Choose Your Own Adventure...

*OR*









Happy Halloween!
(wine courtesy of Cost Plus)

Graffiti Wonderland...

This week, after a particularly long night at work for Rich, he woke up a little earlier than I expected got crackin on a list of to-do's and we jumped in the Titan to go find some areas to photo that people tole him were not to miss.

Well, we missed them.

People often have the best intentions about all sorts of wonderful things that you must see, but they can't usually give the clearest directions on how to get there. Then again, I'm kind of like that myself, I can usually drive you to a place I've been...maybe even describe other markers when you're there, but I can't usually remember street or highway names. I thought it was because I've lived here practically forever, but maybe it's not that. Maybe I'm just not observant...


We did happen to cross paths with a fantastic old house that was made from stone on the way to where we were trying to go...so, when we didn't make it there, we decided to turn around and take photos of this instead.

The house, obviously abandoned for quite some time, was standing on a small rise in the middle of a large field. There was a bit of a lake and a couple of huge cottonwood trees...a very cool spot. I always wonder why people choose to leave these places? I mean, what happens that makes them go elsewhere? This seems like a wonderful place to live...

Well, except for all the now graffiti and broken glass that litters the area due to the partiers that have apparently adopted this place, it's No Trespassing sign laying discarded and scuffed up on the ground outside the structure. And the weeds...

Man, there are a TON of dried up weeds all over the place that jumped all over Rich and I's naked toes. It's been so danged mild (like 80 degrees) here as of late, it is still perfect weather to wear Chacos...which made it easy for the stickers and spines to jump on the toes...I bent down several times to rid myself of them, and then...you know how it goes? It feels like they're still there.

Anywho...this was a gem of a place to photo, and if I ever move in, I'll be sure to bring a lawn mower before I walk around in my bare feet. And some paint for that nasty graffiti...oh, and a roof.

The Gallery Opening...

Ok...now for some old news about that gallery...it had it's grand opening a couple of Saturday's ago.

I wore a pretty dress.

Lot's of people came.

Rich got claustrophobic...

There. Happy now? Nah, I know you're not, just as I couldn't possibly be happy with those lame sentences describing our very wonderful night.

On October 18th at 5 pm, the Ian Russell Gallery of Fine Art had it's grand re-opening (seeing as there's a new partner there...Rich, and a whole new location...the front of the building facing the main drag we call Goodwin street) (what? The post office is on that street...it's sort of a main drag) (sheesh)

I worked all day prior to the opening, and it slowed down just enough for me to get out of work on time and have a bit of extra minutes to take a bath and get myself all gussied up (which I immediately filled talking to my mother on the phone, and barely made it out of here on time. Luckily I only live 5 minutes from the gallery, so I was fine) Now we all know that I ordered the most perfect dress in the world and then felt guilty at the cost and sent it back right? Ok, if we don't all know that, it's a sore point with me, and we shall skip it (only to say that it fit perfect and it was silk and it was turquoise...and perfect) (sigh) and decided to go through my closet (as a total last resort) which yielded all sorts of lovely surprises I didn't even know were in there (go figure) and came up with several options...one of which I wore.

A little black number. I actually planned it around the necklace Megan made me...I thought I'd wear black to really showcase the lovely jewels I had around my neck. Plus, I have an adorable pink pair of heels that have the sweetest little flowers and leaves on their straps, so it was just so perfect, right?

Oh yes.

The gallery was all ready for the crowds of people that descended on it all night. There wasn't a slow time the entire 4 hours of the opening...just a sea of people everywhere you looked. Like I said, Rich felt claustrophobic at times, and had to step outside for air. There was a lot of excitement from all the attendees...people talking, laughing and buying. It was awesome. We got to visit with old friends and new...And Rich's family was still here for the opening as well.

Rich's wonderful neighbor volunteered to cater the event and made an incredible spread of the most delicious food, including Rich safe dishes so he could eat with the rest of us in a safe way and not collapse on the floor...which I'm sure would have attracted it's own crow. Towards the end of the night she even walked around with a tray of chocolates and chai tea candies to serve....it was all very swank.

The gallery is such a beautiful space and really came together in a wonderful way. Not only is there a ton of space to display the art and sculptures from the 10+ exhibitors, but there is a separate room for Rich's printers and computers, and Ian's framing area...

