August 31, 2014

Dog Discrimination!

Today I saw a bad case of dog discrimination in a mountain town which makes it even more appalling! We were walking around Salida today and noticed that at the two city parks that we saw, there were signs that dogs weren't allowed! What!? Parks and dogs go together. Parks are what dogs do! Speaking of doo doo, they do that too- is that the problem? It seems more logical to let the canines frolick in the park and fine the owners who don't clean up the poo. Well, they didn't ask me but I'm surprised that the Salida dog lovers don't bark about this. However, later in the day I did see this sign that tells me that maybe our human friends have a bone of contention after all!

August 30, 2014

Working Weekend

Now don't be fooled- I'm not really working this weekend! We have the Tajma-haul in Howard, Colorado. I didn't even know that there was a town called Howard in our fine state. We have my in-laws Jo and Don with us and are near Salida. I'm calling it a "working weekend" because I have been helping them with thier iPads. I don't mind because I admire them for using this great tool and want to alleviate their frustration so that they will continue to do so. I have said before that one of the perks of Glamping is the free Wi-Fi!!

The Glamping supply list includes beer, wine and devices!

August 29, 2014

Rams Win!!!

Finally we go to a Rocky Mountain Showdown where we're not slinking out of the stadium early because CSU lost. Oh no...tonight we won big time! 32 - 17! We started the pre game in the parking lot with the Tajma-haul. Yes, this was the first...and last tailgater at Sports Authority field because Don had to pay for 4 parking spaces! We had a wonderful selection of green and gold food and a few friends stopped by. Fun times made even better with a Ram victory!

Paid and Jo with our green and gold gourmet feast!

Towards the end...the CU seats are pretty empty but the band played on...! 

August 28, 2014

Positively

I love the following quote. I need to read this every day!

August 27, 2014

Tech Wonders

Today I got to spend some time with a kindergarten class setting up iPads. Their teacher and I thought we would see how far we could get with the students on the set up process. We were pleasantly surprised at how well they followed instructions correctly. Keep in mind that this is only the second week of school and most of them are barely five! Also, they don't know how to read yet so you have to give them directions like, "tap the blue word" or " tap on the small word that has the letter B". But bless their hearts, they kept up with us and the majority could type in their user name and password from a card that we gave them. Many of the students had never used an iPad before and their natural aptitude for technology is unbelievable. What will these digital citizens be like in sixth grade? I hope I can keep up!

August 26, 2014

Creativity Crisis

I was talking to our art teacher today about being creative. We both believe that anyone can learn to create and we agreed that it seems like most Americans have a hard time slowing down enough to pursue our hobbies and be creative. I am committed to slowing down this year in order to continue knitting and quilting....oh..and Paige still doesn't have a baby book. I always say that the reason I go skiing is that if I break both my legs I could catch up on all my scrapbooking. I shouldn't have to fracture a bone in order to do a little crafting! Join me in a Hobby Revolution! Spend a little time  and BE CREATIVE!

August 25, 2014

Triathalon Triumph! 

It's late again but I'm up for a good reason. I actually left work on time today so I could have a triathalon of fun. Running/swimming/biking?  Nah! Yoga(1) followed by a glass of wine with my Yoga buddy(2) followed by dinner with the Hole in the Wall Gang(3). But with all this fun came the realization of some things that had to be done before work tomorrow...which brings me to the late hour. Oh well....it was worth it!

August 24, 2014

..and More Football!

As I mentioned before, my family created a Fantasy Football league and today was the draft. We did it electronically since we aren't in the same place- we have Arizona, Florida, Fort Collins, and Fort Morgan represented. This was a good thing because it prevented a lot of trash talk and kept it friendly! But that's not all....employees from Don's hospital also have a Fantasy Football league but they congregated at our house tonight because their draft is like an auction. It is also online and I sacrificed not being connected to the internet for 21/2 hours to free up the bandwidth. If you know me, that was a huge act of love! .....okay I did have my phone!! 

I took it a step further and decided my team's jerseys (Donna's Dominators) would be pink and blue!

The draft room...

