Merry Christmas!!

It's a gray, cloudy, rainy, windy day--what we call a "white Christmas" for Southern California!! The gas logs are "crackling" in the fireplace, the Christmas lights are all lighted, the traditional sticky bun pull-apart has been consumed, the gifts have been opened--we are all in a somewhat vegetative mode--and loving it!! Janet (my sister) and I are in our new comfy slippers while we decide what movie to see. Lonnie is talking to old hunting buddies from Kansas and reminicing about the past. I miss the excitement and craziness of the grandkids--that was yesterday! But at the same time I am enjoying the quiet, soft Christmas music playing in the background. My prayer for you all is a peaceful day, filled with the love of family, good food, warmth, and most of all the knowledge of the greatest gift ever--the arrival of a tiny baby boy in a stable in Bethlehem 2008 years ago. A baby that would change our world forever! Happy Birthday, Jesus!! And Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!!

Make a Joyful Noise!!

Wow! I can't believe I haven't written since November!! What on earth have I been doing? Something I didn't know how much I loved and had missed--singing!! No, I'm not a fantastic singer, I don't do solos, I don't even take voice lessons. I'm just a choir singer. For years I sang in my church choir--often wondering what I would ever do without it!!
Well I've been without it for several--like 10 years now. It was a process--first I was in school 2 nights a week for about 5 years getting my clear credential and my Masters. Then my parents moved to California--and that took up much of my so called free time, even though I loved having them here.
Also during that time, my church was in transition. Our fantastic choir director moved back east. A couple of substitutes just didn't cut it. Then the church seemed to follow the way of so many with the worship team concept.
Anyway, this fall, I "happened" upon a Barbershop Class which "happened" to meet at a time that was convenient with work and all. After the first day, I was so excited, that I joined the Chorale group as well. So now, two days a week, I race from work to these classes.
These past few weeks, we have been having extra rehersals for our performances. We did the Vivaldi "Gloria" last Tuesday with an orchestra. It was amazing. I had forgotten how much I loved classical music! Then Monday night, we participated in a "Messiah" sing-along with this same orchestra--again, such a blessing!! Now tomorrow we have our dress rehersal for Saturday's performance of the "Holiday Hits Concert". Because it is community choir, we are doing several Jewish pieces, secular holiday songs, as well as several religious pieces. My whole family is coming!! I do believe I have rediscovered my personal passion.
Also, I truly believe God has placed me in these groups--I have made friends with several older women--I absolutely love them--and they me! Even one little man has stolen my heart--he is all bent over and walks with a cane--just like my Dad did. Thank you Lord for bringing me new love into my life--when I thought I couldn't be more fulfilled!!

Thankful!!

I am so very thankful this very minute!! We had a great video clip in church today that reminded us that we need to be thankful we have a God that is good, a God that will help us through the tough times, a God who is always with us. We need to be thankful in spite of the circumstances we may find ourselves in--and we will all have tough times--even if not right now. We have received more blessings that we will ever know. Right now, I am thankful I will have all my kids together on Thanksgiving--and our table will be full of delicious food!! Thank you Lord!!

Broken Hearted

Satan has gained a foothold over our church. Outrageously un-Christ-like things have been done to our elders--my husband included. We have been members of this church for 30+ years. Our kids grew up there, these people were and are our friends, we have all been taught and nurtured there. My heart is broken over and over, and I am angry. How can this happen in a place where we all have the same focus--to lift up the name of Christ. Part of me wants to lash out, to jump on the email bandwagon, to join the many who are leaving the church. And yet I wait. And I pray--for the strength to forgive those who have wronged my husband and friends, for peace to be restored in the midst of chaos, and for grace to abound. It's our only hope. God help us.

Fall is here!!

At last!! The sky is cloudy, the air is cool. And I am loving it!! Tomorrow we, Sarah, Kipp, Tanner and I are walking a 5k in Tustin for the school district foundation. It is supposed to rain and be 63 degrees!! And I was complaining about the heat!! I hope my feet will work tomorrow--today, they are taking a rest. Between my foot problems and being on my feet last night at our Halloween event at church for 6 1/2 hours, they are loving a little break. Tonight, I think I'll make some soup!! Tomorrow, however, it's out in that beautiful fall weather and walking!!

