Day 90

Whoa! Can you tell where I went tonight?

It was so very long ago that my Costco card expired. Rob's and mine both, for that matter.  And mostly I was okay with it, but every once in a while I would want or need something, and I would go with Mom. Or I would just tag along with her when she was going, and find things I didn't know I wanted or needed. But that is no longer true...because today...I...renewed! Yep, and it felt pretty good. And while I was there, I picked up a few necessities. Really, most of the things I picked up were grocery items we needed, along with a few things we just haven't had in long time...like steak tidbits, and beef jerky, and cereal, and energy drinks...you get the idea.

I'm sure looking forward to this rekindled relationship with my old friend...

Day 89

This was supposed to be a bit sillier picture, but I snapped the photo just a second too late. Just before this, Lucy had been sitting on Mom's leg, eating her food - like she was just too tired to stand up and eat. And what dog eats on the couch anyway? Well, in an effort to keep Baylee out of Lucy's food, and to avoid the most recent battles over food between what they have come to be called...Rocky and Apollo, Mom just picked up Lucy's dish and invited her up to eat next to her.

I think she really is Princess Lucy.

Day 88

Nerd alert! There's a nerd in the house! Wait, it's just Emilee, who took the lenses out of her 3D glasses, and just enjoys wearing them around the house?!? Silly girl.

This afternoon we celebrated Granny at her memorial service. Afterwards about 15 of us headed to dinner at Sterling's, where we had a gab fest, a few drinks, and lots to eat. We all spent some time catching up with my brother, and his best friend from way back when Danny - it was an old school dinner, only with children. Afterwards, a few of us went back to Mom's for a bit to continue our chat session - which is where Emilee comes in...just hanging with the grown ups, but still being a kid.

Day 87

In case you were wondering, the answer is 'yes'! This little jewel was oh...so...delicious. Staying with my piña colada theme from earlier this week, I tried one of the 'specials' at Fiesta tonight. Everything about it was special...except the price!  Oh well, it was tasty - and fun too. You were able to take the straw and use it as an extracting tool and get chucks of pineapple from the sides and bottom of the 'glass'.

Jenn and the kids came to town this evening, and are staying the weekend with Billie and Keith. They were all headed out to dinner, so Mom and I tagged along for awhile.  Then we headed over to Mark and Angie's for what turned out to be an informal reading of Granny's will, and a dividing up of her jewelry between all the grandkids. It was a good thing I had already consumed this tropical beauty before participating in such an unusual event.

Day 86

Home Sweet Home. It's been a grueling few days, and I am so excited to be back home. This is a shot outside my plane window just as we were preparing to land tonight...the Tri-Cities all lit up.

When Christie and I arrived at the airport in Las Vegas today, we weren't entirely sure we were even going to make it home tonight. Our flight was delayed, which pushed our landing at Salt Lake to the exact time our next flight was boarding.  We literally ran through the airport to make our flight...but thanks to God we did! It was the last flight of the day leaving Salt Lake, and the prospect of spending the night in the airport was causing me much distress.  Rob picked Christie and I up at the airport about 10:30, we headed home, gobbled down some dinner and fell into bed...thankful to be home again!

Day 85

Yay...I made it out of the hotel tonight. After another long and informative day at the conference, this was our one and only chance to get out just a little for Christie and I. We hooked up with another gal from the conference, Wendy from New Hampshire, and the three of us took to the Las Vegas strip.

We stayed right within the area of the Flamingo, taking in the Bellagio, the Paris, Caesar's and the Venetian. Along the way we stumbled across this fantastic place called Fat Tuesday. It's like the best 7-11 in the world, offering slurpee-style versions of your favorite adult beverages just inside an open door concept right off the sidewalk. I decided that - because you only live once, I would happily partake. I had a delicious piña colada, and Wendy and Christie had margaritas. Then we walked the strip a little more, stopped into Harrah's and had dinner at Toby Keith's I ♥ This Bar & Grill.

When we got back to the Flamingo, Christie and I decided to stop and play a slot machine. She had $10 - her limit, that she wanted to play. So I decided I would play $10 too. I put in my first $5 in a cupcake machine and played for quite awhile. I finally cashed out when I got back down to $25, so that at least I could say I won 20 bucks in Vegas!

Day 84

Today has been a very busy day. I have been in the executive session of the conference - loaded with information. And I have walked and walked today too, and that's just INSIDE the hotel! I have to admit, the conference has been pretty good so far, and I'm glad I came.

