Another quick project: puzzles for the Little Man. A while back Chronicler and I were in Utah and she took me to a large craft warehouse and I purchased these wood blocks, hoping to find some time later on and make puzzles for the baby boy. Well, Mommy tells me that the Little Man is doing very well with his potty training (Yes!). So Gramma promised a treat if he did well here at our house. In anticipation of greatness, I pulled out the blocks and began to make my puzzles.
The first set (larger and on the right) were actual photos of him with various characters at Disneyland. I just measured the blocks and then cut the photo to size. Lightly sanding the wood and the back side of the photo paper helped to make the white glue adhere to the wood with a tight seal. Six photos later and a finish coat of more white glue and the large puzzle was done. One problem: all the backgrounds at Disneyland made for a difficult to complete puzzle.
Set two. I used the smaller blocks and just coloured them the primary and secondary colours with permanent markers. I sealed the ink with the white glue and viola!
I still wanted a puzzle with the Little Man as the theme, so I went back to the computer and loaded more photos onto regular paper. This made a huge difference with the clarity of the photos after the glue sealant. (no sanding neccesary either!) I also made sure that in this group of pictures they all had contrasting backgrounds. Success! I have more blocks waiting and think I will try to make some scripture themed puzzles for quiet time during church or family night.
Now all I need to do is hope they come over soon and I will have all kinds of juice, lemonade, and kool-ade to encourage more success!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Puzzling Project
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Here today, gone Temari
O.k. So what exactly can one do while waiting for 6 weeks to just float by? I decided to get out an old craft that I had worked on years ago and see what I could come up with now. The answer is Temari String Spheres!
This is a Japanese art that looks intricate, beautiful and, if you are out of the habit, makes your fingers sore! Essentially you start with a styrofoam ball (this one is 3 inches), wrap an entire bolt of cotton thread (300-375 yards prefered) randomly around the ball, and hide the end of the thread inside the wrapping via a #1 sharps needle.
Using a thin strip of regular paper, you will make a tool for measuring the circumference of the ball and many divisions; placing coloured pins to indicate certain points as being the top, bottom, diameter and points in between on the sphere. The first winding is made of metallic cotton thread; in this case size 5, around the points to make a geometric grid and divide the ball as perfectly as possible.
Now comes the fun part; the winding-sewing of pearl cotton embroidery thread (size 5) to make the geometric designs. This ball had 6 centers, so I could begin sewing or winding the thread at any one of those points. Each ball is different. Not only in particular design, but because it is near to impossible to make a perfect sphere once you keep adding thread to the original ball. The slight imperfection means you must keep adjusting your design so that it looks as perfect as possible. Small "herringbone" stitches keep threads in place and are used in making points, etc. within the design. When the sphere is completed there should be no starting or finishing points visible, nor should any thread ends be visible. This sphere took about three days of bright daylight to complete (or about 12-15 hours total). It's a goofy craft, but I love it; sore fingers and all.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
cheeseburgers
Ahhhh... (insert a big happy face gazing off into the sunset).
Cheeseburgers. Now that the surgery is over and food has begun to have an actual taste again I was DELIGHTED to see the post over at Chubby Hubby on cheeseburgers; and which one is best. (scroll down, please) His home made number looks amazing and it made me hungry for one of my favorite burgers...
I bring you In-N-Out. If you live in SOCal this is a pretty good chain burger. Always fresh (never frozen) beef, hand leafed lettuce and fresh cut potatoes for fries, In-N-Out is consistently good. They also have shakes and a "secret menu" that's not so secret, but never printed. Number four in my ranking.
Next on my favorites list would be Cheeseburger Waikiki. Number three brings us to inspired culinary genius... 2 chicks from SOCal who bummed money from a rich uncle, moved to paradise and found out they left all the good burgers on the mainland. What to do? Bum some more money and make your own. Now the girls are grown women who own a chain of "Cheeseburger" restaurants in places all over the U.S. (according to the menu, saving cities everywhere from lousy burgers). This burger, besides being in Waikiki, is pretty good for it's juicy yummyness (yes, that is a word). Hot, fresh, juicy, a great combination on the sauce, served with onion rings -which were terrific, although I prefer a thinner slice, and also a fresh piece of pineapple. Yum.
T.G.I. Friday's Gas Lamp District, San Diego, CA. is next on my list. Why oh WHY can not the other TGIFridays get it the same way? Who knows, but this fresh ground sirloin is amazingly good. Hot, juicy, and larger enough for two is very tasty and ranks in second on my burger hit parade. Thor and I actually make sabbaticals down to SD just to eat this beauty a couple times a year. This is a burger where the meat is the true star. It is served sans condiments, lettuce, onion, and tomato only. Admittedly I always ask for a little mayo and ketchup, not usually offered on the burger, but the meat is SO good, who cares if the secret sauce is lacking and you need to make your own?
Here we are at number one in my book: Teddy's Bigger Burgers in Kailua, Oahu. Trust me it is worth the plane fare and the wait. They actually have signs up telling you to just chill and relax, they are hand making your burger and when it is ready.... oh momma! This is my burger. It was so hot, juicy, tasty and I am not sure exactly what was in the sauce, but it was perfection in combination to the ground beef. I needed several napkins, and wanted another burger one as soon as I finished the first, I just couldn't have eaten it! This baby is huge and wonderful and you want to dance barefoot in the basket as you sing the praises of burgerdom! YumboColumbo this is paradise! Served with fries or onion rings - also terrific and a superb shake or malt!
O.k. Now it's your turn. Where is your favorite burger joint? Why is it good and tell us all the gory details! This is your bragging time, let the games begin!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
I am woman, hear me snore!
We arrived at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning. After a brief paper trail was constructed we were led around many halls, up an elevator, down a few corridors, around the block and down another hallway and found our place in what I can best describe as a "staging" area for pre op. I was assigned room 6 and received my 'jammies' for the day. I changed and soon a nurse came in to set up my I.V. and make sure everything was correct on the paper work.
