Day 274

Rob and I attended our first Mass today.  We went to Christ the King and did exactly what I said I wanted to do...put everything we learned into action.

Were we lost?  Most of the time!  Were we confused?  A little bit!  About 3/4 of the way through the Mass I realized that a few other people were trying to follow along too, that's why they were holding onto the laminated colored cards found in the pews.  They are essential the 'cheat sheet' for Mass.  If you don't know a particular prayer, or a response to the priest, almost all of it is included on the cheat sheet.  Phew...that's a relief for next time.

I did feel a little overwhelmed by it all, but at the same time, strangely at home there.  I really enjoyed the message Father Champoux shared, and could have listened to him go on a lot longer in fact.  I'm sure as Rob and I attend, we'll become more and more comfortable with the participatory part of the Mass, and what we are supposed to do and when.

Day 273

Today was our city's Annual City Fair.  It's essentially an open house of all departments in the City.  So I was up and at work on a Saturday morning.  But it was only for a couple hours, and I had fun putting fire department tattoos on all kinds of kids!

When I got home, it was such a lovely day, I decided it was time to decorate the outdoors for fall.  So I strung the orange lights around the banister (see the reflection in the window?), put out my hay bale, plastic pumpkins, little scarecrow, and this fall mum my mum bought me!

There...the inside is done and now the outside is done; we are officially ready for fall at this house!

Day 272

Today...I'm letting go of the reins, and giving my photo of the day up to Rob. 

Tonight as we were sitting on the couch, he started to show me several pictures he took today with his phone...of this creepy little creature. According to Rob, you can't tell the scale from the photo, but this Praying Mantis was really quite large.  It was coming down the sidewalk onto the parking lot as he was leaving his office, and so he stopped and took several photos of him crawling along.

As he was showing me the photos, he asked if I had a photo for today yet...and when I said I did not, he suggested using his.  So, now I've got Rob getting in on the 365 Project.  I kind of like it...he's welcome to take more photos as far as I'm concerned!!

Day 271

This is Christ the King Catholic Church.  Tonight, Rob and I went to our first RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) class here to see what it is all about.

RCIA is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. Rob and I have had many discussions recently in our home regarding faith and religion and where we are now, where we see ourselves going.  Rob keeps feeling a connection and a pull toward the Catholic church, and I am very open to it as well.  So, after having a couple discussions with my good friend Tom Huntington, he suggested that we start tonight, as the series of classes are just getting underway again.  He is a deacon at the church and participates in RCIA, and told me tonight was an introduction to the church, a tour of the building, and some etiquette do's and don'ts on attending Mass for those new to the church.  Rob and I agreed it was as good a place as any to start.

In the end, after two very informative hours, my head was packed with information, and I was exhausted and hungry.  But, I did enjoy the class very much, and am now looking forward to attending Mass on Sunday to put it all together and put what we learned tonight into action.

Day 270

Ermahgerd!  Permpkern Sperce Lahtter!  Or for those of you unfamiliar...Oh My God!  Pumpkin Spice Latte!

This is just too funny...to me.  Through Pinterest I have discovered, along with many others, the Ermahgerd girl photos.  I seem to be the only one who really finds the humor in these things, but I do find most of them quite hilarious, and even crack myself up when repeating them in some kind of strange 'Ermahgerd' voice, with a face that goes along with it.

Today, Billie found this Starbucks one out on the web somewhere and again, I thought it was pretty funny...and it did in fact make me want a Pumpkin Spice Latte!  She ended up printing this one out and slapping it up on my office door.  I think it will be there for awhile!

Day 269

I woke up this morning not feeling well.  I hadn't slept well, felt run down and a little sick to my stomach.  I decided to stay home for the morning...which then turned into the whole day.  I think I needed a mental health day.

The only thing I did all day was lie in bed and read The Secret.  By late afternoon I needed to do something...and I needed something sweet.  So I found this recipe from Martha for Glazed Lemon Cookies.  I ended up making the cookies and the Lemon Glaze...then topped them with some crushed up lemon drops. 

They were yummy!!  And what a surprise for Rob when he got home from work...he loves all things lemon!

Day 268

He's just too cute to be scary! 

There isn't much going on today...not a lot to photograph, so I thought I'd show you one of my favorite Halloween decorations...this sweet little not-so-spooky ghost. 

He sits up on the arm of the couch, just behind a Halloween pillow, and next to the perfectly matched orange blanket...that's his spot and it has been for several years!  I just love his little rosy cheeks, and although you can't see it, his backside is cute too!

