To Do List

There are some pretty interesting events in and around Reno that happen in September and October. It is my hope to attend some of them NEXT year since this year I am way too preoccupied with my house and unpacking and organizing and all that. I thought you might like to hear about a few things lest you still think Carson City is the gateway to Siberia...

Click Here to see a cool high speed video of the Reno Balloon Races. Happens yearly around the second week in September.

Complimenting the Reno Balloon race weekend is the Virginia City Camel Races held that same weekend. I find this odd and hilarious and it will be a must see event on the calendar next year.

Even better on a weekend in early October Virginia City holds the World Championship Outhouse races. Seriously, how could you not want to miss a derby like that???


I'll leave you with this:
Click Here to watch the trailer to the movie "Players" just released on DVD that was shot in Carson City! Who knew? There may have to be a movie night at my house for this one.

Oh, and this that I just noticed out my kitchen window. I have one of those beautiful trees on the side of the house that is putting on a show.

YUP!

It is strangely hazy around the mountain peaks today but that is indeed SNOW. Tuesday the mountains got snow, we got rain and a low ceiling of dark clouds. Ummm...it's only October right?

Everybody Do The Candy Dance

The first official weekend of fall is known for two things in Northern Nevada. I partook of one while everyone and their Harley headed to Reno for Street Vibrations, which is the other. I've yet to participate in Street Vibrations since I don't yet own a motorcycle though I have plans at some point to become a motorcycle ridin' gal. I did take my Motorcycle Safety course and passed so that's half of it there.

Many a motorcycle can be seen making their way to Genoa at the base of the Sierra's for the annual two day Candy Dance and Arts Fair. The motorcyclists are, no doubt, headed here.



The Genoa Thirst Parlor - established in 1863. It is a favorite spot for cyclists to stop for a refreshment. I often wonder if the cyclists know that they are headed into a beehive of a street faire going on all around the bar.

The Genoa Candy Dance was started in 1919 as a dance and supper to raise money for streetlights in the tiny town. Candy was passed out at the dance as a way to entice more participation. With the success of the event it continued on paying for a years worth of electricity each successive year. It has evolved into a two day street fair featuring arts and crafts, food, a dance and supper, along with the sale of some of the best sugary concoctions including Pecan Turtles, Chocolate Haystacks, Fudge, Divinity, Almond Bark....these are just a few of the favorites. This year I purchased the fudge and divinity. The divinity was the most delicious I have tasted since christmas at my Grandmother's many, many years ago. Excellent fudge, too. There is also a woman who makes English Toffee to swoon over. I had some of that too.


The purchasing of candy happens here. At the Town Hall building.

After a morning of sauntering around looking at peoples wares and sneaking bites of english toffee, my sister and I picked up a Navajo Taco and sat for a bit of lunch. A Navajo Taco is new to me but it was simple and delicious. Fry bread topped with chili beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions. The bread was awesome and it was quite filling.



We sat in the shade of this beautiful tree and had lunch.

With the mountains to gaze at. Very beautiful and serene.

A nice way to spend an official fall afternoon. And sugary treats to take home!

Fall Upon Us

What have I been doing? Where have I been? Good question...where should I start. I am recovering from the effects of a rather unpleasant sinus infection that required antibiotics and made working in a face mask that much more pleasant. Though the antibiotics have done their job I am still feeling sluggish and not 100% and come home in the evenings and pretty much climb in bed by 9 PM which means the TiVo is running overtime while all the new and returning shows I am trying to watch go by the wayside in favor or more sleep. Add on, the not necessarily stressful but stressful just the same, starting work in a new office and getting acquainted and organized and now juggling two offices part-time and the fact that the office space in the new house looks like a tornado hit it while I attempt to wrestle it into some sort of less chaotic order meanwhile, obcessing over the boxes of just junk that needs to be shredded that are waiting for attention in the garage. HMM, that about covers the minutae of it all.

There were family visits in the last few weeks, a day at the Genoa Candy Dance which I will explain along with pictures of Genoa but I wouldn't want to present this all to you until I've got my research and history correct cuz that would just be wrong. Still candy has been known to make me dance so it's a good visual there I think. Swaying to the music of a well made piece of fudge...it could happen.

All that plus beautiful fall foliage, we get some amazing color here, the first rain of the season, a dusting of snow on the Heavenly Valley peaks today, temperatures dropping, heaters revving up and the weekend figuring out how to shut down and drain the swamp cooler.

I'll be back with photos.

Found

My backyard has just acknowledged the official start of autumn coming up this weekend. My trees are so smart!

Vast Variety of Virgos

Now that the Virgo birthdays in my family have come to an end we can all catch our breath and plan for the normal spacings of birthdays. August/September in my family is a whirlwind of Virgos, more Virgos per square inch than any other group.


This is Virgo MMniece with her two kiddles, the littlest of which is also a Virgo.

These gorgeous identical twins are the Virgo daughters of MMnephew. They just turned 3!

Here's Virgo MMnephew with one of his Virgo daughters

Here's Virgo MMsister with the littlest Virgo. The littlest Virgo just turned 1!

Here's Virgo MMbrother-in-law with the littlest Virgo.



Now the great part of all these virgos is the sheer number of MMfamilial gatherings, this year topped off by the suprise party for MMbrother-in-law, who suspected nothing, though I believe he was seriously contemplating divorce by the time MMsister got him to the party. MMfamily, not really well schooled in the fine art of lying, had a wild time keeping the stories straight and piling lies and excuses one on top of the other. MMherself had to figure out how to sneak down to the Bay Area without MMbro-in-law knowing which wasn't easy considering they live 4 blocks from me. Whee, I can safely say MM and family are full of cake and kids and parties and everyone can settle down for a bit.

