Paul Smith Foundation

My aunt sent me a e-mail forward this afternoon, featuring the art work of a man by the name of Paul Smith. I found his story inspiring and maybe you will too.

http://www.paulsmithfoundation.org

Top 10 Reasons Fall is My Favorite!

10. Ethan's Birthday
9. The Electric Blanket
8. Pumpkin Scones
7. Fall Colors
6. Hot Cocoa
5. Warm Clothing: Sweaters and Coats
4. The Weather; I Love the Rain!
3. Post-Season MLB
2. Halloween
1. Pumpkin Pie

Friday Fill-Ins

1. One week ago I WAS AT DISNEYLAND.

2. I PLAYED CHURCH when I was young.

3. Mama told me EVERYTHING IN MODERATION.

4. DOTTY, JETER, you and me.

5. Take your time THERE IS ALWAYS TOMORROW.

6. IT will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to SEWING, tomorrow my plans include CLEANING UP and Sunday, I want to SLEEP IN!

Southern California

Ethan and I took a short trip down to Southern California this past weekend, Thursday-Sunday. We spent two fun days at Disneyland and California Adventure. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, which was great. We could walk to the parks each morning, swam in the Peter Pan themed pool, and Mickey left us chocolate on our pillows! We also made our way to a Dodgers Giants game. Enjoyed the company of my brother-in-law Morgan and my good friend Kelcey. Dodgers won 12-1. They hit a grad slam in the 1st, plus three other home runs. It was a great game for Dodger Fans.

Disneyland was really fun. Even thought we spent two full days, it just doesn't feel like enough. The park has so much to offer: rides, shows, parades, fireworks. Its hard to fit it all in. My favorite ride in Disneyland is The Pirates of The Caribbean. I love the mystery of the ride. As you load the boat, you really have no idea what the ride is going to be like. My least favorite ride is Snow White's Scary Adventure. First, you don't see Snow White at all during the ride, so I am guessing you are suppose to be Snow White, as the rider. But then it ends with no Prince...but the last scene is They Lived Happily Ever After. Who? Does not make sense. Oh well, can't wait to go back.

Jeter!

Five years ago today we adopted Jeter from the pound!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. That's a LOT to be.

2. WAIT; I'm over here!

3. The possibilities include: SWIMMING, WALKING, OR ELIPTICAL.

4. HOT COCOA is one of my favorite cool day recipes.

5. How will you know WHAT TO DO FIRST?

6. GRAY CLOUDS and a stormy sky.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to MY DAY OFF, tomorrow my plans include DINNER WITH VICKY and Sunday, I want to SCRAPBOOK!

Desiree Davis

This is Desiree Davis. She was shot and killed in Oakland, California in broad daylight at a BBQ on Labor Day. She was 17. She is also the niece of one of my co-workers. Police have no idea who killer her or why. Sadly, she is on record as the 77th homicide in Oakland in 2009. Desiree was also a victim of Hurricane Katrina, where her and her family lost their home to the natural disaster. Its always hard when some you know is faced with a tragedy. Even though I didn't know this person, it still seems unreal that something like this can happen.

The Monte Runs

For over two years now, my husband has been fixing up his 1987 Monte Carlo SS. He loves this car, as it was the first car he ever owned. He decided it was time to upgrade with a (almost) new engine and transmission. To give him plenty of time, he leased a Mazda 3 for two years to drive while the Monte was under repairs.

The project went longer than scheduled, as the Mazda went back at the end of July, even though the car was not ready. Ethan was at a point where he was trying to start 'er up, but something wasn't right and it wouldn't start. For weeks now he has been trouble shooting to figure out the problem. While I cannot comment on specifics, yesterday a milestone was reached and the car started! We are very excited, as Ethan has put a lot of time and money into this project. Below is a short video of the build up to the car starting. A few minor steps to take before the car is on the road, but the hard stuff is done.

A's Win

Yesterday we went to our first (and only) A's gane of the season. When your team is "the bad team" the expectations of seeing a good game are low. So I was pleasently surprised to attend a game that the A's won! Final score 9-5. They played Seattle. Both teams looked pretty bad from a defensive point. But we saw some good offense, including a two run bomb.
It was also breast cancer research awareness day. The give-a-way was a pink scarf. Before the game over 500 breast cancer survivors paraded around the field. The team also presented a check to a breast cancer research foundation for over $75000; thet money was what the team raised during the year. Go A's!!!!

Fruit or Flowers

Ethan and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary yesterday. Fruit or flowers are traditional gifts to give people celebrating their 4th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, we went on a picnic at Sonoma State, where we were married. Being married at my alma mater was very special to me. Returning there yesterday brings back not just memories of the wedding, but also the memories of college. I feel a special bond with that campus, I should try and visit more often.

Years ago, Ethan and I decided not to exchange gifts for our anniversary. Instead, we try to decide on something to buy for the house that we both could enjoy. This year we bought a Roku Box. This is a devise that you hook up to the TV and you stream movies from Netflix. We already have a Netflix account and the streaming feature is already included in the monthly fees. The really exciting part of the box is we can also stream MLB games. All of the games (execpt local games, they can only be watched once the live game has ended). It will be great watching the last month of baseball. The playoff race is on!