Monday, June 8, 2009

Roofing is fun?

Hello All,
 
I don’t have much to write this week. Our week had little variety.
 
Jimi and Daniel worked on the roof everyday; typically beginning around 8am and quitting between 7pm and 9pm. By Sunday they were exhausted, especially considering that Saturday was hot and sunny whereas the days prior had been cooler and rainy; therefore, they decided to take Sunday off. They spent the day resting up to get ready to begin all over again on Monday. At this time the roof is 2/3rds of the way finished, and both guys have worked very hard.
 
I tried to do the lemonade cleansing (detox) again, but it didn’t go well. Either I wasn’t into it mentally or something wasn’t right because unlike last year when I did it for 10 days feeling alive and energized, this time I felt tired and rundown. I aborted the plan after three days.
 
Thursday evening Jennifer and I went to the salon for pedicures and manicures. It was the first time that I remember having a pedicure. It was fun and quite relaxing.
 
I worked four -ten hour days last week and had Friday off of work, which I spent in my office at home catching up on things.
 
Friday night all four of us went to the Red Zone for supper and a cocktail. Saturday night we went to the drive in theatre and watched the new movies “Terminator” and “Star Trek”. Star Trek was really good and we recommend you see it.

The guys will finish up the roof this week and we have a few extracurricular activities planned. Hope all is well with you.
 
Love Everybody,
Lorie & Jimi

Monday, June 1, 2009

West Coast Road Trip 2009

Dear Friends and Family,

We are home and our trip was great! Read below for our daily diary of events.

Saturday, May 23, 2009- We left home around 7:30am driving North through Colorado into Wyoming, West through Utah and into Nevada. On the way, we stopped at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Jimi lit the truck up going as fast as it would go on the salt flats, which was 80 mph; the salt was extremely wet. The underside of the truck, the tires, and the bottoms of our shoes had a minimum of 2 inches of thick white salt caked on like frosting. We goofed around there for a while, as Jimi drove the truck from the hood of the vehicle and we took pictures. During a very boring stretch of highway we played a made up game of “spot that trucker pee”. I had no clue there were so many jars of trucker pee thrown out on the side of the highways. It’s gross, but entertained us. That night we renegade camped near Battle Mountain, NV. We cooked supper on the grill and called it a night. We traveled 800 miles and 13 hours.



Sunday May 24, 2009- We got an early start this morning: it was about 6:30am. We made our way in to San Francisco. Driving in busy traffic with Jimi is not anywhere near one of my favorite things to do. In fact, it is something I would do just about anything to avoid. And while at the time I may think it would never end and I would not survive, I did. We stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge, but the weather was super cold and the wind was blowing so hard I could barely stand. We took a quick look and got out of there as fast as we could. We found Highway 1 and began our search for Marinas; unfortunately, we really did not find any. We stopped at a little restaurant for my birthday dinner and then began searching for a camp spot. We thought we would never find one, but after an hour or so of searching, we found one. We set up camp and watched the sun go down on the beach.  We drove 700 miles and 13 hours.




Monday May 25, 2009- After showers and packing up, we were back on the road in search of marinas. We stopped at a coffee shop for a Latte and walked a few beaches. We stumbled upon a famous drive through tree, and of course, I insisted we go. Jimi drove through it first while I took pictures and then visa versa. At this point we were on at least our fifth tourist attraction and zero marinas and beginning to wonder what this trip was turning in to.  About 3:30 pm we pulled into Eureka, CA and found two marinas; however, they were closed for Memorial Day. We had to stay overnight, so we could go back in the morning for information. We went to the grocery store and then relaxed to TV in a Motel 6. We drove 200 miles and 7.5 hours.


Tuesday, May 26, 2009- We packed our things and arrived at the first marina as soon as they opened. Since this was the first marinas we had visited we asked a lot of questions and received much needed answers. We walked around a bit and then scooted over to the second marina in Eureka repeating the process. The people at both marinas were very willing to answer our questions and share information with us. We were a little surprised, yet very happy about it. That afternoon we came upon the Redwood National Park and stopped for off road hiking, and pictures. The trees were amazing, as we felt like ants among the trees. There seemed to be no bottom to the floor with layers of tree branches, ferns, pine needles, and natural untouched plant life.  We were then able to visit a marina in Crescent City, CA and hurried up to Brookings, CA before their marina office closed. Again, the people were very friendly. That night we camped in a state park right on the beach.  We finished this evening out with Jimi taking pictures on the beach of the sunset. We sat in silence around a fire and then went to sleep. We drove 150 miles and 9.5 hours.