So, that's about the wrap up of the evening. I am so proud of Rich! He's done such an amazing job with the photography and then observing the area so that he knows just what we need (more art quality printing) and working to get this expanded gallery up and going was a tiring task for both Ian and Rich. I am really excited to see what the future will bring for all of the artists that the gallery represents!

I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Tombo for all the pictures! You totally rock!! (that's his gorgeous gal in the last photo!)

A Chilli in the Eye is Worth Two in the...

And you thought I would tell you all about the gallery opening didn't you? I know...it's horrible of me not to share my take on the entire evening, but I seem to be saving myself.

For what, I have no idea...but that will be another tale for another time.

I have almost got this Macaroon all up and organized, which is good because I can use it for what it's intended for. Me watching my stories. How much do I love it when someone from some network puts a good show on the internet and lets you watch the episodes for free? Lots...because I can not for the life of me remember when shows come on (The Ex List) and often I also find myself saying outloud, "...wha? 10:00 is when this show comes on...who stays up that late?" (The Starter Wife) And, I would tape them if I could, because I'm all old school and still have a VCR, but that tape is full of the last episode of Project Runway and things have been so crazy over this way that we haven't watched it yet. And by we, I mean...mom, Rozz and I...we watch the episodes every week...and yes, we're behind.

So, pretty soon, I can watch all my stories (yay me)

In an effort to stretch my pennies in these shaky economic times, today I made a large pot of beans. Well, actually 4 cups of pinto beans, which equals one for my lunch every day at work and a bowl for my lunch the day I made them...Not only are beans economical, but they are very very good as well. This week I elicited advise from Megan on the best ways to make a big pot of beans, because she usually has one laying around the house somewhere and she happily obliged.

Soak the beans overnight, drain and rinse, boil and add oil, onion, garlic, 2 bay leaves, cumin...and salt and lime juice at the end. She also suggested that I add some chilis...jalepeno, Serrano, or any other chilis would do. Megan makes the most wonderfully spicy dishes that are sometimes a challenge for me to eat, but I am getting more used to it...and I have a theory about spices...a great dash of flavor makes me feel like I'm eating a rich and expensive meal. So, I cut me up a Serrano chili.

I took out all the seeds because I know they're hot, and I used almost the whole thing...I could hardly taste it, so now I know I can use more next time as well. I also washed my hands very well at the end, because I know how chili oil can react with one's skin.

I thought I got it all out.

But you never really know until you do something like pick your nose and then it feels like your nose is burning off.

Or taking a shower and washing your bits and pieces.

"Dang. This new fantastic Loreal shampoo with royal bee jelly (for softness and whatnot) I got is very very stingy."

she rubs her now stinging eyes...

"wha? Did I pour the bottle directly into my eyes? Because I think I remember pouring it into my hands and then putting in on my hair...why are my eyes burning so badly?!?! Especially when I open them??"

she rubs her eyes more vigorously with verve and gusto...

"...Man, you can't trust any kind of shampoo company now days...wait a minute...""

"Chili oil?"

"On my fingers perhaps?"

She stops rubbing her eyes and proceeds to stand with them open in a hot stream of water trying to flush what now feels like rising chili vapors from them.

Note to self: Using hot water to flush chili oil out of one's eyes only exacerbates the problem. So does forgetting you have traces of chili oil on your fingers and either keep rubbing your eyes or any one of your other bits and pieces.

Or itching any parts of your nose.

Or eating 2 small lemon bars for breakfast and proceeding to lick your fingers off (Serrano lemon bars? Not so good)

And you thought the red itchy eyes was due to the insane burn that was going on today here in town...the one that is causing me to look across the street and not be able to pick out details anymore because of all the smoke?

Yeah...that one.

Lemon Bars Makes Everything Better...

Because they do...especially when they're made to share. I wish I could send one to each of you...but, you can take my word for it, they were delicious (and there were 2 tiny one's left over...for breakfast you know)

I actually made them to take to Megan's parent's house for a little Sunday night dinner for our friend Jen and her family, who are in town...but honestly? I thought of the blogworld...honestly, I would send them if I thought they would keep...or if there were more than 2 left (really...breakfast)

Can I tell you how lovely it feels to finally sit down and get my thoughts to paper, or rather, to keyboard and lit computer screen? There's a part of me that felt so oddly silenced for the last few weeks. That somehow a part of my life was put on hold...silently waiting. I now realize how important it is for me to blog...to express those parts of me that I don't often get to in the every day activity that I call life. And yet, I noticed that without the Macaroon in my life, I almost stopped thinking about "can I blog this?" in most situations that I came across. I think a very important balance may have been struck here...

