Some new Fav's....

Oh yeah! I have a new favorite book! It's "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. So, so, so breathtaking, wonderful, poetic, melancholic, awesome and UNFORGETTABLE!! I just loved it and I will never forget this book. It is written by a young man. Incredible! Please read it! (Loon, wait till your birthday please!)


On the music front my new favorite is Joshua Radin, "We were here". Love the slow melancholy music of his. ALSO, just out today.....Ray LaMontagne "Till the sun turns black". Waaay soulful voice! Great CD! (sorry no pic!)

Cami 's Big Day, Wonton Salad and Creme Brulee...

Ahhh.. finally I get to blog! Cami turned big 19 on the 14th and she got the day off of work. She requested NO cake, maybe just a fruit salad! Hunh??!! I said "Cam, are you sure?" and she was adamant, "No cake." Well, what is a bday and no cake and what kinda mom am I if I didn't make her a bday dessert? Sooo, the weekend before her bday I picked up some beautiful blackberries and raspberries from the grower's market and decided to make, "in secret", Creme Brulee! I had a selfish reason too. I wanted that "used" vanilla bean to make vanilla coffee with! She also wanted Wonton Chicken Salad and Mumbaldi (with our garden's eggplant.) A chinese and greek dinner! The wonton salad was sooo tasty and the mumbaldi was to die for, soaked up with fresh bread and butter! The Creme Brulee with melted sugar (I got to use the kitchen torch, scary thought!!) and topped with fresh mixed berries....it was all divine! She scored on the gift front too. Jas was quick to quip "Yeah, this is like Christmas for you and Lily's birthdays and mine was like Valentines Day!" What a girl! I just shake my head. Camille had a great time and just loved the fact that I didn't listen to her and I went ahead and made a special birthday dessert! All is good. And, thank goodness the birthdaze are OVER!!

Ahhh.... The Big Day!

Lily's birthday was sooo nice! I got up early to put her cake together. I "tested" it so much though, that by the time we had it I was kinda sick of it! Really, though, it was awesome. We had vanilla coffee, fresh peaches with blueberries and cream and Cook's Quick Cinnamon Rolls(May/June 2002) for breakfast. It was delicious!

We went to dinner at River's Edge and sat out side and watched the Rogue roll by. It was absolutely gorgeous! Just the right temperature and a small breeze. Since she was "legal" she ordered a Choco-tini. Mmm, it was delish, kinda strong. I swear, I am just a wimp. I had THREE sips of that drink and I could feel it! No kidding. I don't drink ever anyway but I don't think I can tolerate alcohol anymore, maybe because of all the migraine stuff I've taken and continue to take. Hmm, just as well I guess. Then Cami had 2 sips, and she is just skin and bones, she felt it too! ( This is a quote from Cami on the way home "Does alcohol give you gas? We just crack up. "I just want to know!" More laughing from us. "Geez, never mind, whatever!") It was an awfully fun dinner! The "big guy" just sat there, surrounded by his beautiful women.

We came home and opened gifts. I don't know why I always overdo everything but it was like Christmas for Lily! I mean, I don't feel bad cuz she is such a wonderful daughter and it WAS her 21st! The digital camera came at the very last minute yesterday. I was sweatin' I'll tell you! She had no idea either. I had her open everything else first then saved the camera for last. She was sooo surprised, it was great. The cake was wonderful, even though we were all full from the dinner. (I had blackened tuna salad. I had no idea that the tuna was left pink inside and I had a hard time eating it, actually I gave it to the "big guy" and snitched some of his salmon).

Anyway, it was really nice and, I now have to gear up for Camille's 19th on Sunday! Yikes!! I think I've gained 10 lbs already! What was I thinking , having their birthdays soo close!

P.S. The order of photos is: Lily being Marilyn, Me & Lily at restuarant, Jasi copping an attitude, beautiful Camille and "The Cake".

Just Stuff.....

I am just a bad blogger! I think it has something to do with still being on "dial-up" because everything takes sooo long to upload! Well, that is a good excuse, huh?

Anyway, Pearliss is doing just great now! Got him transferred to his new "high potency" pellet food and Cami says he looks soo good. I think he looks "sooo" good because I took the collar off and the poor bird was finally able to groom! He was a "groomin' fool" for a while there after I first took the collar off! Such a funny bird!


Finally finished a new page. This is of Cami, during her and Jasi's "cowboy photo shoot". The camera loves this girl! I just really want to create some more art. Man, there is just no creativity there! It is soo very frustrating!