Wednesday May 27, 2009- We spent a good portion of the morning on the beach taking pictures. We found this really cool rock covered with oyster shells, sea urchins, and snails. Our next stop was the marina in Gold Beach. While there, we met a guy whose sail boat became beached during a storm. We talked to him for a few minutes while he was working his way to dig it out with a shovel. A flat bed trailer was on its way to load the boat and haul it back to the dock.  After our brief visit, we headed to Bandon, OR. We spoke with the Harbor Master there and she gave us a complete list of Northern harbors to visit. This information was very helpful. She also directed us to a young couple from Portland, OR who set sail for Costa Rica about a month ago. They were staying in her harbor, so we tracked them down and after inviting us aboard their boat, we spent hours talking. The information we learned from this new to sailing couple was invaluable. We could not have asked for better luck.  Amazingly we were able to hit three more marinas, before the day’s end: Coos Bay, Charleston, and Winchester Bay. Behold before my eyes after five days, we finally spotted a Wal-Mart. I’ll tell you, I was getting worried – Lol. We stopped to replenish our grocery supply, found an old logging road to renegade camp at, hiked the very scary forest, watched a movie on the laptop and got some shut eye.  We drove 120 miles and 10.5 hours.


Thursday May 28, 2009- We left our camping spot about 6:45 am. We sat in a really neat coffee shop on Florence for an hour waiting for the marina to open and then went to Newport’s marina in Oregon.  After receiving all the information we needed in both those locations, we headed for Portland. Looks like Newport would be the last Marina we would need to visit. In Portland, we went to a sailboat sales shop and toured five or six used sail boats. We talked to the sales lady extensively and the experience created more research work for Jimi once we get home.  That evening we saw several of the water falls on the Columbia River Gorge. We camped at a state park there and Jimi went back after the sun went down for pictures.  We drove 260 miles and 13 hours.


Friday, May 29, 2009- Jimi tried to get more pictures of the waterfalls before the sun showed its face, but we missed it. We packed up, found some coffee and hit the road again. Except this time we had nowhere to go other than heading towards home and we were too early to pick Daniel up on the way. So, we tried to make our way to Mt Hood, but ended up getting on the wrong road and did some four wheeling instead. Play time ended and we headed towards Boise, ID about 1 pm. We arrived in Meridian about 8 pm where we got a hotel and then walked across the street to a bar & grill for a few cocktails.  We drove 360 miles and 10 hours.


Saturday May 30, 2009- We arrived at Daniel’s house just after 7am. Daniel showed us his surroundings, which included a fort he and his buddy are working on. We hit the road at 7:30 and arrived in Longmont at 8pm, only stopping for fuel and once to eat. We drove 820 miles and 12.5 hours.

This trip was an eye opener. We learned that there are not many marinas in the Southern part of the Pacific coast North of San Francisco as we thought. Looks like we may have no choice but to live our first year further North.  We were able to talk to a lot of people and they were all extremely willing. With the information we gathered first hand, we have a lot more research to do in regards to locations, boats, clothing, and gear. So, our preparation continues….

Love Everyone,

Lorie & Jimi

Friday, May 22, 2009

A Very Busy Week

Hello Friends and Family,
 
I decided to add half of this week to the update rather than sending it out last Monday. We are leaving for the West coast tomorrow; therefore, I will not write again until June 1st.
 
Whoa, as you will soon read, we did a lot this past week and a half. I don't know why we stay so busy; always having so many things to do. For me, I think I feel like if I do not do things then I accomplish nothing leaving me with nothing to show for the week.
 
Jimi finished ALL his classes with an overall gpa of 4.0 and degrees in Print and Presentation and Web Media. Monday, the 11th, he took me to a video expo at the Westminster Campus. It was really neat to see the students work and the diversity. You can check out some of his work (beyond photography) at www.jnicolaus.com.
 
Jimi sold one of his motorcycles within a few days of listing it last week and sold the other one this week. That was a huge weight off his shoulders. He bought all the supplies for the roof, which are now being stored where the bikes used to sit. And he build a contraption to haul supplies up to the rook of the house. He will begin working on the roof of the house as soon as we return.
 
I worked extra long days at Crocs last week, so I could have last Friday off. I cleaned a lot of things out of the garage in Mead, as well the shed and back yard. There is an abundance of work to be done out there. It's very overwhelming, but if I can do a little at a time I think I can overcome it. I still do not have the house rented, but Jimi made a sign, which I put up in the front yard and have received a few calls on.
 
