Down Memory Lane

As I had hoped, I have been organizing a few closets and drawers during the Spring Break. Since it is such a dreary day, it is the perfect Saturday project. It's taking a little longer than I thought because I keep coming across sentimental things. My motivation to complete this project is a movie date with Walt this weekend.
As I have been scanning old pictures and documents, I found this photo from 1959-60. My friends, Sue Waterman and Debbie Pulioff came over to play Barbies and my mom clicked a quick photo in our front yard in northeast Portland. Good memories ... Barbie was extremely popular during that time ... AND still is around our house. Maybe in the future I'll feature my collection with a "Blogger Tour of Barbies." I bet you can't wait : )

Family Game Day

It was fun to get the family together Sunday afternoon for a game day. After playing ScrutinEYES and enjoying a pizza we decided to break in the decks of cards the Dehazes' gave us for Christmas.

Brian was especially excited with his Star Wars deck and found it to be his new "secret weapon" in slowing our Nerts game down. You see, when he puts his cards in the middle, we cannot determine the suit or number due to the Star Wars characters replacing the familiarity of a regular deck of cards.
It was hilarious ... and Brian loved it!

It was so much fun being with the kids ... a great way to kick off the Spring Break.

A Weekend of Fun and Games

My Spring Break started out with a fun-filled weekend.
Friday night was Girl's Wii Night at Heather's. We enjoyed a salad buffet and got plenty of exercise while bowling, boxing and playing tennis. I have to admit that my shoulder was a little sore the next morning after working hard at a boxing knock out. I think it's an age thing! Maybe there should be a warning/caution on the box ... "those in their 50's must play at their own risk."
We spent Saturday night with the Dehaze's. After grabbing a bite to eat we settled down for an evening of ScrutinEYES -The Game of Closer Looks. We bought this game in the early 90's while shopping at one of those Fred Meyer Black Friday sales ... I think we paid $4.00 for it. Anyway, after opening it for Christmas it found a home in our game cupboard while we spent years going from one soccer field to another. Since the Dehazes bought it at the same sale and actually PLAYED the game, we decided to open the brand-new box and give it a try. Oh my, is it ever FUN! I can't believe we let it sit in a cupboard for nearly 15 years.

Using picture cards you need to find/list as many objects in an area of the picture that begin with an assigned letter of the alphabet within a one-minute time period. The lower portion of the "S" card has over 1,000 objects that begin with the letter "S." You can look for hours and not find all the answers. There's just one catch ... if your answer matches our opponent's, you don't score. I can't believe we ignored this fun entertainment for so many years.
AND ... to top off our evening the Dehazes brought a bakery box filled with desserts from St. Honore's. Life is GOOD : ) Thank you, friends for such a fun evening.
Oh, but the weekend filled with fun and games continued. Check back for the next post -- our Sunday Family Game Day. Who needs to travel for Spring Break??? I have amazing friends and family right in my own backyard.

Happy 50th Birthday, Barbie

Check out what the grandkids surprised me with Friday ... a new Barbie celebrating her 5oth birthday. I can still remember the day I got my first Barbie ... the box she came in ... the plastic smell ... the black-striped swimsuit and plastic high heels. I picked out one with dark hair and my dear friend, Paula had one with blonde hair. Oh, the hours we spent playing with those dolls.
Of course, after a half-century Barbie still looks fabulous ... ready to capture the hearts of a new generation of little girls. However, the "original" owners have aged and are now eligible to be card-carrying AARP members!

Touring Italy

Ah, yes ... another "time claimer" in our busy life. In my distracted mode I have also been touring Italy -- just a quick glimpse at Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome and Naples each evening.
A few Saturdays ago Walt was talking to one of our neighbors about our dream of vacationing in Italy for our 35th anniversary. Several minutes later he came out with a shopping bag full of books and Rick Steves' videos for us to borrow ... and dream!
Now we can sit back in the recliner and catch the sites, sounds and flavors of our dream destination. Just makes my mouth water for a good pasta dinner : )
Ciao

Totally Girl Weekend

What a fun beach getaway we had several weekends ago. The weather was perfect for a walk on the beach Saturday ... warm and no breeze. It was hard to believe is was the end of February.
There are usually many activities included in our stay ... good food, good talks, good movies and this time we added "beading therapy" led by Shelley. We each made a bracelet with one common bead and check out how many looks came from each "jewelry artisan." (Mine is second one on the right) What patience Shelley possesses ... she crimped every bracelet ... and we each made more than one!
It was time for a much needed "retreat" ... it was nice not having a schedule, staying in jammies most of the morning and just hanging out. What a blessing it was to spend time with such fabulous friends.

