Day 182

Here it is...all the pieces and parts of a future masterpiece...maybe??

With everything that has been going on lately, I have not taken the time to sit down and make up the Thank You's for my bridal shower, and our wedding gifts.  Rob and I went out to Hobby Lobby last weekend and I picked up the supplies I thought I would need...these patterned papers and card stock...pretty, right?

Today, Ms. Baylee hurt her OTHER leg, and is kind of down for the count.  So I decided to sit with a TV tray in the living room with her and get started.  So...so far here's what we have...30 cards cut down and folded with the bone folder.  Stay tuned...tomorrow, with any luck, a finished product!

Day 181

Tonight we are having a {mini} family reunion of sorts...a BBQ over at Carole's house because the Brady's are in town.  I opted to bring dessert...and this giant tub of strawberries is part of it!

For the last few years, we have been buying Klicker's Strawberries from a local butcher shop that brings them in from Walla Walla. Mom gets a giant tub like this one (only larger!), and then divides up these already washed and sliced berries into small containers to eat or freeze for later.

I decided strawberry shortcake would be an easy and fun summer dessert for our BBQ, so Mom made a call and the butcher shop still had some Klickers.  After work I stopped and picked up 6 packs of shortcakes, some Cool Whip, then grabbed this 20 lb bucket of fresh strawberries from the butcher...yum.  And, voila...dessert!

I'm sure we'll be eating these ripe, juicy berries all summer long!

Day 180

Here it is...my little calendar for June.

I have sort of gotten off my schedule of posting my calendar on the last day of every month.  In fact, I didn't even change the calendar for the month of May...it just came and went too fast I guess, so there isn't one at all for last month.  I guess I'll have to remember that for my next year's 365 Project?!?

And I know today isn't even the last day of June, but...not much to photograph today, so here it is.

Day 179

...and on the Twelfth Day of Marriage, I lost my wedding ring...

I don't mean to make light of it.  It really isn't funny, but what are you going to do?  As I sat on the floor of the bedroom panicking and sobbing earlier tonight at the realization that my ring was gone, it didn't feel the least bit light or funny.

Ever since our wedding day, having both my rings on has been causing fits with my finger.  I really have just been too puffy to wear them.  (And NO...haven't had them soldered yet, haven't had them sized yet...)  I had them both on today at work, and felt like they were too tight and took them off.  On my way out the door at 5:00 I grabbed them and threw them in my pocket.  I know, I know...DUMB!  I left my office, got in the car, picked up Rob and went straight home...but I made it home with my engagement ring only...the wedding band is gone. 

I haven't quite given up hope just yet though.  I really feel like it has to be in my office building, the parking lot, the car, or the house...somehow it's going to turn up...I hope.

Day 178

There are two things I dislike very much in the kitchen...a messy refrigerator, and a messy microwave.  I guess I don't like to open a door to find...well, yesterday's yuck!

Sadly, I have to say our refrigerator has been looking pretty pitiful lately.  I had it on my list of to-do's this weekend to clean it out, throw out the old, wipe all the shelves down...you know, give it a once-over.  Unfortunately, it didn't get done.  So tonight before bed, I couldn't help it, I had to just get in there and get it done...and now she sparkles and shines.

One thing I realized...we sure have a whole lot of condiments.  We have a dressing, marinade or sauce for your every occasion!!

Day 177

Here are some of our local hops...fields and fields of hops...or hop yards I guess they are called - just up the Yakima Valley near Moxee.

Recently Mom, Rob and I had been having a conversation, and hops came up.  Mom and I were trying to describe how they grow to Rob, so today I took this picture with my phone to send to him so he would know what we were talking about.

Kind of makes you want a beer, doesn't it??

Day 176

It looks like two strange eyeballs, or even two eggs at first glance, but no...it's Tapioca Puddin'!

Rob and I...well mostly Rob, has been on a little bit of a pudding kick.  I'm not a huge pudding fan, but when you want a little something sweet, it'll do.  He prefers the stovetop cooked kind over instant, and even enjoys eating it while it's still warm.

If I'm going to eat pudding, tapioca is oddly my favorite.  So tonight, after dinner, I made some tapioca for dessert...and I have to admit I even ate mine a little warm, and it was good!

Day 175

So here he is...Rob...clean-shaven!  This is the first time I've seen his whole face, his upper lip and his chin.  He has had a goatee since we met, but today, he shaved it off.