• I need to express myself in ways other than speaking.
• I need to be more present during my life instead of trying to make a blog out of everything, thus taking myself out of the situation as a participant...and become an observer.
• And, it's OK to take a break.

(just not a huge one...because I miss you...heck, I miss me)

The bad thing was that I was a bit pouty about it, and I didn't even bring my camera to the gallery opening. I haven't actually picked up my camera in a while...it seems as if I've taken a camera break as well. I think there was a part of me that was saying, "meh...what's the point? I have no where to store these pictures even..." as if I was to be Macaroonless forever. It may be that I was punishing myself for not having the Mac...as if not being able to reach out into the blogosphere wasn't bad enough...it was kind of like back in the day of horses and mail.

No computer? Well then, no using your camera either.

Ha!

Take that...

Actually, I think with everything else that has been happening, I was so overwhelmed, the camera was the last thing I was thinking of when it came right down to it...

Now? Well, now I'm just feeling a little shy to be back here in this space.

I will blog more about the gallery opening for you though. I am working on collecting pictures from those people who did take pictures. Thank you Tom, for helping a gal out...and if anyone else has any, please feel free to share them with me...

Until then (I am exhausted as I just spent quite a bit of time righting my iTunes yet again...and I still haven't had time to catch up with my favorite blogs...not to mention catch up with The Starter Wife and The EX list...both of wich I watch on the Macaroon) I will put my feet up and rest. But, not before I leave you with this teaser...

This is the incredible piece of jewelry Megan made me for the gallery opening. It is pink pearls separated by blue glass beads...and a very fantastic vintage German glass green and gold skull bead...the clasp is a vintage rhinestone button. One can wear this necklace either very plainly with the one glass bead showing and the pearls...or you can twist the entire thing around to show the clasp as well...it is amazing, and I personally planned my whole outfit around it...a black dress and pink heels with little leather flowers on them...I felt just wonderful and got quite a few compliments from people as well...

I can't wait to share...

I just hope I remember it all...it was a long time ago after all!

The Macaroon is back...

Can you believe it? I have the computer back...and it seems to be working, although to tell you the truth I am having trust issues and am a bit afraid to use it.

The hard drive expired and died a horrible death. So horrible it was impossible to recover anything on it which means I lost:

• 5 months of pictures (all the others were backed up on the external drive...yay)
• all my addresses email and personal (so, if we've corresponded in the past, could you please drop me a line with either...especially if you would like to receive a Halloween card this year...I'm so sorry about this)
• All of my passwords (grrr...I can't remember any of them!)
• All of my bookmarks are gone.
  
• I can't remember how to set up my personal email from the house because my internet provider is damned crazy and does things very backwards...so I'll need to call them...
• I lost all of my fun gadgets on my dashboard, and I can't remember the ones I used.
• I am so flipping busy lately, I feel like I don't have time to work this all out...thank goodness for days off, eh? You know what I'll be doing.

So, there's all that.

Also...Rich and I invested in Leopard for Mac, so it has an auto update feature which updates all of the hard drive or whatever (see how techy I am??) AND, it has PhotoBooth on it, so I'm flipping happy about that!! (It's the little things isn't it?) All in all...I am super thankful that I backed up my photos and iTunes and have transferred them to an external drive anyway so that I didn't loose more than I did...I'm still stressed about reorganizing everything, and trying to get back some of the photos I lost (most are on Flickr, and while Tom let me know that I could do a batch upload...apparently they don't have that option for Macs...so, does anyone know the best way to get those back?) And thank the universe above that I have AppleCare and that this whole escapade cost me nothing but the time to have it all done...

I feel like there's so much I need to tell you...update you on. I feel so disconnected. I fell like I've been silenced in an horrible way, that my voice hasn't been aired out at all. And, I just want to post some pictures.