After about 40 minutes or so I was led back down several halls and about half way around that block again and found the surgery department, gave Thor a quick kiss and was wheeled into the final waiting room for the O.R. I was placed in a small stall directly across from the nurses station and just as I was positioned into place a very large man dressed in army fatigue scrubs announced, "O.K. Just bring her to me and I'll beat her to death with a stick!" Now I know this comment wasn't made directly towards me, but I couldn't let it just go by unnoticed, so I said, "Hey, wait a minute, isn't that the surgeon's job?" He looked up, surprised that he'd been caught and just replied, "We've got a live one!" He came over to me, introduced himself as "Milt" and again checked all the paper work.
Eventually I was put to sleep and when I woke up I, well, I don't remember too much of anything until late that night.
Thor says I was in surgery a little longer than scheduled. Everything went well, although the doctor opted for plan "B". She told Thor that I 'ralphed' in recovery right after surgery, I don't remember that. I was also in recovery about two hours longer than the doc expected. I just don't react the way I am supposed to to those things.
Up in the room I had several visitors, in laws, my sis, and a couple of the offspring... I don't remember anyone being there. I don't remember anything but being COLD. About 10:30 p.m. a nurse offered me one more shot of morphine which I took due to her urging, but I think I was arguing about it. Earlier Thor said the nurse was wanting to give a hit and he suggested that I just lay low for a while... my breathing was at about 14 and very shallow and frankly, I wasn't complaining, so adding more narcotics to the situation didn't seem prudent. He tried to tell the nurses that I react weird to drugs, so go easy.
Sunday morning I woke up about 5:00 to get up and walk the halls. I went for a few strolls around the wing and felt really weak, but not too much of anything else. Eventually every tube was removed and I was able to take a bird bath and go home. I got home about 12:30 and pretty much just went to bed for a couple of hours. I felt really good considering, but when I got up from the nap I had INCREDIBLE pain in my shoulders. Like I had dislocated them or something. Everyone is suggesting that it may have been pent up stress, but seriously, this was like my arm was out of the socket. A took a motrin and went back to sleep. I woke up just in time to get out to the living room for a visit from #1 and his wife and #3 getting home from church. We had a pretty good visit and I was happy to see them all there. A phone call from the other kids and I was a happy gal. I fell asleep in the chair and woke up the next morning feeling pretty good, except this time the pain had gone from my shoulders to my hips. WEIRD.
It kind of freaks me out a bit, because I was expecting a lot of abdominal pain... a lot from what everyone had told me. Heck, even the doc wanted to make sure I could handle swallowing the Vicadin before I could go home. I haven't taken one of those; I really really hate vicadin. GAG. I talked the nurse into giving me oral motrin instead and waiting to see if I ralphed that up....nope, o.k. So I am sticking with the motrin. Any who, the weird thing is the pain everywhere except my abdomen. Maybe that will come tomorrow.
So here I am on Tuesday, feeling pretty good. Major weakness and easily tired, but everything is oakey dokey, so far today, no meds at all. I think I am still a bit woozey from it all, I am beginning to remember things I think I forgot, but mostly I'm o.k. I wake myself up very thirsty and snoring (oh my). Thor has stayed home since Saturday and spoiled me like the Queen of Sheba; and I have had lots of visitors, well wishes, phone calls, and goodies. I am developing into a lazy girl who watches day time t.v. yikes, this could get ugly. So there you go. Surgery update. That is all.
Thanks to nampak for the cool photo.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
UPDATE:
O.k. just another very quick note...
Thor and I had a terrific time on my birthday, in fact the whole day was fabulous! I woke up to a full body massage which almost put me back to sleep again...very relaxing! Then off to breakfast and then to Disneyland with Thor! The best present was him taking the time off so we could be together! (big happy smiling face) I was also very surprised when Thor gave me the most beautiful pearl and diamond ring. I LOVE pearls, they are my favorite and this ring is so pretty!!! I am very spoiled. Back home and out to dinner with some of the kids, 31 flavors ice cream cake and played a very fun game I got from the kids. It was a great day. In addition to those surprises came a phone call from a dear friend from far away, an e-mail from a girl friend and another e-mail from a boy friend in high school who was/is such a nice guy. It was a total surprise to hear from him.
Thanks to all of you who wrote to me and gave happy thoughts and wishes as well, that is totally cool and I am glad to have such nice blog buddies! Thanks also to my sis Chronicler, she was very sweet and did a whole blog just for s'mee (gush)!
Then back to reality.
One of the momma's of the sick babies was also admitted to the hospital... a lump on her kidney, severe pain, high liver enzymes... oh my holy hannah! She is home now, but still in a lot of pain. More troubles with sisters in the ward being mean to each other. And tonight a final evening focused on Wanda. Her sons could not be at her funeral, so we are getting together tonight to make them "scrapbooks" of our memories of Wanda for the few short years we knew her. Everyone is meeting tonight and we'll just write down stories, memories and whatever comes to mind via the Spirit to show her sons that she was loved and will also be missed. Hopefully these new memories of their mom will allow some healing and soften their hearts to the Lord.
Tamale is Friday... count down round to surgery on Saturday! WAHOO! If I don't write for a day or two I will as soon as I can get up and to the chair. Hang in there with me, hopefully things will settle down and I can get back to some fun subjects.
See you all soon!
Sunday, February 05, 2006
when's recess?
Chronicler had mentioned that, with death, lessons come.
Since the whole "Z.Z.Top" funeral way back in September, I have been in school. Some things I have learned so far:
1.If you try hard enough you can put the "fun" in a funeral.
2.Just when you think you can't do enough, someone will remind you of that very thing; and others, who will remind you that you continue to let them down on a daily basis.
3.Sometimes you need to just let it go, let it be, walk away.
4.There is more than one way to skin a cat, or in otherwords, there is always a loop hole that can be utilized legally.
5.Women can be mean, snarky, and unforgiving.
6.Men can backup a snarky wife in the most ridiculous of ways, especially when you consider the situation at hand.
7.Some people are just too sweet to notice anything other than the hearts of others and the needs hidden therein.
8.Good intentions can get in the way of justice and "doing what's right and necessary".
