As October Comes to An End...

Sunday morning found me going to yet another church in the area.  This time I tried in the other town near me.  I figure I need one in each town, depending on what my plans are for the day.  In one direction if I am going to visit my son also, and the other direction for a quick trip and home for a nap.

This was a bigger church, with two services, lots of classes and it all felt very familiar.  I liked the pastor and the music.  I went to the earlier service and to an adult Sunday school class for the second session.   We'll see how it all goes.

Came home for a nap, then joined the Family for a celebration of MA's birthday :)  Nice to meet more family members and enjoyed watching the dynamics and the fun :)  MA liked my gift...

pic here

Afterwards I went into the craft shop and watched National Geographic's presentation of American Blackout.  A docu-drama of various people's experience if there should be a cyber attack on the nation's electrical grid.  Very interesting.

* * *

Monday I headed into town for my new address!  Got a post box because I just feel better about dealing with it all myself than having my New Family have to dig through my jazz.  Yay Me !  I also picked up the paperwork I needed for my passport now that I had an address.

I also was trying to find my bank, and first went to one town because Yelp told me there was one there, but there wasn't... then went to another, and I found a branch there.  It was a pretty drive through the countryside anyways.  I figured if I was out this far, I may as well get a geocache... so I did.  Santiam Bluffs.  My phone GPS is garbage and never is able to figure out where I am for me to find a cache with it, but luckily I had my Magellan in the van so was able to put in the coordinates.  Pretty spot.

I ended up heading back into town, taking a nap by the Goodwill store, picked up a few items at Safeway, checked out the Grocery Outlet store, and stopped to do my clothes at a laundry mat before heading home.

Fun day!


* * *

Today I was back at the post office to send off my passport renewal, and turn in forwarding mail notices.  The weather was so autumn-y... warm, sunshine-y and clear, pretty leaves in the trees.

I went to the Carnegie Library in the Historic district of Albany to see this display that was featured in the local paper about two weeks ago...  dead squirrels.  lol

Totally whimsical creations by a taxidermist who truly loves her subjects...

So as a friend of mine on FB commented, "Ok cute but kind of weird."

For sure I'm going to think it's great, because it is out of the ordinary right?  Right!  :)  The reflection on the glass was difficult to shoot around, but I hope you can see them well enough.

When I leave my little home, I can't help but spend money, so I stopped for some lunch at a Mexican place.  Chips and salsa for one, por favor!

I also visited the Albany Carousel and Museum, right next to the Post Office.  This project has been 10 years in the making so far.  An awesome endeavor, and such beautiful creations...

Not all the pictures I shot actually took, but all of the animals are in various stages of completion. After being primerd, and reworked if necessary, they are painted using the stipple technique so there are no brush strokes at all.  When all the shading is completed, they are covered with a car lacquer finish.  The man said they still will fade a bit.  They need volunteers to sand, etc., so I may find some time to spend there :)

* * *

Wednesday I ended up staying hidden all day.  I am having issues with the toilet, and issues with the hot water tank.  I just did not want to get myself ready to face the world.  I worked on two very important emails.  One to someone who needs to find Jesus, and one to the Women's Ministries Pastor at Albany A/G asking for a scholarship for the Joy-Fest coming up in November.

Pastor Cheryl called me back right away and said to stop by and turn in the paperwork.  They would be happy to have me tag along.  We spent a few minutes talking, and I felt so welcomed.  So I am totally jazzed to be going on a retreat... I so need to be filled.  I am really looking forward to being in fellowship with other like-minded ladies :)

Watched some Castle episodes, ate some sardines... life is good :)

Oh, and BIG NEWS...  B. got his approval for the Resident's VISA for Sweden!!  This starts the ball rolling for his departure.  Z. just wants him over there as soon as he can get there, so he will work a few more weeks, join us for our Thanksgiving/Christmas Extravaganza, do some visiting, then get things in order for Samson to go with, and head out.  He now wants to get there about the second week of December, in time for celebration of an anniversary they have together.  Wow, can't believe my son is going to be so far away for such a long time... like forever.



