ain't for city gals

GRATEFUL...

2012-01-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

Maybe grateful should have been my word.

Or maybe it was my word for last year and I didn't know it.

I am so grateful for all my blogging friends who have been so kind and showed so much support through the last year.

I am grateful for the life I live.

That I have time to think about my dad.

Time to help my sisters help my mom on this next journey.

Just grateful.

We are doing good....really good.

But everything has a beginning and everything has an end.....or cycle anyway.

I think I am at the end of my blogging cycle.

I truly loved it...and I will continue to read your blogs and comment.

But for me.. for now...I am done.

I want to unplug.

Live life!

Because I have a post office box I can do this.

Sheryl Gates

P.O. Box 550

Congress, Az 85332

I would love to hear from you the old fashion way...a post card will be fine.

With love.....Sheryl

FOCUS...FOCUS...FOCUS....

2012-01-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

After much thinking about it this is going to be my "word" for the year.

FOCUS!

FOCUS on me!!

I don't care....it is my turn.

If not now ..when?

As the great bull rider Ty Murray says

"you are never completely ready....sometimes it is just your turn"

I think he was talking about getting on one of those great big bulls!

Which reminds me of a very funny story.

One time Mr. Gates (not Bill) and I were in Las Vegas.

We were walking along in one of those fancy spancy hotels and got separated.

Well...I kept looking for him but couldn't find him.

I hear clapping and yelling.

I look over the railing to the bottom floor and here was Mr. Gates (not Bill) getting off on one of those mechanical bulls.

Now you have to realize...Mr Gates (not Bill) is absolutely the most shy person you will ever meet in your entire life!

I don't even know how he had enough whatever to get on that bull!

Anyways...(I know it is anyway but my niece Sarah our new lawyer who passed the bar on her first try....YIPPPEEE!! says anyways and I love her)!

I see Mr. Gates(not Bill) shaking this guys hand and it is Ty Murray!!!!(champion bull rider)

He thinks Mr. Gates (not Bill) is a bull rider!!!!! lol....

He thinks Mr. Gates (not Bill) is a champion bull rider!!..lol

He tells Mr. Gates (not Bill) to get back on that bull and tells the bull operator (word?)

to turn it up to the highest and fastest it will go!

Mr. Gates (not Bill) hangs on for dear life with one hand (rules)

and rides that thing for all it's worth!

Clapping, yelling...guys throwing cowboy hats in the air!!!

All for my sweet shy Mr. Gates (not Bill) !

I will never forget that as long as I live!

Even if I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning! ha!

Ok...FOCUS!!! my word for the year.

I am going to run a marathon this year.....come hell or high water!

For my dad.

I was going to run one last year but things changed...my dad got sick then he passed and I am still very sad.

Grief can be heart wrenching at times!

It brought me to my knees this morning....while I was running!

But while running I feel the most joy...I feel my dad's love!

So.....

A NEW DAY....

2012-01-01T05:41:00.000-08:00

A new day..

A new year...

Let's make it a good one!

A STRANGE PLACE FOR 2012.....

2011-12-31T12:07:00.000-08:00

I find myself in a very strange place today...mentally.

I am taking everything out of my little house I don't actually love.

There is not much left.

Where did all this clutter sneak in?

When did all this mindless thinking start?

I'm thinking the computer may be on the list to go.

Three people I know have lost their jobs this month.

Those jobs are not coming back.

For the city of Phoenix and surrounding areas there are three pages of employment in the Sunday newspaper. Not long ago it was entire section.

For myself and Mr. Gates (not Bill) we are trying to hang onto what we have worked so hard for throughout our lives. We might make it if we stay healthy.

Our saving grace was that we never used credit...we are the last small builders left standing.

The truth of the matter is that right now we could not build a house to sell for what the materials would cost...never mind the labor.

Hope and change never happened.

Think about it for 2012.

happy new year

Let there be peace on earth...

2011-12-25T04:33:00.000-08:00

Let there be peace on earth

and let it begin with me.

We can do it together.

One can of food at a time.

One smile at a time.

One good deed at a time.

One I love you at a time.

Miss you, dad.

THE BEST WE CAN DO....

2011-12-22T06:10:00.000-08:00

Molliedog says it has been a loonng year!

I hope she lets me share this spot this weekend.

Merry Christmas to everyone....thank you so much for your outpouring of love.

We are ok and looking forward to a Happy new year....

just as my dad would expect from us.

Be happy...no worries...xoxoxo

HEY DAD....

2011-12-07T03:58:00.000-08:00

"Hey Dad, What Cha Doing"?

I have the most amazing conversations with my dad while running.

I am wrapped up in his sweatshirt to keep the cold out

and his LOVE in!

Miss you lots, Dad!

THE LUXURY OF TIME....

2011-12-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

I have decided to give myself the ultimate gift this month.

The luxury of time.

Time for myself to do whatever i want...or nothing at all.

I miss my dad so much.

I am going to stay quiet this month and feel his spirit in this beautiful Arizona desert.

I know he is out there....

I can feel his love wrap around me when I am quiet and when I walk out to my fav spot.

I feel that is what I have left ...my dad's love.

It is enough.

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year!

Social graces and other things

2011-11-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

SOCIAL GRACES....I have none left. I might find them again in the next month or so...

or not. My dog Mollie is a Queensland Heeler. They are not known for their social graces. They have no use for anyone outside their little herd (me and Mr Gates..not Bill) Sometimes she barely tolerates us. I think only because I give her milkbone treat every day at 4:00 and she still has dreams that Mr. Gates (not Bill) is going to let her drive the jeep one day! I now understand her a little bit better.

I did something on impulse the other day...I went over to the dark side and joined Facebook.

Honestly, I just don't see what the big deal is!

Pretty boring, if you ask me.

I have 18 friends....I don't want any more...lol...

Color me shallow but..I read something the other day that upset me.

I read that in March Blogger is going to get rid of the google friend connect and we won't know how many followers we have!...that is part of the fun of blogging for me! I might have to forget about this virtual life and get back to the real world.

I think about that alot lately.

My niece, Sarah, the newly appointed lawyer who passed her bar exam on the first try! YIPPPEE!!

is car shopping. Expensive car shopping. She asked her dear sweet Aunt Sheryl to come with.

We have gone for three Saturdays.

I'm done!..lol...

She has driven a Hyundai (sp?) for the past seven years while in school.

This is a Hyundai that is barely holding together now...we might have to tow it in if she wants to trade it in. But it has served its purpose..it got her through school.

When we go car shopping she wears her jeans and hoody....she looks like she is about 13 years old. The car salesmen keep talking to me...Ha! I keep saying you need to talk to her...she is the one buying. They just don't get it. Every once in in awhile I slip in the fact that she is a lawyer just for fun. They still don't get it.

Our Thanksgiving was very nice. Considering...one day I won't add the word considering. My dad would not like it!

Miss you dad!

BE HAPPY.....NO WORRIES...

2011-11-24T03:53:00.000-08:00

Our first Thanksgiving without Dad.

We will be ok.

I tell myself over and over again.

My mom, my sisters and families

are coming up to my house for dinner.

We will play horseshoes

We will play Scrabble.

And then we will go for a Jeep ride in the beautiful Arizona desert

in honor of my dad.

Be happy...no worries.

Tell someone you love them today.

I love you all...really I do.

Thank you for everything these past months.

I am grateful.

THINKING OUT LOUD...

2011-11-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

Since my dad's passing it seems like I sit and think about things.

Just little things.

Like how peaceful my dad was up to the final moment.

He kind of just snuck out on us.

I am sure just the way he wanted it.

How I miss him so but I don't want things back the way they were.

Come to find out we had just the right amount of time.

OCUUPY NATION...or whatever it is called

2011-11-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

I should really look up the proper name but...
I'm too tired from working all day.

You know what I am talking about.

The 99% and the 1%.

Surely there are people in between...like maybe me and you.

I am just not feeling it to tell you the truth.

I kind of understand the concept but not the principle.
Or maybe I understand the principle but not the concept.

I did see one thing I did understand the other day that made me chuckle.

One of the Wall Street guys held up this sign

OCCUPY A DESK

Now that I understood.

I would love to hear everyone's opinion on this...nicely please.

ALL WE NEED IS LOVE....

2011-11-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

It really is true.

All we need is love.

There was so much love yesterday for my dad .

It was a beautiful thing.

I'm doing good...really better than good.

Looking forward to catching up with all of you after a few days of rest and reflection.

Until then...I thank all of you for your kind words of comfort and love.

DAD LOVE....

2011-11-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

I was going to title this final DAD LOVE...

but I know it is not.

It is with sadness I tell you my dad passed away yesterday...Monday....Nov. 7th.

My sisters, my mom and myself did it all the way to the end.

We didn't even call Hospice ...though we did text our nurse a couple of times.

The funeral will be Friday...Veteran's Day.

I mean ..really dad...could you have planned it any better?

In lieu of flowers it is asked that a kind deed be done in his name.

My dad's last words to me were "Please don't cry"

I didn't promise him...

love you dad...

STUFF....

2011-10-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

First and foremost....I thank each and everyone of you for your kind comments about my dad. I spent yesterday afternoon reading through my previous posts and the ones titled DAD LOVE and the comments following just filled me with love.

You just don't know how much it means to me.

Dad is doing better. He had good days this past week and we are hoping for more of the same.

We made "the arrangements" today. Or at least the beginning. Dad's funeral is going to be very very simple but it still takes planning. Kind of amazes me really...

When someone passes suddenly it must be all a blur for the family.

And then you don't really get to think of celebrating their life.

We are grateful for the time.

Now pics of the baby trailer.

I have to laugh because if you didn't know you would think you are looking at the other trailer.

Everything is just a little smaller.

10 feet versus 12 feet.

The bed is a twin not a full...the dinette is for two people not four.

I love it so but I have to sell one so I guess it will be this one.

Cute...cute...cute.

Will be listed on e-bay tomorrow.

Ok...what else??

I have been running every chance I get.

Mr. Gates (not Bill) is doing good....hanging strong for / with me.

He stayed with my dad all day today while us girls and mom "made arrangements."

