It's been HOW LONG???

I can't believe it's been 5 years since I wrote anything here! Life has been busy - but 5 years! Really? 
At 1st I was tempted to go back and read the last post - then I realized I would get wrapped up in that and not post yet again.

So, what's been going on for the last 5 years?
1) Larry & I got the paperwork done (we got married) - That was Oct., 2011
2) We've moved repeatedly; Cottonwood & Cornville Arizona, Craig Colorado, Clarkston, Spokane & Moses Lake Washington - some of those places more than once! (I think that's all?)
3) I retired after not working for the last 3 years.  Together Larry & I made the decision that I would take early retirement.
4) We have Great-grandchildren - and 2 1/2 years ago we got a new grandson who calls me "Gaga!" Our youngest is a (nearly) 7 month old Great Grandson, probably the happiest baby I've ever been around. :) From the youngest to the oldest we love each and every one of these gifts from God.
5) I got to see Larry in a tux for the 1st time at daughter Tonya's wedding. (He looked so handsome!)
6) For more than two years we've lived in the same town (THIS IS  A RECORD for us.) And for more than  a year we've lived in the same apartment where I get to sit in my living room & watch the jets (military and commercial training) practice flying over/landing. :) This is a BIG favorite past time (except when I'm trying to sleep - LOL)

Alright, I think we're pretty much up to date. Lately I have reconnected with some Very Important People from my past:
    >  my nephew Dave who I hadn't talked to in several years (the whole family thing is just so sad.) But really thankful to be back in touch with him. Right now praying for his safety and success. (he's out fighting fires in Idaho.)
   >  a young lady, Jacqueline - who always called me 'auntie.'  She & I basically lost touch when her mom & I stopped being friends 7-8 years ago. This is the one person I've loved unconditionally from the moment I set eyes on her when she was 8 months old.  She starts her senior year of high school in a few days. We are hoping to get together soon and catch up.
   >  the old neighborhood friend is probably the most influential person I've reconnected with. (Yes, I know it should be "with whom I've reconnected.")  I learned so many lessons from him - most of them WAAAAY after he tried to teach them to me.  I guess we can be happy I heard what he was saying - I'm just S L O W!  This is someone I have looked to for moral guidance (who always tells me WHO to turn to for the answers.) A friend who always wanted only the best for me - even when I didn't want the best for myself. We grew up in the same neighborhood, had a lot of things in common (including our love of horses) and we loved a lot of the same people.  There was a time when we were 'a couple' but a lot more time that we were FRIENDS! I am so blessed that God has brought my friend back into my life, blessed that I have a husband who is not threatened by old friends and encourages me in restoring a 'lost friendship.'

There is just one more thing (isn't there always?) This one is something close to my heart and for a long time was a 'closely guarded secret.' I have a daughter out there that I haven't seen since she was 3 days old, in 1968. It was my choice - to give her a better life than I could offer her.  I was 14 years old and no way ready to be a parent. Today I would like to know that she's ok. I would love to get to know her and perhaps even her children. But to do that I have to find her and offer her the option.  I don't have a lot of information, only her place & DOB: Clarkston's Tri-State Hospital June 20, 1968. I was told but never could verify that she was raised in the Silver Valley. Anyone with ideas or information as to how to look for an adopted child please let me know. (thanks in advance for any assistance offered.)

And with that I think it's time to sign off - for now.  Hopefully another 5 years won't go by before I sound off again. ;-)

