Wow! It’s been a long time since I wrote here. I can’t get years straight. What year did certain events happen. What year did Mother die? when did I retire? When did we move from one house to another... I want to put my life in chronological order....this will take some time. I will start doing research. Sad that Chemo has muddled my brain, but I will put it back in order...Let the adventure begin... I will be back.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Monday, May 28, 2012
Spring Has Arrived
Spring has arrived and so has the garden. The seeds are planted and beginning to sprout. The anticipation of the fall harvest is great.
The only reason I enjoy summer is because it makes my garden grow. I can look forward to fall and all the bounty. The canning and freezing, the baking and cooking. One of my favorite things to do.
This year I have a new helper, her name is Jennifer Springstead. This is her first attempt to garden, and she is a quick learner. The plans this year are to teach the younger woman at church how to can. We have had pie making 101, pasta making, and jam and jelly classes. I will again open my kitchen to the joys of cooking.
This year has brought new friends into my life. Many who share the same interest as I do. One new friend is a wealth of knowledge, Laurie Gilbertson, she amazes me. She is young and full of energy. I am looking forward to the tasks we can accomplish.
On another note, we have my nephew, Dan, living with us. What a help he is to Bob, my sister and I. We are looking forward to seeing his kids for a month this summer. The trampoline is being repaired, the pool will go up as well as the 2 room tent. This place will be filled with nieces and nephews, grand kids, dogs (Mike and Kris have sweet new puppy) and chickens.
Come July we will have Rich and his family here, and then in August we have a family vacation to the Oregon Coast planned. We will return in time for the fall harvest and the fun will begin.
Oh yes, THE TREE !!! we have Valentine Day, St Patrick's Day, Easter, Mothers Day and Fathers Day.
Oh, and "THE TREE" we had Christmas, Valentine Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Mothers Day and now Fathers day.
Call me crazy or anything you like, the kids love it and I am sure you do also. Actually, I think you all wish you would have thought to do this.... no more taking the Christmas tree down... just change it out.
And one last thing. Bob will be having brain surgery for his Parkinson's With it should bring the return of life as we once knew it. It is an involved surgery on July 18th they will implant the sensors in his brain, 3 inches deep. The following week they will install the battery packs in his chest and hook up the leads to the sensors. The week after that they will turn it on. It may take some adjusting. We are thankful he qualified and therefore able to slow the symptoms of this wicked disease.
Have a wonderful summer, know that we pray for all our friends and are grateful for all of you being in our lives.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
4 months
What a busy few months! Thanksgiving was quiet, we had 2 exchange students and two friends for dinner. Then came time to decorate for Christmas. This year we shared Christmas with my niece Emily and her husband, Chris. With them came Chris' mom and dad, Pat and Bert, his brother Nicholas and his girl friend Renae. Then my brother Pat and his wife Priscilla arrived. THEN another niece, Bevin-Anne and her family arrived. Soon Mike and his family arrived....
We were introduced to Chris' family traditions. We learned about the Holy Supper traditions and foods with Slavic flavor. I don't know what some of the dishes were, but yummy yummy yummy. Haddock, Perogies (my favorite), Sauerkraut, Figgy Pudding (well maybe this was my favorite) Mashed potatoes (oh yes my favorite). Well you get my point. Good food, good company, good memories.
Once the company left and the New Year arrived, the usual let down of the holidays began... I chose to do something different this year. I wasn't taking my tree down. My Christmas tree became my Valentine Day tree. Then it turned into my St Patrick Day tree. I am all ready for changing it to my Easter tree. I plant to change it to Mother's Day tree then Fathers Day, Independence Day. August has me perplexed, September will be back to school, October is Columbus day... lots of ships on that one. November, of coarse, will be Thanksgiving. We now arrive back to Christmas.
