Thanks for a great year!

My oldest son Gary just called me to tell me he just landed a silk screening job! I am so happy for him. You see, he is going to school full time for graphic arts. This is his first art related job. I couldn't be happier for him. The hours are around his school as well.
Preston and I are going to see Area 51 in a few minutes and Applebee's for ribs, yumm. I thought it was a nice way to close ou the year.
Today was my last day in the Planning Department. On Monday, I start a new position in Public Works. I am so greatful I still have a job to go to after a large layoff.
Amy is coming up tomorrow on Amtrak. This will be a great start to a new year. Most of you know, I was so blessed this year...A new house, A trip to Disneyland with Preston, an amazing 3 week get away to Europe, and a fantastic 5 day trip to New York. And, reconnecting with Amy from Highschool after 27 years.
I have so enjoyed reading and being encouraged by my family through blogging. Thanks for helping me get started. I love you, God Bless you and Happy new year!

Counting my blessings instead of sheep...

Trying to put the breaks on...

There are SO many things this season that can keep me spinning, it's crazy. I haven't wrapped a single present yet, still looking for a specific present fo Dylan and planning a trip to Corvallis one more time this year. Preston will be out on Christmas break on Friday. I am training for my new position, His Aunt who has been an angel by picking him up and dropping him off all year is suffering with phunomia. I have to make this quick, I have to take Presto to school. I was at my men's group last night. We were finishing up a serioes about faith and "getting out of the boat". We are sponsering a family. I just reminds me how tough of a time we are all gowing through.
For me I am trying to put on the break to remind myself of the blessings of this year, the graciousnes of God, sending Jesus and for a sense of this life I am living. I pray Shelley and Eric will be able to relax and enjoy Christmas with Carmen and Leo. Amy, you are a wise woman, I know you and Jurgen will come to have unity on the house. Everyone, take even 5 minutes today and put on the breaks just to breath and be thankful...All my best.

Jingle Bells

Well, don't count on me to be the next American Idol, but today at work a group of co-workers and I had a laugh or two by caroling all 7 floors of City Hall. It was a nice break from the mood around here since the layoffs were anounced in late October.

I am finished with my window painting for the season. I did very few this year, but it was still fun. The tree is up, lights are hung, and I bought a variety of Christmas cookie supplies last night. Amy will be coming up this weekend. The church is having its Christmas concert this weekend, and we also will be seeing White Christmas at the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle.

Heck, I might even do a little Christmas shopping. This morning, I receivied a picture of my great niece, Hannah's picture she painted form a canvas and paints I gave her for her birthday. It is wonderful and it sure made my day.

I hope you all can be as lucky to have something or someone make your day.

Jingle Bells

Well, don't count on me to be the next American Idol, but today at work a group of co-workers and I had a laugh or two by senading

Area 51

I read from my sister Shelley's post that her husband, (my Brother-in-law) Eric turns 51 today. Well, Eric is an outstanding guy. I just want to tell him happy birthday too. He's been a great friend to me over the years. I trust your day is blessed. Rock on Eric.

Green House and Gravestones...

Over the weekend, I took the advice of my sisters (I know, kinda amazing, if you think of it!) and decided to transplant all of the currently healthy geraniums into a leantu shaped greenhouse I build just for that purpose. I have to be thankful for the extended Indian Summer we have been blessed with, but at last the signs of the fall are upon us. So, I had several spare cedar planks I found in my Beach House attick and used them to make a functional greenhouse. It is roughly 3 ft by 6 ft. and nicely framed in with a clear plastic enclosure. Before I enclosed it, I planted the geraniums in good tilled soil. Then, covered them up in staw and watered the plants. So far so good. It weathered a good windstorm. I also left an area that I could get a hose in to water occassionally if need be. We'll see if this experiment worked out next summer. I also planted a box of 70 mixed colored tulips in the front. Should look great next spring.
Now about the gravestones...
I had 6 leftover used cedar planks which I got for free on Craigslist for the trim work in the beach house. I was using other leftover pieces for bond fire wood over the summer. But, I thought of another use for the final left over pieces. Since it is near Halloween, I decided to poke a little fun and created about 15 or so funny (play on words) tombstones. I got quite the reaction form my neighbors. Well, it was a fun way to recycle the old fening material. Well, make it a great day wherever you are and whatever you are doing...