Cancer Free...

This month, I celebrate my 6th year cancer-free from my second bout with breast cancer. It's a wonderful feeling. While I wish I could say I've spent the last six years "living life to it's fullest" and be able to talk about all the things I've scratched off my bucket list, or that I'd done all kinds of things like sky diving, or climbing the tallest mountain in Idaho, well, that's just not the case. I've continued being a mom and wife. I work a few days a week, do the grocery shopping, and clean the cat litter box.

But life is good. I have a wonderful family that I truly appreciate. I've taken a few trips that I'll always remember. I've had some real laughs with Elmer from just day-to-day things that happen - just because I live with Elmer Fudd. My kids have turned out to be better than I could have imagined and have given us 3 (and another on the way!) wonderful grandchildren. Adam has turned out to be a wonderful teenager. Riding his bike in the summer and skiing in winter, no drugs, wonderful friends - a true joy.

Someday, Elmer and I will start scratching those items off our bucket lists. But for now, I'm quite content with the life I have and the family and friends that mean so much to me.

So, thanks to all of you for being along for the ride. And here's to another 6, then another, and another...

Homemade Pepperoni...

Last weekend our garage was turned into a butcher shop. Elmer, his brother, and cousin got together and turned the pieces of deer and antelope, that were too small for steaks, into pepperoni.

So, you start out by mixing the ground-up meat with ground bacon.



and you have to get your hands in there to mix it all up.


Then, you put all that ground stuff into a $450 Cabella's sausage stuffer which squeezes it into casings. Now see, just the word "casings" kinda makes me sick...
Then, you hang them up to "cure" overnight.




Even Joe's not so sure...


and presto! You have homemade pepperoni.



Enjoy!

Sensless...

Please remember how much our law enforcement officers do for us every day. I recently read in our town newsletter, a complaint from a citizen about "Ada County patrol officers seemingly preying on HS residents driving down Cartwright road towards downtown Boise". Dear HS resident - Who will be the first person you call when you need help? Next time you pass an officer, wave and smile.

God Bless Seattle Officer Brenton and those he left behind. Such a sensless murder and something that happens way too often...

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A Halloween Wedding...

Before I show you pictures of the wedding, I have to share Adam's pumpkins. One day while I was a work, he carved these. Pretty darned good if you ask me!


Yesterday I attended my very first Halloween wedding. My niece married the man she's been dating for several years. They're such a wonderful couple and I know they're going to be happy together for many, many years. Thanks for letting us share such a wonderful day with you!

And this is what a halloween wedding is like...

BSU fan and Raggedy Ann (my mom and Elmer's mom)


My sister-in-law (the mother of the bride) used to make prom dresses for all her nieces and her daughters. Below are three of the dresses she made in the 80s...






My niece as Rosie the Riveter


A few of the scary guests...




If you won't kiss the cook, he'll kiss you!


My 3 adorable grandkids!


Elmer's mom and her sister


These 2 were really scary! My granddaughter (she's 3) kept saying, "Let's get out of here!" every time she saw them. They were awesome.


And, the wedding cakes and topper - awesome!





My beautiful niece (sister of the bride)


The bride and groom. They're the most wonderful couple. Congratulations Abbie and Steve! It was an awesome evening!

If You Haven't Seen This...

it's hilarious! How many of your husbands have done this - raise your hand!

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My husband can gut a deer, a skunk, or any wild animal - but make him pick up dog poop or change the cat litter and that video is what he does every time! He's so entertaining!

Anybody Remember Kiddles?

These belonged to my sister. They're only about 2 inches high and were some of her favorite dolls.


Old hardware. It's one of my weak spots. These are some 1960s porcelain knobs that were never used. I think my daughter wants to use these on my mom's old bedroom dresser from when she was a little girl. Those white things, I can't remember what the heck those were but they're really cool!


I also love old enamelware and tin. You can do so much with it in decorating - but, this is going in the sale box. I just can't keep it all!


I loved Dick and Jane books! I found two old pages - they'd be so cute framed!


I LOVE the old sweaters with real fur collars! I saw where they're reproducing them this year because they're huge in fashion. This one is original - pre-Peta. I think my sister has her eye on this.


This is such a beautiful fur coat. Notice the purse that matches!


Even the buttons and collar are wonderful. They just don't make clothes like this any more! I just can't keep this either. Sigh...


And how cute is this! I found my mom's old diary. Actually, it belonged to someone else first, then she took it over.


Sorry mom, but this was too wonderful not to share. Seems Jim was pretty special! However, Glenda's friend in Hailey was obviously a dick - I wonder if she actually married him...


I actually made it though about half the boxes today and only decided to bore you with these few pictures! You're welcome.

Wait, I'm Trying to Downsize...

I spent the weekend going through my sister's storage unit. She has moved to Anacortes, Washington and is planning on spending the rest of her life sailing the world with her man friend. So, it was time to clean out her storage unit.

Boxes, and boxes, and boxes of stuff. First thing we did was decide what went to the Youth Ranch - two small trailer loads. After that, she took what she wanted (not much!) and Jacki and I took the rest. It was just like Christmas! My sister and I used to buy and sell antiques, we especially loved the McCall Antique Show that we did for a few years. So, it was fun to see some of the old stuff from the shows, things that dad had brought home to mom from when he was a Marine in the Korean War, vintage clothes, and yes, some things that I just said "Well, if you're going to take that to the second hand store, put it in my pile."

The entire back end of my truck is crammed with boxes. I think I have the day off today, so I'm going to unload it all and get started sorting. Can't wait to see what I find.

So why, when I'm trying to "simplify", did I bring home more stuff? Oh hell, who knows. Ok, I do know. Old things bring me such joy and comfort. I'm sorry, but for the next few days, I'm afraid I'm going to bombard you with pictures of some of my best treasures. If you don't love old stuff now, by the time I'm done with you, you will!