Carpet and Cleaning

Friday morning rose bright and early at 5am as the carpet cleaners were due to arrive by 7. Spent Thursday evening picking up and vacuuming the areas they were going to clean per the company directions. Fun times.

They arrived, we toured the house, then I paid and boogied out the door. I didn't want to hang out while someone performed maintenance on my house so grabbed Stubbs and we went fishing for a few hours. Oh my pup was such a good dog, especially since it was raining. No fish were caught but it was an enjoyable time.

Afterwards, ran errands, including picking up the snackage needed for my Newark party on Sunday.  Yes, agreed to have a living infomercial in my home which we are referring to as a "party."  Came home to a deodorized house with clean carpet. Proceeded to return furnishings and rugs to their proper or new areas and all looks great.

Being up so early did not afford me shower or makeup but it also didn't prevent me from hitting Ross with Sam after he got off work. Made it out of there without running into a former co-worker or school classmate, a miracle in itself.

Spent my evening relaxing and making more earrings. Also relied on Google to answer my entertainment questions as I watched a few movies. What other movies has David Fincher directed? Who is that gal who plays Vera in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore?  How many movies did Cary Grant and Mryna Loy make together?  Yes, those kinds of pressing inquiries that must be answered as I was surfing the couch.

This morning I again rose early. Cleaned the kitchen, the bathroom, then whipped up a berry pie for Sunday. Hopefully no one will notice the tiny slice I removed to test it. Traded out the bathing beauty windcatcher in the back yard for the fisherman one, which seems to be apropos with my current hobby.

It's now after noon and time to take a shower, although I'm midway through The Social Network. Just may finish that up before I become presentable.

Peaches and Berries Oh My

Tuesday Steve showed up and we went over to Cowlitz River Rigging so he could buy himself some new Prison Blues jeans, which are his favs because they are made to wear with suspenders.  (This has not cancelled out the fact we are continuing to search for some more fashionable jeans for the man to wear. 😉)  While he shopped, I stumbled upon some Seahawks earrings that one of the employees makes and sells. Of course I had to grab a pair!

Our next stop was Arlenes so I could fish a little at the end of the day. No bites but was nice to visit with her and she sent me home with some yummy red peppers.

Had dinner at Papa Pete's pizza, which is so mouth-watering.  Came home, bloated, then went to bed.

Was up around 6am yesterday morning and proceeded to make a peach pie. While it cooked, I crafted three pairs of earrings from beads picked up at Michaels.

Roused Steve then hit the road for the Oregon Coast to complete harvesting huckleberries. The weather was awesome - 82 degrees!  Hit our picking spot and the bushes were laden with plump, juicy fruit. We went to town with our metal picking tools and were picking a ton. Steve stopped to dump the berries into the containers in the trunk of the car and was so excited about the haul he accidentally locked the keys in the trunk. Uh oh.

Thankfully, my insurance policy includes roadside assistance. Called Safeco and they took it from there. Within 15 minutes a truck showed up, popped the car door open, and we were able to access the trunk for the keys. Just amazing service!!

Finished up the picking and wound up with over 3 gallons of berries!

That pie I made? Not so good as the peaches were a little mushy. Next time will need to use hard and not ripe fruit.  Live and learn as that pie gets tossed!

We Be Bangin

Inspired by a Pinterest photo to cut my bangs, which drive me crazy. Now that I can put my hair up I simply like it better to have bangs plus they hide those pesky forehead wrinkles!

For some reason it didn't turn out like the pic - what's up with that? 😆😉

Wonder Woman At The Fishing Hole

Saw the newly released Wonder Woman dvd yesterday morning. It was a really good movie and kept my attention. Wonder Woman was intelligent, powerful, and brave - my kind of female action hero. 

Feeling bold and powerful myself, I went fishing at my regular Cowlitz River hole. Saw an odd sight on the freeway on the way there - dude driving his motorcycle with a skeleton as a passenger! Bizarre!

The good news is I broke my losing streak!  Landed a nice 14 inch trout!  So exciting when you finally catch one. 

Took a break and picked a bag of blackberries, which are close to the end for them. Returned to fishing but alas it was just a one fish day.

Up early and may just return to the hole to see if a brother to yesterday's fish is hungry!

Day for Fishing and Movies but Not for North Dakota!

That trip to North Dakota today? Didn't happen 😕.

I got all ready this morning, packed, then headed to the airport.  Parked in the long term lot out in B.F. Egypt then took the shuttle to meet up with the Husted family.

All checked in, we hung out then boarded.  Settled in and then we waited, and waited, and waited. Finally they announced that the plane had structural damage and won't be flown. So we all disembarked and Michelle, Steve's sis-in-law and designated travel arranger, contacted United. Well, all trips to Denver were booked so the decision was made to cancel the trip. They will still hold the memorial for his mom in her hometown and the family will figure out a date in the spring to go.

