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too long

I'm at the point of the trip when I want to be home already. You know that -I just want my own bed, etc feeling. I'm having fun, but I'm sure the Bolducs would love for us to get out of their hair. We're delayed because of Sadie. After her no-blood sugar attack last week, the vet said that I should bring her back just before we take off for a recheck. Great idea for the drive but it means instead of leaving wed, as planned we're probably leaving sunday instead.

the threat is enough

like the cold war, Megan knowing I can trap her in her bed is enough for her to stay in and sleep. So i've relented and put the cover to the side. Today at nap time I laid her down and sat at the bed reading while Megan fell asleep. I then left her with the door cracked so that when she wakes up and escapes she can come on down.

SNOW

It snowed this morning. I was busy sewing my new invention the Gee Keeper, as no where in Walla Walla sold the crib tent ( I'll have Jack take pictures for me later when its on her pac-n-play- we had a leaky diaper incident and her sheets are in the dryer." Anyway I was busy sewing when Jack hollered that it was snowing. When I came down we took Megan out and Sadie out and enjoyed the snow for a few minutes... but before we made it in it had turned to Rain. Still Megan has now officially seen her first "s-no"!

Like Minds...

The one thing about getting a group together of like minded individuals is that the constant talk about Politics can get tiresome. When my family gets together we tend to avoid any topic that might cause strife which means we basically talk about Poop, death and sex. But Jack's side of the family, all agree politically so the conversation is dominated with Politics, more Politics and alittle Religion. On the other hand though it is great to have a room of people who agree with you and want to hear what you have to say.

She did it...

After a tiring walk around Walla Walla and lots of playing with the boys, I took Megan up for some Bear and animals (dvd) and then a nap. 10 minutes after I put her down upstairs and shut the door, she appeared down stairs with her blanket, one of her Aunt Jen's baskets which had my moisturizing cream and her socks in it. This meant that she not only climbed out of the pack and play but she also opened a door, did the stairs all by herself with her arms full. I took her back up to our room and cuddled with her while she cried realizing that I was still intent on her napping, when she'd calmed down I put her in the crib and went out the door. before I made it around into the next room to peak through the french doors, she was out of her crib!

Tomorrow I will search for a Crib Tent to use till we get home so that I can get her to nap! Otherwise she is a very cranky Miss Megan come bed time.

Thank you Jack

So on my journey my laptop started flaking out. I was loosing the monitor and a good shake would bring it back and then it would go away again... it was frustrating. But I was determined to fix it. Until ... Jack arrived today with a brand new G4 Ibook. It took less than one hour for my old machine to tell my new machine everything it needed. And now I'm all set to go.. even my picture of Megan transfered. It has everything.

I love you honey - your so funny.

Murder...

We just got home from a wonderful night. Jen and Thom treated us all to a lovely dinner and then we enjoyed Community theater production of Over my Dead body. It was a wonderfully funny play and very well done for a local theater troop. It was a fun romp about mystery writers trying to commit a crime. The female lead did an excellent job, as did the actor who played the butler.

The best part is Megan survived the me leaving her in the care of the Bolduc's excellent babysitter with the help of Cooper and Jack who translated and played with her. Tomorrow night Jack comes in and I'm sure her night with out me will be forgiven.

up early

I cuddled with Maddie the Bolduc's dog last night and she got up at 5. Megan started talking loudly while I was in the bathroom, so I hid downstairs with my laptop and coffee. I don't like to let her get up before 7. She usually settles back down and falls asleep if I just leave her be. She wasn't crying, just talking. Going through all her words and having fun in the process. She's already starting to settle, but I'm sure she'll be talking again once Sadie wakes up and heads down for breakfast.

vacuum envy

Have you seen the ad on TV of the guy complaining that there we just no good vacuums out there so he invented one himself? Well the Bolducs have that vacuum and its amazing. I have never seen a vacuum suck better. It worked on floors and rugs. And there was no spewing forth dust at any point. An amazing cleaning experience

Check it out...Dyson I think the purple one might even make a dent on Newfy hair :)

Lazy Days

Today has been a nice Lazy day... One trip to Walmart for diapers and other incidentals and Megan is now down for a nap. We had an easy lunch.

Megan is loving her cousins so much. She follows the two big boys around doing what ever they do and loves to chase them and hunt for them.

She really missed them today while they were at School, but they will be back when she wakes up.

I'm off to Nap as soon as Gee is asleep and I can safely creep into bed.

Absolute True Love

It finally happened.... I'm in Love! Maybe I'm just exhausted from the trip that I'm not thinking straight. No that's not it.... this is real I can feel it in my bones.

