Barbara and I Did a Road Trip to Yellowstone Park, Plus another one added to the Family!

Barbara and I planned to do this trip a few months ago. We went to the Auto Club to get  a room near Yellowstone. "Most people made their reservations a year ago."  Destiny, our agent was not optimistic about our making arrangements.  We insisted we wanted to check it out anyway. We did find a room for five nights in Jackson Village, about eight miles from Jackson Hole.  I was in this area with My husband Paul,and three of the children Scott, Jennifer and Jerry about 25 years ago.   This trip was 2 1/2 weeks and I didn't want to post it until I came back. We got home early Friday evening.  This has been an eventful time.

Outside of Jackson, we went through 2 tunnels under animal bridges. I've heard about them but haven't seen them until now.  If you are at least 62 years old pick up  a senior pass at one of the national parks.  You must have ID showing your age and it costs $10 for the rest of your life.  Since admission can be $30, you save a lot of money especially if you are going to several parks on a road trip, like we did.  Then show your card and ID at entry stations. We saw several signs of the Continental Divide, where water drains to the Atlantic or the Pacific Oceans. We missed every one of them the first day  in Yellowstone, with the stops being crowded, or, going too fast, it was like an afterthought. 

Around Jackson, they have speed signs with one stating 45 MPH, and another one below staying 35 MPH at night. They also had a lit up speed and then showed your speed, then if you were going faster, it was blinking in red, otherwise it was green below the speed limit or at the limit. It works.  Most drive much slower. 

We weren't going to make any other reservations, but as I was checking the route going east, many of the hotels were  filled or almost filled, so we did reserve the rooms going east. The weather was good and we took salads to start and fixings for sandwiches which was an excellent idea. Barbara is vegan, so this helped. Subway was another good option, as were delis where we could get salads and sandwiches. Every place was willing to modify their choices to meet Barbara's needs.  Jackson Hole was pleasant, but was modernized and expanded from my trip 25 years ago.  

We went to this wonderful restaurant called Gather, where the previous chef competed and won on the television program Iron Chef. The current chef had a tough position to fill, but he bowled them over. Barbara had gnocchi and I had trout. We shared roasted brussel sprouts and fried green tomatoes.  Delicious!  We made room for dessert, bignets with sides of custard, raspberry and chocolate.  Yum!  One serving was six bignets which was enough for both of us.   The pictures below are in Jackson Hole.

Wonderful Restaurant!

Me, Rachel

Barbara

Barbara

An Arch made of Elk Antlers in a park in Jackson Hole

We drove through The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone taking pictures along the way. It rained off and on, but the weather was mild.  The trees were in their Fall foliage, the colors gorgeous.  I'm sure the traffic was much lighter than summer. Also, some of the roads  were unpaved, perhaps a plan to replace.  We saw trees burned in recent fires.  When we passed Lewis Lake, it seemed very large until we came upon Yellowstone Lake. Now that lake was huge!

The Grand Tetons

The Grand Tetons

The Grand Tetons

Grand Tetons Earlier in the Day

Grand Tetons Earlier in the Day

Museum in one of the Visitor Centers in Yellowstone

Barbara Looking this Way

Beautiful Skies!

The Fall Colors had Started

Bison and Horses Feeding Together

We got there just as Old Faithful was Blowing!

Barbara in Front of Old Faithful

Me in Front of Old Faithful

Such wonderful forest and sky!

A Lovely Stream with mini-waterfalls

This is Lewis Lake.  I thought it was huge, (you aren't even seeing
all of it).  But, Yellowstone Lake was so beyond this that it would
be a little finger to a hand!

Having done this trip and many others to our National Parks, Monuments, etc,  I am awed by this beautiful land that is a part of the United States. Listening to politicians, there are people who want to privatize these lands.  What a mistake!  Teddy Roosevelt and others made sure that future generations would be able to behold the same scenes of nature. The problem of not being political can be that these lands may not be available for future generations. It would be selfish of us not to consider what their lives would be like.  So, though I don't expect everyone to have my politics, our environment affects all of us, and politics are used to affect our environments.  You are affected by the decisions made and if  you had no input, wouldn't it be disturbing that this was not there for all the people?   It is the numbers that make the difference. What is going on is being decided by a few people and is often not  what the majority would want. We need to preserve and protect these areas.  I have to tell you, people from all over the world are so impressed with our parks.  I don't think they have anything quite like this.  So they are coming here and spending their money to see it.  Let's keep this going!

