I'm back!

Resisting my inner dialogue is no easy feat. Luckily I've had an 80 year project, Pandora, and a lovely infection to block out most of it.

Grandma's personal history was recorded, written, edited (thanks Mick!) and printed with days to spare until her party. Now I'm basking in the ahhhhhhh! of a finished project. My only hope it that the high outlasts this retched infection and the urge to get started on my next big project.

*****

Alice, if your reading (and you might not be since you just had a cornea transplant!), start gearing up! I have no idea what I'm getting us into, but it's bound to be a doozy. A HUGE doozy, I warn you. Compiling 80 years of one life was no walk in the park. I'm certain it was meant to be a small learning experience for our massive, long, intricate processes ahead. My insecurities are coming through here, but I hope I can give your experience the voice it needs to be successful.

Dear Mom,

The big 60?

Can't hardly believe it!

You seems as young to me today as you were during my earliest childhood memories. Energetic, always busy and working hard, I was so happy to hear you were able to slow down for a weekend and kick back in the warmth and sunshine of Powell. You deserve it!

Just think, the ride home with Sir talks-a-lot is guaranteed to be quiet and relaxing too.

Wish we could celebrate with you, Happy Birthday.

Dear Jen,

(How cute are we?)

Nostalgic is the only word that comes to mind while we once again sat in your mother's kitchen watching her make brownies for us and listening to her words of advice as the scent of chocolate wafted from the oven. Crazy, wasn't it? Seemed almost like yesterday!

For a moment I felt 16 again, and that you were sixteen again- strange yet comfortable! That is until Ben called "MomMom". What a handsome, smart little man you have! We have time warped into mothers ourselves. What a sweet sensation. I await the time when I can make brownies in my own kitchen, with my children and their friends, and share with them words of wisdom while sweetness fills their tummies. I will remember your mother and you each time I do.

I was so happy to spend your birthday with you, lazily talking, reminiscing, sharing and getting reacquainted with great Jenisms. I have missed you and your lovely self all these years! You really were the best of best friends, especially at such a critical time in my life. We both learned and grew up together into the women we are today. I give our friendship- all of it, a great deal of credit to us turning out the way we have.

I admired your strength, confidence, humorous wit, intelligence, fun-loving personality, and positive self the moment I first met you at church. Instantly I knew we would be good friends. I still admire those qualities in you. Wish we lived closer and could play more, get our children together and of course, dye our hair some crazy color! Thank you for being you and for putting up with me all these years. New Mexico, here I come!

'Til next time...

Skuld always, skebe forever, with barn!
Do I even remember what that means anymore, do you? Somehow, I am certain it is no longer applicable. Fun to be reminded of it again though... what I remember, that is! Interpretation, please?

Love you,
Jen

Dear Iann,

Big E,

I miss the 'hood', or at least the simplicity of hood life. Why are things not as simple anymore as carrying a pocketknife? Is it us that complicate life? Is it that we are no longer children and our parents did a good job of disguising demands of adult life? Who really knows.

All I know is that I now have to use thirty remotes or switches to turn on Sound of Music or some other movie for my girls. Remember when we would merely put the tape in, push play then rewind and play again while we sat singing, watching, or maybe even dancing on your blue carpet? Remember waking up to go run down the street to each others homes in search of our only goal for the day- where to build the next club house? And what about just flying down the slopes? Now I worry I might die! Are you still skiing?

Good times with you my friend. Thanks for making childhood memorable. Sorry I was so mean to you when you broke your arm. I think I was just jealous about how tough you were, and your cool cast! Sorry I peed in your bed. Especially that I peed in your bed while we both slept in it- gross! I was not always a great friend, but you were. 

Please tell your parents hello for me. Love them! They practically raised me in addition to my own. I recall your dad and his pocketknives too. And let's not forget Boston, or the Police continuously blaring on the fridge top boom box. Your father shaped many of my music choices- for which I am better off. Wish them a Happy Holiday from me, please? I will have to 'drop' in sometime and say hello. I even make my family German pancakes, just like your mom used to make us on Saturday mornings.

And Alec- he's now a man that looks like how I remember Barry- crazy. I checked out his photo's and thoughts on his blog. Tell him hello, although I doubt he recalls much of me. He will be forever five in my memory.

Merry Christmas to you and your boys too. What a lucky woman you are to have four cute ones! I'm jealous they get to see my dad every day. Lucky suckers!

Be good- thanks for the comment,
Five

P.S. I stole your pic! How is Beans?

