Congratulations Adam!! Surprise snow!

 Congratulations to our Grandson, Adam! Today was his first day as a Permanent Federal employee! He has now achieved his dream as a Park Ranger with the National Forest Service. He has worked the past two seasons as a seasonal employee, but as of today he's permanent! 

Thumbs UP! You did it!! 💙

Adam and his sweetie Erin, from last summer 💗

He's happy to be going back to his duty station he's worked with for the last two seasons. Ever since he was little he's loved camping, the outdoors and roughing it. Never one to be afraid to take a trip or go hiking by himself, this job fits him perfectly! Money's not bad, benefits are great and it's year round! We are very proud of you Adam for not giving up on your dream! Not bad for a 23 year old! NFS is lucky to get such a great addition! Not like I'm prejudiced, not me! LOL. 

If he's not happy in CA he can always apply elsewhere too! He did that earlier this winter and was accepted everywhere he applied, but he chose this one.  I think his sweetie, Erin had something to do with that choice. We'll see what happens once she graduates college 💙

You know when you have kids, you always want them to do better than you did. Ours certainly did and we're very proud of them. Then the grandkids come along and you want the same thing for them, ours have done really well with their choices too and we're very proud of them! 😊

Yesterday morning we awoke to a surprise! SNOW! Definitely cold and beautiful! Karen and invited us over for biscuits and gravy at 1000, so we went. A new experience as she made it all gluten free, so she could have some. Biscuits were a little crumbly, but taste wise surprisingly was pretty much the same as regular. Not something I'd cook, as gluten free they make up for the lack of, by adding other things. Carbs are way up there. LOL. 

After breakfast we came home, Ken started a fire in the outdoor kitchen and we enjoyed a couple of hours of Nascar pre race, and couple of adult beverages. It was Champagne Sunday after all. We watched the snow melt quickly. A really good day was enjoyed by the two of us. 

Today was a stay at home day. I'm making a couple of curtains for the outdoor kitchen, so when the sun sets and beams in we can put these up to keep out the glare.  Ken is over at Karen's getting some floor tiles moved up to the deck with the tractor. 

Stole a couple of pictures off Facebook of Russell, Lori and friends enjoying Claimstake Brewery's 7th year anniversary. 

John, Russell, Lori, Steve and Michael 💗

Russell and friends! 

Got this sweet picture with the caption
"We miss you Grandma" 💗
Russell, Lori and Melissa 💙

Well, that's our excitement of the last few days. Ken just got home, so it's

Happy Hour here at home. 🍷🍺 Enjoy your evening 😊😊

A beautiful resting place for Shawn, Happy 18th Aaron! Other things that happened this week!

 Sunday morning we headed over the hill in 2 vehicles. Ken in the Tundra and me in the Patriot with 4 wheel drive. We had an ok drive over Highway 50, rain but no snow. 

WE stopped at Russell's house in Antelope drop off Ken's truck, so we only had one car to take to the party. Then we headed over to my sister Wendy's just to check in and see how they're doing. 

While we were there Eric, Christina and Mason showed up. Eric was holding the beautiful box he made for Shawn's ashes. Tears all around as Shawn was put in his final resting place until Wendy's ready for him to go to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. The box will go with him. 💙

Our niece Ursula had asked Eric if there was some way to
incorporate Shawn's Dog Tags in the design. Perfect, don't ya
think?! 💙 Eric left room in the box for some cards, pictures, etc. 
Eric made the boxes for my mom and dad years ago and each
one is special in its' own way 💙

We then headed out to Roseville for Aaron's 18th Birthday party. A good time was had by all for sure. He had a great turnout. 

Aaron along with friends and his adorable girlfriend, Kenna

Our oldest son Bryan, Great nephew Owen and his dad Dustiy.
In the corner, Diane 

Michael, Lori and Christina's brother

The Birthday boy himself, Aaron. Now all of our youngest
grandsons are 18! Hard to believe! 

We headed over to Russell's and continued the party. Russell was the only one of us who had to work Monday. 

Ken and our youngest son, Russell. 

Monday morning after feeding Russell and the birthday boy Aaron a french toast breakfast I headed to Wendy's to pick her up. We were taking her out to an early lunch at Eldelweiss in Auburn. YUM! 

WE said goodbye to Ken after lunch as he was continuing home. 

We met with her financial advisor who is great! Dropped off papers at Social Security for Wendy and then I dropped her off at home. The day was gone before we knew it. We got things done so I figured there was no reason for me not to head home on Tuesday.  

Russell made smash burgers for Aaron's birthday dinner on the blackstone. OMG they were amazing and so quickly cooked! 

Two small patties, squished down thin, cheese, bacon and 
grilled onions! So yummy. 

Kenna's prom night on Saturday. Love this couple! 💗

It was an early night for me 2030 and I went to bed, thinking I'd do a blog. Nope, head hit the pillow and gone. 