I woke up alittle while ago..In desperate need to pee. It's so cold outside of the covers that my nose is shivering. I did not want to get up and so I ignored it until I was fully awake and in pain. I just didn't want to think about freezing my *&^^ off when I finally stumbled out of bed...

Imagine my glee, my utter shear delight, to sit my butt on the toilet and find.... a

HEATED TOILET SEAT

It wasn't this one... its one they brought back from Japan... Santa de Newf you wanted suggestions... here you go - I'm just saying I would be eternally grateful!

We made it

last day drive was long and we are all glad to be here. The drive out of Portland along the river was beautiful. But that ends and then its mundane farm land. Its cold here so we'll be in layers. Total drive time today was 6 hours including 2 gas stops, 2 rest stops, 1 park and lunch...

We found the worlds worst pizza but the nicest staff in Peadmont Oregon. I won't say were cause I liked the folks... just don't eat the Pizza.

Sadie is elated to be here. She won't sleep with me though - I think she is glad to be rid of me. She's down sleeping by her self near the other dog.

Early Morning

Megan woke up crying at 5:40. Sadie was elated as she really really needed to walk bad. I'm not entirely sure Sadie didn't bump the crib to get us moving. I showed her .. I took a shower first :)

On our way back in we stopped in the breakfast room and got juice, coffee and circles (cherrios) where I was told no dogs allowed - this being my third La Quinta this was the first time I was told NO DOG ALLOWED in that room. I'm not thrilled with this location anyway, there is only a small patch of weeds and garbage next to the high way that is the dog's only area to walk. I didn't insist on a non-smoking room and really it didn't matter til I climbed into bed and I realized the pillows and mattress smelled. This morning I used the last towel from the bottom stack and it smelled like cigarettes. Overall its a fine hotel, its the little things that annoy and make me choose not to stay here again. On our way back we'll stay at one of the other La Quinta's.

Now to pack up and head out. Honestly I don't have any reason to doddle. We'll probably be on the road by 8 once I pack up, walk Sadie again, Load the car and pay the bill.

Walla Walla here we come.

day three Eugene to Portland - total travel time 5 hours - I'll explain in post

So Eugene was heaven. I'm absolutely in love with Oregon and with Eugene even more so. Its my new some day I'll live here place. Oregon is the most beautiful state i've ever visited. It's like the black hills of South Dekota without the slaughter houses of Siox falls. We spent the morning waiting for Megan to wake up. She finally did at 8:40 so we managed to get breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a long walk along the river. Sadie chased some mallards and Megan who was holding the leach took a tumble and bumped her head and scrapped some fingers.

We finished our walk loaded up the car and headed to a local mall with a borders. I got a book on tape and Megan picked out some more Dr Seuss board books. We then walked around the mall and stumbled upon a fed-ex man using the mall map. I teased him "I thought you guys knew where everything is!" he joked back... I'm new here from florida "that explains the shorts" I called back - realizing that it was in the mid 40's and the guy was in short sleeves and shorts.

We then headed out but first drove around Eugene city proper to finish my falling in love.

We stoped in Salem for lunch and found an Olive Garden. The parking lot had a nice grassy area so I tied up Sadie to the outside of the car and we headed in. I was a bit worried when people parked and blocked my view but Sadie was fine.

We made a quick stop at one of the wonderful drive through coffee house's here in the Pacific Northwest and headed North. Once we got into Portland though Traffic slowed to a crawl. (this accounted for about an hour of our trip) Enough time for me to decide to change hotels as the one I picked was by the convention center down town and not on our way out of town. So I switch reservations. I got off I-5 at the first available exit and took surface streets through town. I found some really cute areas, and overall I like Portland.

The hotel I chose turned out to be by the airport, nice but not a great area. We had ample time to explore this area because we came at it funny and I couldn't find the hotel - this accounted for about an hour of our travel time.We look out onto the back of a metal shop. But the pool was great. They are alot my lenient about dogs... I've left Sadie in the room several times and no one seems to mind. She of course is happy not to follow us around when potty breaks are not the object.

We ordered dinner from Delivered Dish one of the waiters on wheels deals. I decided on Mexican and Megan enjoyed her left over Edameme along with quesdilla, and some "happy" chocolate cake. I had a burrito and my second beer from last night (Ami's juice)

Sadie won

I broke down and snuck out of the room not once but twice while Megan slept. We snuck out so Sadie could pee and then again so she could finish the job. Now's she's been fed and happy. And Megan who I'm sure was traumatized by the abandonment and will need a therapist at 30 slept through the whole thing.