He's been talking about it for some time now, mainly because of the time spent in maintenance and upkeep, if you will.  I have been the one reluctant to let it go, because I have to admit, I really like him with facial hair. 

I had originally said...after the wedding he could shave.  Then it was...after Cool Desert Nights he could shave.  Well, last night, when Cool Desert Nights turned out to be a bust, he went ahead and shaved his whole face down to stubble.  Then this morning he shaved it clean. 

I have to admit...even without it, he's still a pretty handsome guy!

Day 174

This photo is NOT at all what I thought I would be sharing with you.  I thought I would be photographing some pretty cool cars at our Annual Cool Desert Nights.

Instead of attending the car show, we just watched the show outside.  The sky was angry this afternoon and just poured down buckets, and the wind joined in and blew the rain sideways.  I was soooo very bummed.  I had really been looking forward to going, taking Rob for the first time, hanging out at the fire station with the RFD family, and checking out this year's cars.  I thought maybe it would all blow over, but as the night got later, we threw in the towel and just hung out at home.

This is the first time I can remember CDN getting rain...usually we are sweltering, maybe even getting a sunburn while we are out...where the heck is summer?!?

Day 173

I'm sitting at the computer, messing around with our wedding photos, Facebooking, blogging, etc., and now it's getting late.  Rob was here with me at his computer, but he has headed off to bed. 

It's pretty dark in here except for the light of the computer monitor...but I sense I'm not alone.  I slowly reach over and touch the touch lamp to find my company...Baylee and Lucy.  My two very faithful companions...so ready for bed, but refusing to go until I do. What sweet (and exhausted) girls!

Day 172

And the gifts, they just keep coming!

Today, I went back to work, and to my surprise there was yet another wedding gift for us, this time from my co-worker Arliss.  It is a three-picture easel frame. 

It very sleek and nice, and I'm sure we will put it to great use with some photos of our wedding.  The only frames we had received were the two we asked for...Mr and Mrs, one each for Rob and My's desks, and then one that Sheila gave us that is for a picture of our honeymoon.  So this frame will be perfect.  Thanks Arliss!

Day 171

We received another wedding gift today!

I took today off to regroup, unpack, do laundry and all that stuff you do after a trip...not that I got much of that done.  Hanging out with Mom and going to lunch with Billie was way more fun!

Unfortunately, Rob did have to go back to work...and while he was there, his co-worker Vikki gave us a wedding gift...this Weird Washington Book.  It's a great gift for us, especially Rob.  We'll be able to use it as we take little road trips around the area, and check out the odd and unusual...and to help Rob get to know his 'new' home state.  Thanks Vikki!

Day 170

Shoot...it's over...today we said goodbye to the beach!  Honestly, it has rained all night, it's very dreary, wet and cold.  So I suppose if we had to go, today was a good day to do it.

Before we left, the very nice gal that had manned the office at the Inn asked if she could take our photo for their Facebook (Distinctive Beach Lodgings...check them out!), so this was a pic she took of us.  Not really one of my favs...but here we are, just before heading home.

We left the place pretty hungry, and wanting to stop for breakfast, but we didn't get the memo that everything shuts down at the beach on Mondays!  We finally settled on Pig'N Pancake in Astoria, then we hit the road for home.

I have to admit I wasn't really anxious to get back to the real world, but I sure was happy to see those pups of ours...I really missed them!

Day 169

Happy Father's Day to you all you dads out there!  I have to admit, I woke up this morning, feeling a little meloncholy, and missing my dad.  It is such a shame to scroll through Facebook and look at all my friends who are missing their dads...too many of them are gone!

Despite feeling a little blue...it's still my mini-honeymoon, so...on to brighter things.  When I woke up this morning I threw on some clothes and headed across the street in the drizzle to get coffee and pastries for Rob and I.  So, we ate and drank, and got ourselves ready for the day.

In my online search of 'goings-on' in the area, in addition to the Muscles and Chrome in Seaside, I discovered Ocean Park was having their annual Garlick Festival this weekend as well.  And, I also noticed that Astoria has a Sunday Market...so this became our agenda for today.

We hit the Astoria Market first, and basically just did a walk-through.  There was some cool and intersting things, but not much we needed or wanted...except a new collar for Lucy.  Then we crossed over into Washington and headed up the Long Beach Peninsula.  It was a nice drive, and one Rob is pretty sure he'd never seen, so it was good that we did it...and I was able to show him a few of the things I'm familiar with.  When we arrived at the Garlick Festival, it was a bit of a bust...rather small, not a whole lot going on - I mean Garlick Ice Cream...really?  But that was ok, 'cause the little bit of sight-seeing and the drive itself was enjoyable.