:)

Visitors...

Today I had my first visitors...

G. and E. came over for a quick visit, and met my New Family.  Showed them my little house, and I gave them the bracelets I made them :)

They had a Halloween party to get to, and later texted this pic to me...  Mickey and Minnie !!

(and I noticed G. was still wearing my bracelet... awwwww  <3 )

:)

Things Happen...

Well, there isn't something spectacular happening each day of my life, but I want to keep a journal of things.

Monday - Had an enlightening conversation with my New Family and I need to just relax a bit more.  I spent the better part of the day doing the dishes in the motor home and getting more things gone through.

Tuesday - Went over to the business side of things and spent three and half hours setting up some filing drawers.  That gave me a sense of accomplishment.  The afternoon was warm, so I decided to check out my surroundings by going in the opposite direction to another nearby town... and I found out I live just 4 miles from a Mall !!  This is an amazing and joyous thing!

So I checked out the stores and looked at some shoes...

but I got these ones...  G. said I could "pull them off!"...

And because there is always room for "one more pair"...  I got these too!

Damn!  I should have been born rich!!

I also got a birthday present for MA... something I would love to have for myself, and some bracelet crafty things that I was thinking would be fun for Christmas presents, but then have thought they would be more fun to have the girls make them themselves... so we will probably do that :)

I made one for G. ....

and one for E., his girlfriend...

and one for me ....

Simple minded fun.  This is what makes me happy and gives me joy, and why I love my life so much!  When we were at the beach on Sunday, I was hopping around in the water, thinking this was probably the way ME would do it, at 2 years old.  What carefree joy little kids have...  we need a touch of that in our lives also, at any age.

I got some frustrating financial news this evening online, but you know, it's only money, and I am not going to let it get me down.  Life is too precious to be wasted worrying about that stuff!


:/
 

Sunday...

On Sunday I headed into town to check out another church.  The music was just ok, and I was really missing my church at home, and because I have felt a little off the last few days, I realized that the enemy was toying with me and trying to discourage me.  When the pastor spoke he shared some great things and he was so excited and on fire for the Lord and the Good News... it was just what I needed to hear... and I was again reminded to Stand Firm as I feel the Lord told me a few months ago, because I know He brought me to this place.

I will be returning to this church again.

Since I didn't know how to get to the church, I ended up going through Avery Park.  I had been there before, but didn't realize there was a rose garden.  On the way home, I went the same way, and stopped to take some pictures... cannot wait to see this garden in the spring.  I always thought it would be nice to have a rose garden some day.  And these trees are amazingly huge!!  There is so much to discover in this area.

 

I joined my son and his girlfriend for some food at the Panera Bread and I realized, Autumn has arrived.

I took a little time to reflect about the seasons... how I started out my journey in May, from right here.  I went places and saw things and met people... I lost someone dear, and learned appreciation for her, I cultivated a deeper friendship with someone else... I endured the heat of Arizona, I helped people, and my relationship with the Lord became more trustful. He has been with me each step of the way, and He has taken care of me.  Now here it as Autumn already, and a new chapter is beginning.  I guess each year is this way, but because I have been journaling, it hasn't just passed without my knowing where it went.

I really do love my life and am so happy in it :)

After that, my son and I took a drive to Newport.  The trees are changing colors, and there were some awesome barns along the way.  I enjoyed our friendship and conversation very much and am glad to be closer to both my boys, although my other is still 6 hours away... but that is better than 12!!  We walked on the beach and flew my kite :)  The winds were not too strong, but they were for his kites so we just flew mine.

It made Elsie happy (my kite somehow got named this past month) and me happy, and G. happy.  We hopped around in the water a bit too...  Can't drive all the way to the beach and not put your feet in the water, right?  It was sunny and cool because of the breeze... just a fun day to enjoy and remember.

We hit Walmart for a couple of items, and then we went to Mo's for some clam chowder.  He had fish n chips and I had fish tacos as well.