They have nice guy conversations. He actually stayed with dad yesterday too.

Mr. Gates (not Bill) said they talked and talked.

I asked "What about"?

Mr. Gates (not Bill) said "Stuff"

I said "okay......"

Now it seems like I am back to Dad Love....

Can't help it I guess.

Hope all is going well for everyone.

Be happy...no worries...xoxoxo

DAD LOVE....

2011-10-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

My dad has had a very hard week this past week.

I just don't know.

The song that keeps going through my head is by Juice Newton.

The Sweetest Thing i have ever done is loving you.

It is just so very hard to see my dad so very sick.

I am hanging on by a thread at times.

We have done some things the last couple of weeks that I have never wanted to do.

But we did them because my dad wanted us to.

We went to a little country cemetary in People's Valley and pick out the burial plot.

My dad wanted my husband to make his casket.

He did....it is so my dad. Thank you my sweet husband.

My mom, my sisters and myself are going to the funeral home this Saturday.

Just to make intitial contact and find out what we need to know.

All the while we are trying to hold on to hope.

Please take a minute...

2011-10-13T03:05:00.000-07:00

My blogging friends

Please take a minute and click on to http://gowestferalwoman.blogspot.com/

and read her last several posts...maybe eight back or so.

She is writing about something with her heart on her sleeve.

Send her some love....xoxoxo

TICK TOCK TICK TOCK...WE HAVE A LAWYER!!!

2011-10-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

After 3 years 4 months and 6 days

we have a brand new beautiful official lawyer!

The light in my life

The apple of my eye

We are like two peas in a pod

No, I am not a lawyer but that was the best compliment Mr. Gates (not Bill)

ever gave me!

My niece Sarah and I are like two peas in a pod!

Go ahead....throw your best lawyer joke at me!

I can take it.

Let me tell you..they don't make it easy on you to become a lawyer in this beautiful state of Arizona. First you have your degree from the Arizona State University (4 years).

Then you take your entrance exam for law school...study..study..study.

woo hoo...Aunt Sheryl...I got accepted!!!

Then you study study study 16 hours a day 7 days a week for three years.

You graduate from law school.

I think...oh goody...she's done...I get my niece back.

Noooo....then the real work begins!

You take a 6 week intensive study program for the bar!!

16 hours a day 6 days a week!

You take the bar exam.

I want to tell you a little story here.

My niece Sarah is very smart (I'm proud to say) but more than that she can be very focused and not much bothers her (that she lets show). The bar exam consists of two days...six hours each. The first day is multiple choice....200 questions...six hours for 200 questions!!! They are allowed to bring in no electronics...no food ...no water. They provide it all. I guess they think you might write some answers on your water bottle or something.

Anyway.....Sarah starts the exam...gets about 1/2 way done...

Goes into the bathroom and cries!!!

and cries!! and cries!!!

She doesn't think she can finish it...she doesn't think she is doing well at all.

They are allowed to stay in the bathroom for eight minutes.

She gathers herself....tells herself she is going to finish and do the best she can.

(thank goodness)

The second day is essay questions...six hours of essay questions.

Sarah is good at essay questions.

Then the real waiting begins...10 WEEKS to find out the results !!!

4:45 pm. Oct 7th....on line. tick tock tick tock....

We scroll down the list ...alphabetically...if you are on the list you pass...if you are not on the list you didn't pass.

Scroll....scroll...scroll...

There she is Sarah Nicole F____

OMGosh....we did it!!! (notice the we)....lol...

Whew...that was hard work!!!

AND.....she has a JOB already as a bona-fide real life lawyer!!!

She has been working for a law firm for the last two years as a para-legal doing the work of the lawyers. But now she will get lawyer pay!! But it is not just the money for Sarah...her favorite part of all of this was volunteering for the yearly adoption day for foster kids to become one with a forever family. I think that is what she will eventually specialize in.

Or the Supreme Court...who knows?...

Love you hon.....we are proud !!

BLOGGER IS....

2011-09-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

BLOGGER is...

MAKING ME A LITTLE CRAZY !!

kind of driving me out of my mind!!

The latest thing for me is I write a comment

and it is always one of my more thought provoking one....lol..

and I hit the button

and it just disappears into thin air!!!

I have no idea what happened to it.

It doesn't happen all the time and it doesn't happen on the same blog

I do it again ...and it disappears again!! No this comment will be visible after approval...

no word verification.....no nothing!! poof it is gone...

So if you are not hearing from me know that I am thinking about you....

dad is good....not great...not bad....just good. We will take it...

be happy...no worries..

BABY TRAILER LOVE....

2011-09-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

lol

I know..I know...

This is the last green trailer I am doing...for awhile.

I do like the color though..it is happy!

The trailer on the right in the last pic is a little 10 foot 1965 Campmoor

filled to the brim with all kinds of goodies inside.

Her own perm bed

stove

refrigerator

half size booth with table

tons and tons of storage.

Her own custom made wooden screen door.

Inside pics coming soon!

DAD LOVE...

2011-09-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

First of all I deleted my last two posts.

They were about apathy.

I decided I don't have apathy.

I definitely don't have depresssion.

I have love.

I want / need to chat about my dad a little today.

I haven't been completely honest because of respect for my dad's privacy and

the sometimes utter mass confusion of emotions.

When my dad was first diagnosed with lung cancer stage four in April

he decided that he would do no treatments...no chemo...no radiation.

He changed his mind one month into the diagnosis. He had a pet scan and a cat scan done. The cancer had not spread beyond his lung and he had a small tumor in the lung itself. My dad has always used the VA hospital for most of his care all his life.

We have always had excellent care there and this was going to be no exception.

Dr. Salvatore, his onocologist, really encouraged my dad to take a series of 3 chemo treatments 3 weeks apart with each one being a little bit stronger than the last.

He made it very clear it would not be a cure but it would / could slow things down.

At the time I thought the doctor must be nuts....there was no way my dad would make it through that.

Well, he did.

My dad had another cat scan done last week...

His cancer is exactly the same as when we started with the exception of the tumor being a 1/2 centimeter larger which is not very much.

But ...

Now my dad / we are faced with the decision of another series of 3 chemo treatments.

If my dad doesn't do them we know what is going to happen....the cancer will spread and it will be fast.

I'm pretty sure my dad is going to do them.

He is going to go down fighting.

I am proud of him.

I want you to picture the clinic where we go to at the hospital.

There are lots of patients...lots of staff.

They call out the names for the people to go back to see the doctors...usually three or four at a time.

When we first started this us four girls and my mom would go with my dad and we would have to almost plead for all of us to go in with my dad to listen to the doctor.

The consulting rooms are very small.

This last appointment my dad was treated like the rock star that he has become.

Instead of calling my dad's name along with the others our doctor's asst. personally came out and came to my dad in the waiting room and escorted him in.

But before he helped my dad Andrew said to me, my three sisters and my mom

"after you ladies"!!!

OMGosh.....the carpet wasn't red but I swear it felt like we were the most loved people in the world.

Thank you Andrew for that.

Now the whole point of all of this....

Dr. Salvator will not give us a time limit on dad's life.

The average is four to six months.

My dad is going into his seventh month!

Dr. Salvator said in order to get the average some people make it one month

Some people make it 12 months or longer.

He told my dad he might as well be one of the 12 months or longer....

I am starting to love Dr. Salvator.

Dr. Salvator told my dad "You are alive today and doing pretty good" !

Lets' stick with that.

I have been thinking the last couple of days.

Isn't that all any of us have?

Today.

Make it a good one.

Be happy....no worries

xoxoxo

INSIDE TRAILER LOVE PICS....

2011-09-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Still need my curtains and cushions for the booth.

I even like my yellow stove now.

I LOVE THE WAY IT TURNED OUT!!

Thank you Mr. Gates (not Bill)

Be happy...no worries....xoxoxo

DAD LOVE....

2011-08-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have just spent an awesome two days with my mom and dad.

Dad has been feeling very very good....for the shape he is in!

That is his favorite line now!

He was truly happy yesterday...which makes me very happy.

I find myself wrapping these happy days up

sticking them in my pocket

and saving them for a rainy day!

We all look at the baseball schedule every day.

My dad loves his Arizona Diamondbacks!

If we see that a game is on...especially in the afternoon..

we know my dad will be up and watching.

They have lots of company on those days.

Going to be a busy weekend this weekend....

the Diamondbacks are playing the SF Giants

my dad's arch enemies for some reason...

could it be they are always trying to take the number one spot away from us?

I don't care anything about baseball

I love my dad!

I will be there for the first pitch.

TRAILER LOVE....My 1954 Bellwood

2011-08-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

No words needed...except thank you very much

Mr. Gates (not Bill)

(inside pics soon)

NO SNIVELING....

2011-08-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

This is the plate on the front of my truck.

I try...I really really try.

I have this little thing on my left shoulder that I look at every once in a while

and think I really should get someone to check that out. But you know how it is...I'm busy...I will next week...I will next month.

Mr. Gates (not Bill) told me Monday if I didn't go to the doctor he is not working on my trailer anymore!!...boo hoo...I went to the doctor yesterday....Wed.. lol..

But I'm not laughing...it hurts!! I have no pain threshhold...on a scale of one to ten I'm about a minus 3. I am not my father's daughter in the pain threshold department.

And all the doctor did was take out a little piece for the biopsy with a numbing shot.

I am home now...(I stayed the night at my mom and dad's (dad is doing pretty good btw)

I just looked in the mirror....jeezzz...there is a big hole in my shoulder!!
OK...a 1/4 of an inch!..lol...

And it HURTS!!

So I am going to allow myself one day of sniveling.

Almost over.

I was going to snivel about our weather...I allow myself one day a year to do that.

It has been 116° in Phoenix the last two days but not today so I lost my window of opportunity and hopefully won't get another this year on that matter.

We are all so fortunate....we should hardly ever ever snivel.

Be happy...no worries...xoxoxo

ALL IS WELL...

2011-08-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

All is well....or as good as we dare hope for.

My dad has improved a little this week...I think we might

be going into a new phrase...or not. Whatever anyone tells you this

cancer thing is not for a sissy and my dad is hanging tough.

