Quarentine Season

Day 7 (Sunday) - My anxiety is kicking in, but we haven't had a need to by toilet paper. Now the leaders of the country have to go on national television to ask the hoarders to return excess purchases. Toilet paper, paper towel, Clorox wipes, etc. We can't even find Clorox Wipes. Folks I try to not go to the store normally because I don't like going, I order and have shipped to home our needs. If I have to go to the store I go quarterly. I can't even get some of these items shipped now, when I especially don't want to go to the store AND chances are IF I went to the store I couldn't find them. 

My eyes are tired, it has been a week. There are far worse things, we find we say that a lot around here.

We are currently a nation that is suddenly, surprisingly, needing to be reminded to slow down and take the time to clean. I keep seeing reminder after reminder for how to wash hands, clean surfaces, and what products not to mix together (I learned the hard way in my younger years).

Our childcare center closed Monday along with the schools, we're altering our work hours, and working from home as possible. We are finding we are still vital employees. We are touching base with neighbors, and praying.

We are not bulk buying, we always bought minimally in spurts before so we're doing OK. But we're going to need to pick up more "fresh" essentials than usual as our kids are not at care. We eat at home on a regular basis as is, but now we're eating three more meals than usual. I suspect other homes are seeing this as usual as I'm seeing posts like "Use your school stomach". I'm super thankful I did a quick Willy Street Co-op run in February as a birthday treat to myself to stock up on specialty items we get from there as our Co-op closed last May. We haven't tried to do a regular grocery shopping trip since about two weeks ago, just a little spot drop trip the weekend before everything went crazy to pick up a couple last items and dog food. We were able to pick up two gallons of our preferred milk today, and the grocery store looked pretty well stocked. Please if you have to go out only get what your family needs for a couple weeks, don't bring your own bags (we're not going to use any this time), bring hand sanitizer, and practice your social distancing. We run on a mixture of frozen and fresh as we cook a lot of our meals here at home. If need be we could make our own bread, it's not gotten to that point for our home but it has for others.

Things I'm Happy About:

1. Family support
2. Extended time with our kids
3. A slower pace, at times (there are still 24 hours in a day and all the work to do in it)

A few things I bought for the kids this week:

1. Croc-like tennis shoes from Zulily. I sized up so they hopefully last into fall - $13.99 each
2. Homeschooling Plan - 21 days free via https://othergoose.com/free
1. The founder of this program, Erin Loechner, also wrote the book Chasing Slow
3. Yogi Fun Yoga Kids card kid from Amazon - $19.99

We're already starting to see push back/cancellations of appointments on so many levels. Put down phones, turn off the news, be patient, be kind, hold your loved ones close, get outside, buy a park pass, find a new project or complete an old one you've been putting off, plan a Zoom with friends or get out the games. Except if you have toddlers and you're just to dang mentally exhausted, then go lay down.

Above all continue to be safe. We're right here with you.

1980 + 40

10 years ago, I turned 30.

It's a lot of feelings, I'm not sure they'll all fit here.

________________________________________________________________

In 10 years I know more now than I did before BUT I'm still learning! What a blessing to be able to continue to learn.

In 10 years I sure hope I get to travel and do as much (if not more) as the girls get older. But we try to take it one day at a time.

Birthdays bring questions. What do you want, what are you doing, planning something big? Are you where you want to be, where you imagined you'd be? (If you know me I'm always planning something, big or small) I personally struggle to celebrate my birthday and/or holidays. Did you know birthday depression is a thing?! See here.

This year I turn 40 - forty - 4-0 - FORTY. I'm lucky Brett and I still have all five of our parents. I'm lucky to have two littles and a Binne turning another year older. To start I have in mind a small dinner out with just my husband and littles. Last weekend I started with a little me time at the salon getting my nails done, followed by some special treats from the Willy Street Coop. You can't get just every little thing here in our local shops (and sadly our Coop closed last May, special treats being the food/home good brands we don't have access to at the in town stores).

UPDATE: Brett, Nicole and Josh surprised me with an amazing 40th birthday party at our house. There were so many people there from all corners of my life, it was great to see everyone! they definetly got me to the point where I was speechless. The thought and work put into keeping this from me and getting so many friends and family here without my knowing is not an east feat. Here I thought he was at home sick...

This year I'm not focusing on one day and hopefully I remember this going forward too. It's not just about this one day, it's about celebrating everyday and living life to the fullest with the ones who want to live it with you. I think back to my 30th, things have changed a lot and I'm working on a lot more schedule balancing than I was back then. Back then it was just me.