Another eventful thing was we gave our Alaskan Malamute, Koda, to our friends that came over for Thanksgiving dinner.... That left our little Dash lonely... so of coarse, we found another dog. We ended up getting a Maltese and Shiatsu mix from a disgusting Puppy Mill. She was 1 year and 3 months old and had already had a litter. She is a sweet heart. Very timid and frightened, but has now settled into her new home. We named her Millie (because she came from a puppy MILL)
The most exciting up coming event is that we will be talking to a Neurosurgeon on March 15th. Bob will be having the Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) put in his brain to eliminate the effects of Parkinson's and hopefully, reduce the amount of medication he takes. This is a very successful procedure. I will keep you posted on the events as the happen. Mean while check out this video of the Doctor who will be doing the surgery. He explains it and you will see some Spokane residence that have had this done. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FieqlCgM-Jc&feature=g-hist&context=G2003af3AHTzyt_QAAAA
I guess that brings you up to date on the events in the Phillips house. Now it is time to focus again on planting the garden. I am ready for spring... it has been a boring winter.
We were introduced to Chris' family traditions. We learned about the Holy Supper traditions and foods with Slavic flavor. I don't know what some of the dishes were, but yummy yummy yummy. Haddock, Perogies (my favorite), Sauerkraut, Figgy Pudding (well maybe this was my favorite) Mashed potatoes (oh yes my favorite). Well you get my point. Good food, good company, good memories.
Once the company left and the New Year arrived, the usual let down of the holidays began... I chose to do something different this year. I wasn't taking my tree down. My Christmas tree became my Valentine Day tree. Then it turned into my St Patrick Day tree. I am all ready for changing it to my Easter tree. I plant to change it to Mother's Day tree then Fathers Day, Independence Day. August has me perplexed, September will be back to school, October is Columbus day... lots of ships on that one. November, of coarse, will be Thanksgiving. We now arrive back to Christmas.
Another eventful thing was we gave our Alaskan Malamute, Koda, to our friends that came over for Thanksgiving dinner.... That left our little Dash lonely... so of coarse, we found another dog. We ended up getting a Maltese and Shiatsu mix from a disgusting Puppy Mill. She was 1 year and 3 months old and had already had a litter. She is a sweet heart. Very timid and frightened, but has now settled into her new home. We named her Millie (because she came from a puppy MILL)
The most exciting up coming event is that we will be talking to a Neurosurgeon on March 15th. Bob will be having the Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) put in his brain to eliminate the effects of Parkinson's and hopefully, reduce the amount of medication he takes. This is a very successful procedure. I will keep you posted on the events as the happen. Mean while check out this video of the Doctor who will be doing the surgery. He explains it and you will see some Spokane residence that have had this done. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FieqlCgM-Jc&feature=g-hist&context=G2003af3AHTzyt_QAAAA
I guess that brings you up to date on the events in the Phillips house. Now it is time to focus again on planting the garden. I am ready for spring... it has been a boring winter.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Request for Navy Bean Soup
2 cups navy beans,
4 cups water
Bring to boil, turn off and let sit for 3 hours. DO NOT DRAIN add about
2 cups of chicken broth
add some grated or sliced carrots
add chopped onions
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring to boil then let simmer till everything is tender.
Mash the beans some
Bob likes a splash of vinegar in his bean soup.
Enjoy with a slice of home made bread and butter. (I make my own butter from time to time)
Monday, November 21, 2011
Being home for a day
I got sooooo much done today. Never left the house except to pick up a couple of items at Yokes. I had a lot of phone calls to make and sat on hold a lot. I even got appointments made for Bob and I to get our oil changed.
AND cleaned an old computer out to give to a nun from Uganda to use at school.
Made 2 types of soup... love navy bean soup.
Made bread pudding at my husbands request.
Gosh I love being able to stay home.
BUT God has me doing a few other things and caring for a few people.
Time to go snuggle with the man of my dreams....
AND cleaned an old computer out to give to a nun from Uganda to use at school.
Made 2 types of soup... love navy bean soup.
Made bread pudding at my husbands request.
Gosh I love being able to stay home.
BUT God has me doing a few other things and caring for a few people.
Time to go snuggle with the man of my dreams....
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where does the time go?
