Living an involuntary hermit's life. Working towards living a healthier, gluten-free, hopefully cancer free life with my 2 dogs, 3 chickens and loving family.



Living with intention

When stumbling through life isn't good enough anymore..... decide to be yourself and enjoy life, and pay attention to Gods gifts all around.
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Days of Our Lives

Waking up this morning, I had hopes that the rain would stop.  I hoped the down pour that even was unusual for Oregon would just stop suddenly and the heavens would open up to show a beautiful sky like we have had every year in recent memory for the Purdy picnic.  But rain it kept a coming.  I got over to David's about 45 minutes before the picnic was to start.  What to do about Sammy?  Who is Sammy?


Well my brother who is the biggest fan of Days of Our Lives named his basset hound Sammy, after Sammy Brady, Horton, Black, Demera or some new name I am sure she has this week.


And like the Sammy of Days, Dave's Sammy wants to behave, she tries to behave, but any hound dog will tell you, you can not stop a nose.  A nose by any other name is still a freaking nose.


But I tried.  I decided I would be on Sammy patrol.  I just looked away for a moment.  But down came my casserole dish lid crashing and shattering on the floor.  Well Kris and I cleaned it up. 

Slowly, everyone arrived.  I took a picture or two of people gathered around.


This is my Great Nephew Gaij.  In his spiffy Mohawk.  He is the sweetest young man around.


And low and behold, the weather started cooperating.  Unfortunately, my digestion did not.  Luckily Karen's house is next door for me to hold out and hope things will improve. 

David's house is on the right, Karen's on the left.

Meanwhile, LL took over the camera a took a few more shots of family.





Sadly, things did not improve for me and shortly after LL took this shot of Kane, Me, and Katie, I was off to go home to  the comforts of my private hermitage.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Adolph and Amelia Staab Family Picnic

When I was young, we did not get together with the Staab side of the family as often as the Purdy side.  But I did see my Aunt Regina, Aunt Roselle sp?, and Uncle Mel and their families alot.  I remember when I was about 6 yrs old going clam digging with Uncle Mel's family and he taking his "Hot Rod" car which is what I thought it was at the time, on the beach, with me in the back seat between my two cousins, and Uncle Mel doing cookies very fast in the sand.  I peed my pants.  I was scared, but I remember he laughing as only a young man having fun could.  Well we got together today not only for a Staab picnic, but also to celebrate my Uncle Mel's 81st birthday.


His two daughters Stephanie and Shannon were the starters for this celebration.  They did most of the planning and provided most of the meat, including fresh oysters which I ate more than my share of.

Then there is my Uncle Marcel.  My heart melts when I am around Uncle Marr, because he not only looks alot like my dad, he sounds like him, and his mannerisms are just like my dad's.  I must admit, the first half hour after he arrived, I stalked him a bit for more hugs, because he hugs just like my dad.  Oh Joy!  I love these men.  My dad considered these two brothers as his best friends, just like my sisters are mine.


Uncle Marcel had three of his nieces who happen to also be his Goddaughters at the picnic, and they all were sure they were his favorite.  Molly, Shannon, and Kris.

Here is a Motley Crew that some you might recognize.


Here is Bailey getting one of those precious hugs from Uncle Marcel
Here is the first generation of the picnic.  All are in their 80's.
Aunt Harriet, Uncle Marcel, Uncle Mel, in back Uncle Carl and my Mom Evelyn.


My mom and her two buddies, Kara and Bailey.  These two granddaughters think the sun rises and sets with their grandma.  They adore her.


And here most of us are.  Oh there are a few missing.  Some from Kansas, many who had to work and some who left us too soon from this world.  But four generations of Staabs.  What a wonderful day.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Week 27, 2011

Happy Belated Independence Day!  I took a week off from the computer.  Not just this blog.  No Facebook, No e-mail, etc.  No reason in particular.  Just didn't feel like spending time in front of my laptop.  But we went camping Friday and Max didn't take a break.  Even camping he likes writing on his laptop.


Rufus did well camping.  Must say his favorite part of camping is his walks, and he had be dragging behind him.  I guess he was walking me.


Mom, Karen, John, David, Kris, Steve, Rett, and my kids came up on Saturday.  We had dinner and then went and played bingo with several hundred other campers.  We did not win anything:(  But it was fun.


My Kids stayed overnight and we had a good time around the campfire.


The next morning, after breakfast, everyone but me went to the river and some even got in to swim.  When they got back, we packed up and got home late afternoon.

The next day was the 4th and we went to Kris's for breakfast, watched the parade in Mt. Angel and the swam and had a barbecue at Davids and Karen's houses.

Tuesday, LL is on vacation all this week.  So he took my mom to the casino while I had my friends over for coffee.