An old friend of mine let me borrow his camcorder and I finished recording all my 8mm home movies to DVD. It's a great relief to get that done. I pulled all the weeds in the garden in front of Jimi's house, plowed the dirt, and added new soil getting it ready to plant. Jimi ordered some bulbs, which I planted yesterday. We still have more bulbs to plant, and when we return I will make some garden areas to plant them.
 
We made a point to take Miller for walks often last week. I think we got in about four walks. We watched the movie Sunset Blvd from the 1940s. It's a genre of film noir or dark film popular in the 40's and 50's. Pretty good. We also rented and watched the movie Ghost. Wow, we had not seen that movie in a very long time.
 
Friday night we went to the ArtLink on Main Street in Longmont. It was nice to get out and see the various types of art, which included painters, potters, musicians, tattoo artists, dancers, and more. We walked for a couple of hours and afterwards sat in the back yard around the fire pit.
 
Sunday we participated in an event called Frank's Ride. It is a benefit for the Make A Wish Foundation. We rode the motorcycle following a prepared map stopping for a beverage every once in a while and at each stop we also drew a poker card. The best poker hand in the end won a prize or something. At the end there was free beer and lunch for us. It was a great day and very beneficial. There were over 1,000 motorcycles there and dozens of cars. It was really cool.
 
My girlfriends from work organized a surprise after work dinner and drinks party for my birthday. We had lots of fun. There are 5 of us in my little group of girlfriends from work. My daughter, Jennifer and Jimi hung with us. Time passed quickly and before we knew it, the clock read 10:30pm. They also took me to lunch on Thursday. They are soooo awesome.
 
We leave tomorrow, the 23rd for the West coast, where we will scope out the best possibilities for our move next year. We plan to be home on the 31st and I will send you an email telling you all about it.
 
Hope all is well with you.
Love Everybody,
Lorie & Jimi

Monday, May 11, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

Friends and Family,
 
Although Jimi and I are busy, we both had a fabulous week. By reading our update this week, it may not sound like we were busy or accomplished much, but trust me we barely saw the week, as it flashed by.
 
Jimi finished up three of his classes and worked diligently on his portfolio. He mowed the grass for the first time this season, began preparing the house for the summer weather, and is making arrangements and plans to replace the roof on the house. He is also preparring his motorcycles to sell. He would like to sell them before we leave for the West Coast.
 
I spent my time collecting things for our yard sale, making more cards, finishing up some scrapbook pages, did quite a lot of work for Cencorp, and my normal responsibilities. 
 
Saturday morning after breakfast we played a game of chess and went for a two mile walk. It was nice. That night we went to dinner and then bowling with some friends from work, which was also fun; however, it was an early evening, so when we got home we watched the movie "King Arthur".
 
Sunday morning we played another game of chess and then went to the grocery store. Otherwise, we didn't do much out of the norm. Sunday evening Jimi cooked up some really nice steaks for Mother's Day; they were YUMMY!
 
I now have three couples/families inquiring to rent my house. No more bites on potential buyers though; however, I don't really expect any until we get the for sale sign painted and put up in the front yard. Which is yet another thing on our list of to dos.
 
I am going to begin planting flowers around the house, as well as try to find time to do some work in Mead. Unfortunately, the best time for me to work out there is the weekends and forecast has it raining on the weekends. Coming up, we will be getting ready for our trip to the West coast.
 
That's all for now folks! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
 
Love,
Lorie & Jimi

Monday, May 4, 2009

BIRTHDAY GIRL

Hello all,
 
With one week of school left, Jimi is finishing up his classes. At that time, he will then be a college graduate and I am very proud of him. He is really busy with things right now and in fact even when his classes are finished next week, our entire month of May is preplanned and pretty booked.
 
Monday night I played pool again at the Moose lodge. I played in my first pool tournament. I did not win, but am learning a lot and did well. Actually, I don't expect to win ever, but it's fun.
 
I am excited that I have finally been able to transfer my home movies from VHS to DVD. The process was time consuming, but well worth it. My next challenge is to transfer my Hi8 tapes to VHS. Unfortunately, the only way to do this is with a camcorder that takes the Hi8 tapes. I gave mine to Daniel and he lost it. However, I am determined to accomplish this task.
 
Saturday, May 2nd was Jennifer's 18th birthday. Jimi and I took her to Red Lobster for her birthday dinner on Friday night. This is something I have done with both my children since they were old enough to eat restaurant food. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JENNIFER!!! After dinner we met a couple in Mead, who are interested in renting my house beginning June 1st. This is good news for me except that I have not heard back from them as of yet.
 