I was struck by how modernized the area around Old Faithful was.  I think I liked the wood walkways there used to be. It had rained earlier in the day. The clouds were puffy and moved with the wind. Barbara had brought salads she picked up the day before - so tasty!  We stopped in Jackson Hole and ate at another wonderful restaurant called Figs. They were able to make Barbara's dishes vegan. Barbara thought it was the best restaurant. I loved them both. Heading back to our hotel room, the GPS was giving wrong directions!  Since it was very dark, it was even harder to determine. Ugh!  We were snapping at each other. When we finally got back, we could not find a parking spot after two loops through the parking lot. I went to the front desk which told us of an overflow parking lot behind the hotel, climbing the road then finding a place to park in the dirt. 

The following day we thought we would take the south entrance to go by the Grand Tetons again, but all those roads were closed until Thursday. Thank goodness we had seen this the previous day since we'd be leaving Thursday. On Tuesday we took Highway 89 getting in at the Moran Station. Just before that, we made a stop where there were horses and bison.  What a sight. All these animals were very relaxed.  We went to The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  Barbara walked further than I did on this and also when we saw the geysers,mud pots and calderons. When I think of the movie,  Journey to the Center of the Earth, I don't think that can be done by humans. The water/mud  on the surface was doing a hard boil or a soft boil.  There was lots of  steam and signs about danger- stay on the trail.  The sounds are unnerving.  I especially noted this at the Dragon's Mouth Spring.   There were also holes (sink holes?), even in the parking lot.  The Bison appeared to be ignoring us, but signs say they can move fast and have been known to kill people. I'll keep my distance.  We drove up to Canyon Village, but if you already ate, had your fill of groceries and memorabilia, there was not much more to see.  The road to Mammoth Hot Sorings was closed.  We also saw deer eating grass at the edge of the road. 

Driving Through Grand Tetons Park

Barbara in Fall Foliage

Lake Lewis

The Fall colors were brighter, on Tuesday, more orange in the mix. The Grant Village Dining and Lounge was quite good. We stopped for lunch. They had vegan and vegetarian choices and our waitress along wth the waitresses in the other restaurants were attentive and kind.  When we got back to Jackson, we had dinner at The Blue Lion, a very popular restaurant and another excellent choice for both of us! I don't think we expected to do that well eating and sightseeing.  But, we really were doing well. The skies were bright, the temperature was mild. We had little to complain about. 

Barbara and I went to the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, the largest of its kind in the United States. A great selection of paintings and sculptures from many countries and many, many decades. They display the art of over 550 artists in a 51,000 square foot museum. They even had sculptures outside. There was a cafe with sandwiches, salads and soups. They also had a children's area allowing them to put their hands on skins, furs, other items and books. This was a wonderful experience for both of us. 

Walkway with Art

Barbara doing the walk

I loved this one!

An African Elephant

This was the artists idea about how we treat other species!

This is a Painting!

I liked seeing a Cowgirl!

We also went to this store called Jackalope where they sell toys and art supplies. I couldn't get what I wanted, but they had these wonderful coloring books. They really were special enough that I bought several.  Barbara and I decided to do laundry before our last dinner in Jackson Hole at Nani's, a tasty Italian restaurant. 

The next day Thursday, we called to get a room in Salt Lake City Utah for two nights which gave me time to work on my blog and for Barbara to do her genealogy research. Many of the hotels were very expensive in Salt Lake City and Barb thought she could get an $89 rate at a particular hotel. We got it for $139 a night and we got one queen bed. We sleep on our own side, so neither of us would feel crowded.  It was about 280 miles to Salt Lake City going through Idaho.   Part of the drive was really rough!  It was raining so hard, we couldn't see past the car several times I was driving then, because Barb needed a break. We didn't realize that it would rain like that. I drove very little on this trip. I kept moving my head closer to the windshield, but it did not help in seeing more or better. 

We stopped in Blackfoot because we saw a sign advertising the Idaho Potato Museum and Gift Shop. There was more information than you probably knew, including on where it started - in Peru with the Incas.  They continue to harvest the way they always have. So, for a small price to enter this museum, there is a lot to learn. They also have a cafe where Barb and I each ordered a potato with toppings we'd like.  

While in Salt Lake City, Utah, Barbara did work on her genealogy and I worked on my blog. I sent an email to Linda Dial who went to school with my brother Ben. Her husband Tom and I were in the dance band in high school and at junior college. Tom played trombone and I played an upright bass. Good memories for all of us. I'm so glad we got together.  It is almost 50 years!

