Random Pictures 2011

April's birthday party

Flag's up at the cookhouse

Souvenir shop in West Port WA

Gigi and Georgia Long Beach WA



A visit with family



Me, Simone, Paulina and Lana

Jenga Toot

Kids in the pool
Noah, Georgia, Lana, Tootie and Paulina

The girls at Subway

Georgia & Lana on the carousel

Mongolian Grill
Tootie, Noah, me, Lana, April & Georgia

Unicycle practice with Uncle Ron & Lana



Simone heel hang



Faces

Weekend slip & slide fun

More Chandlerisms

Yet another installment of my dad's quips, smart remarks and somewhere in the midst...life lessons.

You don't get extra for killing yourself

Either you can do it or you can't  (Dad's thoughts on the use of a mechanic)

Smoked a .45 (referring to someone who'd committed suicide via firearm)

All you fruits, nuts and boleweavels get the hell out.

Lock 'em up...these aren't the nice kiddies of Kettering.

Looked like Nita Naldy moments before her death.

I feel/you look like the picture of Dorian Gray (how he felt on a hot sweaty day or if someone's makeup was running/sweating off)

Quit Robert Younging me (when someone would press against his arm to make a point during conversation)

If I had my own circus it'd be all pitches with acts to stall and I'd call it "Pitch Bros. Circus."

What do you need two for? One to s#*t on and one to cover it up with? (when someone would unnecessarily buy two of something)

One drink and I can feel it, two drinks and anyone can feel it.

One cold shower and the whole world knows.

Who shot John? (could mean, 'what's going on?' or in place of 'etc...')

What’s your buzz? (what's your problem)

New Jersey’s nice this time of year. (what he'd say to someone he'd rather not be talking to/dealing with)

Like a moose needs a hat-rack.

Like giving a monkey and open straight razor.

Where did the ducks go? (referring to time going by fast)

Not exactly burnt up with energy.

Tonight’s film features are… (usually there were two film features a night, a western and a comedy.)

Minnesota Fun

 
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All smiles after the Splat!

  

  We've been in Minnesota for about a week now and I love the scenery.  The farms are pristine and this is the time of year that Georgia and I take in the landscaping as we pass perfectly manicured lawns in some of the quaint towns through which we drive.  The colorful flowerbeds and sharply cut shrubs remind me of growing up in Dayton with my grandparents.  Grandpa and Grandma kept beautiful beds of pansies along side the car port.   Every tree and the lamp post by the street were surrounded by multi-colored tulips standing at perfect attention.  And when I hear the mowers and smell the fresh cut grass I can see Grandpa behind the mower in the backyard. 

Georgia's 2nd visit to Claire's

  Since we hit Minnesota Georgia's been asking about the Mall of America.  The last time we were there was on this show in 2007.  Georgia was 4 and remembers our visit vividly because she got her ears pierced at the Claire's on the first level.  Since her cousin Lana has two holes in her ears, Georgia's been expressing an interest in getting a second piercing for quite some time.  After thinking it over and running the idea past Casey, we decided it would be perfectly fine for her to visit Claire's again.  She was a little nervous at first but bit her lip and toughed out the sharp pinches.  Her pretty purple flower studs sparkled as much as her smile when we left the Claire's.

  A must-stop was the Build-A-Bear.  Lana, Noah and Georgia have been to many a Build-A-Bear but we were all excited that this would be Toot's first visit!  And, at the Mall of America!  How special!  Lana decided on a fuzzy monkey, Georgia picked out a white sparkly kitty and Noah picked a cute penguin. They were all excellent choices but I was a little surprised no one chose a doll from the new line of B A B Smurfs.  We looked around at all the possibilities of  a potential bear friend for Toot before she finally decided on a white bear with multi-colored hearts.  She was a little groggy as she'd fallen asleep on the ride over hadn't been awake too long before we entered the store.  Her excitement level wasn't really what we'd hoped.  But, she did pick out the heart to put in the bear and seemed to enjoy watching her new buddy get filled with fluff.  We picked out a bathing suit (it is summer time) and promptly dressed the bear to Toot's delight.  

