The close of day

The sky is brilliant tonight signaling the gorgeous end to a really beautiful day. Today was crisp and mostly clear. We went out to the now indoor farmer's market in town this morning, and drove around running some errands. People were everywhere with big grins on their faces... there is just something about that ole' sunshine that lightens folks up.

We made a quick trip to Costco to load up in anticipation of the arrival of all the kids... I am so looking forward to tonight... my favorite of nights when I know all the kids are home in their beds. I can only describe my contentment as that. With them off on their own adventures, I seem to appreciate the times they are home so much more.

Thanksgiving is the holiday my family seems to love the best. There is no pressure to purchase gifts... or entertain at all. It is just a time to be together with family and friends, share, and be thankful for all we have. I am thankful for this day and this beautiful end to it.

A busy day...

I love cats. I love the way they are consumed with a toy, and the way they completely relax when they are tired. 

Christian, or "Baby" as we often call him, is almost 13 years old. He was born on our living room floor on May 16. I remember that day because Kevin and I had been at his softball game and the neighbor was babysitting while our cat went into labor. We got home and Christian squirted out on the floor. I have always thought it was good for kids to see animals being born. Cats or dogs seems the likeliest opportunities.

This cat has complete trust in us. I remember we had a special relationship with the kittens born in our house when I was a kid, too. I am not sure exactly what the difference is, but it always amazes me when he snuggles up with my arm over him and just zonks out. He will stay tucked under my arm for hours.

My favorite thing about Christian is when he goes ape for catnip. We have liquid catnip that we spray in his cathouse. He will go into the little house and roll around in it, then hang his head out the hole with his bloodshot eyes. It is hilarious.

When we got Maegan's kitten, Juggernaut, a couple of years ago, Christian got a little bent out of shape. He still doesn't like Jugs, but is not so mad at us anymore for bringing him home. For the first year Jugs came to live with us Christian would come in our bedroom, jump on us and growl.

Jugs, on the other hand, loves Christian and seems to get a perverse pleasure from torturing him. He will sneak up and pounce on him, sending Christian into his angry hissing fits. We applaud when Christian does the rare stand-up-for-himself-and-fight-back.

Sunset on the mountain

Over the prairie and through the woods to Donny and Lynne's we go...

Our friends live directly across the prairie on the side of Rathdrum Mountain. The view from their home is spectacular.

It's like Christmas all year long with the accumulation of lights over the last 11 years they have lived up here.

The hot tub is right in front of the house, and when we sit in it in the evening this is the view we see.

Amazing Idaho. Today was a gorgeous day, 54° and mostly sunny. I savor days like this. We all feel winter coming... makes us appreciate days like this even more.

My son, the goofball...

You gotta love someone who is completely obsessed with himself!

Conor, loves to have his photo taken, whether by me, or himself... and he loves to mug... wonder where he gets that? Family photos have always been difficult because he can't seem to just smile for the camera, he has to make a face.

Last night he organized a group of his buddies to meet him at Jack in the Box for a mass taco feed. Tacos were on sale 2 for $1, and they decided to make a pile of 200 and eat them all! I will keep you posted on how that went.

Conor wanted to look like a bandido, so he decided to shave. He made me take photos of each step. Then decided his mustache wasn't dark enough, so he used a little mascara to make it stand out. When he left, he was wearing a sombrero.

I know, it isn't halloween anymore... Conor seems blissfully unaware.

I just want to celebrate!

I don't think it is any secret to anyone who knows me that I am an Obama supporter. There was a time when there were only about 10 democrats in the entire state, but that is no longer the case. And although Idaho was one of the red states, he still made a good showing here. Last night was a pretty exciting election.

I think Mr. Obama is, and will prove to be, a great man. If I had the chance to talk to him, after the congratulations, I would caution him not to let all this go to his head. Great men have made stupid choices because they started to believe they had the power. We have seen it happen before.

Thank you Mr. McCain for that gracious speech last night, showing us again why this was a tough race.

Mr. Obama, I have hope that you will unite this country and hold fast to the ideals that you inspired me with. I think today is a new day for all of us.

Hope...

Twas the night before the election

And all through the US

The politician's were bustling

To get us to say "yes"

To their ideas, their battles

stategies and promise...

Who will get the win

we can only guess.

But there is hope for tomorrow

out amongst the weeds...

An energy ready to burst

...if only my guy succeeds.

We are ready for the end of tomorrow

Whichever way the pendulum swings

Because it means the end of persistent ads

and the ugliness politics brings.

Unexpected surprise!

I was just reveling in my newly made enchilada soup, when I heard someone come running in the front door. I turn, and my little Maegan comes running in the kitchen to give me a very big hug.

SURPRISE!

She brought her friend, Kirsti, with her. They were still wearing their halloween outfits that they wore to a party at the University of Idaho last night. After a quick shower and change, they are now relaxing and watching a movie before they go out and visit some friends tonight.

I've gotta go... I need to get in a little snuggle with my baby girl while I have the chance.

Homemade enchilada soup

The other day, Becki and I were at Costco, and a man was demonstrating the VitaMix. Having basically only used mine for smoothies, I was fascinated to see all the creations one could make in it, and we stood and watched for about 15 minutes while this guy made smoothies, soup, fruit sorbet as creamy as ice cream (and done in less than 5 minutes), and margaritas with fresh, whole limes (no tequila unfortunately). I learned a lot, and Becki bought me the dry blender attachment so I can grind my own flour.

Anyway, I just made the absolute best enchilada soup I have ever had in just 10 minutes (it would have been shorter, but I had to cook the brown rice I added). It has kale and cilantro from my garden, a half a carrot, a tomato, 1/2 of a purple pepper we got at the farmer's market last week, garlic, onion, and a few black bean chips. Oh man, I am going back for more! I LOVE this machine.