1.28.2012

Whoooooo Knew?


It feels like time has flown by and at the same time it feels like we've been together a lot longer (in a good way of course).  Whooooooo knew that "Rando" would become my babeilicious and we'd still be going strong 4 years later?

We decided that we were going to celebrate our anniversary in Boise over the long MLK weekend. The trip was fabulous- we planned it perfectly!  E got off work early on Friday and we headed to Boise via NV-225/ID-51.  The scenery was beautiful, the sunset in the rear view was gorgeous, and we were conquering new territory.  Sometimes looking back both literally and figuratively is worth it; looking back at where you've been can be beautiful.  As E & I reflected on the past 4 years we both feel like we made the right decision about each other and that life is good...really good (okay, okay....we have our days like anyone else...but we laugh way more than we cry and we love way more than we argue).

We made a few stops on the way to Boise to take in the awesome scenery.

E finally decided on the Oxford Suites after about 2 weeks of researching and going back and forth.  That guy has such a hard time committing to hotels, plane tickets, flavors of gum, etc....I sometimes wonder how he ended up with me.  During check-in he was talked into the upgrade-steam shower and fireplace.  Yes please!  

Loaf especially enjoyed the warm fireplace.

The Nevada winter has taken it's toll on my precious skin.  I am so dry!  But of course I get acne like no other simultaneously.  So I sent Ethan to the store to pick up skin products for my face so I could try and fix the blemishes.  We stayed in, ordered pizza, and had a spa night.

He might kill me for this one :P

The plan was to shop on Saturday because most places were open.  Sunday was reserved for outdoorsy type stuff and nature centers.  Monday we were going to hit up Costco and head home.

Saturday we shopped until we dropped!  Of course the list of thrift stores and things I wanted to keep my eye out for was left at home...doh!  Don't worry, we got along just fine without it.  We thrifted- E did much better than I did this time around.  He picked up a Deluxe Fly Tying Kit, a nice piece of cabin decor for the house, and another PEET Shoe Dryer

I think I have been to more Cabela stores than any other gal around.  But you have to understand E needs an entirely different wardrobe of camo- we come from Mossy Oak and Realtree country, but now he needs the Seclusion 3D Open Country type pattern.  You understand don't you?
*To understand the difference I have included a link to the new jacket he purchased- click on the pattern squares.*

We were shopped out.  I was sucked into the Food Network Channel as we don't have TV at home.  That darn 'Chopped' gets me every time. E & Loaf on the other hand....had no problem relaxing and getting some shuteye.


Our outdoorsy day was fabulous.  

My love brought breakfast up to the room before we set out for the day.

We started off at REI purchasing a map of the area and another pair of binoculars with a gift card.  E is such a binoculars hog so I really wanted my own pair. We decided on a pretty sweet pair of binoculars.  I am looking forward to using them when we're out being adventurous around Battle Mountain because you wouldn't believe how well animals blend into the open country.

E did some research on cool trails and decided on Lower Hulls Gulch trail head which is part of the Ridge to Rivers Trail System .  The trail system was very nice, it had a route for everyone, a lot of mountain bikers, hikers, and dog lovers were out that morning.  Boise is very dog friendly in my opinion.  Loaf was a happy camper at the hotel and they didn't charge a ridiculous pet fee.  The trails were nice and you could let em' off leash.  Of course I don't trust Loaf to be off leash, as we all know he is like a honey badger and does not give a $%#&  even when his lovely mother is calling his name at the top of her lungs.  If he sees or picks up the scent of something, he's off in his own little world.

We also had the opportunity to check out the Idaho Fish & Game Morrison Knudsen Nature Center.  They have a scenic walk that is very nicely done and kept.  We really enjoyed strolling around checking out the fat city squirrels, the mallards, wood ducks, the yelling kingfishers, the fish pond, and even the deer.  I really hope we can take my Big Schmoo Baby to Boise when he visits this summer.

E's niece Anissa was heading to her new assignment at the Mountain Home Air Force Base while we were in Boise.  So she stopped in and we chatted it up a bit.  I really hope that we're able to see more of her now that we're only 4 hours away.

Just found this picture stalking your FB page!  I love it, an oldie but a goody!  Look at your sweet angelic faces.

Boise is a nice place, I could definitely live there someday if it's in the plan.  Our hope in moving to Battle Mountain was to explore the West, visit places we've never been, and create experiences to relive when we're old and wrinkly sitting in our rocking chairs on our wrap around porch sipping coffee.  I think that since we've moved out to Nevada- we're doing a pretty good job so far.  We took US-95 S home, which was a different route and allowed us to see more of the wild wild west.  This trip added two more states to our list.


In the spirit of an election year- I have elected to keep my babeilicious around for another 4-year term.  We're not stubborn to the point we don't work together- like our current political leaders.  When something is wrong or we have a disagreement- we deal with it, we find a solution.  The solution may be in the form of a compromise, but it's always in our best interest- not our individual special interests.  We don't let our issues linger, extend the length of our argument by enacting a temporary fix, or continue to point fingers at each other deepening the wounds.  We have pretty healthy spending habits- we don't spend more than we make.  We don't believe in entitlement, socialism doesn't work for us- our love is mutual, we work hard to keep it alive and we keep each other accountable.  We know that we "voted" to be with one another, we keep the promises that we make to each other, we don't take our positions with each other for granted, and we work hard to keep our relationship prosperous.  

If only the clowns in D.C.....
  • Understood that they work for the people
  • Made their campaign promises a reality
  • Didn't take their positions for granted (or their outrageous benefits)
  • Learned to balance a budget
  • Encouraged people to become contributing members of society rather than spread the entitlement epidemic
  • Were influenced by the public interest not the special interests
....Maybe things would turn around....Maybe?