Where Have We Been?

Seems like I've had fewer posts lately and it's probably due to a new obsession ... American Idol! Can you believe this is the first season we have watched from the very beginning? It took eight seasons to get me hooked : ) Since this is a time commitment of sometimes two nights a week ... I also juggle two weekly Bible studies, digital scrapbooking, knitting, blogging and reading ... I have been pretty "distracted" this winter. Blogging has dropped a notch or two in priority on my schedule. I'm thinking the season will end by May and I will be back to my normal routine. Anyone else hooked????
In the meantime, I will try to post more often.
P.S. My vote is for Danny!

Wii Are Having Fun!

Last weekend we had the opportunity to share in many new "firsts." Donna & Pierre took us to a Junior Hockey League game to watch their nephew, CJ play for the Jaguar's. And I was not disappointed watching my first hockey game. There were bodies slamming against the plexi-glass, sticks flying and even a fight where masks, pads, and gloves flew and so did fists! Wow ... what entertainment.
Then came the real competition for the evening ... playing Wii Sports and Wii Fit @ the Dehaze arena. Since this was a new experience for me ... it was also very entertaining for my teammates and spectators. There were plenty of "belly laughs" and many "you can do its." Probably the event I enjoyed most was bowling -- perhaps because my score was much higher than when I am at the alley. Although, had you been a "screen" spectator you would probably be wearing a neck brace as I kept releasing the ball behind me into the crowd. Same with tennis ... many little green balls smacking over the spectator seating area leaving injury and mayhem behind.
I think Wii Fit would be a great motivation to exercise ... but could end up stacked next to the elliptical. It's the same as a gym membership ... I'm a great card-carrying member / make the payments but my enthusiasm dwindles after a few visits. Hhhmmm ... but the Wii might be different -- something to consider.
What a great evening ... those Dehazes know how to have fun. But next time I'm bringing my workout clothes!

Layouts ... a Long Time Comin'

Well, finally I'm working on May of 2006. I thought I would share my progress since the last time I posted. My album is filling up ... Nice to have 16 new pages.

Goin' Green

I have been loving the spring-like weather we've had this month. However, "Wally the Weatherman" often reminds me of how much we need rain since we are below average. Perhaps ... but being the fair-weather walker that I am, it has been so nice to be out and about walking the neighborhood without getting soaked.
This month we have been goin' green on Saturdays. As soon as we get a few household chores done, we strap on a backpack and head for downtown Tualatin. We pick up a few groceries at Haggen's, return books at the library, use a 40% off coupon at Michael's and even include a Wendy's stop (a Walt "must"). We are saving $$$ on gas, getting exercise and fresh air plus running errands that are usually taken care of by car.
On the next nice Saturday we plan to continue north from the library and walk over to Bridgeport Village. Our reward will be -->Paradise Bakery & Cafe for tea and delicious cookies. I love the many possibilities for a great walk right near our own backyard.

Birthday Card Design

What fun it was to make a birthday card for Don ... BUT even more fun ... receiving a picture that Paula snapped of him holding the card we sent.
Glad to see you are feeling better, Don and celebrating your birthday. As Paula would say ... "We're only four years from sixty." : )

Photoshop Elements Brushes

I have been wanting to create my own brushes in Photoshop Elements ... brushes are similar to making a rubber stamp. Once the brush is "stamped" on a layout it can be resized, recolored, highlights added etc. and can be used over and over again.
After watching a tutorial online at Digi Scrapbook 101 I was determined to learn this new skill. I found some verses I especially like and could use on my card projects. And I was not disappointed ... it was so much easier than I thought.
I could hardly sleep that night just thinking of everything I wanted to turn into a brush. Here's a sample of a few things I've created.


























Well, I'm off for my walk ...

A Day Off : )

It's so nice to be home today ... I really am a homebody!
This morning I worked on scrapbooking Easter 2006 and I now have about a dozen layouts to send to Costco for printing. May 2006 here I come ... I'm really moving through the calendar of events. Who knows??? I just might get caught up one day soon.
I have been spending time in the kitchen. What a fragrant aroma ... I have a couple pots of soup simmering on the stove and Oktoberfest Pork Chops cooking in the electric skillet. It will be nice to come home and have dinner already prepared for the next few evenings.
I'm hoping after the next load of laundry dries to get out and go for a walk and perhaps take an afternoon nap. I need to get energized for Bunco tonight!
Well, it's off to the kitchen to wash stacks of pots and pans. Hope you are enJOYing your day.

