Mariposa's Journal

It's Saturday!!!

2012-01-28T18:31:00.001-08:00

I'm so glad it's Saturday evening and most of our cleaning jobs are done. We still have 2 to do tomorrow, but considering it was Greg and I cleaning we did pretty well.

Another electronic item broke. It was my Mp3 player. It went through the washer and dryer. It still works, but not as good. It only works sometimes on one side and the volume is lower now. Oh well. That's life.

Yesterday I worked with the horse for about an hour. I rode her bareback to the other side of the field and back. Today I just went out to say hi.

Well, Clemy and Gideon just got home so I need to go.

Horse and other trivia...

2012-01-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Today I finally got out to work with my horse Lady. I thought about changing her name, but if I named her Chile, most people would pronounce it like the american word, chili that you eat and I don't like that. So, for now her name is still Lady.

It went OK, but could have gone better. I rode her bareback (with a helmet) in the pasture, but she doesn't want to go away from the other horse, Annie. I also led Clemy around and then worked her on the ground. I need to watch some more videos I think. :)

My muscles have been achy lately. Not the flu-type, but from use. I am now only cleaning houses every other week and have a big day tomorrow. Friday I have 2 easy ones.

I am getting a refurbished laptop to replace the one that died. Judah gave me that one and it was good for 2 years. I should have backed everything up! Most of my photos were backed up, but not all. The computer place can't get the data off it either. Oh well. This year the mini- DVD player went out, GPS (recently) and my Straight talk phone and the laptop. Everything goes eventually I guess. Anyway the one I got off E bay doesn't have an operating system yet. Gideon thinks I should put Linux on it. I'm not sure yet. Linux would be cheaper, but it can't play net-flix and maybe other things...?

Well, I better rest up and finish supper cause Greg and I are working tonight.

A day in the life of Ginger...

2012-01-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

We drove up to the house and I went inside for a minute to get something I'd forgotten. When I returned, Clemy said to me, "Mom, you should drink your water before the ice melts." She had a funny smile on her face, but I didn't think anything of it. After I drank some water, she informed me that Ginger had just drank some! Those of you who know Ginger know she is a DOG! I thought... DOG GERMS!!! I guess I'll live.

Clemy and I watched a reality thing on netflix about people who get their houses cleaned up. Real nice. When we were done watching it, Clemy states, "Mom, Ginger got into your purse." My little knitted purse was on the floor with the contents strewn out all over. The lid to my Burt's bee's chap-stick was also there. In Ginger's bed was the chap-stick, all chewed up and Ginger was licking her lips contentedly.

Cleaning Day

2012-01-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

I straightened our house up a bit and put a load of laundry in. Clemy is doing dishes now. In a little bit Clemy and I will be cleaning a couple of houses. She likes to vacuum, so I let her do that, then she can read a book while I finish up.

Today it was only 18 degrees when we got up! It started getting cold again a few days ago. About a week ago it got up to 70! Strange weather.

Not a lot more to say right now, but I may come back later today.

My Review of Slik F630 3-Section Tripod with 3-Way Panhead - Maximum Height: 57.87"

2012-01-11T16:04:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at Adorama

Slik F630 3-Section Tripod with 3-Way Panhead - Maximum Height: 57.87"

Nice Lightweight but sturdy Tripod

By Mariposa from Eastern Oregon on 1/11/2012

Pros: Good Stability, Attaches Firmly, Large Range of Motion, Strong Clamp

Best Uses: Travel, Weddings/Events, Landscape/Scenery, Portraits, Home, Night Shots, Sports/Action, Video, Wildlife

Describe Yourself: Photo Enthusiast

Was this a gift?: No

I haven't used this tripod a lot, but it seems very sturdy, easy to use and I like it. I have a Nikon 5000 and it seems strong enough for it. Hope that helps

(legalese)

Monday with a migraine.... horse talk, fast lane and..... God's people

2012-01-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Mondays always seem to be exceptionally difficult for me. I woke up at 7:00 am with a migraine. It happened pretty fast, so I went and ate some yogurt and took 2 IBU before it would get unbearable. A cold washcloth on my head also helped. I caught it in time and after about 1/2 hour the headache was almost gone. I slept in till 10:00, and still had a slight headache that lasted most of the day.