After finally getting our luggage, it was back on the shuttle to retrieve my car and head home. Changed into my fishing gear and shoes, grabbed Stubbs, and headed to the Toutle River to try my luck. No bites but was able to see a couple of graffiti artists at work. They were going to town and had about 30 cans of paint. Nice guys.

Tonight Sam invited me to see It at the movies, his treat, so I was definitely in. Should be good!!

Flying the Rainbow Skies

Yesterday, outside of Walmart of all places, there was a breathtaking rainbow. Isn't it gorgeous?

Getting ready tonight to fly out tomorrow to North Dakota with Steve and his family for his mom's hometown memorial service. Okay, to be honest not getting ready tonight - will have time to pack in the morning since the flight out is at 1:25pm. Typical me behavior!  At least I did laundry this week! 😆

Feeling Peachy!

Skipped fishing yesterday but spent a couple hours on the river today. Once again, no luck! Plus my new line snarled not once but twice, forcing me to snip it and re-tie the line.  Arrgggg.

Yesterday stopped by the corner fruit/veggie stand and picked up three large baskets of peaches. After fishing, arrived home and tackled the peeling and slicing of the fruit.  Scored, blanched, pitted and sliced the peaches then scooped them into three gallon Ziplock bags for the freezer.

Fear Me Fish

Up at 5am today simply due to being unable to sleep. After coffee, decided to mop the floors and do two loads of laundry - now isn't that exciting?

The rain has now started in full force so what occurred last night? Fishing!  Thought I would take a chance to see if the rain had triggered an eating response in the fish. Stood at the river in the downpour wearing my overalls and hoodie, which only provided 20% protection from the rain. No bites and lost one more spinner, which means a total of 4 spinners lost. Finally gave up the ghost, or trout so to speak, and returned to the car. My appearance was far from the diva look for which this gal typically strives.

Speaking of my dedication and/or obsession with fishing, I may create an on-line journal of my casting adventures.  Dad always kept a written journal of each day, including the weather and luck, or lack thereof, when he went fishing. So a new blog it will be which means a name must be found. Here are a few ideas:

🐟Pole Dancing in the Water
🐟A Chick and Her Pole
🐟Getting Wet and Loving It
🐟Here Fishy Fishy
🐟Fishing Addiction
🐟The Cast and Snag Journal
🐟245 Days and No Catch
🐟Fishaholics Anonymous

Stay tuned for when I roll out the new blog. Steve has promised to take me duck hunting this year so there may just be exciting adventures recapped of hours spent in the blind with no shots!

Lazy Days and Almost Monday

Friday morning was at the river by 6:30am to try and catch the elusive fish but alas no luck. Returned home, cleaned up and met friend Shelly for lunch at Porky's tavern. Always great food but the service this time was horrible. We waited almost an hour to get our food, apparently due to our order being overlooked. At least they gave us a discount.

Friday evening Steve arrived and I spent the night introducing him to Project Runway. He is such a good sport and actually enjoyed the character interaction and humor in the show.

We originally planned to clean the garage on Saturday but we simply felt like lazy bums so skipped that plan. Hung out then I made chicken fried steak for dinner, one of his favorites.

Today we took Stubbs to Willow Grove then stopped at the 49er for breakfast. Another lazy day for us; after Steve left, I spent a couple hours (in the rain) trying to catch a fish. Ended up soaked and lost two spinners with no fish but still enjoyed myself.

Tomorrow I have to meet with a counselor at the employment office, which is akin to work. Will definitely feel like a Monday!!

Great Morning but Luck Not On My Side

Fished and fished last night at my regular spot. Skunked!  However, it was so relaxing next to the river with the sun shining, birds flying, and breeze blowing that it didn't matter that there was no fish trophy.

This morning ventured out to a new spot on the Cowlitz - Riverside Park. Frequently driving by could see there was a huge sandbar that normally isn't present on the river. Figured that would be a great place to start.

Pretty limited trails to make my way to the river. Gripped grass, angled onto rocks, and eventually slid down to the sand.  Waded into the river, covering my shoes with muddy sand.  Spent the morning casting, moving, casting, moving and all for naught. Skunked again!

Here's to catching one again in the near future!

Spicy Wednesday

Didn't catch any fish yesterday morning 😕 but made up for it this morning by creating a HUGE batch of pico de gallo using Arlene's tomatoes and jalapeños. Will eat some, give some away, and freeze some to use later, probably in Mexican dishes.

