Sunday, August 20, 2017

Girls Day Rock

0630 and Jamin was knocking on our door. No, he wasn't simply creating havoc. The boys have been planning a trip to Red Shirt. Michael had taken the older four there ice fishing 12 years ago, and they fished their often during that assignment.  The older 3 have enjoyed the hike and fishing since moving up here. There was talk the hike would be too much for Michael to attempt. There was talk of waiting for Izaak and Cory to arrive so for a true "bro bonding" weekend. There was talk of trying to canoe in so Michael could go. In the end, Jamin wants to go before he leaves for OCS....Jamin, the younger two boys and Michael will spend the night in a cabin - this is a concession for him so that he doesn't have to hike 7 miles in one day. Josiah and Jared will go up, fish and hike back in one day. Izaak and Cory had other plans for the weekend.  It will be Alex' first time to join the guys on this hike. Stacia opted NOT to go....she enjoys girls weekends with me from time to time.  (AND as a side note - contrary to good-natured teasing this is NOT because she likes shopping, she said she likes spending time alone with me sometimes. I like spending time alone with her too.) 
The guys loaded into Jared's van and headed out
 Maria and I woke up Stacia and had a final breakfast together. 

Yes, Maria and Mako took off this morning too.  I will write more about our visit when I post photos of Maria and Mako playing in the yard. 

Maria's departure left a gap in the day for Stacia and I. We miss her. We first, re-arranged the office/school room she was sleeping in. Then we headed to church. We parked in the visitor spot, even though it was our 3rd time, as NOT ONE PERSON had spoken to us in the other two visits. Stacia figured, and I agreed, that until someone talked to us we could still park in the visitor's spot.

I don't know if it was the fact that the boys and Michael weren't with us and they are intimidating, or that someone saw us parking in the visitor spot...but we received two "Good mornings," AND I overheard the lady in front of me talking about where she lives - the same road we branch off of. I introduced myself and got into a conversation.

Stacia is frustrated one of her new pairs of jeans are already too shirt. She bought them July 3rd. They just don't make non-shrinking jeans these days. 🐽She is getting taller by inches. I have one pair of jeans that will zip, I have mentioned my weight gain since retirement.  I decided it was time to buy a pair that fit. I'd looked at Walmart and Target....and I wanted a pair of "mom jeans."  We hit the mall.  VERY proud of ourselves for finding it and navigating the parking maze, sky bridge....

We each found two pairs of jeans on clearance! We stopped by Teavana to sample and buy some tea - I plan to do this periodically until they close - as long as my favorite tea is in stock. 

We ate at the food court and worked on this week's meal plan and grocery list. 

We stopped in Eagle River at the Walmart on the way back to the valley and shopped for groceries AND two pairs of rain boots. 


We went to try out the boots and research a noise coming from the wooded area. We discovered a new type of mushroom.


And Cory working hard to clear dead logs and trees. We have so many projects to do,  it boggles the mind. Thanks, Cory for your work this afternoon. 

We went to talk to a neighbor about her missing cat. Her cat is happy at home now. We cuddled up and watched Descendents 2  - a movie Stacia likes and I tolerate for the discussions. 

I had snuggle time with Gideon and a fun few moments with Bella. 

I was struggling to sleep due to my hands and arms....and so I was awake for this a.m.'s 4.3 quake north of Hatcher's Pass at 2:43 a.m.  It was a familiar feeling.  I wasn't at all alarmed. This is the first one I've felt since moving here.  I got up to see if anyone was alarmed - nope. I stayed up to try to ease the pain in my hands.