California Dreaming?

It's October 22, and it's ninety degrees!! Yuck!! Where did our fall go? Seriously, I'm so sick of summer weather! I know I'll be sorry for complaining some time soon--when it gets down to 50!! Poor me!! To make matters even worse, the wind is blowing 30-50 MPH and kicking up so much stuff, that my allergies are a mess. Oh well. I do love living in California, but this weather is getting me down--sunshine every day, no rain, hot days and warm nights! Boring!! I really do hope to see some fall trees and beautiful leaves before too long. Maybe a trip to Seattle!!

Adult Fun--and the Consequences!

I just spent the last 45 minutes or so reading emails, blogs, writing emails, and catching up with my amazing family. Don't ask me where the rest of the week has gone. I have no idea. I was laying in bed this morning and realized I had forgotten my foot doctor appointment yesterday and my foot is killing me--it is much worse than before I had my surgery in March 2007. Course maybe that is because I spent 14 hours on my feet at Disneyland and California Adventure on Thursday!! What a blast! My sister in law and her cousin from Oklahoma were here and I couldn't resist!! I don't know if I have ever been with just adults--we had such a great time--screamed our heads off on the rollercoasters. Plus Sarah and Kipp bought Grandma Lyons and I tickets to the California Adventure Halloween event that night--so much fun!! So apparently I am still recovering from all that. Today, I did a lot of vegging--felt great!! Even the foot feels a little better. I think I will make it!!

When will I ever learn?

God continues to teach us--sometimes I think I must be a slow learner! Today, we got a new, precious little boy in our class--1st grade. He and his mom, dad, and little sister live in a shelter. God continues to put things in better perspective every day. Shame on me for all that complaining. My problems are nothing compared to the problems of so many. Thank you Lord, for being patient with me.

The Sun DID come up today!!

If you happened to read my blog from yesterday and see how down I was, I want to say--I feel fantastic today!! God spoke to me today in church (I'm still waiting for the audible!)--just what I needed to hear. God is looking for believers who will worship Him. When we sing praises to Him, our problems will seem smaller--and they somehow do today!! It's a miracle!! A friend also reminded me of a favorite verse of mine, James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." We still don't have a car, the window is still broken, (and yes, it rained yesterday!) my foot still hurts, etc., etc. But praise God--He is still in control and cares about my future! And I hope to be mature real soon!!

Saturday Blues

I don't know what is wrong with me--I'm down today. It doesn't help that it is cloudy and cold outside (sorry Seattle Howertons--I know I am spoiled!!) It also doesn't help that our government seems to be going down the tubes, Lonnie and I are sharing my VW bug convertible with no hope of getting another car anytime soon, my carpet is disgusting and I can't get anyone to help me move the furniture so I can clean it with my Kirby, I have a big stack of bills to pay, my sister wants to move back to Kansas after I've killed myself trying to help her get settled here in Orange County for the past year and 4 months, I'm starving to death--trying to be on a toxin cleanse diet, I haven't lost any weight to speak of, my foot is still bothering me a lot after 7 weeks of physical therapy, I am missing my choral groups I just joined because of the car situation, I don't even know how we will get to church tomorrow with the tiny car and 3 large adults (none of whom comes close to fitting into the tiny back seat), and speaking of tiny, the tiny back window of my tiny car (our only car) is now broken in the down position with a chance of rain this weekend!!
Is Mama Mia playing anywhere?

Believe it or not?

First of all, I must announce that I am just about the most unpolitical person that I know. But I try not to be completely uninformed. I was just reading the commentary section of last Sunday's paper--yes I'm always a little behind the time!! As a read Peggy Noonan's comments on Sarah Palin, I was reminded of what I always try to keep in mind when I read anything political or anything about a person in politics. Everything written will now and forever smack of the bias, beliefs, background and experience of the writer. My mother always told me--"Don't believe everything you read!" I believe this is true more now than ever because so much more is being written. Don't get too wrapped up in what you read--it's just someone's opinion--God only, knows the truth and the true hearts and minds of people--even those in the spotlight. Same with things going on in the world--political books are simply written by someone with a strong belief (bias) in a particular philosophy. I'm not suggesting we stop reading--just be careful what you believe. There is one Truth--no questions about it's validity--and it's still a number one best seller!! Those are words you can believe--and we already know the ending!! Read on!!

