Wednesday, December 8, 2010

But I Did Stay at a Holiday Inn Express Last Night

Last week was spent packing our home of nine years, then loading it onto a truck to be driven 722 miles to Vancouver. Late Thursday night, we headed over to PetSmart to pick up a couple dog beds and encountered sticker shock. The bed size that fit our large dogs were $75 a piece! We then drove over to Wal-Mart to maybe find a cheaper alternative, but realized the beds at the pet store were the best option. We went back, and while debating which colors to pick, an employee walked by and mentioned the beds would be on sale the very next morning for 50% off. My eyes filled with tears as this was a small blessing. I've felt like we're bleeding cash at times, and this small gesture (and stretched emotions) almost got the better of me. Friday was spent packing all the items that the movers would not, which is every chemical and product that could potentially create a leak and ruin possessions. We boxed the last minute items too and loaded everything into our 30' trailer in a 5' space to allow room for our Honda, thus creating one tightly packed possible bomb. Saturday morning the dogs were then placed in the back of the truck with their kennels creating a makeshift dog run with the beds and bones for chewing. We finally headed out of Logan at 11 am. It was so foggy, we weren't able to get a backwards glance in. And honestly it was probably a good thing as we were still teary eyed from our final video of our home. The drive went well and we arrived in Boise at 4:30 pm. The hotel was pet friendly, and we opted to pay the extra fee to let the dogs sleep in the room with us. Sunday morning we awoke early. While walking the dogs, a guy stopped us and asked if he paid us some money could he use our cell phone. Jax started barking, so Bryan said we'd left the phone in our hotel room. The whole thing seemed weird any ways, but when Jax went off we knew something was not right. We got on the road by 9 am. About 17 miles outside of Ontario, Oregon the unthinkable happened. For those who have flown, when preparing to land there is a loud noise as the pilot opens the doors to allow the landing gear to extend. This is exactly the type of noise we heard come from the rear of our truck. The left rear suddenly dropped some, and Bryan gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles as we slowly pulled to the right hand side of I-84 to stop. Just before stopping, there was a loud explosion and our tire started to roll down the highway. In the ensuing panic and shock, I quickly unlatched my seat belt and jumped out of the truck and pelted after that tire. I did not want any traffic to hit it and cause more chaos, nor did I want the tire destroyed. Once I rolled the tire to Bryan (it's a 33" and extremely heavy), I noticed our wheel was laying in the middle section between the east and westbound freeway. Yes, I did look both ways, making clearly sure it was safe and then ran across to retrieve it. When Bryan looked up to see what we should do next, he saw me in the section for authorized vehicles only and started to panic. As there is not much traffic on the I-84 I was able to cross back pretty quickly, and then told to sit in the truck with my seat belt on. I had the task of sitting in the driver's seat warning Bryan every time a semi went by so he could brace for impact just in case. One car got my middle finger as he passed within inches of the truck, when he could have moved lanes as no one was around him for miles. Bryan was able to put our spare tire on, which was low on air. The process took about 30 minutes. We then drove 20 mph a mile down the road to the Stinker Station (I'm not making this up). As the accident had sheared three of the eight lug studs, we had to borrow a lug from each wheel to put the spare on. We stopped at the Stinker to see if they possibly had any lug nuts, but they didn't. Knowing that Ontario was only 15 miles away or so, we decided to push on. The town had a tire center and hotels. We figured it was our best chance. We drove at 35 mph with hazards flashing for 15 miles, then missed the exit and had to drive another mile to turn around and head back. We pulled into Les Schwab which was right off the freeway but as it was Sunday, they were not open. We tried calling, thinking they may have an after hours emergency number, but no such luck. Instead we listened to the ringing of their phone on the obnoxiously loud intercom. Knowing we were stuck, I told Bryan to drive over to the hotel, which looked really nice due to how new it must have been (it was built in 2008). While he stayed with the truck trying to decide if we should just drive really slow all the way to Vancouver, I went inside and spoke with the hotel manager. He did have a room available for only $77 (which was cheaper than the hotel I had reserved in Vancouver). He also had the home phone numbers for the Les Schwab manager and Big O Tire manager. Both did not answer, but he left messages and told me if we were able to get help that day, he wouldn't charge me for the room, even if we did use it for sitting and laying down. He even offered the use of the hotel's pool and spa, which made me wish I had packed my swimsuit with me. After driving to the hotel, Bryan found that the drum had been barely crushed out of round once the wheel had fallen off and impacted the concrete. We weren't limping anywhere. He called around to several parts stores, and found the closest drum was in Boise. After that was Aurora, Colorado. We unloaded the Honda and he headed back to Boise to get the necessary parts, while I stayed in Ontario to do laundry and be with the dogs. Unfortunately, Bryan's hour and a half drive was extended to 2 and a half due to road work. He was finally able to get the parts and drove all the way back. We had dinner at the Sizzler across from the hotel and then went to bed, beaten to our very core. In the morning we awoke to freezing rain, a new sensation for us. It was so cold, and extremely slick. We drove to the Les Schwab and were smacked with a rude dose of corporate lawyer crap. We told our story, and the Les Schwab employee told us he would not use the parts we had obtained and we would have to wait 2-3 days for the drum to show up. Bryan said "Thanks for NOT helping us, we'll give our business to the Big O, and where is that exactly?" I couldn't believe it, but the guy actually gave us directions and we walked out in a huff. When we arrived at the Big O I was afraid we'd get the same treatment. But Brandon and Mike were not Les Schwab. They listened to our story, how rude Schwab was and immediately went to work helping us figure out what we needed. Even though they did not have enough wheels nor tires in stock, they did have one steel white wheel that would work. They mounted the tire that I had chased down, then called around town and found a mechanic that could fix our drum. We were once again afraid we'd find additional damage to the rear end differential. Lonnie at Justus Auto located in Fruitland, Idaho fixed the drum in a couple hours. When we went to pick up the truck, Lonnie chatted with us about mechanicing and how he specialized in rear ends. We drove the truck back to the hotel to pick up our trailer and reload the Honda. We were finally fixed and ready to go. For the next nine hours we drove at 50-55 mph in fear of hearing that horrible loud skimming noise followed by an explosion. When we got past La Grande, and found ourselves on Cabbage Hill, we were awestruck. The beauty of the frost and grandiose view left us speechless. We pulled into Vancouver around 10 pm, safe and sound.