Knowing that Christie would be dropped off two blocks away like I was, I had her text me when she got on the shuttle and I walked down to the corner to meet her. When I stood on the corner, this is the view of the new Ferris Wheel (and my finger...ooops) that is due to open any day now. You just can't quite get the magnitude of it from this picture, but I understand it is currently the world's largest Ferris Wheel (or Observation Wheel as it's being called), and they've called it the High Roller...ha ha.

Day 83

Whew...I made it! I'm here in Las Vegas! And what a day it's been...I am so ready to crash.

I started my day by working for a few hours...had to get payroll done. Then I ran home and picked up Rob and he took me to the airport. We got off without a hitch, and I was on my way to Salt Lake. Other than the man who sat next to me and chatted the entire time, it was an uneventful flight.

When I arrived in Salt Lake, I traversed what was nearly the entire airport...seriously...from E to B Concourse. But I found my next gate with no problem, and hung out in the general area, until I realized we should be boarding in only a few minutes and the screen no longer displayed my flight information, and I was the ONLY person waiting at that gate?!? So I raced up the stairs, heading back to the last screen I had seen, when I happened to glance over at another gate that now had my flight information displayed, along with the dreaded...Delayed! So I hung out there for a bit waiting for our plane to come in, they offloaded, quickly boarded us for our flight and off we went.

I landed in Vegas without much trouble, but dreaded that with the change in planes, somehow my luggage would be lost. But after taking a tram, walking what seemed like a mile, and waiting about 20 minutes, my luggage magically appeared on the belt! Yay!

As I had been directed, I then stepped outside and went to the first shuttle service I could find. In no time myself and two others were boarding a shuttle...with me as the first stop here at the Flamingo. All was well until they dropped me off two blocks away due to construction, and I had to shlep my bags to the hotel, not to mention THROUGH the hotel. I have walked so much today, my dogs are barking!!

So my next encounter was with the gal at the check-in desk. She tried to charge me an extra $20 a day, but we got that resolved relatively quickly. By this time all I wanted to do is use the bathroom...and maybe cry a few tears from exhaustion, and just for relief and release that the day is finally over. I managed to keep it together until I got myself up here to my room on the 9th floor.

But wait...my day isn't over yet...I hadn't eaten all day! I needed some dinner. I'm so beat that I decided to call room service...only no one ever answered. Well that kind of speaks volumes to wrap up this day of mine. So I grabbed my wallet, phone and room key and headed back down to the main floor where I spotted a couple restaurants and cafes. Right at the base of the elevators was a little pizzeria type place, but not wanting to wait, I just asked for a beer and a Caesar salad. The girl tells me they only have Ranch dressing, and what I want to say is - of course you do, but at this point...who cares. So I headed back up to my room, and did exactly what that lady at the front desk had warned me not to, put my phone and my room key in my pocket together. So with an open beer in one hand and a salad in the other, I tried to get into my room, and realized I had deactivated my key! I hadn't even been in this place for 30 minutes and I was locked out of my room! I was just planning my next move, and like a giant yellow angel, a security guard happened around the corner and clearly sensed my distress. He was able to call down to the front desk, confirm I belonged in this room and let me in.

So now that I'm back in my room, this is my view...most of it is Caesar's Palace, and I can see the Mirage and Planet Hollywood too.  Now, to get into my jammies, settle into my room, and get ready for a busy day tomorrow.  Today certainly has been an adventure!

Day 82

I'm packing my bags...I'm leaving on a jet plane! Tomorrow I'm headed to Las Vegas.

You would think that I would be excited, but instead I'm feeling very discombobulated. I'm trying to pack a bag, but my heart isn't into it. I've never been to Vegas before, so flying in and flying out for business (an ambulance billing conference) with very little free time isn't all that appealing. I haven't flown since we went to Italy, so I feel a little 'out of practice'. Basically, I'm going to miss a week of work to go this conference...and I'm already really behind. And with Granny passing away, the timing just really seems off. They have now scheduled her funeral for Saturday, my brother will be in town on Thursday, and Mark has asked that I do up a program for Granny like Billie and I did for Dad's memorial service. Thankfully, Billie has offered to take this on wholly...because she is a dear.

All that aside, the bottom line is...I still have to go. I have to go alone tomorrow, but then my co-worker Christie will meet me there Tuesday for classes Wednesday and Thursday, and we'll be back home late Thursday night. And it is Vegas after all...I'm going to try to have at least a little fun while I'm there.

