What a whirlwind.......

The day before Andrew left for Ethiopia, his father, Mr. "I" took him on a boat ride. It was a beautiful day.


Then the next day.....the controlled chaos began.......

Then we sent them on their way

Now they are home with many stories and new thoughts and a hairy face......Precious.  Love Mamabus.

 More to come.......

Random Friday-Palm Sunday Weekend

Last Summer Mr. "I" and I went to the Redwoods and the Southern Oregon Coast. It was hot on this day and when I saw this pic it reminded me of that day and Summertime. It also reminded me of the sense of comfort and order I get when we stop in a teeny tinny town in the middle of the ocean forest country and stop in the heat of the day to completely enjoy the moment.

Last month Darryl and Andrew and I went on a hike to Punchbowl Falls. To get this shot I had to rock hop to the center of the creek/river and teeter on a couple of boulders and "snap" quickly. That's why it's blurry. I still managed to get my feet soaking wet. But, being there in person to watch the falls from that vantage point was pretty fantastic. Love that sound.

I noticed that the roses are beginning to get the new wood and blooms on...so soon we'll have roses again. Ahhhhh.


I am soooo glad it's Friday and the weekend can begin.  I'm really looking forward to Sunday to Celebrate Palm Sunday. I love Lent and Holy Week. I pray all of you will have a blessed day on Sunday. Much Love and Devotion MamaBus.

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt (Jn 12:13-15)!"
Today we commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem for the completion of the Paschal Mystery. In the old calendar before Vatican II, the Church celebrated Passion Sunday two Sundays before Easter, and then Palm Sunday was the beginning of Holy Week. The Church has combined the two to reinforce the solemnity of Holy Week.
The Palm Sunday procession is formed of Christians who, in the "fullness of faith," make their own the gesture of the Jews and endow it with its full significance. Following the Jews' example we proclaim Christ as a Victor... Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. But by our faith we know, as they did not, all that His triumph stands for. He is the Messiah, the Son of David and the Son of God. He is the sign of contradiction, acclaimed by some and reviled by others. Sent into this world to wrest us from sin and the power of Satan, He underwent His Passion, the punishment for our sins, but issues forth triumphant from the tomb, the victor over death, making our peace with God and taking us with Him into the kingdom of His Father in heaven.        

It's Come to My Attention--Err---I Mean... Mr. "I" has brought it to My Attention....

A couple of posts ago I made a list of Spring Cleaning Projects that I wanted to get done. Mr. "I" only occasionally checks this blog and when he did yesterday he pointed out that 2 things had to be added to the list. In addition, He mentioned that the list is actually "His" list as each item would be a project I would defer to him.  I said "No honey" that can't be true. He said "well let's just go down the list"....

List

Paint upstairs hallway-Mr. "I"always does the painting. Apparently I am only capable of painting large spaces with no edge.Which I am more than happy to help with.

Install upstairs light fixtures-Mr. "I" always does electrical, I'm only allowed to find the tools not use them.

Paint Master Bedroom-  Mr. "I" always does the painting. Apparently I am only capable of painting large spaces with no edge.I'll pick out the paint and help with all large spaces.

Have a garage sale-Now this I can do! Mr. "I" can go fishing.

Sell stuff on Craigslist-Now this I can do!

Organize a new office -Now this I can do! 

Clean and Seal Deck for the Year-Mr "I" always does outdoor projects. But I can plant and point and clean the brushes.

Till existing garden-Mr "I" always does outdoor projects. But I can plant and point.and pick the veggies and flowers for the house.

Add another plot to existing garden-Mr "I" always does outdoor projects. But I can plant and point. and purchase all the starts, I just love that.

Finish Trim on House-Mr. "I" always does the painting. Apparently I am only capable of painting large spaces with no edge.

Paint Front Porch-Mr. "I" always does the painting. Apparently I am only capable of painting large spaces with no edge.Also no "high" place painting for me.

Have carpets cleaned yet again-Oh yeah, I hire this out.Love Aquacare guys.

Clean Windows-All of the Windows-Oh yes I hire this out too.St Marys window cleaning. Although Mr. "I" thinks it's a waste and he can do it. Which is true but he really doesn't have the time to devote what with the rest of the list.

Hang some pics I've been wanting to hang-Mr. "I" hangs all pictures, again I am allowed to find the tools and point to where the pic will go.