Just another ramble

It has been awhile since I've been here. Life has been busy. Last posting was just after we moved up to the south hill. Since then, I have taken a part time job with Kiemle & Hagood. (yup! the company Larry works for) It was a bit more than I wanted to work for the first 2 months! More 5 day weeks than 2-3 day weeks. It should settle down to mostly 2 day weeks now that the lady is back from maternity leave! Today is day #2 of a 5 day 'weekend.' I am liking that. Don't know how much I'll like the paycheck that goes along with it though! I talked to the Fairbridge people again about a part time position with them but haven't heard back. At this point I'm not sure I want to do that. It's pretty sure if we can find jobs back in the southwest, we'll be moving again this coming year. Larry is talking with a company he has worked for before. Don't know where that is going to go but I know he's realized his old bones don't like the cold and wet here in the northwest. This is the year we should be buying our RV. I sold out my share of the property my folks left to my brother & will be collecting the funds in the next couple of months. It's not a lot, but enough to put a nice down on our 'home on wheels.' As I sit here on my couch looking out window at the play field across the street, I once again marvel at God's handiwork. The beauty of the snow covered tree in the foreground, the flat field covered with it's fluffy white blanket of snow and the trees beyond all trimmed in white. What a glorious sight! Even the lack of sun seems somehow - right; just the bottom part to the sky showing a lighter shade of grey with the upper portion all clouded over. Such a site to be hold! I admit to finding the beauty in this winter weather but truly prefer a warmer climate so I'm having a tough time fighting Larry on the idea of another move. Besides, I found a great RV place in Houston & if we move south again there's a much better chance we'll go there to make our purchase. Their prices are quite a bit lower than locally and they have a HUGE stock always of nicer, newer RVs. If we're in the Southwest, it will cost far less to travel there. MAYBE we can even go & visit John, Tammy & the kids when we're in Texas! (that would be a dream come true for me & thankfully Larry is open to it and not at all intimidated by the fact that they are from my "Other Family.") I am such a lucky lady! God brought me a very good match! Larry & I share the wander-bug, we are comfortable when it's "just us," we have learned how to communicate with one another - in a way that works for us but may not for anyone else! I'm not saying we're perfect but we are a good match. In every relationship there is room for growth and we are no different but we have been growing together since we got together and with God's help that will continue. Sadly, our youngest grandchildren lost their daddy this week. It is a tough time but we'll all continue to support the kids and help them remember how much he loved them. My heart hurts for those little ones. Thankfully, Mikayla has a great support system and seems to be dealing well with this. I know she's hurting, angry and feeling abandoned although they had gone their separate ways a long time ago. It's good to know she has so many loved ones to help her through this. Her dad and I will help all we can, but time is really all that will soften this blow. As I look forward to 2011, it is almost impossible to believe 2010 is coming to an end! Where oh where did this year go?!? What did I do with this year? What did I do to make this a better place/time for others this year? What can I do next year to make it a better place/time for loved ones/strangers? What does God have in store for us for the coming year? I am encouraged that God has a plan and when I do my best to follow HIS will, my life will be perfect! - just the way He has it planned. Thank you God for all You give and have given.

The South Hill

Well, talk about moving up! I now (f0r the first time EVER) live on the south hill. It is wonderful. I have to admit, I am enjoying our new home. So light and bright! So quiet and so much bigger than the last place. The kitchen is so much nicer and I even have a brand new, BIG refrigerator. Oh, and did I mention how QUIET it is??? Wow! I'm loving this new place. Don't know how much I'll love it come winter when I have to try to find a way down off this hill! I feel like I've moved to a whole new town! Getting to know all the area shops, stores and streets! I have to admit to one down side; since it's over half hour drive to Driscoll Bvd. Baptist Church, I'll be looking for a new church. I don't want to stay out of church and yet I know more than an hour travel time each Sunday would keep me away. So if anyone knows a good bible based church on the Moran Prairie I would love to hear about it. I am at 46th & Regal and would love to find a church close to home. NOT TOO BIG! I'm looking for a church with a ladies bible study and maybe a Sunday night service as well as Wednesday night study. I will love and miss my church family at Driscoll but I don't see how I can continue to attend there. Larry recently had his annual review at work and of course they love him! He was even given a bit of a raise - in this economy we were very surprised and pleased. I can't believe how long it's been since I have posted here. It's been nearly all summer. It's been a pretty nice summer. Some really nice weather. A long wet spring but summer has been nice. Seems there should be more to say but since it's only a week since our move, I am still settling in and am very tired tonight. I'm sure I'll think of many things to say in the days to come. So for now, I'll just say 'good-night my friends.'