Tuesday morning I made an egg sandwich for Russell and french toast for Aaron. This mom/grandma loves to make breakfast for them whenever I can! Got my hugs and said goodbye for now. I needed to get over the summit before 1100 to miss the snow that was expected. Didn't quite miss it but was still a good ride home. It was snowing pretty good when I pulled into the driveway at home! 

A couple of hours later I get a call from my niece Tasha who tells me her mom fell at the dog groomers in the rain! Oh no, I shouldn't have left! She made it home and an ambulance was called. Between pain, panic attack and anxiety sounds like she was a mess! The hospital did tests and determined she fractured a vertebrae and some others are narrowing. My poor sister, as if she hasn't had to deal with enough for the last 6 weeks or more. They kept her overnight and sent her home with a back brace for the next 6 to 8 weeks. 😒

My sister Linda with the heart valve replacement surgery and collar bone injury is doing better than Wendy, but still in a lot of pain 😔

Yesterday was spent getting Bryan and Cheryl's taxes done for them. Heard this morning from our CPA in Winnemucca so all we have to do is write the check OUCH. Not as bad as last year so that's a plus. 😃 We live in a no state income tax state, which is nice! 

Last weekend we switched up the day and had Champagne Saturday. A very nice morning to cook some bacon on the blackstone to take too Russell's. I'm getting spoiled with that thing! 😀

Champagne for me and a Red Beer for Ken. Love our 
leisurely weekends 🥂

When Ken cut the hole for the chimney the hole was big,
so in thinking of a way to close it in, he decided to use some
of old license plates.  😀

We now have tv in the kitchen! 

Joe and Stacey as we were getting ready to take them to
the airport😀💗

Joe and Stacey brought us this beer opener from Alaska 💙

Wanted our pantry to look like Spring 💖

Of course what would the morning be like without a nice fire!

Ken's cooking pork chops in the air fryer and i'll make the sides. Now it's time for Happy Hour! Have a great evening! 

Prom time coming soon! Joe and Stacey are here and gone tomorrow :( Time sure flies...

 

Grandson Aaron and his sweetie, Kenna 💗
I'll be looking forward to the prom pictures!💖

Sunday we started with our usual Champagne Sunday in the outdoor kitchen.  It was actually warmer than the Sunday before. We got the fire ready to torch, but never did. I did some cooking and just enjoyed the morning with my sweetie. 

Since we had company coming, figured it'd be nice to have
the bacon and sausage cooked up ahead of time. 

Monday morning we got up early and headed to Reno to pick up Joe and Stacey at the airport at about 0900. Joe had a special request, so we headed for Carl's Jrs in Reno.  Their nearest one is about 6 hours away from them in Alaska. 😋

Saw this beautiful straight up and down rainbow
on our way to Reno..

After getting home we gave them the keys to the car and off Stacey went to the school to see friends and some of the littles she worked with when they lived here. Joe took a little nap. 😁 

Basically their time here has flown and we'll be heading for Reno sometime tomorrow to put them on a plane back home. We've really enjoyed them being here and glad they've gotten out to visit friends.

We've had some wild weather this week, winds and rain. Hoping it's better over the weekend as we're heading over on Sunday to Aaron's 18th birthday and I'll stay on Monday to go with Wendy to the financial person. 

Baby Phoenix turned a month old already 

Looking forward to meeting this little cutie soon!

Joe and Stacey are taking us out to dinner tonight to a Mexican Restaurant in town we haven't been to yet.  Looking forward to that! 

Have a wonderful evening! 💗

Champagne Sunday, couple of days in Carson City, Good news on ophthalmology appointments!

 Sunday morning the 5th of March Ken went out and started a fire in the outdoor kitchen. It was 34 degrees with a feels like 27. Well, this is where we live so might as well make the best of it. Honestly once the fire was going and the sun was shining it felt much warmer.  

Champagne Sunday in the outdoor kitchen 💙

So, we enjoyed our mimosas and cooking on the griddle. I love how fast and easy it cooks. Made a ton of bacon for bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches. Yummy! While I had it heated made a concoction of sausage and hamburger from the Conder Ranch in Rio Linda, CA. Added a bunch of cooked veggies and it was a yummy mess! Enough for several nights of good eating. 

Yes, it's too much for 2 of us..but it'll freeze! 

A wonderful, warm fire! 

Yes, it's a lot of food, but will last for days or freezer!

Thank you Rylee Mae for the  special bracelet! Fit's perfect
as the pipe cleaner twists to the right size! 💗 What a 
nice surprise in the mail! 💖

Later in the day we visited with Karen for awhile. 

Monday was spent getting Grandson Adam taxes done and filed. He's a happy camper! Tuesday worked on getting our stuff together for our CPA in Winnemucca. Done! Now to wait for the bad news :(  

Wednesday late morning we headed towards Carson City and Days Inn there that we like to stay at when we have to. Ken had opthamologist appointments Thursday and Friday so we figured we'd stay and get some things done. 

