Wild Willows

Little Big Man turns 4

2009-08-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

From 20090806 Aiden's B-day

New pictures

2009-07-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/home

Big Mama

2009-05-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

I embrace my gradeschool nickname "big mama" for that is what part of me has grown into. I embrace my curves and shine with peace and love. damn it! i do!

Little Bobcat Big Bobcat

2009-05-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

More Earthwork on the place. Aido is prepared with his contruction worker while daddy runs the big rig.

My Little Hard Working Man!

2009-05-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

In Nana's garden Aido is hard at work. He is collecting weeds and getting ready to plant.

Working our place

2009-04-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

J and A are working the earth around our house. He is waving pretty for the people!

Sleepy Bear

2009-04-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

Isn't he beautiful and big? He was so relaxed watching extreme animal attacks he drifted off to sleep.

Easter Story

2009-04-12T14:50:00.001-07:00

US pictures!

2009-04-09T11:21:00.001-07:00

LOVE, just PURE love for my little boy.

Announcement

2009-01-25T14:43:00.004-07:00

I am 12 weeks pregnant. The due date is August 11, 09. We are very excited. Little man kisses my belly and says hi sister (he is convinced it is a girl). We have promised him we will tell him that we will tell him when we know if he is getting a brother or a sister. I am doing really well, just really tired. Wish me luck.

Sledding Paradise

2009-01-25T14:37:00.003-07:00

Only about 9 degrees F. We stayed out about an hour and we all decided it was cold and we were ready to go in. Then it was a nap for little man and a pedicure for me.

What I said I would never do: cut my child's hair

2009-01-25T14:21:00.004-07:00

I don't have digital photos oh my haircuts when I was a child, but they were most always cut by my mom. If I had my mother's hair type, this would not be a problem, but I don't have bohemian wavy hair. I have stick straight baby fine brown hair, so any mistake in hair cutting shows. To this day I still hate having my hair cut even at a salon. They always f' it up. I usually cry and come up with description of explicitly how they f'ed it up. Like "I feel like I am in a prison porn movie and my hair has been rubbed off on a rock"(baby fine hair can't have too much product in it) or "I look like a weather woman in a hurricane" (how long should it take to blow out my hair). And I have even posted here about my hair woes. So, I always promised I wouldn't cut my children's hair. I have changed my mind and cut my little big man's hair and my man's hair. I do okay. What do you think:

I don't remember all of the things that I said I would never do like I was raised. I am sure Mom will remind me.

I would like a Tow Truck for Christmas

2008-12-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

My little guy was very well behaved in front of the "big guy" as he calls him. Never pays to take chances. He asked for a tow truck, one with a crane on it and a string if possible. I had tears in my eyes as he patiently waited his turn and was so good. I am so proud of my fearless little monkey.

Yes Sir

2008-12-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

This is the Polar Express! Christmas stroll had Trains and Santa!

Cowboy

2008-12-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Howdy Partner.

Hear that train?

2008-12-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

Its coming down the track. I know I love that boys smile!

thank god for boys

2008-12-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

thanks giving was lots of fun this year at my house. Little Big Man got an early christmas present from his uncle.

Memory Loss

2008-09-24T20:04:00.002-07:00

I have been suffering from memory loss. Not just forgetting the fact that I disliked jam music like Neil Young and the Grateful Dead. I have been longing to hear them in a bar, out on the sidewalk, with a pint. Of course I am not listening to them now. I am listening to the Flaming Lips, which I know I didn't like before Yoshimi.