9.People are idiots.
10.There are times when the church must step in and times when the church should just say "no".
11."Open mic night" isn't always a good thing when folks are grieving.
12.One should never ask someone to pay for final expenses if they are unwilling to have that same person participate in the service.
13.Taking care of your own is a good thing.
14.Sometimes it's your own fault and suing for damages, pain and suffering will only cause more damage, pain and suffering.
15.You don't have to be old to have lived a full life.
16.You don't have to be young to have died too soon.
17.Accidents happen. Laws of the universe can be broken and results can be devastating. Sometime it is not God's will, but His mercy that is in control of who lives and dies.
18.Taking the high road is much better than proving your point.
19.Saying you are sorry for something someone else did is sometimes the only way to help.
20.Telling someone what needs to be said isn't always easy, but at times quite necessary.
21.Sometimes telling a lie is more merciful than describing truth.
22.Not all traditions are true doctrine. Not all policies are written in stone.
23.Telling your dear friend what a common enemy thinks of them is more hurtful than what the common enemy said in the first place.
24.There is no need to shoot the wounded. There is no need to exalt the esteemed.
25.Music can indeed sooth the savage beast.
26.Sometimes compassion hurts more than neglect.
27.Neglect can be the perspective of a foreign judge.
28.No one is perfect. No one has telepathy, or crystal balls that are accurate. No one can change the mind of another without the willingness of both parties.
29.Grudges weigh more than forgiveness.
30.You can not argue with those of limited mental aptitude.
31.You need to remember that if it looks like a dog, smells like a dog, and acts like a dog, chances are -it's a dog.
32.What is correct and right for me isn't necessarily correct and right for you, and vice versa.
33.Leaders make mistakes. That's o.k.
34.People say things they never would when they are under stress.
35.Some folks can have closure without a viewing.
36.Little children do not always benefit by being involved in family or ward matters, sometimes it is better to ere in hopes of keeping children innocent a day longer.
37.Just because you have a special talent does not mean everyone needs to see it (hear it, experience it, etc.).
38.Even if someone just had a Priesthood Blessing yesterday, if they ask for another one, give it to them. In other words, you can never have too much Priesthood in a home, a hospital room, a car, the grocery store, yada yada yada.
39.You just can't please some people.
40.Some people only need a smile, a hug, a wink to get through the day. Even when they have the greatest burden.
41.Misery sometimes needs company.
42.I am supposed to be learning something from all of this. I will be a better person for all this learning when it is done. There will be a much harder lesson to learn in the future. All of this is for my personal benefit.
43.Hormones create a huge vacuum.
44.I miss my cat. (but please don't get me a new one)
45.Listening to the Spirit can be a good thing, a weird thing, and actually tick other people off because "you got there first"...go figure.
46.I prefer "she/he just passed" to "she/he just passed away." (think: "she just passed...her life's test." past away makes me feel like they just faded and went some vague place at some point.)
47.I have a good and wise husband. I have good and wise friends.
48.Sometimes one can actually look forward to abdominal surgery as a vacation from reality.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Miss W.
She loves Elvis.
Not the old Vegas-y Elvis, but back when he was young, fresh and sexy. Back when he was something new and dangerous! She loves classic rock and dancing. She loves sleeping in and taking her time to get up. She loves to eat out and to shop and to organize her things into categories and her clothes according to the day she will wear them. She loves to laugh and tell stories and she loves to sing simple child like songs.
She is eager to learn and to change. She did a lot of changing in the past 18 months, so much so that folks who knew her then are surprised when they see her now. She is humble and sweet and willing. She enjoys helping out wherever someone can use her. She shows up to all the "clean the building" assignments. She was first in line to do baptisms for the dead whenever the opportunity happened. She was so excited to recieve her own endowment.
She is the mother of two sons. She is the friend of many. She has been far from family for so long they would not recognize her at all. Some are willing but unable to see her and some are still living too much in the past to reconcile with her. Either way it is time for her to return to eternal friends and family. She has kidney failure and such heart failure that she will not be able to recover. All "heroic" measures have been waved with much difficulty by the only one willing and able to do so. Mercy is hard to give when it is your mother and you still wish her to stay. But doing the "right" thing is so hard. Harder still the knowledge that your mother will die without family and that her funeral will not be attended by any blood relatives.
We go each day and talk with her and sing to her. Last night she was moved from her room in the ICU to the floor, and today to hospice care; away from monitors and beeping and pumps and full attention. She was met in her new room by eager friends who came to say "hello, we love you, sleep sweetly, and let go". A chorus of about 12 sang for several hours and had a light time watching her switch gears away from meds and stupors into more pain and awareness, but the inability to communicate other than with eyes that fluttered. A squeeze of her hand at times to those who could connect and a few moans of frustration. She perked up while we talked of Elvis, perhaps she'll get his autograph soon...
We are going to miss you W. We will miss your sweet little face, the skin that made young prime women jealous and the heart that made us all feel warm and loved so well. We will miss you W. Have a safe journey. Happy Graduation Day.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Drink up me hearties, yo ho!
Last Thursday we went to Disneyland with #2 and his family to celebrate his birthday. I love going with the baby boy. He is getting totally into the whole experience and sings all the way down the freeway. His little arm pumps back and forth as he sings "Yo Yo Yo Yo pirate life for ME!" Then as we get closer by he can actually direct you on the streets and tell when to turn here or there and get you into the parking structure. During the first ride (the tram from the parking lot) we raise our hands high in the air and get ready for the scary rides.
We even get to meet celebrities, such as Tigger! He is a huge fan. We had to wait a bit in line, but when he walked around the corner and finally saw Tigger he ran so fast and hard to get a hug he pushed Tigger to the ground. They went completely on their bottoms full of the springs, which came in handy when it was time to try and stand again. He was just so happy to see him again.
