Surprise!

Even though we were expecting him home at any minute, Michael still managed to surprise us! I had the front door open and the screen up because the house was stuffy so he didn't have to open the squeaky door.

I knew what time his plane was supposed to arrive so when it got to be that time, I started listening for a car to pull into the drive-way. I figured he'd catch a ride with my cousin. Turns out, they came on separate planes so my cousin was already home when Michael arrived. He walked home, instead.

I was in my bedroom trying not to stare at the clock and Lucione was playing games on the computer. I started hearing movement so I went to find her. I was afraid she was going to snack and ruin her dinner. I found her by the computer. I didn't even make it into the living room. I watched her play her game and happened to glance towards the hallway. I saw a shadow.

*gasp* "Lucione!"

"What's the matter?"

I stepped into the hallway and there he was. I had never been so happy to see him. Even Lucione jumped out of her chair. She showed off her stitched-up lip and told him the story of how it happened. Then we had our dinner and took a drive. Some of our roads were paved while he was gone and he wanted to check them out.

We had a very nice time and I tried not to think about how short his stay will be and the fact that he will miss our 7th of August celebration.

He immediately took over the household chores. He wouldn't let me fold the clothes or wash the dishes, even when I said I'd use the dishwasher. We slept late today and right now he's cooking breakfast.

I don't know what today holds for us, but I'm going to do my best to make the most of it. Happy Friday to you all. :o)

My Poor Baby!

This picture has nothing to do with my post...but it looks peaceful and I need that right now.


Lucione left for camping today so I was "supposed" to be able to get some sleep and rest before Michael comes home.

I was in bed when the phone rang around 11:40PM. It was one of the people in charge of the camp. She said they had to take Lucione back from across the bay because she "bit a hole in her lip" and wanted to know if I wanted them to call the clinic. I told her yes and that I would meet her there.

My hands immediately started to shake. I felt queasy and wobbly. I called my nephew and asked him for a ride to the clinic. He has to work tomorrow but he was nice enough to not only bring me up there, but wait for us and bring us back home.

Once I saw Lucione I knew she would be okay. I had imagined it much worse than it was. She had a hole on the outside of her lip and another inside, but she didn't bite through. They were two separate holes.

They were playing Sneak...on the beach and in the woods...in the dark. She was walking, but couldn't see the ground very well. She tripped and fell up against a tree. She was bleeding pretty good and got shaky so they rushed her back to town.

Once in the emergency room, the PA (who happens to be my niece and Lucione's cousin) cleaned the wounds and decided she needed stitches. Lucione doesn't like needles and needed a lot of shots to numb her lip so she was understandably upset. I let her squeeze my hand and I stroked her hair and talked quietly and as calm as I could trying to keep her relaxed.

She got 3 absorbable stitches on the inside of her lip (which looks like the top now because it's still swollen) and one on the outside. She's in the shower now washing her blood off of her neck and then we've got to ice her lip. Tomorrow we have to go back to the clinic for a wound check and she's thinking she might want to go back out camping. There's a boat leaving at 5PM tomorrow.

I'll have to see what the doctor says, I guess. I don't really want her to go but she was so looking forward to this trip. The thing is, she's on antibiotics so I think she might be better off staying home. I'll feel bad telling her because I know she will be heart-broken but I really think it's best.

I'm so glad it wasn't worse than it was. That's the first time I witnessed someone getting stitches and maybe because it was my baby it made me feel a bit queasy at first. Normally blood doesn't bother me. But I got really hot and nauseous for a minute or two.

I'm so proud of her. She came through like a champ. I hope she heals fast so she can put this behind her. Ahh, who am I kidding? I want her to heal fast because I can't stand the idea of her hurting.

Now it's time to tuck her in.

Drip, Drip, Drop Little April Showers

The rain that we've been told was coming for the past week has finally arrived. It felt a bit muggy this morning during the first rain shower, but it's cooled down nicely since then. I love this kind of rain. No wind whatsoever, just the calming dripping sounds of a few rain drops. We don't get this kind of rain very often.

Lucione leaves me again tomorrow. The Boys and Girls Club is taking a bunch of kids on the last camping trip of the Summer. They'll be gone until Friday afternoon. She's excited.

In a way, I'm glad because having her here makes it very hard for me to sleep. I don't know why, but when she's here, it takes me forever to fall asleep and then I wake at every little noise. This is the first time I've realized how loud this neighborhood is late at night. You'd think a town of less than 2000 people would have some quiet time. This town never seems to sleep.