It wasn't until later that the reality of our situation really hit. Bryan was able to keep steady hands and not roll our truck, with the 30' trailer that had our Honda. All three would have been totaled, meaning we wouldn't have a vehicle to call our own. Nivia dislikes the loud exhaust of our truck, so sits over the left wheel well, getting as far away from the noise as possible. When the wheel failed, it split in half around the wheel, like cutting out a donut. The tire could have easily been sliced and cut into the rear quarter. If you've ever watched a NASCAR race and seen a rear tire blow, it quickly shreds the quarter panels to bits. Somehow the tire stayed in tact, which kept Nivia safe on her perch. I wouldn't have been able to bear the thought of burying a dog. Bryan and I were both wearing our seat belts, something I've always been good about, but Bryan has a bad habit due to all the in n' out when working as a mechanic. We were also so close to a town with decent amenities, and good people. The hotel manager, John, Mike and Brandon at Big O, and Lonnie. We had the good fortune of having a mechanic fix our rear end that specialized specifically in that. Last was the final drive over Cabbage Hill down into Pendleton. If the wheel had waited until then to fail, it wouldn't have been a quick coast on a long stretch of lonesome highway. The tight hairpin turns, steep cliffs and miles of 15' snow mountain sides would have meant instant death. A guardian angel had been with us on that drive. He made sure our truck stayed straight, that our baby girl was safe, our possessions didn't explode into the cold freezing rain, and our lungs were still filling with precious air. Every prayer I've said on this trip has ended with thank you for this opportunity. The opportunity to live in Vancouver, to be with my family safe, to stay in a hotel instead of a hospital, to have my life.

And that maybe, just maybe, (although we didn't make it Mulligan free) the stay at a Holiday Inn Express that night made all the difference in the world.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Sasquatch

The panic has begun. This morning I woke with my mind ablaze. I had a million thoughts bungled inside my head and laid there slowly working myself into freak-out status. To help, I did what I do best, create a list. I sat down with my sasquatch notebook (the first week I was here in Vancouver, I needed a notebook. I went to Fred Meyer and started looking through all the office supplies. Once I found the notebooks, I spent several minutes trying to decide which one would work best. Then I saw the sasquatch one. Talk about a genius market idea, and a little predictable. Of course I had to have it. Besides, it came with a pocket in the front as well, handy for all the business cards I've been given in the last 3 weeks). I then made a page for every day this week, and started listing what needed to happen for each one. At first, my list had the calming effect I was needing. However, it slowly turned into sadness and delved into slight depression. It's the beginning to many lasts. Tomorrow, Bryan and I fly back 'home' for the last time...a few things will be fixed by us for the last time...it is our last week in our first place...I will clean my home for the last time...
We bought our home in the fall of 2001. Not long after 9/11 when the world had lots of uncertainty. Yet, we were at an age when the world was ours to conquer. I knew this would be our first home, but thought we'd only live there for 3-5 years. The 3-5 turned into 9 years, 1 month and 1 day. The spring after we moved in we borrowed a camcorder and made a tape of our first place. Now we'll load our camera and tape the end. Instead of big smiles and silly laughter, it will contain long faces, bright eyes and detailed explanations of what we accomplished.
Old age brings new uncertainty. Will the choices I made in my twenties have good lasting affects for the choices I am making in my thirties? Will I have the good sense I did at twenty with buying a home in a wonderful neighborhood with lots of potential into my next home? Life is full of new goals now. In November 2001 it was all about proving to ourselves and the world (mostly our parents) that we could be responsible adults. We would own a home, and take good care of it. We would create a family atmosphere that all would want to be a part of. We would set the foundation for our retirement. We would be self-sustaining. Now, in November 2010, it's all about adding to those original goals. Still being the responsible adult, and making wise investments. Investments that will allow us to help those we care about. To continue the home that is inviting to all, just in a new location that may become adventurous vacations for our extended family. Most of all, adding a new layer to our cornerstone. On paper all our plans and goals look sound. But that was the easy part; making that list in the comfort of our habits. Now that our habits have been jumbled up, I hope I'm able to wade through the mess of packing, hauling, and signing to see the end goal clearly.
So armed with Sasquatch, I will link arms with my thirty-something comfortable life, and allow the young twenty-something to emerge and conquer this world.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

