Monday, August 29, 2011

Caterpillar Man.

The weather has been gorgeous lately.  I should probably type up this statement, have it witnessed and notarized so there is proof of it once winter hits.

This past weekend was fantastically fun.  We were SOCIAL again.  Crazy, right?  Went to Thursday Night Live at the Goss and drug Rock and Kim out there too; Deuces Wild (dueling pianos) at the Event Center with Ryan and Lisa; and Boyd finally got to play paintball on Sunday with a group of guys.  He has several welts all over his body and is as happy as a clam.  We can all breathe a sigh of relief now.

Deuces Wild was insanely hilarious.  I was crying from laughing so much.  I started to write down some of the sarcastic slams they would throw out.   They are now my heros.

I found a caterpillar in my garden this weekend (this post just keeps getting more exciting!) and brought it over for O since he and I share an interest in little critters.  He was coloring when I came over and somehow that picture just "happened" to be for me once I gave him the caterpillar.  I asked him what we should name him and O dubbed him:  Caterpillar Man.  So creative, that boy.

Kim introduced the skate park to the boys.  They love it.  Boyd brought them the other day so Sister1 could have a little break and he is now just as excited about it as they are.  He told me he plans on bringing his bike next time (supposedly he was riding Oli's bike - - good grief).  Have I ever mentioned what excellent taste in men I have? :)

Now its Monday.  I knew it had to arrive but was melancholy about it all the same.  Must put in some time at the Shoppe and at my house.  I have basically put anything that seems like a "chore" on hold.  We are officially out of milk and clean underwear.  Its time.  Yes.  Its time.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Flea Markets. Food. Forts.

This post has nothing to do with Forts . . . I just like F words.  :)

We were in Minnesota this past weekend.  Shocking, right?

Rock and Kim Arnold joined us this time.  Rock had mentioned once to Boyd that he would like to help out some weekend on the Stillwater house.  I'm unsure if he knew that Boyd would take him up on it.  We don't turn down help.  No sir, we don't.

I was able to talk Kim into coming along so I wouldn't have to shop alone.

We stayed in a hotel in Roseville.  I thought I was beating the system by using hotwire but both rooms ended up only have double beds.   I THOUGHT the beds looked small but never realized that hotels STILL USE double beds.  Why?! Boyd thought we could still "snuggle" and kept coming over to my bed.  I kept pushing him out.   He then started saying: "It's opposite day!"  Obviously, we spend a lot of time with humans under the age of 8.

My main goal for the weekend was to check out the Oronoco Flea Market.  It's supposed to be one of the biggest flea markets in the midwest.  It was HUGE.  Kim and I even got lost.  At some point, all the tents and old crap started to look the same.  Unfortunately, for my purposes of trying to find merchandise for the Shoppe, it was a little over priced.   We may have gotten a little lost but managed to find icecream - - are you ever lost if you can find an icecream stand?  

Boyd and Rock got a lot done on the back porch.  I was very impressed.  As I'm sure they were impressed by our hardcore shopping skills and drive.

We ate a lot.  Yes.  We made sure to introduce them to Nacho Mama's . . . it is a Stillwater favorite of ours AND who can resist a restaurant with a name like that?

Such a great weekend.  I think Boyd is still full.

The Shoppe's August Occasional Sale begins this Thursday at 9am (Vendors of the month are the Noem sisters from Bryant, SD)!  I am scrambling once again.  Spray painting station is set up in the backyard and Boyd is receiving orders on what to fix, tighten, etc.  He's a lucky guy.

I need to go - - have a million things to do in the time frame of 24 hours.  I'm channeling my inner "Jack Bauer".

Adios!

P.S.  No proofreading has been done (even Jack Bauer probably has misspellings in his texting) . . .




Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Paintball.

Have I mentioned that my husband is a tad crazy for Paintball?  He is.  He is obsessed.  And he has not played AT ALL this summer.

So for lack of playmates he has recruited the nephews.   Poor little guys.

I love the look of concentration they all have.

Look at that little tongue!

O -  Love that they were using their daddy's gun.

G showing is great skills.
For the love . . . is there anyone out there who will play with Boyd?  Pretty please? :)


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Hills.


We love to visit Ryan and Christy.  Christy is my cousin and Boyd and Ryan might be long lost brothers. . . I’m not sure.  Boyd gets excited to go REAL mountain biking and Ryan obliges and takes him on some trails.  EVERY TIME Boyd goes he is quickly reminded that he is a flatlander while sucking air.  I guess this last little excursion was made even more interesting bc Boyd had consumed A LOT of cream cheese just before taking off.   That does not sound like my husband at all.

We also did a couple of fun hikes.   Ryan always says its a "secret trail".  I'm not sure if it is true or not but it makes us feel special.    