The bad thing is, I don't know how to cook for one. Even cooking for 2 we tend to have left-overs and I'm not good with left-overs.

Enough rambling for tonight. I hope you are well.

Oh, Right! I Have a Blog!

Sheesh...I've neglected my blog this week. I've been doing so well at keeping myself busy that I haven't been spending as much time at my computer.

I survived the first week. I only had one really bad day. That's not to say I haven't been lonesome, but I have been holding myself together.

Theodore didn't stay with me like I was expecting. My mother-in-law took him to town with her. But when he came back, he paid me a visit and had me running all over the house. I swear that kid never gets tired of being tickled. There is just no quit in the kid. He even managed to follow me to the grocery store and talk me into spending $16.00 on him. Yeah, I'm a total sucker. But with a face like that, who could say no? He did, after all, promise to be a very good boy.

Every night I check the weather forecast and every night it says to expect rain. We had a big downpour this morning around 4AM that lasted about 10 minutes and that's been about it. We've managed to stay in the upper 60's this whole week.

Lucione moved out on Tuesday so I've actually been completely on my own for 2 nights. I didn't think I'd like it, but I guess I could get used to it. It definitely cuts down on the dishes and laundry.

I think I just figured why I've been neglecting my blog. I can't think of anything to write about. I'll give it some thought and try again soon.

I Can Do This...I Can Do This...

I said that to myself so many times yesterday. That was the hardest day so far. I know he had only been gone 3 nights up to that point, but for some reason it felt like forever. I had a knot in my stomach all day and if I let myself think for too long, I'd tear up.

I hate feeling like this. I really hope it doesn't feel like this every time he leaves.

I ordered a cell phone today. I've never ever had one and I'm not even entirely sure it will work here, but I had to at least try. Buying phone cards will get very expensive. I'm hoping it works, but if it doesn't work here, I'll send it with Michael when he leaves.

He went to Kings Canyon and (I think) Sequoyia Nat'l Park yesterday. He took over 100 pictures of the huge trees, butterflies, and who knows what else. He was able to walk through a tree that had fallen and been hollowed out. He promised to take me there if/when I get to Fresno to visit him.

(Aimee, I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be going to Santa Maria. I can't swing a plane ticket and its not enough notice for the company. They've already bought Michael's tickets.)

Next he wants to go to another nearby national park. Yosemite? I forgot.

Nothing much to report from my end of things. I've just been taking care of my niece and re-learning how to keep up with laundry and dishes. Those were always Michael's chores.

I'm sure I'll be back to writing regular posts soon.

Finally! Some Alone Time

This is the first time my house has been empty since Michael left. I had Lucione first. She returned from camping and stayed here an extra night. Her mother came and asked her if she was ready to come home. She said, "I'm fine here." So she stayed an extra night.

Lucione moved out and Lindsey asked to spend the night. She was here until late afternoon when she left for a birthday party.

I'm on my own tonight. But only for tonight. Tomorrow Theodore moves in and Lucione comes back.

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Michael is getting used to his new surroundings. He's never been so thankful for air conditioning. When it reaches 70 degrees here, its hot. He's getting temps over 100 degrees.

He's been driving trying to learn his way around and get used to driving on the highways. He's admitted to getting lost but he always manages to end up where he needs to be. Especially with Rick, who's been down there since July 5th, in the car. They got sent to Home Depot yesterday and it took them 3 hours because they got lost. haha They got back to work just in time to take a lunch break.

They start the main job on Monday. Right now they're getting supplies ready to send up here for a project that has to be done in August. It doesn't sound like they're going to let them work at home so after their short stay in Santa Maria, it's back to Fresno.

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The rain has finally stopped long enough to let the sun shine through. We had a nice warm day with hardly any wind and mostly blue skies. I even took a walk this afternoon. I doubt I'll be using the truck while Michael's gone. It's not the same alone. Besides, I don't like paying for the gas. Paying $60 to $80 everytime I visit the pump got old really fast.

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Anyway, just wanted to let you all know I'm alive...doing well...just been busy with kids. It's good, in a way, because it's kept me busy. I'll blog when I can.

Well, Folks...It's Official

Our new life-style has begun. Of course, it hasn't really hit me yet because he walked out the door just 4 hours ago. I must say, though, after having a couple of emotional days leading up to today, I was rather calm when he left. I didn't cry when we said our goodbyes and I felt very calm and peaceful.