Dear Santa,

Been trying to start running again. Three weeks off seems to have put me 20 pies and 20 pounds behind. Darn those pies! Oh, and those rolls! Never mind chocolate! The running bandwagon is calling due to overly tight jeans and I'm answering its beckoning.

I try to get my running in near sunrise or right at dawn. There is only one small problem. As it is dark outside, with lights on indoors- I get to stare right into a reflection of myself in the window. It is not the most comfortable viewing at 6 AM. Acceptance of oneself at that time of day is a big hurdle though I'm slowly improving. I'm just grateful I don't have to watch myself from the behind- could be worse, right?

But Santa, each time I've attempted to run this week I've noticed my constant smack-dab-in-front-of-me companion. A reflection which normally I look right through unless I'm in need of some 'hurry up and beat that chick' motivation- then I like her around. But, I've begun to notice her in a different light. A ' jeez lady, tame those unruly beasts already!' kind of light.

Hence my Christmas wish:












Please Santa, Pleeeeease?

I've been a good girl- minus yelling at the children over the alphabet.

I'm in desperate need. Trust me!

Oh, and I'll be needing at least three. They will only cost you around $150.00.

Could you throw in some new shoes too? Size 8. New Balance. Stability.

Thanks!

P.S. I think your hot!

Dear Family and Friends,

It's that time of year again and the need for writing our annual Perkins Family Top 10(Christmas Card) is in full swing. If you have never previously received one, or you have moved and would like the 2009 rendition- please e-mail me with your address. For many of you, this is our only yearly chance at exchanging much of our happenings (unfortunate as that sounds).

Hope you are well and getting ready for the holiday season with your loved ones.
Thanks a bunch in advance!

Jen
jabperkins@yahoo.com

Dear Lisa,

Had something of a victory today and I'm feeling good about it.

"History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce". -Karl Marx

Thank you for passing this positive spin to me yesterday. You knew I needed to hear it. What you did not foresee was the courage it gave me. I needed the courage more.

Thanks to Karl Marx for keeping history and its recurrence in perspective. What a brilliant thinker. Thanks to people who are now history! Once again, back in the vault.

Soon the farce of history relived will turn to laughter and I will giggle myself silly!

Silly, I warn you.

But for now,

"This time I'll be sailing. No more bailing boats for me. I'll be out here on the sea, just my confidence and me... This time I'll have no fear. I'll be standing strong and tall. And I'll learn to get by on a little victory" - Matt Nathanson

One little victory at a time. Until I lock that chapter of the history book up for good, burn it's pages something hot, fierce and terribly hard, and bury it's key out of sight- forever. Then a great victory will be achieved, giggles will boil up from my toes and most likely spill warmly out the corners of my eyes.

Thank you. You are good therapy. I miss you. Now, because heaven forbid you have an established life where you are, and I could never move (I'll blame it on Mick's fear of change), will you just move out here already? I'll be needing you for the bonfire. How hard could it be, really?

Love you!
Jen

Dear Tabbi,

We wish you a Happy Birthday across the seas in Taiwan. Even though you are 14 hours ahead of us and have already celebrated, we send our birthday wishes to you via Internet today. Love and miss you.


A gift for you:

What do you know and love about Aunt Tabbi,
From: Aspen and Liberty

What is Aunt Tabbi's favorite color?
Aspen: Purple.
Liberty: Pink.

What is Aunt Tabbi's favorite food?
Aspen: Pizza.
Liberty: Chicken.

What does Aunt Tabbie like to do?
Aspen: She likes to text to her friends.
Liberty: She likes to jump on the tramp.

What is Aunt Tabbi's Favorite Movie?
Aspen: Twilight.
Liberty: Tarzan.

Where does Aunt Tabbi like to go out to eat?
Aspen: Olive Garden.
Liberty: She likes to eat out of garbage cans/McDonald's.

Does Tabbi like shoes?
Aspen: Yes, high heels.
Liberty: Yes, down shoes.

Where does Aunt Tabbi like to travel too?
Aspen: She likes to travel where ever her nieces and nephews are.
Liberty: Bears.

What does Aunt Tabbi most like about you?
Aspen: I don't know.
Liberty: She loves us.

What do you want to wish Aunt Tabbi for her 26th birthday?
Aspen: Wow, she's younger then Tawna? I didn't know that! I wish that she has a Happy Birthday!
Liberty: You mean her 50(th) birthday? That she gets pregnant (said with a smile)!