This year if you must get me a gift, treat ourselves to time together! Lets go out for coffee (there are still a number of places to visit on my list from 2019), wine, a concert, an activity, gym, yoga, or walk.  Please set up time with me or the family and lets catch up. Life gets so busy and I miss my friends. In addition to coffee, wine, and hanging out at the local COOP stores or library I also like music and listen to CD's often (old school, I know). Who is currently your fav to listen to? It would be cool if you made me a CD for the car, I love listening to music in the car with the girls.

If you have a donation kinda person please send it to American Family Children's Hospital in Madison or go donate some time at your local humane society or non-profit shelter. Adopt don't shop!

Activities I'm hoping to do this year? Photo sessions, salt room, pedicures/manicures/facials/self-care, new tattoo (who's with me?!), Brewers game with just my husband (this is a big deal), ladies only trip (November), arts & crafts events (think Revel in Madison, Diakonos in Stoughton), winery/coffee shop visits, exercise more, Summerfest (?), day trips, the beach, hiking at state parks, camp (back yard or park, we need a bigger tent first), and as always spending more time with our friends and family here at home or locally, but of course reserving time to take good self care for our family unit (and savoring every minute).

Happy birthday to ME!

One.

Flynn, 53 weeks











                                                                             
                                                                                    Willa, 53 weeks

ONE.

Times Two.

WE MADE IT!

I never imagined myself a mom, others did, but not me.

Now I'm a mom of two and I can't imagine my life without them.

(As I write this the girls will be thirteen months tomorrow. They had another swim lesson yesterday and celebrated our friend Sara's bridal shower with us here at our house yesterday.)

Our girls turned one mid-April in the middle of a snow and ice storm. Due to weather there were some that couldn't join us but the house was still full of family and friends. They had at least two clothing changes for their birthday (with costumes). The week before their birthday I struggled. I struggled because they were no longer as little as they once were, and would never be again. I know that we won't have babies that little in our home that are our bio children again, even though that was a decision that we made for our own reasons. I struggled because a friend of ours was in the hospital for long term monitoring for the health of her baby and herself. I struggled because another friend and his wife had just lost their baby. I struggled and there were mornings I would wake up crying. We've been through a lot this year, more than I can put to text. We've had some long nights and longer days. We've been brought to our knees, and yet here we are. The time sure went fast.  One times Two. We will remember the nights, the gremlin giggles as they woke up when they were little. Learning that glass bottles in a bottle warmer make milk hot as $*^#. That you end up needing a lot of things for a short period of time when you have two babies (think thrift whenever possible). Swaddling arms in, swaddling arms out. Hold them as long as they will let you and don't let go until they do. Learn that more than ever it takes a village. Learn that the village doesn't just take care of the babies, they take care of you too. They listen, support, help, teach, and learn all at the same time. These little girls have no idea the village that they've created and the blessing that they've given us.

As I write this, it is Mother's Day and I think of all the women that have touched my life as I've grown. These women know who they are (they are our moms, grandmas, sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends) they are to numerous to tag and I don't want to forget anyone. They have held me either when I was little or when I was older, they have been my support system and though our conversations are often less frequent these days due to needing more time for babies and taking a little breathing time for me or time to talk to my husband I hope they know the impact they've had on me and who I've become.

There are times I'm saddened, times that I think on those that have left this earth to soon, or before we even thought about having a baby and got two, and the girls won't get to meet them. The girls won't get to run and play with them physically and it breaks my heart. Or maybe they will, if their spirits choose to visit. If the spirits choose to visit I hope the girls are able to tell me, and I will smile and be glad they stopped by. To many leave us to soon.

Our girls are strong, they are feisty, they are two personalities (that trade off at times), and yet one personality. I love them with a fierceness that I never imagined existed. There are times, though rare, we take only one somewhere and it is weird! They babble, they love water (baths or swim lessons), they crawl and pull up, they give the best hugs, and if you are lucky a smile. One explores and the other watches over the exploration. They eat everything under the sun and are just discovering what it's like to try and chew on everything (more teeth?!) continue to amaze us everyday in this adventure we call life! I love you monsters, yes I do. I love you monsters, through and through.

Baxter Klitzke

On Thursday, July 14, 2016, our handsome Baxter went to sleep here on Earth with the moon and woke up Friday, July 15, 2016, in the warmth of Heaven's sun.

Baxter was born on July 3, 2006 and brought into the Klitzke fold at about five weeks old. He was immediately and completely a loved member of the family. He was a blessing in ways to numerous to count or write on paper. He knew when you needed him and was ever giving in that way, unless except you were trying to take his frisbee.