Please note that our arrangement does not follow the two-term limit policy.

Boise's Capitol Building




1.26.2012

Mom Escapes Crime & Drug-Ridden California

Being that Mom is a former Nevada resident, she was thrilled at the opportunity to return to where guns are legal, the land is wide open, and brothels serve guests warm beds and cold beer. Due to the promise of expensive land and high crime rates she took the treacherous van journey to California. The promise was fulfilled and she was living too much of the high life, she needed a break. She needed to return to the Silver State. The only rule is to leave your drugs at the border, and your "bad mouth your country" attitude. All that was needed was to pack your pistol and cowboy hat. No Starbucks or marijuana shops here, just miles and miles of open space, and a jackrabbit at every sagebrush. What follows is a chronicle of that return journey...


No hours upon hours of watching occupy protesters on TV. Just good old fashion book reading and dog napping.


A lack of abundant public land had affected her Annie Oakley aim, but we were able to revive it a little.


 No housing market crash here. Just cash on the barrel head, and it could be all yours! 


Mom was getting tired of tofu and all that fancy organic stuff back in Lodi. She was craving a good cow tongue from The Martin Hotel.


 Basque style.


Mom with a sigh of relief that she was going to get the cow tongue that she craved.


"I have waited for this my whole life!" 


One thing is for sure- we didn't send her home hungry.


She even had room for s'mores.


Look at her ninja-like focus as she tries not to burn the s'mores.


Yum :P


Why didn't they just stay here?


The hill that mom climbed.


There is still a use for worn-out underwear!

Seeing Mom take the reins and re-live the glory days was as rewarding as the view from the top of the mountain. She was able to break free from the hustle and bustle and go back to life at a slower pace. Here the only thing that matters is good company, and a great sunset. Like all good things it had to come to an end. With a refreshing cold morning she was ready to saddle that Greyhound and ride. Not much has changed in 150 years, the riders joining her that morning had the same tired look in their eyes that those that traveled in the covered wagons must have had. Hoping California would bring some relief ahead. Whether it did or not I couldn't say, but for me I am content with the dust and sage of cowboy country.

~E

1.22.2012

A California Christmas

E & I spent 6 fabulous days in California for Christmas.  We rolled in on a Friday had a wonderful dinner in Sacramento with his brother Dana and sister-in-law Trish.  The two times I have been to their house Dana has prepared amazing food.  Seriously- it's a shame they don't move to Elko because I'd let them have us over for dinner all the time!

While we were there it seemed like everyone in their neighborhood took turns bringing them homemade goodies and gifts for the holidays!  Maybe we should reconsider Nevada and move to their neighborhood!  Just kidding- Trish was gracious enough to share one of the homemade goodies- Chocolate Mint Cookies-they were to die for delicious!  I have since purchased stock in the Andes Mint Baking Chips and have created a couple batches myself!  I love mint chocolate and am unsure if Trish sharing those cookies was a good thing or a bad thing!

After a lovely dinner we headed to his sister Erica's house, who was kind enough to host us for our California Adventure.  Those people at Hotel de' Erica are very hospitable.  We got to her house pretty late but stayed up for a bit chatting and catching up.

The next morning was Christmas Eve we had a little bit of shopping to do- so of all places we ended up at the Bass Pro Shop on Christmas Eve.  The store was huge and beautiful.  We made our purchases and left.  We checked out a few thrift stores in hopes of finding treasures for our new home.  I'd say we did okay I found a beautiful mirror and dresser for $25.00 for my office.
I think the pieces are nice additions...what do you think?
That night we met up with E's childhood friend, Cody and his soon to be wife.  We went out for Sushi (yum) and back to their place for some ping pong- wholly smokes was that a workout!  Thank you Erica for watching Loaf while we were out!
Cody & E battling it out.
On Christmas Day we woke up to find that Santa had figured out that we were in California!  We even had stockings waiting for us by the fireplace.  I am so glad that we spent Christmas with Erica and her babes!  It really doesn't feel like the holidays without kids.  Austin opened all of his gifts in the morning and it was fun to see his excitement.  Sorry Eric you're a big kid now you have to open your presents when the adults do!
There's the cutie patootie gearing up to open his presents!
After watching Austin open all his gifts we went to church at CrossPoint Community Church and then headed to Lodi to pick up his Mom and brother Rich.  Little did I know we were also escorting "Elvis."  We headed back to Erica's and spent the remainder of the day enjoying each others' company, opening presents, filling up on deliciousness, and sharing some laughs.
"Elvis" & The Creator
I am so glad that E was gifted an elephant gift by Erica and Eric.  Apparently, it's an inside joke that goes way back to when E was a youngster.  He was cleaning out his closet back in the day and came upon an old suit that obviously did not fit.  So rather than tossing it he decided to put it on and rip it fat guy in a little coat style. But it didn't end there Erica took him out in public with the obnoxious look.  So this Christmas he was gifted with an outfit that was already torn up and he did a little reenactment for all of us. Good Laughs at his expense!
I'm pretty sure Mom almost died here!
MeatLoaf also enjoyed his California Christmas!  I don't think he knew exactly what to expect but I do know that he was happy he was able to come along!  He even made some new friends.
There he is making himself all at home!
We had a lovely time visiting family, friends, and enjoying a little commerce! 

We finally purchased a bed, no more sleeping on the sleeper sofa after our California Christmas!

We headed back home to Battle Mountain and kidnapped his Mom!  More about all our shenanigan's in the next post!

(*I am disappointed in my lack of pictures with the family..I'll have to do a better job next visit*)