Too Early in the Morning for This

Up bright and early - maybe a little too early - to go fishing and was browsing Instagram.  C'mon people! I know sex sells but do you have to be so downright obvious in your ads?!  Here are two that appeared one right after the other:

Gaultier expected but Bonnie Brown?  These images explain why I prefer the classic movies where there was subtle, witty allusions to sex rather than slamming the obvious in your face as they do today.  Add some intelligence rather than blatancy and you will arrive at a much higher quality product. Plus it will make us think,

Becoming a Pioneer Woman

Stopped by Walmart this afternoon to enhance my fishing supplies, which were non-existant.  Picked up a box, knife, scissors, rope, some more spinners, and a small net.

Placed all my gear into my little tool box and made my way to Arlenes and the Cowlitz River.  Settled myself in along the bank and began casting.  Gorgeous weather today made it a much more enjoyable experience than Saturday's downpour.

After fishing awhile changed up the spinner to one of my new ones. Not too long after a trout bit the spinner and I set the hook.  He was a real fighter but I was able to get him to the bank.

Dealt with my catch (as in beating its head with a rock) then fished some more. Arlene came down to say hi and brought me some containers so I could pick blackberries.  The blackberry bushes were heaving with large, plump goodness and I took a break from fishing to pick a quart.

Returned to fishing which abruptly ended when my spinner snagged and I ended up losing the whole set up. Took that as a sign my evening of fishing was over.

Made my way to the car where I found a bag full of tomatoes and jalapeños fresh from the garden courtesy of Arlene. Tomorrow I will be making salsa or pico de gallo.

May just rise early tomorrow morning to fish at daybreak. Yes, it's my new obsession but in a way felt like I was channeling Dad as I caught that fish in his own private part of the Cowlitz.

Berry Picking and Sugar Overload

Sunday found us rising bright and early to make our way to the coast to pick more huckleberries.

On our way we stopped in Astoria to pick up a Dutch Bros. Coffee.  I had my fill of hot coffee so decided to try out the new pumpkin freeze. Tasty but way too sweet, perhaps because of my no sugar taste buds.  Finished it off and arrived to our picking spot.

Steve went to see if the berries were better further in so he disappeared for awhile as I hung with Stubbs (who was fashionably adjourned for the day in his Seahawks jersey.)  Decided to pick along the road; about the point of picking one container full, it started. My hands were shaking, my head was light, and my stomach upset. Just knew that sugary drink was the wrong move.

Steve returned to the car with the last of the berries and I unleashed what we call a "Junior Jerry" moment.  "Get me to the store NOW as I need protein!!" Poor thing didn't know what hit him.

Steve rushed me to the minit mart where I loaded up on chicken strips, nuts, and cordon blue balls, which were, yes, as bad as they sound. Scarfed those down in record time than waited for the food to take effect. Finally, the shaking stopped and I was clear headed.

Picking done (wound up with two gallons) we continued on 101 for some sightseeing. We stopped at the guardrail on Nehalem Bay to see if the GPS container that we stumbled upon last year was still wedged into it. Sure was so dug it out and listed our Diva and Huey names on to the roster again then replaced the tube.

Continued on to view the jetty and wild waves then on our return trip stopped in Wheeler to browse a large antique store. Steve picked me up a tackle box, small in size so it would fit in my purse, perhaps for those spur-of-the-moment times when the fishing bug hits.

On our way back we swung by the Husted Hilton to visit with his sister, her hubby, and some friends of theirs who were all staying at the Arch Cape place. The weather was awesome as we sat on the deck. Stubbs was extremely protective and wouldn't leave my lap the whole time.

Returned home last night worn out and a little sunburned. Steve hit the road, taking my tackle box home to stock it with all sorts of lures, hooks, and supplies.  I then promptly fell asleep on the couch.

Meant to get up early to go fishing but that didn't happen. Will cast my line this evening!

Here Fishy Fishy

Broke out my new fishing pole tonight on the Cowlitz River.  Arlene was kind enough to let me use her river access spot so Steve and I cruised to Castle Rock so my pole could be tested.  Unfortunately, it began raining but that wasn't going to stop me.

Steve set the pole up for me with my new spinner and I casted it out.  No bites at the first stop so went to a different section.  At this point it was pouring; however, I was too warm wearing my jacket so removed it and braved the wet weather in my t-shirt.

No luck at the second spot so returned to the first.  After a few more casts bam! Got a bite!  Set the hook and reeled in the fish.  Steve stepped over to grab the fish and threw it on the bank.  It was a harvest trout about 14 inches. Nice catch!

Steve cleaned the fish while I continued casting. Alas, no more bites and I was drenched so reeled in and called it a night after about 1.5 hours.

Returned to the car and Arlene had left me a nice bag of tomatoes and squash.

Was a great time and I plan on returning soon to see how my luck plays out - hopefully a salmon will be in my future!!  🐟

Tea Leaves Anyone?