Day 267

I just couldn't do it...I couldn't wait until October 1st to decorate the house for Halloween.

I didn't go all out, I only put out the stuff that is stored inside the house.  I still have two totes full of Fall stuff in the garage.  I'll save that for another day.  For now, I just rearranged the furniture into its Fall/Winter location, and put out the little stuffed critters (like spooky kitty in the chair), the leaf table runner, and a couple other odds and ends to get in the spirit.

Bring on cool nights, red and orange leaves, jackets and sweaters...I am so ready for Fall!!

Day 266

Like the sign says...Welcome to SausageFest!  Every year Christ the King School holds a community event - SausageFest, as their fundraiser.  It has gotten so big over the years, it has become the Tri-Cities third largest event.  And with the turnout we saw this year, I believe it!! (I mean, can you see the sea of people in this picutre??)

Rob and I, along with Billie and Keith went to check things out.  It was perfect weather, which is why the turnout was so great.  Tons of folks everywhere you looked.  Lots of game booths, lots of food booths, music, a beer garden...you name it, there was something for everyone.

Day 265

Yesterday...sunrise.  Today...sunset.  Another smoke filled day in our area.  And although it is not pleasant to breathe, burns the eyes, and makes visibility poor...I have to say it sure makes for some interesting skies!  This is the sun setting tonight, with Old Glory...right out our back door.

Day 264

It is so smoky outside.  With all the wildfires around the state, the smoke has just settled into the Columbia Basin.  It is really making it difficult to breathe, and when Rob and I got into the car this morning, it was actually raining ash.  I looked up and saw the sun, this bright pinkish orange sun, masked by the thick smoke.

Day 263

I'm not sure if you can tell by the photo...but I think this must be the largest bag of Swedish Fish they make!

Shauna brought this just shy of two pound bag of Fish in to me this morning.  It was the second part of my birthday gift, in addition to the flowers she gave me last week.  She had meant to bring them with her last night to the girls' night out, but had forgotten them.

So now, here they sit...at work...on my desk...staring at me! And if you know me at all, you know these are one of my absolute favorites.  I am unable to resist them.  I don't want to be rude...I had better get to snackin'!

Day 262

It's crazy...I just keep getting to celebrate my birthday!

Tonight the gals from work wanted to take me out for drink to celebrate my birthday.  We headed just across the street from the office to Tony Roma's.  We ate many an appetizer, had many a cocktail and even splurged on a trio of desserts! 

And not only did they treat me to a night out...they spoiled me with presents too!  A cute little cocktail set for two (or for one...depends on how you look at it!), and gift cards to Macy's and Starbucks!  You girls are too much!  Thanks so much April, Bre, Shauna and Stacy for giving me a night out, and helping me to bring my birthWEEK celebration to a close!!

Day 261

Enough with the birthday stuff...on to other things...for now.  Fat Mum Slim's September prompt for today is In My Fridge.

I have already shown our fridge a couple of times, and even shown all the beverages in the fridge...and you know I just hate to be redundant.  So here's a look at just the bottom shelf of the fridge...otherwise known as the bread shelf.  You have yourself a couple different loaves of bread, some hamburger buns, some bagels, some sandwich thins, a hoagie roll...and don't forget the tortillas too!

In all honesty, we don't even eat bread all that much - which is why it all has to live its life in the fridge, as to not grow the green stuff on it before we can consume it!

Day 260

It's my birthday today.  So I guess...Happy Birthday to Me!

Mom, Rob and Billie all asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday...how I wanted to celebrate.  I feel like such a dud, but in all honesty there was really nothing in particular I wanted to do.  I mean it's Sunday for crying out loud...it just feels like another day.  I didn't really want to go anywhere, or do anything special...just be with a few family and friends.  But, even though I didn't go anywhere or do anything special...everyone else made it special for me!  I truly am blessed.

First thing this morning when we woke up, Rob gave me his gifts.  I thought we had decided my new iPhone was my birthday gift, but he must have forgotten that!  He gave me a new Precious Moments...Count Each Birthday with a Joyful Smile...a sweet birthday girl with a cute little party hat and cake.  He also gave me a romantic little book called A Love That Lasts - Inspiring Insights From Couples Married 50 Years and Beyond.  I can't wait to thumb through it.  And lastly he gave me a practical, but much needed gift...a new flat iron for my hair!  I'm not sure who was more excited for my gifts...me or the girls.  Baylee is totally interested in anything called a present...and Lucy really enjoyed tearing the wrapping paper to shreds...silly girls! Rob and I spent the  rest of the morning just doing some of our normal Sunday stuff.  In the early afternoon Mom told us that Uncle Larry and Aunt Sue had swung in for a quick visit.  So Rob and I quickly got ready and headed over to Mom's to give them just a quick hello, and have a very short chat before they needed to get on the road again.