I have been trying to figure out what might have caused it and there are only 2 things that I did differently. Well, maybe 3. First was that I had eaten sausage with nitrates on Saturday and Sunday and had de-caf coffee Sunday evening. The other thing was that I have been staying up too late. Well, I'm better and will keep trying to be a scientist when I get a migraine.

I have been enjoying working with my horse, Lady. We bought her in September. I have been watching natural horsemanship videos online and trying out some of the things I'm learning. She is responding well. I got off with a bad start with her because she bolted on me (I was on the ground and she was saddled and bridled, she turned and took off at a run). At first I thought it was her, but then realized that I am back to kinder-garden when it comes to horses. So, slowly, I am overcoming my fears. The last 2 times have been really good. I have mostly been working with her on the ground, but rode her Sunday (Greg rode the other older horse).

We all miss Petra and Susannah! Levi was here for a few days and I miss him too! I miss ALL our other adult children as well. Susannah is now in Mexico with Petra.

Life is too fast for me, and I WILL slow down. I know I have more than enough time in the day to do everything, but I am really good at wasting time. Last night at the Bible study I went to this was discussed after watching a teaching-video (DVD). Also they said (I will check this out (when I have time....) that the word hospitality means to pursue strangers.

My day turned dramatically today, as a couple of people passed my way and into my world, that I hadn't seen for awhile. God knew that I needed both of them and I learned a lot from my experiences.

More random happenings and surprising findings about Ginger....

2012-01-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

Woke up feeling a little sick to my stomach (the cookies?) But that isn't going to stop me from enjoying the day. Levi and I went out to Rancho de Cook. He dropped off some equipment and I spent time with the horses. I am basically petting and getting to know Lady and work my confidence level up. She is responding well and if the weather holds out I will work with her a lot this month.

Greg is the cook today. He made carne de mole' and potatoes. I made up some coconut-curry sauce for mine, but might just eat applesauce or fruit. Later today we may take a drive to the mountains.

Yesterday I was brought back to awareness that Ginger is a DOG. Her animal instincts came out when Gideon gave her a raw meat bone. She took it to her bed and turned into a little wolf, growling at anyone who came near. Finally, Gideon was able to lure her outside and I shut the door, grabbed her bone and threw it outside. She's a great little dog and usually very gentle, but the bone really brought the animal out in her.

Have you written out any goals for 2012 yet?

2012-01-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

It's getting late, but want to try to write something everyday if I can.
We had a pretty nice day for January. It was sunny and not too cold. I was inside most of the day though until Levi and I went to feed the horses (mine and the Cook's). They were happy to see us and happy for the hay.

Levi and Susannah cleaned the clinic with me tonight. It took us a little longer as they were busy and we couldn't do everything until everyone left. Usually we can clean alone there, but one day a week we clean the Doctors' offices and the offices that hold private files. It's a really good job and glad we have it. Greg was busy all day, but now he's cleaning the other clinic, which is smaller and can be done in less time.

We all have been enjoying Petra being home and Levi (for a few days). Tomorrow I plan on having special time with Petra and hopefully I will with Levi before he returns to where he lives now at the coast.

No exercise today, but I did eat too many cookies again. Tomorrow I need to work on some menus for the family and myself. I haven't even had time (made time?) to sit down and write 2012 goals, but want to soon. I always like writing several pages of what I want to do and things I want to see happen in the new year. If I was organized, I would go back each year and read them again. Tomorrow I will try to do that.

Burning calories and eating cookies....

2012-01-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

One advantage to the gluten-free diet is that I eat way less sweets and goodies. But, today I made some gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and ate way too many of them. The 182 calories I burned while bicycling at the RAC in 30 minutes was all for nought. :( I'm sure it still did me some good. I wanted to go 30 minutes today and made it. 8.2 miles!

We were in the middle of playing scum. I quit. not because I was scum, but because I was tired of playing. I hate it when other people quit a game, but sometimes it must be done.

It is getting cold here again. I hardly went outside today. It's good it got cold though, because if the earth thought "spring", then trees would bud early and maybe farmers' would lose their fruit crops... :)

I guess I'd better quit before this gets any more random.....

New Years eve and riding my horse...

2012-01-01T21:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over and the new year has come. I am so glad we were able to go see most of the family for Christmas. Petra, Clemy, stayed a little longer and Levi brought them over on Friday, Dec. 30th. Saturday they broke up into 2 teams and the cleaning jobs got done fast. I must admit I slept in really late so only helped with 2 jobs.