So, memory loss, on the way home I was writing a killer blog entry. It was personal and funny even a little heart warming. Which I have no recollection of now- except the nagging feeling of loss. But I have a sweet ice-cold Jameson in from of me and I am happy. I have been googling all sorts of things for work lately, and finding answers, all the answers but what I was thinking three hours ago. I have had several good ideas lately. Like-- Why can't they get GPS working well enough to drive my car so I can sleep or play with Little Big Man in the car? And how can I rig a system so I know if my teenage son (speed 10 years into the future) leaves the house. I am positive I can rig a baby monitor and a personal security device to do the job, though I am pretty sure I will need to attach it from outside and inside so that he would have to be very coordinated with his posse which would break him out. I can remember what I dreamt about last week, but I cannot remember the solutions I had to... I am not even sure what I solved. I thought it was important.

Back to Memory loss. I wonder if there is some tea form of Ritalin. Cause I think there is just too much to pay attention to. I have little big man that is running in all directions, the money running out of our bank account like sand in a sieve, and working with nasty people, and family moving away, and missing Oregon, and shoot, just too much. then I find out that Lohan AND Aiken are gay. Then I find out that LHC may eat the world inside out, but I will have to wait several months to know. Why can't anything happen instantaneously? That would help my ML. I could just beam it from my brain to somewhere. I am trying to carry a notebook to notate all my brilliance. Writing while driving seems less than brilliant to me, somehow. I have seen it done though.

My Jameson on the rocks is gone. So I am off to bed.

Votes. go back to the Salon?

2008-09-22T15:36:00.001-07:00

Should I go back to the salon? I feel like my hair walked out of 1983. I said back to my natural color and this is what I got. I hate going to th the salon.

Fairy

2008-08-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with an REO Speed Wagon song in my head. I gonna keep on lovin’ you. If it’s the last thing I’m gonna do. I don’t want to sleep…. And it continues. Then I remembered my dream. I was watching/was a girl with a boyfriend who was making fun of her fairy belt buckle. She said, she didn’t think it was emasculating at all. So she went to the coffee shop he worked at and started asking his boss questions. Like “would you eat a sesame cold noodle salad? Would you listen to ABBA? Would you wear a fairy belt buckle?” The answer to all three from the brown haired boss was yes. She thought this was entirely redeeming of the fairy belt buckle. Then she went to a WWE wrestling match where all the girls were bumping chests and saying RA and wearing pink fairy tutus. Supporting wrestler “Fairy Avenger” he was a big deal. At least I am not searching for a clean toilet in public restrooms any longer. I think the pink fairy avenger is a little more entertaining.

playing 9 pins

2008-08-26T08:57:00.001-07:00

Dark clouds are hanging over the Sleeping Giant today. Threatening and invigorating--fall is on its way! I can almost hear Rip Van Winkle’s snore. Later in the evening, with their full ale, the giants will play nine pins. Time for apple picking then pumpkin picking. Little Big Man is 3 and I think the real fun has just begun. He has told me he wants to be a blue man from the BLUE MAN group for Halloween. I have to figure out how to plaster him blue?? Any suggestions? Maybe he will change his mind and want to be a pirate or a gypsy. I know how to make him up in those things.

Jack Hammer

2008-08-16T16:37:00.001-07:00

Strawberry

2008-06-29T09:55:00.002-07:00

the wild flowers were in full bloom. we saw strawberries, wild clematis, lupine, larkspur, daisys, violets, lots of berry shrubs in bloom.

up a hill

2008-06-29T09:53:00.001-07:00

We climbed up a hill to find ferns and flowers. He loved the climb. I was worried that he would have trouble going down, but my little mountain sheep had no trouble. he is sure footed and stubborn.

Mesmerized

2008-06-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

he has cleared out the wood plank railroad that he was working on. he is just chilling at Creek Campground. We had a wonderful time there. We have already reserved the "holy grail" of campsites for later this summer. I am not going to tell you which one though! We ate hotdogs almost every meal. Next time I am going to plan the menu better. I really don't even want to look at a hotdog.

through the woods

2008-06-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

What beautiful eyes. we went on a walk by a roaring creek and took pictures of flowers. I look pretty dorky. Right now I know why I don't blog much anymore. Try typing with a sticky 3 year old all over the keyboard and you. Saying Hi! and Sing! and "i'm lauging" I wonder where he got his kinda naughty sense of humor.