It wasn't long after the Hansens left that my birthday party guests arrived for a delicious dinner of chicken enchiladas and mud pie for dessert!  Billie, Keith, Brittany, Melanie and Ryanne all came over to Mom's to help me celebrate my special day. And they didn't come empty handed...they all spoiled me way too much!!  Billie and Keith gave me a Starbucks gift card, a Halloween and a thanksgiving set of cupcake liners and picks and a fun little Birthday Girl gift set from Philosophy.  Melanie and Ryanne gave me a couple cute little pumpkin Halloween decorations, and a gift card to Hobby Lobby...yay! 

Baylee and Lucy even got in on the action.  I guess they did a little puppy shopping of their own!  They got me a wedding paper pack, and a tote to carry my Cricut cartridges.  I think I'm set for two of my favorite things for awhile...cupcakes and scrapbooking!

And thanks Mom!! In addition to the clothes she bought me in our 'Back to School' shopping excursion on Friday, she also gave me two more long sleeve tees...WOW...she just doesn't stop!!

All in all, it was a day that started out sweetly and finished with a bang...a girl couldn't ask for anything more!  Thank you everyone for making me feel so special!

Day 259

It's beginning to look a lot like...my birthday!

I think it's more like a birthWEEK celebration, rather than a birthDAY!  It started on Thursday when I was getting my hair done and Traci gave me a card and told me yet again, she was giving me the gift of beauty for my birthday.  My color and cut that day were on her...what a great gift! 

When I arrived at worked yesterday morning, this bright little bouquet of flowers was waiting for on my desk for me thanks to Shauna. Then, of course, there was the whole afternoon of spoiling from Mom. Today, I received my second birthday card from Teresa.

I'm am so very blessed with such great family and friends. With all of this already, I can't even imagine what tomorrow will bring!!

Day 258

Whew...I'm pooped!  But what a great day...I feel so spoiled, like today is my birthday!

A couple days ago Mom asked if I wanted to take some time off and spend the afternoon doing some girl things...some birthday things.  So Billie and I both took the afternoon off and Mom picked us up at the office.  First stop lunch.  We had a great meal at Red Lobster, that included a delicious cocktail.  I think all three of us were so full, we were nearly miserable.  But on to stop number two...pedicures! 

All three of us sat side by side [by side] getting our toes done simultaneously.  It was great.  We giggled at the tickling of our feet, and at each other.  Then with shiny new toe polish and massaged legs and feet we were ready...on to shopping!

We hit just a couple stores, then Billie decided she should head home.  So just Mom and I headed to the mall to do some 'back to school' shopping, where the spoiling continued.  We made one last stop before heading home to pick up Rob...and then it was back out again for dinner this time.  All of this courtesy of Mom!

I can't thank her enough...lunch, pedicures, shopping and dinner...I am a spoiled girl for sure.  Although I'm thankful for all spoiling, I'm more thankful for having a really good day with my mom...and a what I sincerely think was a good day for her too.  I haven't seen her be so silly, or heard her belly laugh like that in awhile, and it was all music to my ears!! 

I love you Mom...thank you for a wonderful day!!

Day 257

Grapes!  Rows and rows of grapes.  It's that time of year when they are ripening, approaching harvest. 

I was driving in the car tonight, windows down, when the aroma of grapes hit my nose.  That smell.  I love that smell.  It's funny how just a scent can return you to a time and place in an instant. It always takes me back to my childhood. There were so many grape fields all around us then. In fact the house I grew up in is in a spot that had once been vineyards. Every year at this time...just as summer is turning into fall, with crisp mornings that turn into warm sunny days...the grapes would ready themselves for picking, and for about a week or two the smell would linger in the air. 

All of a sudden I'm a kid again, starting a new school year, wearing my new school clothes, maybe waiting for the bus...and definitely waiting for my birthday!

Day 256

As many of you know, the American Red Cross is involved in many things from Disaster Relief to Blood Donation.

One of the other things they do is host a Real Heroes Breakfast each year.  It is an event to benefit our local Red Cross Chapter by honoring heroes in ten categories.  The heroes are local citizens who do something remarkable to help others.