The last couple of days were completely different, though. It seemed as if I was crying all the time. Michael didn't quite know how to take it. He'd just comfort me as best he could until the moment passed and I was once again able to catch my breath.

I became quite angry with myself a few times because of all the emotion I was experiencing. I've no right to complain when I have relatives who have been in Iraq, away from their families, for the better part of a year. I've no right to feel sorry for myself when there are plenty of other families in the same situation as I am. Why do I deserve to be so selfish?

Then I'd think of all the "what-if's" and start crying again. Michael's never lived away from home before. He's never driven on a freeway. What if he has a car accident? What if the doctors were wrong to give him clearance? What if he has a heart attack and I'm not there?

I couldn't get my mind to stop...for 2 days straight. Monday I was okay. Probably because I was in shock that it actually was going to happen. Tuesday and Wednesday were really hard for me. Add to that the fact that his parents insisted on giving him a "Going-Away Dinner". I wanted to think about anything but the fact that my husband was leaving...and that's all they wanted to talk about.

I'm okay right now, though. I understand that this will be a major adjustment. But I keep telling myself that it's for the best. It's extremely difficult to find work here so this was necessary. If he ends up not liking all the travel, then he can stop. But I'm not going to stop him. Not until I give this an honest chance. If you ask me, one week together a month does not a marriage make, but it's more than some families get. I'm trying to be thankful that he even has a job.

I'm also thankful that his first trip away is only 2 weeks. He'll be back on July 28th for a short stay.

Lucione just came back from her camping trip. She smells like a campfire. I need to do some laundry.

Thank you all for your concern. All of your comments touched me. I'll be okay. I always am. I just need a little time to adjust.

The Phone Call

We finally got the phone call. Not just any call...THE call. The one Michael's been waiting for and I've been sorta half dreading.

He leaves Thursday. They faxed his itinerary today. He's going to Fresno until the 28th. He'll come home and leave here again on August 1st for Santa Maria. Then he'll return back home on the 18th. Those are the only tickets they've bought him so far. I don't know if that means he'll have a project here in August (someone from the company does...I don't know if Michael is a part of that crew yet) or if they only buy 4 tickets at a time.

I'm kinda bummed because he'll miss the 7th of August celebration and most likely our anniversary and my birthday as well. I've missed 7th of August before because I was at my mom's but we've never been apart on our anniversary.

I'm trying really hard to want this because I know Michael does. It means steady employment throughout the winter. That's next to impossible living here. I should be happy about that. But I hate the idea of only seeing him 1 week out of each month. It's not even a full week, either. It's 5 days...including travel to and from home. So really he's only home for 3 days. I hate that.

I really do.

Scrumptious Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake!

I'd say "Lucione and I" baked a cheesecake today, but all I did was tell her what to do. She actually "made" it. It turned out sooo good! She wasn't about to leave the house without dessert so I had to cut it while it was still a bit warm, but oh my goodness it was delicious!

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Michael fried up some halibut cheeks for dinner. I made a pitcher of Kool-Aid to drink. It was a packet of invisible watermelon-kiwi. I stood at the sink with the water running and Lucione didn't pay attention to what I was doing.

I poured her a glass and brought it to the table. She asked, "What is this? Water?" She was surprised because I normally let her have juice or soda with her meals. I told her to taste it and she asked if it was Fruit 2-O. I told her I poured it out of a pitcher. I would not fill a pitcher with flavored bottled water.

"Where did the water come from, then?"

I told her, "It came from the sink."

"Nuh uh. Is it one of those big bottles of sparlking water?"

So then I ask, "Do you see sparkles in the water? I promise you, the water in that pitcher came from the sink!"

I didn't say the "flavor" came from the sink...just the water! She went to the sink, put her finger under running water and put her finger in her mouth.

"Aunty Kerri, the water in the sink just tastes like water. Where did you get your water?"

"I'm serious. I got the water from the sink. Honest."

If she had only asked the right question, I could have told her that it was invisible Kool-Aid. But she didn't ask where the flavor came from...she kept asking where I got the water.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

I spotted this on Celti's blog and thought I would give it a go. What do you think? Is it me?