Morning has broken

Megan is still asleep. After the 4:30 am wake up yesterday I'm amazed. She was down at 7:30 last night so that's officially 12 hours so far. Normal for her at home but more than I could hope for on the road. The only draw back is Sadie has her legs crossed. I tried to get her to go potty in the tub but she looked at me like I was stupid. She keeps pacing between the window and the door, each time she passes the bed she gives me the dirtiest look. One little bark would wake her up, Sadie, but we can't leave until Gee is up and I'm not going to do it :)

more from the road

We crashed early last night, for me that meant was out at 9 and now I'm awake at 3:30.

We did managed to us the indoor pool last night and Sadie cried the whole time. I'd tied her to a table. I think the overwhelming smell of chemicals that usually accompanies an indoor pool was too much for her. I'm not allowed to leave her in the room. She does well in the car though so in the morning after breakfast, I'll probably leave her in the back of the CRV while Megan and I swim alittle.

on a side note, my Pelvic Ultrasound from wed was clear. Since my mom died of Ovarian cancer and it seems there is quite a bit of it on her side of the family, I'll be having one every year. The radiologist said everything was clear and perfect and right where it should be. I had scheduled the appointment a month before and had been planning it for at least a year. In that time I had built up this dark sense of dread that Megan was going to be growing up without me. The relief at hearing that everything thus far was clear was so overwhelming. That will probably happen next year too.

Day Two - Redding to Eugene Oregon - Total Travel 5 1/2 hours

This day started out early. Megan was up at 4:30 and no amount of pleading would get her to go back to sleep. She woke up crying saying "gogo Da Da" So we were up and ready to go at 6 (which was when breakfast was ready at the hotel) . After packing up the room, we got hooked in the live action cat in the hat movie on HBO and ended up chilling until 9. We packed up the car and were out of Redding by 9:45... after a stop at Dutch Brother Coffee house ... for a triple latte for me.

Megan napped through most of Lake Shasta/Mount Shasta area... which was gorgeous. There was a bit of road construction and a few single lanes with trucks. We stopped at a vista point so Sadie could pee which had so much fog it had no view and later stopped at a rest stop by a river that was beautiful. We still managed to pull into Oregon around 11. We headed onward stopping for lunch at Grants Pass. Our next potty break was a lowes in Roseland, which had a grassy bit for "De" and the first actual changing table I'd found since the bay area!

I decided to stop at Eugene and make tomorrow a short driving day. We found the La Quinta to be wonderful - free internet Access, then its on a river and has a beautiful big park next door, and finally it has an indoor pool. We made a stop at Trader Joes for a quick and easy dinner (complete with 2 beers for me - I should sleep tonight!)

Megan played with the clock in the room so I fed Sadie an hour early... she didn't mind. Now we're waiting for 7 to walk Sadie once more before Bath. Tomorrow we're going to explore Eugene a bit in the morning, including a trip to Borders to get me a book on tape (so I don't have to listen to Emo or Elmo Or Bear any more) and then we're off to Portland where I already reserved us a room at the La Quinta Downtown, since it's friday and gosh darn the only room availble has spa tub... Megan is demanding my attention so I must sign off.

Day one Home to Redding - total travel in constant rain 5 hours -

We headed out at 10:30 am with Megan chilling with Nemo, and Sadie apprehensive in back. We made incredible time through the bay area. No holdups or slow downs at the 580 turn off, or through the Oakland mess before i new it we were at Vallejo and it as barely past 11. Too early for lunch (my original plan was to stop at Olive garden here) we drove on. By now though it was raining fairly steadily.

We got to Vacaville and the Nut Tree at close to noon and in need of both gas, food, and potty break we got off. First i drove around to see all the options found both a gas station with a bit of grass, and a Italian cafe, both proved perfect. After lunch we headed across the street to Petco, where Megan ran around, Sadie freaked out and I bought Sadie a Nylabone and a dog tag with my cell phone number on it. We were back on the road by 2.

I had realized at some point that I'd forgotten Sadie's open bottle of food enzyme (with measuring spoon), Pee collection container, and can opener, along with baby shampoo and soap for Megan so at our next potty break we found a Long's Drugs and procured all these things. Once we were back on the road I then realized that while I had now a brand new flat square rubbermaid container to catch Sadie's pee in I'd forgotten to bring the testing strips!

We got to Redding at just after 4 and found the hotel. Megan and I checked in and when we went out to get Sadie, I used our new container and popped the lid back on it to store for later. After moving the first load of stuff up 2 flights with dog and toddler in tow, we went back out and found a drug store where we got the diastix and a new set of crayons for Megan as her set found there way out and under the car in one of those annoying mishaps when you open the door in the rain and everything falls out. Back at the hotel we all made it back upto the room with another pile of stuff. Sadie ate, and I ordered a "pee-ta" for Megan and myself. We made another trip down for a potty break for Sa before dinner arrived. By then Megan full of gold fish only had a 1/3 of one piece (not much if you've ever seen her eat her favorite food). Megan had her bath, and at the end of it I climbed in and had a shower much to her delight.