Paint inside of Master Bedroom Closet-Mr. "I" said I might be able to handle this but he doesn't see me doing it, he sees he doing it.

Complete reorganization of Master Bedroom Closet-This I can do.Love this part of a project

Added to the list by Mr. "I"-

Clean the Garage-Now Mr. "I" has been stalling on this one. I would actually be happy to do it. Plus all the painting. I would love to take this on but I don't think he'll let me.

Finish shed-Again, Mr "I" always does outdoor projects. But I can plant and point.

Now this brings me to a couple of conclusions. 

1.Man I do really depend on this man to "Make It Happen" and I just want everyone to know how much I appreciate all the money and time he saves me and the family. And I so appreciate all the "Lists" that he has tackled throughout the years.

2. Honey I know fishing/camping season is coming up and if you could please get these items done on this list by say June 1...that way we can go play all summer on the boat.... Love you Mr. "I". Love Mamabus

Mom and Dad-Please Comment I need your Help

I could probably have an entire blog dedicated to Mom and Dad. Really, they are a full time handful. They are partners in crime for sure.  They've been married 54 years. Those numbers don't come up much now a days. They are a handful because since they live in a different state and city....they do what they want....and their children are ALWAYS the last to know....."IF"... and that's a big "IF" we ever find out. We will probably never fully know their escapades. (I'll discuss this in future posts) Anyway, I was thinking about them all day today. Cause my dad is a fisherman and he had a fall at the fishing hole. Pretty bad, he cut his face. He probably shouldn't have been up there on his own but there are only a couple of activities that he has some freedom.  He said, "nobody helps each other anymore" he said that because there were 2 other fishermen on the bank that never even came over to help him up. (Artificial hip and all). Is this possible is my question? Is it possible that people really don't care about each other anymore? Who wouldn't help that face? Ok, I'm getting mad now. So please what do you think?

2 Thoughts Spring and Summer

I am loving this years change of season. But I can't make up my mind which I like better. Clematis is just starting to pop and then comes Summer.

Now my list for Spring is about a Mile Long.  And I have promised myself that I am not allowed to begin Summer until that list is completed. Wonder how that's gonna go....

List

Paint upstairs hallway

Install upstairs light fixtures

Paint Master Bedroom

Have a garage sale

Sell stuff on Craigslist

Organize a new office 

Clean and Seal Deck for the Year

Till existing garden

Add another plot to existing garden

Finish Trim on House

Paint Front Porch

Have carpets cleaned yet again

Clean Windows-All of the Windows

Hang some pics I've been wanting to hang

Paint inside of Master Bedroom Closet

Complete reorganization of Master Bedroom Closet

My stomach is hurting. I could list at least 20 more things.  Hmmm, I need to rethink this. 

I'm sure we all have lists and not enough time to complete them. Check in with me in the Fall. We'll see how it goes.

I'll Keep you posted.

Mamabus

And They're Off!

Family Day Sunday

So today is the beginning of the great adventure. We will begin with the strategic packing of the bags. Earplugs, Camera, lots of prayers and good wishes. Love you Bus. Come back safe and sound.

Random Friday

Ok, Lots to think about and do today and this weekend. First off, Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, which means the real 1st day of boating. So we will be taking our dog and son on the river for a ride. Lucky Loves the Boat.

Then I was thinking about Palm Trees today.  I know Random, but I really have a thing for Palm Trees. I saw them in September of 09.

 These palm trees live in Waikiki.

Ok back to reality..........................Mr. Andrew is leaving for Africa this weekend so we will be helping him pack and prepare here and there wherever he'll let us help......be safe son...

I wish we were driving you there...........

Did I mention I like Rocks.....hiking with my family.....and waterfalls.....I digress....

Oh yes, and being with my goofy family...


Yes, I guess I will be doing all of the above and cleaning, cooking and generally doing the family thing this weekend. Take care. Love you. Mamabus.

I heart the Beach and the Whales

The Whales are migrating past our coast and the reports say the peak with be during the next few days. The mamas are taking the babies back up north for the summer. Hopefully we will be able to make it to see them. Spring Break is Here! WooHoo!

St. Patrick's Day-Wearing of the Green

Love St. Patrick's Day. No preparations, No gifts to buy, all I have to do is wear some green. The gentleman above is Ken-Mr. I's dad.  He passed away in 1991. Now, he was a guy that knew how to have some fun at the drop of a hat. Miss him.