Linda Harris Dial and Tom Dial

Barbara, Tom, Linda and Me at a wonderful
Chinese restaurant where they treated us.

We left the following day for a three nights stay in Moab and to see the sights there.   When we got there, I was so exhausted and stressed, that I fell across the bed, falling immediately asleep. I think I slept eleven hours!   We went to Dead Horse State Park and Canyonland National Park. We saw a dead elk on the side of the road going up, probably hit by a car.  When we were at the visitor center in Dead Horse State Park, we saw a Kit Fox, but it moved too fast for me to get a picture of it. It went into a water drain under the walkway. I got a picture of it peaking out to see if it was clear.  Dead Horse got it's name because it was an area they could catch wild horses, but often they were penned in unable to reach the Colorado River to get a drink, so many died.  The sights were really beautiful.  

Picture in Canyonland

Picture  in Canyonland

Dead Horse State Park

Dead Horse State Park

So Rocky!

There is a Kit Fox on the right looking out of the drain
to see if it is clear!

Dead Horse State Park

Trees go to the greatest depths to get water!

This is actually how they do walls for cattle!
I think it is a good idea!

Canyonland State Park

Canyonland State Park

Canyonland State Park

The next day, we got up late, with the plan to go a rock store and run errands since we were leaving Moab the following day.  We got in the car and there was no sound when you turn the key. We were fortunate.  We called Auto Club and he checked it finding it needed a new battery.   This issue was solved within an hour.   Thank heavens for Auto Club!  We left early evening to Arches National Park. Our guide Carla was loaded with lots of facts that made the trip so much more interesting than if we had gone on our own; it would not have been nearly as interesting.  She was also very willing to take pictures of us. One at Balance Rock looks like we were holding it!

We are in Arches State Park

Barbara in her desert hat and I

Barbara and I

Barbara and I

These are often not as solid as people think.  Our
guide knocked on a big rock,  Some part sounded solid and
other parts sounded like there were air pockets.
Very Dangerous!

It still lives!

Balance Rock

Carla took pictures in such a way it looks
like we are holding up the rock!

Carla, Our Guide

She was soon good I'd ask for her again.  She
researches regularly to find interesting information
for her talks.  Perhaps the other guides are as
good.  I don't know.

Barbara

This spot is surrounded by rocks, but not at the
top.  It was at least 20 degrees cooler than it was
outside of this area.  Those who took off their shoes
said that the sand felt very icy!

Barbara

Me

Me

Like sand dunes, but they have solidified

Wonderful formations!

The tree will die in parts to let another part live

Don't know if it is alive or dead

Very cool here!

We took off for St. Georges going through another national  park called Capitol Reef per Carla's recommendation.  We stopped at some terrific sights - petroglyphs (I have not seen this before.  That was spectacular!), an adobe brick cabin, a one room school house, and fruit groves. We went to the visitor center.  Behind it was a ten mile scenic drive.  Since we added this to our trip, I didn't want to go past the Gifford House. It is a museum and shop. Carla told us to try their individual pies. We got a rhubarb and an apple. Since they weren't wrapped, we felt obliged to eat them both!  We split each one to try both. Delicious!

The walkway out to some petroglyphs

A large branch fell over the walkway and
they had a sign of  5 mph, where we walked
They had part of it cut off from going by it.

If you look carefully, you'll see petroglyphs

This one is more obvious.

Some here

Some here

Definitely here

Some here

The Gifford House in Capitol Reef National Park

A stream by the Gifford House

Trail by the Gifford House

Deer hoping to get tidbits from people, though
they do not want us to feed them.

When Barbara woke me up, I thought she said it was 5:30 and we needed to get going to get breakfast and head to Bryce National Park.  I asked why we had to get up at 5:30.  She was laughing saying it was 9:30.  Coffee was not good, so we picked up cups at Starbucks.  Bryce had some beautiful view points. They do have a shuttle you can take from the visitor center at the park entry that hits all the stops up and back.  We drove, but it is free and I think it would be faster getting around in the shuttle because there is a problem parking. 

We went through two of these before
getting to Bryce National Park

It looks like castles!

Beautiful scenes everywhere!

Barbara taking pictures

Beautiful!

Great Scenery

I think it looks like a castle!

So amazing!

Lovely!

There were people from all over the world visiting
all these parks.  So many languages!  I would say
everyone is awed by what they see!

More castles!

This little guy was hoping for scraps.  He gave up
and went to the next person!

And, this is Nature!