In other news:

• Some wonderful youngster came in and swiped a pair of designer jeans I just put out...I don't know how I can hold on to these things unless I start wearing them all...with the economy going ick...I've noticed more theft. Then again, they've been letting school out early every Wednesday here and their out early this week for conferences (I'd love to have some of the parents in my store for conferences...then again, I'm sure that most of the downtown merchants would...) and these kids have nothing to do but wreak havock on the downtown...it's not been fun lately.
• My cash register stopped working...of course, after almost 14 years, that may have been a good run?
• Someone came in Snap Snap yesterday and asked me if I have any Reindeer antlers. Wha?
• My blowdryer broke before I had the chance to use it at the gym this morning and I had to leave with wet hair (I'm sitting here shivvering still)
• There is so much smoke from some kind of fire downtown, I can hardly breathe...or see to drive.

Me=exhausted.
Me=overwhelmed.
Me=needs a break.

Thank goodness for amazing computer techs (aka Rich) who have been so sweet and helpful and encouraging...and inviting me over all the time to eat and snuggle and giggle.

Thank goodness for a frozen yogurt date tonight with a wonderful friend.

Thank goodness for 2 days off in a row to get some of these problems solved.

Thank goodness for all of you who keep chekcing in...thank you for all of your support...and please email me with addresses and whatnont...

I shall return next week with photos and words...

The Gallery Opening...

I know everyone wants pictures of the wonderful opening last night...I am on camera strike, being like a pouty child because I don't have the Macroon in my possession at the moment and I feel quite sad...but, if you would like to see how everything went, click this link and pop over to Rich's site to see photos...

We're also awaiting more photos of the night from other bloggers as well...

The gallery opening went above and beyond anyone's expectations, and I will tell you all about the amazing evening soon (I'm stealing time from Rich and I's evening tonight to get a quick word in edgewise...me trying to steal Rich's extra Mac to take home as a loaner...I can't help but think how nice it will be to find out what's up with the Macaroon, hopefully tomorrow!!)

Today is the Day...

I've been gone for 3 days...maybe it was only 2?

Whatever it's been...I feel lost and totally disconnected to my internet world, and I will be playing a lot of catch-up when I get the Macaroon back. I can say with all sincerity, that I will be delirious to get my computer back into my hot little hands...I hope they can fix it fast.

So...we're eager and excited because tonight is the night for the gallery opening! I had all these plans to let you see the invites and make a big production, but we know what's been happening with me don't we?

You'll be happy to know that I finally figured out what I'm going to wear at least...I'm planning my entire outfit around the necklace that Megan is making for me. I had actually bought the perfect dress, and then decided to send it back as it was more of a luxury than I was comfortable with (I know, everyone thinks I'm crazy) and decided to go through my closet and try to make do:

Hmmm...it's quite packed in here. Good. Lord...Let's see...gawds, how does one person have so many dresses?

I love that one, but I'm really saving it in case I get married one day to wear to the reception...even though I really want to re-do that dress with the birds on it...and lord knows I'm gonna have to do that to fit in it because it is SMALL! Who wears that size? Seriously...I may have to remove a rib...I wonder how that would work? And I suppose if I'm going to do that then there's some other work I will need to have done as well...

That's going to be expensive! Hold on...

Well, that's a cute dress, but not quite right. Oh...I like that one, it's the one I was wearing when I met Rich, but it's strapless, and I don't want everyone to just think that I wear strapless all the time, even though I think I look...

Oh...wait.

That's cute!

When did I get that? Oh...a size 6? No way...Ok, ummmm...umph...zip...OK! Hey it fits and is totally cute...kind of cute and flirty...is that the look I want to go for?

Then again, this one is great too, in a retro Holly Go Lightly sort of way...

AND on and on, until I'd narrowed it down to 2 items, picked out shoes and then realized Megan was totally done with my new piece of jewelry and I went from there. I am very excited, even though I have to work all day and will only have a bit of time to put myself together before the big shindig.

The gallery looks amazing bursting at the seams and waiting for everyone to get here tonight (I'm actually sitting in the gallery at the moment getting ready to walk over to work in a moment, but this is the only time I have access to a computer for the time being, so I'm working with my options) If you're in town, please come by from 5-9 at the Old Firehouse...right up in the front.

I'll be sure Rich takes lots of pictures...

What a Difference a Day Makes...

So, yesterday...

Yeah, it was a bad day.

I hate to say it, I really do...being totally negative about a day, but there it is.

Very bad.