And some more







While viewing Lucia falls a bald eagle swooped in with a salmon in his clutches. He was about 100 yards away so I wasn't able to get many good pictures as I didn't have a tripod and couldn't get closer. Halfway through his meal he accidentally dropped his fish. He turned around and stared at the ground for a minute looking heart broken then flew away.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Connoisseur or Food Snob?

Not that far back, a good friend of Bryan's told him he was a food snob. Huh?! Not possible! We have great taste, but now the seed of doubt has been planted and it makes me wonder...are we food snobs?
In the beginning, Bryan introduced me to all types of food. I was an extremely picky eater. Although I'll eat at most restaurants, I usually detail my order to have items removed and/or added, and then once it's delivered I pick off anything to my disliking. At first, I hated Mexican food and would usually opt to eat somewhere else. Then Bryan took me to Lorena's in Woods Cross, Utah. I ordered a ground beef flour enchilada. I know, why don't I just get the cheese enchilada, as I pull out all the ground beef? Well, the flavor just isn't the same without it. The enchilada sauce at Lorena's is AMAZING! I love it and have tried to replicate it since. Only recently did I receive a recipe from a friend that comes close to the real deal. Most enchilada recipes have salsa in them, and enchilada sauce does not, I repeat, does not taste like salsa.
Next I was introduced to Ho Ho's Chinese in North Salt Lake, Utah. Bryan had eaten here with coworkers from Willey Ford, and had been shown to order the chicken chow mein pan fried noodle style. I absolutely love this. We have become such regulars for this particular meal that when we do order, the elderly gentleman who owns the restaurant takes the time to come out and see us and say hi.
From there, I was given Iggy's with shoestring beer battered fries. Sadly, Iggy's sold out to a couple of brothers who turned it into a franchise and no longer has the fries. But I've grown to love the Chicken Philly With, but minus onions and cheddar and add mushrooms. And it must come with the rice pilaf. Bryan also opened the world of sandwiches to me, like Caruso's deli, Grove's market and Bob's deli.
Once we moved to Logan, the world of restaurants became small. There is not much for dining in Logan, but over the years we have found our favorites. The Italian Place makes a great hot sandwich, but you do have to overlook the lack of hygiene in the place. For a germaphobe, this is difficult. We love Hamilton's, and will go there for prime rib whenever we can. Cafe Sabor works for decent Mexican, but any chance I get, I still go to Lorena's.
In the traveling we've done, we love going to new restaurants, and finding mom & pop dives. In San Francisco, there is a Greek restaurant that we found by accident on our first trip, and have spent countless hours finding it again each time just to have the rice pudding and homemade lemon rice. In North Carolina, we found Carrabba's and Sticky Fingers. Both are large chains, but are very worthy of our good food stamp of approval. But England takes the cake for food. I know, how do the Brits do it with their pie of every kind, gravies and yorkshire puddings? But that's home style cooking at its best. We ate in the local pub of every town we stayed in. The Welsh pub hands down was the best. I had a chicken & leek pie (which I've successfully recreated about a month ago), and Bryan had a steak & ale pie that we have recreated several times with great results. I actually posted the recipe to that one a while back.
Since being in Vancouver, finding good food has been a little difficult. It's hard to navigate this town, as it is sprawling and there's not really a defining neighborhood for food. On Sunday, I did a search for Greek food, and even though we never found the restaurant (I think it's no longer there), we did find Bruchi's cheesesteak & subs. It wasn't bad at all. Then on Monday at lunch, I noticed a Greek restaurant inside the mall as we were finishing up our pizza. So yesterday we went back, and had yummy homemade lemon rice. The first week I was here, we went restaurant hunting, and found Gustav's, a German restaurant. I've never had German cuisine so we decided to try it out. We got the sampler plates and found it to be pretty good. Definitely a cuisine I wouldn't want to eat every day, but it's not something I'd boycott. Then Monday night, we went out to the east end of town and found Roots. It had a menu that was a little over the top, with some higher prices. The decor didn't really fit the place either. They had paid a lot of attention to detail, but then used cafeteria style chairs and cheap faux wood top tables. It just wasn't jiving.
In the end, I find I now go to restaurants and critique everything. From the decor and cleanliness, to the service and smiles, to the food and presentation. I find myself noting areas that could use improvement and wishing I could speak to the general manager and head chef about the food and service. I will without hesitation leave a note on a receipt letting a restaurant know if the dining out experience was great, or what needs improvement. I love when a restaurant has a card asking for constructive criticism, as I give it my heart.
When Bryan was first called a food snob it was because he had called into question a Marie Callendar's pie. I was appalled that this label had been given to us; I just like good food and will not pander to those who don't make it. But now that I've allowed my mind to wander on the subject, maybe I am a food snob. But I think I prefer to call it food connoisseur.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Astoria, Oregon