What we are so grateful for is that he doesn't have all that much pain.

He is only taking Tylenol on most days.

My mom is so into a learning phrase...you can see her confidence in caretaking increasing daily.

For me...I am doing ok...whenever I feel the least bit sorry for myself I just look at my dad and tell myself we still are doing good...sometimes it is just an emotional rollercoaster ride. I come home and Mr. Gates (not Bill) takes very, very good care of me.

I still go for my runs...I never knew it was possible to jog six miles and cry all the way.

But it is...

Hoping all is well for you my friends....tell someone you love them today.

DAD LOVE and TRAILER LOVE....

2011-08-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

A few quick pics showing the new paint job...we are pretty happy with it. Now to get all the cleaned and polished windows back in...tail lights and lights installed ...new baby moon hubcaps etc etc....The Wagnor paint sprayer worked good but there is a fairly large learning curve with it...we used an oil based paint this time ..I really liked it but made clean up for the sprayer more difficult than latex. It took longer to clean the sprayer...running paint thinner through it and the hoses... than it did to spray the trailer. Of course, painting two colors makes it more difficult...plus the primer.

My dad has had a very hard week....He is just soooo tired. His pain is acutally low which we are grateful for but things are hard. I will be spending most of next week in Phoenix hoping for something good...please keep us in your hearts.

A DAY LATE AND.....

2011-07-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

A day late....that would be me....and a dollar short....ooops..that would be our government!...

Anyways...the winner of the best book I have read in a very long time is Jim and Sandie from the wonderful blog http://wherearethedixonstoday.blogspot.com/ They are full-time RV's who go along with their daily lives totally enjoying themselves...as most RV'ers do....They deserve it..if you read their profile Jim workedfor 50 years and Sandi 31 years....that is more than enough!

A lot of people that I follow now are full time RV'ers and some that want to so bad but the time is just not right. You would be surprised how many single women are now following this lifestyle....I think it is great! Never ever give up your dream...

All is possible !!

Dad is good...

Be happy...no worries...

SOME GIRLS GET DIAMONDS....

2011-07-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, some girls get diamonds....I get a Wagner PROCOAT....and I am very happy!!!

Painting our little trailers has always been our weak spot...we are builders...not painters. When I paint the houses I do it all by hand with a roller and a brush...yes, lots of work but I think you get a better job. However, I might have just learned a different way. We broke down and bought the right tool for the job...a Wagner Procoat airless paint sprayer. What a difference from what we used to use...which was a paint gun with an air compressor...the spray pattern was too small and just did not push the paint through. This is just the primer coat...hard to see any color in it from the pic but we had the primer tinted to half of color for the top...then the bottom will be the brighter green. AND we used half the primer we usually use...it just flowed on so nice....we will pay for the sprayer in no time saving on the amount of paint.

Dad is good....

Be happpy ...no worries...

lol...check it out...

2011-07-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

lol....check out this blogging girl...http://babybloggingboomer.blogspot.com/ ....she has a great post up! I know, I know....I have no pride!...lol...Seriously (no pun intended) she is very funny....that MAXINE type of humor! I think she is on the brink of something new and wonderful in her life! She has some great tips on living less cluttered and why...gives you breathing room! Leave her some blogging love and maybe even follow her on her "journey".....we might learn a thing or two...or five! Not too late to enter for the virtual book club book "Unbroken"...just go back to the last post and leave a comment. Dad is doing better...the "twinkle" in his eyes is back...he is so funny...He said yesterday "I just don't have any "gumption"...I'm getting so far behind in things"! I just had to laugh with him...I'm like "Dad,,,,you are not feeling very good right now....things are fine...nothing to do"....He is a fighter..that dad of mine...makes me proud to be his daughter.

OH CANADA...& VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB

2011-07-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

Phew....I about gave up on blogging there for a minute...lol...figured it out, I think. lol..doesn't take much for me!

Better late than never, Kimberly....thank you so much for sending this wonderful bag ....my new library tote. I can pretend I am in Canada...this year! Please go check out her blog...it is lovely. http://campandcottageliving.blogspot.com/ If the link dosen't work she is on my side bar.

Now, I haven't done the virtual book club for a while....I guess I haven't read a REALLY good book lately....this one definitely qualifies. It is UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand. It is described as a World War II story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption. It is heart wrenching....but oh so good. I couldn't put it down....I will tell you one thing...it will be a long time before you complain about anything again if you read it. Ms. Hillenbrand also wrote Seabiscuit, An American Legend. I had not read that either and that was great...the movie doesn't even come close. If you would like a chance to have UNBROKEN just leave a comment and I will pick a name when I get back from my parents house this week on Friday. The only thing I ask is that you pass it on when you are done.

My dad had a rough weekend but is doing good this morning....we are hoping for a better week ahead.

Be happy...no worries.

HONESTLY.....I NEED SOME HELP...

2011-07-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

Where in the heck are my pictures....how do I find them?? I give up...p.s. I don't know my url...I don't know what a url is....waaaaaa.....I don't want new and improved......lol......ok...I think I got it...now I see my sweet browse button....lol....false alarm...

PAST TRAILER LOVE....

2011-07-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

Quite by accident I came across a feature on Blogger that let me look at all my past pictures....I came across these from two trailers we did in the past and sold. The first was a 1962 Shasta...13 foot. We sold her to a woman in Phoenix who still has her to this day. She has taken her all over the country...sometimes she lets her husband go with her...lol... The second little green was always my favorite. She was a 1970 Bell...10 feet long !! But did we pack her full of goodies! I just loved that trailer...she was such a happy little thing. A woman came all the way from Maine for her...She was a college professor who was going to teach online throughout the United States and didn't want to stay in hotel rooms....was afraid of bedbugs!!! She wanted her own bed to pull behind her. She still has the trailer as far a I know. If we have a nice calm morning tomorrow we are painting the 1954 Bellwood...she will be the same green color as the 10 foot because I liked it so much. Mr. Gates (not Bill) has already started to work on the next one.....a 10 footer...she is going to be cute. Save your pennies....Mr. Gates is making me sell one of my "purses"...boo hoo...

MY DAD IS....AMAZING!!

2011-07-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

I just want to share...we spent the day with my mom and dad and honestly my dad is totally amazing. He was the best he has been since he left the hospital in March. He has not taken any morphine for three days and is just taking Aleve and Tylenol. We played cards all day....pitch is our game..fun! It was just so nice not to have to think of cancer for the afternoon. I know it can all change tomorrow but for today, tonight and maybe tomorrow I am going with this wonderful feeling!

WAG MORE...BARK LESS...

2011-07-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

WAG MORE...BARK LESS...I saw this little saying on a bumper sticker yesterday and it made me laugh! The more I thought about it the more I thought why not try it just for a week. Who wants to join me?

POPPING IN TO SAY HI...

2011-07-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Pretty quiet here in the desert which is a very good thing for me. This is the view from our front porch...it is so trying to rain but just can't get here. I think we got about 10 drops from this monsoon....maybe this afternoon since it has started building up again. My dad is doing good.... he did start on the morphine but only taking the smallest dose and then only once a day. Trailer progress at a standstill ...we are going to get the paint for her tomorrow....then we will pick a good day and go for it. Just a few more little things to do on the inside then if possible we are heading up to the mountains for a few days to cool off and de-compress....I think we deserve it and my sisters are going to keep the home fires burning...not literally...lol.
I have no idea about Blogger anymore...doing pics is completely different...takes forever to comment on some blogs and not a problem on others....it reminds me of the saying "No, we are not sheep"! when we go through all the steps to comment because that is exactly what we must do....if they can send a woman to the moon surely Blogger can figure out the problem but no...
In the big scheme of things .....be happy...no worries...

TRAILER LOVE...

2011-06-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

TRAILER LOVE...thank you Mr. Gates (not Bill).

The pics aren't the best but....you can get the general idea of progress. If you click on the pics they get a little bigger.

We used a stove from another trailer. If I can't get the yellow to blend in through cushion material and curtains I will paint it. Kind of don't want to because I have done that before and it never really works when you do the stove top yourself. You really need to take it to a painting place to have it baked on....we shall see.

Less we never forget!!! lol....

My very favorite thing....a BULLDOG hitch. I have been wanting one of these forever. With this hitch your trailer will never come off. They work on a clamping devise and once it is on it really can't pop off until you unclamp it....thank you Mr. Gates (not Bill).

My new screen door....my other favorite thing. For those that have these little trailers you know how hard it is to get one of these. This was handmade by the finest finish carpenter in the USA....really a work of art in itself......thank you Mr. Gates (not Bill)

On the dad front.....it has been a rollercoaster ride this week but dad is hanging tough! He is pretty amazing!

Be happy....no worries...

THE SWEETEST FATHER'S DAY....

2011-06-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

It was a sweet day...I have to say a hard day but so worth it. The first picture is of the oldest (my dad) and the newest member of our family...David Michael...6 weeks old ...my mom and dad's newest great grandchild...The group picture is of me (kneeling with silver hair) lol...and my three younger sisters and my mom in the middle. I am proud of all of us "girls"....we had made a pact from the first day my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer...we were going to stick together no matter what or how hard...through thick or thin...we were going to consider it a honor to take care of my dad at home and we have. My mom has been there every step of the way too. I don't know how much longer we have with my dad but we are ready for whatever comes our way. My dad started taking codeine for pain three days ago....going to re-evaluate Thursday (with Hospice) to see if he wants to step up to morphine....something he has been dreading since this started. We are scared of morphine for a couple of reasons....we don't know how it will affect him and my dad knows that this will be the last thing we can do for him except to just love him with all of our might. I want to thank all of you for all your kind comments...all of your thoughts...all of your prayers....it has meant the world to me.

The "THIS AIN'T RIGHT"! WED.....