As the day went on we ended up at the ride formally known as "Rocket-Jets". This is one of his favorite rides. Last time he got to ride with mommy, but mommy is busy making a "brudder" so daddy took him on the ride. After the first go round he came off crying. Mommy ran over to him to see if he was afraid, no, he wanted another turn. Normally everyone would have said no way, but it was a walk on, so why not? Daddy took him for "one more ride" and when he got off this time he was all smiles. "That was SO fun! Mommy!" and he ran over to where mommy, grampa and gramma were. He took one look at grampa's soda and said, "I gotta get me some of that!" We all were laughing so hard it was crazy. Where does he get this stuff?
Another one of his favorite rides is Buzz Lightyear! This is fun for everyone really. You get to sit in a car and as you travel slowly through the ride there are targets to aim at. Each car is equipped with two "laser guns" that record your scores individually as you aim at and zap your way through the black lit scenery made to look like the inside of a game. After the ride is finished you can stand in line to find your photo. About mid way a photo is taken of you pointing your laser gun and you are able to download this picture and send it to yourself via e-mail (and this is the surprise part) FOR FREE! Who knew you could do anything at Disneyland for free? When you get home there is an e-mail from Buzz that gives you a code to use ONLY ONCE to view and print out your photo. This is a great idea for scrapbookers or grammas with a brag book. There is only one problem with this idea. When you receive the photo there is a very cute logo type banner across the bottom, which unfortunately cuts across the bottom part of the ride...cutting out anyone not tall enough to be seen over it. Baby boy is behind the banner. Grrrrr. Maybe next year.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
I couldn't sleep at all last night...doot doo doo doot.
As a little girl, whenever I was feeling ill, in pain, or achy there were two responses from my mom. One was a look of doubt that came along with a lecturette on how the pain was (in essence) in my head and I could get rid of it if I got myself busy. The other remedy was taking some of her prescription medication or a hit of peppermint schnapps.
The backs of my legs would ache like crazy and the diagnosis was always (imagined) "growing pains". I have those same aches to this day- and trust me, I am as grown as anyone can get. Those pains would come with the cold, the rain, or a quick weather change and I would feel it's intensity, just like an old lady. Eventually the pains came with activity and went into my other joints, but by the time I was in high school I learned not to complain about it, because I knew it was "in my head".
Upon physically maturing more problems came. Such aching in my legs and abdomen that at times, my very healthy, strong and fit body of 95-115 pounds would be brought to a fetal position for days at a time. I would cry and moan and at times clench my fist and bang the pillow. I would miss at least three consecutive days a month for years. The diagnosis from mom was that I was a "late bloomer and eventually, after having a baby all this [would] go away, drink this." A hit of strong peppermint alcohol, that I used to think was just to punish me for complaining, but it would knock me out for a day and I would sleep the pain away. To this day I can smell alcohol at about 12 feet and I become immediately nauseated by it.
One particular day my complaint got my mother's attention to the point of her having me take one of her prescription meds. My mother is very intelligent, college educated and was a registered nurse all of my childhood. She taught nursing, ran hospitals as an administrator and seemed to have expertise in about every area of a hospital one could work. She did it all and she was very good at it. But prescribing meds perhaps was not her forte and what she gave me that day was, #1 out of code, and #2 sent me to an e.r. with life threatening issues and a week's stay.
This brings me up to date. I loathe taking drugs. Even over the counter drugs...not a good thing for me to do. I do not react well to everyday things like cough syrup or p.m. tylenol - they knock me out for days at a time. When things get painful I resort to the lowest dose of whatever it takes to get the job done. For years those leg pains went ignored, but eventually Thor demanded a Dr. "either find out what is wrong with [me] or find a good psychiatrist, because the pain was real to [me] and it needed to stop one way or another." It was because of Thor that the doctors finally looked for a solution and took me seriously. Seems the pain is real, and related to a funky syndrome that has a name, but other than that the doctors really have no clue as to what to do about it. So big fat hairy deal. The doctors prescribed muscle relaxers and anti-depression medications for the folks who deal with mess . I tried them both and decided that the pain stayed but I went away. I couldn't function anymore. I quit my job and was in a stupor. I took myself off the meds and now I just take a tylenol when things get too painful. At first it was every night for years and now it is down to about four or five nights a month.
My legs fight sleep. My body fights sleep. I dream vivid dreams every night which is both a symptom and a cause of not getting enough restorative sleep to allow my body to recover from the days' work. I am in some form of pain most of my days. I have almost gotten used to the pain and when I wake up on occasion without pain, watch out! I have so much energy that I want to paint the house or catch-up on all the stuff I have struggled to get done for months. My legs are heavy and unlike most folks my size, my legs are hard as rocks.
If I walk too much (around the mall), work too much (painting a room or standing on a ladder for two hours) or sit too long (a three hour trip in the car) my legs and feet swell up and become incredibly painful. This disrupts my life like you can't imagine. I still do all of those things because even though I know what the result will be, I refuse to allow the pain to stop me from having fun or being 'normal'. But the price is usually another three to four days of just sitting, some small walks around the house and tons of cat naps. During the night my legs "dance" as Thor calls it. Twitching, flinching, spasms that bring sharp pain to the bottom of my feet, the joints in my legs and cramped muscles that must be squeezed to get out of their rigid rock like phase. It is as if my legs are going into rigor mortis while I am still alive.
In addition to the leg problems come the "girl problems" (again a Thor term). When my cycle hits I get the same intensity of pain in my legs, at times keeping me from being able to walk normally or at all. Mygraine headaches come with all the typical markers- halos, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, etc. Lately, with menopause looming on the horizon, other funky things add to the mix, unusual bleeding, hair loss, mood swings, pain in weird places, and severe weakness (anemia); so much so that in February I am scheduled for surgery to help alleviate this part of my physical problems. Most women balk or protest when given the news of a hysterectomy, I just about kissed my doctor.
This is the current situation. Surgery is knocking at the door (yippy!) but until then I cannot take tylenol, aspirin, motrin, vitamin e, or herbal remedies (among others). What I can do is wrap my painful parts in heat wraps. Last night was one of the tough nights. I could not sleep for the life of me. I got up at 12:30 or so to wrap mt feet in heat wraps, hoping to take the pain away enough to sleep through it. No such luck. Most of the night I fall asleeps for about twenty minutes only to awaken myself with pain or the constant dancing and rolling. I roll like a 'gater drowning his next meal. All night long, and frankly, on nights such as last night I am not sure how Thor sleeps through it...if he does sleep at all.