Some St.Patrick's Day Trivia just in case you need to know:

St. Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland. It is mostly a Catholic Holiday (I'm in luck, I'm Catholic) but what's great is that on this day anyone can be Irish/Catholic for a day. He used The clover

 to explain to pre-christian Irish folk, the trinity, Father-Son-Holy Spirit. That's also the reason for "Wearing the Green" (same as a shamrock).

And in Argentina....
especially in Buenos Aires, all-night long parties are celebrated in designated streets, since the weather is comfortably warm in March. People dance and drink only beer throughout the night, until seven or eight in the morning, and although the tradition of mocking those who do not wear green does not exist, most people would wear something green. In Buenos Aires, the party is held in downtown street Reconquista, where there are several Irish pubs;in 2006, there were 50,000 people in this street and the pubs nearby.




Not to mention the beloved Irish Americans that will cook cabbage and drink Guinness until dawn.

So that's your St.Patty's lesson for the day.  A special shout out my Irish friends the "Perkins" at least I think their of Irish ancestry. Celtic/Welsh. Heck I need to check that out, anyway, maybe I'll bring you some green cookies.

Which means "Allegiance to Ireland" Love how this sounds when you say it.

Mamabus

Making a Mark

My son "A" leaves for Ethiopia in a few days. Yes, Africa. The capital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He's delivering running shoes, several hundred pair to those that need them. It's been a long process, and is the result of 2 years of "events" and "collections" and hopes and dreams but finally, finally he and his "Ethiopia Project" team of Alicia and Kyle and Berhanu will make the 21 hr trek by plane to a very far away land.

It's taken many people to make this happen. All those that participated in the Runs, shoe collections, Community Events/Auctions etc. Who gave shoes and $$$$. All the volunteers that tirelessly worked and gave their time and skills.  Each person gave with such generosity of heart. And each of them made such an impact on "A" and all the rest of the hardworking folks involved with The Ethiopia Project.

Now I imagine that the first few hours in this far away place will be incredibly eye opening and I wish I could experience that with "A". This is really, just the beginning. Who knows the affect that a pair of shoes has on a person. Who knows the affect of that gesture. How it carries forward to someone else on a continent so far away.

I predict that this is just the beginning of all the good to be done by "Ethiopia Project". I hope and pray for safety and well being on this trip for all of them. So please, all of you Pray hard for "A" and Alicia, Kyle and Berhanu. That they will be able to give all they can and be safe and well for the journey.

Finally, to "A" you are Making your Mark, By the Grace of God. Be ready for anything. Take us with you in spirit. Love Mamabus and Mr. I.

Some Inspiration for the Signs of Spring

Ok, 2 things. 

1.We lose an hour of time this weekend. Whyyyyyyy? Doesn't the government know that I don't have an hour to give? Do governments mess with the time in Europe? Asia? Canada? I will research this.

Can't we just decide on a time schedule and stick with it? Good Grief. You know what this means....that when I get up for spin/gym in the am, instead of 4:30, it's really 3:30. Isn't that the middle of the night? Can't our work hours change as well?

Oh alright, I guess I'll just take a couple of naps. Oh....nice....naps...yes indeed.

2. This morning during spin class I heard a song at the end of class that I suppose I should recognize but never listened to the words closely. Very inspirational song. With all the endorphins and being at the end of some tough intervals, I just balled big alligator tears which mingled with all my sweat so no embarrassing moment. Interesting how the body and mind work together to produce sweat and tears. This was the next to the last song.  Here are the lyrics:

Man against the World by Survivor

Have you ever walked alone at night
Like a man against the world
No one takes your side
A boat against the tide
When your faith is shaken you start to break
And you heart can't find the words
Tossed upon the sand
I give you a man against the world
All the people cheer 'til the end is near
And the hero takes a fall
Then they'll drag you through the mud
You're only flesh and blood
I have walked the path from dark to light
And they've yet to come to terms
Alone I take my stand
I'm only a man against the world

And love, like a distant reminder
It tugs at my shoulder
It calls me home
I shout, can a single voice carry
Will I find sanctuary within your arms
Someday when the answer's clearer
Someday when I even the score
You'll reach and you'll find me near you
Right beside you
Forevermore

But for now I'll walk the night alone
Like a man against the world
A brand new day will shine
Through the avalanche of time
Now the road's grown long, but the spirit's strong
And the fire within still burns
Alone I take my stand
I give you a man against the world

Give it a listen, click on the purple and then on the link below in the blue box.

http://s0.ilike.com/play#Survivor:Man+Against+The+World:160960:s18512172.8814238.4367774.0.2.88%2Cstd_249447f042174a229c371f9498709d29


Well, that's it for today. Have a great weekend! Love you.