Because No One Should Go Hungry ...

I guess 2009 has found me MIA on my blog ... not intentionally but probably more due to trying to get life back on track after illness, busy schedules etc. Now I'm feeling better and ready to get back to those things that bring JOY to my heart.
What a great Valentine's Day celebration ... many new experiences, new tastes, new JOYs.
Our day started off at 8:00 a.m. at the TCC parking lot meeting the Tuesday @ Five group + our husbands. During our Bible studies we have been challenged to make service a part of our life. We have been wanting to find a way to put "hands and feet" to what we've taken into our hearts. Thanks, Melney for coordinating this wonderful service event. We journeyed over to the Oregon Food Bank, which just happens to be located in our childhood stomping ground ... right across from Riverside Little League.
Our group was assigned to the Food Recovery Center. It's a fast-paced, food sorting adventure. There were various job assignments ... some assembled boxes, a crew un-boxed huge boxes of donated non-perishable food, others read food labels to determine the product was peanut-free. Then the excitement began ... the food items traveled down a conveyor belt and a group stood ready to fill boxes to the brim. Finally, the filled boxes rapidly moved down the conveyor belt to be sealed and stacked on pallets. The conveyor belt brought back childhood memories of the TV show Lucy and the chocolate factory episode!
Volunteering here is quite an organized effort. I was on "tape gun" detail and became quite proficient at it : ) while Walt assembled boxes in the first-stage process -- (pictures to follow) What a fun, meaningful way to give of your time. When you have completed the day's task the volunteer team gives you statistics on what was accomplished during your shift. Each person volunteering in the Food Recovery Center fed 322 people from our efforts! It's amazing what can be done in only a few hours when people work together for a great cause.
I would definitely volunteer here again. In fact, during my summer break I would love to spend time volunteering there. They even have a garden! If you are interested in being a part of this program, call 503.972.2993 or volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org.
To satisfy our hunger our group drove downtown to Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery for a delicious lunch. I have never been disappointed with anything I've ordered off their menu. Next time I'm ordering their soft pretzel appetizer. YUM ... just a one-bite sample sold me!
Our evening was a great new experience ... dining at McCormick & Schmick's in Bridgeport with the Dehaze's. We celebrated Valentine's Day and their 33rd anniversary with a delicious meal, great conversation, and the JOY of spending time with such dear friends. The restaurant was extremely busy ... a five hour wait to be seated and they had nearly 850 reservations for Valentine dinner. Our celebration wasn't finished there ... we went over to Donna & Pierre's and played a very competitive round of Rummikub while listening to the "oldies." Pierre's decadent dessert, Creme Brulee finished off our evening.
What an amazing day! Now back to reality ... and fewer calories : )

Jello and Seeing Stars

You may find that title a little strange ... but I know my Bible study ladies will get it right away. We are studying Linda Dillow's book, Calm My Anxious Heart. It is a study on finding contentment. On page 25 a story features a young bride married to a Marine and living in a foreign country. She wrote a letter home to mom listing her complaints and unhappiness. Her mother faxed a two-line reply:
Two women looked through prison bars
One saw mud, the other saw stars.

So, how does this figure in with Jello ....
Monday morning I woke up feeling terrible. I wondered if it was due to a busy weekend or did I eat something with the ingredient: peanut butter? By late afternoon I knew I was heading into the Perfect Storm ... the flu : ( I decided early on to fore go food and stick with only a water diet. After 24-hours I was starting to feel hunger pangs. Walt brought home several snack-pack Jello cups ... and I lifted my eyes to see stars. It has been a while since I've enjoyed Jello that much. I gave thanks with each spoonful.
I'm still feeling a little on edge health-wise but I'm thankful to be in a warm house, seeing beautiful blue sky through the windows, having a hot shower, a husband who takes care of me, sick-leave from work ... and yes ... even Jello!
It has been a rough couple of days but I now feel I'm heading toward the side of restored health.
Stay Well!!!