September 11th

Cruisin'

Last Wednesday I worked my last day at the South Lake Tahoe office I have been temping in since July. (Did I ever think to take my camera....umm...no)

Some things I will miss:

Watching the sun creep up over the mountains in Carson City as I drive along the ridge of my neighborhood out to the highway.
The “bear crossing” signs along the top of Spooner Summit...these make me smile for no reason
The glimpse of Spooner Lake as I head down the Summit into Tahoe. Awesomely serene.
The first breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe as you round the corner of Highway 50. Big and Blue.
Cave Rock...it’s the coolest thing. You drive through it.
The sweet, clean morning air filtering through evergreens as I drive through Zephyr Cove.
The glimpse of mountain cabins and houses along the way into South Lake.
The open meadow that leads the eye to the view of the high rise casinos that are South Lake Tahoe...looks like a miniature city plopped down in the mountains.
The sign for Heavenly Valley ski resort that just says “Heavenly” which is a fairly accurate description.
The meandering ease of Pioneer Trail, which is a welcome backroad, rather than the drive through all of South Lake.
A wonderful ranch just before Al Tahoe Blvd, where I turn, where there is a large white barn and a huge meadow where you will see white horses grazing. The first time I noticed this, in the early morning hours, struck me as a dream or the setting for a fairy tale.
A one hour commute with maybe 5 stop lights and time for a full CD to play.
This view from my work space:



I won’t miss getting up at the crack of dawn to travel there. I won’t miss the increasing congestion of traffic as the summer wore on. I most certainly won’t miss all three huge road construction projects that gave off a badly designed video game vibe. I won’t miss the sticker shock at the pump.

Not that I won’t travel to South Lake many times more...it’s just that the likelyhood of doing it at 6:30 in the morning is pretty slim. For being such a cranky pants morning person I am suprised at how much I looked forward to this early morning ride. Beautiful. It’s why I live here.

I was rewarded with an easy office to work in and an office staff that was helpful, appreciative, and nice. They gave me this as a parting gift. Sweet, huh?

By Summer's End?

MMspouse asked me a few days ago "So, when does the snow melt completely?"
Um....maybe September???


Highway 89, August 25, 2006...Still a bit of snow up there.

MMMMM....Breakfast!

These delicious looking goodies were waiting for me when I got home this evening. Good friends W&D sent cookies to celebrate the new house. YUM, throw on some decafe and it's a party!!

Halfway

Today is the half way point of my week. I am working more than usual this week and last week. Throw in a very fun and busy visit from MMmom and MMniece and assorted tots and you have a reasonably happy yet overly tired Moxie. I am determined not to let this period of intense work get to me and I will stoically keep the whining to a minimum since it is so rare I overwork myself.

Since I am halfway or somewhat settled into the new house I have actually found some time to read. Ahh, books - I have been so distracted in the past few months that nothing got read and my stacks were keening and calling me but to no avail. I had to jump back in with a fitting summer beach read "Motion to Suppress" by Perri O'Shaughnessy. P. O'S. being a pen name for two sisters who write mysteries revolving around lawyer Nina Riley. The cool part of this series of books is that they are set in Lake Tahoe...yup, that big blue lake right over the hill from me. I actually drive by the building they use as the setting for Nina Riley's office when I work in South Lake Tahoe. I wouldn't know anything about this if my buds W&D hadn't given me one of the books right after I moved to this area. I have also tackled Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking." I've never been much of a Didion fan but I do like John Gregory Dunne's writings and have a signed copy of "Monster in a Box" from a reading he did in San Francisco. I wasn't sure I wanted to read a memoir of Mr. Dunne's demise....however, it did capture my attention, it is wonderfully written without being maudlin, with a lot of quirky descriptions of the way grief has it's way with you. It's a beautiful tribute and a lovely insight into their relationship. I've just started Augusten Burrough's "Dry", my niece has the companion "Running with Scissors" so there is to be a trade off down the road if she ever finds time to read again.

With that I'm off to watch a rerun of "House". Love that Hugh Laurie, can't wait for the new season.

Entomology 101

Latest visitor to my house. He appeared to have fallen off the roof. There was much discussion as to why he was on the roof. He was determined to climb up the screen. First we relocated him to the grasslands of the backyard. Next thing ya know, he's back at the screen. Figured he would like to be back on the roof, so after watching his progress up the screen halt at the top he was corraled into a big bowl and released back to the roof. He scampered away at a rapid rate. I think he must live in the oak tree on the opposite side of the roof from whence he came.

RIP

A brief moment of silence as I mourn the end of my chuckle a day. Thanks to punk rock knitter and knitty kitty at You Knit What? for witticisms and jaw dropping fugness in the knitting world.

Suprised

My co-workers threw me a house-warming lunch today at work. It was such a nice suprise. There was lunch with deli sliced meat and cheese, amazing wheat rolls, an awesome fruit salad, and potato salad as well. Then we capped it off with a chocolate cream pie.....tipped over with glee I was. Then there were presents. I couldn't believe it! How sweet and thoughtful was that? What a great gang I work with. They graced me with an amazingly soft chenille throw to cuddle up in. A beautiful silver candle holder and candle with a yummy sugar and floral scent, a spice rack with stuff I might actually use...there were jokes about the possibility of me cooking. A great welcome sign for my door. The topper though is a beautiful watercolor painting. This painting was at work one day. My co-worker L.'s mother is an artist. The painting was L.'s. She had brought it to work so her mother could pick it up for a show she wanted it included in. I just loved it. L. assured me that her mother would paint something for me in the future. Lo and behold, L. gave me the painting I loved so much. This photo doesn't do it justice, there's so much shading and delicate detail it is hard to believe it is watercolor. L.'s mom is truly gifted and I am proud to display such a beautiful piece in my new home.

Though we do have a penchant for luncheon's and party's and dessert at work, especially for birthdays and I joked that they did this because they needed a reason and my birthday is too far off, I'm truly touched that they would have a lunch for me and give me gifts for my new house. Sweet, Sweet day.

Welcome!

This is what you will see after you walk up to my door, lean over and admire the cherry tree on the side of the house, and then turn around. Those lovely mountain peaks. AAAHHHH!

As you can see I live on a hill which I like. The other good thing is that the driveway now has a southern exposure and that will come in very handy come snow season. At our rental we had a north facing driveway. It was rather disheartening to be out shoveling the driveway when all the houses with south facing driveways were clear thanks to the sun exposure. I anticipate less need to shovel the driveway this winter and that is a nice bonus.

