Natalie's Birthday, Emily style.. and Her Menagerie

I had some training up in Utah this last week so I thought as long as the company was paying for me to travel I might as well take Friday off and spend the whole weekend with my family. Bethanie and Angela had planned on coming down so we all celebrated Natalie's birthday together and played with Emily's new menagerie. I was going to break this up into a couple of posts (Natalie's birthday, Emily's Menagerie, and fun at the Riverwoods) but seeing's how I'm slacking in the blogging department, I thought I better just get it out there.  So be prepared for lots of pictures and some video.

Natalie wanted a hotdog cookout so that's what we did.  Emily's backyard is awesome for it.  Emily's roommate Mamariene joined us.

Angela borrowed a t-shirt from Emily to get all smoky.

Hannah sitting in Angela's chair

This is the picture I sent Mom to make her jealous of the fun we were having.

I thought it was funny that we had the party by the chicken coop. We all wanted to be under the shade.

The chickens loved it though... apparently they are big fans of squash mac and cheese.

I had Angela take a picture of me by the coop as well.

All the kids were eating an awful lot of watermelon... and then giving the "rinds" to the chickens/ducks. There was usually quite a bit of meat left on those rinds :)

Natalie's birthday cake! She wanted an ice cream cake and Bethanie let me buy it as my present to her.

The wind kept blowing out the candles but we sang... (remember the video I took sideways a couple years ago of the train which I then couldn't turn when I got back? This time I was determined to do it right so I carefully held my phone upwards all the time.  Well, this phone takes video SIDEWAYS!   Sigh.  I guess now I know.  Just tilt your head a little to the side and if it really bothers you, I'll show it to you on my phone)

Yummy cake!

Even Bethanie had some, though she's been watching her girlish figure. Doesn't she look great?

The ducks (who were jealous of all the attention the chickens were getting so Emily let them out after we were done eating... they are big beggars) also got a part of the cake, but they were more impressed with the watermelon than the flowers.  I got pretty good over the weekend at smashing the too big snails so they could eat them.

Natalie got a beautiful new purple dress, shoes, and some bracelets to go with it.

I didn't get a picture of the smore cooking afterword but I think we all had a way fun time... and I will probably post some pictures of the fun we had at the Riverwoods later cuz I've run out of time posting this.

Thanks so much Emily!  Isn't this such a cute picture of her and Sparkle?

PS. I'm kinda sad I won't be going up there this weekend to put flowers on our ancestors graves (last year it was SO much fun) but since I was just up there... Emily might get too much of a good thing :).  Besides, I'll be seeing everyone in a few weeks for the Family Reunion. So excited!

Woman of Smarts

Last week the Laurels in my ward called to see if they could drop something by in 20 minutes.  They had a delivery or 2 before me but wanted to make sure I would be home.

Figuring it was cookies, I said yes. I'm always down for cookies.

Having just got home from work, I quickly ate dinner and then rushed around picking up the front room and bringing in the rugs from off the porch after shaking them... they may or may not have been out there since the weekend.  My goal to always have my house clean when I leave in case something happens (the 2yr anniversary of my bicycle accident was Monday) isn't working so well.  Perhaps I need to change my middle name to Lazy or Housework Unmotivated.

Anyways, they stopped by and gave me this.

A nicely decorated plate with individually wrapped yummy chocolate, some lotion, and finger nail polish.  The presentation was awesome.

And what does it say?  Woman of Knowledge, Melanie Smart Helm.

Apparently I exemplify the young woman value of knowledge because, as they said, "your middle name is Smart".

How right they are.

When I told this story at work, Marcia (my drafter) said "Boy, have you got them fooled!"

I think the more proper saying would be "Boy, have you got them trained!"

PS.  The young woman didn't realize my window was open and as they were leaving I heard "awkward" and "next time".  I hadn't thought the meeting on my doorstep was awkward but its well known that knowledge and social skills don't necessarily go together :)

Clark County Fair Results

I know you are all just dying to know... Here's what I entered.

I'm on a sewing kick so the only crocheted item was my booties.  I know, can you believe it?  I've been on such a knitting and sewing thing that I haven't had the time or desire to finish the afghan/baby blanket/other baby blanket/socks/more baby blankets for the fair.  Everything else I've finished I've given away (to Jamie).  I did have that one knitted scarf I'd purposely kept so I did have one more thread project to turn in (I don't say it of myself, but my friends tell me its very beautiful).  And as long as I was looking around for finished projects I decided to turn in my Halloween costume, although sewing is a bit more cutthroat in the awarding of ribbons department.

And then I turned in the project that has been consuming my evenings (along with a couple of bags which I never blogged about (slacker)) .. a quiet book.