  We were able to wander around the giant mall for a few more hours. All of us wanted to eat lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe but decided we'd rather shop and eat on the go since our time was limited.  We snacked on everything from giant salty pretzels to Toll House cookies.  We visited a few more stores and needless to say I got my souvenir magnet.  The one thing we all were anxious to do was ride some rides!!  Since our last visit the theme of the park had changed.  It's all Nickelodeon themed, which was just fine with the kids as they are fans of Brain Surge, Dora and Diego, Yo Gabba Gabba ( :/ ), the Fresh Beat Band and dozens of other Nick shows.  Noah, Lana and Georgia had a blast on the Splat ride and the Pepsi coaster.  My personal highlight was riding the Blue's Clues ride with Toot!  The expression on her face was priceless when we pushed the button to make Blue rise high in the air!  (And me without a camera on the ride! :/ )  We hoped to visit the aquarium but ran out of time.  So, we quick bolted through a couple must-visit stores before we met up with Robin, Simone and Mel Ray and headed back to the lot.  A good time was certainly had by all!

  Since Monday's town in only a half hour from the mall I have a second chance to get that picture of Toot on the Blue's Clues ride!  And we hopefully we'll get to take a look around the aquarium and make time for the Rain Forest Cafe.
 

Catching Up With Us

  Wow!  Has it been a month already?!  As my friend Jack Ryan said to me the other day, I left you all in the Redwoods...

Curtis and girls

  After our Redwoods tour the show ran through green lush Oregon for about a week or so.  We had the pleasure of visiting with my uncle by marriage, Curtis Cainan.  Now it has been so long since we've visited that neither one of us could really remember when we saw each other last.  He'd never met Genevieve and was thrilled to see her and to see how Georgia had grown.  He stayed for the show and I told him that my dog act was still a bit of a work in progress as I have a few new dogs and it wasn't the act it had once been.  I was a little nervous to have  Curtis watch seeing as how he's a tremendous dog trainer (if you've seen Trashcan Twyla, he trained that act!!).  But, the act went well and he said I did a good job.  I was glad it met with his approval!  We caught up on each other's lives in a few hours and before I knew it Curtis had to be on his way.  Now that he has a cell phone, I've been keeping up with him a little more via texting.





   We've traversed through Washington state where I played on the shore with my girls, my nephew Noah and their friend Gigi Perez.  The Pacific waters were beautiful and pretty icy but it didn't stop the kids or me from rolling up our pant legs and splashing around for quite some time!  We found shells, various crab shells and pretty rocks to add to Georgia's ever growing collection of unusual rocks.  We also enjoyed the beauty of Mt. Ranier from a distance.  In Westport, WA the lot as right on the shore, we were literally a stone's throw and across the street from the beautiful shore. We could hear crashing waters on the giant rocks all day and all night.  We went shopping up and down the Westport strip and bought various souvenirs to remember one of our favorite towns.  While in Washington state we got to visit with family we hadn't seen in several years.  We all had a good time and caught up on each other's lives...the visit went by far too quickly.  It's one thing to keep up with family on Facebook, but so much better to visit in person!  Sadly, I don't know when we'll all get to see each other again, but that sure doesn't mean we won't stay connected.

Idaho waters

  Next we made a run through Idaho.  It is one of my favorite places to visit.  Though the roads we traveled were windy, they ran along beautiful waters and giant hills for miles.  We stopped a couple of times on turnouts to take a quick break and a few pictures of the breathtaking scenery.  While we were in Idaho we were able to take the day off in Kooskia and stay at an awesome little resort nestled keep in the hills near Three Rivers.  Georgia, Toot and I spent the day with my family and friends in the hot tub and pool.  Others dared to go white water rafting!  Something I'd have loved to try, but just a little unsure how my back would fair the bumps and jumps!  We got to see a video of my niece and her friends on the ten mile river adventure...and it sure did look like fun!!  Toot and I napped for a while before we got dressed for dinner at the resort's restaurant.  We had a relaxing time and were all able to take a breath and recharge. 

  They don't call Montana big sky country for no reason.  As we traveled the long highways and took in the hilly scenery Georgia and I were amazed how this state really does seem to be half sky.  Our time in Montana was limited but we were able to visit the historic Little Big Horn battlefield.  We took a tour where the guide gave us all kinds of interesting details about the battles, grave sites and some of the more notable soldiers and American Indian figures.  (If you get a chance do some research on White Man Runs Him, famous Corporal Noonan and Mrs. Nash.)  We took some incredible pictures as we toured the giant

historic park and unfortunately didn't get to spend too much time in the museum, but we all soaked and bought reminders of our visit.

  As we touched South Dakota I'd hoped we'd get close to the black hills so I could take the girls to see Mt. Rushmore.  I've been there a couple of times before and took Georgia when she was a toddler but I really wanted her to see it now so she could appreciate the massive sculpture.  If you've seen Mt. Rushmore, you know that pictures do not do this Presidential tribute justice.  Hopefully one day we'll manage a trip to that historical part of the country! 