I have attended the breakfast the last couple years, but this year Billie and I are going to participate on the planning committee.  Tonight was our first meeting at the Red Cross office, to start planning next year's event.  We will be meeting each month to cover everything from the actual nominations to the table decorations.  I'm hoping this will a fun and interesting endeavor.

Day 255

Today is Patriot Day...a national day of prayer and remembrance.  A day we all reflect back on the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  A day that changed life as we knew it in so many ways.  It's hard to believe it has been 11 years.  For me, it is not only a day I remember the hijacking and those who died in the attacks on buildings, I also remember the 343 fallen firefighters.

As I sat here in my office, I looked around and thought this would make a good shot summing up the day in my own little world...my tiny American Flag, and a little toy fire truck on my bookshelf.

Day 254

This might sound kind of silly to some...but that's ok.  Rob and I started reading a book together last night.  And by together, I mean we take turns reading a chapter to each other.  And tonight, we read some more.

It's a book I read years ago...but seriously have no recollection of the story or plot.  As we've read these last two nights, not one thing sounds familiar.  But some of the pages are dog-eared, so I really think I've read it before.

It's a series of nine books by Jack Cavanaugh about a family that starts off in England, and then comes to America.  Each book essentially tells of a generation of the family, as it wraps up in present day.  So far, I'm kind of hooked, and after only a couple chapters I can't wait to find out what happens next!  And I really am enjoying the time with Rob, doing something together besides tuning out in front of the tv.

Day 253

Look!  It's big pork sausage, and her sister lil' smokie!

It was a very warm day today, but kind of overcast. The girls wanted to go outside.  But when I let them out they did not wander into the yard. They just immediately laid down on the steps to bask in the warmth of the day.

With no sun beating directly on them, they stayed there for quite awhile.  I think it was Baylee that wanted to be outside, and Lucy just wants to tag along with her sister and do whatever she does.  They are quite the pair!

Day 252

Mmmm...summer peaches!

Billie and Keith went on a little jaunt up Chinook Pass yesterday, and they stopped along the way and bought a box of peaches.  Today, Billie made a peach crisp and peach jam.  She's a regular Betty Crocker!

Tonight Rob and I went over to Billie and Keith's to congratulate them on getting engaged this morning!!  It's such exciting news, and we are so very happy for them. 

As we were leaving, Billie offered up a few of her many remaining peaches.  Can't wait to make something delicious out of these sweet little furry fruits!

Day 251

It's Friday...it's the start of the weekend...and it's been one of those weeks!

Today was actually a fun day.  It was my day off, but with Monday having been a holiday, I needed to get some more work done, so I went in for the morning.  Then at noon, Mom picked me up and we headed to the Olive Garden to meet my old friend Tammy and her daughter Kiara for lunch. After lunch, we really weren't finished visiting, so they came over to the house for awhile too.  It's always good to see her and Kiara, and catch up on the last year or so of life!

When she left, I started dinner, and Rob started to fix himself a rum and Coke.  I asked him to fix me a drink too...with my whipped vodka.  It's kind of funny, because Rob and I rarely drink, but it just seemed like a good night to unwind a bit with a cocktail.

Day 250

Fat Mum Slim's prompt for today was Every Day.  This is a fairly new ritual...but it does happen every day now.

Rob is one of those coffee drinkers that needs coffee the minute his feet hit the floor in the morning.  In the past, I have usually waited until getting to work to start drinking coffee.  But admittedly, there are some mornings where I just want a few sips...or a couple gulps!  Truth be told, I don't really have time for much more than that.

Rob has his coffee making down to a science...exactly two cups of strong coffee to get his eyes open and his body moving.  But he noticed that each morning he had just a little splash left over.  So he started putting it in one of our little coffee cups for me.  By the time I add a bit of water and little creamer...it's the perfect cup o' joe.  Just enough to wet my whistle in the morning.

So every day now, when I get out of the shower, there is this perfect little cup of coffee waiting for me!

Day 249

Happy 21st Birthday to our Brittany Lee!

Monday was her actual birthday, but she spent that day with her family.  Tonight she celebrated her birthday with her 'other' family.  Billie, Kim, Mom (G'ma Judy), Bre and I all met up...where else...but Cedar's.  I mean Rum Barrels are the way we celebrate a birthday, but on your 21st birthday...they are a must.