I'm not going to go into the learning experiences here... suffice it to say this is a practice one.

At the fair I saw I had won 6 ribbons.  Everything got a blue ribbon (I was surprised my sewing stuff got blue) while the knitted scarf got adult judges choice (never got one of those before) and 2nd best in class (my favorite ribbon cuz its a big YELLOW one).  Apparently knitting was the way to go this year.  I'm thinking those fair judges might be getting tired of seeing my booties every year.

And these are the ribbons I got home with...

Wait... 4 entries...

Only 3 ribbons? 

Sigh... now I know to check they put everything in my bag when picking it up from the fair people. This puts a serious damper on my "Get as Many Ribbons and Medals as Possible" (GAMRAMAP) collection.

However, good news, Melissa got two ribbons with her 1 entry and since she was going to just throw them away, I took them... after I found them in my purse.  Apparently I'm fairly vocal about my loss of ribbons.

So now I'm only missing my favorite yellow one.  I have one from two years ago but it just wouldn't be the same as TWO yellow ones. 

Anyone have an extra big yellow ribbon?  Arvid suggested looking at DI.

The Half Marathon, Again

This last weekend I ran the same half Marathon I did two years ago.  I pretty much had the same experience as last time, except for the following three things:

1.  I told Emily about it but she couldn't come down because of prior commitments.

2.  It got pretty hot, which apparently really does me in. 

3.  And this time I took a picture.

You get bussed to the starting line where they have a tarp you can put your stuff on for when you get back but no one watches it...  so I left most of my stuff (ie my electronics) in the car. This picture was taken after I had recovered somewhat, ate some food, talked to a Ford mechanical engineer from Michigan whose brother convinced him to run the race while visting Las Vegas instead of gambling the whole time,  ate some more free food, started getting on the bus, went back to get my bag off the tarp, got on the bus, went back to get the stuff Id left at the table, and finally got bussed back to my car.

I was a little disappointed that I got the same time as last time but Melissa pointed out that I hadn't been training specifically for this long distance so it was actually a pretty good showing... Jared also said it was nice to be consistant without too much effort :)  I actually ran almost the whole time this time (going back up the hill doesn't count) and the following picture proves it.

Apparently when I get tired I kick my other foot as I run which results in bloods soaking into my sock on one side and a raw red place on the other.

You can see the offending bloods on the other shoe. I didn't realize it was so bad until I got home and started taking off my shoes and socks. I think I need to work on my form :)

Oh yes, and thanks to Melissa for having me over to play in her pool all afternoon (I was tired so mostly I watched Mitchell jump in and out, in and out, in and out) and then feeding me delicious pizza and breadsticks.  I didn't really realize how long I had been there until I called Emily on my way back home that evening.  She was surprised at how long they let me stay but thats the mark of a good friend... doesn't tell you that you've overstayed your welcome. 

That night I was in bed by 9:30pm not having accomplished all I had planned for a Saturday.  But I've got another medal.  Thats why I do the long distances, just finishing gets you a medal.  The reaction of the Relief Society ladies when I tell them of my exploits as a "good news minute" helps too :)

Spring Gardening

I headed up to Orem last weekend since I had worked the weekend before and could take Thursday afternoon and Friday off.

Emily put me to work in the garden (typically the pictures on my blog are of Emily whenever we get together, while her blog has pictures of me... weird).

I calculated that we moved a total of more than 10cyds of dirt...for those of you who care.  We were turning over beds to get ready for spring planting.

Emily got a new wheelbarrow on her way back from work Friday morning which would have made a perfect boat if it wasn't for all the holes in the bottom (I went to the temple while she was gone but got there a little later than planned... if it had been Vegas I would have made the session but apparently in Provo they take them up 5-10 minutes early.  And both sessions were packed!  It surprised me for a Friday morning.  I can see why they are building another temple in the old Provo tabernacle).

 She put it together Saturday morning while I was still in bed recovering from Fridays work and play.

Emily even put Alec to work on Saturday afternoon as payment for a shopping trip and dinner.

Of course she would have taken him and Jalyn anyways cuz Emily is such a wonderful Aunt.  We planted onions and got the potato bed ready while Emily planted the peas in the beds Ems and I had done Friday afternoon.

Kate helped Saturday morning but I didn't get a picture of it.  Emily is a mad shoveler and was twice as fast as Kate and I.  When I told Alec that, he had to show us up on the potato patch :)

I was SOO sore Sunday morning I could barely get out of bed.  Must be getting old.

While shoveling we found all sorts of leftover veggies in Emily garden... tiny carrots, beets, turnips (BITTER... picture not at all staged),

onions (lots of almost mushy onions), celery and other green leaves so Sunday morning I tried to make stock of all the leftovers.   I've never understood making stock from perfectly good vegetables but all these veggies were going to get mulched anyways so might as well practice on the leavings..

see how pretty?