2011-06-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

A lot of my blogging friends are women who are very artsy / crafty. They make beautiful hand made cards and the cutest curtains for their little trailers and re-upholster pillows and they link up to each other. Well, I am here to tell you that me and a glue gun is a disaster waiting to happen. I tried it a couple of times ...it was not pretty. So I thought I would do a different kind of link up party....The "THIS AIN'T RIGHT" Wednesday......Wait a minute....I forgot ...I don't know how to link! So I am just going to do my own and see how it goes.....you can link in your imagination and let me know via comments (not that comments are working yet....they are not for me anyway. Sometimes I have to try four or five times and then I just give up...is anyone else still having problems)? OK..back to This "AIN'T RIGHT! You all know my love / hate relationship with anything computereze.....which includes the printer. All of the sudden we were out of ink on all those little ink holders....we had already re-filled the main black one once. We tried to re-fill it again at Costco but they said we were suppose to keep that little orange plastic thing to cover up the ink sponge or it dries out....who knew??? So we went to look at the new ink holders....guess what?? $48.00 for the color ones and $65 for two main black!!!! We haven't even hardly used the printer!!! I told Mr. Gates (not Bill) no way!!! We then went to look at the new printers (we are still in Costco btw) ...we could buy a brand new printer with the SAME EXACT ink holders (lol...I am not sure how to spell cartridge...can you tell) for $90! which is $23 cheaper than the same ink holders without the printer. "THIS AIN'T RIGHT" !! We went to the library today to print...lol....let's see how long we can hold out!

Dad is doing good....hanging tough!

THIS LITTLE HEART OF MINE.....

2011-06-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

I am not strong. I am not tough. I am not invincible. I am a daughter whose dad is strong. Whose dad is tough. But he is not invincible. We are hoping to make it to Father's Day this Sunday. My heart is breaking into a thousand little pieces.

MY DRUG OF CHOICE....

2011-06-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

You will never believe what I spotted the other day !!! A little 10 foot trailer just begging to be brought to my house for beutification..(word?)...lol...And do you know what Mr. Gates (not Bill) said? Well, it wasn't very nice.....kind of hurt my feelings...boo hoo! He said "These are not purses you are buying"....and you know what I said?? "I haven't bought a new purse in years." AND I said "Besides a new Coach purse would cost more than I paid for this trailer"! (not that I ever had a new Coach purse !)

You know what the real jewel of this 1962 Campover trailer is?? She is only 10 feet long!!! I had a little 10 foot once and she was so cute!!! but we sold her and I never thought I would find another! AND she had an Arizona title already which is always a big plus! If they don't have titles it costs us about $250 to get a bonded title so....that is a half of a Coach purse right there!!

Of course she needs a total gut job and built back up from the bottom.....she will have a twin bed, a little kitchen and a booth made for two! I'm thinking her color will be yellow...oh yes,,,I have BIG plans for this little girl...I want to keep her! But I can't give up my portable store Ain't for City Gals that we are working on right now. Going to have to think about this......hmmmm...I have a birthday coming up and Christmas is not too far away....

You know I am kidding about Mr. Gates (not Bill) ....though I think I heard him ask Sarah...our soon to be new lawyer after she passes her bar....if she knew of any trailer re-habs...and I think he was talking about me....not the trailers!
I think he loves working on these little trailers as much as I do....doesn't take near as long as a house!

THANKS BECCA,,,,I REALLY NEEDED THIS....

2011-05-28T15:24:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Becca from PATINA MOON sent this to me as part of her PAY IT FORWARD posts. I wish my picture could show how beautiful it is! The words "She saw her vintage dream take flight" so speak to me right now. It is done on a stretched canvas and the detail is just lovely. There is real lace on the windows, the bottom of the door is metal, my jeans are real material and the sun is shining! But it is the words that capture my true feelings. As most of you know my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer last month....as of today he is still hanging strong and mostly pain free but I see signs of him going on without us. But he will be forever in my heart with my little trailer...he loves them as much as I do....in fact it is from him that I got my love of traveling and camping. And the words would be what he would say "You can do it, Sheryl. Take flight" And I am going to soon!! and my dad will always be with me.

I'm thinking Mr. Gates (not Bill) does not want me to be without power....He has rigged this up under one of the little booths...my battery for my lights and when I am plugged in to electricity a battery charger to charge my battery!..lol..sweet....

Take care....be happy...no worries....take flight!

BITTERSWEET....

2011-05-16T12:01:00.001-07:00

Bittersweet...I think that would be the word to describe everything lately. This is my mom and dad on Mother's Day...we had a good time at my sister's house....but bittersweet knowing this is almost likely the last one. Just hoping we make Father's Day. We are grateful for the time but we always want a little more....we just can't help it. We are so lucky to still have my dad and he is doing pretty good actually. He has lots of good days...some days he gets more tired than others but he is still hanging in there strong. He still has no pain. I am looking forward to another good week with them.

The trailer is moving right along...thanks to Mr. Gates (not Bill) The base cabinets are in...the bed is in...now to the finish work on the inside.

Be happy ....no worries....talk to you next week. P.S. I am trying to check in on every one when I come home for a day or so...but my parents don't have a computer so just not enough time to leave comments....take care.

28 YEARS AGO...

2011-05-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

Almost 28 years ago my sister gave me the honor and the privilege of helping raise her daughter Sarah. How we love that girl....and this is what we get to enjoy next Saturday night! Sarah for what ever reason has wanted to be a lawyer since she was 8 years old....I have to admit I was always pushing for her to be an architect and we could build houses together. It does take a village ....Happy Mother's Day Linda....we did good!

QUICK TRAILER UPDATE....

2011-05-01T05:56:00.001-07:00

A couple of quick pics of the Ain't For City Gals portable store before I head down to Phoenix for a few days with my mom and dad. Mr. Gates (not Bill) has been working on it every spare minute he has...the outside re-build is about done and the oak floor and the platform for the bed will be in this week barring any emergency this week. I want to continue to show the first pic because it is important for anyone thinking about doing this that this is what 99% of the little vintage trailers look like underneath the skin...the number one rule is to be safe on the road and with all the dry rot always found it doesn't take much of a wind to toss these around.

Until next week ....be happy ..no worries. My dad is doing good....

AMAZING GRACE....

2011-04-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

Amazing grace.....how sweet thou art! We are counting on grace to sustain us through the next few weeks or if we are lucky the next few months. There is no easy way to say it... my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer....stage four ...a week ago today. There will be no treatment...no surgery....no radiation...no chemo. It was his decision and we have taken him home to be surrounded with love. He has been really good this past week. My dad is showing us we have strength we never thought possible. He is our rock ....he has always been the glue that holds everything together and continues this each day. Each day is truly a gift now and we are going to treasure every minute. The love my mom and dad are showing is truly sweet....it makes me wonder if we should treat everyone as if they are in stage four ....the world would be a better place. Please keep us in your hearts....we are asking a kind deed be done every day in his name.

TRAILER UPDATES...and my dad....

2011-04-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

I want to post these pics of the progress of the trailer.... because Mr. Gates (not Bill) has been working so hard this past week on it to make me happy because I am so sad. My dad was admitted back to the hospital on Monday....I am just not ready to share yet ...and we will find out tomorrow (Thursday) for sure.....please keep us in your hearts....

HAS TO GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER

2011-04-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Gutting a trailer is kind of what women say about having a baby...you forget the pain after a year or so (just a little) and you think that was not so bad...let's do it again! These little trailers were not made so great to begin with so they absolutely should be taken apart and fortified before they hit the road. This is going to be my little portable shop so I am going for an extra super duty re-build...though that is really the only way Mr. Gates (not Bill) works....do it right the first time and then you are done.

This a 1954 Bellwood...12 feet body. She needs a little work....ya think??

About my dad...thanks for asking and caring....it seems as that might have gotten a little worse but hopefully it will get better too. Since he has been home there are good days and bad days...but the last two days have been not so good days. We are going to the doctor tomorrow (Monday) to see if we can figure things out. He has good medical care but this oxygen thing is all new to us and we really don't know what we are doing....we need some help. Hopefully, we will have a nurse come in three days a week starting next week to guide us.....my dad is fighting the oxygen but he needs it. He has no appetite....and for my dad that is not normal !! Keep us in your thoughts and I will report in at the end of next week...progress on the trailer and my dad is what I am going for!

THIS AND THAT...ODDS AND ENDS...

2011-04-04T08:44:00.001-07:00

I mean really... is there any wonder why I don't lose weight??? I am so going to take one of these one of these days. Our Molliedog is 11 1/2 years old...sometimes she get a hitch in her get-a-long ...lol....I always wanted to say that! Anyway, we give her one of these pills and I swear by the next morning she is like a puppy!

This is a pic of my mom and dad with most of their grandkids and great grandkids. My dad has just spent a few days in the hospital with pneumonia....he is home now but still feeling puny....we are doing everything we can to get him back healthy. He is 84. They have nine kids.....come to find out each of us nine kids are calling every day!..lol...that is a lot of phone calls! My dad is wondering what is going on...like maybe there is something we are not telling him...lol....We are now on a schedule.....only three of us call a day...we each have our day to call...lol...mine is Tuesday and Friday. Let me tell you a little how the phone calls go....I cannot remember a time I have called my mom and dad and only talked to one of them....they both have to be on the phone. Me...hi mom....15 seconds later I can hear my dad pick up the extension...Me...hi dad. And then that is about all I get to say because my mom and dad then proceed to have a conversation with EACH OTHER....every single time! I could lay the phone down and go do my dishes for about 10 minutes and come back and then ....Me....ok...glad things are going good....love you...talk to you later....lol....but you know...how I will miss those "conversations"!

JUST WANT TO GO CAMPING....

2011-03-29T15:44:00.001-07:00

I don't know why but all I want to do is go camping ! I have camping right off my front porch with hot and cold running water....but that is not what I want. I want to unplug...take some good coffee, some good Scotch and some good books and run away. Only one small detail stopping me. We have not started on this little gal...soon though!

I know she is really sad looking right now. I have every reason to believe in about a month she will be so pretty....this will be our fourth trailer we have completely restored ...from top to bottom. The first thing I will do will be to take all the outside trim off....take all the windows out...and strip what little is left of the paint. Everything will be torn out of the inside. The roof will be re-enforced....all the paneling will be taken out...the floor will be re-plywooded (word?..lol)...the sides will be super screwed (word?..lol) back together and then the beautification (word?..lol) will be begin. The walls will be done in birch....Mr. Gates (not Bill) will build all the cabinets, the table and booth and the bed. My three main priorities are always...a perm. bed...this one will be full size.....( I might let Mr. Gates (not Bill) come with every once in awhile).....a kitchen to make coffee in the morning and LOTS of storage!