I met my Mom at the Grower's Market this past weekend and got some nummy rasberries to make Giada's "Raspberry Almond Tart". So simple and easy and goooood! We had lunch at Circle J Cafe and it was delish! I am so glad that she is in our town now, sorry Mom and Sis! She used to be in Crescent City but decided to move over the mountains to my part of the valley! I lucky! I split a hot pastrami sandwich with Jas and it also came with sweet potato fries that were awesome! The sandwich itself was on the best homemade roll! I can't wait to go back!

And....Lilyann's 21st Birthday is tommorrow!!! I just can't believe my "baby" is turning 21!!! I am anxiously waiting for a digital camera I ordered for her, to get here UPS! I am hoping it comes today! I am also making Caprial's Coconut Cream Cake for the party. She loves coconut and in honor of the 21st I thought I'd go to the lengths to make this cake. Will post pic's when I have it done. So far, the coconut cream filling is delish ( I used the Mexican Vanilla I got at Market of Choice in Ashland this week and a whole vanilla bean, which I can now use in my Gevalia coffee this morning....oooooo nummers!) and the buttercream frosting starts with a pastry cream! Then you whip it into a creamed butter/sugar mixture....mmmmmmm good!!! Can't wait!! Happy Birthday Lils!

Hmmm, well I think I'll go make some fresh blueberry muffins to go with that Vanilla coffee this morning........oinkers!

Fun photos.....

I love to tweak photos in photoshop! I took some pics of my beautiful Mandavilla and they turned out sooo pretty! I then tweaked it along with a photo of some pansies that had a beautiful butterfly sitting on the edge of the pot!

Pearliss went to the Dr. today to check the "bubble collar" and he said we can start easing him out of it! Uh, Whaaat? Evidently I have to take the collar off when we are around the bird and put it back on when he is alone and when he goes to bed at night! Oh My Geez! I'm thinkin' I should be getting paid for this?

My Bad.....

I don't know. I guess I just can't say "No" to fun, nummy things. Hmm, it shows in the waistline too ): Today was my weekly trek to Ashland to see the chiropractor and Ashland has one of the last remaining "Market of Choice" stores. Ours, here, closed down last year, which totally bummed me out. They have the coolest food stuffs. Scary when food is so exciting. Me and Jas just went nuts in the store today. We were like swivle head dolls. Spent $180 on , what the "big guy" would term, not real food. You know, not dinner foods or anything, but baking and snacky foods! Is there really anything else? I got my Scharffen Berger Chocolate bars (for my own stash), the Dagoba chocolate drops to make the new "Chewy Chocolate chip cookie" ( I learned about these from a cool foodie blog called Mixed Salad Annie), Scharffen Berger baking chocolate (I can't wait to try this!) and I just had to get the Lillie Belle Farms Spicy Pecan Toffee! Oh, and forgot to mention the fresh Baklava! So good with the Dutch Bros Americano! Mmm, to die for! There were alot of other things too. Like soft cream cheese that took 2nd place in some cheese contest (I am such a sucker!), great bagels from Little Shop of Bagels, fresh breads and more.. Then on to Harry & David's for great apricots, peaches and white nectarines (so good with fresh blueberries). They are the best and go fast in my house.

And, as always, the last stop at Barney's aka Barnes & Noble. I picked up the book "The Mercy of Thin Air" by Ronlyn Domingue, sounds real good, and couldn't pass up the fun sounding read "Body Mover's" by Stephanie Bond. I finished "Case Histories" by Kate Atkinson, the first of a new mystery series featuring P.I. Jackson Brodie. I really liked it. Reminded me of the PBS Mystery Series. Am now on the 2nd of a new series by Shirley Tallman. The first was called Murder on Nob Hill and the 2nd is called The Russian Hill Murders. Both featuring Sarah Woolson as the heroine, 1880's woman attorney who solves crimes. They are fun reads. So many books, so little time!! ):

I also saw a very cool bumper sticker that read "Be Peace". What a wonderful saying!!

Rocker Chick....

Pearliss is doing good. Starting to eat more each day and hasn't bled at all, thank goodness! The collar looks uncomfortable and he can't groom or anything but it is doing it's job. I really didn't think the bird would make it. And I never thought we'd make it this far!

It's hard to watch him though when he twists his little head around trying to groom. I hope we can take it off on August 2nd, at the follow up visit. The vet said something about 2 months! Jeez, that's a long time for a poor little bird to not be able to groom! Like us not being able to bathe ):

Camille altered this headshot of Pearlie! Isn't it cool?! You can see the peanut butter crumbs on his beak!! She calls it "Rocker Chick"!!

Pearliss is home...

Well, Pearliss got to come home today! he is looking good but has that collar on which he doesn't like at all because he can't groom! And Pearliss is all about "grooming"!! Poor little bird.