Brett and Baxter were immediately a bonded pair, he loved his dad and never liked when dad was doing something that he couldn't be part of. Baxter always wanted to be by his side. Baxter lived the first years of his life at home with Brett, Kirsten, Brenda and Kevin. He knew his first home and loved his whole family. In 2008 Brett and Baxter got a home of their own, and though Baxter now spent the nights at Brett's house Baxter still knew the Van Buren house. Though his dog house has been since retired, he still keeps a tie-out in residence and regularly visited and spent the night with Grammie and Papa. He still occasionally woke them up when the Sunday paper was delivered, while scaring the crap out of the paper delivery lady and always got a treat from the Schwanns man. In 2010 we welcomed Kirsten and Shane's son Keegan, and Baxter was so patient of welcoming the little one who started to draw more attention. In 2011, Lora and Brett started dating and Baxter gave us his consent by accepting Lora into his trust. Lora never felt more blest, and loved her little buddy so much. Later in 2011, Lora's brother Chris and his wife, Jackie, welcomed Gavin. Gavin always liked to come over and visit Baxter. On June 29, 2015, we adopted Baxter's little sister, Binne; Baxter and Binne had met earlier and ironically had very similar personalities. She will carry on his legacy here at home and has officially gone from Princess Binne to her new title Queen Binne. Kirsten and Shane welcomed baby boy Eli in early 2016 and Baxter again was patient to the shift of attention but was aware of Eli and let Binne take on his curious squawks and noises. 

Baxter loved to go on walks of any length, and in his earlier days ran with dad on a regular basis. He loved to play catch in the yard. He loved to bark at squirrels, chipmunks, dogs, and anyone who walked near the house (even if they were in the road). Baxter was the King of this house and protected it from anyone he wasn't sure was meant to be there. To those he knew and loved a jump and a kiss were always waiting for you at the door to welcome you in. He was forever at your heels in the kitchen, even if you were just doing the dishes. We will miss him in the kitchen begging for little scraps, which he would get occasionally. He loved to share edamame and carrots with mom! He knew what you were up to at nearly every moment. He hated fireworks and thunderstorms, and there were times we would come home to find him cowering in the basement to escape the noise. Eventually we had to stop him from going to his safe place in the basement and would find him, of all places, in the bathroom closet in a clothes bin. He always had the instinct to go where he felt safest and had the best intuition, but this was funny to us because he hated to get baths or go in the bathroom. When the weather was glorious he loved to be outside lounging in the shade covered grass or sitting on the front stoop watching over the neighborhood. When Lora moved in she brought a futon with her, and Baxter (along with Binne), was convinced that Lora brought that bed for his comfort. Baxter had a dog bed available to him in all the rooms of the house except for the kitchen and toys to numerous to even play with. His most loved toys were pull toys, or squeakers. You knew he loved a toy when he attempted to destroy it, and as a result there are two one-armed snowman squeakers in our house. Lora lovingly sewed them up so that he could still play with them, and he would often greet us at the door with one of them or a tennis ball. It just depended on his mood of the day.

He was loved, spoiled, and will be whole-heartedly missed. He was our baby, our confidant, our strength, and our teacher. We learned so much from you Little Buddy. 

Baxter was laid to rest here on Earth Friday, July 15, 2016. He leaves behind Brett & Lora, Brenda & Kevin, Kirsten & Shane (Keegan & Eli), Don & Colleen, Bill, Chris & Jackie (Gavin, fur cousins Maggie & Milo), and his sister Binne. He was greeted in Heaven by Fritzy, Jake, Taffy, and numerous other family members and friends that will watch over him until we meet again.

Every night we tuck in our dogs, they are our babies. Sleep tight, Little Buddy, snug as a bug in a rug, don't let the bed bugs bite.

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

We will ever be thankful that God made the decision for us so that we didn't have to, and though our hearts are chipped, they will heal and we will always have the wonderful 10 years that he gave us with Baxter. We can't foresee the future, we can't change the past. But we can look forward, and remember the memories.

Ever a blessing Little Buddy. See you in the greenlands.