This all takes about one month of full time work for us. Just like building a house ....but small. She will be a little jewel box inside and painted on the outside....I haven't decided on the colors yet. She is going to be my traveling store called Ain't For City Gals.....I am going to travel where ever and when ever I want....buy, sell and pull off the side of the road for a nap when I am tired! I really can hardly wait! Stayed tuned...film at eleven! (just kidding about the film)lol...but definitely more pics soon!

HEY.....

2011-03-13T15:32:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone...I think I am just about blogged out for a while...going to take a couple of weeks off from the computer and enjoy our beautiful weather in Arizona getting some much needed work done outside. I will still be checking in with you all...talk to you soon!

VIEW FROM THE FRONT PORCH...

2011-02-27T14:56:00.001-08:00

More "weather" during the night....suppose to be 70° tomorrow. You just never know...I'm ready to wear some shorts and flip flops for a little while. Gosh, I have been so lazy this week...as in...I half way unloaded the dishwasher and realized I had not started it...but too lazy to take out the dishes I put away ....oh well..they were kind of clean! I'm a little ashamed of myself...lol...going to do better next week! I did mop the floor today...my feet were sticking!...sad....Do you ever just get tired of doing housework? Just seems like things get dirty again...lol....How about cooking?....sometimes, I swear..don't want to do it anymore! I'm blaming it on lack of estrogen....you know that is the nurturing hormone, don't you? If you don't have any (estrogen) there is not much nurturing going on...(sorry Mr. Gates..not Bill)...I try but...woe is me....lol. I think I will go fix a bloody Mary...lol..not really..but sounds good! Another thing on the menopause.....I think we start thinking like men...like "I just want somebody to take care of ME"...ok..I will stop now...sorry to my three male readers.....

DO YOU EVER WONDER.....

2011-02-21T10:44:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wonder if the hokey pokey really is what it is all about? Do we take most things just too serious? Do we over analyze things? Do we blog just so we can read the comments..lol...btw..I LOVE reading your comments...just so you know.

I had all these deep thoughts while I was jogging today. As you can see from the pic we had some "weather" this weekend...we hardly ever get to say that in Arizona. The desert was just so beautiful this morning....the snow was gone (it was really hail but who's counting) but there was still frost. Everything was so fresh. It was so beautiful I thought I am just going to walk and enjoy it but then I remembered the pancakes I ate and thought....hmmm..better jog...lol. See what I mean....

MAKING MONEY.....

2011-02-17T10:54:00.001-08:00

About once a year I wrap all my change that I have thrown in the pot....I have always called it "making money". This year I made $359.00! The government has a little different idea...they literally make money...you need something....go print some money...what a concept! Wish I could figure out how to do it! Little story about this...a long time ago when we were young(er) and poor(er) I said to Mr. Gates (not Bill)..."Hon, I need some money". He said "We don't have any money". I said "Well, go to the bank and get some". He looked me right in the eye and said "No, you don't understand. We don't have any money"...lol...funny how I can remember that like it was yesterday but I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning.

HAPPY VALENTINE YEAR !!!

2011-02-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

WOO HOO....HAPPY VALENTINE YEAR!! Yep,,,I'm going for it!!! A whole year!! Who wants to join me? p.s. ..my sis-in-law sent me that spatula for Valentines Year..isn't it the cutest...

EVERY BITE COUNTS....

2011-02-07T08:37:00.001-08:00

"Every bite counts"!! A friend told me this a couple of weeks ago and I have been thinking about it and trying to put it into practice. How many times do we just pop something in our mouths....25 calories here...50 calories there...I probably eat more calories just tasting while I cook dinner than I should eat FOR my dinner! I have stopped myself several times this past two weeks before I put that cookie in my mouth....it is just not worth jogging a half hour for the calories in one little cookie! For those of us that go to Costco ....all those food vendors they have giving those little samples...I read that you can eat 400 calories if you sample from all of them....whoa...so not worth it! Plus I get mad at myself because all those samples are the pre-packaged processed stuff that I wouldn't buy to save my soul (well maybe I would for that)lol but I pop it in my mouth because it is FREE and the impulse thing! Going to work on that next time I go. Anyways, remember we are working on getting strong this year...the skinny will come. Be happy.....no worries...

IGNORE THIS POST... well, not really...lol

2011-01-31T14:41:00.001-08:00

Really...you probably should just enjoy this pretty picture Mr. Gates (not Bill) took of the sunrise the other morning and not read on....Just my telling of my monthly computer drama...why me? I ask...I know nothing about computers...I have no teenagers to help me...I never worked in an office to learn computereze....I am old...OH ..maybe that is why I have computer drama all the time...everyone else knows how to figure this stuff out. Fix a drink and here goes...I know, I know it is only four in the afternoon...who cares? I broke down and gave Qwest $100 for a new modem...that seemed to fix the main problem and I was even able to install it myself (with a little help of Mr. Gates (not Bill) reading the instructions to me step by step...yes, we do make a pair! Poor Mr. Gates (not Bill)...he doesn't drink..never has....Anyways, we get the new modem installed and good to go. Now believe it or not...I have had my new laptop for 1 1/2 years and I just learned to cut and paste last year....I know..sad. But I like it when I remember how to use it. Anyways, everytime I used it the little thing would come up and say you have 25 , then 24, then 23 (you get the picture) more times before I have to put in my product key...Of course, I went down to 0 before I started looking for that number. After a couple of days I found it on the bottom of the computer...of course it was not the right one. I called my boyfriend at Costco extra service thing (that really is a good deal...free for two years if you buy your computer at Costco) and he sadly informed me I only had the TRIAL OFFICE / WORD for 2007 and that I needed the product key for that which of course I don't have because it was TRIAL.... AND now I can only buy OFFICE / WORD 2010 unless I buy office / word 2007 on e-bay which I am a little afraid to do because there are so many counterfeits out there. (just a little sidenote...counterfeits is one of those words that does not follow the i before e rule..trust me..I looked it up!..lol) Anyways, Costco has it for $119 which I guess I will pick up this week...If it is not one thing...it's your mother! Thanks for listening...send me your bill...be happy ...no worries...

IS THIS BAD???

2011-01-25T06:21:00.000-08:00

I am so totally boycotting the State of the Union address because it is pre-empting (sp?..lol) my absolutely FAVORITE ..the only show I watch..I swear...honest...THE BIGGEST LOSERS!! Why can't they have the State of the Union address on a Wed. or Thurs??...Don't they know Tuesday night is reserved for important things...like the THE BIGGEST LOSERS?? I mean...puhleeze...and now a word from our sponsers...And another thing...they are promoting a "date night" for the seating arrangement for the speech......good gosh...do your "dating" on your own time. I could go on but I won't...my New Years's resolution was to swear only once a week and I am not wasting it since it is only Tuesday ! My favorite show night...oh wait...not this Tuesday...damn...oh my mean darn!...Be happy....no worries....

FEELING GOOD...

2011-01-16T14:10:00.001-08:00

WOO HOO...for the first time in a few years I feel really good physically coming into the new year !! I think I have finally come over to the other side of menopause...about five years in the making and it kicked my behind! One day I would like to do a post about it but...I am just happy to have a little of my zest for life back! Anyways,,,,I like where I am physically. I maintained over the holidays and have lost just a little over the last couple of weeks. I could still lose 10 pounds but this year I am going to concentrate on getting stronger...especially in my upper body and arms. I am running five days a week (about six miles a day) and have added some weight training 3 days a week...see where that takes me. I even bought a running magazine the other day looking at the racing schedules...hmmmm..what does that mean? I did run a marathon about 12 years ago...do I have one more in me? We will see....takes such a commitment of time...I was either running, thinking about running or sleeping. But the very best part was that I couldn't eat enough...really...so fun...almost worth it! Anyone want to do some long distance training with me via blogging?? I could use a running partner....we could run the Tucson marathon in December....plenty of time to train if you start NOW ! How are you all doing...let me know what plans you have for getting strong this year...we can do it together!!

A MOMENT OF SILENCE..A MOMENT OF HOPE

2011-01-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

A moment of silence for all those shot and killed in Arizona this past Saturday. I wanted to post about it but still don't have the words. Others have said it much better than I...please remember it can and does happen anywhere . My personal hero is Dorwin Stoddard...76 years old. When the shooting started he dove to the ground covering his wife, Mary, who was shot 3 times in the leg. Mr. Stoddard was killed...his wife Mary is recovering. Mary was able to talk to her husband for 10 minutes before he passed....what a blessing that will be for her in the future.

All of the news media that has surrounded this only makes me think of what happened to us last month. My niece, Kayla, graduated from nursing school. She is married, the mother of a cutest 5 year old boy and a beautiful young woman ...inside and out. The last picture is of all my nieces at Kayla's graduation party...we have one nurse, one para-legal, one soon to be lawyer, two soon to be nurses and one high school student. These girls are our future! These girls are our hope! NOT what happened on Saturday in Tuscon Az...

A couple of days late.....

2011-01-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR and by the way MERRY CHRISTMAS !! I have been having relationship problems...no no...Mr. Gates (not Bill) and I are doing fine...but my computer and blogger etc are definitely not seeing eye to eye! So much so I just gave up for a couple of weeks...either that or throw the computer against the wall in frustatration! Turns out my modem is not working properly and for $99 Qwest will be happy to send me a new one! Honestly,,,not the way I wanted to start the new year! We had a great Christmas...had 20 members of the Gates family for a week...we all hiked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to Phantom Ranch (10 very long miles)...stayed two nights...then hiked out (the same 10 very long miles) in a blinding snowstorm!....I literally almost froze to death if not for Mr. Gates (not Bill). So...here we go again ...another year...lots of dreams...wishing all the best for you and yours!

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH....