YAHOO I am feeling good again.... My new knee is better than ever, still swells now and then, but 99% pain free.. in that knee. All healed and ready for Bob and I to take the 3 oldest grand kids on a cruise to Alaska. Perfect weather, smooth sailing and the kids were so fun and well behaved.
We toured, we panned for gold, gold mine tour, sled dog training camp and fun entertainment on the ship. I was hypnotized to my grand kids delight, becoming the talk of the ship.... We are all looking forward to another cruise one day....
After the cruise, Misty moved, leaving Bob and I missing her and Elijah. It was time for her to begin a new life, and spread her wings. I am grateful for all she did for us. We are very glad she and Elijah are only 4 miles from us, and see them regularly.
And then... my sister now lives closer to us also. Alexis and Kayla moved back to California for her job, living a void in my sisters life. We found a great place that the home owners have to be over 55. She seems pretty happy and that makes me happy also.
After the cruise, Misty moved, leaving Bob and I missing her and Elijah. It was time for her to begin a new life, and spread her wings. I am grateful for all she did for us. We are very glad she and Elijah are only 4 miles from us, and see them regularly.
And then... my sister now lives closer to us also. Alexis and Kayla moved back to California for her job, living a void in my sisters life. We found a great place that the home owners have to be over 55. She seems pretty happy and that makes me happy also.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
25 Wonderful Years
Let me tell you a story.
I was working for Pacific Norwest Bell at 501 W 2nd Ave in Spokane WA. Bob had just moved back to Spokane. He also worked for PNB and there were a ton of people I worked with were telling me about this guy. I was hearing a lot of nice things about him. One Saturday I was working and a supervisor, Steve Styren, was telling me all about Bob.... My mind was spinning by the end of the day. Words like "family oriented" "good worker" "dedicated" "fun" "Christian" were used to describe him. Was I interested in meeting him? HECK YES! I was introduce to Bob on the following Monday.
Now, Bob's version goes a little different. Bob claims Steve said, "Let's go into the "Maintenance Center at 501" (In English ... We’re going to the office) I want to introduce you to someone. Bob wasn't too sure about this, but had no choice, Steve was his boss.
I was introduced to Bob and my thoughts were "Wow, if he is everything they say he is, I am game for getting to know him"
Bob's thoughts were "If any woman was interested in a guy with 2 teenage sons to raise she must be crazy and if she was crazy why would I want to marry her?"
I took every opportunity I could to answer the phone if I thought he was calling in to get some more work to do. The other girls would sit and laugh, because I was the fastest phone answerer… Making their job a lot easier.
I felt like I needed a 2x4 to get his attention. I was thrilled when he first asked me out. We met at a place called Dewy Cheatham & Howe. By this time in life I had decided that drinking wasn’t fun, and Bob wasn’t much of a drinker either. BUT it was the “thing to do”. After our one drink was gone I felt funny just sitting there when the waitress came by for the 10th time to see if we wanted another drink and we kept saying no. So I made the excuse that better get home and start packing for my trip to Europe.
Bob’s claims this is what he heard. “I need to go home and wash my hair”. He knew I wasn’t leaving for Europe for another 3 weeks.
But it was true. If you know me very well, you know I believe that planning the trip is ¾ of the fun. Heck, we aren’t going on our cruise to Alaska until Aug 2 and I have already been making lists of what to pack.
Bob and I talked often but he never asked me out again. My roommate was going to throw me a bon'-voyage party. I had invited one of the fellows I was dating… my roommate invited Bob… to surprise me. The night of the party she told me she invited Bob…. PANIC! I had 2 guys coming to the party. The one fellow I was dating was the jealous type and I didn’t think it would be smart to un-invite him so what stupid thing did I do?…. I called Bob (I thought he would understand). (DUMB MOVE)
I went to Europe. I sent Bob numerous postcards to his home. Do you want to know what he thought?
Oh Mary must have sent post cards to all the guys on the crew to their home.
Like, yeah the rest of the guys on his crew were either married or NOT dating material.