Essential Oils Email: Fall 10 2015

Welcome to your second fall email from Lora Denniston Klitzke

Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.  (Kurt Cobain) The leaves are drastically changing and falling, Wisconsin's air is getting more and more crisp (though damp this week), and Halloween is just around the corner. Brett and I keep thinking that things will slow down and we'll be getting into more of a "routine", but life sure does keep us busy. I'm pretty sure we're in denial about anything slowing down! Next month I'm excited to attend a training called 'Vets, Pets, & Essential Oils"! In our house we use essential oils regularly with both of our dogs. I'm looking forward to learning the ways of animals and oils from four vets who use Young Living oils and products in their full time practices and being able to share that knowledge with you. Fall go to products list: Thieves anything, Rosemary, RC, Stress Away, Eucalyptus, ImmuPro, Inner Defense, Life5 probiotics. My November order includes Lavender, EndoFlex, Copaiba, Gentle Baby, a Massage Gift Set, Peppermint, and Peace and Calming. What do you need added to the order? Have you thought about being a Young Living member or retail member? Let's get you set up so that you can order the oils shipped straight to your door!! Ask me how! Take some time tomorrow to re-read this email after your first read, then shoot me a message or give me a call with questions! I'm here for you! Items of Note: On-line Catalog Link Next order being placed Saturday, November 7 Hope to hear from you soon, LORA Young Living Independent Distributor # 1774576 Check out what Young Living Essential Oils are about:  Discover What Essential Oils Are! << the Dewdrop style diffuser >> Fall Diffuser Recipe: Orange Spice 5 drops Orange 1 drop Cinnamon Bark 1 drop Clove 1 drop Nutmeg We're diffusing this tonight! Next month (or before if you ask me for it) I'll share the Snickerdoodle recipe with you. All the great scents of cooking without the dirty dishes or calories! Peace & Calming is back! This oil, one of YL's most popular blends, is available again while supplies last. I can order only one per month so if this is YOUR oil let me know ASAP in case I need to start a waiting list.

Essential Oils Email: Fall 9 2015

Welcome to your first fall informational email from Lora Denniston Klitzke

Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but inventing some imaginary letters along the way. — Douglas Pagels Here we are in the season of the falling leaves, crisp air, football, and whatever else our lives might send our way! I'm excited to share with you some immunity boosters, germ killers, a fresh fall diffusing option and one of the oils that is back but only in limited supply! It's a dirty world out there!  Let's talk about germ killers and immune system boosters. As soon as you come home go to the bathroom or kitchen sink and use your Thieves Hand soap, wash the dishes with Thieves Dish Soap, then start a load of laundry with the new Thieves Laundry Soap. Maybe not all in one night, that's allot of chores. I carry my Thieves waterless hand purifier with me everywhere! I also enjoy my water "spiked" with a variety of the YL citrus oils (Tangerine, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lime, Citrus Fresh) on the go in my S'well bottle to keep my immune system boosted. Once you start drinking oils always enjoy them in glass or metal (never plastic). As it gets colder I'll start drinking the oils in tea, coffee, and hot chocolate! Think nutmeg, peppermint, cinnamon... Fall go to products list: Thieves anything (there is a whole line of items, ask me about it), Rosemary, RC, Stress Away (think get it now for the holidays), Eucalyptus, ImmuPro, Inner Defense, Life5 probiotics. That's a whole lot of information, in a short time. Take some time and re-read the email again tomorrow then shoot me a message with questions! Items of Note: On-line Catalog Link Next order being placed Wednesday, October 7 Hope to hear from you soon, LORA Young Living Independent Distributor # 1774576 Check out what Young Living Essential Oils are about:  Discover What Essential Oils Are! Fall Diffuser Recipe: Spiced Cider  4 drops Tangerine 3 drops Cinnamon Bark 3 drops Nutmeg We're diffusing this tonight! It's a little strong so I've set my level of diffusing to alternate instead of constant. Next month (or before if you ask me for it) I'll share the Orange Spice and Pumpkin Pie recipes with you. It's perfect for when you have family over! Peace & Calming is back! This oil, one of YL's most popular blends, is available again while supplies last. I can order only one per month so if this is YOUR oil let me know ASAP in case I need to start a waiting list.

Essential Oils Email: September 2015

Young Living Essential Oils Monthly Informational Email by Lora Denniston Klitzke

Greetings Oil Enthusiasts, Due to a hectic schedule I'm sending a short email this month! I'll be ordering on Sunday, September 13 and for our house I'll be getting Purification (because we love it and use it all the time), Raven (new oil choice of the month), and maybe Eucalyptus radiata (we use this all the time too). If you need something or had a question on a specific oil just let me know! Further Items of Note: On line Catalog Link I'm placing my next order the evening of Wednesday, September 9. Please share this email with anyone who might benefit. Let's learn together!! ​I would love to get to talk about any questions you might have. If you have any questions or are interested in getting together one on one just let me know. I'm not a doctor and the oils work differently for everyone. Always do a test spot when trying new oils (the underside of the upper arm works best and one drop will do. Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living) Hope to hear from you soon, LORA Young Living Independent Distributor # 1774576 Check out what Young Living Essential Oils are about: Discover What Essential Oils Are!   'Like' my Facebook page: LO.VE.   Read my Blog Site:    LAtravel80

Essential Oils Email: August 2015 (New Format!)