The drive home was really nice, and I did a little grocery shopping at Winco and Trader Joes's.  OMGosh... I live near a Trader Joe's... how fab is that!?  Got some yummy goodies.  The Mediterranean Diet says you can drink 5oz of red wine, so I am trying a blend.  I got Apple Cinnamon Goat Cheese and Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Tea and some black and green olive hummus :)

Life is good.  God is good.  Thank you for coming along on the adventure!

:)

In My Backyard...

I hate to think that my days are becoming routine, but they sorta are.  I am still loving my life though.  I am learning so many things about foods and eating healthier, enjoying the company of My New Family, realizing I need to find a really good church and get into a really good Bible study, and pray more!  Missing my mom because I don't have that many really close people I can share with in my life.

This evening, Wednesday, I met my college son in town and we went to an Indian restaurant together.  The food was fabulous.  For someone who has lived for the past 10 years in a town that is 100 miles away from the nearest Walmart or a McDonald's... and there are some people who can't believe there IS such a place... being able to drive 10 miles into a college town that has at least one of every restaurant you have ever heard of and at least one of every store you have ever shopped at or hoped to shop at... it is all pretty mind blowing!

On Sunday I found Baja Fresh, tonight was Indian, next week we hope to hit up a Sushi place.  Life is grand... and it proves that adventure can be found in your own backyard!  I hope to eat at a different place each time I go out... there are so many choices, why eat at the same ones all the time?  I have also pretty much made up my mind to give up on fast food burger joints altogether as well.

I went to a church that I thought had a Wednesday night service but it is only a Bible study and the guy leading it sounded pretty tired.  Not sure if I am planning to return.  Am going to ask my friend what the organization is that put her Bible study together.  I know it's a national program because I have participated in it before, and will check their website for a church in the area that is participating.  That might be the best way to find a church.

Spent the day with the ladies in the craft shop working on our fairy houses.  I love the ideas they come up with, and how their handiwork is the most amazing work of art in their eyes.  I told Mama New that I am the one having the most fun working on our houses for sure, but she said she begged to differ.  lol  They spent the evening out to shop for a couch... am anxious to hear what they found.

Also am wishing my Facebook friend, L. the best on her new grand adventure of moving into a van.  She made a proclamation that she would be out of her living space within 24 hours.  I told her to call me any time if she found herself wondering what in the h*ll she was doing! even if it was in the middle of the night.

Well, I should head off to sleep for now...  Sweet Dreams...

* * *

Tirzah must have found her place because she looks exactly like this right now again.  :)  My Sweet Little Girl

Spent yesterday by myself while the Family had other family visiting.  I didn't want to get in the way.  Did some puttering around in the motor home, and enjoyed eating healthy.  Place still looks a little crazy though because I brought a lot of food with me from my cupboards when I moved out.  Considering how much I really eat, it could last for months!

Today, I went over and met the sis-in-law and then the Family did school and went out shopping.  I was kinda left on my own.  I think Papa New is planning to set up a schedule and that would make things a lot easier and less stressful.

I got some more things into the motor home, and other than that, I check out FB, play games, catch up on my blog, watch some TV on the computer and I started reading a new book.

I checked out the bible study and the closest one is about 30 miles away.  Rats.  Also looked up a different church to try on Sunday morning, and have made plans to head to the coast, since it might be sunny, to fly my kite.  Probably eat at Mo's, the clam chowder place.

I need to start looking for work, so maybe on Monday morning, I will head out to get a post box and scope out the other town near me.

* * *

Made some soup tonight:

Tomato Potato Cod Chowder (makes about 3 bowls)

One small or half of a large sweet onion, diced, sauteed in the bottom of a 4 qt sauce pan with olive oil. Add 1 can of Campbell's Tomato Soup, and one and a 1/4 cans of milk. Keep this on low heat and stir fairly often. Add half a carrot, shredded, and half a stick of celery, sliced thin... for color and fiber. Dice one medium sized white or yukon gold potato and add. S&P to taste. When potatoes are about half done, add 1/3 lb wild pacific cod, cut into bite sized pieces. Cook on a little higher heat, stirring often, until potatoes are soft, and fish is cooked through - it doesn't look see-through anymore. Remove from heat and add 1 to 3 tablespoons of brown sugar for a slightly sweet taste.  Serve with a crusty bread. Enjoy!