August 23, 2014

Cousins

The book, The Country Mouse and the City Mouse, was written about me and my cousin Susie. Growing up, I lived in Fort Morgan and she lived in Pueblo. When our family would go to Pueblo to visit, I was the country mouse in awe of my city mouse cousin! I always enjoyed our time together and remember laughing a lot. We lost touch after our teenage years but recently have reconnected on Facebook. We found that both of us are Bronco fans so we met up at the game tonight. It was so fun to see her! Now I'm really looking forward to the Bronco season! 

August 22, 2014

Heartbroken

Not much positive to say. We had to say goodbye to our Miss Scarlett tonight. Lung cancer got the best of her. She was a special part of our family for 10 years but we should have had more. Hopefully she is in a better place with a stream to swim in and chasing her psychotic brother Chip and her feline brothers Mikey and Calvin. I will miss you terribly Scarlett!

August 21, 2014

Many Hands

"Many hands make light work" is a favorite saying of my friend Craig who was my kids' high school music director. He is so right! I have witnessed this in the last two days. I am involved in a major initiative at one of my schools which has caused a few middle of the night panics. But since I have realized that others are more than willing to share the load, the work seems much more manageable....and it will get done! 

August 20, 2014

Rainbows

This quote caught my eye tonight, especially because we are still having a light show at our house. Last week I felt that I was under my own black cloud and that the sun was not ever going to come out again. This has been a much better week where I'm able to start seeing the rainbows. Why can't I remember that the dark is only temporary and things will get brighter if you power through? Maybe I need an encouraging tattoo? Nah, I'd forget it was there and then it would start sagging eventually...I think Pinterst is the best place to keep my words of encouragement!

August 19, 2014

Fantasy Time

Under the direction of Alex, our family will be embarking on a new adventure....Fantasy Football. We have our own league of family members who each created their own football team. It's electronic through ESPN. com and I got all set up tonight and named my team Donna's Dominators. Don took me through a mock draft so I will be ready for our league draft on Sunday.  Slowly but surely Don has transformed me over the years from high school football cheerleader concerned more with my moves than the ones on the field to tolerating the game and then finally to actual fan who pays attention to the game! Fantasy Football should be an interesting family experience....I hope we all are still speaking when the holidays roll around!

August 18, 2014

First Day Smiles

Today was the first day for one of my schools and First Night for the other. I've been at work for eight days now and today when the kids walked in I remembered  why I do this job. Seeing the smiling faces, mostly on parents(!) and the students all spruced up and on their best behavior is really cute and motivating to do right by them. 

First night is when the families come to drop off their wheel barrel load of supplies and meet their teacher. Tonight the Kindergarten parents had their orientation as well. Times have changed. Instead of buying the perfect nap mat and  buying milk tickets, our kindies are signing iPad Usage Contracts! I kid you not, these beginning students are signing (printing) their names! Did I know how to write my name before kindergarten started? It will be very exciting to teach these 21st Century learners!

August 17, 2014

Splash Splash

I'm sure some of you already saw the video of my ice bucket challenge today. I was challenged earlier in the week by my friend and former college roommate, Lisa to donate money to the ALS Association and/or do the ice bucket challenge. The problem was that since Alex and Don were on their road trip, I couldn't figure out how to do it myself - ok the real truth is I don't think I could pour ice cold water on myself! In the meantime, my friend Christy also challenged me. Now, I'm going to think positively and believe that these two picked me because they felt I would do it....not because they had a secret desire to see an ice bucket dumped on my head! Well, regardless of their pent up feelings of retribution, Paige came home this weekend and was more than willing...even gleeful to participate! Hmmmm....I may need to reflect and change my ways so my relationships yield flowers and not arctic liquid!

August 16, 2016

Mall Madness

Whew! The mall was busy today! Kids and families were everywhere to do their last minute back to school shopping. Paige and I joined in the fun and found a few bargains. The experience reminded me of when I was school age and my family would make the trip from Fort Morgan to the big city of Greeley to find some new school outfits at the mall. Lunch would usually be at Arby's and one of my favorite stores was Stuart's - remember that one? It was an all day shop til' you drop event and I continue the tradition.....but now I go a few times a year!

August 15, 2014

Dear DVR

Dear DVR, Thank you for recording my favorite shows so I don't have to plan my life around the TV schedule. It's a shame you weren't around when I was in college and had to strategically create a  class schedule around General Hospital. Also, your companionship on Friday nights after a very challenging week is wonderful, especially when the power of the couch lures me into sleep. You are always there to track back so I can watch it again. Although I had a great relationship with your VHS  tape relatives, I'm glad you're around. 