  Our tour is currently taking us through Minnesota.  When Georgia found out we were headed to Minnesota she asked if we'd be anywhere close to the Mall of America!  The last time we were there Georgia was 4 and she remembers it well because she got her ears pierced at their Claire's.  It won't be long till we are a reasonable traveling distance from the giant shopping center.  We've saved some spending money and we plan on hitting the rides, having some lunch and primarily going to the kid stores.  It'll be a full day and a memorable one, I'm sure.

Greasy Grass Ridge Bighorn County MT

  More to come...

Our Visit to the Redwoods

  Life on the circus has its set routines but it is almost never boring.  Especially on a show like Culpepper that takes us to some of the most beautiful places in the country.  We spent some time in northern California a couple weeks ago.  We were all especially looking forward to the two day stand in Garberville.  On the way Georgia and I enjoyed the breath taking scenery along highway 101.   The we navigated the curves and hills with ease as we soaked in the green trees and rolling hills with bits of sunlight streaming on our faces here and there.  I had been telling Georgia of the giant redwood trees for quite a while before we hit northern California and she was more than ready to do some sight seeing when we finally got to Humboldt County.
As we approached redwood country I slowed down a bit so we could really take in the awesome sights of the giant trees and maybe catch a glimpse of bigfoot himself!  (This area is also known for many a bigfoot sighting! :) )  Every tree we passed seemed bigger than the one before and some were so tall we couldn't see the tops.  The expression on Georgia's face at finally seeing the natural wonders of the redwoods was priceless!  I only wish Tootie was old enough to appreciate the natural wonders we were enjoying!


  I set up the dog pens and got the house cleaned and situated in record time.  The kids and I scarfed down the giant subs at cookhouse, hopped in the truck and were off to play redwood tourists in no time.  Our first stop was at a little coffee house for a much needed caffeine pick-me-up for me. We sat outside the cafe and had some juice and snacks as we peered down the main drag and tried to decide where to go first.  The toy store won out!  As we made our way through the foot traffic we noticed quite a few locals walking their pet dogs on leashes, some not.  Funny enough, this little town with a population of less than 1,000 was originally named Dogtown before its postmaster James C. Garber renamed it after himself in the late 1800's.  We spent about an hour in the toy/gift/novelty store browsing and chatting with the owner who remembered the show well from previous years.  There so many unusual goodies the girls and I had a hard time deciding on souvenirs, but we made our selections and continued through town to see what else we could find.  Lots of cute shops, coffee stands and art galleries peaked our interests for quite a while.  Soon it was time to hit the redwood tourist spots about 8 miles outside of town. 
 Our first stop was a cute little souvenir stand right off the side of highway 101.  It had bigfoot in the name...there was a beautiful fountain right out front and redwood stuff galore!  I of course got my much needed souvenir magnets to add to my growing collection.  Georgia settled on shark teeth (LOL, too cute!), a rock the had crystals in it when you break it open and a Chinese finger trap. Next stop, the log house!
This little house is made entirely of a redwood tree trunk.  It costs $1.00 to enter.  The inside reminded Georgia of a travel trailer made for the seven dwarfs. Tiny twin beds, a tiny cupboards, dining table and chairs were attached to the inside of the rounded house. We signed the guest book and make our way through in about 12 paces and headed for a drive through more redwood country. 

  The Avenue of the Giants is the world's largest remaining old-growth coast redwood forest. We drove through one of the beautiful parks where campers, hikers and site seers were all welcome to enjoy the local scenery.  There are trees you can actually drive your vehicle through. The old grandfather tree features a trunk about as wide as the cook house is long.  Some trees are thousands of years old and have never been logged. There are recent discoveries recording trees heights over  370 feet tall.  That's about 5 stories taller than the Stature of Liberty!There are so many beautiful trails in this area it would take many days to traverse them all and appreciate their natural beauty.We talked about one day coming back to this area and spending more time when we weren't on a work schedule. This is a very laid back part of the country where the locals are very hospitable.  To us a dream vacation spot and just one of many special parts of the country we are lucky enough to visit with Culpepper.   