The RV, The Battlefield & More

This is intended to be a quick post. Now if that doesn't have you laughing out loud you obviously haven't had much exposure to my ramblings.... We did not get the loan for the RV & after much discussion and prayer, I am convinced we should do as we'd first thought and wait until next year. After I am officially 'back to work.' I am sorry we didn't get that one because I loved the floor plan but honestly, I would prefer something a bit smaller. The 40+ footer would mean issues with where we could take it when we are moving. (Some road limitations.) PLUS, I don't know that I would be comfortable pulling a 40 footer if something happened & I had to drive! Still hoping to find something around 32 foot =/- that would be more comfortable for me. I know God has the right one out there when HIS timing is right. Until then, I am content to wait upon the Lord, as I know His timing is perfect. Our trip to Little Big Horn Battlefield was a success. *(Meaning Larry was thrilled & I love to make him happy!) For me it was humbling to stand at the memorial and see all those rows & rows of headstones of our service men who fought & died so I can enjoy the freedoms this country provides. Still haven't been working at ALL! I am beginning to be a little concerned about that but again, I know God is in control and I am willing to follow His leading. Right now, He is taking good care of us and I don't have to work except for 'extra money.' I am in prayer as to what His will is for me as far as the work situation. This has been a long WET spring and I am sooooooooo ready for sunshine! This is when I really miss living in Arizona. I don't do well with all the gloomy days. But since Larry has such a good job here and we are where he wants to be, I am content. We plan to move out of the apartment complex In July. We've been here since moving back last year but they don't let us have Dish TV and we just don't like cable. Plus, we are hoping for something with a washer & dryer. There are all kinds of amenities here & it's a great place to live; love the location. BUT it's a drag hauling our laundry across the complex to the coin operated laundry room. We don't really use most of the amenities, the hot tub once in awhile & the gas BBQs but not the rec room (pool table etc.) not the fitness room, not the volleyball net or basketball/tennis court, and the list goes on.... So, it seems our money would be better spent on the things we do want: 2 bedrooms, w/d or at least hookups, deck or balcony where we can have our BBQ, dishwasher, AND of course some place that will welcome our cat! That's the main want list so if anyone out there knows of an apartment, duplex or house (INEXPENSIVE!!!) that will be for rent I'd love to hear about it. For now, I'll say Bye-bye & God Bless

Spring Updates

Another month + has gone by and I've been fairly busy doing almost nothing. I did manage a trip to Lewiston to see some good friends, got some very valuable information and a visit I have looked forward to for far too long. I miss my friends in the Lewis-Clark Valley and it seems like the time flies by so fast. No matter how long I stay it's not quiet enough and yet I'm ready to get home to my honey & my cat. I love to go, I love to visit & see my friends (hoping to get in a trip soon on a weekend so I can see my "other church family") - BUT!!! I am always so happy to come home. A couple days is enough for me, I really get to missing my fellas! Larry's birthday is coming up this month & I've cancelled our trip to Kalispell. Instead, I made reservations in Billings so we can go visit the Little Big Horn Battle field. My 'history nerd' honey is crazy about this idea! He has wanted to visit there for a long time and just never got around to it. We've seen a lot of places since we got together; I was there for his first view of the Grand Canyon, introduced him to Sedona & all the Beauty of the Verde Valley and last year I "took him" to Tombstone for his b'day! Was pretty hard to come up with something to compare to that trip but from the way he's been acting since I told him, I think I've found just the right thing. Today we went to Deer Park, just to take a drive & get out of town for a little bit. When we were pulling into town we spotted the RV dealership & decided to stop. We saw the most beautiful 5th Wheel. Good News for some of our loved ones: IF we get it, we are going to HAVE TO stay put for at least 5 years while we pay off the truck and pay the trailer down so we can buy a truck big enough to transport this massive trailer. (40 foot +/-) If we don't get it, we'll wait a couple of months and make an offer on one of the 'new' 2009 or 2010 models. The 2011's are out so we should be able to make a deal on one of the others then. We saw a couple of them that we liked. THE ONE, is a used model and won't last long on the lot - it's a very desirable floor plan and this unit is in excellent shape! We'll talk to the Credit Union Monday to see what we can do about a loan on the one we want. So, for the 1st time since I left the hotel, I miss my job (or I should say my PAYCHECK!) I still expect to go back to work for the company, only as an employee in the corporate office & then as a consultant for their franchised hotels. But that is going to be awhile. With hours few & far between for now. I'm now toying with the idea of looking for something part-time/temporary. AFTER Larry's birthday trip of course!!! LOL Well, that's about it for me for now. Hope this finds all my friends, family & loved ones healthy & happy. Keep Looking UP. =)