I arrived back in Vancouver late Friday night. Bryan said it had rained from the moment I left, and it was still raining when I got here. We stopped at McDonald's for some comfort food and then crashed at the hotel. I awoke Saturday to the sun lightly shining in. It was partly cloudy all day, but it made for beautiful scenery and gorgeous pictures once again. I decided we were going to have some fun, so we drove out to Astoria. In 2004, we took a road trip out to the Pacific coast and then drove north to Seattle. We passed through Astoria with lots of rain, crossed the giant bridge and headed straight for the freeway as we were sick of winding roads. Along the way was a covered bridge that we missed. I decided we should try and find that covered bridge. We drove north and turned at Longview. Originally this was the location for the store we had applied for. However, due to oddball circumstances, Bryan was passed up, mostly due to his rookie status. Our first pass through was in the industrial part of town. It was near the port and pretty rundown and dirty. We then drove along the highway, and missed the turn off for the covered bridge. Along the way we saw a gargantuan eagle in a tree. He was a mottled brown and white. After zipping past, Bryan said we should have taken a picture. I said why not, so we screeched to a halt, three point turned and went back. But he was gone. Darn. We three point turned again and kept heading west. It wasn't until we saw the signs for Long Beach that we realized we had gone too far (no, not Long Beach, CA). Luckily, there was a sign for Astoria, so we turned there. We happened upon Fort Columbia and took a short drive through it. I don't know why we didn't get out and take pictures there. It was beautifully sunny, and there were some great views. Must have been one of those zoned in focused moments where you're too hungry to realize you're seeing something wonderful. We continued on to Astoria and crossed the giant bridge that goes over the mouth of the Columbia, which spills into the mighty blue Pacific. We chose to go to Astoria Column and climb the steps to the top to get panoramic views. The top of the hill is the tallest point in Astoria, a whopping 600 feet above sea level (we live at 4700 feet in Logan). Halfway up the stairs I started to panic. It was very cold and windy, and there were a few people running up the stairs towards the top. This caused the stairwell to shake some and me to shake a lot. I told Bryan to go slow, and he kept saying don't look down or up. But that wasn't my problem. I'm not really afraid of heights, but I am afraid of rickety staircases. And of a platform that sways a little in the wind. Besides, I do not enjoy being cold whatsoever. So after a couple minutes hugging the side of the column, I told Bryan I was heading back down. It wasn't til I got to step 6 that I felt 'safe'. I was very happy to be back on the 600-foot hill, and not at 725 on top of the column. Bryan got some amazing pictures. Next on our list was lunch. We headed east on the 30, and ended up halfway back to Longview before we found something, a small restaurant that served huckleberry pie. Lunch was surprisingly good. Bryan had a reuben and I had a BLT on sourdough, mm-mmm! And of course it was finished with yummy pie. We bought some huckleberry syrup for when we finally have moved into home and can cook up some delicious waffles. On our way back, we stopped in Longview and went by the store. Everyone in Vancouver tells Bryan he's lucky he didn't get Longview as it is just a town of hicks. We were sad; this town reminded of us so much of Logan. Too bad the circumstances didn't work out. We would have felt extremely at home in this small town. Maybe in the future one day. We passed a turn off for Mt. St. Helen's, but we'll have to do that once it's spring again and the snow has melted. There was also a sign for tourist information, pointing out a bulb farm is located here. We will have to definitely check that out. We have probably over 300 bulbs in our current yard and I love springtime. I have everything from tulips and daffodils, to mini irises, gladiator aliums, star of nature, crocuses and on and on.
Today we were able to go by the house and see the progress that has been made. The driveway in front of the garage has been poured, the trim work around windows and doors is complete, most of the cabinets are in place, and the travertine bathroom floors are laid. Today, the landscapers are working on the sprinkling system. Our driveway for the shop will now be concrete, as you need hot days to lay asphalt. We will also be getting a thicker granite countertop, as there was not enough in the color we picked for the thinner size. The wood flooring is inside the house acclimating to the temperature, and will probably be laid tomorrow. Our appliances should be delivered on Friday, and carpet should be going in next week, and sod should be laid by end of week too. It's all coming together and we hope to be moved in by December 10 like promised. I can't wait, as hotel living is...hotel living.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