2010-12-08T15:50:00.001-08:00

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with us! We can make a difference...one can of food at a time...one random act of kindness at a time...one item of clothing at a time...one smile at a time...one toy at a time.....one thank you at a time...one I love you at a time...it all adds up to a better world ! If not now..when?? We can do it together....

PROGRESS.......

2010-11-19T04:37:00.000-08:00

A couple of pics of the guest house...I love the red

Mr. Gates (not Bill) is building all the cabinets and doors....tons of storage...which he knows I need since I think it is my job to rescue any and all vintage made in USA dishes!

There will be a tile backsplash ....

I'm thinking no "window treatments"??.. lol..that phrase has always cracked me up...whatever happened to the word curtains or drapes...

COLOR ME CRAZY....

2010-11-11T15:30:00.001-08:00

Honestly, the last thing I had in mind this time of year.....

Did I forget I was having 30 people for Thanksgiving???...lol...

My dear sweet Mr. Gates (not Bill) changing tires out so we could bring this little one home to bring him back to all his glory...(I think this is a boy trailer...lol) ...there is a difference , you know.

REMEMBER THIS ?

2010-11-08T05:27:00.000-08:00

Do you all remember this? I wanted it then....

I REALLY want it now !

I hope no one ever tells me again "Sheryl, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear"...or something like that...lol...

I think I might have to ask Mr. Gates (not Bill) to make me this for Christmas....

A CLEAN SLATE.....

2010-11-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

A clean slate..hmmm..I kind of like those words....so many possibilities. WOW...I did get a lot done while taking a break from the computer...I totally finished painting the outside of the house (appx 110 gallons of paint later!)...and while I was doing that Mr. Gates (not Bill) has been very busy. He finished the interior of the new guest house and I get to start all over again...painting that is. My little picture has been my inspiration from the beginning of this venture and these will be my colors.....with the lighter brown as the main color and the dark brown and jewel tone red as the accents.

A little preview ....

The new guest house (as oppossed to the old guest house...which we call "the apartment" and where we are now living and is located on the other property (3 acres over)....I know...very confusing but believe me one day it will come together. ...anyways...the new guest house is going to be huGe...650 square feet ! (the "apartment" is 300 square feet) and I am moving in as soon as we can !! lol...can't wait...might not ever finish the house...call it good!!! Not really but very tempting right now !!! I'm happy to be back blogging .....missed you all !

I'M SERIOUS....

2010-10-03T14:56:00.001-07:00

For the month of Oct this....

is going in THIS!!! I'm so serious! I have a hundred things to catch up on...my brain is turning to mush...I have not finished a book in a month...MollieDog wonders if I have forgotten how to go for a walk with her....So....for the month of Oct I am limiting myself to one hour a day on the computer....I won't be blogging much...but definitely going to try to keep up with you all and leave a comment when I can....be happy ....no worries...

PAINTING, PAINTING, PAINTING and a little thinking...

2010-09-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been busy busy busy painting (that's just the tinted primer...the color is going to be a true deep brown...I like it lots!) While I paint my mind wanders (and wonders a little) on lots of things like....I don't think I ever heard my mom say "Oh, I'm getting old"...I say it at least twice a day! ...Why do I spend 5 minutes re-arranging the dishes in the dish washer so that I can squeeze one more glass in there?..lol....Bruised, battered and broke is the way I feel lately....most of our friends are self-employed and hard workers...believe me when I say tax credits are the LAST thing on anyone's mind...we are all just trying to hang onto what we have worked so hard for....I would like to spend one night dancing the tango with my boyfriend (in my mind) Robert Duvall..sorry Mr. Gates (not Bill)....I don't even know how to tango but I bet Robert could teach me! MollieDog and I had a long talk the other night and came up with our own STIMULUS program...are you ready for it..give EVERYONE over 18 years of age a card with a $10,000 credit that you MUST spend within one year....be it groceries, clothing, books (my fav) whatever...but you have to spend it...now that would stimulate the economy! and benefit the ordinary working people instead of corporations...what a novel idea. I wish I had something that Antique Roadshow would tell me is worth $100,000!..I would sell it! I don't care what it is and who it belonged to....did you ever yell that at the TV screen while watching that show...SELL IT !!...lol... I have gained two pounds back on my maintenance month...sigh....happens every time I slack off on my running! OK...time to get back to painting....be happy...no worries!

VIEW FROM THE FRONT PORCH...ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !

2010-09-19T11:42:00.001-07:00

This is going to be one of those pathetic little post that I said I was never going to do but...I can't help myself!...It is like two days or so away from fall or as you girls from back East say Autumn and it is still 108° today in Phoenix which makes it about 101° in Congress Az!...getting kind of ridiculous. Every year the same thing...I think September.. Woo Hoo...summer is over ...Mr Gates (not Bill) says "Not quite yet, sweetie pie!" and I think to myself..."It is going to be different this year". After living in the Arizona desert for 35 years I should know better but ever the optimist am I!

WHAT A LUCKY GIRL..FOR SURE!

2010-09-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I must be the most lucky girl in the world !!! I won the wonderful give a way at The Red Gate Farm .It is the brand spanking new The Farm Chicks Christmas book!!! I have to admit I was a little ashamed of myself...I wanted to win this SO bad!! I kind of stuffed the ballot box...legally of course! BUT....

Not only did Chris send me The Farm Chick Christmas Book she also sent me the ORIGINAL The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen book !! Now there is a little story behind this that Chris DID NOT know....I had bought the original book when it came out and loved it. Then it was my best friends birthday and because I was on a budget (always) I gifted her mine (hey, it was like brand new)lol...BUT I always wished I had not done that...I missed it!...lol...So lo and behold...there it was in my package...lucky girl am I !!

Now...anyone that knows me knows this is my favorite STUFF !!!....so I'm thinking this is my fav pic in the book! Vintage camping stuff...getting harder and harder to find! It is all going overseas to Japan !! They know there is going to be very little made in the USA anymore of anything...I kid you not...if you find it pick it up for yourself...you won't be sorry!

OK...back to the book...it is super!! If you can splurge for your self...do it!! The best thing about it is ...it is all about using what you have !!! look at those syrup dispensers...whoo hoo I have those dishes !!! All about HOME MADE !! gifts.

Please go visit Chris at The Red Gate Farm....she is a new blogger...tell her you came from Ain't for City Gals....leave her a comment...follow her blog ! Thank you Chris !!

THIS AND THAT..ODDS AND ENDS...

2010-09-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

I saw this ad in a magazine last week. Now I do like Origins products and use the moisturizer by Dr. Weil. I thought this looks good..brighter by nature..in six weeks will make you skin look brighter and lighter! BUT......

Then I thought why buy that when I have a never ending supply of this...STUCCO!!! It gives me completely NEW SKIN everyday...just takes the top layer right off !!! lol....I'm going to figure out how to market this...the Origin product sells for about $60 for a very little jar...I could package a pint of stucco for about FIVE BUCKS !!!...lol...100% guarantee it works!!! Maybe for my 100th follower give a way??? lol...WHO HOO!! I know you can't wait...lol...Seriously,,,I'm starting to think about it...my give a way that is....want it to be special...

Honestly...I have cut back on my running to every other day...the stucco work and painting is really kicking me in the behind...I just can't do it all...something has to give! and I guess it is my running for just a bit. We have about 3 more days of stucco then maybe I can get back on track...literally...Does anyone ever listen to Dr. Oz....he made me feel good the other day. He said the number one cause of death for woman is NOT heart disease...NOT cancer...but BEING FRAIL!! If you keep your body as strong as you can be you will be strong enough to handle whatever comes your way be it heart problems etc. Made sense to me and that is my goal. I made the mistake of telling this to Mr. Gates (not Bill) ....this morning he said "Come on...time to go get strong!" (stucco !! lol) Seriously, girlfriends (and my one male reader)...get those two pound weights out and lift a little...go for a power walk...turn off the computer YIKES!! and take the dog for a walk....let's get strong again! We can do it!

I lost my ten pounds!!! Took me three and one half months but who cares!! I am going to maintain for the month of Sept. In all honesty I have another 10 pounds to go in real life and hope to finished by Christmas!! I am an "easy keeper" so it takes me a little while but I will get it done. That will be a FORTY pound weight loss in three years...slow but sure. Encouraging every one to be the best you can be....healthy, strong and happy!

NO REST FOR THE WICKED !.....

2010-09-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

Ha...I always thought it was "No rest for the wicked" which is always why I liked it and thought it pertained to me! I have always liked the word WICKED because it is a little bit naughty but not mean or evil....and Halloween was my favorite!..I always was a gypsy...always ..for seven years!! What can I say..my mom had nine kids...she didn't have time to be creative! Maybe that is where I get my wonderlust...a gypsy at heart! Anywhoooo...my niece Sarah (one day I am going to do a post about her...she is an amazing young woman but very private! so will have to do it when she is out of the country or something) said "Aunt Sheryl, I think it is no rest for the WEARY !" Can that be??? No wonder it pertains to me...WICKED AND WEARY!!! Fits me to a tee this week...That is only half of the paint that is going on the outside of the house!..it is a special paint for stucco...elastic like...all has to go on by roller..no spraying! By the end of six hours I feel like I have wrestle an elephant all day....film at eleven..

Remember this??...

Now we have this....only one made it out of the two but still....

I saw an interesting concept on someone's blog today....she had no place to click on to follow and you could leave no comment....now that would truly be writing for yourself.....not as much fun I'm thinking...I like the interaction of my friends ..but still interesting...

VIEW FROM THE FRONT PORCH...

2010-08-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

We had a nice little monsoon blow through yesterday and this is how it ended....

If I had waited just a bit the light on the peak would spread on the entire mountain...that is what they call the back light in Arizona...at times it almost looks purple when the sun hits it just right...

MY VERY OWN PERSONAL GPS...

2010-08-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows me very well knows that I am direction challenged! My favorite Life Is Good T-shirt says "All that wander are not lost" and that holds special meaning for me. The best thing in my new truck is the compass...at least I know I am headed in the right direction if not always on the right road. Not to say I am ever lost ...sometimes it just takes me a little bit longer. I know left and right but not east and west or north and south. The way I usually tell direction is to figure out if I was laying in my bed where would my head be...that is always west! lol....it works for me! All my friends and family say I need a GPS but I always think to myself not really...I already have one. He is my guiding light...my calm before the storm, my calm during the storm, my calm after the storm, my rock, my best friend, my North star, my better half (for sure), my carpenter, my trailer guy, my everything!! My husband..Mr. Gates (not Bill)...lol...Happy Anniversary Hon...love you!