New Years eve we went to some friends. They had a giant roaring campfire going, games and lots of food. Greg and I left before midnight. He was asleep by 11:30 and I stayed up till 12:30. Ginger and I listened to the fireworks from inside the house. The 5 kids at home got home pretty late from our friends' home.

Today we went to church in the morning. Later on Gideon, Susannah, Clemy and Petra went long-boarding on a road not well traveled with Ginger and had fun. Levi came out to the Cook's Rancho and helped me with the horse, who I will call Lady for now. I may change her name later. I wanted to call her chocolate', but some of the kids weren't happy about that because of the baby goat chocolate' who died. I would name her Ginger, (her color and personality) but we have a dog named Ginger. Petra mentioned Chile, which fits her color and personality too, but I'm not sure about it. Maybe Cinnamon? Maybe she will be a Lady someday and that name will fit her.

It went well working with Lady. I am watching Parelli natural horsemanship DVD's and have been trying out some of their methods. Basically I am trying to get over being afraid of working with her as she has bolted on me twice. Today was a success and I feel much more confident. The only thing I did with her today was ground work, and sitting on her bareback. I had her go in circles while bareback, but that's all as I didn't want any surprises. I feel she is starting to like me and that is important. I don't think I even thought about my horse liking me when I was a teenager. I just rode my horse and that's all.

P,L,G, S and Clemy are watching Princess Bride now. I guess I might go join them.
Please leave a comment if this doesn't bore you to death. I am going through withdrawals from blog-it. :)

A very Merry Christmas this year...

2011-12-25T19:22:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying Christmas at our son-daughter-in-law's near Salem. Last night all the older children were here, except David and his family, Zyanya and Nathaniel. Today we were able to chat with them on Skype though.

Last night everyone presnt opened gifts together. We had a "secret" drawing, but a lot of people ended up finding out "who got who" though.

A forever dear friend and his family stopped by to visit. They sang Christmas songs for us. I was amazed because it was mostly acappella and very good.

Gideon gave a lot of gifts that he had made in his sculpturing and photo class. The photos were all amazing, but the sculptures blew me away they were so good! One was a clay-and glazed sculpture of Ginger, our dachshund. Another was of Abraham Lincoln sitting down, another, a sculpture of Gideon's head, very detailed and life-like looking.

Today Titus and Ruth went to visit her family and the rest of us drove to the beach. We took a lot of pictures and I picked up round black rocks, because there weren't any shells. The ocean air and sounds are always refreshing to me. This time I was actually warm wearing a soft sweater, light vest and hooded sweater and a light jacket with a hat and gloves!

I am thinking about making some gluten-free brownies (for everyone). They are going to be so good that no one will know they are gluten-free. (I'm being optimistic)

It looks like a Christmas movie is in the making for tonight...

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas. God be with you and your family.

Home again

2011-12-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

We arrived home yesterday afternoon after a nice week with Titus, Ruth, Demetrius and baby Gabriel. I am so glad we were able to come and that I was able to be there for the birth.

Baby Gabriel is so cute and sweet. We all enjoyed him immensely. It's amazing how little babies are when they are first born. They have a special cry that only lasts for awhile, while they are really small.

I was also very glad Judah and Noel could come for dinner and I was able to spend time with G.

The trip home would have been OK, but I got really sick with a migraine, even before Hood River. Clemy kept trying to get me to eat so I could take some IBU, but I was too sick. Finally I took some (on an empty stomach) and found out that wasn't a very good idea. Eventually my headache went away 80% and I was able to drive home and go to bed really early.

When we drove past the grove of hybrid poplars, it was so pretty because they all had frost on them and there was fog above them. For many miles we drove through a frosty land. Thankfully the roads were clear.

Today we're cleaning. We did one job together, then I came home so I could visit with my sister Laurie who came over. I feel pretty good, so will help with the afternoon jobs.

Ginger is getting into something in the kitchen, so I have to go...

Quitting blogit for awhile....

2011-12-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Since I'm quitting blog-it (for awhile) I hope to start blogging here more. I do hope to see some of my blogit friends here once in awhile though :)

Baby Gabriel is soooo cute. I forgot how adorable a newborn is. I even dreamed about a newborn last night. I feel really close to him and hope I can stay close in heart to him and Demetrius and my other grandson in Texas forever.