It was a throw in the towel kind of day. Let's line it up for you:

• Communication is breaking down within the conversations of my life...things are being worked on verbally, but still challenging for me.
• After a lovely blogging session yesterday morning, and a luxurious (but rushed) bubble bath, I went to sit down in front of the Macaroon (which is obviously the Mac's new name) and the little rainbow ball came bouncing across the screen (that means it's thinking) for. a. long. time...until the screen just up and froze. I turned off the Macaroon, turned it back on, listened to some faint beeping and clicking (whereupon I called my tech man...aka Rich...who suggested I turn it off and back on...to no avail) The Macaroon is effectively dead. Kaput. Gone.
• I had no time to even think about it seeing as it was time for me to finally go back to work. Where I found a non working 2 month old vacuum cleaner. Or rather a vacuum cleaner that works when it feels like it...
  
• A slow running toilet that I just had the plumbers come to fix less than 2 weeks ago...
• And 3 pens ran out of ink.

It was about this time I felt like crawling into bed and hiding under the covers...or breaking into hysterical laugher.

I also felt like some of those great cilantro garlic fries from The Office. I waited to hide until I got home...I did not eat any fries either.

Pupcakes and wine sounded good too.

I woke up today and I felt a little better.

• I ran the Macaroon by Argosy West here in town where the minute they opened where I learned that they are all indeed certified Mac technicians, and can help me. Rich made me buy the Apple Care when I purchased the Macaroon...a $250. investment to cover the Mac for 3 years. The person who helped me at the store let me know that he thought it was a hard drive problem. On one hand, that is certainly covered by the Apple Care...on the other hand, the technician that actually fixes the computers is out of town on vacation until Monday.

Of course he is.

• So...Rich kindly helped me back up my computer a few months ago, in case something happened to the hard drive (gotta love this boy) On one hand, I've got my iTunes and Pictures on their respective external hard drives, on the other hand, something weird happened not to long ago with one of the hard drives, and I haven't been able to back up about 4 months worth of pictures...So, I guess they're gone. But, they're saved on the blog, or at Flickr, and I've sent several to other people...so there's that. I'm just slap happy that I didn't loose all of my pictures or my iTunes.
• I also realized at some point today that if my hard drive is kaput...I will loose all of your wonderful addresses both email and physical from my address book...along with all of my bookmarks, and passwords and all the fun things I did to make the Macaroon my own.
• So, I am apologizing ahead of time for not visiting your blogs regularly, seeing as I don't have a computer right now...and the weird thing is, I've been wondering what a little break from blogging would be like, and how did people take them, and could I ever do it myself? I guess we'll find out won't we? Cripes.
  
• Oh, I also don't know how to get into my personal email, because Rich set it up as a super special (romantic...that's the way I want to look at it) surprise for me, and he doesn't remember the password.
  

LeSigh.

Wait. Today doesn't seem much better than yesterday does it?

Oh yeah...

• Rich said that I can come over to the Airstream to blog until the Macaroon is fixed. So that's nice...more face time with Rich (kind of makes you wonder if I broke the computer on purpose, eh?) (I didn't) (seriously...I didn't) He also said I could take home one of his Macs...but I'm not sure he'll let me escape with it...we'll see. There's a part of me that would just rather come over to the Airstream all the time instead. I suppose also, for a while I will have no pictures to share with you...
• Which is a shame because I found the most amazing vintage duvet cover at the thrift this morning before work, made from the bestest bark cloth I've found in a while!
• And since I knew I was coming over to the Airstream tonight (where Rich would make me a wonderful dinner) I thought I'd pick up the new Indiana Jones movie for us to watch...when I took the very last copy that was in the store to the counter, the nice lady informed me that it was free.

See?

Things are looking up...

Guess I'd better go get a lottery ticket.

Hopefully I won't die in a fiery car wreck on the way.

Wit...

In The Kitchen.

Or Witchen...as I like to call it...

Cause' I'm all about making up words.

It's the sign of a very creative mind you know...or someone who can't remember their native language...you choose.

Last week in between all of my fun staycationing, I popped into the thrift. I hate to think I miss anything if I don't go, you know. While cruising through the textile section, I happened across two vintage embroidered towels (and we all know they're a great love of mine...just ask my overflowing drawers and shelves in the kitchen) I just happened to glance over the towels and was surprised to see they were a set with a rooster and a hen and some mighty fine embroidery with some fancy veregated thread to boot...looked for stains and holes, noticed they were in amazing condition and threw them over my arm whilst running up to the cash register.

50 cents later, I was a happy camper, and was about to be even happier...