More to see







Astoria

Sunday, November 7, 2010

So much to see, plenty of time








We went for a drive while the realtors were looking over our offer on our house. We just picked a road and kept driving. The amazing thing about this area is the number of things to see. Here are some pictures from just a 1 1/2 hour drive.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Offer accepted




We've been dickering back and forth on our new house but finally our offer has been accepted...Here are some pictures of the house under construction. We actually found a house we liked more that was on a hill over looking Lacamas Lake but it was bank owned and it takes many months to go through the process of buying one and months we don't have...

Friday, November 5, 2010

The House Hunt

Have I ever mentioned I'm picky? I have a preference for everything and homes are no different. Our list for our next home is:
a) MUST be new. No major upgrading and outdated is just that. No grand envisioning is allowed.
b) a three car garage with pad for parking a 30' trailer
c) a large enough yard for our two large enough dogs
d) a space for me to work from home, without feeling like I live at work (is that possible?)
e) a view of mountains would be nice, but not necessary
f) no budget busters!
This list has been difficult to accommodate. Around here most of the homes are only a car length from the curb (and a small car length, no extended cab, long bed trucks fitting here), the backyard is a hop, skip with no jump, with your neighbor's front yard directly behind your backyard. It looks like apartment living made gourmet. Add in the tricky street system and scary neighborhoods and it has been difficult. We narrowed our search down and with the help of a realtor I went looking at homes yesterday. The first home is in Washougal. The town is east of Vancouver and right on the Columbia River. The home was beautiful, but the backyard was three sets of terraces only wide enough to walk along. Although wonderful and bigger than our current home, I didn't feel myself in this home. It was like all the others, drive by and give a maybe, with a furrowed brow thinking it might work. We then drove around Vancouver past several homes, but none really had the parking for our 30' trailer. The realtor treated me to lunch and then we headed for our next destination, which was a group of homes being built. As we drove around looking for the correct address we stumbled upon it. When the realtor pulled to a stop I had to fight back tears in my eyes. Just looking at it I knew...I was home. It's funny how you get that feeling. As a kid, my dad would always let out a small gasp of happiness when we rounded the bend from Provo and entered the Salt Lake valley. After our first couple years in Logan, I found myself giving the same happy sigh when we popped out of Sardine Canyon. I wasn't sure if I would ever have that feeling again, but somehow, Atlas walked over and picked up his giant world off my shoulders. I wanted to skip, shout, jump over the moon, but my reserved nature kept me in check. I'm pretty sure my realtor felt the pressure release, as she was giddy too. When I went to take a picture with Bryan's phone, I had the sinking realization I had left it at the restaurant. Bryan was in a store in Milwaukie, Oregon (a suburb of Portland) for a store manager meeting. I was his only lifeline and ride back to Washington. When I called him using the realtor's phone, it was hard to relay my happiness as he had been waiting 45 minutes already for me to pick up the phone and drive the 30 minutes there to pick him up. The realtor and I hurried back to the restaurant, saved the phone and went to get the rental car. I then drove like a maniac through Portland rush hour to save Bryan. Just for you to know if you ever come out this way, Washington drivers haul butt and do NOT stop at red lights or stop signs. It's kind of a pause, but only kind of. Oregon drivers are slower, but will suddenly jump lanes and zoom off. The driving here is not for the faint of heart, and it's weird to get used to. Nothing like Utah where every driver is far too involved in their own world to realize they're plugging up the left lane.
After grabbing Bryan we drove straight back to the house so he could see the outside. And he felt that this was it too. I don't know if it was as strong as my reaction, but I think he felt relieved to have found a place in the time frame we had allotted. The home is in the northeast corner of Vancouver, in a more 'rural' area of the city. There's still many fields out this way, but the building boom of new homes has started. The home is about 7 minutes from Bryan's work, which is convenient, as right now we're exactly 6 minutes. It's also not quite finished yet, which is perfect because then we can choose our floors, cabinets, counters, bathrooms, etc. It also has a two car garage...with an 18x30 SHOP! Plenty of space to park a 30' trailer and plenty of space in the shop to completely overhaul a car. Now that we've spent the last 10 years doing DIY on our home, we can spend the next 10 doing DIY on the three hot cars we own. Two 1970 1/2 Chevrolet Camaros and a 1940 2 door Chev. We've also been pre-approved, with no contingency of the sale on our current home. PHEW!
I've also spent the last two days doing work remotely. It's been wonderful! I'm able to answer all my emails, look up problems and get them solved, as well as create email judging packets. The dry run test worked and I'll be able to keep the job I've grown to love over the past 9 years.
Through all of this we've been blessed. Although the dreams of growing our family have not happened, the dream of becoming a store manager has been achieved. All of this has been quite smooth, extremely fast, but easy. Bryan's new co-workers are great! He loves his new management team and is very excited and eager to get going. I still have worries about the sale of my current home, but maybe the good luck will continue to flow. In the three full days we've lived here, I've found peace. The landscape is gorgeous, just as everyone said. The people are 'good people' (per Tom Poulson). And the moving roller coaster has become a Sunday drive. We may actually get to have a fun day tomorrow, a day off to have a little fun and explore; something we do best.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