MamaBus

Spring Break 2010

Spring Break is upon us in one way or another. Even though we don't have the kid around for Spring Break anymore, I always pine for a few days at the beach. Every year, we went to either Seaside, Cannon Beach or Lincoln City. We would stay at hotels with pools or once in a while a beach house. There is something nostalgic about these small Oregon towns that line the coast. As they swell up with families walking the boardwalks in the rain normally.  The arcades packed, the bells and whistles from the machines. The smell of Carmel Corn and Fudge. Occasionally, we would luck out and the weather would be bright blue sky, and blazing white waves. The kids would play for days in the sand. Bathing suits on, even when the water was 50 degrees. Ahhh the memories. The pic above is from Indian Beach a little bit hidden, on the way to Ecola State Park.  Turn right at the entrance to Ecola and travel a mile or so to the parking lot of Indian Beach.  Love this place. Protected and secluded. Great place for a picnic and climbing the rocks and laying on the beach. Take your kids and family there and make some memories. The sunsets are fantastic!

A-G-E

Mr. I has an answer for any physical or mental thing that goes wrong for those over the age of 40. People or Animals. It's called A-G-E. He spells it out at those moments when there is no answer for the "word" that cannot remembered. Or the old dog that won't respond to his regular call to "get up" or "move". Or the "love handles" or "wrinkles" that appear overnight. Or falling down stairs when you haven't fallen since you were 12.

It's so appropriate. Perfect. I'll say "Why did you do that?" or "It was on the list" or "I thought I told you that?"  "A-G-E" He responds. It answers it all. A-G-E = understandable.  Everyone would understand.
Except of course those under age 40.

Yes, for them the answer and reason is always O-L-D.

MamaBus

Summer is a Comin

I know, I know. We really aren't out of winter. And I guess I skipped over spring.  But really, I am so ready for the Summer.  The warm air in the morning. No Coat. Flip-Flops. Daylight at 9:30pm.  Oh please hurry up Summer. MamaBus

My Sister "J"

I miss my sister today.  I want to go have lunch with her.  I want to watch trash TV with her.  A glass or 2 of wine.  Some Chocolate. Shopping at Macy's with her. Go buy some Shoes. She lives too far away. I miss her positive attitude. I miss her love and kindness. Her zest for Life.  Yes, I miss my sister today. MamaBus

Thinking about Change

This is Mt. St.Helens. An active Volcano in my backyard here in Washington State. The new Spirit Lake pictured was made by the eruption on May 18, 1980. Incredible event. This photo was taken by Mr I. the summer after the eruption in the Red Zone. We weren't supposed to be up there. But glad we were. The area to the right (the light brown area) is actually a huge log jam with an estimate of a billion board feet of lumber trees. Blown during the eruption.  Now that's some change, considering it used to be the top and side of a mountain. I was 24 years old when the Volcano erupted. You do the math.   

Anyway, This is a physical representation of how I'm feeling about making some changes this year. But I don't want it to take 23 years. When I was 24, I guess I had all the time in the world. But now when change needs to happen. I need to make it happen Pronto!

I guess we learn that with age. I'll be making some physical and mental changes this year. Probably nothing that folks will notice, but I will. I'm working on preparing for the coming "Glory" years.

So, I came up with an idea.  There is a trail that circles the circumference of the volcano. They say it takes a day and a half. I think I'll hike it. A metaphor for life...instead of climbing the mountain, I go around it, the long way. That is so me.

March 1st

 

White Flowers really make the flower beds and gardens POP! I just love them, this one looks like a Zinnia, I think.  Hope I can find it.  My Red Tulips and White Hyacinth are Peaking out of my front flower beds.  I love white flowers. They remind me of Lent and Easter.  Spring Cleaning in the house and out in the yard. We are having an early spring here in Washington, so I guess I better get started...but just look at that beauty.  Enjoy the day!