Read my horoscope the other day and found it insightful based upon my current circumstances. 

North Dakota Bound

The good news is the end of September I'll be taking my second trip to North Dakota with the Husted family. The bad news is it is for a hometown memorial for Steve's mom.

It will be a short trip but will be nice to see the relatives and folks I met on my first trip there. Steve will be staying longer so he can visit his cousin in Minnesota, an 8 hour drive.

Rocking the To Do List

This week I'm getting shit done!  Finally got the garage door fixed yesterday after so long. Can't say enough about the company - professional, friendly, and efficient. Tim the tech guy even videoed what the door needed, reviewed it with me, then proceeded.  With the door fixed, I have no excuse than to start cleaning the garage.

Today I've taken the car for its regular oil change and maintenance check. Plus they are giving it a wash which it badly needed with all the smoky air ash on it.

As of yesterday so happy I could put in my contact.  The acrid air was getting old!

Next to do is to call Maytag to get a check up on my washer which appears to be leaking.

Fire All Around

There are currently a ton of fires burning which have brought smoky skies and ash to my neighborhood. So sad to see my beloved Gorge on fire!  I've been forced to be in my house as the outside air is wreaking havoc on my allergies and especially my eyes! For the last three days my eyes have been red, sore, and weepy!  Not fun!

Bacon and Burning Air

Yesterday and today the air had been thick with hazy burning smoke.  Absolutely driving my eyes crazy!  Had to resort to benydryl to get some relief. That medicine works wonders with just a wee side effect of putting me into a coma. At one point I'm watching Heaven Can Wait, the next it is 4 hours later and I'm clawing my way out of a deep slumber.

On top of that, this morning cooked bacon was on the menu and tonight steak for dinner, which means the house is enrobed in a meat aroma.

On the occasion of the holiday, I was able to watch the movie Labor Day with Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin. Passable flick.

Here's hoping Tuesday brings clean air both outside and in my house!!

Super Saturday

Yesterday was pretty full. First stop was the video shop where I picked up several used movies. They always have good classics available.

Following that, returned home, picked up Steve, snagged Sam at his place, then out to lunch at the Cow Deli.  Tummies full, we swung by Jordan's to say hi then made our way to Woodland to look at a truck for Sam.

Good thing Steve was with us as he knew the good, the bad, and the ugly about used vehicles. This one was a potential ugly involving the transmission so we thanked the kid and left.

Dropped Sam off then hit Bob's to browse. After my recent trips to the river, I've been so hankering to go fishing.  Love wandering down a rocky river path in search of the right hole. Therefore, picked up a new pole, some spinners, and my license so I'll be able to cast out to my hearts content.

Relaxed at home before snagging a pizza and heading up to Lynn's for the evening. Watched movies (or rather ignored movies as we chatted) then returned home for a good night's sleep.

And now it's Sunday!  Filed my unemployment claim and thinking about what adventures the day will bring.  As long as it's sunny and warm I'm a happy camper!!

Wore my new tee belong I picked up for $5 at Penneys.  Love it!!

The Crazies Are Out in Full Force

You think you've made a clean break with people and then they pop up and continue the crazy.

Emoji Man texted me the other day out of the blue to see if I'd go out again. Give it up!  Text deleted with no response.

Then some gal named April sent me a Facebook message going on and on about how awful Michael, the last guy I dated, was and to warn me about him.  Hello??? Haven't heard or spoken to him in 6 weeks. And why are you sending me messages?

She seemed to know quite a bit about our relationship so I bantered back and forth with her for a bit. Then it became clear she was blessed with the psycho gene so tried to sign off with a "good luck in the future" comment. Unfortunately that didn't stop the conversation as she went on and on and on. Ignoring her messages finally stopped more from coming through.

Lynn says I'm a crazy magnet and I'm beginning to believe this, especially when people don't get the hint that I'm done!!  Gonna scrub my forehead extra hard today to rid it of the flashing Welcome Crazies sign!!

Happy Birthday Steve!

Friday evening was a great time. For his birthday Steve went salmon fishing with his  guide buddy and family in Astoria. Came back with two large catches.

Friday night we met up with my friends Stan and Susan at Parker's for a birthday dinner.  Food was awesome like always, especially since I had a cheat meal including mojito (super strong), seafood fondue with baguette bread, and fettucine!

Steve wore a Polo Shirt I gave him as a gift and it looked great. He's realizing he needs to get with the times and Carhart shirt with suspenders are not a universal outfit. Poor thing focused on his rapidly thinning hair. All he needs is a tan on his head; I offered to rub instant tan lotion on his bald pate but he politely declined. 😊

Today looks to be fabulous outside. Need to get the oil changed in the car then we will be out browsing to find Steve some new pants. I'm proud of him for making changes to better himself.