Boots are made for Fishing

2008-06-28T19:17:00.003-07:00

Snorkeling is Fun

2008-04-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

I swam in the ocean. It was so beautiful that I forgot I was breathing through a crazy straw. Coral Gardens is the name of the reef that we looked at there where all sorts of fish and eels and corals. I was nervous that my inexperience would knock some coral off and it takes 4 years for coral to grow one inch. So I was probably more careful than I needed to be. Do you think the girl in the picture got a sun burn? Yes, and it was worth it. I am such a whitey I get a sun bun through water-proof SPF 70. Though I did manage tan (as much tan as I get) through all that sun screen. I really wish they could make a sunblock that smelled like tanning oil.... Ah coconut and pineapple.

Photos from Ohau and Maui trip

2008-04-12T22:06:00.001-07:00

Hawaii is beautiful. The people were friendly and beautiful. It was clean and warm and tropical. There wasn't anything not to like! Here are some of my photographs.

Back from Hawaii

2008-04-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

We had a great time. Hawaii is a wonderful state. It went really fast and i loved every minute of it. However, I missed my boy very much. He had a great time at Nana's. I will post more pictures soon. This picture was taken in Lahaina on Maui at the Old Lahaina Luau. Tasty food and pretty people.

Easter Morning

2008-03-31T19:51:00.000-07:00

What could be so interesting in those eggs?

Child Labor Laws: Important

2008-03-31T19:45:00.001-07:00

I am happy that I do not have the life that requires toddlers to do anything. I would really feel like I was a cat wrangler trying to get little fingers to do work. Not having to makes it fun to pretend that we really work. The luxury of a tap that runs water. Now put some elbow grease into it boy!

Afternoon at the museum

2008-03-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

Our little detectives are on the case! Nothing is unexplored. No stone left unexamined. The Museum of the Rockies is a great place to run around and look at stuff.

Imagine, this was messy!

2008-03-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

I accidentally made the Cream of Wheat too thin.

Spring in Montana

2008-03-31T19:35:00.003-07:00

This is what we woke up to this morning! I am happy I am going to Hawaii!

Easter Eggs

2008-03-31T19:29:00.003-07:00

I think I had a boy. Those eggs on the bottom are real eggs. I didn't use them for deviled eggs.

tres bizarre mais amusante

2008-03-31T19:27:00.001-07:00

check this out. I found it diverting.

12 YEARS OLD. DAMN I AM OLD.

2008-03-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

My brother turned 12 the first of this month. He is a fine young man. Handsome, smrt and fun. Here's to you kid.

Scoop up my boy.

2008-03-21T20:51:00.001-07:00

He is growing so fast. I am a little nostalgic for the now that will be the past in the future. I googled old highschool friends tonight. Never a good sign. I only found one, well one of the 2 I remember their names. then I found these pictures on the web and that didn't help my nostalgia at all. Little big man's favorite yoga pose is the Sunflower. I reach to the sky then I dive down and say "scoop up my boy" as I pick him up. He laughs and yells "again mama, scoop up my boy?"

Awarness test

2008-03-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

Count the Passes
I totally failed this test!

Work Motivation

2008-03-02T19:26:00.002-07:00

They recently showed this at work as motivation! Don't you feel motivated. It felt like a Promethius moment-- Like the mountain like the rock and like it again tomorrow! My motivators lately are more like this motivational poster.

Who do I vote for?

2008-02-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

There is a tragic flaw in our precious Constitution, and I don't know what can be done to fix it. This is it: Only nut cases want to be president.
- Kurt Vonnegut

What adult would waste their time with that?

2008-02-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Silly Mugs

2008-02-05T08:17:00.001-07:00

Semi-Aggressive

2008-02-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

Tropical Fish. I have 3 tiger barbs and 3 sunburst barbs. I got a new tank today, and I know I am not suppose to put the fish in this early. I could not resist. you try telling this face that we need to wait to put fish in a fish tank.