Young Living Essential Oils Monthly Informational Email by Lora Denniston Klitzke

Greetings Oil Enthusiasts, Super News >>> A number of the Starter Kits are on sale for $10 off through August 13. If you're on the fence about getting a kit now is the time to talk to me about it. In other news today is the start of the 2015 Young Living International Convention in Texas! With convention comes new product launches so I can't wait to see what's coming out after convention!!! This month we're going to talk briefly about carrier oils! What are they and how do we use them?! So here we go... A carrier oil is a vegetable oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil that can be used to dilute EO. YL V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex is an excellent carrier oil for all applications. Carrier oils ensure that EOs applied topically are comfortable. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the EO, and prevents waste due to excessive application. Vegetable shortening, butter, margarine or petroleum derivatives (petrolatum jelly) should never be used as carrier oils. Some consumers choose to avoid olive oil as a carrier oil because of its strong aroma and thick viscosity. In our house we use oils neat (straight), with coconut oil, aloe, or safflower oil. Can these oils be used on children? Many EOs are appropriate for use with children, and they should be diluted prior to use. Some YL products are pre-diluted with carrier oil as indicated on product label and are intended for direct application on children. Children generally respond well to EO, and use of a carrier oil is recommended. One-2 drops of EO such as SleepyIze, RutaVala, Gentle Baby and Peace & Calming may be diluted in carrier oil and applied to the bottom of the feet. Further Items of Note: Online Catalog Link I'm placing my next order the evening of Friday, August 7. Please share this email with anyone who might benefit. Let's learn together!! ​I would love to get to talk about any questions you might have. If you have any questions or are interested in getting together one on one just let me know. I'm not a doctor and the oils work differently for everyone. Always do a test spot when trying new oils (the underside of the upper arm works best and one drop will do. Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living)  My August email topic is yet to be decided and I'm open to suggestions. Hope to hear from you soon, LORA Young Living Independent Distributor # 1774576 Check out what Young Living Essential Oils are about: Discover What Essential Oils Are!   'Like' my Facebook page: LO.VE.   Read my Blog Site:    LAtravel80

Ireland Honeymoon Day Seven

8:00 am leave time this morning.

Thankfully on our way we stop at Hannon's Hotel for a coffee (or tea or whatever) break. Today we're crossing the River Shannon into County Westmeath! We stopped at Killgeggan Distillery, now a boutique operation on site, and owned by Tullemore for a tour on how distilleries functioned back in the day complete with waterwheel and steam operations.The smells here are amazing and after the tour you get one of their shot glasses (with whiskey). Brett's thoughts on the whiskey was "it's ok" and mine was "I didn't like it". We also got to stop here for a group lunch complete with Irish Coffee, I do so love me some Irish Coffee. Brett had the ham and cheese, I had the spicy beef sandwich. After lunch we had back to Dublin to check into the Ashling Hotel for TWO WHOLE NIGHTS! No more bog roads! After arriving at the hotel we relaxed a little while we waited for our bags to be delivered to our room, and because it has out gratuity for John (our tour guide) in it. This is also the time that we will out our CIE comment cards and prep our tip envelope for John and walk a little before heading to dinner. While stopping to look at a menu we realize that someone is taking our picture! It's Bob and Jean, sweet! Now we're getting drinks with friends before dinner!! In we head to Ryan's Pub to join them and the Rush family, we end up ordering a sampler of beer (why not try everything you can) an find out that Larry Jr has already paid for it. The sampler is followed by another beer for me and a whiskey for Brett before dinner!

Dinner tonight is a three course, private party meal at Brazen Head Pub complete with an evening of Folklore and Fairies. This is our last night with the group as a whole, and it's truly bittersweet. Dinner was amazing and so filling! I saved my first Guinness here in Ireland for dinner tonight; with it I had a fishcake starter, poached salmon and apple cake. Brett had the potato and leek soup...

this is where my notes stop! My goodness.

Even as I was re-reading this I keep remembering the little moments and that my heart was sad to say goodbye (or until next time) to all these great people that we met and spent the week with. The entire week was a whirlwind of awesomeness and I'm honestly surprised that we were able to keep up with notes until now!

Two people from our group testing whiskeys!

Classic car at Killbeggan

Johnny Appleseed telling us about Folklore and Fairies

Our Little Girl, Binne

We've known for a while now that we wanted a second dog and have been looking at rescues through JRs Pups and Stuff out of Waukesha WI off and on since 2014. The first girl, Meara, that we looked at wasn't meant to be ours and went home to another family. I learned my lesson in getting my hopes up with that one! I was sad for quite a bit and didn't look at dogs for a while. Brett kept up hope and still look off and on.

We've been talking to Baxter about his little sister before she was a blink in our eyes, knowing that she would happen in time. Then we set up the dog crate and he got even more curious and started to know something was coming. Here's what I knew: I wanted a dog. I wanted a girl. I wanted a dog that was lighter than or weighed what Baxter weighed. I was torn on a pup or a slightly older dog. I didn't have a breed in mind, but was drawn to a Border Collie or Border Mix because of our Baxter. I wanted to give her an Irish name.