We had no hand in making this and it is in our
own backyard!

We were hearing about wild weather in Bakersfield with  thunderstorms, flooding,  dust storm and a tornado. Electricity was out for many people. We were glad to miss this. Then my daughter Shelley said there was a rainbow and felt it was a sign that her grandson Bentley was about to be born. I'm thinking of Bentley's mom Alyssa, my granddaughter. 

We parked in the town just outside of Springdale, but there was poor signage as to where we could park. I found that particularly anxiety provoking. From there you take a shuttle to the entrance to Zion National Park.  It made several stops but any trail would be at least one mile. I fear my doing this will increase my back pain.  I won't do this. We did get off at the first sight which was a museum, and one other spot which had a beautiful spot take pictures.  I did not want to hike which would start at each sight.    So these pictures are from Zion National Park.  Had I hiked, I could have gotten more.

                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                  

The day before heading home, we drove to Zion National Park. When the shuttle is running,you cannot drive through the whole park.  The shuttle in Springdale before getting in the park can get incredibly packed. It was also very confusing where you could park. They need better signage for parking in Springdale and perhaps add a couple of parking lots.  I agree with cutting the number of cars in the park, but they need to develop the infrastructure to accommodate this. The shuttle in the park was less crowded. There are speakers sharing what you are looking at and what is at the next stop if you desire to get off. There are hikes at each stop.  we didn't see as much here. My sense was that a hike (though not hard for most people) was required to see several of the sights. I wasn't feeling up to this, so I didn't participate in the hikes, though Barbara did do one of them.  We at lunch at the Brew Pub, which had dishes using vegetables in a creative and tasty manner. 

Back at our hotel room, I received a message from Shelley that she, Jennifer's family cleaned my home including washing my bedding so I would have a fresh bed to climb into upon getting home. Marvin, Jennifer's ex fixed a closet door in my bedroom.  Wow!  I am so fortunate!

The day we were heading home, we were gathering all our stuff to take to the car. When we opened the refrigerator, one bottle blew up with glass and the dark blue/red drink splattered everywhere and all the food frozen.  We stopped at Starbucks for strong coffee and we were on the road at 9 am. I checked my Facebook to see how Alyssa was coming along. There were a couple of false calls.  Saturday she went into active labor, which went all day. Around 5 pm, Bentley was born 6 pounds, 9 ounces.  Alyssa had a long labor!  She actually started labor Thursday night.  It was so slow, they kept sending her home.  They finally admitted her on Saturday.  I went by on Sunday to see her.

Shelley and her daughter Alyssa, the night
before Bentley was born.  My granddaughter-in-law Meagan
said her son who will be born January 21 will
also be named Bentley!  Wow!  This will take a while
keeping them straight!

Alyssa with Bentley the night he was born

Bentley, was 6 pounds, 9 ounces - So cute!

Alyssa and Bentley

Alyssa and her cousin Crystal (Nylah's mom)

Bentley and Grandma Shelley

Shelley holding Bentley and Great Grandma Sandy
who said she wants to be called G G, for Great Grandmother

Shelley and Bentley

Shelley, Grandmother and Chris Grandfather of Bentley
They have different partners now.

Bentley, opening his eyes

Bentley, who isn't happy!

Great Grandmother, Rachel holding Bentley who
is giving a big yawn!

GG and Bentley

Aunt Heather with Bentley

Aunt Heather changed his clothes!

My kitty Pepper came out to see me, but not Daisy.  I checked under the beds, in all the closets and the drawers in my room (since Daisy empties the two bottom drawers at least daily. Shelley came over to help me look and we set up the Havahart trap on the patio. We also went out for dinner and went to Alyssa's apartment to check on her. Later when I was in bed, I hear scratching at the drawer. I didn't see her until I pulled out the drawer completely . There was Daisy standing behind the drawer and hissing at me.  Both are wanting a lot of attention now.  I'm just so glad they are okay!

So we decided this trip went well, that we are looking into a trip north into Oregon, Washington and Oregon.  Another trip would be Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.  And, another is to Death Valley. So we have three trips, perhaps one a year.   We traveled well together. We each have our idiosyncrasies but we didn't find it that much of a problem.  We both really liked Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park (I had never heard of this before this time).  I am going to get this posted and then I think I will lie down.  I'm beat!  

See you next Sunday!  Hope your week was good and this next week is even better!        Rachel

Family Has A Lot Going On!