THE NEW FARMCHICK CHRISTMAS BOOK....

2010-08-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

I don't enter all give aways because honestly I am trying to keep my "stuff" to a down size level. If I can't use it, read it, drink it or eat it I try to not bring it home...try is the key word here. I did win some wonderful hand made dish cloths from Karen at CHENEY BAG LADY that I use every day. Now a fairly new blogger is generously giving away something that I have been wanting and that is the new The Farmchick Christmas Book...you can read all about it at RED GATE FARM....tell Chris Ain't For City Gals sent you over and enter to win...it's an easy one and who doesn't need some new ideas for Christmas.

HOUSE ON WHEELS..THINK OF THE POSSIBILITY

2010-08-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Houses on wheels...just think...no property taxes, very little house work, no yard work...the possibilities are endless!! We saw this one in Colorado for sale...I'm thinking I might ask Mr. Gates (not Bill) to make me one for my birthday!! Molliedog says YES...I'm ready to go!

I'm thinking this one might be a chicken coop but then again could be an extreme make over...I like it! Not for sale though..they are going to use it for a prop for their new business...a feed store in funky Congress Az....Check out the little smoke stack...too cute...

This is a tent on a trailer bed...I saw it at Lowe's for sale. Guess how much??? $5,200 ...yes that's right!! RIDICULOUS !! Who would pay that??
Fun stuff...and who knows?

BUSY OR LAZY??

2010-08-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

I need to blog...I WANT to blog.... Trying to figure out if I am busy or lazy or a combination of both. Thought I would do an update on a couple of things and call it good to go. I lost four pounds in June and maintained. I lost four pounds in July while doing the good deed for the year in Colorado. I found two of the four pounds when I got home. I lost two pounds since we have been home....so total 8 pounds lost and maintained. Two more pounds for my goal and 1 month behind....right on schedule I'm thinking...lol. How are you all doing with your "journey"?

Yes, don't we look like the Beverly Hillbillies?? but that is how it is when you need to bring all the tools, scaffoling etc for a big job. We are actually bringing home less from Colorado that we brought considering we brought all the siding with us! It was $18 a sheet cheaper in Az and with 58 sheets that was quite a savings! Yes, that is a freezer in the back of the truck....my sis-in-law didn't want it anymore and we have been looking for one so there you go....

The front of the finished good deed for the year!

This is Molliedog with her devil eye look! I think she is saying "Wake me when summer is over!" Isn't it funny how we can read what ever we want into their expressions?

NEVVER ENDING VIRTUAL YARD SALE...

2010-08-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

A quick shout out for my friend Deborah at The Fairfield House...She is starting a never ending virtual yard sale on her blog for a little while. You can sell...you can buy....or you can do both!! If you want to sell you link in with her or if you want to buy you review her links to see what goodies people are offering....let me tell you though...things are going FAST and I can see why...pretty and CHEAP !! What a great idea...arm chair garage selling when it is so HOT outside! Tell her Ain't for City Gals sent you...make sure to read her previous posts...she is an amazing and thought provoking writer...my favorite.

SHOWING OFF (just a little)

2010-08-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

In Texas they say "It ain't bragging if it is true"....so let's pretend I live in Texas today. I want to show you the beautiful handiwork of my hubby...Mr. Gates (not Bill)...These beams were actually about 4 times the size...they were salvaged from old train trusses and bridges. He cut them down to size with a chainsaw!...they turned out beautiful!

The wood in between is called Cactus Pine which we salvaged from an auction....don't really know where it came from originally but served our purpose to a tee.

We leave all the knots and knot holes in....just love them....character!
The porches cirlcle almost the entire house so we can have shade whatever time of day....so nice and necessary in Arizona.

The little girl dove in the first picture made herself a very nice condo while we were gone to Colorado...We were doing the stucco the other day and we looked up and there she was....she has two eggs. The male dove relieves her about every six hours ...they make a big commotion when they change shifts...so funny! The next time I do a "View From the Front Porch" (see last post)you will know where I am talking about....guest house will be done after Christmas...hope you all can come and sit a while with us!

VIEW FROM THE FRONT PORCH

2010-08-09T08:32:00.001-07:00

What a treat we had this weekend in Arizona..our monsoon (summer thunderstorm) was so welcome. Instead of the really hard rain it was a gentle steady rain in Congress Az...just what the desert needed this time of year. We were actually able to turn off our air conditioning for a day and a half and open all the windows...Doesn't get any better than that in the month of August for this Arizona gal...

LABOR OF LOVE....

2010-08-07T07:03:00.001-07:00

How lucky can I be....I won the 500th post of Karen from Cheney Bag Lady ....
The woman that create usable "art" amaze me.....these crocheted dish cloths are gorgeous....too pretty to use but use them I will....my mother is a "saver" and I do not want to do that....I can build a house but I can't sew a stitch...I can re-do a little trailer but I can't draw a straight line...a glue gun is like a disaster waiting to happen for me....I encourage every one to buy through ETSY....all handmade or vintage....you are for sure buying USA that way....thanks Karen...going to go wash some dishes now....

WOO HOO....I DID IT!!!

2010-08-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

WHOO HOOO!!!
I did not....no..I didn't win the lottery...no, I didn't run a marathon....no
I didn't mop my kitchen floor....no I didn't bring home a trailer from Colorado (sigh)...no I didn't finsh reading War and Peace......I BOUGHT A NEW BRA!!! Enough said....you all know what I am talking about...torture!!! My apologies to one my one male reader and Mr. Gates (not Bill) ...though I am sure Mr. Gates is very happy that it is over with!!lol...sigh....

HONEY I'M HOME...WOOHOO...

2010-08-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

Do I have alot of catching up to do!!!! No, I am not talking about my laundry...kind of feel like The Pioneer Woman.....laundry all the way to China!! lol...I'm talking about blogging..!!! I have tried to stay caught up on all my blogging friends but just haven't had the time to post comments like I wanted to...but it is all changing tomorrow....We did our good deed for the year (helping my sister-in-law ready her house for sale) and we are now home!!! WOOHOO...I am going to spend all day on the computer tomorrow catching up....and not feeling one teeny tiny bit of guilt...I earned it and I deserve it!! Talk to you all soon...

OUR SUMMER VACATION

2010-07-28T12:55:00.001-07:00

What we did on our summer vacation...lol...my niece says we need therapy...She may be right!! Be home in a week...YIPPEE!!

TRAILER HEAVEN IN COLORFUL COLORADO...

2010-07-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

HONESTLY...there is a little trailer parked in everyone's back yard in Colorado...what's a girl to do??? Mr. Gates (not Bill...lol) says NO WAY....not worth it...TOO FAR....Hmmmm ...I'm going to have to work on that...

This little guy..( I think this is a boy trailer...lol..) is parked in the same exact place four years ago!! when we were in Colorado last...I knocked on the door four years ago and the man said "No way...we couldn't sell that trailer"...might have to try again....

This AIRSTREAM was a little over priced...but hey..more power to them!!! It was a 1969...said completely restored inside...couldn't see inside the windows...anyways...$16,700

I am taking this little girl home with me come hell or high water!!!(last photo).. She is just speaking to me...."Please bring me home and make me pretty again!!"...She is cute..maybe 9 feet...my favorite!!!...

We have been working really hard on my sister-in-laws house...replacing all the exterior siding...sigh....film at eleven...

THE GREAT WALL OF CONGRESS...

2010-07-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to thank Snappy Di for my new header....isn't it the cutest? She is so talented with the computer....how lucky was I when she first offered to help me with my little blog....However, I have quite the way to go to live up to the picture but that will give me a good goal to reach for..lol

I named our retaining wall after our funky little town...Congress, Az...pop maybe 1,000 I'm guessing...we actually live about five miles out of town but Congress is where we get our mail etc. This block is called Versa Block..a self interlocking block that uses no mortar ..just pins...Absolutely imperative that you get the first layer perfectly straight and level...otherwise can I just say "You are screwed"!!! lol..Kind of like wallpapering (remember wallpaper...long long time ago)..lol...if you don't get the first strip on straight you fight it all the way! I think we have a total of 3787 block plus the cap (not shown)...Each block weighs 88 pounds and is lifted in place with special tongs by hand....needless to say I don't have to lift my weights when it is "working on the retaining wall" day....versus "stucco day"...etc...lol....It has been hot but compared to the weather you all are getting back East I feel like we are the lucky ones right now...Getting ready for my mom's 80th birthday party this Sat and then our bags are packed for Colorado....kind of a working vacation...but I will take what I can get.....Be happy...no worries...

WHAT WE DID ON THE 4TH OF JULY...

2010-07-05T18:28:00.001-07:00

What better way to celebrate our independence and our freedom than to do what we do best...and that is to work hard ...it is the only way we know. What really is liberty and the pursuit of happiness....to me it is the freedom to do what you want and every day I am grateful for it....but...we have worked for it. You don't get it from the government...you don't get it from the church...you really don't get it from your family....you get it from hard hard work...You ask yourself what you want and you work for it..... I know things are tough out there..we have been there and done that....but we have picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off and started all over again...more than once. And that is America...Happy Fourth of July!!!

ONE MONTH DOWN...4 POUNDS

2010-07-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

HMMMM..What's wrong with Blogger...won't let me download pics ...my print is really small...they took all my symbols away...waaaaa....Well,, let's just see how this goes and call it good. One month down (June) and I lost four pounds...not the five that I wanted but really feel like I gave it my best shot..I did super good on my jogging and pretty good on my eating. My body just does not want to give up these last 10 pounds or so...keep trying is all I know what to do. My hubby being really sweet and said "Maybe this is where you should be"....Hope you all have a really super Fourth of July weekend...wish I could say we are going somewhere fantastic but no...we are starting to stucco the house...oh joy!!! 110° out......Trying to think of it as exercise....lol...Be happy...no worries...