Day 81

Today has been a sad day. My mom called me first thing this morning to tell me that my Uncle Mark had called her, and that my little Granny passed away.

It seems she hadn't come down for breakfast at her assisted living center, so they went to check on her in her apartment, and it appears she had a heart attack. She was transported to the hospital, but passed away in the ER. I feel really bad that she may have had a heart attack all alone, that she may have been alone and scared in her last moments, and I feel bad that she passed away and is gone. But I have to admit that in some ways it is a relief. She had not been herself in quite sometime, slowly loosing herself to dementia. Thankfully she had not yet forgotten people - her friends and family, or herself or her whereabouts, and for that I'm grateful, but other parts of the disease were robbing her of what had once been a very active and vibrant life. She lived 88 long years, most of them as a lively, spitfire of a lady. Rest in peace Granny...

I was going to just share a photo of Granny for today, but as I was wandering around the house aimlessly, busy doing nothing, not really sure what exactly to do with myself - I spotted a little Lucy lying in the sunshine...so cute flopped on her side, and her little triangle ear flipped forward...it made me smile.

Day 80

This is how I ended my Friday night...leaving my computer and paperwork like this, and Rob calling me to bed. 

Today while I was at work, I discovered that our checking account did not match the online banking. I'm off by $77.54...and I could seriously spend hours trying to track that down. I'm one of those people that balance to the penny - and I log into our account every few days, and just balanced a couple of days ago.  I have a hunch that this may be attributed to an update they did to the online banking, but I can't be sure. 

So tonight I combed through the last three months of statements trying to find answers, because my OCD won't let me let it go...but I wasn't able to find it. I guess I'm going to have to let it go for now, at least for the weekend, until I can get with someone from the bank.

Day 79

Happy First Day of Spring!

I knew I had taken a photo of this tree a time or two...but when I went back and looked it was exactly two years ago, Day 80 of 2012, and I used this tree as my Spring Equinox photo then too. For some reason those photos turned out much better...maybe because this afternoon it was a bit overcast, or maybe because I took the photos out of my office window, and not actually outside. I see that the trim has been trimmed too - in kind of an odd way, with it's head chopped off.

But none the less, this is still one of my favorite little trees, and my favorite way to mark the beginning of Spring. I just love looking out the window to see all the ping - these little buds are gorgeous, and only last for a short time.

Day 78

Today is Trina's birthday! It's her 40th birthday as a matter of fact. Tonight Rob and I, and a few of Trina's friends went to 3 Margaritas to celebrate her special day. I'm really hoping she had a good time, and felt all the love...especially when they brought out her special dessert, a giant sombrero, and sang happy birthday to her.

Happy Birthday my friend...I wish you all the love and joy in the world, because you deserve it!

Day 77

It's a bedtime selfie! Can you call it a selfie when there is more than one person in the picture? Well I think you can.

We were on our way to bed, and I realized I had not taken a picture. And in addition to that, all of my photos are pictures of things or other people, rarely of Rob or even rarer for me to be in a picture. So here it is...Rob and I in our pj's, both in our glasses, ready to hit the hay.

Goodnight all!

Day 76

I was over at Mom's this evening and I got this text from Christy. Her and Fred are wanting Rob to be Kennedy's Godfather! It's so exciting! They had asked me to be Kennedy's Godmother some time ago, but today she reached out to Rob.

In preparation, we will have to attend a class for parents and godparents of children ready for baptism. I'm so glad that Rob will be going along with me now, and just as excited to be on this journey with him...it makes the whole thing even sweeter. And I'm absolutely touched that Christy and Fred would consider us for the role...it truly is an honor.

Day 75

Back on Wednesday I told you about picking up the corned beef and cabbage at the store for St. Patty's Day.  Well, here is the finished product!!

After Rob left for work, I put the BIG pot on the stove and started with the corned beef. Later I added the potatoes, and carrots, and eventually the cabbage. I really can't believe how easy this is. I am not entirely fond of the corned beef, but I had a plate of veggies - they are quite tasty. When Rob gets home from work, I'm sure he'll enjoy a big plate of both! Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone...a day early!!

Day 74

What a good day it was today. First, I spent the day scrapbooking with Trina. It's so much fun to spend the day with her and the girls...even though we don't get a whole lot done, it's really about the catching up, and doing something together that we enjoy. You can see one layout I finished below...Week 8.