We didn't stay out long, and certainly didn't party it up in any way, well, because it is a weeknight, and besides Bre and Brittany, the rest of us are all old!  We did get together long enough to enjoy a few Barrels, some good eats, and ended the night by sharing this delicious slice of Mud Pie!

Happy Birthday Girl!  I can't believe you are 21!

Day 248

I have to admit...I had a bit of a crisis of faith today.  I think I may just have a little too much stress going on, and today I hit the wall.  I was on the verge of tears all day, and then the damn broke, and I cried buckets all evening.

Poor Rob...having to deal with me when I'm a total mess like today.  He just keeps reminding me that I need to have a little faith.  And I know he's right...in my heart I do.  I just let my emotions get the best of me sometimes.  That's why I put this on my bedroom walls years ago...to remind me on days like to today, just in case I forget...I need to Have Faith!

Day 247

So...I've just crawled into bed, and realize that I have not snapped a photo today.  I know...this is a story that keeps repeating itself.  I really, really want to keep this project going, but I am totally aware that there are only so many photos of the dogs, Rob, the house, our meals, etc., that I can take. 

But, in an effort to keep moving forward...here's a photo of Rob in bed...checking out something on his phone...looks like Facebook...keeping in contact with his peeps maybe?

G'night...

Day 246

I'm a couple days late, but here is a shot of my August calendar.  I'm always talking up my Precious Moments and how each one has meaning, and how I think they are so cute, etc.  Well...I have to admit, this is one of my least favorites.  I don't mind the message...We are God's Workmanship...this is true.  It's just that August is one of those months without a holiday or any real event.  So, it's just a cute little girl with butterflies...kind of plain and simple. 

Now it's time to press on to September...with back to school, Labor Day, Patriot Day and the first day of Autumn...it should be chocked full of goodness!

Day 245

Today Rob and I headed out for another adventure on the road.  Our ultimate destination was to see the laser light show at the Grand Coulee Dam.  But yesterday I was online checking our our traveling options, and discovered the Coulee Corridor.  Turns out the very route we were planning to take has been designated a National Scenic Byway.  So we decided to travel like tourists, making a day of our trip with several stops along the way.

Once again we readied ourselves, dropped the pups off with mom (Thanks Grammy), and headed north.  Our first stop was Moses Lake for a quick bite to eat, and then back on the road again.

We stopped off in Soap Lake to check things out.  One of Rob's phone apps indicated the world's largest lava lamp was located here...but as it turns out...that project has never really come to fruition.  We did stop at Soap Lake Park, where lots of folks were enjoying the warm weather down on the beach.  We even saw several people covered from head to toe in the Soap Lake mud, taking advantage of its reported healing benefits.  We also heard several different languages while we were there, clearly people were visiting this tiny town from far corners of the globe! In the park was a sculpture of Father Sky and Mother Earth...Calling the Healing Waters - the world's largest human figure sundial.  Turns out Soap Lake is a very interesting place to stop.

We traveled up the road just a few miles and stopped at the Lake Lenore Caves.  We hiked up a trail to these caves that were created from water erosion and rock flaking, and were once used by tribal people who traveled through the area.  They weren't exactly the kind of caves we were expecting, they were really more like cliff overhangs.  But once we climbed up to them, the view below of Lake Lenore and and the surrounding area was quite amazing.

We got back on the road and traveled just a few more miles and reached Dry Falls.  We tried to head into the interpretive center there, but it was just minutes before 4:00 when we arrived, and wouldn't you know it, that's when they close!  We were only able to take a few quick glances around...but I have a feeling I would have liked to have spent a little time there learning about the falls.

I had absolute no idea that this place existed.  As it goes, these falls, although dry now as the name indicates, would dwarf Niagara Falls.  They are roughly ten times the size!  These falls are thought to be the greatest known waterfall that ever existed...and they are right here in our own backyard!  It was a pretty amazing site, but admittedly it was kind of hard to wrap your head around the shear size and magnitude of what once was.  It too was a very interesting place to stop, and I'm so glad we did.

Once again we got back in the car, and this time finished the last leg of our journey as we headed into Grand Coulee.  We made a quick stop at the Gehrke Windmill Garden...another roadside attraction Rob had seen in his app.  It is an interesting collection of artistically created windmills made from spare parts and scraps.  We had some time to kill, so we toured the little town, and got a look at the dam in daylight. We checked out the visitor center, then headed down to the lawn to grab a spot and spread out our blanket...and awaited the grand finale of the day...the 37 minute light show.

The light show was interesting, but I have to say the experience of getting there was much more enjoyable.