And on the First Day...

Vancouver is beautiful! The leaves are in the middle of changing colors still, and the reds up here are glorious. It's been fun experiencing fall all over again. The landscape here is very different than I had expected. We had seen pictures on the web, and I had created a Vancouver world in my mind's eye. With the number of pine trees and hills, along with views of Mt. St. Helen's and Mt. Hood, you start to believe that you are not at sea level. You find yourself thinking you're at 10,000 feet living atop many mountains, with gargantuan ones in the background. It's easy to keep yourself hoodwinked into this idea. I've never had trouble adjusting to the time difference, but here is a different story. I find by 10 AM that I am starving. I know it's 11 in Utah, but couldn't I last til 11 here? And right now it's just past 4 and I'm starving again! Yesterday I had Bryan with me as we started our house hunt. Homes are very different here. Most are about 6 feet from the curb, with a lawn barely big enough to lay down in, and then the backyard is about 3 big jumps to the fence. It makes the homes look huge, but it's sad to see no yard. Especially after we've been used to having almost a 1/2 acre for the past nine years. I'm sure the neighbors will have a good laugh when we mow the lawn in one swipe with the riding mower. Poor Nivia and Jax; they'll really fatten up now. I should invent dog fitness centers. You could hook your dog up to a tread mill for running and walking, have a large arena for fetch, and all the trees, posts and mailboxes for marking (and maybe a few postal workers to chase)!
Bryan started his first day here and finds the store and people to his liking. They were very excited to meet him and couldn't wait to show him around the store. It's made a lot of our anxiousness go away. Now just finishing our house search and putting in an offer that will get accepted. And then finding a buyer for our home. And then pack everything, move...

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Soon to be For Sale







9 years of blood sweat and tears, soon it will be for sale....

It's Official

The long wait is over and it's now official, we will be moving to Vancouver Washington.
We will miss Logan but we are very excited for all the new things to see and do. I must thank my wife for all of her support. She supported us when I decided to change careers and quit turning wrenches. She has spent many nights at home alone while I'm at work, not to mention the 3 months I was living in California for training. It has been a long 8 years but I finally will have my own store and work mostly day shifts. We have lived here for almost a decade and it will be tough to watch it shrink into the distance as we take the next step in our journey. Now the fun really begins....they want me there by Saturday.

Oh, and I'm going to need a lot more film, the area around Vancouver is a photographer's dream come true.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

fall outings






Every fall the Kokanee Salmon at Porcupine reservoir turn a brilliant red color and run up stream to spawn. If you have a chance to see it you won't be disappointed.

While taking pictures a fish jumped three feet out of the water so I snapped a shot real quick. I had to crop it because I had my super wide lens on so it's not that clear but you can tell it's a fish.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Uintah Autumn

After spending the last two months waiting on a precipice, I decided that waiting was yesterday's news and told Bryan we'd be taking an autumn drive. I wanted to go further than the usual close canyons. I've never seen the Uintahs in the fall, and here was a golden opportunity. We woke late on Saturday morning, and packed snacks, along with fishing poles (just in case) and took off. We took the route through Evanston. We arrived in town around lunch. After driving the main drag we decided on McD's. They had a lunch special of a 50 piece nugget with 2 large fries and 2 large drinks. It seemed like a great idea at the time, as much as we could eat with nuggets to snack on all afternoon. Seemed was the operative word. While we ate we watched one 'stellar' employee use the washrag for cleaning tables to clean the floor. Needless to say I lost my appetite. We headed on our way, and stopped at the convenience store for the road pass, and day fishing tags. The store didn't have any road passes left for sale, but we could continue on our way and stop at the ranger station instead. Since they so kindly weren't able to sell us a pass, we didn't bother to ask about fishing licenses. Just as well, it was pretty chilly, and we probably wouldn't have caught much as it had been a full moon. The color was quite beautiful on the way up, but once you reach about 9000 feet or so, you no longer see color, just pine and rock. You never really notice during the summer as everything is green, but it's grossly evident in the fall. Once we started our descent back down the other side, the color reappeared and was glorious. Bryan had a lot of fun capturing autumn with his half sunset filter, half neutral density and polarizer. We even used the red intensifier which made the oranges stand out brilliantly against the colossal amount of yellow. I'm glad I got us out of the house. It was well worth the fuel spent. Now I just need inspiration for the next long weekend.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Light and Glass