9/11

Today is a time for remembering. America was attacked for the first time since Pearl Harbor. Our generation was shocked and saddened by the attack--much like my parents generation was shocked and saddened by Pearl Harbor. Yet December 7 is just another day to us here in 2008. I am not particularly a history buff, but these events need to be committed to memory and remembering. America is and probably always has been vulnerable. One more reason to live each day to the fullest--no looking back in fear, but trusting in God for today. My husband spent 26 years in the Marine Corps--defending this great nation of ours and the freedoms we enjoy. Today was especially hard for him--it needs to be hard for us all. We are very blessed to live in this country. Let us not forget.

Labor Day

For many folks, today is the last big fling of summer, the last bar-b-que, big sales at the mall, etc. For me this year, it was a day of labor. Since we are leaving Wednesday after work for Oklahoma and Lonnie's family reunion, and tomorrow I have three appointments and our small group meeting, I had today and today only to get ready for the trip. That of course included laundry, packing, paying bills, cleaning up the house (mostly picking up!), and loading the car. Yes we are driving a friend's car to Oklahoma and then flying back on Sunday evening. While I am at it, I am having Lonnie help me move some furniture which has been sitting in the hall for much too long--I figure, I'm laboring, he might as well too!! My real Labor Day vacation will be next weekend, sitting on the deck of the lodge overlooking the lake, sipping cool drinks, and reconnecting with family--with no real responsibilities. Can't wait!!

Just do it!!

I know I am a little behind the times--during summer, I don't read the paper, watch the news or do anything to keep up--I'm on vacation!! But I just read the article about Dave Freeman, the co-author of "100 Things to do before you die". He fell at his home and hit his head--he died at the age of 47. And sadly, he had only done about half of the things in his book! Life is indeed short--shorter for some than for others. The problem is, we don't know!

That said--I am developing a Carpe Deim attitude toward life. There was a time when my son Mark was a big proponent of Carpe Deim--he even got me to read Tony Campolo's book--which I highly recommend if you haven't read it!! He, that is Mark, lived life to the fullest--and still does!! Well, it's time mom did too!! So here goes. . . . . .

First, I am taking a line dancing class and a Tai Chi class. I am also taking a quilting class with my sister so we can make some cool stuff. This week I started a barbershop quartet style choral class and a classical choral class. Finally, I am signing up for an Italian for travelers class in preparation for my trip to Italy next summer. I'm especially excited about the choral classes--I've been in mourning for the past 6 or 8 years since my church choir disappeared. I'm not a soloist type singer--but am definitely a choir type singer--or to quote Mama Mia, a back up singer!! (I wish!!) If you happened to read one of my past blogs about not ever seeming to get anything done, I figure it couldn't get much worse if I add a few things to my life!! Especially things I love!!

Today, I begin living life to the fullest!! Anyone care to join me?

Mama Mia!!

I'm so hooked!! I just saw Mama Mia (the movie) for the 4th time!! It is without doubt the most upbeat, light-hearted, fun-loving, and entertaining movie I have seen in a long time!! And of course part of it might also be it is so about my generation and those wonderful 60's!! Not that I did anything like that at all--but the music--loved it!! And I was somewhat of a "dancing queen" if I do say so myself!! Also, Meryl Streep is my new role model--she is just amazing--and my age as well!! Something to strive for--I know she was carefully made up and touched up--I'm not totally unrealistic!! But loved her!! And Pierce Bronson--can't really sing--but who cares!! I also bought the sound track on the way home--however after 4 times I know most of the songs by heart!! It was just what I needed--again!

Keep it Simple!

As I have become more interested in blogging and especially reading other people's blogs, I have begun to evaluate my particular writing style. I have come to the conclusion that it is definitely first grade. What I mean by that is, first grade level. Comes from teaching Kindergarteners, First Graders and Second Graders the writing process for the past 11 years. We even use color coding to help students get the idea (not so much for Kindergarten, but definitely for 1st and 2nd). For example we use Green for the topic sentence. Then Yellow for the details, and finally Red for the conclusion. It is quite effective for the students and apparently for me too!! Now that I have First Grade writing mastered, I will use this blog to practice moving upward in my writing level--maybe even to Second or beyond!!