After I returned from Europe we talked often and went out a few times, but always took the boys with us. I really liked that. Bob was not only dating me, but another girl. But that was OK, I was still dating a bunch of different guy. Until one day… My friend and I were sitting home with no dates, bored to death. The phone rings and it was Bob. He had a friend come in from out of town. Do I have a friend I could call and we could double date? (I looked at my friend, covered the mouth piece on the phone and TOLD her she would go out with Bob’s friend.)
Bob’s take on this …. He was getting ready to go on a retreat.. he was thinking of asking Nancy, one of his girlfriends, to marry him. (I foiled that plan!!) But….. His friend calls and tells Bob that he is in town for the weekend, does he have a girlfriend with a friend? Bob thinks, Nancy doesn’t have any good looking friends… so he calls Mary…
We double dated and had a great time. I am now encouraged. However, we went out now and then, but not enough for my liking. My thoughts were “What is it going to take to get this guy interested in me? A 2x4 wasn’t working… so I got out a 4x4 and hit him upside the head with it. …. This is what took place next…
“Hey Bob, I am in charge of the Company Christmas Party and I don’t have a date, would you be interested in going with me?”
Well, ummmm, yea, I guess so.
Then I panicked… what am I going to where? I was nonstop planning and trying to find the “right dress, the right shoes, how I should were my hair, should I get it cut, oh dear, oh my, oh dear…. I called my friend Cheryl. Sure, she had a dress I could borrow. Ok, take a breath Mary, breath.
We began to date pretty steady. We included the boys in all but that Christmas Party Date. I was falling for all 3 of these guys. Then one snowy Sunday Bob picked me up to go to church. Mike and Rich were in the back seat of his rather small, sporty, Toyota. When we went over a bump Mike hit his chin with his knee. “Dad, we need to get a bigger car” Bob, being Bob, started thinking out loud. “If I trade my car in for a van and traded Mary’s car in for a pick-up…”
WAIT just a minute, are you trading my car in??? Oh, well I was thinking if we got married we could…..So are you asking me to marry you?
Well, yes, I am working this Saturday, how about the following Saturday Day Valentine’s Day? …. No, I work that Saturday. How about your birthday March 1? OK the date is set…. On to church we went. After we talked to the pastor he said we couldn’t get married until the 15th. We need to do some pre marital counseling first.
So, on March 15, 1986 I became Mrs. Robert E. Phillips. Since that day, my life has been filled with blessings. I became a stepmother to 2 wonderful boys. Rich was 10 going to soon turn 11 and Mike just turned 14. Now I am a grandmother. Four beautiful granddaughters, Emma, Gabrielle, Adriana and Kate. Three very handsome grandsons, Jay, Luke, Seth. And one very special angel, Baby Rose, in haven.
I was working for Pacific Norwest Bell at 501 W 2nd Ave in Spokane WA. Bob had just moved back to Spokane. He also worked for PNB and there were a ton of people I worked with were telling me about this guy. I was hearing a lot of nice things about him. One Saturday I was working and a supervisor, Steve Styren, was telling me all about Bob.... My mind was spinning by the end of the day. Words like "family oriented" "good worker" "dedicated" "fun" "Christian" were used to describe him. Was I interested in meeting him? HECK YES! I was introduce to Bob on the following Monday.
Now, Bob's version goes a little different. Bob claims Steve said, "Let's go into the "Maintenance Center at 501" (In English ... We’re going to the office) I want to introduce you to someone. Bob wasn't too sure about this, but had no choice, Steve was his boss.
I was introduced to Bob and my thoughts were "Wow, if he is everything they say he is, I am game for getting to know him"
Bob's thoughts were "If any woman was interested in a guy with 2 teenage sons to raise she must be crazy and if she was crazy why would I want to marry her?"
I took every opportunity I could to answer the phone if I thought he was calling in to get some more work to do. The other girls would sit and laugh, because I was the fastest phone answerer… Making their job a lot easier.