By the time we headed back down the Peninsula, Rob and I were getting hungry, so we stopped in Long Beach at Castaways and had a late lunch/early dinner.  Another good meal we had!  Oh, but wait...before we ate, we did the MUST of Long Beach and took a tour of Marsh's Free Museum...home of Jake the Alligator Man!

After we ate, we headed back to our room...both of us a little sad because tomorrow we leave.  It has all gone by too quickly, and we both really love it here...hopefully we'll be back soon.

Day 168

Today was a great day on the Oregon Coast!  Rob and I started our day a little slow and leisurely.  I'm sure the traveling and events of yesterday, coupled with a little too much celebratory champagne are to blame for that!  But hey...it's our very first day of married life...and we're on vacation - no hurries.

Once we were finally up and moving, we grabbed a late coffee at the bakery just across the street from the Inn, then headed to check out the couple shops in 'downtown' Gearhart.  That took us no time at all, so then we headed down the coast to Seaside, just in time for lunch.  We enjoyed dinner so much last night at McKeown's (and we happen to get an eye full of their fish and chips!), that we bee-lined it right back there.

Seaside had blocked off their downtown area to hold their annual Muscles and Chrome show, featuring all kinds of vintage and classic cars.  After lunch Rob and I strolled the streets, taking in some of the awesome restored cars, and stopping in a couple shops to do a little touristy shopping.

Then we hit the road again, and headed down to Cannon Beach.  First we strolled their main strip, doing a little more shopping...mainly for snacks and treats.  I mean who can go to the beach without picking up a Tillamook ice cream cone and some salt water taffy???  Well, we couldn't at least!

Then...finally, we actually hit the beach.  We put all our stuff in the car, grabbed our jackets and new Bride and Groom flip flops and headed down to the beach.  We just strolled, just the two of us for quite awhile, stopping a couple times for photo ops.  We would have probably kept on strolling if not for the drizzle that started.

At that point, we decided to call it a night, and headed back to our Inn.  Later we grabbed some Chinese for dinner...not really what you would expect while staying at the beach, right??  But, it's all good, because we had more wedding cake for dessert!

Day 167

I can hardly believe it...today Rob and I got married.  What a wonderful day...and a day without any hitches or glitches...well, almost.

Even with all that prepping and packing I did yesterday, I still had a little more to do this morning.  It's me...of course I was running a little behind.  So, with a little help from Mom by picking up the pooches, we were able to get out of the house almost on time. 

But then...I arrived at the flower shop to pick up the bouquet, floating on cloud nine and telling the gal that I was to be married in just a couple hours, and she said, 'I have you down for tomorrow'.  For a brief second I thought I had been punked or something.  Then all the thoughts flashed through my head...I had been in twice, I was sure I had said the 15th...what could have gone wrong??  All this as my hand flew up over my mouth in and OH MY GOSH YOU MUST BE KIDDING kind of way.  She asked if I had 10 minutes, she would quickly put it together.  About 15 minutes later, I left with very pretty bouquet...full of pink peonies that I didn't think I would be getting...so all was good.  We were running about a half hour behind now though, but on to McMenamin's.

Rob and I arrived at the Edgefield about 15 minutes late, only to rush inside and find the restaurant nearly empty.  We didn't even need the reservation I had practically begged for.  We had a nice lunch, reminiscing about our first date...I got a little choked up remembering how sure of everything he was, of us, and our future, even on that very first date...and now here we are.  After we ate, we ran back to the car and grabbed our wedding garb and went inside to change...and each emerged in our wedding best.  Oh, how handsome he was is white!

Finally fed, dressed and ready, we headed to our wedding destination...Quinn Mountain.  We arrived a little early, so we sat at the Park and Ride just down the hill for a few minutes.  Then we headed up the hill and down the driveway...onto a very lovely property, full of lush greens, small water features, a garden and even a functioning little train.  We met our officiant and witnesses, grabbed some photos around the property and then had our small, quaint little ceremony inside the chapel.  We signed our certificates, posed for a few more photos, and that was it...we're married!!

We hit the road again, onto our final destination...the Gearhart Ocean Inn.  We got here around dinner time.  We checked in, checked out our room and the treats waiting our arrival...a bottle of sparkling cider, a small bouquet of flowers, and a beautiful little wedding cake!!  We unloaded our stuff and headed down the road into Seaside for dinner.  We found a great place called McKeown's, and had a delicious dinner, then headed back to our room for a celebration just for two...a little champagne and wedding cake! 