Emily also put in some herbs from the garden and wilty cabbage from the fridge.

Here are the results...

Its pink and purple from the beets and purple carrots... OK, really dark purple/brown.  Emily thinks it will turn rice brown which was how I am planning on using it.  I'll let you know how it goes.

I think as of today I'm finally recovered from the hard labor.  Running/biking (I've been a lazy swimmer) shore doesn't use the same muscles as shoveling.  But it is very satisfying work to see all the beautiful beds ready for planting.  Thanks Emily for letting me come and share the joy!

PS.  Everyone knows how much Emily loves to go out to eat so we went to a lot of different restaurants and tried out a new place with Sri Lankan food.... and of course my favorite Mu-ha-ha pizza! Emily was sad that she never made me anything but breakfast.  I guess I'll just have to go up again sometime to make up for it :)

List Addendem

So... nobody has my books from the last post?  Sad.  I guess they really are lost and I have to decide if I buy them again.  At least this time I won't have to pay for hardback.

I knew there was more I wanted to add to my previous list... it looks better when the long list of TV shows and books I've read is broken up.  At least I can say this list covers a year and a half... or so.

10.  New Sherlock Holmes mini-series.  Have you seen this?  I think my copy of the first season is... I don't know where it is (this seems to be a reacurring problem). The first time I watched this I had a very hard time understanding the actors and so had no clue what was going on.  Apparently my British just isn't up to snuff... regardless of how enamored I am of BBC movies and shows.  Of course, it doesn't help that this Sherlock is ADHD and Watson has a pretty strong brogue (to my mind anyways).  Its a good thing Emily was with me the first time because she suggested turning on the subtitles.  Ah ha!!  Then I really enjoyed it.  Not really a Sherlock Holmes fan (never read the books or watched any movies so maybe that statement is a little misleading... all I know about him I learned from Data) so maybe that's why I enjoyed this modernized versions of the stories.  The next season is out in Britain but I gotta wait until it's sold here in the US.

11.  I've been trying to keep track of the books I've read by month like my big sister Jenny... Its been interesting to see the results. I don't binge quite as much as I thought.  Mostly because I pick out little YA or children's Newberry award winner type books which I can finish quickly.  Except Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard (apparently there is also a movie).  I blame that binge on Melissa's husband Dan cuz he's the one that suggested it.  I tried to spread it out and kinda succeeded cuz the book is a bit sci fi trite, but it was too long and I finally just gave in and finished it over the weekend.  I've only been keeping track since last August because before that I listened to Harry Potter over and over again as well as the many hours of Miss Read's books.  I'm not going to list all the books I've written down, but I did read Chima's Seven Realms series and kinda enjoyed it... although its fairly predictable and has all the typical teenage girl things (abducted princess in hiding, a forbidden childhood love but we all know who she's gonna really end up with, etc).  I also read Kristin's Cashores new book "Fire" and liked it cuz its a totally different world than her Graceling book.  Typical teenage girl motifs again but at least there were monsters and fighting.  Unfortunately the morals are looser in her books although its not at all overt.  Anyway, I'm sure I'll share more books as time goes on cuz its been so fun to keep track.  Oh ya, and I was a little disappointed with Brandon Sanderson's new book in the Mistborn series.  Wish he'd just get on with the Way of Kings Saga!

12.  Garrows Law mini-series.  I picked this up at Barns and Nobles after one of the sales ladies in Seattle suggested it.  It was an interesting dramatized look into the development of law based on this barrister efforts, ie why we now have innocent until proven guilty.  However, I could see where the relationship between Garrow (who is played by the same actor who plays Jem in the Cranford movies) and that married lady was going.  Although this is based on the life of this man and so they weren't making everything up, I wasn't interested in pursuing the second season.  Melissa watched it though and thought it was OK.  But, once I get it into my head that something is going to be dumb... it takes a lot to change my mind (see Downton Abby).

13.  BBC Historical documentaries of  "A year on the farm" during the Victorian era, Edwardian era, and the 17th century one which is called "Tales from the Green Valley". They also did a Victorian pharmacy and a Christmas at the Victorian farm.  You can watch all of these episodes (Edwardian and 17th century have 12 and the Victorian has 4) on utube in 15 minute increments.  I did look to see if I could buy them but they are only available in England.  Emily LOVES these cuz as you all know she wants to homestead someday, especially since I'm willing and (hopefully will be) able to provide the capital.  I really enjoyed them too, especially since I've been known to research clothing trends during those periods.  My favorite thing was learning about where some of our idioms come from... and, it makes me want to go out and make my own cottage cheese.  I also learned that I would never be able to keep pigs. Chickens, cows, and probably goats but pigs are too smart.  I'll eat 'em prepackaged from the store, thank you very much.  BTW, Peter was my favorite and both boys were in all three era's.