As I looked a little more carefully at the towels I was delighted to see not only were they a set, but they made me laugh out loud when I read the words on each one...

The rooster was proudly proclaiming,

I'm the King of the Roost

And the hen, I imagine, was rolling her eyes and saying rather quietly,

That's what you think...

Ahem.

giggle...

No, really...

I have been wondering ever since, who was the person who decided to make these and then put them in the kitchen? Or did they just sit in the drawer? (explaining their amazing condition) Needless to say, my latest witchen is out on display right next to the kitchen sink, so I can get a giggle all throughout the day...

And...Another Day Off...

This really is becoming a trend isn't it? All these days off?

Well...not really, considering the last block of days off coincided with my very first Airstream trip with Rich way back at the end of February...so, I suppose it's not a habit

yet...

All these days off.

But, there was one day more I got to squeeze in with all the others...my now regular day off. Monday.

Today I am spending the day with Rozzilyn...

And Meena is spending the day on Rozzilyn's lap...

• We started the day off by running quickly by the shop to do the books
• Running out to the Aistream to drop off a coupon and say hello...just in time to catch Rich before he jetted off to...
• The next place we were going...the car wash (Honey was in a tired dirty state indeed) Which was fun because we talked on the phone the way there, and then shouted out the windows of our cars...until we went into the wet...that would have been awkward (plus I'd already showered at the gym)
• Off to Claire's at the mall for Rozzie...
• Running around looking for something suitable to possibly wear to the gallery opening this Saturday. Unfortunately, finding that stores apparently no longer stock dresses...or at least long dresses (like past your knees? What is going on in clothing world anyway? I don't need to be worried about bending over when I go out thankyouverymuch) I may have to just settle for something in my closet...but, I've been noticing that I seem to have a lot of half outfits hanging around not making themselves very useful...anyone have a cream tank I can borrow? (we won't talk about what I'm going to do with my hair...that will set off a panic attack for sure...I mean I almost broke down and bought one of those twisty things to help me with an up-do, but, I don't know if I have enough hair on my head)
• Eating lunch and watching the Nancy Drew movie...very cute...I wonder if she would make me a dress?
• Pedicures (at least my toes will be ready for the opening...although, I think with the chill in the air, I shall probably be wearing close toed heels, so nevermind)

And, after my mom comes to get the Rozz, I will be off to the Airstream for dinner, Chuck and Heroes...oh and Rich.

Then tomorrow I will be back at work...

And, I'm actually really looking forward to being in the shop...

Choo-Choo...

Saturday morning...5:45...The Barenaked Ladies alarm went off, and up up up...to get ready for an early morning departure on The Verde Canyon Railway.

When talking to Rich about the fun things to do when his family came to visit, the subject of trains came up, because his father is a train enthusiast...Mostly the subject of the train to the Grand Canyon reared it's head, and I interjected that The Verde Canyon Railway would be a more fun and amazing ride, as I have actually been on both of the railways up this way, so I'm totally qualified to make that call. The Grand Canyon train, while nice, pretty much just follows the regular road you take in a car, and the Verde Canyon railway actually gets you right down into the Verde Canyon...which is the next best way to see Sycamore Canyon and Perkinsville, barring taking The Titan on a 3-hour road trip (and I think Rich is feeling a little droved out after this week) or hiking down into Sycamore Canyon on your own two legs...which we've been threatening to do the whole summer...

Only summer is over now.

Oh yes.

After surviving insane wind gusts both Friday (all night, which made for some dusty photos) and Saturday, we all awoke to 25 degrees this morning (23 according to my mom's temperature gauge) I put on an extra down comforter last night, dug out my stripey knit socks, winter clothing and thanked myself for calling the heater guy to come and check out the heating system at Foolsewoode...

Thank you me.
(I may have to get myself a special treat)

Oh...I think my special treat will be me going back to the gym full time again this week...after taking an entire week off to spend time with Rich's family, and enjoy some much needed time off from work. I'd like to say it was R&R, but I'm not sure we were resting or relaxing...we were more running and roaming instead...and getting to know each other.

We're also gearing up for the gallery opening which is Saturday October 18th at 5 pm...the gallery had it's soft opening today after a lot of construction, moving, hanging and cleaning. It looks pretty amazing, if I may say so myself.