And then...Kathy is in town for the weekend. She flew over just for fun to hang out with her sister. So Mom, Billie, Keith, Kathy and I headed out to Fat Olives for dinner and to do a little catching up. Poor Rob had to work...or is it more like poor Keith, had to be the only guy in the group?!? It was a nice evening, with a good dinner and a nice visit with Kathy.

Project Life Week 8

Here's my finished Week 8. Back to the Jade Core Kit again, with some Simple Stories Sn@p embellishments.

Day 73

What an odd day today was. First Rob had to work the early shift, and I had our annual employee breakfast. So after getting to bed late last night, we were up really early this morning. He picked me up from work just before 5.  It was such a nice evening, and we had a whole Friday night off together, we decided to swing into the new (fancy) Yokes and leisurely browse, and pick up a few things...like a loaf of french bread, some tomatoes and basil, among other things.

We stopped by Mom's and picked up the girls, then headed home. After I put the groceries away, we both put on comfy clothes, and then Rob called me over to cuddle with him on the bed for just a minute...and we woke up over 3 hours later!  Evidently we needed more than a little rest or even a nap...we needed sleep! 

I couldn't believe it, when I finally came to it was 9:40, and I was starving! So I got up, made our french bread pizzas smothered in basil, tomato and fresh mozzarella, and on the side some shrimp and cocktail sauce.  We had one of our picnics in bed, and devoured the bread and shrimp. It was a perfect end to our very long day!

Day 72

Guilty! I swung into the craft store again tonight. Well actually two stores...but this was my one great find. The Seasons Mini Kit half off! 

Spring is just around the corner, and I've been wanting the Spring Themed Cards, but I'm going to have to order those online I'm afraid - can't find anyone that carries them in my one horse town. But in the mean time, I thought this Seasons Kit would do. Well, once I got it home and cracked it open, I was very excited! It had way more than I thought it would, and it's all coordinating and quite versatile! Can't wait to use some of them in a Project Life layout.

Day 71

Check out what I bought today! A Corned Beef Brisket, along with a head of cabbage and some carrots. I already have a 5 pound sack of baby red potatoes, so I am ready to try my hand (for a second time) at a Saint Patrick's meal for the hubby. He's a little bit o'Irish, and has asked for some Corned Beef and Cabbage.

When I ran into WinCo today, they had the Corned Beef in a cooler right by the door...it was like it was reminding you right up front...don't forget it's St. Patty's Day!! So I decided to pick this stuff up now and check it off my list.

Day 70

Lookin' good girls! Today Rob was home with the girls and decided it was definitely bath day! Truth be told, it is waaaay past bath day. I don't think these girls have had a bath all winter...yikes! They were pretty dirty and pretty smelly...but not any more. Rob bathed them up, even dried and fluffed them with the blow dryer...a regular spa day. Then when I got home from work I washed up their little blankets so we can start fresh and clean. But I'm sure it won't be long before the dirty dog smell returns...they wouldn't have it any other way.

By the way, edited this pic with a free online tool I just learned about called PicMonkey...it's pretty awesome, check it out!

Project Life Week 7

I love this layout too...Week 7. These are my Valentine's Day pages, so I used the Valentine cards from the Holiday Mini Kit...all pinks and red...LOVE ♥♥♥

Day 69

For Lent this year I gave up sweets. You know, candy, cakes, donuts, ice cream, etc. I draw the line at muffins, because that just a mini loaf of bread as I see it. And I draw the line at yogurt...so that means frozen yogurt is alright. Mainly I'm trying to steer clear of the candy, cookies and brownies.

So this has become my dessert of choice...it's a little bit of cottage cheese with the Dole Tropical Fruit Salad on top. It is soooo good, I almost feel like I'm cheating!

Day 68

Ugh! Today started Daylight Savings Time. I hate to complain, but if you know me at all, you know this really is one of my least favorite days! I hate losing an hour...or having Father Time borrow it, and give it back later. I mean why take it all at once, can't we ease into it a couple minutes a day for a month?? I know it's probably only as hard as you make it, but it just makes things off-kilter for a day or two.

On the bright side, however, I will say that I do enjoy that it stays lighter longer in the evening. This was our overcast day sunset...just after 6:30 tonight...very nice!

Project Life Week 6

This is probably my favorite week so far...Week 6. Because we had cold temps and snow this week, I ended up getting the Project Life Winter Themed Cards. I love the soft palette of pinks and greens, with hints of red and gold highlighting the bit of winter that finally landed in our little part of the world. And one week was all I needed...because winter was here and gone again just like that!