Monday, September 13, 2010

Jerry's Cousins

Yesterday I went into the kitchen to make Bryan some yummy tuna melts. When the microwave beeped and I walked over to pull out my softened butter, I heard a weird squeak noise. I turned and looked at Bryan bug eyed. Please God, please say no. Not my luck. The squeak happened again, and a giant mouse poked its head out from under the stove. I screamed like a maniac and jumped ten feet to the counter behind me and got on top. After our kitty passed away, and before the house was finished, we would get an occasional mouse. Once when Bryan went home for lunch, he kept hearing what sounded like small feet running, then a thump. When he went downstairs to investigate, he found a mouse was trapped in our dryer vent hose! He took the vent off from the top, crimped it shut and put a sack on the end with a rubber band. Then hauled the dryer outside, where I disinfected it, got a new dryer vent hose, and a whole new contraption for outside (it has a 'tank', that opens at the top when you are drying clothes; no mouse can get in that).
When we did the kitchen reno, we found where the mice had been getting in. There were gaping holes where the house "attaches" to the foundation. The mice would climb the vines of the creeping ivy outside, and get in through the holes. Then they would run amok, having quite the party underneath the kitchen cabinet next to the stove. We ended up with a pregnant mama mouse, that had babies under that cabinet during the reno. Sadly, one baby mouse just got its little foot trapped, and we had to put him out of his misery outside. I cried for him, even though I hate the critters. Once we discovered the cabinet mess, we cleared it out, patched all the holes, and haven't had a mouse since.
Until now.
We could hear this mouse behind the stove causing quite a ruckus. We laid out traps, and watched him lick away at the first one! Jerry had taught this one well. So I grabbed the second trap, smashed a whole bunch of tuna on it, and placed a Lucky Charm treat on top. The mouse ran about several times, attempting to escape to the fridge, and successfully made it to the dishwasher. Fed up, and Bryan now late to work, we left. I went and got sandwiches, as our house was infected with mice and who knows what else, and then bought more mouse traps and armed myself with cleaning supplies galore. When I got home, I tip toed into the kitchen. There was the mouse, snapped shut in the trap with his mouth over the gourmet meal I had prepared him. Whew! I then spent all afternoon cleaning and disinfecting. I pulled out the stove, shoved sticks down the side of the fridge with lysol wipes attached, and same with the dishwasher. Then late in the afternoon, after I was finally done, I got a call from my boss. While on the phone, I noticed a flash of a shadow, and screamed right into my boss' ear. I thought I'd seen another mouse. False alarm; just the shadow from the bag I was playing with. Then today I got a text from Bryan. There was a mouse under the fridge, as well as the stove. WHAT?!?! How the @#&*%? And sure enough, there are two more. One is a conniving little devil, and licked the peanut butter cleanly off one trap, and stole the Lucky Charm treats from two more. I left work and bought bigger, better and meaner traps. When I got home, Bryan was in the shower getting ready, and no trap was set off. I set up all mine, but with no gourmet meal this time. These culprits were getting no prize, as they had pranced around all night in my house. And now I'm worried that this must mean I keep a disgusting home, but I know I don't. I clean every week, and deep clean once a month. I disinfect every corner, and will take the time to use a toothbrush on the stove, and q-tips in the corners of windows. I'll even use a swiffer cloth on my ceilings to get any stray spider webs. When I finally arrive home tonight, I better find two mice DEAD, snapped in traps. I know it may seem sadistic to use the snap traps, but I will never use Decon. Who knows where that mouse will end up dying. Inside your wall? Behind the cabinets? Under the fridge? Or in the floorboards between the main floor and basement? No thanks!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Close Encounters of the Flower Kind