And...this week hopefully I'll find myself getting into a new rhythm with working again, blogging, going to the gym...the usual, but a little different. I'm also feeling a little guilty I haven't checked in here this last week, but I've honestly been exhausted...in a wonderful way, of course, but exhausted nonetheless...and I told Ms. Dina on Thursday night at an impromptu girlie night, that I was worried I was being more of a reporter about Rich's family and the mini-vacation (we did this, and then we did this, and we said...) and less of...well, me I suppose.

I mean, if that makes sense at all?

Who knows? I think I need to sit and stare at the wall for a while...

Well Hello...

My goodness...it's been a bit quiety and crickety around here lately hasn't it?

Don't let the blog fool you, it's only in the internet world for me...not in real life. In real life it's been busy. So busy that I just downloaded (or is that uploaded?) the photos from Monday's jaunt to Sedona and today's jaunt to The Grand Canyon...did I mention that I squeezed a day of work in there as well? Oh...and there's one of those tomorrow as well...but that's followed by a few more days off and about in Arizona with Rich and his visiting family...

Yeah. There's been no gym...I'm justifying that with the fact that I've been hiking and dropping to do 100 push ups wherever we are...

Yeah. That's not quite the truth...well, not the last part anyway.

I'm confident that I'll find my way back to my regular rhythm next week. Or heck...maybe I'll just create a new one instead, I think I'm probably due anyway. I'm just trying to enjoy all the time off, no matter how exhausted I'm finding myself at the end of the day...

It's been worth it.

We've been taking the Titan to all of our destinations instead of the scooter...we were thinking before everyone got here that the scooter would be fine, but a trial run to grab some soy cheese pizza kind of made us reconsider that as an option as it was a little snug with all of us gals in the back seat...not that I'm not enjoying getting to know everyone, it's just a little tight...I mean, we do have a lot of snacks and drinks as well as cameras and purses and backpacks too...So, into the truck we're finding ourselves if it's the 5 of us.

And have I mentioned how nice everyone in Rich's family is? I think we've all been having a great time, and I think they're perfectly delightful and fun...plus? The Grand Canyon trip today has always been a dream for Rich's father, so it was a joy to see it through his eyes!

We were able to make a lot of stops and get out and see all the different views of The Canyon before making our way towards the village and sitting down to lunch...

...and no one tried to push me into the canyon or back into the truck today either!


It was a good day...

There was even a special little heart made from the changing colors of the leaves just for me in the canyon...

Yes...just feel the love...

Feel the love...

Pink Jeep Tours...

Just for Aimee...Rich's sister back home, who has a Jeep...I hope you like them Aimee!





These are the famous Pink Jeeps that lead tours all throughout Sedona...

The Perfect Day for Sailing...

Which is not exactly what we did on the first full day Rich's family is in town...but, we did walk up to the top of The Dells to see other people enjoying the day sailing...they were probably the sailing sort of people, which is exactly what Rich's family is...seeing as they live on a lake, but I have never been sailing.

I know...it's a travesty. Especially since I love the water so much. But, living in Arizona doesn't often afford one the opportunity to sail...then again, maybe I've been hanging out with the wrong people...people that don't have sailboats...because if I remember correctly, Rich actually knows how to sail, and would probably gladly take me, if we only had a boat.

So...there's that.

Anyway, we all met last night at the Airstream (seeing as Rich's family drove all the way out here in their RV and are now perfectly situated right across from him...) with lots of hugs and getting to know yous over dinner...it was so exciting finally getting to meet everyone! Although, it was a little cold...we've had a bit of a cold snap around these parts, and were a little shivery sitting around eating...

Welcome to Sunny Arizona indeed.

The drastic weather changes are usually always making a fool out of us in front of other people...

We made plans to meet this morning at the gallery...which after a quick visit with my mom and Rozz, I skipped down there to check it out. The new space is shaping up great...Ian is outdoing himself, and there will be no problems having it all ready by the big opening night on October 18th...so close isn't it? But, the space is beautiful, and you absolutely must stop by if you're in town...Rich's family were able to bring out some of his posessions with them, and they are finding the perfect home in the printing room at the new gallery...