Wednesday night our dinner was brought from home. I had a grilled chicken salad that Ken had cooked in the air fryer. He had grilled chicken thighs and a salad. 

Thursday morning we had hard boiled eggs and toast before leaving to be at his 0800 appointment. Everything was good in regards to his eye disease! See him in a year. Because they dilated his eyes means i got to drive OH YAY! I love driving in our neck of the woods but not in RENO! We left there and headed for Super Cuts in Carson City. I was in bad need of a hair cut.  Dakota did a great job following the picture I showed her. 

Then to Ross as I needed a new large fry pan, mine went out with the garbage last week. By the time i came out Ken could drive again. 😀

We headed to Mid Town Marketplace in the center of Carson City. We've been a few times and have never come out empty handed, it was no exception. Really can't believe the reasonable prices of all the vendors. We were looking for something for Karen as her birthday is the end of the month. We'll have to try elsewhere. LOL. 

Headed for Carson Valley Inn for linner. One of the only places I can get a turkey burger that is so yummy, no bread needed! Half a carafe of their house wine is only $4.00 and it's very good. 

By the time we finished, it was back to the motel. An early night was had by the 2 of us. 

This morning his appointment was at 0900 so we had our hard boiled egg breakfast, loaded the car and headed to Reno again. Another successful appointment for his glaucoma.  Six months ago the dr had him start putting his nightly drop in both eyes rather than just the one as the good eye's pressure had risen to 18 and the other was 24. Today the good one dropped to 12 and the bad one had dropped to 18! Success! He goes back in 6 months. 😁 They really keep a good eye on him! 

Once he was out, we headed for Total Wine to pick up an online order and then to Walmart. It was only a little after 1100 so we headed home just in time for lunch here at home. 

We put stuff away and then headed next door to spend some time with the furry kids before Karen got home from work. They were definitely happy to see  us. 💙

Quick dinner, finished a movie and now time for bed. Joe and Stacy are coming in from Alaska on Monday, so looking forward to seeing them! 💙

Our son Bryan, picked up Shawn's ashes yesterday and took him home to my sister 💗😪

A sweet picture of Tasha and Baby Phoenix 💙

Grand nephew Owen got to go to his first Kings game with 
his mom and dad! I think he enjoyed it!!

Bedtime! A busy cleaning day tomorrow for me! 

Baby Phoenix is home, My sister Linda has a heart valve replacement surgery and is home now! Carson City for the day, A nice fire or two, Happy 24th Bryan and Cheryl! Life moves on..

 Can't believe it's Saturday already! Where does the time go? A month ago we were gettin ready to meet up with Jim and Barb for the Howling in Yuma! 

I love this picture of my sister Wendy and her grandson
Phoenix. First genuine smile I've seen since her husband 
Shawn passed away on Feb 17th. 💗

The winds were not kind to the propane heaters at Karen's
Lila just enjoying the snow covered deck and sunset. 

A winter wonderland between here and Carson City

Been working on Wendy's financials here at home. I have to say, know what's going on in the banking. So many we know, have no clue and then when something happens to the spouse that handles the bills, you are thrown for a loop! We're getting it done though! 

Tasha feeding the baby at home..

Baby Phoenix came home Wednesday. Thank you again  to Christina for taking  Tasha to pick him up and bring him home. Luckily schools were closed in her area, so she was available. 💗

He had an appointment on Thursday and had gained an ounce so he's an ounce over birth weight. Keep it up Baby! He was sent home with a terrible diaper rash, but keep using Desitin. Used that on our kids 50 years ago! 

Wednesday my baby sister, Linda went into the hospital for a heart valve replacement. She came through with flying colors and went home Friday evening! Thank you Lord and the skills of the doctors! 💗

We did spend a day going to Carson City to get groceries, but other than that we've been home which is nice!

Friday was such a beautiful day, I was able to get out on the front porch and clean it up from wind and desert debris.  Ken, of course is always outside no matter the weather. Firewood is his biggest concern these days! If were are gone, we don't need so much but we're home. 

I cleaned the outside kitchen so what else to do but have a fire. :) We started around 1400 and then got a call from Karen, so we headed there. After her being gone from the pups all day we don't want her coming over and leaving them any longer. I love the greetings I always get from them too! :) 

So, Saturday morning planned on working on Grandson Adam's taxes but while I'm making breakfast the hubby poured a mimosa for me...so...taxes will wait LOL..

Tomorrow we plan on making breakfast/brunch in the kitchen..so taxes may wait again LOL.. We'll see what the weather holds, as they're expecting snow. So?? LOL. 

Happy 24th Anniversary to our oldest son Bryan and his wife Cheryl! 

This picture is from their 13th Anniversary when we had property in Winnemucca,
but I still love it! 

Russell posted these pictures of Jacob and Allissa, had to steal them. 

Freshman year of high school...

This last year

Have a wonderful Saturday afternoon! 💙