We hung out then playing. One more potty break for Sadie, then Megan finally crashed on the bed next to me while I watched CJ Craig take over Leo's Job. I got Megan moved into the Pac-N-Play (which she is alittle to long for now), and it was lights out by 11. Now its 3 am and I'm writing out this blog nervous about visions of snow chains and the drive tomorrow... or rather today.

Petition

Please go read this petition and sign it.

And we're off....

sometime later today picture me driving with Megan watching Nemo and Sadie in the back, all crammed in with stuff... lots of stuff.

I have alittle bit of packing left, but a Doctor's appointment this morning so we'll head out after that. Our first stop will probably be Redding CA. I doubt i'll have internet till i get to our destination so wish me well and I'll tell you all about it later.

new blog to read

I stumbled upon this one this morning. Jack- news info is there so skip it if you are still on your fast.

So far I've just bookmarked it, but maybe, if I continue to read it and I'll add it to the list on the left.

sleepless plans

Megan, Sadie and I are planning a road trip soon. Ok I'm planning and they are going along for the ride. I've been looking at activities to burn off some energy of Megan and completely forgot I should do the same for Sadie.

I'm also realizing that such a big venture means I'm going to sleep less and less as it approaches. My mind is starting to race with list of things to pack, plans while on the road, etc etc etc.

In case your wondering, we're heading to Walla Walla to see the Bolducs.

New Map of the US

A solution to the political divide...

I wouldn't mind, at least we'd be getting our flu shots.

Uh Oh....

Too late for us... save yourselves

Oh Jack...

This week has been so tough. Not only did I watch as my country made a huge mistake, but I didn't have you here to give me a hug, and to give me an ear to vent. I missed our conversations in the dark at night, I missed your council. You are my best friend. We'll get through these next years, because we're together.

How fortunate I am that I have you in my life. We have so much we share and value . I know people who have topics they can't discuss with there spouse, and others' who have secrets they can never tell, and I realize how fortunate we are to have each other. I know we'll always have those little things that drive us crazy - like my leaving paper towels in the sink and you leaving your pants on the floor, but those things don't matter. What matters is your a great father, a wonderful husband and my best friend. .... this little public display of affection is just to say thank you for being you and I love you.

Strength in numbers...

From: Eli Pariser, MoveOn PAC
Subject: Because of you, there is hope.

"we must remember that 55.4 million Americans stood with you and with John Kerry. You are certainly not alone. And a healthy environment, a strong and fair economy, good schools, domestic safety and the end of the war in Iraq are goals we all share "

Remember that Mister Bush ... 55.4 Million Americans don't want you as president while we will have to tolerate you for the next 4 years, we'll be watching you like a hawk, and we'll be ready, so get honest with the American people and do your job.

I heard on the radio today that even though he won,55.4 million voters plus all those that voted 3 party made up the most votes against a sitting president ever.

a light

A little while ago Megan handed me the phone and said "Hi Daddy" I agreed with her and put the phone down, she picked it up again and was even more insistent Gogo Daddy Hi Daddy. I said OK... and we called Jack and I handed her the phone and she happy told him hi daddy. She really is a light for us. And a reason to go on fighting.

Now as she naps, I crawl back into bed myself. Because there is no place better to be than under a down comforter on a cold rainy day when you feel depressed.

&*#$&@

My mood matches the weather, cold, bitter and grey. I will always feel this election like the last was stolen. I will never trust voting machines that don't leave a paper trail. I have faith that history will bear witness to the truth and we will one day know how evil this whole mess was.

I am sicken and disgusted that good people couldn't see through the lies of the crook in office and saw fit to give him 4 more years to destroy our reputation in the world, neglect the poor, destroy the environment, give blank checks to the likes of Haliburtin, get our young service men killed... on and on... I fear for this nation.

If Kerry had won I would have hoped that conservatives would have given him a chance before attacking... but I can't do the same because we've had 4 years of this imbecile and this nation is going to be in bad shape to have suffer through 4 more years.

This man you all just reelected... took a lack of popular vote and made it a mandate for the last 4 years... I shudder to think what he is going to do now.