A New Chapter

Yes! Another lengthy post, but as you know that happens when I'm excited about something. Hope you enjoy the news as much as I'm enjoying sharing it with you. Life has brought another new 'twist' to my life. Last night was my last night at the hotel but not my last night with the company. I will return to work for them later this spring or early summer. I will be going to work at least part-time in the corporate office in downtown Spokane at the Paulson Building. From there I will get to do what has been a longtime dream of mine: doing on-site hotel front desk training. I put in my notice at the hotel two weeks ago, after much contemplation and prayer. While working out my 2 weeks I had the opportunity to meet with the owners and the former GM (who has promoted to Corporate & is now selling the brand.) I mentioned that I would be interested in doing receptionist work for them but what I really want to do is Front Desk training. Since then, they tell me they've had a few discussions about how that would be of benefit for all of us. The first franchised hotel opened this week in Leavenworth. It will be awhile before they are ready to put me on in the office and maybe 6 months or more before I get to do the traveling I want to do for the company. Doing this for them now puts me in on the ground floor of a new venture that I feel is going to be successful and if not, I can always get back into front desk work. In the meantime, it looks to be a wild ride. I will be able to attempt something that I've thought for a long time I could do with success and I can only thank God that HE has brought this opportunity to me. He is so good!

Back at work

Suprise! This one promises (again) to be short. I am tired after my 2nd day at work. I didn't realize how easily I would tire after being off work for six very long months. I am liking my job - so far. There are a few things I can see that could be done differently (in MY opinion!) But thankfully I am NOT management and will be happy to follow the rules and 'do it their way.' Two more morning shifts this week and next week I'll train two evening shifts and two audit/graveyard shifts. THEN, I should be good to go on my preferred shift (3 - 11 PM) It means I'll be away from home in the evenings and not here to eat dinner with Larry. Hmmmmmmmm, I'm thinking that may not be a bad thing. I'll leave his dinner in "the magic pot" as he calls the slow cooker and I'll be eating on my own during the day. Sooo, I'll be back to MY personal favorite - grilled Chicken Breast! Yumm! I'm so ready to cut the PORK (Larry's favorite) from my diet. Well, at least for the 3 or 4 days a week I'll be scheduled at the hotel. I am now looking forward to the spring/summer season. I want winter to be OVER!!! It has been mild here so far. Got COLD awhile but the snow has been minimual and for that I am thankful. I guess God's making up to us for last year. LOL.... =) But still, I just want some warm SUNNY weather. ANd of course I am looking forward to July. We will be moving out of the apartment we rented when the ONE we wanted fell thru due to the tennant not moving out. (Don't overstay your welcome with family = move into what is available!) So we are again on the list for an apartment in the building we wanted when we moved back here. Golly, this could turn into another mini-novel so I will say tata for now.... Good night my friends.