There's a hint of excitement in the air. Rumor has it Trader Joe's is coming to Carson City. No one seems to know just where this store will be but there's also a rumor of a September opening. There are several new buildings going up in the Topsy Lane shopping area which is 2 stop lights from my house and 2 new buildings that are almost completed in the Target shopping center which is 1 stop light from my house.. There are several empty retail establishments in Carson City that may be likely candidates as well. Either way I will be a happy camper. Once again I will have a Trader Joe's close to my house.

Nevada elections are coming up and with it the vast quantities of campaign signage that goes with it. From one end of Carson City to the other and down to Minden and Gardnerville there are signs everywhere. I'm watching the Jack Carter (D) for Senate race closely and the race for governor. That one is a no brainer for me. I always vote pro-choice and Dina Titus (D) is pro-choice. It's that simple. As in California so shall it be in Nevada, I hope. I'm a woman, it's my body, etc. It's important for the younger generation of women to have choices, options, access to Planned Parenthood, education. None of these things are to be taken lightly. Many fought hard for a woman's right to choose and I'd like to see that right upheld.

As I wobble off my soapbox I'll remind you to vote for whom ever floats your boat.
Exercise your right to choose.

MINE

August 1st was the year anniversary of my move to Carson City. I celebrated the day by mailing my first mortgage payment on my new home. If only that thrill could maintain itself over the next thirty years. Ha! Still she's lovely even though it looks from the photo like I bought a door, a couple windows, and a garage. Most of the house is tucked back off the street which is nice for peace and quiet. There's no showing off the interior because it's not nearly in show off condition but there are fewer boxes to trip over and quite a few more were carted off to recycling last week. Phew, that was a relief...cardboard was making me dizzy. Thanks to the inexpensive home warranty we purchased we were able to get the refrigerator water feature repaired and up and running for very few dollars and get the swamp cooler (such a classy name)serviced so it runs at maximum efficiency which came in handy when temperatures hovered in the 100's for two weeks....

Last friday we installed a really quiet garage door opener and 3 ceiling fans. Okay, wait...MMspouse and I picked them out and then we paid people to come install them. It was a significant home improvement and I'm quite proud of increasing the value of my home so easily. The bonus was all the money came from a rebate after close of escrow for fees that had been estimated and turned out to be less. It was an awesome treat to go out and be able to shop for stuff, pay cash, and have money left to pay people to install it all.

I'm still pretty amazed that I was able to do this and that I did it in a year's time. Like MMmom always told me "You can do anything you put your mind to!" It's awfully nice for this lifelong apartment dweller to sit on the deck steps and run my feet through grass in my own backyard. It occured to me tonight that the refrigerator is mine....not a loaner....funny little things like that keep happening. I've got lots of ideas of things to do over the next couple months and years. Meanwhile, I'm gonna live here for awhile and settle in and see what really needs to be done next. Could be flowers. Could be paint. Got 30 years to decide.

Tech Trouble

Who knew that moving just four measly blocks would upset the whole apple cart that is my DSL line. Unbelievable! So, now we are on Cable internet and now I have to configure my laptop to a router so I can be wi-fi once more. Sheesh. Once that bit of tech torture is completed I will be up and running and pictures will come forth and all will be right in my world. Meanwhile, I am emptying boxes and organizing my new home and I just really can't believe this is taking so long but there you have it.

MMspouse actually uttered these words to me whilst we were out pricing ceiling fans and garden hoses...."well, if we are talking about decorating we need a theme!" I almost tipped over....then promptly told him I am not so much a theme person and when did he become a decorative kind of guy?

So, the month of July has passed in a blur of unpacking, troubleshooting our swamp cooler and our fridge, a two week heat wave, and yet more ridiculous bureaucratic red tape from the Nevada Dental Board.

Bring on August....July pretty much sucked!!!

Home on the Ridge

GOT THESE!



THESE TOO!



NOW THIS!

Real photos soon.

Earth, Wind, and Fire

photo courtesy of aroundcarson.com

This is what I couldn't take my eyes off of last night while I drove home from work. Dry lightning (another new thing to me) created a substantial brush fire in the Northeast of Carson City. It started Sunday and burned until it was contained today. With up to seven fires burning in Northwest Nevada resources were scarce, the sky was black with smoke and the fire went on for days. It was scary to watch a hillside burn from my ridge across town. I can't imagine what hell it would be to be living near the fire in North Carson City. I was driving behind a car today whose driver was casually flicking his cigarette ashes out the window and I seriously would have liked to kick his door in or pummel him on that outstretched arm. Folks, we've got record high temperatures, afternoon thunderclouds with dry lightning, and mountains ready to blaze up with just the slightest provacation....do you think you could use the ashtray in your car! GGRRR! The thunderclouds finally opened up today and let loose some rain.

My other preoccupation: closing escrow this week. Besides the paperidge, which I spoke of previously, it seems it is not possible to close a house without the inevitable last minute details that require digging through boxes of old tax returns, tracking down stray W-2's, running to an office store to fax documents, making far to many phone calls, and being glued to my cell phone. Consequently, I feel as if I am in a constant state of distraction, have an amazing compulsion to make lists and of course, forget said list and needed documents when I leave the house. Monday I jumped in my car for yet another errand and realized I had left my keys in the house and had locked myself out. Bravo! Luckily, I had the forsight to make and hide a spare house key...for which I promptly patted myself on the back.

Generally, I imagine myself to be handling this process fairly well, I have to laugh at myself when life smacks me and says...silly girl, you are sooo all over the place. I took my sister with me today for the final walk through. Good thing, I was just so busy gawking and admiring my soon to be new abode that I really would not have noticed any of the repairs and such we were there to inspect.

Finally, I must share a moment that makes me a proud aunt. One of the best conversations I had with my college niece when she was visiting: As we are driving up the highway from Minden to Carson City we are discussing books. My niece keeps a list of books and authors she wants to read (that really must be the auntie gene).We talk about her books and authors and generally get all geeky and bookish. I am thrilled that some of my favorites are on her list and that I can gush about this or that book while my niece nods and bobs her head in that way that only another bookish gal understands. I am just so thrilled that she loves books and that I can share that love.