I listened to this book called Mars by Ben Boba, who actually worked for NASA. It is the  story of an international crew that went to Mars. They end up having a crisis, but they were more supportive of each other after it.  The story is a little old, because they talked about floppy discs, but it does not take away from the story.   

My niece Kerri posted this cartoon on Facebook which fit the sentiment i have been sharing about colored pencils and stress. I love it!

My daughters Shelley and Jennifer went to see their Uncle Brian (my husband's brother). He told them about working with a friend of his on a pit crew for car racing , loving the experience. We are hoping to get together at Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Perhaps Jeff and his wife Stephanie will join us. I also hope they bring their daughters Cassadie and Meagan.

Jennifer, Brian and Shelley

I let Shelley take my car and she got this great picture of my grandson Kevin.

Kevin Enjoying the Ride

We are anticipating the arrival of Alyssa's son any day now.  I'm sure Alyssa's ready too!

A sweet picture of my granddaughter Crystal and great granddaughter Nylah.

Nylah with her mother Crystal

I took the picture of the hearts from last week and added designs throughout the picture. All the colors used are Tertiary. Primary colors are yellow, blue and red, secondary colors come from these and tertiary colors come from mixing secondary.   I did some blending.  The hearts were burnished to give them some shine. 

My brother sent me an email saying he was heading to Eastern Europe. I think he is going on his own. Paul and I took a tour.  Ben took classes in Polish and Swedish, so perhaps he can do it without being on a tour.  He left yesterday. I look forward to hearing about it. 

Yesterday was my daughter Ronda's birthday. She is 46 now.  Her family took her out to eat.  They got some beautiful pictures of her with her daughter Kathryn. So lovely!

My Granddaughter Kathryn and My Daughter Ronda

A good week!  I hope yours was goods and the next one better!  I'll see you next Sunday!       Rachel

Learning More about Using Colored Pencils

There were 5 students in Carol Bradshaw's class.  A couple of them got very creative in how they did their flip-flops. So Carol said we can do more with our pictures such as filling in the white space with designs. It was fun seeing what others had done. This week we are doing a picture of hearts. She stated we could add more, put in a design, but this time with tertiary colors. These are colors using secondary and primary. So these are going to be softer colors. She told us which colors we could buy rather than mixing them. I went to Michael's and Aaron Brothers, but I was only able to get two of the colors.  So what I will have to do is mix them directly on the color wheel and on the hearts picture.   I sent an email to Carol about not getting the colors she asked us to get.  She will not be here this next week and said she would pick them up at another art store when visiting her daughter in Nevada.

When I did the color wheel, I used three colors to do the whole thing.  I did not use a blender.  Of course, the colors would have been truer if I just used one pencil which was already blended.  With the picture of hearts,  I had several of the tertiary  colors I needed (it is all done in tertiary colors).  I did use a blending pencil and a blending marker on some of it.  My plan is to do a design around the hearts.  I am also working on laying at the colors down on a color chart that I can refer to later with it in light, medium and dark.  That one is a work in progress.  I have to say that doing this is relaxing.  It really helps me deal with stress.

Color Wheel Using Individual Colors and Layering

A way to practice drawing flat color with tertiary colors

I met Janet at Mexcali's.  I had found a coloring book with owls in it last week and gave it to Janet. Janet loves owls and collects them, so I thought she would enjoy it. I just bought a 12 pack of colored pencils so she could get started.  Then, because our teacher Carol has told us of other tools to use, I went through what I had and was able to give her duplicates of most of what I had.  She had not started coloring yet, but I hold out high hopes for her doing it and enjoying it. 

I'm sure there are other sites that do this, but I found Memoryglass.com and their Facebook site. I have a girlfriend who said she wanted something on a necklace. She said it would be giving a little piece of me to her.  Here they put human or pet ashes in art and jewelry.  I also like the idea of pet ashes going here.

Memory glass.com

A wonderful saying I found on Facebook. I don't know who to give credit to, but it is true.  

Here are a couple of pictures of two of my great-grandchildren, Conner who is two and Nylah about 9 months old.

Conner, age 2, Meagan's and Billy's son

Nylah is about 9 months.  She just woke up!

Well, that is it for the week.  I hope your week went well and that next week will be good too!  See you next Sunday!            Rachel

Vicki came back! More People are Coloring.

