Say Cheese!

If I'm not mistaken, these look like senior pictures.  How can that be?  Sten was not too eager to do a photo shoot, but he smiled real perty, don'tcha think?  We plan to take some on the farm, but are waiting for better weather.  Now a shout out to the guy behind the lens . . . check out his blog.  Thanks Larry!  Love you Stennie Winnie Boo Boo

Critter Patrol

 A recent special visitor noticed some gopher holes in our yard.  He got busy trying to catch the critters and did not come up empty handed - what a prize!

Checking traps with his assistant

Clean Up in Corvallis

 Our school district has gone to a 4 day school week this year -  which means Fridays off! Today, our plan was to meet up with the Bucks crew as they prepped toilets for the OSU game tomorrow.  We arrived in town a little early and spotted Benny Beaver walking down the street.

 

Clean and freshly stocked with TP, thanks to Milah

 

 

 

Go BEAVERS!

It's a no go . . .

She's not known for her beauty - but this has been a good rig. 

Luxury? no 
Status car? definitely not
Running? errr, no

The reliable green bean (otherwise named the mommy missile by Sten's friends), came to a stall the other night.

This Escort wagon is was a rocket ship. She's been with me for two personal visits with the sheriff (thanks for the tickets, officer) and has gone many miles this summer.  For all her faults (no electric windows/door locks or cruise control) - she has an enormous plus.  You can pull away from the gas pump with a smile on your face instead of tears streaming down your cheeks. 

So for now - I'm back to Katrina. 
Hello status car
Hello luxury
Hello cruise control
Hello tears at the gas pump. 

Scott has threatened to get a Prius - but then I'd have to get an Obama bumper sticker and I just can't make that leap.

Fabric Hoarder?

 

How does one quick trip to the fabric store for some elastic end with this?  So the fabric store was closing and they were offering discounts on everything.  Ummm, I couldn't escape. Notice there is no elastic - it was sold out.

 

 It doesn't help that I recently discovered this site and couldn't get these skirts out of my head.  Apparently they sell this adorable clothing at home parties where they feature trunk shows.  I'd love to attend one, but probably better stay clear. 

How 'bout a few of us get together and try to whip up our own versions.  I have some fabric!

A Creative Streak

 

Sumpin's Gotta Give!  It's a popular phrase that we shout in this house (since Scott uttered it in the middle of a kidney stone attack one night).  This summer, in the chaos that was our lives - the house and the yard obviously suffered.  Barely keeping up on laundry and eating at 11:30 pm were all we could muster.  Decorating was at the bottom of the heap.  As we learn a new "normal", I feel my creative self emerging from hibernation . . .    

 

I was sick of looking at the same old things and hadn't completely removed the seasonal items since the "storm" hit.  Easter Bunnies look cute in April - but horribly out of place in October.  A little inspiration struck . . .

 

 

 

It struck at TJ Maxx Home Goods.  If you can't get inspired there - Honey, you ain't gonna!  I had 2 hours to kill before my invoices were done at the print shop.  Two hours in TJ Maxx - no problemo, amigo!  I tried to talk myself out of those large gears, but I just wasn't persuasive enough.  Once home, I did a little "shopping" in each room to complete my masculine mantlescape.  

 

 

One of my favorite treasures is the red metal box that formerly contained a saw.  I swiped the Ford hubcap out of Sten's room and I love old Boraxo tins because they remind me of Uncle Stan.

 

It's my Tribute to the workin' man . . .  you know the kind.  We have a couple that hang around here.  They're kinda lovable but they ain't the cleanest bunch.

Take a whiff - I bet you can smell grease mixed with a hint of B.O. 
  

Grandma Patty

Grandma Patty is failing rapidly. We often marvel at the vast changes in a newborn within the first months of life - but it seems that the elderly are on the same accelerated schedule - just in reverse. In a few short weeks, she has turned into an old lady, still sweet as ever - but an old old lady.