We went out to lunch with Bob and Aileen (Christy’s parents).  They are fantastic.  I would like to give a shout out to Bob - - Hi Bob!  He is a conniseur of the local restaurants and has great opinions of what we should order.  Boyd took his dare and consumed the entire Meatloaf Sandwich (did not learn from his cream cheese episode) and I had the Mango Berry Salad (delic!).  Bob always knows what we are up to because he reads my blog:
Bob:  Out of my entire family, I am the one who keeps up with your blog religiously!
Me:  Nice!  I suppose you now know I am a terrible cook?
Bob:  No.  I now know you are certifiably crazy.
See?  Family is the best. ;)
After Ryan got off of work - we headed to Spearfish.  We did a small hike that was completely gorgeous and got to stop in and see Dale and Sandy Boe and Stacy Miller.  Dale and Sandy run Vocations for Orphans.  This is the organization that we hooked up with when we went to Chile to work on the orphanage.  It was so great to see them - - would love to go again someday.  Dale had just arrived that day from Chile.  Check out:  www.vfo.org for more info.
AND then we ate at a crazy good pizza joint.  mmmmm.....
On Saturday, Ryan was gracious enough to take Boyd on another ride.  It was a trail he had not been on before, it was titled:  The Bone Collector.  Boyd immediately perked up at the name of the trail.  He kept trying to use the name of the trail several times in a sentence.  It was slightly annoying but kind of cute all at the same time.
Boyd came home with blood on his arm.  He felt pretty special. 

Christy is pregnant.  Boyd was showing off his pregnant belly too.


I got to hit a few garage sales, went to a BBQ with even more relatives, and laughed a lot.  It was a nice weekend.



Wednesday, August 10, 2011

I tried. I really did.


IMPORTANT NEWS UPDATE:  
And no, its not about the stock market.   It’s bigger.  I cooked the other night.  The whole: Go-to-the-grocery-store-search-the-aisles-looked-so-confused-that-someone-offered-to-help-me COOKED.  And it was awful.  I was going to make this yummy spicy pasta dish.  It called for garlic cloves.  I saw garlic cloves (after 25 minutes of looking) and they seemed rather complicated.  So I decided to see if there was a garlic clove powder instead (I really like shortcuts).  YES!  There were ground cloves.  Wala!  I was patting myself on the back for such innovative thinking.
I simmered the bacon and tomato sauce . . had the fresh mushrooms going and added my spices . . mmmm . .  looks complicated AND delicious!  Boyd is going to be so impressed!  
I did the taste test.  It tasted funny.  And kind of gross.  I may have thrown some things.  I can’t remember . . . I blacked out.  Supposedly, ground cloves ARE NOT THE SAME as garlic cloves.  I guess they are used more in pumpkin spiced foods.  
The lesson learned in all of this:  Take a nap instead.  I had a sneaky suspicion that I was being too ambitious.  I shall heed my inner voice more carefully next time.
Boyd laughed hysterically and said he was glad that I was unique (whatever that means).  The ironic thing is that he eats ANYTHING so I probably should not have even told him.  He probably would have raved about it.  Dork. 
He did mention that its my own karma biting me in the a*s . . supposedly it is getting back at me for calling him a happy lesbian.  Whatever.  
******
In other news:  Our White Bear Lake renters were gifted a house from one of their parents.  Who does that and in what world?!  So, that means we have to find new renters before the end of September.  Its August.  Fantastic.  Anyone want to live in a quiet little suburb of St. Paul?  It’s great.  Really.  We loved it there.
Looks like my fall just filled up.  *sigh*

Such a great house.  I miss it.
******
Our nephew Jake is visiting from Oklahoma. We don’t get to see him often so it was fun to see him this summer.  We went tubing at Sister1’s.  He and Graham could tube for hours.  It looked exhausting.  We also did some go-karting, miniature golf and pizza consuming.   He’s such a great kid.


******
I painted some furniture items today for the next Shoppe Occasional Sale.  I think it is going to be pretty stellar if I say so myself. 

Saturday, August 6, 2011

My Hero.

I'm not sure that I complain enough in this blog.  Yes? No?

Boyd said he would hit some garage sales with me this morning before I head to the Shoppe.  He tried. He really did.  But then he REALLY HAD TO GO TO THE BATHROOM RIGHT THIS MINUTE!!  ARGH.  And then he nearly hit a car because he continuously fails to look both ways before turning into intersections.  My anxiety disorder was in full working order this morning.

So.  I made him go home.  And then I went by myself.  Much easier.

I ran to McDonald's right before the Shoppe opened so that I would have my mocha fix for the day.  I forgot that they are not my usual weekday workers.  I ended up with a caramel mocha.  I HATE caramel mochas!!!  So Boyd came to the rescue.  He may not have control over his bowel movements but he does understand my addiction to mochas.  He is definitely my hero.

****

Last night we rode our bikes to Dempsey's Pub for dinner.  It was a beautiful evening.  5 minutes after being seated on the patio, I hear a commotion behind me.  Lou comes darting up the stairs full speed ahead to our table.  Honestly.  We have a fence.  It is latched.  He is amazing.   We got a lot of strange looks.

