Warm yesterday...

Cool and wet today. Yep, weather in the Northwest. This time of year you need to dress for what the current weather conditions are and be able to adapt for the change that will occur. When I first moved here I thought I would never like it. I was hundreds of miles from my family in California. I barely knew my 'new' family and I was extremely homesick.

Then school started and I met more wonderful people than I could have imagined. The pace of life was so much more laid back. Oh, and the drivers way more courteous and aware. But the weather conditions in the winter were scary at times. I had never driven in the snow let alone black ice and the constant wet weather was depressing. I found that I had to make some mental adjustments if I was to survive. 

I learned to drive in the snow and to avoid driving when there was black ice. I found hobbies that kept me occupied when the weather would depress me. I also rediscovered my love of reading. So there were plenty of trips to the library for Sarah and I while Lisa was in school. We also took advantage of the bookmobile that stopped at the school every three weeks. I strongly believe that this was when Sarah developed her love of reading.

Steve's family made the transition easier too. They didn't just get together for birthday's and holidays they enjoyed spending time together. So we frequently did dinner at his folks and played games. The game of choice was pinochle. I had never played before so I got a crash course and learned to play. I still struggle with it but I have lots of fun. We taught the girls to play but they were never keen on the game. I think it was because Steve was determined to play as a family and he could get pretty intense playing. Not a lot of fun for us 'newbies'. 

Then I thought I didn't have enough hobbies and got into scrapbooking. Oh boy, it hooked me and took over. I absolutely love it. Not only because I am preserving memories but because I have made some of best friends I could ever wish to have. These ladies are smart, creative, loyal and loads of fun. They along with my family became my rock when Steve passed away. 

Sometimes I think that saying 'thank you' is never enough. I want you all know that "I love you" and always will...

More sadness...

There was a tragic car accident here in town yesterday afternoon. Three students at Chemeketa Community College were in a cross walk at the college when they were hit by a car. A 16-year-old boy was killed instantly, an 18-year-old girl was Life Flighted to Emmanual Legacy and another 18-year-old boy was taken to Salem Hospital. The girl has since passed away and the boy at Salem Hospital is in critical condition. The driver, a 29-year-old woman was arrested last night and initially charged with one count of first degree manslaughter, two counts of second degree assault and driving under the influence. No doubt, these charges will change now that the second student has died.

I just received a call from my mother-in-law informing me that the 16-year-old boy was the eldest son of one of Michael's former workers. Words can not express how sad we all feel for Francisco, Valentina and the rest of his family. May the dear Lord watch over them.

ETA: Correction to my post. The students were not college students but were of  Winema High School that is located on the college campus. According to the paper the boys name was Francisco.

Facebook...

Yes, I am addicted. I love some of the games but even more so being able to keep up with family and friends. I have made contact with some high school friends, made new friends thanks to other friends, plus I have been able to get in touch with family that are hundreds of miles away. How can you not love it???

Okay, there is always something that would be a buzz kill to the fun. It has a downside and that is; it is time consuming. Time that should be better spent. Damn.

PS: And right now the website is having major issues and you can't log on. Double damn.

A week later...

The cough is still here but a lot better in terms of intensity. I still get tired pretty easily but that too has improved. I think Cash may have a new 'germ' he may be passing around but Sarah says no. "Mom! All little kids run around with their noses running. He is fine." She is probably right and it is just my 'grandma' genes kicking in.

I received a letter from my attorney yesterday that says the estate of the passenger in the plane crash is pursuing legal action against the carburetor manufacturer and wants to know if I want to join in the lawsuit. The opinion of the 'expert' they called in to look at the wreckage says he believes 'carb ice' to be the cause of the accident based on what he saw and on the statements of an eyewitness. My attorney isn't sure that this is the entire cause. I have questions and I will be calling him tomorrow to see what he thinks.

Day No. 7

And I don't feel much better. The cough is loosening up and my fever has finally gone away thank goodness. It looks like the cough is going to be around for awhile. I noticed Cash was sick a couple of weeks before I got it and he still is coughing. Great.

On the better news Buck took out the old stereo/surround system I had and put in my new one. The back speakers aren't hooked up yet but it sounds good. The old system still worked but the new television I got is what necessitated the change. Old and new technology didn't quite work together. The jury is still out on the DVD player as I have had to do everything (play and eject0 manually as my remote is not working. We thought the TV one would do the trick but it doesn't. We would probably have realized it if we had tried it last night but it was pretty late and the kids needed to get home. Hannah still needed to be taken out for her walk before bed time.

Day No. 4

And I am only getting worse. I remember the last time I was this sick Sarah was just a little baby. It was at the same time of year too. I was so sick my mom had to come and take care of her and 'me' for a day. Wonder if I could get my 'mommy' to come here???

The Crawfords like to share...

It is a nasty cold. It started with Cash and he shared it with his daddy then his mommy. Now it looks as though I have it too. My throat is so sore and my head is pounding. Damn.

Another sad day...

I had to find Princess a new home. My previous encounters with pets had given me a plugged head and/or runny nose and she did not, so I thought I was in the clear. Then I started to break out in hives. All contact areas where she touched bare skin left me in welts. So I had to give her up. She has gone to a nice home in Corvallis. The couple have a young daughter, a couple of small dogs and live on five acres. They have a fenced in yard for the dogs and a doggy door. It looks like I have found her a good home. I miss her.