Today, Wednesday-Not sure what we might be up to today.  Last night we clipped the chickens wings cuz they keep getting out of our yard.  I noticed then how bad the nests are, so I will probably clean them and get rid of the weeds in the garden.

Thursday, LL and I might go up to our campsite overnight.

Friday, come back because Saturday is the Staab picnic at my brother David's house.  It has been years since we got together with this side of my family, so it will be fun seeing everyone.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Week 26, 2011

We had a great weekend at the campsite.  I will post some pictures in next post. 

This week I need to wash the towels and clothes from this last weekend and pack them up for this next weekend.  I also need to get more organized and make sure I pack well for this holiday weekend.  As we have been running low or running out of quite a few things in our RV.  So along with getting ready for the weekend, I have a few commitments for the week.

Today, Monday-LL and I have a meeting for Max at 4:00.  This is about his work and it is time to make some changes.  4:00 is a very tricky time for my "digestion" so I will go early and wait at Mom's. (she lives just around the corner) and make sure I'll be safe before going to the meeting.  If not, I hope LL is not late.

Tuesday-Meeting friends for a visit

Friday-First thing in the morning I have a meeting for my sister Kathy.  Then I will finish getting ready to go to the camp site.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Blooming Kinda Day

Hope any mothers reading this had a good Mother's Day yesterday.  My day was how I like it.  Layed back, slow pace, kids at my beck and call:).

Bailey gave me a sweet trio-vased flowers.


LL gave me beautiful roses.  Very unusual color.


We all end up at Mom's house.


Last year we all visited outside for Mother's day.  This year the weather was nasty, so I am glad Mom's living room is large.


Kane cut some lilacs from my tree and he and I made several bouquets.  We took a couple over to the St. Louis Cemetary, where LL's parents are buried.



The weather was grey and threatening, so we did not stay long, but I wanted one more picture of cherry blossoms.  I know they wont be around much longer.


It was a nice day.  Bailey's friends worked on this computer last night and it is working much better.  So, hopefully I will be back to blogging regularly.  They did a great job and our computer is working great.  Uploading my pictures are still taking forever, but that is more of a internet connection issue that we still need to fix.  I think I am going to owe a couple of Bailey's friends Lots and Lots of pizza:)

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter and Happy Birthday to my cousin Harry!

LL and I started an early weekend.  We got over to our camping spot around 11:00 on Friday and LL went straight to work.   R. the owner was true to his word and spread gravel on our driveway and left a pile for LL to spread.


LL then started in on the second tent site.


After he got done with his work.  No, I was not lazy while he was doing this.  Just not interesting.  We decided to go for a walk to find the closest access to the river.


We were very happy to find it was not that far.


I forgot to take pictures of the site after our efforts were done.  But LL got the driveway graveled.  The campsite cleared.  Rocks bordering.  Pavers for a landing outside of Marlins door.  and lots of other little things.

We got home around 3:00 on Saturday afternoon to get cleaned up and ready for Easter.
We went to Kris's house this morning and had a wonderful breakfast.
Well they don't look happy, but they were!
Kris is always the best hostess.  I know for a fact, even a simple breakfast takes work and she is always relaxed and welcoming

Kris and Steve


Karen and John


We had eggs, bacon, ham, toast, fruit, french toast, maple bars, champagne, juice and coffee.  What more do you need?
Kane after having plenty to eat.

Max had a good time cuz he had his maple bars and chocolate milk.


I frankly don't know why LL was so goofy.  Guess it is just in his DNA.


After we left Kris's, LL, Kane and Rett decided to have fun Jamming.  Three very talented men.  LL on lead guitar, Rett on Bass, and Kane on drums, and they all three play all of those instruments and more.  They could of done a round robin game on instruments.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Week 7, 2011

Good Morning.  I did not blog much last week.  I realise I did not post any pictures of our trip to Seaside.  This is the view we had outside our rooms.


As I said before, the accommodations were wonderful.  They are really apartments and easy to make yourself at home.  As you can see by Kris laying on the couch.


The day after we got back, Kris and I went to a meeting about my sister Kathy and what to do about the budget cuts.  Although we did not feel good about what is up ahead for Kathy and our appeal was officially denied, there is a meeting on Wednesday between the county and state agencies looking at Kathy's unique situation and there is small hope that exceptions will be made once they take into account her complex physical and mental needs.  Kris and I are not a part of this meeting.  It's just the two agencies hashing out the details we already gave them.  Say a prayer for Kathy please.