August 14, 2014

They're Off!

Well, Don and Alex set off on their journey south this morning. I prepared by supplying some snacks for their car and wearing waterproof makeup to say goodbye! Later, while weeping to work, I realized what a wimp I was being. I have friends who sent their sons off to the military for boot camp or worse, for deployment. I will be able to call him anytime I want and if watches out for crazy coeds and pays attention to food expiration dates, he'll probably be OK. It's  a good thing that I'm so crazy busy at work to keep my mind off the fact that it is still hurricane season!

August 13, 2014

Farewell Dinner

We are on our way home from Fort Collins. We came up to meet our new renter and hand over the keys to the condo. Another reason to make the trip was so Paige could say goodbye to her brother who leaves for Florida tomorrow. We had a great dinner at Sonny Lubick's. The more I drank, the more sage advice I came up with to give Alex. For example, I learned today from Facebook(because everything posted is the God's honest truth) that 10 people a year are killed by sharks but 100 people a year are killed by being stepped on by cows! What a relief! I don't believe that there are any feedlots near the U of Southern Florida so that is one less thing for me to worry about! Tomorrow will come too soon!

Goodbye bro!

August 12, 2014

Earning His Keep

I worked Alex's fingers to the bone today! You may remember that at the close of school in May I was unindated with new math resources. Well, I catalogued most of it before I left but for the last two days I have been scrambling to check it all out to teachers so they can start planning. Alex volunteered to work with me all day at both schools today, schlepping heavy text book boxes, pushing carts but mostly keeping me on this side of a nervous breakdown! I guess he's making up for all the times his sister was stuck helping me while he was in college....thanks Alex!!

August 11, 2014

Hello Again!

I had two family reunions today- one at each school. It was the first day back for teachers and it was great to see everyone. One teacher aptly pointed out that we all look healthy and rested now but unfortunately we will be more droopy and tired in about a month! Let's hope she's not right! One positive about going back to work is reconnecting with co-workers. Liking the people that you spend so much time with is a blessing that I'm thankful for. 

P.S. RIP Robin Williams - Nanu Nanu!

August 10, 2014

Clinging on to Summer

Today I had one foot in summer vacation and one foot in reality. After we checked out of the RV park, we drove the Tajma-haul to one of Don's favorite fishing spots and found a place to park on the side of a dirt road. While Don, Don Sr., Lee, and Alex were fishing,  my motherinlaw, Jo and I hung out with the dogs in the trailer. I spent the time working on my work schedule for the coming year but could look out the window and see the magnificent Collegiate Peaks and abundant wild flowers. Another use for our Glamper....mobile office! If you have to work, it helps to have beautiful scenery.....

August 9, 2014

Mine or Bust

Today finds us in Salida. We met Don's cousin Mark and family from Texas for a mining adventure. My motherinlaw's grandparents met each other while living in the mining town of Bonanza. They owned a silver mine that has since been passed down through the generations and is now owned by Mark. To our knowledge, no silver has come out if it. The last two generations have never seen the mine so a local man who also owns property in this area agreed to show us where it was. It was only about 800 feet from the road but straight up with no path. It took a lot of climbing but we successfully made it.

August 8, 2014

What Not to Wear

This afternoon I went with Alex to spend the Macy's gift certificates that he had received as Chritmas and birthday presents this year. This was a much needed trip to replace his theatre climbing-ladders-running-wire work clothes with scholarly-man-about campus clothes. When he was little, I thought I had laid the fashion groundwork by dressing him in snappy outfits-many with matching hats and suspenders but today I discovered a horrible fact. Alex hates clothes shopping! What?! No child of mine should ever say such a thing! This called for serious intervention. Luckily, Paige met us at the Mall for support and we guided him around the sale racks. Note: Back to school shopping bargains are plentiful when looking for a Florida wardrobe - shorts and summer shirts! Paige and I channeled our inner Stacy and Clinton and Alex successfully chose some great clothes.

Mission accomplished!

August 8, 2014

Deja Vu and Seagulls

I'm writing this at the first Bronco pre-season game. We are experiencing a lightning delay so I have a little time on my hands. The players are all tucked away in the locker room and the fans are hoping that lighting doesn't strike people wearing orange!