Sweet Lou hates to be left behind.
****

Mr. Hobbs needs a home.  Remember Mr. Hobbs?  He is Sister2's cat.  However, since she and Jordan are now married, they also have Bowser (black lab).  Mr. Hobbs and Bowser do not mix and Jordan claims that Hobbs isn't a hunting companion.  What does he know?!    Our house is small - like really small.  That is my excuse.  But, if you like cats . . Mr. Hobbs is a spectacular cat.  Honestly.  He laughs at all my jokes.  So, if you crave companionship and don't care for people . . . . Mr. Hobbs is fantastic.

See?  He's very accommodating.  
****

Wow.  I have successfully posted pics of my pets.  Well . . I might as well get Mel in here too.   Poor guy.  He gets out-shined by the needy one.  Plus, I love this pic of Boyd.  He was insecure that his hair was falling out so he combatted this fear by growing out his lovely locks.   We look like a happy lesbian couple.

See? I have a picture of Mel. He's sweet too.


****

Tonight is 3 Dog Night at the Redlin Art Center.  I might go.  Although I'm concerned that Boyd will inspired to grow long sideburns again.  Or his hair out.  Intervention may be in my future.

*****

In other news, I booked a camping trip to the Boundary Waters.  I have a love-hate relationship with camping.  The last time we went I glimpsed a wolf walking in the woods.  Yes.  A real one.  I was a little jumpy the rest of our time there.

****

Sister1 called me and told me to stop at a church because it looked like they had a garage sale going on. So I did.  It was a wedding.  Awesome.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Typical.

I locked myself out of the Shoppe yesterday.  It was frustrating.  And you know what else is frustrating?  There are very few businesses open after 6pm.  Another frustrating fact: I knew Boyd would be smug about it since I am always criticizing him for misplacing his wallet, cell phone, keys, pants . . . .

I walked to Dempsey's Pub and used their phone to call my mom since I knew she was in town (and to avoid giving Boyd satisfaction with my airhead move).  Fortunately she had been trying to stalk me at my house so was only seconds away.  Unfortunately it took her 20 minutes to find the key I had made for her.  *sigh*

All-in-all I lost MINUTES out of my evening.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Family Vacation.

Our time in Minnesota is drawing to a close.  All-in-all the time here has has been nice and relaxing (*although at this moment the boys are having sugar meltdowns and DO NOT want to go to bed! *).  The home was spacious and the lake was shallow and clear.   There is also a very comfy hammock that got quite a lot of use.

A few tidbits from our trip:

The boys were very pleased with their "new house".   O kept hugging Sister1 and saying: "Thank you mom for the new house!".   She decided to just go with it.  

I’ve been trying to peer pressure Brother2 into reading Harry Potter only to lose to the book:  "Preparing for Adolescence".  

My new adjective that O taught me:   adventurey! (as in:  "This looks adventurey!")
The boys have been busy busy catching fish.  Later on Brother2, Jordan and G were busy bringing in buckets of lake water for the utility sink.  There were no rules about NOT keeping live fish in the the house sink.  
Sister1 has started to read again.  She has a bit of an OBSESSIVE gene.  I made a little game with the boys about keeping her book hidden.  They found it hilarious until she threatened an early bedtime.  She also stole my laptop and used my Facebook profile page.  See?!  An intervention was necessary.
POOP TACOS is a Strande delicacy.  I know I should explain this statement but I’m not going to.
Boys:  I want food!  Can we have icecream!  I’m thirsty!  WAH WAH WAH.
Me:  The only snacks any of you are receiving are the boogers out of your own nose!
Boys:  stunned silence then some nervous giggling.
G:  Oliver just ate a booger!!
We went to visit Auntie Vi.  She is 94 and quick as a whip.  She lives by herself and is very independent.  She was lamenting how it has become more difficult to cook now that she is blind.  I find cooking difficult even with all of 5 senses working properly.

We all went to Pirate's Cove and played mini-golf and rode the go-karts.  Sister2 ended  up winning in go-karts.  Fortunately she didn't rub it in too much since the boys were very disappointed and were not being very good sports.

Ryan died one year ago tomorrow (Aug 2).  It still really really sucks.  I have no eloquent way to express how this loss has affected my sister, the boys, extended family, etc., except to say. . . . it just really really sucks.  I would like to give a shout-out to all of you who have helped out Sister1 and the boys in so many ways this past year.  I won't start to list everyone because I know I will forget someone . . . but I just wanted to say that we are forever grateful for all of the kindness shown.  

Ok then. 

A few pics of the weekend:


Fishing Fishing Fishing


Its not fun unless you bring the wildlife indoors

Sister1 teaching Oli how to golf

Jordan and G

O and Boyd.  THE NEED FOR SPEED