How do you think Tabbi will celebrate her birthday?
Aspen: there they usually throw a party for people that live there, like a festival birthday.
Liberty: She's going to have presents, then she's going to get pregnant. (Please get married first though)



What do you love doing with Aunt Tabbi?
Aspen: Jumping on the tramp with her.
Liberty: I like to play with her inside.

What makes Aunt Tabbi beautiful?
Aspen: Her make-up
Liberty: Lipstick

What do you like most about Aunt Tabbi?
Aspen: She's nice.
Liberty: Umm, we love her. Beautiful.

What do you miss most about Aunt Tabbi?
Aspen: That she's not here anymore.
Liberty: That she lives far away, on an island called the city of Logan.

What are you giving Aunt Tabbi for her Birthday?
Aspen: This beautiful card.
Liberty: My picture I made.

Dear Paul, Julie, Carson and Nicholas,

As a family we were saddened to hear of you having to put dear Chancey to sleep. He was a sweet dog and a much loved member of your family who will be sorely missed. We send our deepest sympathy during this time, knowing full well the measure of loss you must be feeling after 13 years of a loving bond and friendship.


We will remember him as always eager for a belly rub, greeting us at your front door, and plopping his jowls on our knees for a scratch behind his ears or maybe a stolen slobbery kiss. He sure was handsome, well mannered, patient with children and a good old chap all around. We will miss him.

We send our love and remembrance of one of the best dogs around!
Hope your hearts heal through the coming days.

Love
Jen
Mick
Aspen
Liberty
and Abbie.

Dear Mick, (August 14, 2009)

Dear Mick,

Considering that we have been married now for 11 years, and the fact that I'm a music fanatic, how is it that we have not yet established 'our song'? One or two songs over the years we have equally appreciated and blared repeatedly on the truck or home stereo. Romantic love songs? No, you are not that mushy. Romance is where I come in. Possibly our taste in 'our song' has changed as frequently as our lives have through the years.

During our dating it was Sex and Candy by Cathrine Wheel, nearly anything Matchbox Twenty; or the sultry sound of Chris Isaak amid kisses in a blueberry scented candle lit room.

True Companion by Mark Cohen lasted us through the first few years of marriage when we were dirt poor college students barely able to scrape pennies together for text books, gas or food, let alone new music; all the while blissfully in love and figuring out life as two.

Songs like This Years Love, by David Grey, For My Wedding by Don Henley, Morning song by Jewel, Fireflies and Stealing kisses, by Faith Hill helped me survive and reminded me of you on my lonely single parent days when you were constantly away from home either working or going to school.

A few years back you introduced me to Love Remains by Gavin Rossdale. The line “I never thought that I had anymore to give, your pushing me so far", was a reminder of how far we've come, what life we have experienced together and the depth our love had taken us thus far.

This year, I think I may have finally found our song. I'm certain it may not be on your top 100 favorite songs list, but given a chance I know you will appreciate it. Life seems to flap it's wings and we continue on with our daily nest building and forget that the love we share is sweet and pure. How much longer do we have?

Kisses by Aslyn

It happened again, I ran out the door without a warning.

I didn't say goodbye, somehow it got lost last night or this morning.

But on my way something told me that my moments are not to choose.

No. And so I turned around and went back.

I said baby I'm here and I love you.

I love you!

How many days do we have? How many moments to live? How many golden chances to forgive? Too many things on the shelf. Too many thoughts of myself. How many kisses? How many kisses are left?

Days come and go like a parade of good intentions.

Problems left undone and thank yous failed to mention.

But time is the only enemy.

So baby how long will we fail to see that we don't know ahead of time when it's our time to leave?

So tell me, how many days do we have? How many moments to live? How many golden chances to forgive? Too many things on the shelf. Too many thoughts of myself. How many kisses? How many kisses are left?

How many days? How many nights? How many kisses in this life?

How many days? How many nights? How many kisses in this life?

How many days do we have, How many moments to live? How many golden chances to forgive? Too many things on the shelf. Too many thoughts of myself. How many kisses? How many kisses are left?

Happy 11 years Mick, I love you!

Jen

Dear Jesi,

This morning while digging my neighbors hole (another story for you), a old little song came blaring through my Ipod headphones. You decorated my life- by Kenny Rogers. I know you are probably laughing hysterically right now and thinking, "Really Jen, Kenny?", but honestly this song, or rather that line, made me think of you. I was forced to stop digging, remove my dirty gloves and wipe a few tears from my cheeks for fear passersby might see me! You know me and crying. Hate it!!!