Both the champagne and the cake were delicious...maybe a little too delicious...we may have over indulged a bit!!

Day 166

The packing has commenced...preparations are underway.  Just one day left until the Big Day!

I took today off to take care of all of those last minute details.  I wanted our house to be tidy...because you know no one likes to come home to a messy house after a trip; I wanted most of our laundry to be done...because who knows what all you will want to bring with you on a trip; and I wanted all those little last minute wedding loose ends tied up in a perfect little bow!

I managed to get most of my to-do's checked off, and most of the packing done.  Whatever is left will have to wait until morning. It's been a long day, and I'm off to bed...cause tomorrow I wed...hehe.

Day 165

Tonight we dined outdoors!  Our first of many this season I hope.

On Sunday afternoon, Rob and I went over to Granny's to pick up her patio table and chairs.  Since relocating to her retirement home, she no longer has a need for them.  It is a really nice set, and has hardly ever been used.  On Monday, Mom zipped back up to Granny's to retrieve the matching umbrella - that truly had NEVER been used.

Tonight, I finally took a few minutes and cleaned off and shined up the table a bit, wiped down the chairs, and put up the umbrella.  It is a perfect fit on our little patio...and much better than our old beat up resin stuff!  After grilling up portabella burgers and some veggies, we dined on our new table, and enjoyed a very lovely evening in our own backyard.

Thanks Granny...we will put your patio set to very good use, I'm sure of it!

Day 164

Let Freedom Ring

A few days ago, I posted one of two Precious Moments I currently have on display...the little guy with a watermelon slice.  Well, here is the second one...in celebration of the upcoming 4th of July, it a little 'Uncle Sam' with a phone...Let Freedom Ring.

I have so many Precious Moments that I love, but this little guy is special; not only is he a sweet and cute boy, but he's patriotic, and who doesn't love that?

Day 163

Pretty...Yellow...Lilies.

This was just a wee little lily plant last year, and look at it now.  This bright yellow spot of sunshine in Mom's backyard is in full bloom, and has been for a few days now.  Mom has been wanting me to take a photo of it, for my photo of the day, and I think I took this one just in time.  Looks like some of the petals are just starting to fall.

I wonder what this little bugger will look like next year??

Day 162

Here they are...two of our new wedding gifts!!

Rob and I hauled all of our goodies home from the shower last night, and this morning dug right in!  The first thing we did was put our new Iced Tea Maker Teresa gave us to work.  It took all three us skimming through the directions, and we still managed to make the first batch of tea incorrectly!  But oh well, it was still good.  Then later this afternoon, as Rob was getting his coffee ready for tomorrow morning, we dug out the new Coffee Maker (and the Brita) Melanie got for us...and gave the old coffee pot the ol' heave-ho!

I don't think they look too bad side by side there on the counter.  I know they certainly will both get a lot of use!!

Day 161

Wow!  I'm overwhelmed!

Today was my Bridal Shower and it was amazing.  Despite the weather being a bit uncooperative and having to move the party indoors, it was a most wonderful day...I couldn't have asked for any better. 

First of all Teresa came to town!  It is so good to see her...it has been far too long!  Fred, Christy and Kennedy, after making the trek over the mountain last weekend for graduation, returned just for my shower! And Jenn and the kids came to town too...partially for the shower, partially for a family reunion, but it was great that her and Emilee were able to make it to the shower! 

There were so many ladies in my life that turned out to help me celebrate my upcoming nuptials.  It was so sweet of them to come...and to give Rob and me such generous gifts!  Rob and I received sooo many awesome things...things we needed, things we just hoped for, and things we never even dreamed of!  I truly have an amazing group of friends and family.

Thank you Billie for putting together such a lovely day, and thank you all for coming out to show your love and support, and for making my day so special.  I am so very blessed!

Day 160

Four men with axes...uh oh.

Tonight was our fire department's annual retirement dinner.  And although I've worked for the department for over 12 years, I have only previously attended two of these functions.  But this year's event was a must for me.  This year four really good guys were being honored. 

But truth be told, it was John Boardman and Terry Thrall that I went to honor.  Two guys that I worked with every day for several years.  Two really great guys I enjoyed seeing every day, and miss incredibly now that they are gone.

