3-29-09

wow time flies. you'd think it'd go slower in kansas but it doesn't. yesterday was blizzard day.they had been predicting 5-10 inches for a few days. it started to rain in the morning and it changed to sleet. the trees were coated with a thin layer of ice. in the late afternoon the snow came. it wasn't as much as the thought. the storm moved farther south. western kansas got heavy snow but i only got about 1-2 inches. it's 7pm sunday and most of the snow is gone. i went to lawrence today to see cory and he said they only got ice. so far olathe has planned for 4 snow days. so far we've had none. the big snows have been on the weekend. everyone has been bummed. there are rumors that we may get out 2 days early to help cut costs. funny what teachers pray for.

so yesterday i didn't even get dressed. i did finish putting the dining room together. i ate cheese sandwiches and watched chick flicks. absolutely did nothing. great day!

i got the paint for the living room. it is a limish green. it should take a week or so to finish it. i'm trying to declutter at the same time. i need to remember not to let darby near while i'm painting. she likes to lick fresh paint. odd dog.

we're still looking for places to stay in barcelona, tours, lille, lyons and avignon. it's not as easy as it looks.

3-21

i'm back from california. it was great to see marty. the grey hair is a shock but i don't usually looking the mirror too much either. we talked and laughed and caught up. things are going well in the northwest. carl has a new business started. it helps websites work better and get better search placements. marty is still playing the stock market. it seems like it's getting more stable of late.

the cruise was exactly like other cruises. it was fun to get to see catalina. we hiked up to the botanical gardens and wrigley memorial. barb's house still looks the same. her contractor was in the house working but we didn't go in to see what was going on. the hills were so green and rugged. the mock orange and pepper trees were so fragrant. we walked to the casino. marty hadn't seen it without the diving bell out front!

the one thing i wanted to do in avalon was go to rosies and get some clam chowder. the biggest shock was no rosies. apparently joe has bought it and it was getting a new awning and other work. it should reopen late june. i was crushed. we went to joe's and i had rock cod fish and chips with a side of chowder. good but not quite the same.

the weather there was spectacular. about 65 and clear. the cruise boats must have made a huge impact on the businesses. nearly all the shops were open and lots of passengers had shopping bags with them.

the next stop was ensenada. i'd never been there but marty had gone there by bus in college...but she doesn't remember much. old age or too many tequila shots i don't really know! we decided to take the wine country tour. it really was pretty good. we went to two about 45 min from the boat. there are 40+ in the area. marty says the wines were pretty good. she even bought a bottle. we walked around town when we got back. hussongs is still there. the silver jewelry ranges from cheap and cheesy to absolutely top drawer. neither one of us spent any money.

the flight home was short and long. sleeping in my own bed was wonderful.

3-11

2 more days till spring break! the kids are off the wall. on top of vacation, there was a full moon last nite. the temp was 18 when i left for school today and about 30 when i came home. god, i love kansas!

it is supposed to be in the high 60's in san diego. i meet marty at noon and catch the bus to the boat. catalina is the 1st stop. we'll just walk around and reminisce. lots of good memories there. may check out cousin barb's house. on to ensenada. the only knowledge i have of it is the end of the newport ensenada race and hussongs cantina. we then have 1 day crusing around before back to sandiego.

i made reservations for seattle a few days ago. i'll leave june 22 and return july 23. i hope vida can stand so much time with me...i can always go see marty and jill or hang out in everett.

the trip to france is moving along. we are booking b&b's along the circle route. limoges, tour, mont st michel, normandy, dunkirk, somme, lille, paris, lyon, avignion...we are open to suggestions!

3-7

i hope this is saturday because i didn't go to work! the dining room is looking good. i'm freshening up the trim. now comes cleaning the carpet and cleaning out the furniture and crap. i had the china cabinets so packed with stuff that you couldn't see anything.

so i need to buy some crates for the excess glass and stuff. don't know if i'm ready to get rid of it but i can put it away.

the last three days have been beautiful for march in kansas! the dogs are in hog heaven. they are out in the yard and barking at everything. they are ready for a walk but they're going to have to wait. nothing like a little spring fever.

only one more week of school then off to san diego. can't wait! xxxooo

3-4

the snow is all gone now. we are expecting 75 degrees tomorrow. i'm getting sick so i won't be at work tomorrow.

the dining room is getting a new coat of paint. it is a shocking change from the drab olive from years ago. for family you might remember gay tourquoise from the fernleaf upstairs. it's sort of that shocking but more of a strong tiffany blue. the more i paint the more i like it. moving the furniture is the bear. the teflon sliding pads are great tho.

next on the project list is the living room. i'm thinking bright lime green.....sort of. with the economy in the crapper i think i'm stuck in kansas so i'm going beachy! no more dull.

the plans for france are moving forward. the flight, car and first week's lodging is set.

less than 1 1/2 weeks to spring break. i haven't checked the weather yet cause i don't want to jinx it.

xxxooo and hope i feel better tomorrow in the nice spring air!