Remember how cute Flower was in Bambi? Skunks are more like the Christmas Critters that appeared in South Park.
I awoke tonight to the sound of Nivia barking. Unfortunately, we have crabby old neighbors who freak out at any noise that emanates from our yard. They called the police once about our dogs, and have written official complaints to the city. She had only barked a string of 5-6 barks, but it was enough to get me out of bed to tell her to hush up. I went to the back door, opened it and was blasted with a wall of the most horrible smell you could ever encounter. Nivia would hardly listen to me, as she was in a panic running around the yard with her nose in the grass. It was then that it hit me...my dog had found a skunk. In her curiosity, Nivia had been at the back fence line barking at a noise, which happened to spray her for her gallantry. I couldn't be mad, as it wasn't her fault that a skunk happened to be hanging out in the very backyard of the crabby old neighbors. I slammed the door shut to realize with every window open in our house to allow the cool night air in was also allowing every drop of the skunk's spray. Good grief. I hopped on the internet and found what would work best for removing the smell off Nivia. Come to find out that skunk spray is actually an oil which is why it is so difficult to remove. Several sites mentioned to use Listerine, along with a formula by a chemist of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and soap. I gathered all the materials and a wad of paper towels, along with my cleaning gloves. I then suited up. I put on old jeans that barely squeeze over my butt, a painting shirt, and a tatty old hoodie. I tied my hair up and used Bryan's three handkerchiefs to wrap around my hair as well as my face and nose. I used a pair of beloved old shoes, put the gloves on with the long sleeves tucked in and took a deep breath. Out I went into the putrefied night air. Nivia behaved pretty well to all the treatments. I used paper towels soaked in Listerine around her nose, eyes and ears. I then rubbed her chest down and her back. I washed this all off with a heavy dousing of soap. Next came the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda concoction. The sites mentioned it would foam and possibly bubble, but none of that really happened. I rubbed Nivia down all over with this, but kept it away from her face, as all the sites mentioned whatever you do to not get it in your dog's eyes or mouth. I rinsed her off and then soaped her again with a final rinsing. My poor baby girl was shaking from head to toe. Normally she's quite hyper during bath time, but I think she realized she needed the help. Once I was finished, I stole out to the front yard, and with Bryan keeping watch and armed with new clothes, stripped down to panties. All my clothes, along with shoes, gloves and handkerchiefs were thrown into the trash. I came inside and got showered. Luckily I don't smell. My chemical suit getup actually worked pretty well. However, the house is rank. I've sprayed what I have left of Febreeze everywhere, but I'm going to need to buy more. But that will have to wait until later this morning; yes this morning. It is now 2:26 am. Good night never never land.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Maybe Next Time

When I looked out the window this morning I saw Nivia vigilantly keeping watch under the tree, and could hear the persistent chirps of a squirrel. The poor guy had been treed all night long. We had noticed him late last night and I figured while the dogs slept he would make his escape. Alas, he did not. After listening to the racket he made for ten minutes, I decided to let the dogs in to give him his chance. With the new carpet throughout the house, I put up the dog gate and closed the bedroom doors then let Jax and Nivia in to hang out while I got ready for work. Jax walked in and immediately shook off which sprayed water everywhere. He had just taken a drink from the sprinkler that was on and gotten his entire underside sopping wet. So back outside they went, and I locked them up in the dog kennel. As I headed back to the deck, I heard the squirrel jump out of the tree. I looked up and saw him on top of our fireplace. He kept very still as I hurried back to the house, but once inside, he still wouldn't move. After a bit I threw some pebbles at the fireplace to get him to go, as this was his big chance. My pebble racket alerted Nivia to his location and she whined like the dickens to be let out. This caused the squirrel to run down the fireplace and hide in the grass. He slowly crawled forward and would pause every few steps, stand up and survey if everything was ok, then suddenly run back to the fireplace. Then he ventured out far enough for Jax to see him, which caused Jax to turn into a ferocious lion. Jax does not bark often. When he was a pup we wondered if he even had a voice until one day we threw his Mickey Mouse toy in the corner and his shadow scared him so badly that he let out one big woof. He won't even speak on command. And when he gets worried, he growls deep in his throat so softly that you would think he has indigestion. But this squirrel brought out a series of barks I've only heard one other time from him. The squirrel leaped ten feet and took off as fast as he could scurry. I gave it another five minutes before I finally let the dogs back out. Nivia ran for the tree, convinced the squirrel was still there. But Jax, he ran straight for the fireplace, got the squirrel's scent and followed it wherever he had ran to. When I left for work, the squirrel was now making a racket in the neighbor's tree. Probably telling his family about his horrible sleepless night, the brown dog that kept trying to climb the tree, the death leap to the fireplace and then the way he hoodwinked that black lion. And where was the black dog? At the gate, keeping sentry. His brown eyes watching the tree intently.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Fireworks

Here are some shots from the fireworks at USU. The flyover was pretty cool, we were hoping for F-16's but instead when we weren't expecting it this KC135 popped right overhead and we nearly fell off the roof trying to snap a picture of it. It was close, no zoom necessary... After nightfall we also had a nice view of Venus.








Tuesday, June 29, 2010

More Pics



More Pics

Here are some bear pics and a picture of Bear Lake.