Had a very nice visit with G today. I'm glad he came to visit.

Not much more to say. I am glad to be here, but am looking forward to going home soon.

Hearing God speak to me...

2011-07-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 24, 2011

How does God speak to us?

It was a nice restful day. In the morning some of us went to church. The message was very good, about expecting God to speak to you.

God can speak to us in many ways; through a sunset, enjoying life, a word spoken from someone, thoughts in our mind... Usually He speaks when we are not looking for it. Walking around, with our eyes open to the things in the spirit really help us to see God in our lives I think.

I am thinking today of some people still needing prayer. I think of Robert Park and wonder how he is doing these days. Then, there's a homeless man who I haven't seen in church or even around town in months. I'm hoping he found a place to live, maybe with his son. I'm hoping he's doing well.

I really need to focus on Jesus this week, and not just survive. I know it's possible. Resting in my spirit, I will try to live in the spirit and not just let the fast-pace world take me for a ride.

Work and other ordinary things...

2011-07-19T22:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a fairly cool summer so far. We've had mostly 85 degree weather. Today was only about 70 degrees though. Life is pretty ordinary right now. We work a couple of hours in the evening with some of the family. Then, on Thursday, I clean houses. Friday night sometimes we clean extra businesses so we don't have to clean so many on Saturday.

By "we" I mean anyone in the family who works. When Levi was here, he could lead a cleaning crew. But now he's gone, it has to be me or Greg. Actually Petra or Gordon could, but they usually work with us.

Greg has been gone all day, stripping and waxing floors over in Monument and Long-Creek. I worked with Gideon and Susannah for 2 hours.

The only other thing of interest that happened is the neighbor yelling at Ginger for barking. He in not very tolerant of dogs. We try to keep Ginger quiet, but sometimes she forgets and acts like a dog, especially when she sees a cat.

Well, this is pretty boring and I'm embarrassed about anyone reading it. I really wish I had more time to write. I guess the truth is, I do other things, so my writing hasn't improved much. I'll work on it...

Here is a link to another blog I subscribe to. Yes, it cost a little bit of money. So, why do I insist on writing on blogit? Because I like the feedback I get mostly. I know other people are reading my posts and some may enjoy them. There are a lot of blogs to read, mostly by people who like to write. If you write often and well, you will make some money from those who read you to offset the subscription cost. Check it out if you want to:

http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Affil/?329379

Music for you- Jars of Clay - Overjoyed

2011-06-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a long day. We all cleaned the offices. We split up in 2 teams, which really made it go quicker. Tomorrow is a rest day (sort of). Sort of because we need to get OUR house clean and ready for Petra!

I thought some music might be nice. I really like Jars of Clay. The first few times I heard them I didn't, but their music grew on me. I also watched a net-flix movie tonight on the computer. It was called "The human experience" It was about 2 brothers who traveled and had 3 experiences. The first was that they lived like a homeless person in the winter in New York City for about a month. The second was they went to a place in Peru where to help with kids in a medical facility. The third was Africa and a leper colony. Really good movie, I would recommend it highly.

Getting over being sick....

2011-06-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

I just got over being sick. I still am not 100%, but much better. Usually I am able to keep from getting a cold or flu, but this time I wasn't.

The Ranch reunion was great. It was cold, rainy and windy, but I enjoyed the company. Now it must be 90 degrees out, only 3 days later! This happened last year too.

Well, I can't write anymore, as Greg needs to use the computer. We are going to Portland, he will be visiting his sister and other relatives in Nebraska for awhile. I am glad I still have many young adults at home while he is gone.

I will try to write more when time allows.....

Why I still write on blog-it and not here (much).....

2011-06-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have not been taking time to write here for a long time. This is due to the fact that I am busy and when I'm not, I'm not doing any writing. I also have been writing on "blogit" for some time. This has felt more secure for me, as the people on blog-it do not know me personally, so it has been easier to be real than with people that know me... isn't that sad?

Well, I have nothing to hide and nothing to fear, so I may be writing more here. If you read what I write, I would like to suggest you make a comment, even a 1-liner. That is what I love about blog-it, is the comments. It is a pay-site, which I don't like. I also found out a long time ago, that (for me) there is no money to be made on blog-it. Maybe for the home-bound or people who write on there every day and have time to write well and research. But, I have stayed at blog-it because of the friends I have made there. I have only met 2 who write on blog-it and it's unlikely I will ever meet any others face-to-face.