Summer Vacation?

Supposedly, one of the main benefits of teaching is the summers off. Well, it is July 22, and I'm still wondering when my vacation starts? I supposed it is all relative, because at least I'm not getting up at 6:00a.m. and driving to work. But the word vacation used to conjure up an idea of some form of relaxation, laying on the beach, little drinks with umbrellas and pineapples, getting a massage, hanging out with people you love. I do get the priviledge of being with people I love often, but it always seems to be associated with some form of busyness. For example, yesterday I had an eye appointment which lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes--what a waste of a perfectly good morning! The good news is my eyes are very healthy--the bad news is my new glasses are bifocals!! After that I met up with Sarah and Tanner. We had a fun lunch at In and Out, and then proceeded to make the errand run--4 different stops--exhausting for us all. We did top off the day with a fun picnic at the Beach Club with grandchildren and their cousins from Florida--maybe just a taste of that summer vacation I remember!!

Just One More Thing. . . . .

"Why do bad things happen to good people?" has become a burning question in my life as of late. I have a sister, Janet, for those of you who don't know, who has many issues--the first of which are developmental disabilities (borderline--she is very high functioning) and mental illness--bipolar, depression, anxiety, obsessive/compulsive, and dependent personality disorder. As if that is not enough, last May, the quiet little town in Kansas she lived in, was 90% destroyed by a tornado. She had no place to go since her apartment was also destroyed, so we (Sarah, two month old Tanner, and I) drove to Kansas to pick her up. We are her only relatives, with the exception of a few cousins and a 96 year old uncle. After the long drive out here, we settled her in a nice little apartment here in Rancho Santa Margarita. Now we have spent the last year struggling with Social Security, Medicare, CalOptima, etc, etc, until I can't see straight! (I did mention in my last blog that I am the worst at paperwork?)
Certainly moving to Southern California is not the worst of things that could happen to a person! There is more. I failed to mention, September 2006, Janet fell and shattered her left elbow, had to have three surgeries in 4 weeks, and spent a long period in a cast--during which time she was staying in a nursing facility which she hated, and some one there wasn't paying attention. As a result, her fingers became frozen around her cast and are now at least 75% useless. She is also being treated for osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and a thyroid condition. Amidst the hassle of finding doctors in our area who will take her insurance, we did see my internist who wants her to go to a neurologist to be evaluated for Parkinson's.
When she arrived here, she was a basket case, (who wouldn't be?) with surviving a class F5 tornado and losing not only most of your possessions, but your entire way of life. We began seeing my counselor to help her with the transition and the grief process. She recommended we look into College Hospital. We got her placed in their day program which involves group therapy. After 6 or 7 months, her case manager decided the program really wasn't what Janet needed. She suggested we apply for Regional Center. After hours of paperwork and a drive to Santa Ana for an intake interview, I'm sure you guessed it--she was denied services. So now Janet is attending a Senior Day Care Program 3 days a week--which she also hates. I continue to look for other options, one dead end after another.
The last straw came last Monday. About a month ago, Janet's glasses broke--they were several years old. Well, Monday, we finally went to the eye doctor. The bad news--she has lost most of the vision in her right eye due to a ruptured blood vein. There is nothing that can be done for it. Thankfully, CalOptima will pay for her new glasses--which will take at least three weeks! My heart just breaks for her--so many things seem to keep happening to her. We do what we can to provide a nice home and things to do--we include her in most of what we do. But seriously, God forgive me, I can't help but ask, why?

Too busy to Blog?

