking that is hanging up for me. I just want to chew on it though. So anyway, Thank you you for the card and remembering me . Love you Mom. Bye For now

BEN.

ONE WEEK OF GIVING THANKS--I AM THANKFUL FOR........MY HUSBAND

This is where my life really Shines. Kim is my Gorgeous Moon Rise , My Beautiful Sunset, My peaceful Star filled sky. He is my protector, My buddy, My partner for ever , My friend and lover.





My Husband. Kim. We have been married for 29 years. It has been so much fun.






Kim is My every breath, I could not breathe without him.






He is My every smile, I would not smile without him.






He is My every hope, without him I would have no hope.





He is my universe, without him I would not exist.







He is my EVERYTHING.






He makes me laugh. He is warm and caring and kind. We only get the weekends together because he is a Truck driver. I am currently working M-F. For that I am Thankful. Very Thankful. Usually I only get every other weekend off so having the weekends off for now is very special. We talk on the phone a least twice a day. I Love hearing his voice, his laughter, He loves Me, I love Him. More importantly, We really really LIKE each other. I wait for every trip he makes home. We love to go to the Movies, eat out, and take trips. We are good together. He completes me, He had me at Hello, He is the wind beneath my wings, He is every Love song ever written. We are one. We have come to that part of lives where we can finish each others sentences, I know what he thinks, he knows what I think. I am in love with my Husband. I am so Thankful He is in Love with me. I am so Thankful.





Together, We love the Dogs We have had, Bear, Alex,Jake and Ben.

We are both Thankful to have them in our Family.

ONE WEEK OF GIVING THANKS--I AM THANKFUL FOR........MY FAMILY

Family. People who have Families that they love are the luckiest People in the world. Next to Your Health It is the best thing in your life. I have two Sisters and Two Brothers.

My oldest Sister (2.4 yrs older) Marilyn lives in Florida with her new Husband Robert. They are very Happy. Marilyn's son Forrest , and his Wife Stacey and their two children Andrew and new baby Faith will be moving to Florida next month. I hope they will all be Happy and enjoy their new lives together. Marilyn is sooo excited to have her kids back with her.

My oldest brother (1.8 yrs younger), Randy lives in Hawaii with his Family. They are very Happy. His wife Karen has always fit right in with our Family. Everyone Loves her. They Have five super children. First is Beautiful Rebecca, She has long, long pretty blond hair, Then there is Arron, He is so sweet. He is working in Hawaii. Then Jonathan, Jonathan is attending college in Salem Or. I am very Proud of him. Next is Rachel, She is also Very Beautiful. The last time I saw Rachel she had the cutest personality and gorgeous curly hair. Finally , Daniel. He is A Marine. Our Family is so Proud of him. They are a very strong Family.

My next brother is Tim. He lives In Albany Or and has four children. Michael, Michelle, Misty and Greg. Tim Manages a Chevron Station and currently his son Greg lives with him. Misty has a beautiful baby girl named Carmen. Tim loves his Kids and likes to spend time with them. He likes to watch Nascar and is a big Dale Jr fan. Tim has had a rough time. He has been on his own since he was 16 years old. Considering all that he has had to struggle with , I am proud of him.+ He has made a few mistakes (who hasn't)and he is now at a more comfortable place in his life.

Denise is our baby Sister. She lives in Newport Or. She has four children. Chelsea, Chris, Tressa and Andrew. Chelsea was Married to Nathan this summer. They have the cutest little boy, Donavan. Chris and Tressa live with their Grandma and Grandpa in Sweet Home and are in School. Andrew is a little clown and very smart and lives with Denise. Denise works for Walmart in Newport and is the Night shift Manager. She has worked her way up thru the Walmart Ranks and I am also very proud of her.

I love my Family. I pray for them every Day that they will enjoy their lives and make the most of their time together. That they are protected and guided down the right path, open only the right doors and are Healthy and Happy. I am really Thankful that I am part of this Family.