But all of these men worked hard for many many years, and are now taking some much deserved time off for fishing and other adventures.  Congratulations and good luck John, Terry, Tim and Ron!

Day 159

Showers of Thanks!

On Saturday, Billie will be hosting a big ol' Bridal Shower for lil ol' me. There are many details she is not revealing, but I do know that she has put a lot of planning into making a special day for me.

I have to admit I cheated a bit, and searched the internet over for bridal shower thank you hostess gifts...that's a mouthful!  I knew I wanted an umbrella to be a part of the whole 'shower' business, and a couple weeks ago I stumbled across a bride who had the perfect idea.  I changed a couple bits to go along with my pink and black theme...to match Billie's Save-the-Date announcement.

This is the final Thank You gift...each item with an individual tag.  For starters there is the umbrella, which is so cute in the black and white damask and pink frilly ribbon.  Then there is a little candle with a tag attached that says Thanks 4 Lighting Up My Day; a bottle of Good & Plenty candies with a tag that says Thanks 4 Being Good & Plenty Sweet; and finally a bottle of body wash with a tag that says Thanks 4 Showering Me With Love!

Thanks Billie for being my bestie, and for what I know will be a wonderful shower!

Day 158

OK...so I'm kind of reaching again like yesterday.  But really, I have a reason for taking a picture of my purse.

My mom bought this purse for me a couple years ago at the Richland Farmer's Market, handmade by a local gal.  I used it that summer, but then put it away and haven't used since...mainly because it strikes me as being kind of fragile, and not being able to make it through the wash - kind of like my Fossil purse.  And with it being so light in color, I never wanted to get it dirty. 

But, after the ol' Fossil fell apart, I was in need of a handbag, so I put this one back into circulation, and I just have to say, I have had more compliments on this bag!  Everywhere I go, I swear someone says how cute it is, or asks where I got it.  I had forgotten just how cute it was.

And now, I have a picture of it for posterity...should it ever become a thing of the past.

Day 157

It's one of those days again.  It's late.  I've taken no pictures.  I'm on my way to bed and searching. So, here's another Precious Moments...Water-Meloncholy Day Without You. 

When I decorated the house for the Fourth of July, I brought out two other Precious Moments to display, and here is the first.  I have always loved this little boy, eating his watermelon. 

Not only is he cute, but the watermelon totally says summer to me...and I am ready for summer, no doubt!

Day 156

Today we received our very first wedding gift.  I'm not sure what the protocol is exactly, but we went ahead and opened it!

My friend Darcie and her husband Sylvan dropped by my office today to bring Rob and I a wedding gift.  Unfortunately, and sadly, she will not be able to attend my bridal shower this weekend, but she wanted to deliver her gift.  When Rob picked me up from work, we opened the Bed, Bath and Beyond gift box like a couple of kids, right there in the car. 

Thanks Darcie and Sylvan for the picture frame, cheese slicer and covered basket.  That was so thoughtful of you two!

Day 155

Another day...another graduation! Yesterday Brooklyn graduated, so today Kim had a gathering in her honor. 

Instead of having a graduation cake, Kim opted for cupcakes and asked if I would bring them.  So this morning, I baked, frosted and decorated 48 cupcakes.  There were 24 carrot and 24 fun-fetti...all decorated in orange and black - Kennewick High School's colors. 

Again, the gang all gathered together...chatted some more and ate another round of good food.

Congratulations and good luck Brooklyn!

Day 154

Last night Cody graduated, and today the Deines' had a party in his honor.

The whole gang headed over to Jeff and Laura's to help celebrate Cody's accomplishment and wish him well on his next chapter in life.  They put on quite a shin-dig, with a good turn out of family and friends. We all enjoyed lots of catching up and lots of good eats.

But, not only did us gang of adults turn out, so did the kids.  So, we took a moment out to torture them in order to recreate the photo we had taken of them 16 years ago!  It was great to get them all together in one place...and to see how much they've changed, and what special and unique individuals they've turned out to be.

Day 153

Effective today, the Washington State Liquor Control Board is no longer the sole distributor of liqueurs and spirits!

Since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, our state has had a monopoly on liquor sales.  But the people spoke last fall, and today was the day.  Just like in some of our other nearby states, now hard alcohol, like wine and beer, can be found in grocery stores, warehouse club stores, big box stores and the like.  I happen to be out shopping at Target this afternoon, and found their sparse but growing liquor section.

Going to have to get used to seeing Jack Daniels and Bacardi while shopping for laundry detergent and dog treats!!