An eGreeting from Bellemanda

2008-02-03T13:53:00.001-07:00



	Iao Valley - Maui - Hawaiian Islands	Photo: Ann Cecil Photography

	Greetings Crazy Mountain Deluxe, I get to see this in April. I am going to Hawaii. I will stay at the Napili Shores Resport ocean front studio and rent a car. I have never gone anywhere that tropical before! Oh Boy! I need some relaxation and time with my husband. Bellemanda SEND YOUR OWN eGREETING >

Swing Kid

2008-02-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Mr. Conductor

2008-02-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today it was a mighty 23 degrees feirenhight. So we went to the park. Here little big man is playing with a wheel and laughing. It was hard to convince him to leave the park. He loves being outside. I do too, but I want it to be just a bit warmer.

Just one more

2008-01-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here he is on a sugar buz from our Saturday (pre Christmas) cookies bake off. How can you say no to just one more? That is how he asks you to read the book again "just one more time" with his little perfect finger pointed up into the air. I read the book 3 more times and call it good. i have lost the battery charger for my camera. That is why there are no photos. And I am in a blur. Work is crazy. I am tired and have a cold. In the immortal words of Shane... Wah bitches Wah. I am in one of those goofy moods lately. nothing like manda making fun of herself. really it is the easiest target. I have had recurring dreams of toilets again. what can that possibly mean? Nasty public toilets I don't want to use. Toilet where people don't use the toilets, but the floor next to them. Victorian Toilets (at least in that dream I was dating a young robert redford). Disney Toilets. Wet ski lodge toilets. The variety is endless. I wonder if I will dream of toilets again tonight and what kind it will be. May it please, for the love of god, be a clean toilet! Speaking of that.... I am about to embark on Toilet Training little big man. I am frightened. He is such a strong personality that I think if we don't handle it just right we will set the whole process back. Wish me luck!

Snow on Christmas Eve

2008-01-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

Little late I know. This is Christmas Eve morning. Our boy is getting so big.

Merry Yuletide

2007-12-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Santa has been a topic of conversation in our house for the past, well since the tree went up. Aido is very excited. I got some photos taken. He got tubes placed in his ears last Wednesday. He has been moving at warp 4 every since! He has been very loving too, I think he feels lots better. To me there is nothing sweeter than an I love you Mama and his thin little arms wrapping around my neck with a cheek to cheek kiss. Sigh!

Fiction

2007-12-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

I have a rash of thoughts today. They are kind of itchy and now they are going to ooze on over to you.

Wouldn't it be funny if a character in a movie would shake a hand or touch an object and get images that s/he believes real. And they are always really gruesome. But they are never true. Ultimately funny in an anticlimactic way.

Also, I am reminiscing about my childhood. Particularly the bits in Montana. Every time I think about it I get the same feeling. It is in my chest, like it is laid open with a brisk breeze drying it out. I went for one of my long walks (I do it every year) and thought about it. I get these feelings very strong when I set out on an adventure, a long walking adventure. Here in Montana if you go anywhere on foot it is a long walk. On the ranch I would back some water in a bag along with a towel and a crystal and some marbles you know the essentials and head into the rims across the creek and up the hill. It was a long golden brown walk. I would also walk the other way for the perfect hill to fly a kite on, really I could get my pink and purple uni-peg up to dizzying heights. Sometimes I think my childhood can be summed up with penny candy, crisp sun and walking down Livingston alleys. Today I think the main roads a bottle of water and a really long walk gets to the point.

Eve may be 9 months Pregnant, but she sure can dance!

2007-11-12T08:38:00.001-07:00

Daemon of Amanda

2007-11-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

because I am just a little too quirky

2007-11-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

this was my Sunday morning too. "Serious" by Richard Hawley

Hey Courtney!