I was hesitant to come to the game because the last time I sat in a stadium to see the Seahawks and the Broncos it wasn't a pleasant experience! When Peyton baubled a snap tonight, I experienced a scary flashback! Actually, what we have seen has been pretty good and we're really hoping that Capri Bibbs, former CSU player, gets to play. He's putting all his chips on the table by quitting school and trying to make it as a pro. I hope he's successful....

Lovin' my green chili fries and beer!

Post Script: The Broncos won and Bibbs got a touchdown!

August 6, 2014

Positivity and Perseverance 

My camping friend Karen just gave me a bracelet that says Positivity in honor of my Blog. I wore it today - my first day back at work. I must say I had to look at it a few times to psyche myself up for the school year ahead! I guess with anything that is worthwhile the task before you tends to look daunting but if you persevere and take a step at a time, you will ultimately get it done. I observed an example of perseverance this evening on my front porch. You may remember that our neighborhood was hit by a nasty hail storm a few weeks ago. One planter on my front porch took a direct hit and all the flowers in it were annihilated. Today however, I noticed that the flowers are making a strong comeback and starting to fill up the planter again. I hope that during this school year I can think about these flowers when I'm feeling beaten down and find the strength to dig in my roots and start blooming again...while wearing my bracelet of course!

August 5, 2014

Clean, Clean, Clean

Coming home from camping involves lots of cleaning. I cleaned the inside of the trailer before we left French Creek. When we got home we had to clean the outside which was really muddy. How many people does it take to clean a trailer? 3 - one to do all the spraying (Don), one to keep plopping in the quarters ( Alex), and one to maintain quality control (moi).  We also had to start cleaning the clothes and lastly but most importantly, peel off the baseball cap and clean ourselves. I think I could have used that power washer we used on the trailer on myself! It's good to be home!

Goodbye until next year!

August 4, 2014

Quiet, Quills, and Cinema

This morning, Don's sister and family as well as his parents, packed up and said goodbye and we were back down to six people and 4 dogs in the campsite.It was so quiet, Karen and I didn't know what to do with ourselves after the fishermen went out to cast yet another day! We decided to take the dogs on a hike in a direction we hadn't gone yet this trip. The dogs love not having to be on a leash and can run and chase squirrels to their hearts content as long as we can see them. Along the way, we spotted a dead porcupine and all that was left was the fur and quills. We succeeded in diverting the dogs around and went on our way. On the return trip however, we forgot about our deceased poky friend but my Maggie remembered and decided to roll on it. Only my dog would get attacked by a dead porcupine! She walked away but then started to favor her left front paw and sure enough, she had a quill sticking out of it and one on her face. I didn't try to pull them out because I'm not an expert in these matters- I married one. So since she wasn't writhing in pain, I waited for the vet to get back from fishing. I'm glad I did because Don pulled them out much more efficiently than I would have. He ended up finding 5 quills in her face and neck and 3 in her foot. What a dog!

Tonight we had an all time first at French Creek. Since we had the Tajma-haul and all it's bells and whistles, we decided to fire up the generator and watch a movie after dinner! It was fun to watch one of my all time favorite movies- The Goonies- while in the wilderness! I know all you hardcore campers will think this is terrible but it was fun! I guess this was our way of preparing ourselves for our dive back into reality. Tomorrow morning we have to pack up and go home.

Maggie and Scarlett

August 3, 2014

No Raspberries

We were a little low on water today so Karen and I drove to the campground just a couple of miles down the road. This is a very small rustic place with just a few sites but it does have a water pump. Usually the water is potable and we didn't see any notices to the contrary so we filled our jugs. I'll let you know in a few days if we were right! There are some great raspberry bushes in this area so we made a stop on the way back to see if they were ready. Unfortunately, they looked like we were a week or two early. However, while Alex was fishing today he came across some ripe bushes that looked recently munched on and heard a noise and a large something moving ahead of him in some bushes....he didn't stick around to see who the berry lover was! This reminds me of my favorite book, Blueberries for Sal. I'm glad Alex realized that life is stranger and more dangerous than fiction!

Karen's mom, dad and daughter Morgan drove up to visit for the day. Shortly after Karen and I met many years ago, we realized that my mother-in-law and her mother were childhood friends and sorority sisters! Isn't it weird how we connect to people? Consequently, every year her parents come up and spend the day with us at French Creek. Morgan was unable to spend the week but we are so glad that she came up today with her little dog Paisley! It was a great chance for our kids to catch up with each other. Total count today: 17 people, 7 dogs.