So, why am I writing about blog-it? Not to get you to join, but to explain why I rarely write here anymore.

If I know my friends and relatives are reading my blog and enjoying it (with a comment they make), it will encourage me to write here more.

I guess that's all I have to say. I'll try to stay on 1 subject, so it's not long and boring...

Great Anniversary!

2011-04-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

First, I want to say that we had a wonderful anniversary. We rented a motel in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast for 2 nights. It was really nice, with a pool and hot-tub. One day we rented horses. I had never really ridden on the beach and it was really fun. The horses were nice, and not old plugs. I will try to post some photos later.

The weather was really nice also, with sunny days. That is unusual at the coast, so we were really blessed. Also, Greg's mom stayed with the kids. That helped us feel free to be gone for 3 nights. Levi is home now and so he and his other siblings cleaned the offices on Monday and Tuesday night.

On the way home, we visited Gordon who turned 21 today. We ate Chinese food together. It was good to see him again.

Now we are home and back to the routine.

Today I drove about 30 minutes away to clean 2 houses and an office. Clemy came with me and helped me with 2 jobs. After that she started feeling sick. It seems she is getting the flu or something. Tonight Greg,Levi and Gideon are cleaning the clinic. Greg and Levi both worked at other jobs today, so they are pretty tired.

Tomorrow I will be only cleaning one house and then in the evening I'll help with the offices. The more offices we clean Friday night, the less we have to do on Saturday!

I really want to have a table at the Farmers' Market this summer. I am starting to make crafts again. Clemy and I are both learning to make earrings. I made home-made soap once (and it turned out really good) The next project is candles. If I do this I'll try not to work on Fridays.

When your life is broken...God can repair it

2011-03-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

What do you do when something gets broken and you can't fix it? Like your life? You've messed it up and now all those things you did in the past cannot be undone. What you said that hurt someone...and stupid things you did. You wish you could go back in time and do it over, but this time - right.

Well we can't do it over, but we can start today and start over. I don't even think we can change ourself with all the will-power in the world ... without the help of God. We may be able to change the things we do, and that is good, but to change ourselves at the core of our being... well, that's a different story.

I was cleaning house for a lady about 2 months ago. I rarely use oven-cleaner, but needed to. I was careful as I could be, but after it was all done her linoleum floor was "pitted" in the areas where I hadn't put protection down. I tried to scrub it off, but it was not on the surface, but had eroded the linoleum. I told the lady about it. She wasn't too upset. It was an older floor. It had looked pretty good everywhere except in one place (there was a hole) under a rug. But, if you didn't move the rug, it looked nice.

I came back the next week and when I went to look at the damaged floor, it was normal. There were no "pits" in it. I couldn't even tell any difference. I was shocked. I asked Vadis if she had scrubbed the floor where I had cleaned. She said no, and after you left I looked at it and couldn't see anything wrong. It took me 2 weeks to tell her about what happened.

It doesn't matter to me if nobody believes me. I cannot prove that this happened. But, I know it happened and believe there is a reason for it. I'd been pondering it for a long time and I thing that God was trying to tell me something.

Things that are ruined and cannot be fixed... God can fix them! I don't know how he can, but He can. So, if you feel that your life is ruined in any area, I hope this gives you a little faith to believe that God can repair your broken and ruined life.

2011-01-20T10:30:00.001-08:00

I've been in the village all week cleaning & sorting stuff. Clemy & I have played some games & watched some movies. Mostly, We are enjoying the warm sunshine!

2011-01-18T17:36:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure if this will get to my blog, but it won't hurt to try. I'm in Mexico, in the village where we used to live. I've been cleaning & organizing.. It's 80 degrees here.

Week at the "deaf" School

2011-01-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

I just "lost" the post I did! frustrating!

We have been at the "deaf" school all week. Mostly I have been resting, helping with laundry and helping the girls with their school work. Laurel, Susannah and Clemy have helped a lot in the kitchen and teaching some.

Hope you can get a better picture of the school through my photos!

girls on beach

2011-01-11T17:20:00.001-08:00

Beach in Bandon

2011-01-11T17:19:00.001-08:00