2007-11-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

I never would have thought my blog would have been cleaner than The Daily Cat Chase, but here you go. I read her blog every day.

Also freshly ripped off from The Daily Cat Chase is readability of my blog. I guess this would explain my grades in my undergrad lower level English Classes, they could not comprehend it.

These both made me laugh so loud this morning that my husband came to investigate what was so funny. As I have said before (quoting Dorthy Parks "I am not great enough to be modest") so here is my other quotation:

A stupid man's report of what a clever man says can never be accurate, because he unconsciously translates what he hears into something he can understand.
Bertrand Russell
British author, mathematician, & philosopher (1872 - 1970)

Thanks for the laugh this morning Courtney!

Ready for the Job

2007-11-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Walking in daddy's shoes.

Lass Riddlin Maggie at Shrewbury Faire

2007-11-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am waxing nostalgic, again. Imagine, a Cancer that loves to think about the past. Even though my now is great, if only I could get out of my own way. So part of my past is The Shrewsberry Renaissance Faire. It is in Oregon by Kings Valley. I was trying to find some cool pictures from this year but they have too many filters on them for me to enjoy. I went in search of Shrews Re-enacting past. I found it. And there were even some pictures of ME! How delightful. I had to search pretty hard, but what better task for a zoned out nostalgic narcissist. So here they are straight from 1997! They are all from Fairely Decent Photography

See me? I am the third lady from the front.

I was a washerwoman in full bodice and brawl. That straw can be just a little abrasive when you are already wet!

That is me and my brother! He has always been such a cutie!

I would riddle little children. For example:
Riddle Me this
By my crooked teeth I live or Die.
Turn my head once you may go by.
Turn my head twice and stay and rot.
Say, who am I?

~OR~

Just say my name and I disappear.

Often the parents would answer and be very impressed with themselves. I love riddles too, but I tried to keep them easy for the kids. Of course I don't remember the easy ones.

BooBah....

2007-11-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

It floats. It poots. It has a really hard head. I mention the noggin because we were playing on the bed and he swooped back and cracked me in the privates. Man, I am not a dude but they don't have a monopoly on painful crotch shots... Shhh, I think I broke a code I don't think women are suppose to share that secret. Josh was amazed that I was in that much pain. I had tears in my eyes!

Falcon in Livingston, MT

2007-11-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

There is a pair of falcons that reside in Livingston in the winter. In my fantasies of falcon-husbandry, I have the large leather mit on my arm and I signal for the bird to return. It sweeps through the air with deadly precision. Of course, I am also in a linen gown with a bodice and flowing curly long hair. So I remain falcon free. Really I don't know if owning a bird like that would be freeing or sadening as perhaps the falcon should be free. This bird looks as happy as a bird of prey ever does. I had a co-worker like that.

Halloween on the Street

2007-11-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN!

2007-11-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Little Big Man woke up the next morning saying Trick or Treat. He wasn't into the scarecrow costume AT ALL. So I whipped out the irridesant white and black as coal liner. Does he look like the cute skeleton he is? Well, we have too much candy around now. And it is Jack-O-Latern and trick or treat all the time.

Fall from our Front Porch

2007-10-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Grandma and my little big man. Here comes Halloween! He is really excited about it all! More fall photos to come.

So if you mind the size of your Package, Men...

2007-10-23T10:06:00.001-07:00

When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package. - John Ruskin

Ramping Up for Hallow's Eve

2007-10-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

My Score was a 5 out of 10. I thought they all looked liked crazy men. i did get the son of sam right.

Serial Killer or Computer Programmer Quiz?

I was always careful when I was in college of those "programmers."

Yes Another Memory

2007-10-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Man! What a little Mabon!

Don't Forget!

2007-10-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Little Big Man has lots to remember. Today was a very good day. I have a total of 2 grannie squares done for my scarf. LBM likes to help! Helppa Momma Helppa Momma!