So I woke up this moring full of vivid dreams, rolled up bed linens and rocks for legs. I am tired of complaining. I am tired of aching. I am tired of being tired. But hopes is on the way so I will stay the course and be a good girl. Until then, I look like a mess and not too much is being done around the house. Through it all Thor loves me and takes care of me. He doesn't expect much and is always happy and smiling in the morning. Some days, like this morning, he is very stealth-like and leaves without waking me up at all. He gives me the time I need to get what little sleep comes in the morning. Mostly he has always believed me when I had pain and insisted the doctors do something about it. He has been sweet to me when I am grouchy and he rubs my legs when I can't take it anymore. He is a good man and I am SO lucky. Thanks for being so good to me Thor.
Monday, January 23, 2006
love is in the air...
Last weekend we were invited to go with #1 and his wife for a short over-nighter in their "new" motor home. They had never been up to Piedras Blancas to see the elephant seals, so it sounded like a terrific trip.
Along the beach, safely behind a fence, hundreds of tourists use binoculars, cameras and bare eyes to observe the mating rituals of these enormous beasts. Adult males, weighing in at 4-5,000 pounds, are quite impressive. At first site one is taken back by the car sized mammals laying on the beach. These particular seals are relatively new to the area, having come ashore first in 1990 to make Piedras Blancas their beach front love nest. This is highly unusual as they prefer remote island at sea. Lucky for us, they now like the sunny, if not windy and cold beaches of the Central California Coast. Literally thousands come ashore. November brings the first of the females, teenagers follow in December and the Male/bulls show up in January ready for lovin'.
It is hard to imagine just how large they can be. The photo shop illustration (bad as it is) shows what it would be like for a 6 foot man to stand next to a posturing bull. These guys are BIG! Heck, the mommas are big. Even new babies are the size of small children.
When one drives along the highway they can hear the seals loudly communicating with each other. The bulls belch, bellow, chortle, bark and make - what a nearby teenager stated as - "a 4500 pound old man 'passing gas'"- to put it politely. And yes, that is a good description. Mommies bark, and the babies squeal -like monkeys. It's nuts.
When the bulls beach they are in the mood for love, and because they are so handsome they figure they can spread themselves around and gather a harem. This is fine, until another Mr. Right comes along, then you get trouble. When a new male approaches territory already claimed by a bull, a challenge is presented by throwing a head back, arching a back and bellowing loudly (to impress the ladies). The other bull is alerted and does a great 80's disco "worm", waddling quickly to face off with the challenger. Sometimes barking, belching and a few head tosses is all it takes to discourage a younger or less virile guy. But if Mr. Big Stuff comes along and thinks he can take over the harem- a fight is more than gesture and posturing, it gets down right nasty. Bulls have very large canine teeth that can rip through flesh easily, tearing the blubber right off the hide of a weaker opponent. Head buts, neck bites, and rolling result in torn flesh and blood loss. Eventually the weaker one will get the hint and leave the stronger fellow to the gals.
Once dominance is established, the big boys get to work impressing the ladies one at a time. Sometimes even all the muscles in the world are not enough to sway a new momma, or a gal with high standards. Here, our new mom has had enough. Although he is very aggressive, she is able to dissuade his affection by swatting sand, barking objectively, and making her way away from the advance. He is disappointed, but only for a short while as other beauties are within a short distance and all it takes with some of them is a nice profile. Some girls are easier than others! This photo shows the size differences in a fairly new pup, mom, and bull.
Elephant seals get the majority of attention on the beach, however there are other wildlife to see. The chipmunks have gotten so used to the photographers and gawkers that they almost pose in hopes of making it into someone's photo album. Sand pipers, gulls, cranes and hawks are all easily photographed if you have a camera ready. There are zebras and other exotic animals down the road on Hearst Castle property.
Piedras Blancas is on the Central Coast about 5 miles north of San Simeon. Just south of this particular beach is one of the "world's best wind surfing, kite surfing beaches" according to the signs. So, when you get your fill of aggressive blubber filled mammals you can drive south a minute and watch aggressive testosterone filled mammals one-up each other in the surf and wind.
Most of the action takes place around Valentine's Day (how appropriate, but true!). The more alpha males come ashore the less females are available, so the fighting reaches quite a peak. Thor and I make this trip several times a year and we always stop for at least a half an hour to take in the sight. There are usually some elephant seals on the beach year 'round, however, the action and activity is only in the January and February mating season. Other times they are just resting or feeding off shore, and there are no guarantees they will be there when you drive by.
The closest "big city" is Morro Bay, which ain't saying much. There is limited camping at San Simeon, and know that the small town is catering to the tourists who flock to Hearst Castle...read $$$ for hotels, food, gas, etc. Other camp sites are about two hours either direction and the drive is easy and scenic. Pack a lunch and make it easy (read:cheap) on yourself.
Parking is available, although not paved. Warning: DO NOT park on the highway. There are police officers (even when you can't see them) who would like nothing more than having the tourists donate funds to the local economy via a parking fine. Take your time and drive through the lot provided, I promise you will find a space. The area for viewing is about a half mile(?) and easy to walk. You will want to walk the entire length to see all you can. Lots of the same thing, but a good fight or birth is worth the trip if your timing is right.
Bring a coat, gloves, and a hat as it is cold and windy here most of the year. Bring a camera with lots of film, and if you can afford it, one with a telephoto lens. A video camera is well worth it also. Binoculars will afford you spectacular close ups, but you are fairly close to the action and can see plenty without them. Be aware that if you bring little ones or the teenagers you will have to explain procreation, birth, the whole circle of life as it is happening right there in front of them and hard to avoid. There are, on occasion, dead babies that roll in and out of the surf, which is hard to witness too.