Labor Day was very pleasant. It was in the mid-eighties (which is unusually low for this time of year).  The food, company and weather were perfect.  Nylah is growing like a weed! She has a good disposition, so sweet!  My grandsons, Devin, Kevin and Christopher "are taller than me!  Heather's boyfriend Jake along with my grandson Christopher and Kevin fixed my hammock so it was more comfortable to use.  Alyssa will have her baby (a boy) on the 26, (at least that is the date they have told her).  The family is excited to welcome a new one in less than a month!   Nylah's father,  Lorence polished up the barbecue.  It was also my granddaughter's Kayla's sixteenth birthday which we celebrated with brownies, ice cream and whipped cream.  We had a lot going on.  Didn't get Devin in pictures.  He ran off when picture taking was going on.

Shelley and Kayla

Heather and her Boyfriend Jake

Christopher and his Cousin Heather

Great- Granddaughter Nylah, So Cute

Shelley and Kevin

Two Sisters, Jennifer and Shelley

Jennifer, Shelley with Me

Shelley and Kevin on My New Hammock

Sisters Crystal and Kayla

Alyssa who is Due toward the End of
September with her Cousin Crystal

I Think This is the First Picture of Just Kevin and Me

We had our first class using colored pencils.  There were six students.  Linda and I sat next to each other and Linda kept saying, "I'm going to love this class!"   Well I agree with her. We worked on how to make an even, flat layer of color.  We looked at varying the intensity of color by pressure. Of course, I have used pressure to make it darker, but she also talked about putting layer upon layer to make it darker.  It is hard to do the basics when you are anxious to be further along. But I do need to work on this.

The Secondary Colors, Green, Purple and Orange are
Actually Blending the Primary Colors to Make Them.
I have not done this before.  The idea is to make
it look like it was painted.  I'm a little sloppy and I need
to get a good brush to get the crumbs off my work.

We've started on a color wheel, with the
inside point the lightest and working outward
to make it darker.  I didn't blend it.

Shelley and I went to our Red Hat dinner held at Cafe Med. This a great group of women.   We were all so happy to see Vicki.  Her husband had died 5 months ago (it doesn't seem that long ago!).  Several of us have lost husbands, so I think that was a draw for me, but I like all of them.

Shelley is talking to Vicki

Evelyn, Judie and Jo

At head of the table is Vicki, I'm on her left, then Evelyn,
Judie,  Jo, Stephanie, Pamela, Chrysta and Shelley

Stephanie, Pamela and Chrysta

Barbara let me know that the Sierra Club was sponsoring a film that was shown at The Maya called Blue Gold; World Water Wars.  A very worthwhile movie that talked about corporations trying to buy all the water in the world.  Some people have fought back and won.  Much more needs to be done.   I joined Barbara along with her friend Chris.   Two of her friends, Doris and Cindy, we saw right after the movie.  They had gone with us when we went to the Tejon Ranch Conservancy earlier this year.  This synopsis came from Wikipedia on the movie we saw:

Blue Gold: World Water Wars examines environmental and political implications of the planet's dwindling water supply, and posits that wars in the future will be fought over water.^[4]The film also highlights some success stories of water activists around the world. 

At Chemo, I saw how they set up the coloring books and colored pencils. It was placed in a nice basket by the coffee. There have been several people who have used them. I'm happy about it, because it is a good stress reliever.  Some people have already decided to buy their own to do at home.

My Donation being put to Good Use

I met my friend Janet at Mexicali's.  I had gone to one of the art stores to replenish some of what I need.  I saw a coloring book of owls and this store had a sale of up to 60%.  Janet loves owls, so I bought the book and a set of 12 color pencils to get her started.  She does get stressed sometimes and I think this could help.

So that is it for the week.  It was a good week.  I hope your week went well and I will see you next Sunday.                         Rachel

First Friday, What a Night!

I was talking with Marc on the phone and reading some of the recipes I get when they bring the organic vegetables and fruits every two weeks. As I was reading it, my mouth started watering. I decided to buy the ingredients I didn't have.  I made stuffed bell peppers that evening fairly late, but it was a good meal, and I had leftovers for three more days. This recipe was different in that the pepper, hamburger, onions, tomatoes and cheese were cooked before putting it together and then baking it. Really delicious. I was too full to eat the salad - butter lettuce tossed with a light oil and vinegar  then top with sliced strawberries and 2-3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.  Delicious.  And, the final recipe, I haven't roasted cauliflower yet.  I think I will do it tonight. 

I got a call from my primary MD saying I needed to see her soon. I felt I have been seeing her.  I wonder if they increased the number of visits to twice a year.  So I saw her Thursday.  Though I don't have a bicuspid valve (which I had thought for years), I do have aortic stenosis.  She said normal was 2 mm.  Mine is 1.5 and we talk about surgery when it hits 1.0   Ugh.   Let's just call it old age and leg it go!