Friday afternoon, Karen, Mom, LL and I went to the Spirit Mountain casino.  Mom and Karen had tickets to see Engelbert Humperdink. OK I have no idea how to spell his name, and I don't even want to look it up.  Karen had an extra ticket so I went too.  He actually still sounds really good.  About 45 minutes into the show, I started having "issues" so I went to our room but gave my ticket stub to LL.  So he saw the second half of the show.  I gambled early the next morning.  Broke even which in my world is a win.  Luckily my issues were not so bad during this trip.  We got back Saturday afternoon.  That evening, LL and I went to Mom's and along with Steve, Kris, Kara and Mom, watched a documentary that featured one of my brother-in-law relative.  The movie is about the Oregon Reserves in Afghanistan.  It was fascinating.  No matter any one's opinion about the war in general, a person can not deny the bravery and heroism of these soldiers in this movie.  It reminds me to make sure next time I see someone that served or is currently serving, to thank them.  I had Mom record another documentary on Afghanistan that was on HBO last week.  I have not watched it yet.  My nephew and Godson who has served two tours in Iraq and has a purple heart will be going to Afghanistan soon so I want to see and try to understand a little of what he will be going through.

Yesterday, I felt good.  My digestion did not get in the way of me being active, so I REALLY cleaned my kitchen, rode my bike to the grocery store, heading back home, my chain broke and LL had to come rescue me.  I made two spaghetti sauces, (one meat and one vegetarian).  Went outside to spend quality time with the girls. 
Boy they are sure fattening up.  I know for sure Harriet is laying but the other two might become some one's stew soon.  No, I am not kidding.

And look at the day.  It clouded over a bit later but most the day, the sky was as blue as ever.

Since today is the start of week 8, 2011, I will try to get another post in about the upcoming week.  Thought this post was already long enough.  Have a great day.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Nothing Says Lovin Like???

LL and I were at the beach on Monday.  Sunday night, I went to sleep early so I didn't see that they all watched one of those crime shows about a wife poisoning her husband.  "It smelled like almonds, almonds were the first clue".  Well, when I got up and I vaguely heard Kris and LL talking about almonds, it reminded me of something I bought LL for Valentines day.  So I go and get the bag of sugar free, milk chocolate covered almonds and handed it to him.  Oh the howling coming out of Kris's and LL's mouths.  I guess he thought it might be his last day on earth. But still, I gave him a gift.  I resisted extending my arms out to receive my chocolates, flowers or what ever else I was sure awaiting me for Valentines day.  Nothing came my way.   After that, LL and Steve left us to go home.  That evening, LL called to say he made it home and that my Valentines gift was delivered and he was installing it.  I asked what?  He said something like this. "Honey, nothing says lovin like...............(wait for it)................(wait for it!)............. a clean butt.  Happy Valentines day, you have a bidet."   
Now for most women, this would be a huge insult.  But for someone like me, who's bottom goes through more torture than the average lady, I was tickled. (More ways than one).

So for this Rectal Cancer Survivor, I am proud to say I am the owner of a Blue Bidet.  Yes!  Yes I am that warped and happy.

Thank you my love for about the best Valentine gift anyone ever received. 
You really have to live with me to understand.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Lucy and Ethel are back....along with Mrs. McGillicuty

Ok, I have to admit, for a year, I have been looking for an excuse to put the song Funeral For A Friend by Elton John on my blog.  But when talking about a real funeral, it just seems inappropriate.  But because of the wind at the beginning of the song, I felt, for this post, the time was right to play it.  It is a long one so it will be on for a couple days.  But since it it a great song, I hope no one minds.  And now, the first post about my fun but as usual, not normal weekend....

Had a great few days at Seaside.  LL and I met Mom, Kris and Steve around 12:00 on Sunday, and we caravaned to Seaside.  The accommodations were excellent as usual.  While there, the weather was pretty stormy.  LL and Steve left around noon the next day.  So then it became three women who might have one brain between them.  Let me give you an example.

Monday, around 5:00, we decided to go for a nice Valentine dinner.  We had coupons to two different restaurants and thought we would decide which restaurant we would eat at depending on the weather, since we were walking.  Kris and I had ate at one of the restaurants before and knew it was good, but the other one that was a little farther sounded excellent and was recommended to us.  Since we had a 20% off coupon, we thought it would be nice to try something new.  So we walked a block and thought, "the weather is not so bad", so we turned the corner and continued to the new restaurant.  Keep in mind my mother is 80 yrs old and does not do well in the cold.  Well, we turned another corner and the wind hit.  It was cold.  "Do you want to keep going Mom?"  Of course, anyone that knows my mom knows she will push herself.  So we continue.  So we go a couple more blocks and I see the restaurant sign ahead.  I wish I had the writing capability to describe the whole walk.  It couldn't have been more than a half a mile or so but we were walking against a wind in a storm that I can not describe.  So we go up the stairs and into the restaurant......