We adopted Sweetness, now Binne (pronounced beanie, Binn for short) on Monday, June 29, 2015. She is a female terrier mix who is just over the age of two. Binne's name was Sweetness, and she hails from Alabama and is now our Alabama baby. She is a rescue, and we know that she was pregnant and as a result abandoned. She did have puppies, we don't know how many or which litter they were, we do know they were taken from her earlier than usual. Her name was found from looking online at Irish baby name sites;  www.IrishWishes.com says Binne - (BEE-ne) Old Irish=binn "sweet, melodious." Binne was the name of several fairy women in legend.

Here's how it happened.

I contacted the agency to let them know we were interested in Sweetness and a couple days later we got a call from the foster mom (FM). FM and I ended up chatting the next night and I asked a whole barrage of questions to get a feel of Sweetness's personality and tendencies. Talk about nervous mom syndrome on my part!

We went to meet her at her fosters house three weeks before we actually adopted her, Binne had been with them for just under 4 months and had grown used to them but was still very skittish to new folks. Luckily she warmed up to us fairly quickly and we decided to bring Baxter in at about 30 minutes fpr another hour and a half! Baxter didn't know how to take her at first and ended up coming home with a little battle wound.  It was great to have them to meet before just bringing her home though. After taking a night to sleep on it (though we didn't really need to) we said we'd take her and knew that Baxter would settle in to her.

June 29 was a stormy night and thankfully both of the dogs were more focused on the storm than each other, though Baxter was curious as to who she was. That first night was her night in a new place that she didn't know, but she had her new bed that she laid on all the way home, my t-shirt, and favorite toy from FM's house. Tuesday was her first full day being crated at our house, mainly because she and Baxter were going to be home alone. After a day by themselves they seemed OK so Tuesday night we left the crate open, and all day Wednesday too. She's been with the door open ever since, it is still however her safe zone. (Update: we took the crate down on 7/10 since she wasn't using it.)

We spent most of the following weekend with the pups due to being sick, and I had Monday off and got to witness their first (as seen by my eyes) nose sniff. She's also started coming out of our guest room on her own and loves to dance and wag her tail when we get home from work. She's starting to play with the toys that we got her. She also now has a properly fitting harness and collar, and as a result I think she feels much calmer. Any unfamiliar noises continue to alarm her, ranging from loud birds or chipmunks, to cars going by on the street.

In the two weeks that we've had her she's gotten in tune with Baxter, though they're still getting used to each other, started eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom on a regular schedule (which is a big feat when changing a dogs routine). We can't wait to see how they and we continue to grow as a family unit!

Next up - obedience classes! Don't tell but she's on the couch sleeping next to me as I write this...

Many thanks to Ashley (FM) and Andrew (FD) for taking such great care of her!

  So now we have two munchkins!

Ireland Honeymoon Day Six

We've learned so much here!

A few facts:
All school kids wear uniforms here, and learn to read and write Irish between age 5-15, a patch or emblem denotes which school they attend. The boys and girls go to school together until our middle school age and then they are separated. They graduate at 16.5 or 17.5 depending on if they choose to take an apprenticeship or go on to college.

Ireland has 4 provinces and 32 counties, 6 which are under British rule, which are identified by their team colors and a song (or two)
Dublin is called The Big Smoke and is home to 1.2 million people

A few phrases:
Drink Driving (drunk driving)

Craic (fun, definition) Good Craic

Small Money (5-6 euros)

Kil (prefix, church of)
Bally (prefix, city of)

Band On (Right on) Bang on the money

Puk (puck) male goat

Veg (vegetables)
Trad Session (music, jam session)

We're staying in Westport again tonight and have the afternoon free! Today was supposed to be a "sleep in" day but I was still up at 5:30 am. I was able to go back to sleep for a bit but then the alarm went off again, and we don't have to be on the road until 9:30 today. A quick 7 minute drive will take us to the Westport House; it rained yesterday and as we're arriving the roads are starting to dry and the suns starting to come out. 

The 450 acre property has been with its family, some of which still live here, since the 1500s. Careful in the dungeons, just before we started our tour someone in another group fell and hit their head, the dungeons are all original cobblestones. The tour is brief but very interesting and we plan to read more on the family history when we get home! (Update: buy books they have for sale on site, they ship but it's pricey and the books aren't on Amazon). Their bathrooms consist of a large room with about six chamber pots. They have a children's room with a five foot Humpty Dumpty and a six foot tall barrier (to keep the kids in). Every room had a beautiful bed in it and right inside the door of the main entrance is the Angel of Welcome. After the tour and wandering around the house we decided to wader around the grounds before watching a group of school kids in kayaks come ashore the creek and hop in the "hot tub" by a small waterfall.  