I can tell he is glad to be home though. Now we have to switch foods on him too! He should be eating these high nutrition pellets and of course he loves his seed and won't touch the pellet. The vet said it will take about 2 weeks for him to switch over. We"ll have to work on it.

My talented Loonie friend....

How cool is this little chicken planter? This was made by my dear Loonie friend. She is so talented and when I was at her house she gave me this wonderful hand built chicken planter. She should be selling her stuff! Loon! Hear me?

Well, I took it home and planted these fun succulents in it. It looks sooo cute! I love it and I already told her I want to put my order in now, for Christmas gifts! Get busy Loon!


PS. Pearliss is still at the "hospital" and will spend another night there to be sure he gets accustomed to his "collar".

Pearliss.....

Well, Pearliss bleed again last night. He has gotten to picking his poor scabbed nubs. Thank God this morning was his check up with Dr. Dickey cuz I am really getting burned out on being the "vet on call" at home.

Pearliss is now admitted to Dr. Dickey's clinic for a few days until he becomes accustomed to a neck collar. Yes, they have neck collars for birds! Oh, poor poor Pearlie. They had to put him in a padded cage too until he stops freaking out. Needless to say I was A-OK when he said they'd have to keep him for a day, I said "Keep him as long as you need to!".

Ahh, peace and quiet at home. The weird thing is.....I am still worried about the bird! He is not even here! Anyway, I hope to get an update tommorrow and will let all know.
PS. Loon you are the greatest and I want your dogs!!

A set back...

This afternoon Camille checked on Pearlie and there was a drop of blood on his perch. I had to do the whole "flour & pressure" thing again. We were disheartened but I know we need to keep a positive attitude, sometimes it's hard! We don't know how he did it either. We don't think he beat his wings as there wasn't any spatter, I'm thinking he accidently brushed it on the perch or picked it while grooming. Either way, bummer.

P.S. Loonie, thank you for all your well wishes and the great Pearlie song!

Pearliss Update...

I am so happy to report that Pearliss is getting back to his onery self!! Biting, squawking begging to get out of his cage!! We have not let him out of his cage for 3 days, and I think that was the key. It kept him quiet and not active. Well, we did get him out and gave him lots of scritching and kisses but just for a few minutes at a time. I have been able to put the ointment on his wings 2x a day and give him his dose of pain med 1x a day. His appetite has picked up and he hasn't had anymore episodes of unbalance or bleeding. Oh, thank God.

I also decided that I can add "veterinary" to my list of "hats" were I to actually get paid as a "stay at home Mom".

Pearliss needs Prayers.....

Oh, poor Pearliss Bird. We came home from the RT concert Sunday night and something had spooked Pearliss in his cage, he beat his wings against the cage until they were bloody stumps at the ends. There was his blood splattered on the wall behind the cage and his wings were still dripping. It was so incredibly sad and scary. I immediately applied pressure and flour to stop the flow. It worked but he was soooo traumatized. Monday was ok, then he got spooked again and started to beat against the cage, we ran out and stopped him BUT he started the bleeding again, and again I had to apply pressure and flour. So, Tuesday morning at 12am then again at 1 am he started them bleeding while in his covered cage, I swear I could NOT be a nurse because when I saw Camille holding him and the blood was flowing down her wrist I had to put my head between my knees!!!! It was terrible. So, I called the Vet Tuesday a.m. and took him to Dr. Ron Dickey in Rogue River, known as the best bird vet in the valley. He is too! He fixed him up and I brought him home, with Jas's help, but Pearliss made this weird keening noise the whole way, freaked us out! Dr. Dickey also informed me he was going out of town the next day, just my luck! He gave Pearlie a vitamin B injection to stimulate his appetite and get him eating again, applied a liquid bandaid to the cuts and pulled out the blood feathers. This poor poor bird has been through so much. He again bled twice yesterday and I seriously thought it was the end for him. I was bawling, Cami was bawling and I was calling Vets after hours trying to find some help. I ended up just applying pressure and flour again even though the Dr. said NO flour as it turns to a glue. It was the only way I culd get the blood to stop. As we put him to bed last night he started getting really unsteady and I thought he was going into shock. Poor Camille (he is her bird) she was so sad and we were both crying and crying. I was so scared to look in on him this a.m. for fear of what I would find BUT he was still alive this morning and I gave him his pain meds and ointmented his poor bloody stumps. He didn't eat all day then when Cam got home we gave him some homemade granola and he loved it. I take him back to Dr. Dickey on Tuesday, I hope. I guess we take it one day at a time and pray for a miracle.

The Awesome Rob Thomas!!