How depressing

I netflix'd the movie "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James and watched it last night. I know the reason why I found it was it had Colin Firth in it, but his one scene should have hardly counted. The story was dreadful and I have a sneaking suspicion that they followed the book closely. The story was depressing and the experience was overall disappointing.... reminds me of something else... what I wonder.

what luck

Megan and I drove around today and looked at the long lines we were missing at the polls, thanks to early voting. After we headed to the supermarket and while getting off the freeway a rock hit the windshield. I was annoyed... mostly because the wonderful mood of seeing so many people VOTING! its feels like a new day.

Well I just called the auto glass people and they are coming out in 45 mins. Usually it takes days so now my good mood has returned.

Oh yeah -- sorry Jack - it is your car after all :)

UPDATE: All fixed. The nice young man arrived and fixed the chip in about 20 mins while I cleaned out the big freeze in the garage and we chatted about the election. One note - the darn freezer has a wire bottom shelf that won't come out so while I could clean up most of the melted grape popsicle juice from great melt down of 2004, I couldn't get it all.

me and my Telescope

Jacqueline asked in comments on a previous blog about my astronomy interest and since my reply was turning into a regular blog entry I decided to go ahead and move it. Beside I know of a couple of readers who avoid reading comments.

Astronomy has always been an interest. Jack gave me a very small telescope for Christmas right after we moved here, but with no tracking motor and such small optics, I enjoyed spying on neighbors more than star gazing. Then a few years back I took a class at the local collage and was hooked. For my 30th Jack gave me a Meade LX200 12 inch before the GPS was standard with it. I absolutely love it! We've combined loves and have taken some great Moon Shots. Basically I've seen rings on saturn, the spot on Jupiter, topography on Mars, a few galaxy and nebula, and lots of empty space in between. Most visitor's are more impressed with Saturn than anything else, but I have to say I was most blown away with seeing the storm on jupiter. This is all from our very light polluted back yard. Jack and I have been discussing taking it out to the middle of no where, but we haven't gotten around to it yet.

I am really looking forward to taking Megan out and showing her the universe, when she's older. Already she knows about Moon and stars and loves to go out and have me point them out to her.

really cool

a really cool close up shot of Saturn It'll be something else tomorrow, but you can go back and look at the different shots.

Last night when I was peaking out at the moon, I realized how much I miss my telescope. I haven't taken it out since just after Megan was born. But last night with a late rising moon and a crystal clear night, would have been perfect for a little star gazing. Soon ... I promise my self ... soon.

Go Vote!

Where ever you are - in Red or Blue or somewhere in between ... Go Vote. Do your part - otherwise we won't listen when you complain about the results later.

Run Run Run Run We Run around...

Tonight Megan and I had a busy time of it.... Sadie went into the vet this morning for a blood Glucose Curve basically a 12 hour blood test, to monitor how she does on her current dose of insulin. Jack dropped her off before heading to the airport for a week's conference in New Orleans.

Megan woke from her nap at 5 as usual. Only now 5 is sundown and very dark. Megan and I headed out to run a few errands, then we went out to dinner to Pizza Italia were Megan ate a whole mini pizza and I had the eggplant parmesan sandwich. By the time we finished there it was 6:30. Sadie was supposed to have her last test at 6:30 or so I had been told, so we headed to the vet. We got stopped by a very long train so we didn't make there till 7 only to be told Sadie needed her last test at 7:30. I informed the very nice girl that that wouldn't do since I had a small child (currently tearing up there dog and cat toy displays, and no help.) The vet was summoned and offered to move up the test. Meanwhile all the food and medicine I'd ordered over a week ago for Sadie were in. So on top of the 80 dollars for the days blood test Sadie cost an additional 420 in food and medicine (the largest being her Pancreazyne which runs $140 a bottle (I usually order 2 at a time as one lasts a month) ... so I paid and then.... They brought out frantic to get the hell out of there Sadie, which Megan was so delighted to see and we managed to get 2 30lb bags of dry food,one case of canned food, and other meds out to the car... only and here's the best part.... I'm currently driving Jack's itty bitty commute care of a Civic Hybrid. So Megan and Sadie were the back seat, Megan's stroller is the trunk, so everything else had to go in the front with me. This took some doing since I keep a supply of things to keep Megan happy in the front seat of the car for easy access while driving. This was all thrown on the floor and the piles of stuff was put in the seat. And home we drove. If you've never driven in a car with a neurotic dog, Sadie cried all the way home thankful to be out of there and frantic for both bathroom (our yard) and dinner.

On a side note her insulin has been lowered to 13 units as she had a mild low blood suger crash in the after noon. Good news is no new tests for a month!

Now its 8 pm Megan is in the bath I'm blogging (and checking email) while sitting on the floor and Sadie is happily eating dinner. Its going to be a late night for us, but worth it to have "sa De" Home