You really have decorated my life and I will miss our morning sisterly talks. Miss them, terribly! How ever will I survive my days? Who will I share all my deep dark secrets with? Can you imagine the mess I 'm going to be when you actually move...all the way to the coast? Okay, let's not think about that...

Now will be the true test. I might actually have to call you and have conversations. You know I'm not good at that. For you, I will be. I won't be able to make it through the days without your caffeine! You are my green tea sister!

And speaking of sister...

I guess, I'll be your 'mom', although that makes me feel very old, and shafted, as far as the deal goes, but you really have become a sister to me. An older one, because let's face it, little sisters are whiny and annoying and you do not fit that category. Also, if I'm going to be the 'mom', then I must age you just a tad too, it's only fair! Honestly though, I consider you the older sister I always wanted, even if you are four years younger than me. Thank for filling the role willingly, and putting up with my whining and annoying little sister parts.

Looking forward to our weekly trips to the park, our girls getaway(let's get it down in that planner of yours), continued conversations on the phone, and more of your timeless wisdom and random statistics!

Work will not be the same without you, but I'm happy you made the right choice for you and your family. Just know you can change your mind at any time and I will make Heidi hire you back! Thank you for being such a great friend, really getting me, never judging and always encouraging. Your a breath of fresh air!

Since your not deceased and this letter makes it sound like you've gone the way of the wind, I will now stop.

Love you ( hugging you without arms here),
Jen

p.s. I stole your cute pic!

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for accepting me and loving me unconditionally. It is a lesson in life I do not take for granted and a character trait I strive to emulate.

Thank you for supporting my children and loving them as they are. For acknowledging that they are indeed children. Noisy, whiny, messy, in-your-face asking why why why, perfectly normal, perfectly themselves, beautiful children.

I'm grateful that you are always excited to see the girls, to hold them and to spend time with them in their world. That is how grandparents foster bonds to last a lifetime. I know that they feel of your love. I'm thankful they have you as good charitable examples in their lives. That they have you for support, encouragement and love without condition. It makes my heart happy to know that you know and acknowledge that family and dear friends are the most important parts of life.

It's hard to put into words how I regret the amount of holidays, special occasions and family times that we have missed while living away. Especially when I know that you would love to have us come and not wish us away. It makes me feel good to come home. I'm planning to come more. Time to get back to my roots. Pencil in the Perkins clan for end of summer cabin fun, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

My two wishes are that a) I had my own vehicle with a never ending supply of free gasoline or b) we lived closer. Currently, I'm hoping one of the two come true, but I'll have to take matters into my own hands, as I'm certain the fairy godmother has entered early retirement.

Love you both!

Dear Paul,

I should wash the truck while blasting some Doors, Robert Plant, Jimi Hendrix or Led Zeppelin today in honor of you on your birthday. But it is scheduled to rain and heaven knows a good truck wash would be ruined with the rain. I will break out some tunes and turn the volume up nice and loud.

Remember when we used to be buddies and I would spend evenings nuzzled up on your arm as you stretched out watching MTV? I think I appreciate good music and you because of these moments.

Or the time you defended me from Jeff, the ever terrorizing older youngest brother, and took a crushing back landing to the heat grate causing almost permanent rectangles imprinted in your ribs and skin? Have they disappeared yet? Thanks for always saving me, every time.

How about the times we spent flying off the snow covered hay barn on inner tubes, mini plastic snowmobiles, or toboggans up at the mountain? Or the hours we spent traversing the mountains many bike trails, or searching the wetlands banks for frogs and salamanders? Good times we shared as children. Do you recall them? Shame it is currently asphalt and condominiums.

I loved walking to elementary school with you. It felt safe. I felt big. The trails through the apartments always scared me after you left for Junior High.

Remember all the times you got out of doing dishes because I fell for the cheap change trick. Slave labor! As long as it bought me a .10 cent Bazooka bubble gum complete with tattoo I was okay with this treatment. You were one lucky son of a gun.

Wish we were still as close. That distance, time and circumstance didn't separate us from making more memories. Still holding out on our yearly camping trip at the property. I wish you a great day with your family. Your a lucky man to have those three in your life. Happy Birthday!

Love you,
Jen

Dear Tawna,

Many, many, many thanks for not 1,2 3, 4 or5, but 6 music CD's for my running endeavors! You are the best! Thanks for encouraging me along my journey. I'm looking forward to running with you on our big day in August.