JOB

Ok, I promise I'll try to keep this one short. I know, keeping it short isn't my best event! LOL =) I've had what for me has been a busy week. On Monday I went to the Fair Bridge Inn armed with my resume (because I'd seen an ad in the Sunday paper for a part time front desk agent.) I spoke briefly with the owner/GM and got an application which I filled out on the spot. I didn't really think the GM was very interested in me from the way he'd talked while I was there so I didn't think much more about it. Then on Wednesday AM I got a call from the front desk manager (Sarah) asking me to come in for an interview. I met with the GM again but this time he seemed much more interested in my work history and what I could bring to the property. A few hours later Sarah again called and asked if I could come in the next AM to "sit down" with her. I spent a few minutes talking with her and felt fair certain I had the job as I left, being told they (Fredrick and Sarah) would discuss what they wanted to do and be in touch. Sarah had already told me they are looking for someone to work three PM (3-11) shifts a week and asked when I could start training. I told her the first of the week would work well for me and she said Tuesday AM shift for training. Less than 45 minutes later I got a call from Fredrick saying they wanted to offer me the job! So I am will return to work on Tuesday after having been off work since August when we moved back here from Arizona. So now you're looking at this and thinking 'Jacki, THIS is not keeping it short! You could have just said:'I had a job interview and will start work next week.'" But, if you're reading my blog you probably already know I will always do my best to "fill in the blanks." I don't like to leave you wondering 'WHO, What, Where, WHen or HOW!' HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA ok, that's it for now. good by all. Until next time.. Keep looking up.

Looking back on the last decade

This morning in church our pastor spoke of the past decade and it got me to thinking.... In the last 10 years I've seen many things. I've lost both parents to death. THEY are with Jesus now. I miss them but am glad they are at peace and have no more pain! The last few years of their lives were a struggle for them so I can only be happy for them. During the holidays (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas) I miss them most. Daddy died just before Thanksgiving 2 years ago so that is still a hard time for me. Thankfully, I have Larry who helped me through the loss of my parents and also stood beside me as I lost my two best girlfriends; one to death and another by choice. Lisa also went to be with the Lord two years ago. Her death was even harder on me than Daddy's as she & I were only 1 year apart in age. She was the love of my brother Pete's life and a ray of sunshine to all of us. She was the instrument God used to bring me back to walking with Him. My other 'friend' Deedee proved not to be a friend after 20 some years. She & I were on shaky ground for a long time but I continued to try to be her friend and get past her lying and dishonesty (while trying to witness to her but ALWAYS being rebuffed.) I stayed in her life because of her daughter Jacque (now 12) for several years. The cigarettes, alcohol and general life style she continues to choose became too much for me. I realized I was not making a difference in either of their lives and chose to end the relationship that began so many years ago. I had grown and she had not. It is hard to realize that some people, no matter how much you love them are poison to you. So, in the last decade I've lost 4 people who were a great big part of my life for 20 years and more. Sad... In the last decade I've also gained someone who is My Best Friend. My Larry came into my life in Aug. 2003 when I moved back to Spokane from Clarkston and took a job at the hotel where he worked. I became a part of the family and now have 3 adult (step) daughters, 6 grandchildren ranging in age from almost 18 to almost 2! I also have 2 brothers-in-law and 4 sisters-in-law and a MOM. This man has stood beside me during my 'decade of loss.' But it has also been a decade of gain. I have gained a Best Friend who loves me and supports me, someone who shares my love of wandering. Together we have moved 8 times in the last 6 years! Only one of those moves was within the same state and that was when we lived in Arizona and moved from a one bedroom apartment into a brand new 3+ bedroom/2 bathroom house in a new housing project. I have also gained the possession of a black cat we named Spirit. He came to live with us in mid-October 2004. We have determined he was born around the first of August so... Spirit and I share a birthday, a home, a bed and ALWAYS my oranges. During this decade I have made some good new friends and met many people. I've worked in several hotels and worked again at Mold In Graphic Systems in Clarkdale, AZ. While at those jobs, I met several people who became friends and some of those have remained Very Good Friends. AND one bonus daughter that Larry and I both love as our own. While my mom and then my dad were in the assisted living home in Lewiston (prior to going to the nursing home) I met and became very good friends with one of the ladies who worked there. We remain friends today. I always look forward to her visits to Spokane and hopefully, I'll get to see her when I visit Lewiston in the future. So now, 2009 is nearly at an end and I look forward with eager anticipation to what God has in store for me in the next decade. And that's it for now. Until next time and more of Jacki's Ramblings. =)