AuRevoir Bob

I found Bob's mom. During one of Bob's visits I put a collar on him with a note taped to it asking if the owner of the cat we call Bob would call me. She called. She lives four houses up on the corner of our street. She was very grateful that we contacted her. Especially when we told her we were moving and if no one claimed Bob, Bob would be moving too...so strong has my attachement to Bob become. She seemed very suprised that Bob had taken up residence here part-time. She claimed that Bob came home every night. Ha, that Bob...catting around in my yard at all hours while Bob's mom thinks Bob is home safe in bed...Bob must be a teenager. She laughed that we named Bob since we obviously have no respect for gender. She calls Bob Monkey, having no respect for species. Still, I am grieving the loss of Bob's company. Bob was here for almost a week after we spoke to Bob's mom. Then suddenly Bob no longer appeared. No Bob for almost 10 days. I miss Bob. Bob was very attentive and liked to be scratched and would sit in my lap and just hang out. Bob was a very relaxing end to my work days. Bob was just a great, sweet cat and I will miss that sweet face.

Stacks

I was warned. Though many things go into buying a home it appears the paperidge, in vast quantities, is the thing people remember most. Large manila envelopes full of stacks of paper have arrived at my house. Yikes! It doesn't help that I am still toting what feels like cotton balls around in my head making it difficult to absorb any information of the printed variety. Then again perhaps the denial is wearing off and the shock has set in. I'm buying a house. WTF! It appears my mind will be sifting through various stages of thought and emotion over the next two weeks. I'm feeling roller-coaster-ish. A good aspect of it all is that half of my stuff has been in boxes for over a year. Imagine my suprise, when I actually get to unpack them, at all the forgotten treasures stored therein. Whee, it'll be like christmas!

Meanwhile, I should be packing BUT my angel from Flagstaff (aka College Niece) is visiting so there's much to do with her. We are going out to Virginia City today. I have yet to visit this old mining town. We've gone to lunch and a movie earlier this week and browsed used books in town. So that's the plan, even though my mind wants to toy mercilessly with odd words and phrases from these stacks of paper I am off to have a little fun and roam old time Nevada.

Down for the Count

AAAGGGHHHHH! I'm sick. I stayed home today. I had chicken noodle soup and vast quantities of kleenex. I am chugging orange juice. I think today is the worst of it and tomorrow I will feel better. Lesson learned: as soon as you utter the words "I never get sick" you will and it will happen when there is too much going on. I have learned to roll with the whole succumb to it, loll in it...because I do know that is what my body wants and needs. Loafing in bed and watching crappy television...just because.

New Vocabulary

Lots of new words today. ESCROW! Mortgage...contract...pest inspection. Yup, I'm in escrow! First day in fact. All I know is I am sitting and staring at my rental house and wondering what the hell I should do. I actually don't believe this is happening or I am in major denial that I am 45 days away from moving into a house that will be mine. Of course, we all know the slight shiver and dread of moving and here I am...doing it again!!! Jeezus, I am crazy! Plus, first house buying adventure = I really don't know what the hell happens here. Luckily, my realtor and my lender seem to be bonding over my new escrow status and I am feeling like I don't have to worry much. I can console myself with the fact that the move itself should be fairly easy. Four blocks from my current residence...I'm thinking, if I am lucky I can round up all my co-workers and all their SUV/trucks and just have them shuttle back and forth while I load and unload...of course, I'm not sure they would volunteer their services but I'm not shy...I'll ask....I'll weeddle...I'll cajole...or I'll rent a truck for a day and shuttle it back and forth.

Needless to say there's a bit of excitement afoot. A lovely little house, a bit smaller than my rental, nicely painted, new tile, high ceilings, small (read: manageable) back yard with deck, view of my beloved mountains, appliances included. Phew, I'm getting choked up here...so let the list making begin while I mull over the pressing question of "What about Bob?"

Step On In

Have I got your attention now?
Finally, today I got my first look at the new Dillard's store in the new mall that opened in May, the Sierra Summit. My friend K. and I decided to meet in the shoe department at Dillard's because we both had heard from various other women that the shoe department is a sight to behold in an area severly lacking in BIG shoe departments. We entered the store and this long expanse of shoes lined the entire right side of the store, it extended out to what appeared to be the horizon. In typical girl fashion we both let out a huge "aahhh" and proceeded to browse for upwards of an hour. Stocked to the rafters with cute shoes, reasonably priced shoes, some expensive salon shoes, a few really ugly shoes, and a ridiculous 40 something woman taking pictures. And this that you see is only about a third of the department. I was shoe-phoric. I did, alas, settle for living vicariously through my friend as she bought several pairs. The trip itself was designed to distract me from obcessing over what I hope will be fabulous, big news but I'm not ready to disclose it until said news is confirmed and positive and oh, I can't talk about it....it was a great distraction.
Though the mall is severly lacking in eating establishments at this point, there are several restaurants that should be moving in soon. It is not pedestrian friendly. My idea would be to build a huge parking garage somewhere behind the mall where you can go park your car and grab a golf cart to cruise around the place, or a scooter, maybe a tram like at disneyland....Still, if you just want to pop into Williams Sonoma you just pull up right in front of the store. I'm curious if this actually works on a weekend during prime shopping hours and I'm not sure it will be easy at all when the snow falls...and yes, I am that easily distracted by a room full of shoes, though my mind keep trying to figure out "If the big news happens will I be able to come back anytime soon and actually buy a couple pair?"

Twentysomething

This lovely, slightly windswept visage is the reason I went to see this guy last night.

Had she been here her two aunties would have taken her with them. Alas, she is in Flagstaff preparing for or recovering from a fabulous cocktail party to usher in her 20th year. My niece has amazing and impeccable musical taste and for that I am grateful since I am at a point in my life where "keeping up" is not always on my list of things to do. She played Jamie Cullum's CD for me two years ago while visiting for the holidays. She raved about his talent and his song writing abilities. She was spot on. I am so glad I got to see him perform live and I was enamoured with his music, his stage presence, and his impish CUTENESS.