Docents are on site most of January and February to answer all sorts of questions; but there are also informational signs provided in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
update
What a couple of days! I just got back home; after church, later tonight, I will try to post with photos... s'mee you soon!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Light bulbs, bells, whistles...all going off
Have you ever thought, "dang it! I just bought these jeans! WHY DON'T THEY FIT LIKE THEY DID IN THE STORE?"
Kathleen explains it all! Jump on over to Fashion Incubator and check out her January 17 post on pet peeves... you too will understand why you just "gained weight" in a matter of days.
Monday, January 16, 2006
I've got you ...under my skin, I feel you...deep in the heart of s'mee!
Everyday people all over the world make little "to do " lists. This morning, mine included a stop by the local blood bank to donate a unit.
I am usually very prompt. I showed up for my 10:00 appointment at 9:28. I knew something was up when I followed a little black jeep into the empty lot. The jeep in front of me parked in the "reserved for blood bank staff" space, and the owner popped out of the jeep and into the building. I found my space and by the time I looked up I didn't notice who had left, but I did notice a few other things.
One was the cartoon nurse on the rear window. This is an indication of the owner of said vehicle being a nurse. Not a complicated code, pretty obvious. The other thing I noticed? Well the license plate frame which read: "PSYCHO *ITCH FROM H*LL!" Just the thing you want to see as you are about to lay down on the big blue chair and expose a vein.
If you will recall, last week I made reference to my low blood pressure and the inability of most folks to actually find a pulse, beat, evidence of life at all within my veins. After the initial paper work I was called back into the screening room for the interview portion of the competition. Ms. F was my LVN for the day and she seemed fairly nice. We chatted as she fought to find the required life form cursing through my body; once found, she smiled and I could see a bead of perspiration gently fall towards her cheek. The finger stick revealed that I was indeed anemic but right at the cut off point for the offering I was to give. She also remarked that I was "remarkably relaxed". Where have I heard that before?
She explained the procedure and we went over to the comfy big blue chairs. She asked if I had a preferred arm, "no", and went to work. She pumped the BP cuff and had me squeeze a small rubber globe while she palpated my arm for just the right spot. She explained that the needle was larger than a regular needle and that I might want to look the other way, but that she had done this thousands of times and would try to make it as painless as possible. (yeah right, they all say that don't they?) She remarked that she found a good vein and with a few -almost undetectable- pokes she was satisfied and began to reach for other things. In my head I was very impressed. She did know what she was doing! I barely felt it at all! She was by far the best needle poker I have ever had! I decided to take a peek at the needle, kind of that looking at the accident as you slowly drive by morbidity. I turned my head and found the spot. She poked me alright, with the back end of a bic pen! It made a hard little indented target for the real thing. She asked me not to move and went in search of her tools.
Things were going well until I heard her gasp.
"Oh shoot. I am so sorry. NATALIE! NATALIE! HAS ANYONE SEEN NATALIE? I NEED NATALIE STAT!" At this point she asks me to "look away" and assures me, "although this isn't normal, it does happen on occasion...NATALIE! I am so sorry, are you in pain?" (should I be???) I really wasn't feeling anything other than the intense grip she had on my arm and a little tingly.
Eventually another gal came over... the head honcho of the blood bank(according to her badge and demeanor), the one that just happened to be substituting from the county head quarters today and had been heard previously in less than happy tones. She put on her happy face, one so happy that I was thinking "she doesn't want me to get mad and sue" -seriously her face was strangely happy. You know, the face they save for telling the terminally ill they "have three weeks to live" happy. She followed with an apology and a string of questions to find out if I responded in this manner when I gave blood before. I managed a glance at my now revealed arm and there was not only a large bruise, but a large swelling also. They were busily wrapping it and instructing me on how to get the swelling and bruising to come down quicker.
side bar: If I had this reaction when I give, donate, otherwise leak blood, it begs the question "Why would I do this again?" So much for reason.
On to the other arm. After having to re-set up the instruments she found a vein and stuck in the needle. This time it stung internally like all get out and the sting stayed for about five minutes. Now they didn't say anything, but I am wondering if there was some magic potion on that needle to prevent my arm from ballooning up. We may never know. She put warm pack all over that same arm and had me hold a warm pack instead of the squishy ball everyone else had. All went well, but I am a little bruised on both arms. Pretty.
As I walked into the canteen a very friendly little gal offered me my choice of beverage and some cookies. The gal at the table next to me had two bags of chips -doritos and cheetos, and 3 assorted Pepperage Farm cookies - the good ones. Hefty guy across from me had a small sandwich, three chocolate chip cookies and was in the process of asking for another bag of cheetos and another room temperature water. I received my pine-orange-banana and had a couple of iced raisin cookies...one of my favorites, but honestly, I had been there now for almost 3 hours and I wanted someone to drive up the block and grab an IN-N-OUT cheeseburger for me. (I did stay long enough to see Madagascar two and a half times through...I wanted to move it, move it, right outta there.)
While I was waiting the canteen gal brought me a red t-shirt and thanked me for "bleeding for the martyrs". She also gave me paper work for other freebies for donating this particular day. I felt pretty guilty, MLK day was yesterday and frankly the appointment was given to me not by choice, but necessity. I didn't make the connection until she mentioned it.
On the way out three really sweet little ladies asked me to take their photo in front of Martin Luther King's poster o-the day and the U.S. flag as they held a flyer with his picture on it as well. One of them hugged me "for Dr. King" and then another replied that it was "nice of a white woman to honour Dr. King by donating blood". I felt really guilty then, but didn't want to seem like a goof, so I just smiled and left. Sorry Martin, you are a great guy, I just forget because #2 shares your birthday and I remember him instead of you; it's a mom thing more then a national issue.
So all's well that ends swell I guess. In the immortal words of Roseanne Roseanna Danna: "It's always something!"
(thanks to Stitch for the photo!)
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Dim Sun...
Well a few years back my dear sister proposed a terrific idea and today, dear readers, it's here!