Christmas for Larry and delivering gifts

It was a good weekend. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Lewiston and I have to say I was impressed. Our 'bonus daughter' Michelle works there so she got us a rate. NICE!!! Mostly all we did after we got there Saturday was lay around and go to dinner at Applebee's. I spent some time visiting with Michelle while she was working. Sunday AM we met up with my ex and his "friend" for breakfast, then drove up to Orofino to deliver the Christmas gifts to KD & family. It was almost snow as we headed back down the river so we gassed up in Lewiston and headed up the grade and came home. Even only being gone one night it was nice to get back home. I was disappointed that I wasn't able to attend church services at home or at Tammany View but it was important to make this weekend about Larry and doing the things he wanted to do - Including meeting Steve! lol =) Yes, they got along well; I knew they would. So nice Larry isn't intimidated by me being friends with my ex. He knows and is comfortable with the fact that I am where I want to be. I am so thankful for Larry. He is a good man. This week we'll go to his mom's on Christmas eve day and then to the services at church - I Think Larry is going with me. Friday will be our day together, with me cooking a Christmas ham dinner for the two of us. On Saturday the middle daughter Tonya & family will be in town and we'll go to Swedette's for a birthday party for Mom, Lyden (Tonya's stepson) and Bailey (KD's son.) Not sure Bailey will be here, KD said "no" last time we asked but we're still hoping. But we celebrate the birth of our Lord without His being here (physically) so I guess we can celebrate Bailey's birthday without him this year - if we have to. Then we'll prepare to welcome the new year, the new decade... where did the 0 years go???

Larry's Weekend

This will be Larry's weekend. For Christmas, instead of a 'gift' he wanted to go do the hotel thing and get out of town. I figured we could combine his desire with our gift giving expedition. We will be taking the Christmas gifts to Orofino for KD and family. Bummer is they had a chance for a ski weekend so they will be gone and they won't be coming to Spokane for Christmas. So...we are going to drop off their gifts and just have a quiet weekend. Well, other than seeing the friends/family in Lewiston that we'll get to see. So far we don't know who we'll get to see since this was a last minute decision. We'd sort of thought we'd go down there on the first. Nope, we're gonna go NOW. Larry is ready for some time away. He got a bonus for Christmas and we're using that to make this trip. It should be a fun time as we haven't really told many that we're coming. It won't be like my trips down usually are: rush, rush rush.

Gotta hit the hay so I'll be up and at 'em in the morning.

My Christmas Present

Today was the day Larry gave me my Christmas present. Those of you who know him know he doesn't do surprise gifts. Once he's bought the present, he has to give it to you right away...no fancy gift wrap or bag. It comes in the bag from whatever store where he shopped. Well, today that meant I got to go and pick up the mixer I've been wanting for several years. It was just so expensive I wouldn't pay the price. Yesterday he saw in the paper where it was on a two day sale. (GOOD PRICE) He told me "Go get that mixer you've been wanting. Merry Christmas." After we talked about it, I agreed to get it. I've really been missing the stand mixer I gave away when we moved to Arizona last January and this was the One I'd Longed for... I've never put a Christmas gift on a credit card so I'm having a tough time with that. Larry pointed out that we have a credit card from that store and we'd pay more if we missed the two day sale so we agreed we'd get the mixer and pay off the balance as soon as the bill comes in. I've bought a few things for Larry for Christmas and have a few more in mind, but nothing that compares with the mixer that will sit on my counter where everyone can see it. =) I know he doesn't care but for me Christmas gifts are about giving; NOT about getting so I feel like a selfish pig right now. Of course what he's looking at is that he'll benefit from my having the mixer since he gets to eat the foods I'll prepare with it. That makes me giggle. Merry Christmas to me and to all who read this. :=))

Something to Say

So it seems I've always got something to say and after sending two or three e-mails saying the same thing, I get bored and want to stop so sometimes the people I think I've told about a subject actually heard NOTHING from me... With that in mind, I thought I'd try out the blog and see if this works better. I'll be hoping for some feedback to know if you're really reading this or if I'm just writing to myself. ;=O