I'm listening as I type and my ears are happy. I love most of these songs. To think I've been running without these tunes ...how ever did I make my miles until now? I really appreciate you taking the time to put these together. I thoroughly enjoyed Micks dedicatory disk. Love that memory!

Your such a great sister and friend!

P.S. (I stole your pic)

Dear Tawna, Mike, Ruthie, Josh, Mom and other Parents and Educational Professionals in my life.

As a teacher, do you expect all your students to conform in the same way? Take this example for instance:

You tell your students to finish working on their spelling sheet, put it away and then come sit down on the rug. You are ready to move onto reading time.

Jamie does exactly what you ask, in that instant. She is the first one to the rug.
Phil finishes his sheet, but forgets to put it away and then makes his way over to the rug.
Heidi realizes she's forgotten to put her name on her spelling sheet so she takes her time doing that, then puts her paper away and proceeds to the rug.

As a teacher do you get frustrated by Phil and Heidi's lack of response time and expect them to react just as Jamie has? Do you praise Jamie and punish Phil and Heidi, or just either or? Or do you expect that each child will come and do what you have asked, they just have a different means of getting there? Is each child in the classroom expected to react the same as the next? Is this principle strictly observed in a school setting? Does this type of classroom management work, and is it vital to a learning atmosphere for each student and an organized classroom for the teacher?

I ask this because I try to never lump individuals into a category. I believe in individuality in any given circumstance. As a mother, you are forced to deal with it, and let each of your individual children be who they are. In so doing, I wonder if instead of wanting my children to conform, I have accepted them for how they are and thus, how they react, as long as they are doing right and making good choices.

For instance:
I say Aspen, Liberty we need to go. Please get your shoes on and head out to the car.
They both go and get their shoes, each with a different speed, but none the less, they do it. Aspen grabs a snack before heading out to the car, and Liberty goes directly out. Both of them achieve the goal I set for them, just in a different manner. Should I be forcing Aspen to conform to exactly how I asked her to do what I have asked?

I'm honestly asking these questions and I'm interested in your personal and professional answers. Thank you!

Surprised, Funny, and Info

Mick handed me the paper today and said, "congratulations, your in it".

I'm surprised the Herald Journal printed my letter to the editor. I thought it might be too racy for them. Had I known they approved of that column, I would have been racier!

I really need to lay off this parkstip business. Mick claims I've been ornery ever since. I'm afraid he might be right.

*

As Libby and I were having lunch, she reached across the table to grab her cup of applesauce. She almost guzzled it down and when she was done, she added disgustedly with a glare "where'd my other sandwich go?"

As I looked at her to say "maybe you already ate it", I found a great sight. Plastered to the side of her shirt and squished beyond recognition was her "other" peanut butter and honey sandwich. We both let out a long giggle. Then she finished eating it right up! Hooray for kids and their lack of regard to fuzzy fabrics in their food.

*

Gin's Swimming is starting sometime in June for all those Cache valley residents who are interested. It is the best as far as swimming lessons go! I'll let you know when I receive my flier and updated information. You may be able to find her in the phone book. Her name in Gin (Virginia and Paul) Manning. Ask her to send you a flier. They are held in the pool in her backyard. She has been teaching for about 25 years, if I remember right. Take advantage of lessons with Gin and then head on over for free lunch for ages 1-18 at the Middle school between June 8 and July 22. If your lucky, maybe you can bike to lunch, like the girls and I love to do!

Letter to the Editor- Herald Journal

Recently my property has been the whipping boy of the hostile Logan City parkstrip takeover. Like many Logan Officials, you may be saying “This is old news, get over it lady”. Sure, it is old news, but it effects all city residents. Yes, that means you whose properties are in compliance. You may be asking “why, what does this absurd issue have to do with me?” The answer is two part.

First, if you live in Logan City your paying for this project through your taxes, or more importantly, witnessing the waste of federal tax allocations that should go for neighborhood improvement projects. At a critical economic time, our city sees fit to waste federal tax dollars on removing concrete deemed ugly and unsafe instead of fixing a myriad of community issues such as: repairing unsafe sidewalks, road crossings and curbs for pedestrians of all abilities; installing caution signs, lowering speed limits, creating sidewalks near schools and city parks where they do not currently exist, and treating or felling unsafe diseased City trees that threaten pedestrians and drivers alike. My list goes on and on. What are your neighborhood improvement concerns that are not being met due to this wasteful asinine project?