Blue Skies and Horsie Tails

2007-10-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken on a walk yesterday, about 3 blocks from our house. I didn't show the 40,000 dollar truck parked outside of a 3,000 dollar trailer. Priorities.

Is this the LockSAW?

2007-10-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

The cousins

2007-10-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

Pintler Loop

2007-10-01T20:33:00.001-07:00

On the way to Hamilton, MT we stopped to stretch at George Lake. We took the scenic Pintler loop.

Coffee Recipe!

2007-09-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Wow. Have I got a recipe for you. I made it Saturday morning after Josh ran off to work. I carefully measured 1/2 cup of grounds of coffee. Then I thought I would love a little extra flavor. I added a splash of vanilla and a little cinnamon. 10 minutes later I poured myself a cup. I have never had coffee taste so much like pipe tobacco smells. It was like drinking out of a spittoon. So there you go, a recipe not to try.

Past Summer

2007-09-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

My boys of summer. Too cool to smile for the camera. Beautiful even if they do give me WTF looks.

Creative Facial Hair

2007-09-09T09:04:00.001-07:00

Usually, I am not a fan of creative facial hair. Of course, I have exceptions. Really it is about the level of creativity. If you do it, I say do it all the way! In England we find 365 Britons. It has a series on a Facial Hair competition. Meet the Judges:
I thought they far out waxed the competition!

Fall is here in the Rockies and I am excitedly waiting for my husband to grow his winter beard. I love facial hair, just not Civil War re-enactor style.

What about you? Do you prefer facial hair? Any particular shape? I like the full beard with a trimmed interior. Which one do you dislike the most? For me it is #6!(just another quick question: do you think those judges wax everyday?)

Up Big Creek and NO paddle

2007-09-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

My big beautiful boy!

Wild Eyed and Foot Loose

2007-09-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

I think I have mentioned I am just a little neurotic about taking pictures of me. So here are more. I got ready for a night out with the girls. I had a new outfit and a new bra. I felt pretty damned snazzy. Too bad I go out with the prettiest girls in Livingston and am chopped liver next to them. I like the lighting which looks industrial and the poses which look boudoir. Classy juxtaposition. See my zippy red hair?

Mama Moose, Bull Calf

2007-09-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

How do you think my husband knew that was a mama and her boy? I accidentally said "he had balls" at work. It is a small office. Luckily the male co-workers didn't comment because I would have really blushed. It reminds me when I was filling in for the receptionist at an engineering company (lets call them TrimTek). We were talking about purchasing gifts, another admin assist, the CEO and I. At the time my boyfriend was unwisely generous. The CEO said, "My wife has to remind me all the time to get her gifts" I said "not me, I have to beat my boyfriend off not to"

My cheeks are warm just thinking about it.

Nose Kisses

2007-09-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

I imagine the primordial moose gives really sweet Eskimo Kisses. This was up Big Creek down the Paradise Valley. It was our Labor Day outing. Do the moose look like they care if we stare?

Seriously Good Advice.

2007-09-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Livingston MT. Where it just doesn't go unnoticed.

Anti War

2007-08-26T08:41:00.001-07:00

Have we had enough? Where are we going? Where have we been.

Montana the Beautiful

2007-08-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

Do you think my landscape photographs are improving? I just can't resist trying to capture the beauty I see here. But remember you can visit but don't forget to go home!

Links to Photos

2007-08-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Working 5 days a week is a bitch. I am tired and I miss my son and husband. So I am steeling some time from sleep to point to some recent pictures. Last weekend was a wedding that my husband was the best man at.

Here are my darling boys toes. Here is a plum. The outside of which looks like my hair color. Deep cherry chocolate. I am restless. I need a large body of water to splash in. I need a long weekend with my family lounging in warm water and padding around in flip flops and a robe. I need fruity drinks. I need a holiday. -- love, belle "wild eyed" manda

My new Toy! and more Fair

2007-08-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here is my new toy. Isn't is shiny and pretty? I get to ride a bike again.