I felt like I needed a 2x4 to get his attention. I was thrilled when he first asked me out. We met at a place called Dewy Cheatham & Howe. By this time in life I had decided that drinking wasn’t fun, and Bob wasn’t much of a drinker either. BUT it was the “thing to do”. After our one drink was gone I felt funny just sitting there when the waitress came by for the 10th time to see if we wanted another drink and we kept saying no. So I made the excuse that better get home and start packing for my trip to Europe.
Bob’s claims this is what he heard. “I need to go home and wash my hair”. He knew I wasn’t leaving for Europe for another 3 weeks.
But it was true. If you know me very well, you know I believe that planning the trip is ¾ of the fun. Heck, we aren’t going on our cruise to Alaska until Aug 2 and I have already been making lists of what to pack.
Bob and I talked often but he never asked me out again. My roommate was going to throw me a bon'-voyage party. I had invited one of the fellows I was dating… my roommate invited Bob… to surprise me. The night of the party she told me she invited Bob…. PANIC! I had 2 guys coming to the party. The one fellow I was dating was the jealous type and I didn’t think it would be smart to un-invite him so what stupid thing did I do?…. I called Bob (I thought he would understand). (DUMB MOVE)
I went to Europe. I sent Bob numerous postcards to his home. Do you want to know what he thought?
Oh Mary must have sent post cards to all the guys on the crew to their home.
Like, yeah the rest of the guys on his crew were either married or NOT dating material.
After I returned from Europe we talked often and went out a few times, but always took the boys with us. I really liked that. Bob was not only dating me, but another girl. But that was OK, I was still dating a bunch of different guy. Until one day… My friend and I were sitting home with no dates, bored to death. The phone rings and it was Bob. He had a friend come in from out of town. Do I have a friend I could call and we could double date? (I looked at my friend, covered the mouth piece on the phone and TOLD her she would go out with Bob’s friend.)
Bob’s take on this …. He was getting ready to go on a retreat.. he was thinking of asking Nancy, one of his girlfriends, to marry him. (I foiled that plan!!) But….. His friend calls and tells Bob that he is in town for the weekend, does he have a girlfriend with a friend? Bob thinks, Nancy doesn’t have any good looking friends… so he calls Mary…
We double dated and had a great time. I am now encouraged. However, we went out now and then, but not enough for my liking. My thoughts were “What is it going to take to get this guy interested in me? A 2x4 wasn’t working… so I got out a 4x4 and hit him upside the head with it. …. This is what took place next…
“Hey Bob, I am in charge of the Company Christmas Party and I don’t have a date, would you be interested in going with me?”
Well, ummmm, yea, I guess so.
Then I panicked… what am I going to where? I was nonstop planning and trying to find the “right dress, the right shoes, how I should were my hair, should I get it cut, oh dear, oh my, oh dear…. I called my friend Cheryl. Sure, she had a dress I could borrow. Ok, take a breath Mary, breath.
We began to date pretty steady. We included the boys in all but that Christmas Party Date. I was falling for all 3 of these guys. Then one snowy Sunday Bob picked me up to go to church. Mike and Rich were in the back seat of his rather small, sporty, Toyota. When we went over a bump Mike hit his chin with his knee. “Dad, we need to get a bigger car” Bob, being Bob, started thinking out loud. “If I trade my car in for a van and traded Mary’s car in for a pick-up…”
WAIT just a minute, are you trading my car in??? Oh, well I was thinking if we got married we could…..So are you asking me to marry you?
Well, yes, I am working this Saturday, how about the following Saturday Day Valentine’s Day? …. No, I work that Saturday. How about your birthday March 1? OK the date is set…. On to church we went. After we talked to the pastor he said we couldn’t get married until the 15th. We need to do some pre marital counseling first.
So, on March 15, 1986 I became Mrs. Robert E. Phillips. Since that day, my life has been filled with blessings. I became a stepmother to 2 wonderful boys. Rich was 10 going to soon turn 11 and Mike just turned 14. Now I am a grandmother. Four beautiful granddaughters, Emma, Gabrielle, Adriana and Kate. Three very handsome grandsons, Jay, Luke, Seth. And one very special angel, Baby Rose, in haven.
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