The SunspOt! (click on the little logo at the right) This amazingly simple little device will eliminate that horrid glare through the window as you drive into the sunset. It just flips on and flips off to be placed where ever you need to dim the sun! It just sticks to the window without any glue of gooey stuff, it just sticks! She has a great little border on it so it also removes with a flick of your finger, you don't need to pick away at it, just grab the edge and it's off to be moved else where. I LOVE IT!
O.k. one flaw... she designed it for the car only and so her instructions talk only about the car. (in your best "ronco" voice) BUT THERE'S MORE! I actually have another one for in my family room, because of the west facing window in there. Holy Hannah! For the last two sunlit hours of the day you feel as though you are sitting on the surface of the sun. The glare is amazing. So now I just pop my SunspOt over that part of the window. I get the sunshine without the blinding glare! Yeah!!!!
She has two sizes to choose from, (6" and 10"x4") both are priced under $11.00. with shipping included! You won't get a free shop vac and you won't get to try it free for thirty days and keep the lint brush, but you will have that one nasty little bright spot dimmed perfectly! If you think you could use one of these little guys just click on the SunspOt logo at the right and the link will get you all set up. Thanks!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
a family favorite...
"Give" said the little stream, "Give, oh give, give oh give!"
"Give" said the little stream as it hurried down the hill.
"I'm small I know, but wherever I go the fields grow greener still."
"Give" said the little rain, "Give, oh give, give, oh give!"
"Give" said the little rain as it fell upon the flowers.
"I'll raise their drooping heads again!" as it fell upon the flowers.
Give then, for Jesus give. Give, oh give, give, oh give!
Give then, for Jesue give, there is something all can give.
Do as the streams and flowers do, For God and others live.
Singing, singing all the day, "Give away, oh give away!"
Singing, singing all the day, "Give, oh give away!"
There is something all can give...
Susan over at Strange Pulse wrote about doing service projects, which got s'mee thinking this morning.
Wow. When the kids were very little we found little ways for them to serve. We tried to teach them that there were even secret ways to serve, and the reward was similar to what Santa Claus feels when he drops off toys without expecting any himself. It worked. They also found that there were ways to contribute that people would be aware of their efforts and that feeling was also good.
Thor was a great teacher when it came to service. He would counsel the kids that if service was given with a frown or heavy sighs throughout -it didn't count as service but as an additional burden towards whomever was on the receiving end. Teaching that being served is at times very difficult for some independent souls to bare. So when you serve it should always be with a happy face and some singing (made up songs optional). Nothing incurred wrath more strongly than if you worked with Thor and made a big deal about it.
As the kids grew up the duty to serve others also grew. There were ample opportunities and sometimes the choices for service, whether community or otherwise, were overwhelming. Sometimes it would be easy. Collect unused books for the boys' home in town. Pack last year's back pack with grooming items and a sweat suit, a blanket, sox and a pair of shoes for the shelter. Clear out the old toys for to make room for new ones by donating them to the D.I..
When the choices became too varied we would have to work our way backwards. If #1 was into the outdoors, then we took that talent or interest and tried to find way that he could serve outdoors. Helping someone landscape, building a community park, cleaning the highway, being the moving guy, etc. #2 was into sports so he could volunteer at the community center, show little kids how to obtain a certain skill, painting and detail work was also a good service for him,#3 was patient and understanding so serving in medical facilities and shelters was perfect for her. #4 was nicknamed "Superman" very early on because he wanted to save someone every day. While still a cub scout he took to heart the pledge to do a good turn daily and made it a goal to never let a day go by without helping someone. He would come home with stories of this guy or that gal who needed some physical help or car fixing. He managed to be home late most every day and to most of his dates. His wife says he still (on occasion) shows up to church 20 minutes late with greasy fingers from changing a tire or fixing a belt. #5 worked performing for the elderly on a regular basis and also within the shelters.
Some charities require volunteers to have specific training, tools, skills, and committed schedules of service. Some require spur of the moment commitments while others allow you to drop in. Some invite you to serve from your home, but using your personal equipment, computers, phone and utilities, etc. Some just want your money, others want the use of your vehicle, others want your confidentiality and a contract before you can volunteer. There are age limits, gender limits and with some, a background search with fingerprinting, vaccinations, waivers, etc.
The key to voluntarism is that we understand our limits. It is hard to commit to a time schedule when it is something we dislike or can't handle. Emotions can run deep in some circumstances and trigger past hurts or joys which should be considered. If we have been in a specific situation (past or present) it can both help and hinder our effectiveness within a given organization. If we find that we have chosen the wrong place, explain it as soon as possible to the supervisor and find another place/area to serve.
The main thing is to have fun and like Thor recommends serve with that happy face and a song.
Now I just need that ticket to Paris...
Mark at Mo'Boy Blog had this quiz and suggested his readers take it. The following is my result.
You scored as Art.
You should be an Art major! How bohemian!
Somehow I thought the math scores would be at the bottom. I have thought about Anthropology, but then I thought again. Engineering, English, Chemistry, and Biology were never even on my radar screen, which eludes to something...You can also find out if you took the correct major in college or if your passion has somehow been misdirected by clicking on the link below! |
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
a day at the dental spa...
So here it is. I have been sketchy at best for the last few weeks, particularly at reading blogs and writing in this one. As I read them I am seeing a trend, a theme perhaps...The resolutions, goals, or even reviews of the past year.
I am almost two weeks into 2006 and my house is still filled to the brim with Christmas. I have managed to take down the Christmas stockings and pack up my nested boxes, but that's as far as it went. The Bishop came over to my house the other night (to discuss all the mess in our ward and also the deaths, etc.) and as he was leaving pulled me aside and complemented me on the decorations at the church, mainly the tree in the foyer. I had to correct him, telling him that because of the other conflicts I had to delegate that usual assignment to Sister F., who did indeed do a fine job. He looked me straight in the eye and said, I noticed the difference in the style, I was eluding to the fact that you need to take it down or make that assignment also. Ugh.
Along side of the ill cleaning and packing, I have had a few surprises that have taken my attention and time away, and some appointments that I knew about that did the same. I will be lucky if I get that tree and other decorations put away by next Sunday, but it will get done - somehow.