Park County Fair, Livingston Montana

2007-08-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

The ----- dollar you ever spent. On the way to go to see all the farm animals I snapped this photo:
Can you see the Sleeping Giant?

Now look what I've started

2007-08-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

and earlier that day....

Birthday!

2007-08-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

The big 2 and don't we know it!

In a Pickle

2007-07-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

We are collecting the ingredients for the pickling party! We are using the method below but upping the salt to 1 cup. Can pickles be too salty? This is the Grandma Tiny recipe we used last year and they were delicious! Remember last year?

#41 "Sabra" DILL PICKLES Wash 4-5 in. slim thin kirby cucumbers (about 50). Slice in half lengthwise.Sterilize pint jars and lids.Prepare BRINE: Boil 2 qts. water, 1 qt. vinegar, 3/4c salt. Bring to boil and keep hot.Pack jars with halved cucumbers along with one dill blossom and one large clove garlic per jar. Keep brine hot!Fill each jar with brine (tilt/rotate to remove air) to 1/4in. Seal. Invert 5min. Stand away from drafts. [Do not process.] Makes 12 pints.

Moon Over Mount Baldy

2007-07-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

Taken from our front porch last night. Mount Baldy is now known as Mount Livingston. I like Mount Baldy better. I hate it when they change place names. Unless it was truly stupid. Like New Amsterdam or Constantinople.

update on me

2007-07-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

I got a new job at the company. In the IS department. I am really excited. I will be a system analyst and work 4 tens. Wish me luck! It will be a big change.

Also I got most of my hair chopped off. I donated 10 inches to Locks of Love. So I officially announce the return of WHO HAIR!

Boy being a Boy

2007-07-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

What do you think a boy would do first thing if there was a full ditch of rushing water in their backyard?

I say to Aido, this is our house, our home. so now when i say it is our house (or if he says it) he corrects us and says "no home"

Sunset over Trail Creek Pass

2007-07-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

This was the sunsent last night down the Paradise Valley. The sun was blood red. Aido kept calling it the moon and I had to keep saying "don't look at it because it will burn your eyes." Have you ever seen the movie Pi? I felt like I was just encouraging him to burn his retinas. I hope he has more sense than that crazy jerk.

Rear View

2007-07-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

This is the view from our backyard. We like it.

Year of the White Tail Twins

2007-07-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Just because I like twins, particularly spotted ones with big ears.

Take Me down to the Paradise Valley

2007-07-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

I present to you the Beartooth Mountains in the Absaroka Range. It is smokey here as the west is on fire. It makes for pretty sunsets and sunrises. If I can get my ass out of bed and to a camera I can show you some pretty ones from our windows. My blog will become one year old on 7/30/06. I am shooting for 200 quality (snort) posts. I only have 6 after this to post!

and if I didn't get the title song stuck in your head already:
"where the grass is green and the girls are pretty" oh ho, take me home.

"auntie" linda at borders

2007-07-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Listening Intently.

Testing, Testing. Is this thing on?

2007-07-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ready for Lift Off!

2007-07-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Aido had a great time at Borders on Saturday. "Auntie" Linda read him a story and he sat and listened very well. She was impressed. He is going to have such a big ego if I don't cut it out, but I just love him so much and it is amazing to me how much he knows and wants to learn.

I have purchased my copy of Harry Potter The Deathly Hallows. I am putting off reading it because I am a big baby and I don't want the series to be over. I want to savour it, luckily with 794 pages I should be able to stretch it out!

Pronghorns up Mission Creek Montana

2007-07-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some "antelope" or "speed goats" but I think the real name is North American Pronghorns. Lovely and delicate and man can they go!

Swingly Road

2007-07-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

What do you think. Is it pretty here?

Happy birthday mama!

2007-07-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Aido loved the cake. My favorite Angel Food and Strawberries. It was a wonderful party. Everyone had fun.