I also went in for my sixth month Prolia injection ( makes bones stronger) on Friday. 

I tackled too much that day and had a pretty bad backache.  It settled down after taking my pain medication. 

The Cedar Fire is very close to being contained.  The mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted.  Thank goodness!  It has been particularly bad for the people that live in those areas, and, some of them lost their homes.

I saw my pain doctor and asked him about the reaction I have when I don't take my meds- cold and hot flashes and I feel so tired I can sleep a long time!  I saw this as addiction, but he describes it as eating. "You get used to having, like a steak. The next day at that time, you'll have an urge for the steak if you don't get one."  Okay, I would call it addiction, even if I don't want to use it recreationally.  When I saw my primary doctor later in the week and told her about it.  She said "If you use it illegally, then it is an addiction.  If you are using it prescribed by a doctor, it is a dependence."   I am stuck with this pain if I don't take my pain medication.   Then I just want to stay in bed.    I am miserable and it doesn't seem like a quality life.  That is not acceptable to me, so I will continue to take my pain medication.  I am quite functional when I take my pain medication. Last summer I had cortisone injections in my back.  That helped a lot. I don't have that level of pain anymore. Now the government requires a pain doctor's evaluation every 6 months. They  said I had to have the second (and last) pneumonia shot also.  I didn't feel the injection, but where I had this injection became sore for a several days.  

Shelley, Janet and I went out for first Friday.  We were so lucky because the high was 92 degrees!  That may sound high, but it is not bad when you are having over 100 degrees most days.  We went to the bar at The Padre Hotel.  Their snacks were very good.  They had beer and I had wine.  We went to the Art Center which was jam-packed.   We wandered and  Shelley found some neat beach wear that was an incredible deal.  I found a great deal in a knit top and a red knit cap that looked fabulous.  Anyway, it was a lovely evening!  When the weather is good, this is a wonderful event!  This one classified as excellent!

By the Alley Cat, A Legend in Bakersfield

Janet and Me

Shelley and Me

Shelley in her beach scarf dress and foot decoration

We did not have art class this last week, or the week before.  But I did work on three that I had already done.  Also I did a little more on the roller skate shoe.  We will have class this Tuesday and we are going to focus on colored pencil.  So the skate I did was with no instruction.  I am really looking forward to learning about what I am doing.

Peacock Feather

Snake

Peacock

Shoe Skate

So tomorrow is Labor Day.  We are having a barbecue.  It is also Kayla's 16th birthday.  So there is a lot so celebrate.  Her mom is baking her a cake!  The rest of us are bringing different food items to the table.  We always have a good time when we get together, so it should be good.

So that was it for the week.  I'm glad I will have an art class this week.  I am looking forward to seeing how you blend it all in. This last week was a lot of medical and there will be some more this week.  That is okay.  I really am doing quite well.  I hope your week went well and I look forward to you next week.                Rachel

Playing with Math and Fires Continue in the Mountains

For years I have worked on solving math problems in my head- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. I've never shared this until recently when I got on this site called Math and Mind.  I find it relaxing and fun. One time my husband and I were playing a game of cards and I was keeping score. At the end of the game, I add it up with my way of doing it which is fast. Paul asked "How do you know that is the answer?"  I said "I added it up and if I'm off, it would be by one point."  He started checking me and realized it was correct.  Later, our friends Ron and Janet came over and we played a card game. I was the score keeper and did the same thing. I guess Ron was about to say something about it and Paul said "She gets it right."  Ron said "Really?"  And Paul said "Yup."  That just tickled me. I don't talk about it. I just do it. It can really throw people.  The one area I have some trouble is going into the negatives. I want to find if there are short cuts doing that. I'm sure there must be, but I didn't work on those in the past.  The reason I brought it up is that I signed up for a site that sends several math problems a day and I have really enjoyed it.   I bought a couple of books on this to play to do further games (that is how I see it).

I have two people I know Carol and Lori who's homes are threatened by the Cedar Fire. Ugh!  I know that several homes have been lost. But when you know the people involved, it makes it personal.  Precautionary evacuations started Wednesday afternoon in Kernville which is close to Carol's home.  I never thought they could be affected by the same fire.  It is quite big!  

Janet and I got together at her home to watch a couple of movies, have pizza and wine. I stayed overnight so I wouldn't worry about driving. I brought over two Disney movies I loved thinking Janet would also like them.  They were Wall-E and Alice in  Wonderland (with Johnny Depp).  Both excellent!   Great time with Janet!  That was fun!