Newness in the Air

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die
a time to plant and a time to uproot
a time to kill and a time to heal
a time to tear down and a time to build
a time to weep and a time to laugh
a time to mourn and a time to dance
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them
a time to embrace and a time to refrain
a time to search and a time to give up
a time to keep and a time to throw away
a time to tear and a time to mend
a time to be silent and a time to speak
a time to love and a time to hate
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecc 3:7

Yes ... during January my blog was a bit "silent." Readers have pointed out that I haven't posted in a while ... but now it's time to exhale, take a deep breath ... breathe ... move forward.
I love flipping the calendar to a new month ... especially February. Even though it is still winter you can see signs of spring ... new growth, sweet fragrances, bulbs reaching up through the dirt, daylight is a bit longer, occasionally you have the opportunity wear sunglasses and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. It is a time for new beginnings ... new hope.
And the first square of the calendar did not disappoint ...

• Sunday morning we were uplifted with a great service at church. Listen to "Let Down Your Nets." If you are feeling discouraged, you will find new strength in Dick's message on Luke 5:1-9.
• Had lunch with the kids/grandkids. They make even Wendy's a feast.
• Watched the Superbowl with the Gears. I'm not much in to football but I have to admit that was a great game to watch. Since I'm not familiar with the teams I usually pick the "underdog" so I was cheering on the Cardinals. What a great comeback! The Steelers answered back well to take the win. What a fun day with dear friends!

Even though Punxsutawney Pete and Wally's Weather Moment are predicting an extended winter, I feel a breeze of "newness" in the air : )

My Favorite ...

Just thought I would share my favorite digi layout since I last posted. Instead of posting all of them I thought I would feature one of two of my favorites.
I loved how it turned out ... the rich colors, the lettering, the simplicity and of course, I love those featured in the pictures.
It warms my heart to see a father-son moment as Brian spends time with Colin while playing guitar. Who knows?!?! Colin may learn to play one of these days. There has been a long history of interest in playing the guitar in our family
I now have 17 photos in my new album and nearly ready to start March 2006.
Credits:
Template: Kitty Cat Designs -Happiness Is
Font: Mom's Typewriter
Paper: Susan Fitch -guitar heaven

Kennedy Gals

Since the Kennedy 40th Grade School Reunion nearly two years ago, the four of us have been trying to reunite more often. We have met for lunch at various restaurants in town but Lora graciously opened her home Saturday for our latest get together.
We never lack for conversation ... there are always childhood memories to discuss, where life has taken us over the years, what we are doing in this season of life, etc.
Last year we read the book, The Glass Castle and met together to discuss it. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it.
I am so thankful to have these friends in my life. The are so encouraging, share great ideas and we always seem to include some laughter. I am already looking forward to our next gathering!

Scrapbooking Stash

So, now that I'm doing most of my scrapbooking layouts digitally, what becomes of all the paper, elements, tools, etc. that I've accumulated over the last ten years?

Cards ... I've been enjoying these 4x6 layouts and finding you can make them more personal rather than picking one up at a Hallmark store.
I'm still incorporating some hybrid techniques such as using someone's name as a dictionary definition. I got this idea from Nancy while working in the library at Templeton.
So, whenever I'm in the mood to get creative with paper, I pull out my stash and start designing.
I've included a few examples from my January birthday list.





One of my favorite sites for inspiration is: http://dihickman.blogspot.com/

Go You Chicken Fat Go

While meeting with the Kennedy Gals Saturday (more on that in another post) we always include something from our shared grade school history. We got on the subject of our P.E. classes and the Chicken Fat record was brought up. Mr. Kohlmeier, our PE teacher would put a 45 on the record player blasting a song of instruction that filled the gymnasium. Many times following this class you could not get the song out of your head for the rest of the day.
We could each remember a few lyrics here and there so I did a little research when I got home. How I love technology for jogging my memory on things of the past! Here's what I found ...
Chicken Fat was a song written by Meredith Wilson of "Music Man" fame. It was commissioned by President Kennedy for his new Youth Fitness Program in 1961. A copy of this record was sent to every school in the U.S. It was sung by Robert Preston, also of "Music Man" fame.
Here's a Youtube site to watch ... but keep in mind the song may stick with you all day after watching this 6 minute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFofqe26t-4