The End... for now.  I'm headed up to Emily's next weekend to work in her garden!  See... sometimes I do work.
PS. Yes Chelsea, I know all about Downton Abby.  Melissa and Christine (biking buddies depending on who's pregnant (slight exaggeration for comedic effect)) both love it but once I decided it was stupid (the first episode I saw dealt with a previous man with man relationship) ... it will take a while before I watch it.  I know I'm a hypocrite cuz sometimes I watch Glee (on Hulu.. I love free Hulu) which is way full of that stuff.  I guess I was just hoping for better from my period drama's.  It also didn't help that at the time I was on a high with Larkrise to Candleford... a really feel good show.

Books and TV show List

1.  I've lost some of my books.  Do you have them?  I'm missing my entire Hunger Games series, DragonHaven by Robin McKinley, and The City of Angels by Cassandra Clare.  It doesn't bother me to borrow out my books, in fact I love to share so I can then discuss, but it does bother me when I can't remember who has them.  I love books!  This is why I can never get a Kindle.  Sometimes I just go and gaze at my books.

2.  Lark Rise to Candleford.  If you haven't watched this BBC TV series, you must not live close to me.  Its been making the rounds in my family and is stuck at the parents in NM or I'd let you borrow it.   Brother Thomas from my ward thinks its a BBC modern version of "Little House on the Prairie" and calls it "Laura cries in Candleford" so you men will probably not enjoy it quite as much, but I did.... and so did a lot of my family and friends.  It's my one weakness.

3.  Miss Read.  If you are looking for some more fun English fluff to keep your mind occupied as you clean your house, cook, or something similar, I have all her books on CD read by 2 English ladies.  Its the kind of book that you can accidentally miss part of while starting the loud washing machine and not have to worry about it.  But I enjoyed the stories... always a happy ending and no brain power required.

4.  I was invited to the Thomas's for scones a couple Sundays ago and we played "Movie Quotes".  Do you ever have a time when you can't remember a single movie let alone a quote?  It was one of those times.  I now have notebook pages filled and ready with my favorite movie quotes.  I probably better keep it in the car.

5.  Jericho. Melissa introduced me to this TV series and now I worry about always having enough gas in my car to leave Vegas.  Talk about a bad place to be when the world ends... hot,dry, arid.  While in the throes of the first of 2 seasons (The library here doesn't have the second season so I just read the synopsis on the Internet) we had a pretty big wind storm during the night. Half dreams of the world ending as/because the wind rushes and rattles does not a good nights sleep make.

6.  librivox.org.  I think I've blogged about this before, but volunteers read chapters of books that are in the public domain.  This is where I found a great reader last year who had done most of the Anne of Green Gables series.  I've listened to other books this way but can't remember which one's right now.  They have Jack Londons books and I know my VT's daughter listened to a couple of Jane Austin books this way when she needed to read for school.  Mm.. maybe I need to see if they have anything new.

7.  Firefly. I would never actively promote the watching of Firefly but very much enjoyed the one season series and subsequent movie. It takes a very special sci fi geek and a willingness to overlooks a few things to enjoy this series... example, one of the characters is a legal prostitute. Fortunately the one episode Bethanie warned me about didn't work on the DVD I borrowed from the library.  Unfortunately, the movie killed people off and I didn't know beforehand.  Arg. There's a reason I waited years before watching the last Star Trek Next Gen movie...

8.  All Creatures Great and Small.  More English fluff.  But apparently you won't like the TV series (made in the late 70's) if you've never read the books.  I enjoyed seeing Mr. Harriot in action... although I'm just now starting the 4th season which they made in the mid to late 80's.  Apparently there was only enough stuff in the books for 3 seasons so when they restarted the show they started making up stuff.  One of the actors said since they were representing real people that were still alive, they couldn't go too crazy with the interpersonal relationships... it really was about the stories in the books.  Maybe that's why I like it and others I've talked to think its kinda slow.  We'll see how these next series go.

9.  Harry Potter.  I'm pretty proud of myself that I haven't listened to the books again (8th times the charm?) or watched the movies in almost 2 months.... My obsession has wound down but I will probably always bear the scars.

And that's only a few of the reasons I've gotten so many crafty things done this last year.  I decided not to list more or blog about my ongoing sewing escapades yet since most of my posts have been about thread, yarn, and glue guns.  Didn't want you to think all I ever do is watch TV shows/listen to books on CD while sewing/knitting/crocheting/gluing.  Sometimes I work.