So no art class this last week or this week. I bought a couple of young children's coloring books so I can work out doing flat coloring and also variable to give a sense of form. The reason for this type of coloring book is because the spaces are large to allow me to do this.  I bought them  at a dollar store.  I only worked on one, and it isn't very good yet.  It is a shoe skate.  The paper has a lot of tooth.  I wonder if I should have done it on smoother paper.  I really can't wait until Carol can help us in understanding what we are doing.  I know I'll appreciate it.  I know from having used graphite, that I will get the hang of it and the quality will improve.

Shoe Skate

I got my handicap license plate.  My niece Shannon changed my plates out.  I don't need a handicapped parking all the time, but when I am really hurting, I'll appreciate it.  Though, I have to say, most of these spots are taken.  I didn't notice this when I did not need them. Now that I have it and can use one, most of the time I can't get one. 

I'm heading off to the store to get a few items to make dinner.  I am using my organic fruits and vegetables.  They include a few recipes to use these.  I have most of what I need.  

Well, that is it for the week.  It has been slow, but that is okay to me.  I do feel okay.  I just need slow periods.  I hope your week went well and this next week is good for you too!                  Rachel

Bad Air

My niece Shannon contacted me about her daughter Erica who is in a mountain area where a raging fire is going on. If she heads this way, would I be able to take in her, her grandmother and daughter. Of course I would take her in until she could return. My daughter-in-law Stephanie had a situation like this as did my daughter Shelley. I can't imagine saying no in a situation like that with fire edging up the front door. It is so scary. I do worry when they stall in making the move that life is also at stake.  Then my friend Janet's daughter Lori's family were to evacuate on Thursday afternoon. Her husband's boss was expanding their home for all the extra time he has put in to the boss's business.  As far as I know,  Lori's house has not been hit yet.  These fires are not just in one location. These are all in the mountains.  There is a question that at least one of them may have been started by an arsonist.  It makes it  less stressful if they know they have a place to go to when they are in a bad place.   There is so much smoke in the air that the air quality is very bad!  I am staying inside as much as I can.  My friend Barbara has not being feeling well, which she thinks is linked to the smoke.

Janet, Barbara and I went to see Florence Foster Jenkins (played by Meryl Streep- an excellent actor) a true story of a woman who saw herself as an opera singer. Those close to her hide the truth from her that she was a poor singer  which caused an amazing situation where the audience saw this as comedy. It reminded me of the beginning parts of the season on American Idol, when people who have been told they were wonderful singers by family and friends, but with the feedback, especially from Simon Cowl who is so blunt and often times cruel that they need to do their singing in a basement alone so no one else has to put up with it.  I find it so painful to watch and hear the comments, that I have to leave the room.  I have a hard time seeing people make fools of themselves. 

At my art class, Carol critiqued our drawings. She gives such useful feedback that I am anxious for her to see what I do. Linda, my classmate feels similar. Linda did say I could show the picture she did of a lizard's eye. She also sent a picture of a snake that is also excellent, so it is here also.  We also discussed changing to color pencils which will start in September.    We won't have class for two weeks and Carol said we really have to get down shading with colored pencils. So I will work on that. The pictures are Linda's.  I still need to work further on my peacock and snake.  I'm ready to frame the lizard and peacock feather I did.

Linda's Lizard Eye

Linda's Snake

I had been talking with the social worker Robin at Kaiser where I get my chemotherapy telling her how I found coloring in the adult coloring books to be stress reducing and very relaxing.  I had so many coloring books, I donated them to her to use for the chemotherapy patients.  Some of them are also in a lot of pain, and this can be helpful in reducing it.  So this last Thursday at Chemotherapy, I took in the coloring books.  I had some color pencils.  They still need pencil sharpeners and perhaps even erasers.  I have several of the little pencil sharpeners and a couple of erasers I will take next time. 

Janet and I got together catching up on the week's events.  She spent several days there with a friend. I would enjoy that, especially because of the heat and smoke here. 

Here are a couple of pictures of my great grandchildren, Conner, Kason and Nylah. Two more are on the way, one in September and one in January.  They expect boys. 

Conner holding Kason.  They are about a year apart.

Nylah is a very happy baby.  She will be a year in December 

So that is my week. I have spent a lot of time drawing in adult coloring books. It is very relaxing.  I hope your week went well and this next week is good too.     Rachel