Back on the bus we headed to Achill (ache-kill) Island, stopping at a minimum of four photo ops on the way. We stopped in Keel, County Mayo, at The Beehive restaurant. We both ordered soup and a dessert and after lunch chatted with the owner and his son about how their food is organic and made without preservatives. His brother-in-law moved to Chicago a number of years ago so he knows some about the US. This makes me love this place even more! After lunch we visited The Deserted Village, a town that was chosen by it's people to be abandoned during the potato famine in hopes of surviving the trek to Westport to take a ship to America. This trip took us an hour and a quarter by bus and it would have taken weeks for them to walk, if they survived.

 

Back in Westport for our free afternoon we headed to Gavin's Cafe to get coffee. We like coffee and our nephew's name is Gavin, they also had cute little outdoor tables. After we walked around to check out more of the town and pick up some knick knacks at the local shops before dinner at J.J. O'Malleys. The local area really focuses on seafood, but I already know that Brett is looking for a steak! None of the food that we've had here in Ireland is bad, except for maybe the black and white puddings (sausage pudding). Tonight for dinner Brett had a 12 oz sirloin with garlic and herb butter with chive mashed potatoes, I had shrimp and crab with a white wine cheese sauce and chive mashed potatoes. We both had Smithwicks and finished the meal with Irish Coffee. Hello yummy.

 

 

Petaluma, CA > April 16, 2015

I'm off to Cali via Madison to Chicago and then onward to San Fran. I'm currently on the flight from Chicago to SFO and it feels like the longest flight ever. I had Brett drop me off at the airport in Madison at about 12:45, took about 15 minutes to check in, then through security (w/out my blinged out pants). Wahoo - made it through. I say it that was because the bling pants always throw off the sensors. My flight in Madison was barely half boarded and they announced the remainder of us will have to check our carry-ons. (Note: If you have to check your bag at the gate, make sure you check to see where it's going. Also, make sure if you check bags before going through security that you arrive early enough for your bags to be put on the plane.)

This trip is my first trip that I've taken with a significant layover of 3+ hours. How did I pass the time?

1 - Reading eBooks and eMagazines (I download from the library or purchase books and subscriptions on our Nook)

2 - Walking through the terminal (I like to look at the shops to get ideas for books, resist buying)

3 - Come Prepared (Short layovers pack snacks/fruit) (Longer layovers pack a sandwich/snacks/fruit)

4 - Bring an EMPTY reusable water bottle and wall/USB chargers (most airports now have fountains that will fill the water bottles and charging stations)

Jen was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs (yay) and then we were off to find my checked bag! After leaving the airport we took the Golden Gate Bridge and it was a clear night, so I could see everything (so cool)! We got back to the house and crashed out for the night.

The kiddos still had school on Friday morning so after coffee and getting them on the way Jen, Eric and I all headed up towards Healdsburg to start out the day right with breakfast at Singletree Cafe, followed by pedicures for Jen and I at The Spa in Hotel Healdsburg. The Spa was ah-mazing and maybe someday we can go back again, I'd love to try to stay there too. After a relaxing break it was off to the wineries! We visited Sterling Vineyards and Duckhorn which were both in Napa. Between the two I enjoyed Sterling more due to their practicality, beautiful roses, a gondola ride, free glass, the fact you actually get to walk around, and their variety of wines. Duckhorn was a beautiful vineyard but there isn't much interaction, you walk in sit at a table and they bring all the wines at once. Sterling was much more up my alley, but driving around and trying unexpected new places is always worth a shot! After the wineries we stopped at a couple roadside farms to look at fresh veggies and buy strawberries before traveling back to Petaluma and walking around the downtown a little to get ice cream from Lala's Creamery. They have lots of tasty treats and I got a waffle cone with green tea and honey ice cream. So. Good.

Saturday morning we slept in a little and then had pancakes with fresh strawberries that I bought on the side of the road. They were so good and the kids loved the little treat. Strawberries weren't yet in season at home so I was kinda like a kid in a candy store with all the fresh fruit and veggies in and around Petaluma. The two boys had a baseball game so we packed up and headed out to watch part of that (a big difference from watching Brett & the guys). It was awesome to get to see the boys play and see the talent that's there at such a young age! We left the game a little early to head up to Santa Rosa to visit my friend Judy's house where she has raised 200 some maples and succulents in her back yard. She's got quite the impressive backyard set up with every maple having a name, age, parents, and all on a drip system. From Judy's we traveled through the redwoods to Guerneville where we had lunch and coffee (yes, always more coffee) at Coffee Bazaar, an open air restaurant with a book store next to it. I was in heaven, and even brought a bag home with me. It was so good and I love visiting places like this one. The view was great, the people nice, and I would go back in a heartbeat. From there it was onward to the coast, we stopped at several places and got taffy at Patrick's in Bodega Bay. I brought home the maple bacon and key lime pie flavors! From there we went hiking to this little trail leading to Pinnacle Gulch (trail leads to beach). It's about a mile down and back and 100% worth the small parking fee (bring cash). It was a perfect end to an amazing trip to the shore. Jen and I parted with Judy here and headed back to have dinner with the family!