Second, law abiding Logan citizens are inevitably left to pick up the slack of poor decision making by City Officials. In the past a blind eye was turned on single family zoned neighborhoods, and these neighborhoods illegally became multi-family. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for reclaiming single family neighborhoods, but mandating when where and how single families such as myself can access their private properties by removing concrete, screams hedge law to me! Which are we to live by Logan City Officials, parking hedge laws or zoning laws? Why not start enforcing the original zoning law of single family dwellings instead of achieving those measures through hedge laws? Slowly but surely our national, state or city governments as in this case, are creating hedge laws around original laws that should have been upheld in the first place.

As Logan City residents we need to be present and aware of laws, or hedges of laws, that our elected Officials tend to ignore, enforce or create. Avoid turning a blind eye to local politics, or soon a new hedge law could infringe upon you and your family as it has mine.

Signed,
Jennifer Perkins

Dear Mom

Thank you for:

Nurturing me,
Increasing my self awareness and respect
And allowing me to be myself, despite my many shortcomings.
For raising me to be confident and content in how I am, or more importantly how I am not, strictly by example alone.

Your listening ears have been a comfort to me,
Your nonjudgmental words have shown me I matter,
Your helpful hands have aided many a crazy day.
Three postpartum's would not have been the same without you!

The strength you carry is a lesson to me daily.
Your timeless beauty radiates from the wisdom you unknowingly share with me.
After being a mother myself, I realize Thank You's do not give your job justice,
But I believe knowing that you are loved and cherished might be enough.
As your daughter I hope I honor, and continue to honor all your hard earned mothering.

I Love you,
Happy Mothers' Day!

Dear Lael

Since you are a follower and most likely reading, I thought I'd tell you how much I enjoyed our conversation yesterday. It was great to share a little of our hopes and dreams with one another, especially with them being similar.

I have known since my wee undergrad days that you are a great writer. So, to get quality tips and compliments from you just made my day and admittedly boosted my confidence levels just a tad! What were your words, 'clarity' and 'natural talent'? Thank you, you are too kind. I hope to achieve all the writing dreams I set out to reach in life. Just have to get past my hangups, and learn the tricks of the trade. Slightly intimidating.

I'm excited to receive a copy and read Lilly and the Russet Gigantus. Been looking forward to it since you posted a tidbit about it. Going out on a limp here, but I predict Lilly becoming the next Harry Potter. In honor of Leo's recent favorite word, that would be awesome! The story line captures my interest and sounds like a great combination of the natural world and mystery. Exciting sparkly stuff!
Thanks again. I think you are awesome. Wish we conversed more. Soon we'll talk more journalism, it peaks my interest!

Lael's beautiful pic, thanks to her blog profile.

Quick Travel

Grandma Perkins gave Mick and I some much needed R&R when she borrowed the children for Valentines Day. I should admit that we lent them to her from the bottom of our giving hearts, but really we were just ready for a get away and she willfully obliged. I had to remind myself that time with grandma and grandpa is just as vital for the girls as was our top priority- time alone as a couple. I love when Mick and I are able to get reacquainted as the love birds we once were all the while knowing the children are well taken care of.

Our Destination: Boise, Idaho.

(I loved this Pink door in downtown Boise)

Why: A bigger city far enough away from the norm, close enough that the truck could venture without incident and where the 17th ranked Aggies just happened to be playing ball. Need I mention Mick and his love for the Aggies.

Highlights: 3 1/2 hours- there and back- for non censored adult conversation.
A delicious intimate dinner date at P.F. Chang's minus multiple trips to the 'potty'.
47 degree weather for hand in hand walks around red brick downtown Boise.
Aggie Basketball vs Boise State-for Mick.

(Spectrum on wheels)

Seeing my old college roommate and friend Rani, meeting her husband, and updating life stories after 10 years of separation! The time unfortunately too short.

A complete Othello shutout on my part, all white is a pretty sight on that green board.
Good hotel pillows!

Cuddles with my man!
Waking up late and undisturbed!
Hot breakfast made and cleaned up by others hands.
Spotting semi's with a tumbleweed stuck to their grill.

Listening to 'old' tunes.

(I was trying to record Mick singing to Van Halen, but he caught me!)

Seeing the always impressive site of a full grown tree farm, complete with a 'for sale' sign, and feeling chills upon contemplating the human lifespan of love, cultivation, and dedication to seeing nature through.

Being greeted home by my seven year old running out in the snow with her sock covered feet and arms full of homemade Valentines just for me!

Thank you Ruth, what a welcome reprieve it was! Are you currently accepting reservations for 2010?