I picture a long road (90 + years worth), and I can see her in the distance. As she nears the destination, she is barely shuffling, and is carrying a small bag. Behind her on the path, you can see her footsteps (she leaves long narrow footprints).  You can see where she has gone out of her way to help another, and you can see the treasures that she has set aside along her journey. Her parents, sister, and dear husband have passed away, the big house has been sold, she's said her final goodbyes to many friends and her beloved California. Her driver's license has expired, the small house has been emptied, the well used mixing bowls and measuring spoons are in someone else's cupboard, and her mind is oftimes fuzzy.

She hears a voice - very faint at first. It is a familiar tone and it seems to be whispering "come home". She continues, taking one feeble step at a time, and the welcoming voice grows a bit stronger. She sees familiar faces gathered round. Although it is too much to talk, she can feel their love. The calling grows gently louder and she understands that what she is leaving behind, although precious to her, is insignificant. She recognizes the insistent voice as an old friend, one whom she can't wait to meet. Her body takes a last labored breath. She releases the small bag, letting it slip to the side of the road and with joy steps into eternity.

I love you Grandma Patty. I'm thankful that our paths crossed 23 years ago.

Grandma Patty passed away peacefully on September 20, 2012. 

Remembering . . .

Regardless of political affiliation or questions about the future of this country, we can all relate. We are all Americans

I find that I am choking back tears every year on this day. Twas an overwhelmingly sad sad sad one . . .

Grrrrr.

I'm peeved. One of my favorite things to do when I fired up the internet was do me some blog surfing. I am disgusted that commercialism has ruined blogging. In an attempt to make a buck, these amazingly creative women clog their blog with so many ads that it takes forever for them to load and there are even annoying popups! I certainly don't begrudge them success, but can't we just look at the perfectly staged photos and the before & afters without being pestered to purchase dog sweaters and video games?

A little less lip . . .

I have a weakness for all things pewter and recently scored a pair of these chalices at the Goodwill for 2$!

When you handle one of these goblets, you are immediately transformed into a medieval queen. One with a beautiful flowing dress - complete with jeweled crown, servants at your command, and most importantly - a knight in shining armor.

In order to have a chilled drink - I stored one of these vessels in the freezer. Perfect. Except for the little princess that spied the cold cup and pressed her lips to it's frozen edge . . .

Thus you see the remnants of her fleshy tongue. OUCH! Guess we will just chill them, not freeze them! Sorry Mare Mare!

Cousin Time

The crew of kids. Exhausted after a full day at Evergreen Wings & Waves. They had to kick us out at 8:00 and our kids were busting up the stairs for one last ride.

Love this pic! Liam loves pickups - a big bonus if it has huge tires and a loud engine.

Milah & Alinya

What good are photos without a few faces? No, their faces did not freeze like this

Once upon a time, I encouraged my only sibling to head to Switzerland for a great adventure. Oh by the way, I said - I think that Ralph guy is worth getting to know. What? She listened? I certainly don't regret her decisions because I adore Ralph and know that she is happy with her life. BUT . . . why does it have to be so far? Boo Hoo.

Introducing the QUACK SHACK!

I grew up a proud Beaver Fan. Still am.

HOWEVER, Buck's is in Duck Country. Thus, our new toilet - the QUACK SHACK. We want to make an Oregon State toilet as well but will see how these go first. Gladly accepting ideas - hint hint.

I love the design, but it feels like I've sold my soul. Go BEAVERS!

Jamboree Madness

The Oregon Jamboree (a country music festival) is this weekend and we have around 400 pieces at the event and scattered throughout 20 campground areas. We have been servicing the venue after the crowds leave in the evening - finishing around 2:30 in the morning. Hannes and Milah have been helping with this service - they are a huge help and seem to love it.

"Mean Uncle Scott" as Hannes used to call him - showing Hannes how to service the sinks.

Cousin togetherness - hey we'll take what we can get!

The crew in action. Sten and Scott pump. The rest of us fill in as door holders, tp, IHS, soap, and paper towel refillers - wipers and swipers as well.