For the birthday girl, you are loved and cherished. And thanks for keeping the aunties up to date.
But I'm still having fun and I guess that's the key
I'm a twentysomething and I'll keep being me
THESE ARE THE DAYS
-jamie cullum-

Lucky Girl

I want to thank you for so many gifts
You gave me love and tenderness
I want to thank you
I want to thank you for your generosity,
The love, and the honesty that you gave to me
I want to thank you, show my gratitude,
My love and my respect for you
I want to thank you
-Natalie Merchant-


At a certain age I realized how lucky I was. At a certain time in my life I had a gaggle of women friends who, along with myself, were recovering from various substances and abuses. A group of open, honest, raw, and revealing women who did not shy away from talking about the tough stuff, the uncomfortable stuff, unimaginable stuff. Willing to open up and discard all the built up baggage that they had been dragging around and find a spiritual talisman to carry them forward through life in a different way. During this time it became apparent to me that I have a wonderful mother and so many of the women I met did not. Shocked and saddened for others, I was filled with gratitude. For so much of my own journey she is my rock, my touchstone, my best friend. Intelligent, funny, difficult to shock, filled with encouragement, trusting my decisions (clenching her teeth over the bad ones), teaching by example, the best role model for independence - mental, spiritual, financial. Put me through college at great expense and sacrifice on her part. Spoiled me rotten in the process and always, always encouraging me, cheering me on, sharing chocolate and insight. In those early days of recovery she did not shy away from the tough stuff, the questions, and she shared more history with me than I had ever imagined she would. It’s obvious to all who know me that I am blessed by her presence and support. Even better there’s not a close friend in my life who doesn’t inquire about her well being during the course of any conversation. She’s the one everyone wants to call mom and she’s mine. Lucky girl, me. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, you are the best.

Flowers for Mom

Flowering Pampas grass???

There wasn't alot of talk about it. In fact, it got strangely quiet as the day got closer. D and I chuckled about the silence. It must be a genetic thing that the women in my family start ignoring an approaching birthday. Still, of course, we all remembered. When I heard from her today she told me that those geographically close to her remembered too and suprised her with goodies and presents and this makes me happy that she had a lovely day. I serenaded her answering maching first thing this morning with a froggy voiced-just woke up rendition of happy birthday. And here I post flowers for her to see that are blooming in my backyard. She's the gardener, green thumb in our family so when there's a question there are phone calls and e-mails until I know what the heck to do. Imagine my suprise as I got older that the old sayings "listen to your mother" "mom's always right" are actually true in my case. My mom knows an awful lot and I benefit from it daily.

Happy Birthday, Mom! You totally rock! I love you.

Lovely

This is the latest bit of color to bloom in my backyard. I have no idea what it is but it is lovely and beautiful and has a faint scent similar to jasmine. I had no idea that pampas grass, of which I have three large clumps, blooms little yellow flowers. They are just starting to bud. I've got two trees that are blooming flowers and the wind whisks the tiny blooms all over the yard, pink and magenta dots along the ground cover. It's strangely pretty. Watching the yard come to life this spring is really fun and it changes everyday. Not so fun is the ongoing weeding and the dang dandilions but I am making progress even though I lose interest after about an hour. It's alot like cleaning house, once it's done you can sit back and enjoy and admire your work, the process...ugh...

My current residence is a rental. That makes becoming so fond of my backyard a challenge because it may not be mine for long but I am bound by my lease to care for it, which I would do anyway because it is so lovely...there's a good chance that once I am settled in a home of my own I will try to replicate what I see here because I am delighted by it. I met with my mortgage broker last week and updated all my information with new bank stuff and new work stuff and he is crunching numbers to get me pre-approved, yet again, so that I can start my house hunting. Oy, it is so weird sitting there with him. My stomach tightens and all sorts of strange thoughts pass through my head....mostly just a loop of "oh, is it enough? It has to be enough. Do I qualify to buy a nice house or a shack??" Stuff like that. Doesn't matter that I've done this before with him and know pretty much what the numbers will be, the whole house thing just seems to create a smidgin of doubt, a rolling of the stomach. Then once the house hunting begins...you know there's those nights when you are weighing options, trying to decide, tossing out what you don't want, trying to find what you do want, putting in bids....EECCKK, I sleep badly as it is. I don't cheer to the thought of the process. Who knew I'd be so enamoured with skylights in the living room or a gas stove or a built in microwave. Honestly, I just want to buy my rental. How great would that be?

Dentalship Down

I am always grateful to the employment gods for finding me work. Despite the Nevada Dental Board's best efforts to keep me from working in Nevada I have been lucky to secure work here in the early part of this year. Two offices, like a tale of two cities...one ideal, perfect fit for me, full of veteran dental folks who've seen most of it over the years and have a calm and focused attitude toward the work and realize that humor will get you through the day better than anything. The other nothing like my Minden Oasis. Beautiful office, brand new...appears they thought of everything when designing it. Ambidextrous equipment, spacious, light and airy, comfortable, computers in every room, digital x-rays...the whole 21st century upgrade. The Chief is likable and shares my philosophy. I am lulled into a state of low grade excitement to work in such a lovely atmosphere. AND THEN I got my first eye full of the Chief's headmistress, Queen Dripslobber we'll call her. I knew right then I was not long for this job. Bossy, loud, very quick to point out any and all mistakes as you try to make your way through the day under the feigned pretext that she is doing you a favor correcting you before you do something dumb yet again. Indeed, there is a learning curve when entering any new work situation...I am, however, a fairly bright, seasoned veteran of the dental culture. I can usually figure things out if given time and a few pointers. Queenie, though, she's more likely to catch you off guard, swope in and correct any mistakes before you even know what hit you. She wants it done her way and rather than explain, which would be helpful, she is more likely to just do it and leave you puzzled still. Then she wonders why you ignore her or approach her helpfulness with distain. As I sighed for the hundredth time at the end of the day while she pointed out what I had forgotten to do before leaving and dragging me back to my cubicle to point it out, her comment "Oh, no sighing...it's just tweaking." No, it's petty oneupmanship AND it's only so you won't have to do that particular bit of your job tomorrow. One of the things I realized after 6 weeks of watching this tazmanian devil spin out in the hallways of the office was that most of what she required in the way of my job details were areas in which it made her job that much easier. Sly fox she. However, in my quest to stay on schedule and have a smooth day at a new venue I was constantly hung up for precious minutes on the minutae of how she needs things to be done. So with the alarm in my guy flashing red I gave the Chief my resignation. He was curiuos as to why and I played diplomatic and said the office just wasn't a good fit for me. I know he wanted more but with little knowledge but pretty good intuition about small town business goings on, I figured leave on the best terms possible, word gets around. I am free of one office that could not provide the slightest possibility of a fun day at work...oh, and did I mention a complete lack of humor....agh...who needs that! I have needs people and one of them is a good chuckle and authentic smiles.