I've also included the lyrics:
Touch down
Every morning
Ten times!
Not just
Now and then.
Give that chicken fat
Back to the chicken,
And don't be chicken again.
No, don't be chicken again.
Push up
Every morning
Ten times.
Push up
Starting low.
Once more on the rise.
Nuts to the flabby guys!
Go, you chicken fat, go away!
Go, you chicken fat, go!
Good morning!
Hands on hips, place!
Now then, touch your toes with me. Ready!
Touch down (up)
Every morning (down)
Ten times!
(Up) Not just (d-) [he mistakenly starts to say "down" here]
(Four!) Now and then (up)
(Five!) Give that (up) chicken fat
(Six!) Back to the (up) chicken and
(Seven!) Don't be (up) chicken (Eight!) again
(up) No, (Nine!) don't be (up) chicken again. (Ten...halt!)
Hit the dirt! Hit!
Push ups next,
Nice and steady.
Not too fast.
Ready!
Push up (down)
Every morning (up)
Ten times!
Push up,
Starting low.
(Down! That's five.) Once more (down) on the rise
(Six!) Nuts to the (down) flabby guys.
Go, you chicken fat, go away (down).
(Nine) Go, you (down) chicken fat, go!
Ten, and halt!
Now, struggle up to your feet!
Strug...(Struggle!)
March in place, march!
Left! Left! Left! Left!
Left a good pound and a quarter.
Was it right, right that it should be left?
Yes, I left! Left! Left! Left!
Left a good pound and a quarter.
It was right (left), right (left) that it should be left!
And halt! One, two.
Next, sittups.
Everybody's favorite, so on your back, drop.
All right girls, you're in this too.
Arms over head, flop!
C'mon girls, now!
Sit up!
Sit up (down)
Every morning (up)
Ten times
Sit up (down)
(Up) On your seat. (down)
(Five) Swing that rusty gate.
(Six) Don't drop the tempo, mate.
(Seven) Can't win draggin' your feet.
(Eight) No, (nine) can't win draggin' your feet.
Ten, and halt!
Now on your feet, up!
Everybody, hands on hips, place.
Twist your trunk to the left, ready!
Twist left, front,
Now the right side,
Ten times!
Twist left, front
(Right) Grunting low (front)
Grunt!
(Ungh!) Louder!
(Ungh!) Front, now!
Left and front and everybody sing!
Go, you chicken fat, go!
And, halt.
Fingers back of your neck, lace.
Right foot forward, place.
The pogo spring, landing on alternate feet.
Ready!
Spring left,
Spring right,
Higher!
Higher!
Up, down,
Up, down,
Higher!
Higher!
Wait, not too high!
Up, down,
Up, down,
Up, down,
Halt!
Drop your hands to the side, feet together, place.
Overhead, clap, and jump to stride.
Known as the jumping jack far and wide.
All right, are you ready? Ready!
Jump, two! Clap, Two!
Clap, two! Clap, slap!
Clap, slap! Clap, slap!
Jump, two! Jump, two!
Jump, it's good for you.
Three more is all we do.
Jump, two!
And...halt and sing!
Go, you chicken fat, go!
March in place,
March! Left! Left! Left!
Left a good pound and a quarter.
Was it right, right that it should be left?
Oh, I left! Left! Left! Left!
Left a good pound and a quarter.
It was right (left), right (left) and halt.
One, two.
Palms up, arms to the side, raise!
Next we're gonna do backwards circles,
Ready? Ready!
Circle round, round, round,
Back and around, back and around.
Back and around, back and around.
And back and around, and reverse.
And around, Front and around.
Front and around, front and around.
Front and around, and halt.
Arms to the side, place.
On your back, drop.
And now, raise your legs in the air, raise!
It's the bicycle ride!
And, pump, pump, pump, pump,
Pump, pump, pump, pump,
Pump, pump, pump, pump,
Pump, pump, and...
Halt.
On your feet, up
Quickly, quickly, next
Inhale, arms sweep up inward,
Exhale, arms out and down.
(Inhale, arms sweep up inward,
Exhale, outward, down.)
Ready!
Inhale, slow
Every morning
Exhale, clear down.
Inhale, take the air!
Down and around and inhale.
Grab that oxygen,
Exhale and try again!
You're not getting your share.
(Clear down) No, (inhale) you're not getting your share!
On the down, halt!
The tortoise and the hare next.
First the tortoise.
Bend the elbow, and run in place.
Ready? Ready!
Running, (two)
(Run)
Like a tortoise,
(Okay)
Too far, and too slow.
Now double up, ready!
(Running)
Run two three four,
(Like a hare)
Run two three four,
(Now you are)
Run two three four,
(Getting there)
Run two three four,
Go you
(Run two three four)
Chicken fat,
(Run two three four)
(Go away!)
Everybody sing!
Go, you chicken fat, go!
Go!
Go!
Dismissed!

Whew ... I'm wondering if I could even do this workout today!?!?! Does anyone else have a memory of this from the 60's?