Thank you

Is there ever any way to adequately say thankyou? This is my attempt to just that.
Recently, my body decided to revolt, believe me it was revolting, against me demanding trips to doctor, and subsequently, hospital. As if that weren't enough, the simple procedure went wrong. Through it all, one person was there without my even asking. That person was Shawna. She was by my side making sure I got home safely and once there ok. She ran errands and kept up my spirits. True friends are few and far between and I wish to thank her for her support.

She, also, loaned me her family. Specifically, her daughter and husband. They kindly removed all the snow from my dirve and walk. They actually went above and beyond anything I expected. Reminded me of how my husband would do things. He always went the extra step.

BEFORE
Except for the snow on the car, this picture is accurate.


AFTER

Today, I sit home pain free for the most part and bless whatever Gods there may be for Shawna. I am, also, awaiting the arrival of my son, Matthew, and his family. I haven't seen them since before Christmas. I feel excitedly anxious.
Their visits are always somewhat difficult and not because my small home overflows. I love that. But because they are Vegans. For those unfamiliar with what that means, it means they eat no meat or meat products, eggs and milk included. They have been Vegans for 4 years. You would think I would have adapted by now. I have after a fashion but I can't throw together what or how I would for others. It takes planning.
I think I have it under control though.


Also, my little Granddaughter, Kymberly, is on the move. I haven't quite baby proofed my house. I can't believe she is going to be 1 in a few short days. Not walking quite yet but can she motate.
Here are my two boys. Daniel 3 and Marquis 7. My snow in the back yard has not been disturbed so two little boys can go and rough it up.
Now, my blog is all updated and I await my visitors.
Saturday we go to my neice's baby shower then take my father out for his 79th Birthday.
So, I continue baby proofing as best I can and then I must vaccum. Have to make sure there aren't any little things Kymberly could vaccum up on her own. Babies are such great vaccums.
Again I say God Bless all those who help others.

Snow is a four letter word.

I am still learning this Blogging and to save me I can't get rid of the long spacing or put picture captions as I wish. I will get it someday.

I am sure that by now everyone is as sick of all this snow as I am. I long for Spring. I like snow don't get me wrong, but...this much!

















I have dug snow and dug snow especially for Shelby. She takes one look at the snow as I open the door for her and says, "Naw, I can hold it." Then I dig it out and she says, "Boy, that was a close call."
This was earlier snow. I haven't taken a picture of her in it lately. She is just too fast.

Poor Shelb can't pursue her favorite hobby that of barking at the neighbor's cats. Don't know what she would do if she ever got a hold of one. She just doesn't realize how much bigger they are than her. She does play chase with my son's, Matthew, cat. First one chase the other then they turn it around. Like two little kids--up, down, around and around, and over anyone in their way.

Speaking of Matthew, I can hardly wait for February 15. He and his family are coming down to visit. Reason? The 16th is a Baby Shower for my niece, Jamie and then after that we all, that is my Brother, Sister and all of their families and of course mine, are going to take my Father out for his 79th Birthday. Sure wish Mama could go but so far I can't figure out how to get her there. She is in a Care Facility and unable to move about with any great ease.

This is my Father and my Son, Kevin at Christmas.

I look forward to going down there. Clarkston is at least 3 or more weeks ahead of us Spring wise. Many many February's show flowers blooming and green grass with warm weather.

While secluded I have been doing Scrapbooking and my other favorite hobby, Genealogy. Doing lots of reading and napping. I have managed to get out a few times and visit Shawna and do estential shopping.















I have also helped dig out my neighbor. She has a two wheel drive and it did get snowed in badly.
This picture was just before the big snow. There was so much that her car was actually leaning to the left. The Snow was up to the top of the passenger side door.

Hope you all are safe and secure and not having to do too much more digging but I fear there is more SNOW on the way.

There's Always a First Time

Hi Everyone from the snow tunnel at the Palouse Divide Lodge. This is my first time trying this blogging thing. So far it has been quite frustrating but I will continue on undaunted. Let me know how I am doing. I can't tell you how many times I have started over and over.

I started the blog because I wanted to share the wonderfully marvelous time I had at the Paper Pals Retreat. It was fun sharing laughter and delight with friends.

Tacee rode up with me. It was great having company and someone to talk to on the drive.

I had never been to the lodge before and had no idea what to expect. It is a beautiful place and if you ever get the chance, go.

Here is the large second floor room where we scrapped from the outside.

Upon arrival we had to unload and no these are not optical illusions. A tunnel was dug so we could unload our things on the second floor and not have to drag it all up the staris. Shawna and Karen helped us. Thank you, thank you.

The stairs were a double flight.

Our rooms were on the first floor we all shared the bathroom and showers. You might think with 31 women we would have had a difficult time but that was not the case.

The hallway to our rooms.

DJ was my Roomie.

This is the room I shared with DJ. Notice the bed on the left. I just had to bring my blankie and pillow. We didn't spend much time here. Actually, we were more like ships passing in the night, rather crashing in the night.

I must say we weren't lacking for food or drink. The meals were magnificent and the coffee, tea, or cocoa always ready.

Here we are waiting for food, getting food, and eating food. Hmm, must have food on the brain.

We had a great time having fun and sharing laughs, as well as, dilligently scrapbooking. I don't know about anyone else but I managed to get alot of everything done.

Karen and Shawna had gifts and prizes for us. What fun!

Grey Wolf did a lot of watching us Scrap and asking questions. Of course, we did our fair share of asking him questions.

Saturday night it snowed just a little. Hah!

Our cars and the road were snowblowed free for us. Quite a sight.

Sadly, came the leaving. Bye all and I hope we get together again real soon. This was just too much fun.

I enjoyed my stay not only because of the opportunity to scrapbook til I dropped but also because of the scenery. As a watercolorist, I am always looking for pictures to paint and I found some great ones. Let me share a few with you.

I must say I had a wonderful time and I hope you enjoyed my blog. I look forward to your comments.