After spending some time at the gallery, we roamed around downtown, checking out some of the shops and noticed a little antiques show on the square. Years ago my mother started Antiques on the Square to help promote the local antique stores, and stopped doing it when she sold her shop...They still do two shows a year, and this was one of them. It was a lot smaller of a turn out than I remember, and I spied some wonderful vintage pilgrim and turkey candles like I collect, but I thought the $10 each price tag was a little out of my reach right now, so I settled for a small pile of vintage Valentine's instead...I'll post them later. At $1 each, they were a steal, and something I've been wanting for my Valentine's Day mantle.

Vintage Valentines? Check.

After meandering about, we decided to go to lunch at The St. Michael's Hotel, which has lovely veggie burgers and other tempting goodies...then we quickly ran back to Foolsewoode for a tour and a quick change of clothes and shoes for me before heading back to the Airstream to hike in The Dells...

We did a quick hike, remembering that everyone is still adjusting to the time change and the thin thin air up here...being a mile high takes it's toll on visitors, and had a great time watching every one's reactions to the amazing rock formations and views from the top of our part of the world.

As you can see, Rich is taking his regular pointing position, pointing over here and there introducing all the good sights...I swear I have more than one photo of Rich pointing at something in the distance or giving someone direction...It's kind of his look.

We're planning a trip to Sedona tomorrow, and more traveling fun this week, so you'll certainly have to keep checking back...it's going to be a good busy one, and one that I've taken a little much needed time off for...I am lucky to have been invited to spend most of this first week showing Rich's family around, except for the 2 days my awesome gal can't cover because of school...

Close to camping or a trip in the Airstream? I think this will be a wonderful break!

Turn Up The Heat...

Yesterday morning found me waking up early and jumping in the shower (unlike this morning, which found me plugging in the phone in the wee hours after a low battery warning...this after waking up from 2 late night texts, a late night phone call from my sweetie, cleaning up cat throw-up...and did I mention there is a controlled burn right now? Yeah...I gave up and turned the alarm off and slept in instead of dragging butt to the gym) Um...yeah, right...yesterday...getting ready early to wait for the Heater Man.

Foolsewoode is vintage estate...built 1924...and the heater was clunckity clankity in a sort of strange and unsettling way last season before I chose to ignore it and turn it off entirely. But, you know you can never turn that stuff off entirely to ignore it, and it's somewhere in the back of your mind...Hmmmm, I wonder what will happen when I turn the heater on this season? Plus? I've never had the heater checked or cleaned since I moved in...

Come to find out, the heater is only about 20 years old, and my repair person Mark, from Aardvark Heating and Cooling...said everything looks great, it was alittle dirty, but no leaks or other horrible things...but he cautioned that usually at 20, heaters can start to wear out. Aardvark was recommended by some good friends who have been using them to keep their rather old furnace running for a long time...I think that they're all a little surprised that it's still kicking...but, after meeting Mark, he's what I call, Old Prescott. He came in and chatted about my house, and told me about the old houses he's lived in while he's lived here...he knows what he's doing and carries an air of confidence and something more. Sometimes when you deal with people who've lived in the same small town, there's a sort of camaraderie...you know these people have your back and they're not just trying to sell you some new fangled system just to make money, but they're willing to put their back into it and save you money...and better than that, save the system you already have the absoulte best they can.

He loved my vintage thermostat...saying, "No...don't replace it! Simpler is better!" Plus? I think it looks almost like a piece of artwork on my wall. We have a lot of good businesses in town! Aardvark is also that business that offers a $49.95 cleaning and check of your heating and cooling systems...if you're in town, or the tri-city area...keep them in mind.

Now I'm feeling more comfortable about my heater for the season. I know if something happens with my heater, I'm going to be OK...I also know what it will cost to replace my heating system if the worst happens...A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders...A weight that I didn't even realize was there.

And, it's all just in time for the cold snap this weekend...

Bling...

Mr. Rich and Ian are busy busy getting things prepared and ready for the opening of their new gallery.

It's on October 18th...

That's right around the corner isn't it?!

The gallery is going to house both Ian's paintings and art, and Rich's photos...but, they're also bringing in more people. They were looking for a good jewelry person, and it just so happens that Rich and I know Megan...

Megan just had a meeting with Ian and Jantina...and it was a bit thumbs up from them.

(I didn't doubt it for a second myself)

So, along with all the wonderful art, bronzes, wood sculptures...there will be plenty of bling!

Congratulations Megan...

October 18th is going to be a big party indeed!!

Decorated...

Just in time for the month of October!

And, a little reminder...

If you do want a special Holiday Postcard from Foolsewoode...

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