One appointment that I had this week was yesterday, and it was one I have looked forward to for quite some time. I got to be my daughter's patient. Thor and I went down to her school and checked in to see her and after a few minutes she came out in her lab coat and scrubs and asked for Thor. She looked so cute, um, professional. It was soon my turn and she did a great job. She had to do all the regular prep/assessments that dental hygienist's do.
After the exam #3 pronounced, "Mom! You have a very nice mouth!" (I was pleased) and then she quickly giggled and said, "I bet you don't hear that everyday!" ( I am sure she meant it as -"that's a weird compliment" - but I know there is a "My mom has a potty mouth" slam in there somewhere) I was both pleased and shamed! She later said she didn't remember saying that, but she was laughing pretty hard when I was retelling the story to Thor. hmmmm.
Evidently I also take pain better than Thor in her eyes as she gave me the harder assignment of getting "x-rays no modern dental office would ever use, but we have to learn how to take them anyway." I guess modern technology has eliminated this particular procedure and the pain that goes with it. However, as she was pulling the rather large plastic covered film from my mouth I sprayed her like an anemone being poked on a sunny day. "Wow Mom! You have a great 'whatever the anatomically correct name is for that squishy thing under your tongue that squirts when you open your mouth too wide- I mean really- WOW!" (I hate it that my kids know the name of that thing and I don't and that the squirty action has a name as well - gleek or something like that. e-gads I'm dumb!)
One problem, I have very low blood pressure. In the doctor's offices I have been to all my life no one has ever gotten a good reading on it the first time out. Never once has an automated machine been able to get it. So, for s'mee, it always goes like this:
S'mee: I have low BP, so you may need to take it manually.
Nurse: This will get it, don't worry.
Machine then pumps the living day-lights out of my ample arm while pinching my delicate and oh so sensitive skin. Eventually it begins to slowly release air and tries to make a reading. This is repeated at least twice, but more than likely three times before the nurse finally realizes "This stupid machine isn't working today!" Frustrated she grabs the manual cuff and again, pumps it up so high and so hard I wince which is always followed by a "UM, yeah right! NO one your size can have low blood pressure and so I HAVE to pump it up into atmosphere so I can get it to read your HIGH BP numbers" face.
Nurse: I don't know why this isn't working either. Let's try it like this.
S'mee: If you put the cuff here (adjusting) and the stethoscope here (adjusting) ... pump it about half as much as you do. You can look at the meter and it will begin to twitch slightly and then stop and I will signal you when I feel it begin and end.
Nurse glaring and re-adjusting back to her postitioning: This is the correct position and REALLY, I know what I am doing.
Now we go through her way at least once more and frustrated she goes to the chart and tries to find out what my BP has been in the past. As she walks to the chart I say: it's usually right around 75 over 50, or 80 over 55 if I am stressed. I have some days when it is 70 over 40..." When the nurse will always remark, "You'd be in serious trouble if.... oh, um...(reading reading)..Let's try this one more time.
Finally they get a reading and yes it is usually about 75 over 50.
Yesterday my daughter had the opportunity to try and find the BP. She actually listened to what I said, placed the instruments where I said they would be more successful, and tried. She tried twice and then said. "You DO have a low pressure mom, I can't hear it at all. So I am going to let the nurse on duty give it a try. I can see it wiggle, but I am not sure I would be too accurate." The nurse comes over and she explains that I have very low BP -especially for someone my size- and that she needs more information on how to hear it. The nurse tries and she looks and me and says: "You have very low pressure, you sure you're alive? haha! Well, I am going to try and grab the doc, she'll find it." The doctor comes over and she tries -twice- before she gets a reading and asks, "Are you one medication?" "No, nothing but a vitamin and I just started those yesterday." "Wow, you've got low pressure!" At that point my daughter replies, "She's very relaxed."
All in all the reading was 78 over 58 and I guess the pulse reading was also very low. Yeah, I'm relaxed. Being in a dental chair was the most relaxing part of all last week. How many of us can ever say that?
Saturday, January 07, 2006
A Good Man
Today was Chris' funeral. He was only 22 years old but had a great impact on a great many people. The chapel was filled to overflowing with friends and family who came to hear the message of the young man's life.
A theme throughout the service was how generous and sweet this shy hulky man was. His smile and big bear hugs were famous, as was the 32 ounce cup of the soda of the day. This is a man who walked away from gossip, clung to truth and learning; and had a habit of finding ways to give away money, rides, service and even his clothes when needed. If a stranger needed something, he found a way to give it. He was a defender of young women and pretty much anyone or anything weaker than himself. He had a reputation of seeing good in everyone and his Patriarchal Blessing was quoted, stating his "divine gift for loving the unloveable."
Folks who knew him well wondered what he would think of all the fuss and all the crying at his funeral. Then almost as if he answered each of us, we understood, that Chris would have looked at us with that shy smile and said, "hey, whatever you guys need to get through this is o.k. by me. Just don't get too ridiculous." Whatever it took to make others more comfortable than himself.
He served an honourable but shortened mission. One to always be physically active, he was on a service project when he injured his back. He was sent home in hopes of a short recovery and then back to serving more. After two surgeries he was in so much pain and difficulty, permanently disable to the point of not being able to sit, stand or sleep for more than three hour increments. His life had gone from one of extreme physicality to one of constant monitoring, therapy and pain. Through it all he persevered and tried to see what positives he could in life.
Chris passed away on New Year's Day from an enlarged heart, caused by meds and other complications. In a way we all knew his heart was larger than most. It seemed a conclusion this was Heavenly Father's way of letting us all know it was o.k. and it was his time. He always was searching for more truth and deep understanding of the Gospel. He wanted to know the answers to the hard questions and more than anything he wanted to return to his mission. Heavenly Father allowed Chris the opportunity to relieve his body of pain, find out the answers to his questions from those who have gone on before, and to serve on a new mission where enlightened Gospel truths now are more fully understood.
Chris was laid to rest under an olive tree and near the boulders he loved to climb. The sun was bright and the sky was clear. It was appropriate for this young man who was so dear to us all.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
He walks the line...
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