The Gypsy on Adventure

Happy Birthday

Today is my grandmothers 87th birthday. I wasn't able to see her since she lives in Joplin, MO, but I was able to talk to her for an hour on the phone. I sure miss her a lot and this year I have to get out there to see her.

The pic is of the last time I was there to visit her. Its been 4 years and way too long! She laughs every time we talk because we are so much alike. I enjoy hearing that!

So happy birthday! And I hope there are many others! She is feisty and wicked! Love her!

Surgery Success

Ah...long day. I took my son in for his wisdom teeth today, all four were cut out, seems he inherted my dilema, impacted teeth, which means they are sideways and have bone over them. GAH...We were the last patients today, at 10:00 a.m. and I had to listen to the saw cutting my son's jaw bone, not a nice experience for a girl that is TERRIFIED of normal dentists and have to take pills to relax me before I go.

The oral surgeon is the guy that my inlaws know, they have lived on his property for the last 15 years or so, and he is really OLD...hunched over...and I was a little concerned...but he did a good job. He is a nice man and has a heart of gold, he only charged us 1/2 of the copay it would have taken my son in anyone elses office, and since my son did not have the money, I had to pay for it. But when it is your kid, you just do it.

Poor baby did not have any time frame the rest of the day, he thought the surgery lasted about 2 mintues, he didn't understand why he was out talking to me, and his bottom lip and gums are numb, maybe a nerve damage thing, or may be the pain meds wearing off.

He is rather grumpy and fought me about placing ice on his face...I won...after all I am the mommy, I don't care that he is 25 years old...I am the mommy!

He doesn't like taking pain meds, so he is grumpy because of that too. Ah, hopefully he will feel better tomorrow. I know he misses his wife and his little apartment and wants to go home, and the noise in the house is getting on his nerves, but we live here. I am doing the best I can. And he will be fine in the morning!

Too Fast

This week has gone by really too fast! I only have Vernon here a few more days and then he is back to Reno. He was a tired boy tonight after that great dinner.

Poor kid misses his home and his wife, and is worried about being able to get home in the storm and of course over the surgery tomorrow too. Wish I could make it all better.

Lovely Dinner

My son is having his four wisdom teeth pulled out tomorrow, so Michael and I took him to the Black Angus Restaurant to have a great meal before he can't eat well! We all had steak, lobster, crab, and shrimp!

Man what a wonderful meal!

He is really nervous and has mentioned a few times how you can die under anesthetic, but I tried to assure him that he has no allergies and that I have had the same thing, all four out at the same time. I am just concerned that he has to go home on Sunday in the middle of this damn snow storm that the Sierra's are having. His wife told us that outside their apt in Reno there is two feet of snow today!  Sigh...I worry more about him driving home than I do the surgery!

Luncheon

My friend Pamela had a luncheon yesterday, and I gimped over there for a nice lunch with 5 other women from work. Pamela collects the original Snow Village from Department 56 so she had us all over to see her Christmas set up for this year. I was so out of it yesterday that I forgot to bring my camera!

I had a great time...but then went home and had to take a nap!

The Party

Well, I stressed, I primped, I bothered, I made sure there was plenty of food. I think I was a good hostess! About 26 out of what could have been well over 40 showed up!

The house was clean, it looked good and I had a fire going!                                    

• Honey baked ham and turkey
• salad
• chips/dip
• veggies/dip
• bread and
• margarita's!

What could be better? Good conversation, a lot of laughing and being comfortable!  It was a really nice party, and the first huge party I have ever done! I did buy way too much food, but left overs are always good too! *giggle*

Most of my co-workers have never seen my house, so it was frightening but in a good way, because I was able to share my life with them! That was the important thing for me, to share how much they mean to me.  And they were able to see some of my art, and just relax. I am taking my own advise and living out side of the box. Everyone was so surprised that my son was there as well, that was great, and they all talked to him and made him feel part of them as well.

The only draw back? I hurt my hip cleaning, boxing and moving things! I feel like a cripple now, and I am hoping it gets better before I have to go to work on Monday.

Happy Boy

I have been rushing around getting my house clean...buying the food and having anxiety attacks! *Giggle*  My party is tonight. So far 24 people...may be more. I sure hope they have a good time!

A couple of days ago when my son came down from Reno, he was able to open his gifts.

As you can see he was a happy boy!  Mom got to spoil him with a really good Canon Digital Camera! In fact, I wanted to keep that camera! it is small and powerful!  And at least as you can tell he has a happy face on!

A Merry Ho Ho

Michael and I took off to the beach today, and enjoyed a lovely lunch at Gilbert's Seafood Grill at Santa Cruz Wharf and we had a wonderful table next to the windows. The sun was shining and it was almost like we were in full summer! I was really hot since I was in a sweater and we had to wear our sunglasses at some points of the lunch. *Giggle*

It was very good food, and we were able to watch the seals feeding as well. Surfers taking a few waves...and a deep long awaited sigh that we both needed to connect to the ocean! I so love that we are the same in that way. It helps us to reset and cope with life...

We had a lovely walk along the coast...just a beautiful day! We have not even opened gifts yet...it has just been a peaceful day!

This was a little fun that some one sent me:

http://ww12.e-tractions.com/snowglobe

Quote for the Day

...start thinking of yourself as an artist and your life as a work-in-progress. Works-in-progress are never perfect. But changes can be made...art evolves. So does life. Art is never stagnant. Neither is life. The beautiful, authentic life you are creating for yourself is your art. It's the highest art. - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Believe in something big. Your life is worth a noble motive. -Walter Anderson

Holidays

You know there is nothing better than doing volunteer work, and charities around this time of year. If you want to feel like your life is meaningful. It was awesome today, my job had our auditorium FILLED with toys and clothes for families to come in and choose gifts...I got to help decorate the 15' tree...awesome!

Talk about making your eyes tear up. I love people's hearts around this time of year, I just wish it would last longer than the holidays. And I am glad to be able to see it in action.

Since my kids are all grown holidays are not as fun for me...so this was a good time today...makes you thankful for what you have, and makes me remember when I didn't have things that I needed...I was one of those kids when I was growing up.   I have come a very long way...and it was nice to remember that today. Bitter sweet.  Made me grateful for what I do have.