Meanwhile, my Minden oasis continues to be a source of fun and a study in how a good fit is possible. There is no power tripping at this office. It's a group effort and cooperation is second nature. So far my timing was pretty lucky in that for the last three months we have had birthdays to celebrate and it is a big production including home made desserts, presents, lunch ordered in and the staff and doc sitting around together BS-ing. My induction into this office was so easy and seamless. We laugh, we mock, we keep the stress level to a minimum and we support each other. Lucky, I am telling you. I've worked alot of offices and have always been blessed with finding the ones that operate like this. It's such a gift. So I await the day that this office can give me another day and I can make it my home. Meanwhile, I think I will be temping for those days I lost with the office from a bad sitcom. That way if I find myself in that situation again I can just remind myself that it's temporary and I get to leave and move on when I am done.

Red Fish, Blue Fish

On the Nevada political scene:

The Nevada Democrats held a state convention in Las Vegas on April 22. According to the Reno-Gazette Journal, the Dem's hope to win back six statewide offices that were swept by Republicans in 2002.

Upon moving to Nevada you would have thought I would do my political homework. I was lulled into a sense of false security by the fact that the Senate Minority leader is Harry Reid, a democrat from Nevada. Alas, it appears I am living in a predominately red state. It is good to know the democrats are rallying in a state election year.

I attended a kick off rally in the capital a few months back for Jack Carter, who is running for State Senator and makes his home in Summerlin outside of Vegas.



He is the son of a humble peanut farmer named Jimmy.






It was a political rally so all the right things were said and there was some funny Bush bashing. More interesting was a group of approximately 500 democrats converging on the capital mall in our small town to support the democratic nominee. I was thrilled to see a large crowd on a weekday afternoon. It was cool to be in the presence of a former president as well. Jimmy and Rosalyn made the trip along with members of Jack's family. What was interesting to me as well was that the following day at Coretta Scott King's funeral our Jimmy outright snubbed the current president after he spoke by refusing to shake his hand as others had before him. Pretty ballsy and somewhat out of character for Jimmy Carter. I think he is cranky as all get out with the Bush administration. The democratic convention affirmed that they are banking on our dissatisfaction with the Bush administration. Hopefully, it will help rally the Dem's and inspire the voters. Blue is my favorite color.

Spring Glory

Spring Glory Forsynthia! Blooming in my backyard. Spring, Spring is here! When I left town for Easter weekend to visit my family there was nothing happening in the garden. Nada. Bupkus. I returned and this little bush had decided it had waited long enough. Viola. Lovely little yellow flowers. So far it's the only thing that has come out in its fully glory but with the rains this week there are buds on everything and it is suprising to me (the garden neophyte) how quickly that happens. That and how the weeds appear first, in abundance! Now should you think "well, how does she know what this flower is called if she knows nothing about gardening?" The previous owners were kind enough to leave the tag on it. I love them, who ever they are.



This is "Zeke in the Wilderness." My kitty was very anxious to stroll the backyard grounds on Saturday and sniff out all signs of Bob, that interloping cat that hangs around. Lucky for us there was no sign of Bob on saturday which meant the possibility of flying fur was at a minimum. Yes, that's a harness on my cat. He has been an indoor cat for all his 15 years and I take him out on a harness and retractable leash so he can wander about. He thinks he's a black labrador retriever anyway so he's perfectly happy on a leash...okay, not thrilled but he knows if he wants to go outside he has to stand still for the harness. It's working out very well. Zeke is a marvelous wonder cat with only slight psycho tendencies. He is very smart. He knows the commands sit, shake, and sit UP which he will do for you if there is a treat in your hand. I taught him this when he was 10. So, you can teach an old cat new tricks. He is a funny, steadfast companion to me. The least I could do is take him out into a whole new world.

Chocolate Bunnies

Happy Easter!!

How'd They Know??

You are a Brainy Girl!

Whether you're an official student or a casual learner, you enjoy hitting the books. You know a little bit about everything, and you're always dying to know more. For a guy to win your heart, he's got to share some of your intellectual interests. A awesome book collection of his own doesn't hurt either!

What Kind of Girl Are You?

Mondaze

Headed into Reno today to run some errands and get a photo of Flat Stanley at the Reno Arch. The Truckee River was running fast and furious through town. There was a tremendous amount of traffic in the downtown area due to the protests regarding the immigration issue. Perhaps, not the smartest day to go but the call of Pollo Loco and Trader Joe's were too strong. That isn't why I went but it was a nice reward. Pollo Loco is all over Los Angeles. I have found one here, in Reno. Good chicken, all sorts of dishes with chicken, chicken fast food that doesn't look like it will clog your arteries as you eat it. When I lived in SF and LA there was a Trader Joe's within 5 minutes of my residence. There is one here, it's in Reno. So, I drive to Reno, it's about 30-40 minutes, and take care of things that you can only do in Reno.
Flat Stanley needed to visit Reno anyway.

When I was deciding to make the move to Nevada I considered Reno as an option to Carson City. My concern being that Carson City was small for a city girl and the city type atmosphere of Reno might suit me better. Not so much, I decided. I'm drawn to the University of Nevada at Reno and the art museums and the performance spaces in Reno but I'll travel there to enjoy them. Turns out I wanted more open space, more quiet, less city. Suprised myself even. I'm happier that I live close to Highway 50, which climbs over the mountains and drops right into South Lake Tahoe.
City smitty...I'll take pretty.