The cute little restaurant waitress looked at us with a cute little smile and asked in a cute little way...."Do you have reservations?"  What!  I tell her I looked at their advertisements and no where did it say reservations required.  Not even recommended.  Well, Something about it being stupid valentines day.!!  I guess we should have called ahead.  Kris said, "do you have a bar we could have a drink and rest?"  Well, cutie putudie said "yes around the corner".  Well I knew mom could not make it to the next restaurant.  So being the upstanding wonderful person I am, I said, "I'll walk back,(In the hurricane!!) and get the car and pick you guys back up.  Kris give me mom's car keys".  She gave me the keys and I start my way back.  Do dodo do do.  *I am such a good person doing this for my mom and sis*.  I must admit here, if you didn't do all the backtracking we did to get to the restaurant, our hotel was not very far, but still, I treaded through the storm of the century to get back to the hotel.  I go up to the 5th floor where I was sure the car was parked. Walked around and thought ummmm not here.  So I go to the 3rd floor parking and low and behold, Mom's car waiting there for me to rescue Mom and Kris's butts.  So I take the keys out.  Must say, they looked a little strange, hit the unlock, hit it again.  Damn Damn Damn.  These are NOT my mom's keys.  What to do?  Well I thought I could call them on my cell phone and scream at them, but being the high minded person I am, I decided to try to find my mom's spare keys.  Knowing she is always prepared, (unlike two of her dim witted daughters).  So I go down to the room, (wasn't I smart to have the room key with me?) and I go into the room.  As I walk in, a phone is ringing, where is this phone and what stupid person did not take it with them?  I ask, feeling a bit superior at this time.  I look at who's calling and it says "Konnie's calling"......  I am?  How can that be?  I am here and I am not calling.  I answer "Hello".  I hear wheezing on the other end.  you know the sound, like somebody laughing so hard they can't get a word out.  I knew then it was Kris.  "What are you doing with my phone?"  She says "I don't know, I think mom picked it up, but it started ringing and after mom and I found it we started laughing because we thought somebody else was sooo rude having their cell ringing so long."  Oh isn't Kris cute.  Like the wretched waitress!  She says "we just wanted you to know they had a cancellation of a reservation,  so we can have dinner here at 6:00."  At this point I did not give a damn.  But I said "Oh good"  because I am a team player.  I then say "well I am in the room trying to find keys for the car".  Well the high and mighty Kris starts to say in her most supreme voice "I gave you the keys".  Well I let loose then.  "For A SUBARU!!".  Which is her car which is about 115 miles away.  Instantly she knows what she did and giggles like she is so cute.  That damn waitress's influence again.  "Oh, I guess I gave you the wrong keys".  Yes I guess you did.  So I find Mom's keys and drive to the restaurant.  Go to the bar.  Mom and Kris are still doubled over from laughing.  The bartender asked me what I wanted, I said,"Gin and Tonic, make it a good one, I deserve it!!"  He looked at me with pity.  After all, he had been dealing with Mom and Kris for the past half hour or so.  So we eventually have a lovely but expensive dinner.  They charged me for four Gin and tonics.  Although I admit I would have liked four of them, I had two, so we corrected that.

We had a great day afterwards but this morning, while getting ready to leave; and Mom, since you payed for our dinner, you might not find this funny...... but while emptying out her pockets, Kris found the coupon which was the reason we went to this expensive restaurant in the first place.  I can not believe we forgot to use the coupon, darn it!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

What a wonderful way to celebrate a man's life.  But who was St. Valentine.  Know one really knows.  He was a Roman priest who was martyred.  That is about it.  When looking him up on the Internet, I was looking forward to finding out about this Saint.  But unlike my favorite saint, little is known about Valentine.  Who is my favorite saint?  St. Francis.  I love him.  He was so human, with such a human background.  If he was alive today, doctors would put him on medication because he would be seen as a nut case.  I find him wonderful.  If ever I want to be inspired, I read about St. Francis.  I also read about someone I hope will become a saint in my lifetime.  Mother Teresa.  Both these people gave up everything to follow God.  They both served and dared to be seen as eccentric.  I pray one day to have even a moment of their bravery.  So Happy Valentine's day, what ever that really means, but wouldn't it be wonderful to have a huge holiday to honor Francis and Teresa.  Maybe someday.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Max's Bday

Max's bday cake was made by Karen's friend Anne.  a projector, camera and film. 

He loved it!

His Godparents that hosted the wonderful pizza party for him.
David and Karen

Pretty much all my siblings were there.
Here's Doug and Mom

His Aunt Carolyn

The guys setting up the DVD player to show Max's newest creation.  A western trailer

It was really good.  If you look close on the screen you will see Max with his cowboy hat.


And then it was time to open gifts.
.
A good time was had by all.  So next up is the game coming on soon