Time Flies

  Hard to believe it has been about two weeks since Bakersfield. But as I mentioned in a post before the season started, time on the road goes by like the proverbial shot. 
  We are still in California but in more green, less mountainous areas.  The jumps have been shorter which of course allows for more time during the day to get things done.  That's always very nice!
  My niece April came to visit over the last week.  She celebrated her 19th birthday while she was here.  She is the second oldest of  R & R's five kids.  It's hard to imagine her being almost 20 as the images of April  toddling around in her Snoopy t-shirt and brightly colored kids' sunglasses are so fresh in my mind.  I always say that the kids get older but I don't feel older.  How'd I get to be 41???  When you're on the road time flies and when you have kids or have nieces or nephews that you're close to, time flies.  I see them grow and change so quickly and yet I feel the same.  
  April has always marched to the beat of her own drum.  She doesn't compare herself to others; she compares herself to herself as she tries to improve herself, move forward and try new things.  She has a quiet strength about her and is a deep thinker.  The most remarkable thing about April is her seemingly endless list of talents.  Most of which she has honed and perfected on her own.  Her incredible artistic abilities spill over into her make up transformations on herself and other people.  She has a natural eye for coloring, contouring, highlighting and all those make up terms that sometimes confuse women.  Her tattoo artwork is some of the best and most original I've seen. It blows out of the water much of the artwork I've seen any so-called professional conjure up on the walls of tattoo shops anywhere.  She spends countless hours creating tattoo artwork masterpieces on clothing, shoes, banners, tote bags,etc and has created a demand for her original creations.  April also has immeasurable patience.  This is evident when she is dealing with the public, particularly children at her face painting stand or helping out at the novelty stand.  One talent that showcases her seemingly Job-like patience for tedium is her jewelry making.  This started out a few years ago when April was just kind of fooling around repairing some jewelry.  That sparked an interest in creating her own pieces and the rest as they say, is history. She's made countless pieces for family and friends over the years and has continued to create a demand for her jewelry.  There are two particular pieces that I have that always get compliments every single time I wear them.  My favorite thing she does is making custom pieces to match outfits.  She knows what she's doing, and again, this talent was cultivated on her own. 
  When April was on the show, almost every Sunday on Culpepper was "pedicure Domingo."  This is when April would offer the girls on the show what I consider, bar none, the world's best ever pedicure.  Now, I have been to nail salons all over and I can attest to the fact that April's pedicures are by far better than any professionals' work.  Lord knows she's had plenty of practice giving pedicures, because again, she's created a demand.

Me and "Kin"

  The thing about April is that she's fun and full of life.  She's not afraid of much, or if she is, she surely doesn't show it.  I appreciate her quiet strength, boldness to speak up, to be honest, original and to be funny and be herself no matter where she is.  I have a favorite great aunt who has long since passed that shared those same qualities.  I often thought that my aunt would've gotten along oh so well with April! 

Taking a Breather

  Bakersfield brings to mind Buck Owens.  The country music icon with his original Bakersfield sound inspiring many country music artists throughout the years.  I've been a fan of Buck's since I was a kid, but never made it to Bakersfield until I came to Culpepper. 
  This San Joaquin Valley city offers plenty to see and do.  With perfect weather on a perfect grassy lot our stay has been eventful.  Not only because of the arrival of the new tent but because of the shopping, movies and trips to the playground/sprinkler park everyone has been able to enjoy.  But I think the most appealing thing about this multiple day stand isn't just the Starbucks, hair & nail salons, movie theater and Von's up the street, but the sleep we are able to catch up on.  Speaking for myself, I mostly keep the schedule of my two year old.  There are days that no matter how much I'd like to take a nap, she does not.  And some nights that no matter how much I'd like to get to bed before 11:00pm, she does not.  So being able to sleep in is the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear a two or three day stand is coming up.
  Not only do I look forward to catching up on a few winks, but I really love the extra time I get to spend with the kids without feeling so rushed at times.  It's nice to put the dogs in their pen after the second show and look forward to spending more time with the girls instead of rushing to put the props away, putting the dogs in their traveling kennels, making sure p.j.s are on, the house is packed down and teeth are brushed all before the generator goes off.  Multiple day stands offer a nice change of pace and a chance to take a breath.  These are the days I can really enjoy watching a dvd with Georgia or playing ball with Tootie because I can be all there; I don't  have to think about how much time I have left before I have to get some routine task taken care of.
  While the big city attractions are fun, it's in just being together that we make our own fun.  Our morning stroll to Starbucks with Simone, Lana & our resident clown Melvino was just as enjoyable as it could be.  And playing with the girls and Noah in the inflatable pools was tons of fun!  We did get a little extra sun, but that won't keep us from refilling the pool with fresh water tomorrow and loading up on extra sunblock!  Toot had a super time on the swings and there was lots of laughter coming from the sprinkler park.  Tomorrow, after horse shoes, I thought I'd surprise the girls with a picnic in the park.  We'll have plenty of time.

          "Love one another." -- Arnie Barr  
            "Pace yourself." -- Ava Houle