You are dreamy, peaceful, and young at heart. Optimistic and caring, you tend to see the best in people. You tend to be always smiling - and making others smile. You are shy and intelligent... and a very hard worker. You're also funny, but many people don't see your funny side. Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Lucione Moves in Today

Space Cadet and her husband are taking Lindsey fishing...for a week. So Lucione is moving in with me. She'll be here for about 3 nights and then the Boys and Girls Club will take her camping for 3 nights. I'll have her for another night or 2 and then she'll move back home. I think.

Their original plan was to switch the girls off every week. But Lucione doesn't want a turn. I don't know how often they'll open fishing so I'm not sure how much time she'll be spending at my house.

I already bought ingredients so we can bake. I stocked the freezer with sherbet because she refuses to eat ice cream. I bought her favorite cereal (Fruity Pebbles, haha) and some "numbers" (The little gummy fruit snacks that come in the shape of every character imaginable. When the first grandchild in the family was born, the snacks only came in numbers and letters. Since then, they've been called "numbers".)

Depending on when she decides to show up, we may bake tonight. I've been craving cheese cake. We'll be making Raspberry Swirl.

We actually got a break from the rain today. That meant Michael got the entire day off. A nice change of pace. Hopefully, he'll get tomorrow off, too. This waiting game is getting to be too much for me. I don't especially like the idea of him working from home but this not knowing is driving me nuts. At least if I knew, I'd be able to come to terms with it.

Ah well, I hope you all are having a good weekend.

Lurkers

I've noticed I have a lot of lurkers...who seem to keep coming back but choose not to comment. That's fine, because I tend to do that, too. But there's one that has got me wondering because they're as close to me as they can get without being from my town.

Someone is reading from "The First City"...and has been back many times.

Random Bits

Michael talked to his boss last night. He said they hadn't reviewed his medical report yet because their doctor is on vacation. *shaking head* I'm so tired of this. I guess they are just being cautious, but how many doctors have to say he is healthy before they believe it?

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I went to a wedding reception and a baby shower yesterday. I forgot my camera, unfortunately, but trust me when I say that my new nephew is quite handsome. :o)

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We've had rain for a week straight now. It's supposed to continue through the weekend. Everytime I think the clouds are going to break, we get another downpour. It's keeping Michael busy, though, so I guess that's good. He has to drain and filter contaminated run-off so when it rains he puts in a full days work.

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Space Cadet goes back to work in one month. That means I have about one month and two weeks left before I return. Time seems to be flying by.

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The Boys and Girls Club has taken the kids camping. That means my house has been especially quiet the past couple days. I miss the constant slamming of my door as my nieces and nephews run in and out all day.

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I heard a plane this morning which hopefully means the mail made it in. I'm off to check. Have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend!

The 4th of July

The 4th of July is a big deal around here. True, Alaska was not a part of the United States when independence was achieved, but since statehood, our community,as small as we are, has had men involved in every major war. For this community, Independence Day is a day to celebrate not just the day the U.S. gained its independence, but what has been done since then to keep this country as great as it is. We celebrate the veterans and all that they stand for. We remember those who have served, in every branch of the military, and came home heroes. We remember the POW's, MIA's, and those who were delivered back home in caskets. We celebrate for each and every one of them.

This year, my 4th of July started at 8AM. I was exhausted, but got up anyway, because we had promised to cart our nieces and nephews around to make sure they got a spot on the fire trucks.



It was raining, but we didn't let that stop us. Not by a long shot.





The parade was short this year because of the weather, but the kids who did join seemed to be having a lot of fun.



After the parade, we all gather at what was once a ballfield. It's now basically a parking lot and I can't imagine it ever being a baseball field but if my Yaya says it was, it was. There are tons of booths selling all kinds of not-so-good-for-you-but-really-yummy-food and toys.





After the prizes for the parade participants are announced, the races and contests begin. They have events for all ages. There's the sand pit for 2 to 5 year olds where they get to dig for coins. There are running races, 3-legged races, slow bike races, a Duck Walk race, tug-of-war, watermelon eating contests, apple peeling contests, nail driving contests, egg and water balloon tosses, and an egg carry where the kids have to carry an egg in a spoon. The events are a lot of fun to watch and there are money prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers.



Even Lucione, who is always complaining about being cold, managed to have a blast. Here she is with her cousin Courtney on the left and her best friend Jasmine on the right. The fact that she won 1st in her slow bike race was just icing on the cake.



That's Lindsey in the white t-shirt. She won first place in her race and 3rd in her 3-legged race.



This is my nephew Chatam (in the black) getting ready for the Duck Walk.