Sunday brought my trip with Jen into the City (San Francisco). We bought tickets for a boat tour that would take us around the bay and circle Alcatraz! We got to see sailboats racing with their beautiful sails up, the Golden Gate Bridge, a couple times around Alcatraz, and a spectacular view of the city that hugs the shore so tight it can only go up from there. We were going to try to make the park too but we girls have priorities! I wanted to go to B.R. Cohn Winery in Sonoma County! A quick stop for food before wine samples and we were on our way! Jen's dad works here and he kinda showed us around a little bit while helping me through their wine choices. I love little (well it's not tiny) wineries like this one. There was music on the patio, beautiful scenery, spectacular wine, and friendly service from the staff. Hands down a great place to stop. Here's a link to where they come from!

Monday morning was headed back to Petaluma downtown for breakfast, and a few must stop shops for items to bring home!

Breakfast at Tea Room Cafe was delicious, the patrons friendly and the staff patient with a new-comer.

Shops stopped at were:
Old Shanghai Decor for some chopsticks to bring home as gifts
Knitterly to drool over beautiful yarns
Copperfields Books because they have used books, and new books, and I love books.
Petaluma Seed Bank because they have everything gardening, yes I bought this book there. I try to get or borrow most books electronically now, but one like this is timeless and awesome.

After this I caught the bus from Petaluma to the airport, typically I would go across the Golden Gate Bridge one last time but due to a little festival (today is 4/20) they routed us over the Bay Bridge.

Made it to the airport in time, only to have to check my bag again (totally ok with that), and have the flight delayed due to a door malfunction. That's ok - I'll wait for that. Flight left behind schedule, and arrived about 25 minutes behind schedule in Chicago which left me 10 minutes to make my plane home to Madison. I've never run through an airport before but man I didn't want to get stuck in Chicago, I wanted to get home to my boys. So I ran in slip on shoes with a bag under each arm from terminal C to terminal E and made it to my plane, thinking I wasn't going to make it BUT I DID! We then sat there for another 15 minutes, lol. It took me until I landed in Madison to calm back down again. In the end, I made it home to the boys and my checked bag didn't get home until the next day. I wasn't worried about that.

Note to self: always wear tie on tennis shoes when flying.
Note to others: always bring a big purse to bring your prescriptions, cell phone charger and other important items on the plane with you and pack a smaller portable purse inside for when you arrive at your destinations.

Essential Oils: June 2015

Hello All,

There are a couple new oil blends this months that I'm excited to tell you about! But first, mark your calendar to get your order to my by the morning of July 1! These two alternates are super exciting back ups and I'm glad that they came out with them. I love Valor and keep a bottle of it near me at all times (don't use it in your USB diffuser though, I learned that the hard way). Can't wait to check them out when I get a chance.

Valor II > Designed by Gary Young (founder of YL) as his recommended option and alternate to Valor. He handpicked this new formulation to stay true to the original character of its predecessor and offer the same great experience. This blend includes YL's exclusive Northern Lights Black Spruce and Idaho Blue Spruce essential oils, as well as Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Vetiver, Cistus, Bergamot, Cassia, German Chamomile, and other oils. Diffuse or apply topically for an inspiring and calming aroma. 5 ml bottle.

Peace & Calming II > Also designed by Gray Young, this blend is his recommended option and alternate to Peace & Calming. The gentle aroma of Peace & Calming II includes Tangerine, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Patchoulie, German Chamomile, Vetiver, Cistus, Bergamot, Cassia, Davana, and the exclusive Northern Light Black Spruce essential oils. Dilute and apply topically to moisturize and beautify the appearance of skin, inhale or diffuse. 5 ml bottle.

Items of Note:

• I'm placing my next order the evening of Wednesday, July 1.
• Please share this email with anyone who might benefit.
• Let's learn together!! ​I would love to get to talk about any questions you might have. If you have any questions or are interested in getting together one on one just let me know.
• I'm not a doctor and the oils work differently for everyone. Always do a test spot when trying new oils (the underside of the upper arm works best and one drop will do.
• Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living) http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/discover/essential-oil-safety
• My July email topic is yet to be decided and I'm open to suggestions.