* * *

Saturday I discovered both Nascar and the OSU game were on television so I turned on the heat in the craft shop and watched sports.  I also spent the time working on my house...

A friend asked why I was doing this project, and really, it is just for fun.  When I am working with the girls, we come up with ideas together, and that's what it is really about, getting them to think creatively.  But I am so having a good time.  I made doll houses out of cardboard boxes when I was way little... I don't any pictures of them, but I can still remember them fairly well.  I must be going through a season of trying to relive my childhood!  lol

:)

"Excuse me ma'am, Hawaii is calling... "

I can't help it... my birthday is around the corner and Hawaii is calling!  For $900 I could fly, sleep and drive around Oahu for 8 days.  Gosh, it is so tempting!!  Spend time with my friend, snorkel, eat poke !!!  I hate not having the money to do it!

Next year for sure!

:)

A New Routine...

No reflection on my own family, but My New Family is wonderful and I like them all very much!  I mean really, who couldn't fall in love with these cuties!?

I have a wonderful motor home to live in, and chickens and cows and a goat, and lots of barn kitties!  Three dogs, two garden spaces, grapes and blackberries, fruit trees and a crafts shop area!  And I am all protected behind locked gates.

I spent my first day with them cutting out circles to create a paper Othello game, and taught my two oldest girls how to play.  They caught on fairly quickly and I think they like it.  They also showed me around the barn.

* * *

The second day I went over and we talked about making Fairy Houses.  We walked around the back yard also. I had them draw pictures and they made some Shrinky Dink pieces.  This will be an ongoing process, but Dad is all into it as well so will be a big help.  Tomorrow I will be shopping for some solar driveway lights and some Femo clay, as well as checking out the Dollar store.  I am all excited about making some miniature scenes in the houses.  I did a load of my own laundry as well.

* * *

Sundays - I plan to make this a day for myself, getting out for church and some shopping.  Maybe catch a lunch at a new place.

* * *

I enjoyed the service at Corvallis Foursquare.  New pastor, small congregation, but nice people :)  I did way too much shopping, but came home with crafting clay, handmade soap, dollar store treasures and lots of fresh foods to make green drinks with!  I also got blisters on my heels from my new shoes... boo-hoo.

Didn't manage to catch up with my son for lunch, but I discovered a Baja Fresh!  I think this college town has at least one of everything on the planet!  And BF is one of my favorites! This is the Baja Bowl with fish and shrimp...

And at the Dollar Store I got one of these!  Haven't had one in like, forever...

* * *

On Monday I explained to the ladies about making promises and that plans can change.  This is one of those tricky things that perhaps other parents have explained differently, so it was a good thing that Mom was there to clarify. We were both on the same page though. I explained that I felt that making outdoor houses might be a bit of a grandiose idea, and I thought that for now, it might be more fun to make indoor houses.  MA, the oldest, agreed that it would be better, so we sat down to work on making some little books.  MM made a couple also.  ME is too little so she was just her 2yo self.  We had a lot of time to talk and share and it was a lot of fun.

* * *

Tuesday Dad was still not feeling very well, and Mom went to the grocery store to get fixings for a hardy chicken soup.  I helped ME with her math, and got MA to practice her piano (teacher comes tomorrow) and then we got to go into the craft shop and work on our houses.  I found some post office priority mailing boxes in the biz shop, and we are each making our own little houses.

I am still in a bit of a quandary as to what I am doing here, but I think my spending time with the two older girls gives Mom some time with the little one, and yesterday and today, some time with tending Dad.  He hardly ever gets sick, so she thinks it might be a bit of food poisoning from touching chicken packaging and not a virus because no one else is getting anything bad.

I made a green drink for the morning:  kale, carrot, banana, an orange, banana Greek yogurt and some water.  It was way good!  Hummus and mushrooms on rice cakes for dinner, some tea, and finished the opened yogurt. Fairly light, and if I continue, I could lose some decent weight over the winter.

:)