I've been trying to master adding things on to my blog this evening. I've figured out a few things but it took a while to get the "weather pixie" up. She's pretty cute and comes in various incarnations. I can't seem to get my book list up the way I want it, there's some time to be spent there. I finally got a blog roll going and last night I spent an inordinate amount of time reading other blogs, following links to other blogs and generally being nosy and giving myself mouse thumb...as in - ouch is that a cramp!

I'm looking at a long work week ahead of me topped off by a much needed visit to the Bay Area to see family. Yea!

Girls Night

A co-worker of mine hosted a Body Shop at Home party on friday night. I went and dragged my sister along to show support and check out the goodies. We spent too much money but that's part of the lure. You can spend the whole evening sampling the wares to extreme if you like. I would never have lingered over these products in a store for the length of time I did the other night. I do have a weakness for bath products and lip gloss so I had fun picking out stuff for myself. The Body Shop has a new scent that is a really yummy citrus, something I prefer to fruity scents, that I invested in. It doesn't hurt that The Body Shop is an ecologically and community building company. You gotta respect that. The really fun part though was meeting my co-workers friends. It was an eclectic group and they were hecka fun to spend time with. My co-worker is a delightful young (26) woman who has already lived one heck of an interesting life. She reminds me of my college age niece in her sense of humor and the way she talks sometimes. The longer we work together the more I like her. Meeting her friends was the icing on the cake. All were engaging and intelligent and funny. All at that age of trying to figure out how to do this life and work thing. All with distinct looks, hair, tattoos. From my mother on down the women in my family have always enjoyed spending time with and observing the younger generation and do not shy away from befriending them and embracing them. It keeps you young, reminds you where you have been, and keeps your mind open. It is easy to be harsh and judgemental of a younger generation, how they decide to create their identity and spend their time. Spend time in a room with a group of them and they will make you laugh, show you that some things never change, suprise you with their hopes and plans. It was a great evening.

Bob

This is Bob. I'm sure Bob has another name. I'm fairly certain Bob is a girl. Bob probably has another home but Bob likes to hang out in my backyard. Bob defends his turf (my backyard) against other cats who feel inclined to wander across the fence or the deck. Bob is very affectionate with humans which leads me to believe Bob has humans some place else. I know all this. I am a cat person with strong cat intuition. So when my spousal unit decided that Bob looked hungry and we should feed Bob I knew where this was going to go. Bob is going to end up either very fat or Bob will end up being our next cat. I don't mind this, I like cats. Bob has to stay outdoors because Zeke (my cat) is an indoor cat and quite happy being the sole recepient of my affection and food. Bob and Zeke eye each other through the screen. The hissing has stopped, that's a good thing. None of this is a problem except now I worry about Bob. Bob appears on the deck and at the door everyday now. This evening it was raining and I was concerned about Bob being outdoors in the rain, regardless of the fact that Bob is clearly an outdoor cat, and Bob would not leave the deck so I fretted and worried about Bob until I finally saw Bob head under the deck. I, of course, am developing an attachment to Bob.

Flat Stanley

Meet Flat Stanley. He is based on a character from a book authored by Jeff Brown. He flew to Carson City from Massachusetts to visit me. He is a friend of Jonathan G. who is doing a school project. Stanley and I are going to hang out for a few weeks and have adventures. We are going to take lots of pictures and make lots of new friends so he can write about them in a little book and tell Jonathan and his classmates about his adventures. First, I think he may need a cowboy hat since he's in the Wild West. Today we will send Jonathan a post card so he knows that Stanley arrived safely. The post card has a map of Nevada on it so Jonathan will know where Carson City is. Then we shall see where the day takes us. It will be fun!!

Ice is Slippery

I am watching the ISU World Figure Skating Championships. Currently, the pairs are competing but I am waiting patiently for the Women's Long Program portion of the coverage. The title of this post is a response Sasha Cohen gave when asked about a fall she took during a program she was performing. Sort of a "hello, have you forgotten what it is we are doing here...1/2 inch blade on ice???" My gal Sasha doesn't suffer fools gladly and she can get a bit fiesty when the criticism hits a fever pitch.

About three months after I moved to Los Angeles I went in search of an ice rink. I ended up out by the airport in a city called El Segundo. There's an amazing rink out there...2 actually - one for hockey, one for figure skating. I was checking out the schedule for classes and public skate times and wandering around in the pro shop. I was suddenly amazed to be looking directly at one of my favorite figure skaters, the lovely and diminuative Ms. Cohen. I had no idea she was so tiny. Every one looks big on screen and she's quite a commanding performer. I was flumoxed. I wanted so to be a big, goofy fan and go up to her and gush but I was overwhelmed seeing her, I was speechless, no doubt the best possible outcome. She was having her skates fiddled with by the guy in the pro shop. I decided I would hang out and possibly see her skate. I didn't get to see her skate but she did do her pre-skate stretching right near me in the cafeteria area. I was thrilled. Of all the celebrity sightings I experienced I was the most excited by this one. I have followed her career and rooted for her for years. I am hoping she has a top finish at the World Championship.

I am a novice ice skater. I do love it. It is one of those things I rediscovered in my adulthood. I had a year in my early teens where I skated at a local ice rink with a friend every weekend. Somehow, that hobby went by the wayside. Years later a new ice rink was built in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena Center. On a whim I went to a public skate and the enjoyment of it all came rushing back. I took lessons. I got better. I can do some fairly small elements like turns and stuff. I got to a class where we were going to learn how to jump. A simple jump known as a waltz jump, and it does look simple but for some reason I am just terrified of leaving the ice...even for a split second. I still have a waltz jump as a goal. There's a rink in South Lake Tahoe and my skates are in the car.

Here's hoping my gal Sasha has a wonderful program.

PostScript: Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Sasha came in third. Dang!