It was sad to see them leave after dinner along with Taylor and Paige who have work and school tomorrow. Paige always says that it's hard to be grown up. I agree....so always play and eat chocolate when you can!

The whole gang! Photo  by my niece Kate

August 2, 2014

Happy Birthday!

One of the reasons we go to French Creek at this time every year is that Don's birthday is August 5 and this is where he likes to celebrate. Don's sister Shelly and husband Lee came up today with their three children so we decided to have the birthday party tonight while we had a big crowd. We are now at 15 campers and six dogs. 

Earlier today our deer friend came back and Paige named her Dora. While I was walking to the potty this afternoon we came across each other's paths. I stopped, she stopped. Dora came toward me until she was just about 10 feet away listening and sniffing - trying to figure me out. I'm wondering if deer abide by the girl code - protect each other - or whether there has ever been a recorded deer attack. Finally, I said, "hey, how's it going?" which must have translated into deer language as something much worse because she took off running! I guess I'm not a deer whisperer....

Happy 53 Don!

August 1, 2014

Lazy Day

The best part about camping is that there is no schedule. I can't tell you exactly what Karen and I did today but I do know it involved a lot of visiting! Oh... and we opened the Beauty Shop. Even when we had the pop up trailer, we used the outdoor shower hose to wash our hair. When we bought the Taj-mahaul it would have been a deal breaker if it hadn't included an outside shower hose. Karen and I can endure a lot of things while camping in the middle of nowhere, but greasy hair is not one of them. So we decided a few years ago that the Beauty Shop would open every day. What a difference a little shampoo can make! A new discovery today was if the generator is on we can use the blow dryer too! I know, pretty pathetic!

This afternoon, Paige arrived with Alex's friend Taylor and Don's mom and dad. My in-laws have been coming up here since they were first married because a relative had a cabin nearby. Don has been fishing here since he was a small boy. Alex started coming at age  two and Paige made her first visit while in the womb. So you see, there is a long tradition of the Ostwald invasion of French Creek every summer. 

Alex, Don, and friend Adam ready to fish.

Dinner time!

Don is famous for his Dutch oven peach cobbler!

Slumber party with Maggie and Layla

July 31, 2014

Blue Skies

We woke up to clear blue skies this morning. A perfect day at French Creek an not one of us were moving really fast. It's amazing how your pace slows down when you're camping. The boys did get busy this morning doing the task that is the highest on Karen and my list - building the potty! It's  an important feature when you're camping a week with no facilities and many people. They pick a secluded spot, dig a hole and place our highly crafted lawn chair/ toilet seat in place. This year the placement was exceptional- next to a stream, nestled in pine trees. One could contemplate the meaning of life while taking their daily constitution! 

The rest of the day was spent fly fishing for the guys and a hike for the girls and the four dogs. We  also discovered that we have a special campsite guest. A deer walked by a few times checking things out. She was so quiet, the dogs didn't notice her the first few times. But even after they ran her off, she would come back almost as if she liked the chase. Her future is not very bright if she hangs around this area because hunters populate this site in the Fall. I've always hated the movie Bambi!

Best RV site ever!

The potty

Fish are ready to fry and Karen made awesome green chili fries!

July 30, 2014

Soggy Camping Day

What a rainy day! It is very hard to load the trailer when it is raining. Especially because when it is cloudy, chilly weather I always feel that I should be under a blanket reading a book not getting ready to camp! Finally we were underway and met up with our friends Karen and Gregg and their son Adam in Laramie. Karen and Gregg have two kids the same age as our kids but opposite sexes. Their oldest is a girl and youngest is a boy. We have known each other since our oldest kids were 4 years old and they went to Kindergarten together. They moved away after that but we have been camping together every year in the Snowy Range mountains for seventeen years! Needless to say, Karen and I have had a lot to share over time and enjoy our time together. 

We were a little nervous getting our trailer into an off road camping site but with the help of Gregg and some tree climbing/branch cutting by Adam, we got the Tajma-haul in just the right spot with no scrapes or dents! 

Not camping weather!

A little tree trimming to get the trailer through! Thanks Adam!