What an Awesome night!! Rob Thomas is a true artist. Brilliant singer songwriter! It was worth sitting in the blazing sun, (95 degrees in the shade) parched with thirst, sweatin' up a storm and claustrophobia setting in becuz of the close proximity of the seating arrangement! Finally he came on and his preformance was so great! The girls stood in the "mosh pit" the whole time! Anyway, Cam took the photos! Love that digital camera!

Just stuff...

Finally got a new layout done. Camille took this photo of us at Point St. George over Mother's Day weekend. She developed the film and photo in her photo class at college. She had fun in the class and learned ALOT, esp. how to use her 35mm!

Went to Grower's Market today and got a homemade donut and homemade goat's milk soap that smell sooo good, called Amazon Rain! I just love that guys soaps. My girls are so spoiled cuz now that's all they will use.

It is just too darn hot to do anything!!!

Wild Turkeys...

"A band of wild turkeys is coming down the hill. They are coming slowly-as they walk along they look under the leaves for things to eat, and besides it must be a pleasure to step alternately through the pale sunlight, then patches of slightly golden shade. They are all hens and they lift their thick toes delicately. With such toes they could march up one side of the state and down the other, or skate on water, or dance the tango. But not this morning. As they get closer the sound of their feet in the leaves is like the patter of rain, then rapid rain. My dogs perk their ears, and bound from the path. Instead of opening their dark wings the hens swirl and rush away under the trees, like little ostriches."--Mary Oliver titled "Three Songs"

Finally....

Well, that was a really long streak of headache. I am soo tired of it! But I am feeling better and have been trying to walk 2 miles every morning! 5:30 am is really early though!! We have a neighbor at the end of the road whose horse just had a foal so we get to see the "baby" on our walk and lately a really cool hawk has been sitting on the horse pens post, presumably looking for an early morning mouse breakfast? Very cool sitings! 3 more days of school then summer vacation! Unbelievable! Cam's moving home Thursday, that will be so wonderful. Lily will be home but working full-time at the cafe so probably won't see much of her ): Jasi turned Sweet 16 last week! I want to scrap a page for her. I have really "lost my groove" these past 2 weeks! The one I posted here looks like a futile attempt at trying to be creative again. I don't get why it comes and goes! Fun books I just finished were by Sophie Kinsella called "The Undomestic Goddess" and "Can You Keep a Secret?". Really fun Brit Chick Lit, I kinda shy away from that but these were an exception. Just finished Lisa Gardner's newest "Gone" and it was really good too. Now I get to pick a new book to read! That is so fun, browsing my bookshelves...getting a feel for what mood I am in for. Well, dinner calls first, what a bummer!

Ugh, migraine time again...

Ugh, and here I was doing so much better! I don't know, I think I am destined to be plagued with these monsters. So depressing, but at least I got them to slow down since I changed meds and started the Petadolex and Migrelief. Still tho, the hormone migraines haunt me ): Thus, I have pretty much lost 2 days of my life this week. No creative energy is flowing, at all. Makes me crazy! All the goods are just sitting on my art table screaming to be played with! And, my package from Scrapsupply came today with the new Designing with Type book from Autumn Leaves, and some fun scalloped Bazzill cardstock. I hope tommorrow is a great day!

I finally saw the turkeys again today, only the 2nd time! We have some wild turkeys around our place. We had 2 big girls, and then we didn't see them for a while. Then, lo n' behold one shows up with at least 10 baby chick turkeys! Talk about CUTE! Today as I was napping and suffering the headache, I heard turkey gobbles out my window. I sat up and peeked out and there they were! All 10 or more babies and Mom, babies are alot bigger. I have got to get a photo of them! Just saw them again this evening, Mr Mann (our big black cat) was stalking them. He just does not get that the big hen could really beat up on him! Well, he's not the brightest bulb on the block either (:

The Art Room

Well, this is the art room. It really wasn't planned as the art room, just got there by osmosis. We did an add-on 10 years ago, still haven't finished it and I got tired of waiting soooo, I just expanded out there.
It is never tidy, always a mess BUT that is a good thing, means lots of creativity is going on! There is everything you'd want. There is a ton of art on the wall from Lily and Cami. I have a few small things up too. The little tag-y things are things I made a few years ago with a stroke of total creativity. I really had fun making them, I was obsessed. Just used good old cardboard and distressed it. Got sloppy and free with them. Sparked lots of neuro pathways making them. I loved it! Happy Memorial Day!

Cherish Always

Ahhh, my beautiful Lily! This is now, one of my favorite pieces I've done. I love the photo. I used digital brushes from Elizabeth the Painter
I love her brushes! I also am into sewing alot on the layouts! Machine seems to be okay with it so far(: This is Lily's favorite too. Then the spash of color with the winged heart. Just made a really cool look. Paper is from Wild Asparagus. Usually I go for more bold color but I am really into their muted colors!! Enjoy!