Spring NOT

It is the first day of spring. We had snow flurries. The only words that really come to mind are "spring skiing". There will be plenty of that here in the Tahoe area. Might have to take those snowboarding lessons after all. I could feel spring approaching....about 10 days ago it was a really nice, sunny day and I was sitting on the deck eyeing my garden and thinking about planting things. I had to go to the store and buy seeds the compulsion was so strong. That and my other compulsion to clean out my closet is rearing it's head. This is always an internal sign of spring for me, tossing clothes. Now I have flower fever. Some other odd little things have become apparent since moving here and living in a house. I am fascinated by Home Depot. I can walk through there and gape in awe, look at all the stuff you can do!! Today I went in search of a really good broom. One of the drawbacks of driving around in the snow is that alot of the mud and snow comes into the garage on the car and drops onto the floor. This makes a big mess. I was thinking I might need a big squeegee to clean it. I decided a good broom would do it and guess what I found? A big broom with a squeegee on it. Brilliant! I was thrilled. The same sort of excitement now overtakes me when I see new appliances. What the hell is that???? I absolutely adore the washer and dryer in my house. When I saw the top of line refrigerator in the kitchen when we moved in I literally swooned. This is suddenly better than finding a good fitting pair of jeans! It's the oddest occurence. I'm currently skulking about looking for affordable patio furniture.

On the fashion front, the new Summit Sierra mall opened last week. I haven't been yet but there's plans to go later this week. This is the mall everyone is excited about. Full of high end shopping that folks had to go to California for. Dillard's, which appears to be a bit like Nordstrom's, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Chico's, Coldwater Creek, etc....The mall is located at the base of the Mt. Rose Highway so you don't even have to go into Reno from Carson City to get to it. Decent fitting jeans could be on the horizon after all.

The employment gods came through for me and I am now gainfully employed. I'll be working two different dental offices: one down the road in Minden (15 minute commute) and one in Carson City central (10 minute commute). They are both good offices with nice people. I'm just starting to get my feet under me in one and have only worked one day in the other. I haven't worked this much in quite a while so the days off I do have will be filled with chiropractic appointments and massages. This is how I keep my body going in a field that is notoriously hard on necks and shoulders. I'm excited to have found a massage school run through the local community college that offers very reasonable rates on massages. Along with the fact that chiropractic fees up here are about 1/2 of what I would pay in a urban area it's all highly affordable, plus there's the added bonus of feeling pampered.

I guess you could say the symbology of spring is here. There is a lot of forward movement with work, mulling over flower planting, sweeping out the garage, shopping at a new mall, maybe some new shoes or a new purse. Just need a little sunshine and warmth to complete the picture.

RIP WolfPack

It was over before it even got started for the UNR Wolf Pack. That's right. March Madness decended on Reno. University of Nevada at Reno basketball team won 14 (or maybe it's 16) in a row to secure a spot in the Big Dance. Off they went to Salt Lake City to face Montana in the first round of the NCAA finals and nothin', they got nothin' but a ticket home.

I have never lived in a town where college sport is the only game in town until now.
There's always been a mix of college and professional sports in both cities I've lived in. But with no professional sports teams in Northern Nevada...these folks are crazy for their Wolf Pack. Football, baseball, basketball, volleyball...front page coverage in the sport section year round. Mind you there's plenty of folks who head to Sacramento and San Francisco for a professional sports fix. More SF Giants hats around these parts then I would have ever expected and Oakland Raiders fans....though there's a rabid and vocal Raider contingent in Los Angeles STILL...which I don't really get.

I was excited for the Wolf Pack. I watch the NCAA finals every year because it's such a pure form of basketball. These guys play with heart and soul and the eliminations are fast and furious as is the game. The action can change on a dime, one bad night and you are out. Two years ago the Wolf Pack made it to the quarter finals. Here's hoping there will be a run for the big dance again next year.

Idol Babble

Okay, I'm in. It's American Idol and I've got my top 4 picks.

Chris- rocks the house
Taylor- love his quirkyness
Mandisa- R&B mama
Katharine- suprises me

I try not to participate in reality shows, however, Idol reminds me of my office mates in Beverly Hills. L. would tape Idol and we would watch it together once a week at lunch. It was fun and more so as a group and sort of got me hooked. I don't feel I have to sit down and watch every week but so far that's what has happened. The truly unusual part of it is after Idol I managed to get myself sucked in to Nashville Star. I like Wynona and there's the added addition of Cowboy Troy who I was curious about. So, last night I stayed up way too late watching people chase their musical dreams.

Messages

Once again the snow crept in overnight and I awoke to the wonderful, pristine visage. Then the sun came out which makes it that much more lovely though sunglasses are required. As the snow began to melt atop the lattice work on the deck it began to fall creating these patterns.



I haven't witnessed this process happening before. I've decided that these are, in fact, chinese characters spelling out wonderful fortune for me. Things like you will find happiness and tranquility in the mountains of nevada. Money is coming your way. Peace is at hand. Don't they kinda remind you of that? Then again...could be...finish cleaning up your house before your weekend house guest arrives.

I am having my first house guest this weekend. My dear friend S. from San Francisco is coming for the weekend. I am looking forward to getting out and about with her, showing her the town and maybe playing in the snow. There is the added bonus of lots of girl talk. I'm looking forward to it.

Snow Day

This is the view from my back yard deck. Not only is it an awesome deck but this view grabs my soul and soothes it. I make it a point everyday no matter the weather to walk out there and look at it. Of course, when it is snowing it's enshrouded in dense clouds which is pretty cool. Yesterday I woke up to 4 inches of snow. It may be because I am new here, and snow as an occurence hasn't been a regular part of my life unless I go in search of it, but I absolutely love the pristine appearance of new fallen snow. I saw the aspen tree in the back yard and even before my coffee I had to tromp out there and get a picture of it.



Okay, part of that is new digital camera mania which is that much more exciting because I can put them on my computer and my blog. Still, I am easily disappointed if the weatherman predicts I will wake up to snow and it's not there. One of the benefits of living in Carson City versus Lake Tahoe (and who wouldn't want to live in Lake Tahoe) is that the snow often doesn't stick around for very long or pile too high. I have shoveled my driveway a few times mostly for safety sake and to keep the ice to a minimum. Over in Tahoe, those folks are digging there cars out all the time. Enlisting their friends with snowplows mounted on trucks to come get them out. As beautiful as it is there that's a lot of work just to get to work....

I don't know if my affection for the snow will fade but it is always a welcome suprise when I wake up to a beautiful winter wonderland in my backyard.