After the events were over, we all went home to dry off, haha. The fireworks were not a sure thing because by 3PM the rain was coming down so hard it sounded like hail. We didn't need to worry, though. By 8PM the rain stopped and at 10PM when the fireworks started, it was a very light mist and low overcast.

Thanks to Jasmine (pictured above) I was able to get some pretty good shots of the fireworks. She was born completely deaf but is quite capable of speaking well enough to be understood by anyone who will listen. She was standing next to me hollaring, "Now! Now! Now!"











After the main fireworks ended, at Midnight, we picked up Michael's cousin and his cousin's son and took them for a drive. We went out to the runway where there were a lot of families lighting their own fireworks. You could look in any direction and see fireworks. It was very loud, but such a sight to see. By 1AM we were totally exhausted and made our way home.

So that was my 4th of July. The good news is, we get to do it all over again on August 7th when we celebrate the founding of this great community I have the honor and privledge to live in.

Where Do I Begin?

Let's see...Friday afternoon was spent entertaining Theodore. He had already spent 2 nights here and was planning on a third. As it turned out, my sister-in-law invited him to spend the night and Michael took that as his cue to plan a trip to Town.

I stayed up way too late and got up way too early, but we made the ferry and started on our way. Once in Town we cashed Michael's check and made a stop at Wal-Mart so that I could buy gifts for my newest nephew and then went to my sister-in-law's house to visit for a bit. We then went to lunch at a restaurant we had never tried before. We spent a lot of time just driving around wasting time. It was nice to not feel so rushed.

That evening we went to the theater and saw both the Herbie and Batman movies. It's a good thing I had my very first double-shot iced mocha on the way to the theater or I might not have been able to stay awake. I had caramel syrup added and I enjoyed it very much! I don't know what made me try it, (I'm not usually a coffee drinker) but I'm glad I did.

Sunday morning I got up way too early, once again, and we were eating breakfast by 7AM. We had no plans, except to pick up some snacks at the grocery store before boarding the ferry at 2PM. We ended up driving roads way up in the mountains that we had never even known existed until that day. I tried my second iced mocha, with coconut syrup this time, and we hit the grocery store.

We got home by 4:30 and our company was expected to show up at 7:00. I quickly put the first cake in the oven and started preparing the snacks. Thankfully, I found some vegetable trays at the grocery store so only had to make my shrimp dip and do some spot cleaning.

The family showed up right on time and Michael enjoyed his party. His mother seemed to enjoy herself too, which was a big relief to me.


Lucione was the party photographer so a lot of them came out dark because she wasn't using the flash. This is Michael with his youngest sister (The one I lovingly call Space Cadet aka Lucione and Lindsey's mother.) showing off her sweatshirt she personalized for her big brothers special day.


The cake was frosted by Lucione and Bryn and Theodore put on the sprinkles.


Mikayla could not wait for her cake and ice cream. I don't know if it was because she was hungry or because I had given her permission to eat in the bedroom.

He got some new clothes and shoes and my cake was a hit. Couldn't have asked for more. ;o)

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I am going to be so exhausted by the time this weekend is over! Not that I'm complaining. It's going to be a lot of fun if I can manage to stay awake. I had Theodore here for 2 nights so I'm not well rested. I was up way too late last night (Thanks a lot, Ahka! j/k) and got up way too early this morning. We're going to town and spending the night. Michael's got a paycheck to cash and he wants to see a movie. Who am I to say no? His birthday is tomorrow! hehe

Sunday when I get back, I'll have to quickly bake a cake. He insists on what he calls a double-decker. Meaning, I have to bake 2 cakes and plop one on top of the other with a layer of frosting in between. His family will be coming over. As much as I'd like to be selfish with him, I don't want to deal with the whining complaints of my mother-in-law. She always "forgot" to give Michael a birthday party while he was growing up. So now it's my job to make up for it. Whatever. I'm just doing it because Michael really wants cake. How do I know this? He went and bought the cake mix himself. Silly guy.

Monday will be another early morning. Have to cart all the nieces and nephews around to make sure they get to the parade line-up in time to ride the fire engines. The parade starts at 10AM. It will be followed by races and contests and the eating of tons of not-so-good-for-you-but-really-yummy-food. Around 10PM there will be a fireworks display and soon after that is done, I'll come home to collapse.

Needless to say, I probably won't have time to blog while doing all this, but I'll tell ya all about it when I get back. I hope you all have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend. Take care and I'll be back on Tuesday. *hugs*