Day 67

Meatloaf...not just a singer from the 70's, but it's also what's for dinner at the Auchmoody house. I've talked about this turkey meatloaf before. In fact I went back and looked, and I've mentioned it twice before (here and again here). It's a good standby meal...it's comfort food...and it's good.

Today, Rob worked the early shift so we had an evening together just the two of us, not doing much of anything. I did, however, cook...meatloaf, citrus glazed carrots, boiled baby read potatoes and a green salad. What a meal...you can certainly tell I didn't work all day and actually felt like cooking!!

Day 66

Well, it's only fair that if there are a couple pictures of Lucy this week, I have to take one of Baylee...even though it's just her being her...flopped in her bed, ear flung over the side. I guess it's been a slow week...not much going on but the everyday hum drum of life, work, pets, weather, food, etc. Maybe next week will bring excitement, some good news, a fun time, something. For now another picture of my girl is going to have to do!

Day 65

It's that silly Lucy again. A couple nights ago she was cute front of the fire place...tonight she's a cutie burrowed into the laundry pile. I do not know what is with her, it's almost a nightly occurrence. Anything that is on the floor is fair game, clothes, a pillow, a blanket...you name it. Not sure if it's the smell, the comfort or what, but she certainly doesn't pass up an opportunity to nestle in!

Day 64

Tomorrow is the Annual Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast...which means today was set up day. This event has once again been in the planning stages for months, and it all comes together today. Several of us from the fire service world, along with many Red Cross volunteers met at the TRAC in order to put out all of the table items...the captain's packets and centerpieces, as well as the pens and tissue (always popular with folks), and the programs at each seat. While we were setting tables, the Chiefs were busy hanging the sponsor's banners. The room is ready, full of Red Cross red and white, for the big event tomorrow.

And, on a side note...as soon as we were done decorating I hopped in the car, picked up Rob and we went to mass! Happy Ash Wednesday everyone...and welcome to the Lenten Season!

Day 63

Wow...two days ago it was sleeting with freezing temperatures, and today I think it hit 60 degrees. Tonight on the way home, it was lovely, and still 57. After the weather just the other day, it practically feels like summer outside. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it does feel really good. And it's staying lighter longer, which is just as exciting. Soon, spring will be...well springing!!

Day 62

Oh, Lucy...she lives the life. It was warmer today, but still a bit chilly tonight, so while we were over at Mom's, she started the fireplace. And in true Lucy fashion, it wasn't long before she was lying in front of it. She just loves the fireplace. Pretty soon she was lying on her side, sleeping like a little toasty baby. You can just tell how happy and content she is!

Project Life Week 5

Here is Week 5 finished...and another crummy picture! I sure need to figure out a way to capture the cuteness of my weekly layouts. The glare from the plastic, and the blur of edges, just not good. Hopefully Week 6 will be better!

Day 61

Just when we thought the winter weather was behind us, it's come back...breathing one last frosty breath. This was our drive this morning to church...cold with freezing rain, sleet, snow...and slick as snot! It had started with some freezing rain early in the morning, and kept at it most of the afternoon. As of this evening, they have already determined that schools will be on a two-hour delay tomorrow. Guess they don't think it's going to warm up any time soon!?!

Project Life Week 4

Here is my completed Week 4. At this point I feel like I'm starting to get into this and get the feel of scrapbooking Project Life style.  I went back to the Seafoam Kit (except my title card) again to complete this week. I embellished my week title card a little, added some stickers and even washi tape here and there.

Day 60

It was the end of end of the day, and I had not taken a single photo. I checked the new Capture Your 365 March Inspiration List. It said Step Outside, so that exactly what I did. I stepped out onto the back steps, and took a photo of the view...the night sky littered with lights here and there.  I think the bright lights in the center just might be the mall? With a little help from Instagram, it's kind of an interesting photo.

Project Life Week 3

Alright, so I was only two weeks into this process and already got a little bored. I really like the Seafoam Core Kit, it just seemed like I needed a little bit more variety when choosing which cards to put where. I went to the Craft Warehouse and they were having a sale, so I picked up the Jade Core Kit, and used it for Week 3. I also used some the Dogs Themed Cards again, some Heidi Swapp chipboard letters to designate the week, and more Sn@p Letters and Stickers.