GOOD NEWS..BAD NEWS...GOOD NEWS....

2010-06-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Mr. Gates ( my hubby..lol..and no he is not Bill Gates brother..though I wish I had a quarter every time someone asks me that..I would be rich!!) said to me yesterday "you are not going to blog about going to the dentist are you"? I said "No way...who cares"? lol...Anyways..I went to the dentist yesterday ...lol...for a cleaning and waiting for bad news of all the dental work I probably need done..honestly I have like a Mercedes in my mouth by now...but the good news is...I have only ONE small cavitiy...best check up in my entire life!!! The bad news is they had a jar of little mini Snicker candy bars right there at the counter!!! How ridiculous in a dentist office...the good news is I only took two....one for me and one for my hubby...the bad news is I ate BOTH of them....they were so tiny...even the minis are getting smaller....the good news is that I didn't dump the whole jar in my purse.....but believe me I wanted to!! But in the back of my little Snicker starved brain I kept hearing the best advice I ever got on dieting.."DON'T BRING THE ENEMY HOME"!!!

RANDOM DIET THOUGHTS

2010-06-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

I am really hungry today...I'm like is it dinner yet....1200 to 1500 calories is just not very much....I think I was eating that
before noon before....I had a really good run today....did you ever look at calorie amounts on say a bag of popcorn and figure out if I ate the whole thing that would be .....lol...how much we eat out of boredom...there are a lot of blogs about diet and healthy eating which I am enjoying reading....hate to say it but I think giving up drinking might be good for me...though I'm not too sure if giving up the Snickers is good for me yet....my hubby Larry who does NOT need to lose an ounce is losing weight along with me...not good....it might be because I am not cooking dinner every other night which really helps me but building a house burns a lot of calories so might have to re-think that...thinking about getting a DVD like Shredding it with Jillian but not sure if I will follow through with it...and #1 thing is sharing "my journey" with you all makes me a little more accountable (word?) and for that I thank you...

SCORE ONE FOR "THE HOUSE"

2010-06-20T06:07:00.001-07:00

WOO HOO...I have always wanted sinks like these for one of the homes we build. They sit above the vanity top and look quite stylish in my mind.
Two months ago I saw them at Tuesday Mornings (which is a discount store that sometimes has some nice high end house stuff)...They were priced $100 which is a pretty good price for them but I needed FIVE (four for the house and 1 for the guest house) and I just couldn't make myself spend the money. A month later they were marked down to $79 but still...I couldn't. Then lo and behold there was an ad in the newspaper saying on Friday all clearance items were going to be 50% off from the yellow sticker...please, please please let them have a yellow sticker I thought. I was there bright and EARLY in line thinking surely no one else would want sinks....AND there they were on the shelves with their yellow stickers marked $79 so half of that would $40 ...I scooped all five of them up ...one of the few times in my life that patience really does have its own reward....

WAAAA...I MISS MY FRIENDS....

2010-06-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Waaaa, I do miss my friends....BUT...I am halfway into my first month and I have lost
3 pounds!! Which
for me is a lot...
I am what they call an "easy keeper"....I can look at food and gain weight and my body is trying everything it can to hang on to this last of the comfort zone.....Anyways,,,I am happy with my three pounds....total of five pounds is my goal for this month and then five pounds in July....I am doing really good on my jogging and pretty good on my food ....How are you all doing? Everybody doing their exercise?? Be happy...no worries...

E-BAY..SIGN OF THE (ECONOMIC) TIMES

2010-06-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

If the "powers that be" wanted a inexpensive and fast survey of what is really going on with the economy all they would have to do is ask anyone that sells on e-bay..like me. I have been selling on e-bay since 2003..can't believe it has been that long and it has been a good thing for me..lets me indulge in finding really cool stuff and actually turning it into a nice part time job...I sell under the name of musthaveit. The pic is my little section of "the shop" and yes all the cupboards are full !! lol...However, in the last year or so things have taken a dramatic turn downward for e-bay....not only people are not buying they are not even LOOKING anymore...just no extra money for them to spend. Postage has gotten so expensive that most of the time the shipping cost is more than the item!! ...even with the flat rate boxes from the post office. Yesterday Larry and I were out getting things for "the house" and it was kind of scary out there....the three stores we went to ...Home Depot being the main one ....was absolutely dead...no customers...nothing...and this was Friday..late afternoon.. when people should be getting stuff for weekend projects...The "powers that be" need to send people out into the real world and see what is going on...scary indeed and makes me want to hang onto what little we have left even more so...I would love to hear what you have to say on this...

LOSING IT WITH....

2010-06-09T09:59:00.001-07:00

Losing it with Sheryl!!!...sorry not Jillian!! Have you seen her new show yet?....I haven't...past my bedtime since I have to get up at 4:30 am to be on the trail by 5:30 am...I live in the Arizona desert you know...getting hot out! When I say losing it I'm not talking of my mind....lost that already and I am much happier..things seem so clearly now...lol. Anyways, want to talk about the one fat vs. muscle myth that absolutely drives me crazy! I have even heard nurses and doctors say it!! You know how when you are exercising and trying and your clothes feel just a little looser but you haven't lost an ounce...people say "You must be gaining muscle and muscle weighs more that fat". Well, that is just not true! A pound of fat and a pound of muscle weigh exactly the same...a pound! The difference is ..if you can picture this....take a pound of butter...a pound of muscle takes up the space of one stick of butter while a pound of fat takes up the space of four sticks of butter.

Which is why we absolutely need to do our aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, jumping rope etc) and lift our free weights...aerobic for burning the fat and the weights for building the muscle...sigh..not fun but going to be worth it!!

One other thing worth noting...a pound of muscle burns 58 calories a day at rest while a pound of fat burns 2 calories a day at rest. That is a big difference...worth doing that extra ten lifts of the bar bell, I'm thinking.

HELLO....CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??

2010-06-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

This is my husband Larry for all the world to see !!! Isn't he the cutest?? I love him dearly !!
First of all he HATES HATES HATES talking on the phone. Second of all we are the only people left on the planet that do not have a cell phone. I mean really....we are together 24/7 working on the house ....Third of all ..lol...he has a dry but sweet sense of humor. One day while we were driving I look over and there he is having a conversation on his HAMMER!!! Just waiting for me to look....OMGosh...did I ever laugh!!! (Don't ask me why we had a hammer in the truck...I guess because if the best finish carpenter in the USA (probably the world)...in my humble opinion.lol...wanted to hammer a couple of nails he would be ready!!!

READY SET GO !!

2010-06-01T09:56:00.001-07:00

I wrote a great post while I was running today...let's see how much I remember !! lol...I love saying lol because ..well, it makes me lol and I don't do enough of that! Anyway,,,,today is June 1st and I am re-affirming my diet and workout plan!! (Is it re-affirming or just affirming?...help me out Cyndy...) After seeing some pics of myself at my parents 60th wedding anniversary I have to make some changes..who was / is that woman with my husband anyway???lol...I either have to start coloring my hair again or lose 20 pounds...the hair color would be easier but I kind of like my gray BUT....First of all I am the most unphotogentic person on the entire planet ...I have lived with that my entire life and have accepted it...it is what it is ....as my sister likes to say! (those are my legs BTW...took major cropping to get there though)..lol...But these pictures from the party..let's just say I couldn't hit the delete button fast enough! The scales say I need to lose 20 pounds,,,I have rationalized that to 15 pounds and would be thrilled with 10!! So let's go with the 10...in two months...surely I can do that! My exercise program is pretty good...7 miles of jogging five days a week...going to throw in some weights now. My eating program...not so good. I figure I should have 1500 calories a day...I probably eat that many while I am cooking dinner...let alone what I have for dinner. So that is what I am going to work on....To me it has always been calories in...calories out. Doesn't matter to me where you get them from....Did you know you could have 4 Snicker Bars a day and if that is all you ate you would lose weight! Just kidding about the Snicker Bar diet but.....my husband says I am the only person he knows that can eat a Snicker and drink Scotch at the same time!! They both have to go for two months !!..sigh....lol....Wish me luck...anyone want to come along on my "journey"?? I kind of hate it when people say that "journey thing"...lol...

EVERYBODY HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND

2010-05-27T09:48:00.001-07:00

Every body have a great holiday weekend !!! You know where to find me...with my feet up on the front porch! Be happy....no worries...

HAPPY 60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD

2010-05-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

Quite the party !! It was my mom and dad's 60th wedding anniversary and we had fun!
Four generations of family and nothing makes my mom and dad happier.. The one pic is of all the grandchildren and great grand children and the other is of my mom and dad's brothers and sisters...will they ever grow up??? I hope not!!

ALL ABOUT "THE HOUSE" THIS WEEK.....

2010-05-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

Isn't it kind of funny how an inanimate object can take on a life of its own? That is how I am feeling about "the house" now...maybe because we have so much of our own life invested in it now. It is coming along slow but sure.....when you do all the work yourself....no subs...it takes a long time. Deb from Howdy From Cowtown..(see my side bar of my favorite blogs) can correct me if I am wrong....In Texas they say it ain't bragging if it is true....so.....I'm going on record as saying this house is going to be wonderful...Not just beautiful but quality and workmanship.....the best ever!
We are still working on the outside but I wanted to show some inside pics today...do you think we show cased the view enough?? lol....The last pic shows just tons of open area which of course some of it will be walled off into two LARGE bedrooms and baths....The beams will show but the posts will not. The third pic shows the sub-floor...we did not do a slab as most houses do in Arizona...we did a 4 foot crawl space where all the water pipes, electricity, etc will go. We did this in another house we built and I just loved it....so much easier on your body than walking on a hard slab or tile all day....eventually it will be a bamboo floor...probably the last thing we do (definitely after I get done painting...don't want to have to worry about the floor). Anyway, there it is for now....this week is going to be all about "The House"...film at eleven.....

OMGosh...SO FUNNY !!

2010-05-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to suggest you all look at my blog list and click on Jenny Matlock...she has the funniest post about the conversations of having a garage sale!!! I think she could make a whole movie out of that....