After we finish servicing the event toilets, we have been making a trip to Eugene to empty the trucks. By the time we get back to town, Scott gets 1-2 hrs of sleep before beginning to pump all the campsites. It's a crazy schedule - good thing it's only 3 days!

Fleet Decor

Everyone loves before and after photos - even if it's on a poop truck! Please excuse the order of these pics - they are after, before, after

We recently purchased 2 used trucks from Florida. We had to cover the previous owner's graphics, so we decided to make a "splash" while we were at it.

It's so different - it's going to take some getting used to - but we like it. It's definitely eye-catching.

Wave, holler and honk when you pass us!

Hay! It's that time of year

Hay Boy is at it again. He is dressing the part with his Amish-ish facial hair. Last year, he finished with just over 6,000 bales - this year he's going to be right at 15,000!

This pick-up machine works awesome! It traps the bale and sends it up the chute. Looks like its from the horse drawn era, but it works! Best part - there's very little to break down (unlike the rest of this surly and cantankerous hay equipment)

Road Rage

In Hippietown USA (Eugene), it is not uncommon to see cars plastered with bumper stickers citing their "peaceful" views. I was driving behind one such creature yesterday, when we suddenly came upon an extremely slow moving vehicle. This peace loving gentlemen went beserk - waving his hands in the air and impatiently manuevering to get around the snail's pace truck, complete with crude hand gestures. Ok, there was a small part of me that wanted to run him off the road, jerk him out by the scruff of his embroidered collar, and rub his nose on his back bumper. Peace dude.

Giving 26 Spankings Today

7-11 is a big date in this house! We have- not one, but 2 birthdays to celebrate. Our first baby and our last baby.

Here they are at Maren's first and Sten's 9th birthday

17 years old now, unimaginable!

Mare Mare is 9! Boo hoo

A Deere Kid

Hay season has arrived and Sten is working the "bugs" out of his new cutter. I ran for parts today and while I was waiting at the counter, I glanced behind me at a scene similar to the picture above.

Not long ago, a little towhead was beside me, tugging on my hand and begging, "Just one - please Mommy". Good thing I didn't succumb to his pleas more often as these "hay boy" trips to the John Deere store can get expensive!

When he was 1.5, he sat on Santa's lap and told him that he wanted a John Deere combine. Santa looked at me with a puzzled expression and asked, "Does he know what he's talking about"? Yep. When he was 2, we pulled the RV into a site at Lake Shasta and Sten immediately won the hearts of our neighbors - he peeked his head out the door and asked them - "Do you wanna see my John Deeres"? In the Sunday paper, the local John Deere dealer often has a full color insert. Sten would peruse that for hours - his favorite picture book - I finally started getting them laminated. Guess he was destined to be a hay boy.

My heart breaks for the Grotz family as they recently lost their son in a tragic farming accident. We think of them as "our kids", but they are only a gift. A most precious gift. See http://tylergrotz.blogspot.com for the memorial.

Buck's on the Move . . .

The Trials are over and we feel like we should get a gold medal for our efforts! Tonight they are busy pumping and transporting toilets back to the yard. This is our professional pumping and TP restocking crew. These units will be detailed and head out to different events Monday and Tuesday.

Then we call in the brutes - the toilet movers. The trailer hauls 18 toilets, so these boys aren't gonna be done til 3 or 4 in the morning. Good thing they slept most of the day.

Remember when . . .

In the early 90s, we were the (extremely) proud owners of one of these monstrous cell phones - cutting edge technology. Having one of these dudes on your shoulder, tucked under your chin was a real statement. In a frustrated challenge- one of our kids once heatedly asked me (campaigning for their own phone) "How old were you when you got your first cell phone?" Uhhh, 22. LOL kiddo.

Our parents weren't quite as cool. They sported one of these bag phones and the little curly antenna on their back window. Sheesh - they are cooler than us now. Iphones and Kindles.

I suppose our great grandchildren will have barcoded tattoos for identification and credit purposes and have communication devices implanted at birth.