I had to work at Crocs Saturday morning, but the systems were down. I surfed the Internet for two hours before finally going home. My family came out for the weekend: mom, dad, Marie (my sister), Lyle (my bro-in-law), and Brittany (my great niece). Marie and Lyle took my dining room set back to Nebraska. Saturday night we had a surprise birthday party for Jennifer. Our family, some of my friends, and a few of her friends met at Old Chicago's for dinner and drinks with birthday balloons and birthday cake. it was fun. Afterwards Jennifer went to the dance club in Denver with a group of girls I work with. They had fun.
 
My family left on Sunday and it was back to normal.We stayed around the house not doing much.
 
I finished up some of my Ebay auctions this past week. I won't have anything in bulk until next fall now; however, may come up with odds and ends from time to time.
 
I have decided that I will not go back to college for my business degree. While I only need a few classes, they are not classes I want to take. I want to take writing and journalism classes. So, for now I have not decided what I will do. I may take one class over the summer, or I may wait until fall. I'll decide when we get back from California. 
 
I'd say our week was busy compared to what it has been lately. It was nice and I miss it.I am hoping that once Jimi is through with his classes, we can begin making our weekends fun again. That's all for now.


Love Everybody,
Lorie & Jimi

Monday, April 27, 2009

Health is key

Hello All,
 
The week was nothing unusual. We embarked in our everyday tasks of work and school. I concentrated on selling on Ebay and making greeting cards with my drawer full of scraps. I tell you that I don't see my scrap supply diminishing as quickly as I was hoping for and yet I am up to over 200 in cards. I will continue at it until I have utilized every scrap of paper.
 
I listed my house for rent and the next day received a call from an interested party. I am supposed to hear from them this week and will keep you posted.
 
Jimi and I got up early Saturday morning for the 9 News Health Fair. We were given all kinds of tests and checked out head to toe including body mass index, lung test, eye test, dental, blood pressure, blood draw, balancing and posture test, nutrition consultation, and hearing tests. I did not have the blood work done, but Jimi did and will receive his results in about six weeks. Jimi's hearing test came back with flying colors proving that when he does have trouble hearing me, it is selective. Ha-ha just kidding. My right ear passed the hearing test with flying colors; however, my left ear missed a tone. I'm not really concerned about it though. Everything else came out good.
 
After the health fair, we took a pick up load of trash to the dump.
 
That evening we went to the Moose with my friends to listen to another friend, Jackie, sing. She contracts with the Moose lodges and sings there from time to time.
 
On Sunday, aside from running a few errands together, we stayed in rest of the day and did our own things.
 
Upon us today is the beginning of another week to be filled mostly with various forms of work and school.
 
Thinking of you with happy thoughts.
Love Lorie & Jimi

Monday, April 20, 2009

Good Week

Hello All,

 

I think we have both had a good week. The weather was rainy and yucky over part of the weekend, so we stayed in doors. Jimi concentrated on school, while I worked on crafts, reading my book, and cleaning house.  

 

I have been made great progress selling this week. Officially listing my house on the market brought two interested parties within two days of my listing. I even had a showing scheduled on Friday, but it fell through due to bad weather. This is encouraging news for me. Though, it's hard not to get my hopes up. The recent news of new mortgages and home sales on the rise is also encouraging. I've been active selling smaller things on line as well and will continue to do so until it all gone. :-) 

 

Jimi and I took Miller for evening walks a few times over the week when weather allowed. We talked about getting into a structural routine over the summer. We also went up Left Hand Canyon finding an unpopulated trail to hike. The area smelled of spring, with snow sometimes being ankle deep, melting into little streams on our walkway. The hike was really good for us to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful weather, prepare us for our hiking upcoming, and of course Miller LOVED it. Jimi thinks we went about three miles.

 

Jennifer's parent/teacher conferences went very well. We were actually suprised at how hard she has worked to bring her grades up. All her teachers gave outstanding reports of her effort and improvement over the past four weeks. She has not missed any classes and has brought her grades up significantly; two of them being A's. We have lifted some of her restrictions.

 

Jimi worked hard on his video class. Encountering some obsticles, but he finally came through with enough to turn in a progress assignment, thus giving himself more time for the completed version. Therefore, he is still working at it. By the end of the week, he said he is really doing well on two of his projects: video and website. He is very please at how they are coming along and turning out.

 

We have no pictures to share with you this week. All in all, we have no complaints and feel good about how we spent our week. We hope all is well with you. 

 

Love Everybody,

Lorie & Jimi