Is it possible I'm losing interest in blogging already? After all, it has been a month. Or is it just that my life is an absolute chaotic blur? But then I ask myself, "How can that be? I only work part time, I have no kids at home, I don't do lunch with friends, I don't even have many friends, I don't watch TV, I don't cook to speak of, I don't exercise. What the heck am I doing with my life?"
I have been doing some reading--I'm finally allowing myself to do that--now that I'm in Bible Study again. I used to tell myself, I won't read for pleasure if I can't even find time to read the Bible. So now I am free to read, and of course when that happens, two or three hours go by in the blink of an eye!
It is the end of the year at work--which means tons of paperwork--my least favorite part of teaching, report cards, meetings, cleaning up the classroom--and my fantastic partner (Sarah) helps with all that. So once again, what is my problem?
I did move my sister to a different apartment on Saturday and part of Sunday. I'm still recovering from that! And I had lots of help!
Could it be I'm not as young as I used to be? I have apparently been fooling myself. Just the other day, some woman (no friend of mine, mind you!) asked me if I was Janet's mother. (My sister is two years younger--granted she has NO gray hair, but please!) That is the second or third time that has happened in the past couple of months. And then my little first graders wrote me birthday cards and suggested in their little notes that my age might be anywhere from 45 (those are my favorite students!) to 100!! Crap! That's it--I'm old!! Dang--I was hoping that wouldn't hit till I was at least 75 or 80!! I'd best get off my duff and start exercising!! Thank goodness Tuesday is the last day of school--no more excuses!! Maybe I'll even take a Yoga class. I heard someone say it's the fountain of youth!! And maybe I'll get back on the wagon of eating healthy. I was going great guns for about a month--then things seemed to get too busy. How could eating right take so much time? Furthermore, I may even start blogging more--that seems to be a young person's pastime. You'll be hearing more from me right after I get back from spending the day at Disneyland tomorrow!!

Summer

June 1 is definitely summer to me!! It was my dad's birthday, and the beginning of several summer birthdays in our family!! Today, the sun was shining--Grandpa and Tanner even went into the icy cold spa--for a few minutes anyway! We sat on the patio, savoring the warmth of the sun. The day was topped off with yogurt at Yogurtland. Yes, I am really ready for summer!

Decoration Day

Memorial day has special memories for me. In the midwest where I grew up, it was known as Decoration Day. We would go to the graves of close family members who had passed away and deliver fresh bouquets of flowers--mostly lilacs and roses from the yard. For us, it was my brother's grave, and a couple of cousins who had also died as children. It was hard as a child myself to go to the grave of another child. But I knew it was important to my parents, so I went willingly. Now my parents are buried next to my brother, Jackie, and I don't miss an opportunity to visit their graves with flowers. Now, however, I use the long lasting silks that are available--they are beautiful and other than slight fading, they stay nice for several months.
Other memories of the day are more upbeat--as the first holiday of summer, it meant just one thing!! Picnic in the park!! My mom would spend hours making homemade potato salad, (mashed), orange jello with grated carrots and pineapple, baked beans, fried chicken, pickled beets, and cake for dessert--sometimes even strawberry shortcake! All from scratch!! My Auntie Faye, Uncle Jess and cousin Sandy would meet us in the park with even more food! We kids would play for hours on the swings and slides in the park--and then eat this amazing meal--at the time not really appreciating it's goodness!! Now, when I attempt to duplicate even part of this meal, I am reminded of the time cooking from scratch takes. Just this Memorial Day, I made my mom's famous mashed potato salad--it took about 3 hours!! The baked beans go together quickly--thanks to Van Camps Pork and Beans--is there any other way to make baked beans? And fried chicken--forget it!! If I want fried chicken, it's KFC to the rescue. This year, Mark grilled some delicious chicken on his grill!! And once again, we ate an amazing meal--surrounded by the laughter of small children as they played the day away!

Here You Go Kristen

Five things on my to-do list today

1. Walk around the lake and feed the ducks with Tanner

2. Cancel and make doctors appointments

3. Finish laundry
4. Paper push
5. Bible Study

Snacks I enjoy
1. POPCORN
2. Cokes
3. Red Licorice
4. Fresh Fruits
5. Peanut Patties

I would do if I were a millionaire
1. Pay off my house
2. Retire
3. Pay for Grandkids college
4. Buy a Mini Van
5. Buy a pop-up camper (Dream Big girls!)

Places I have lived
1. Hutchinson, Ks
2. Lenexa, Ks
3. Quantico, Va
4. Barstow, Ca
5. Mission Viejo, Ca



Bad habits I have
1. Not shaving my legs
2. Eat junk food
3. Procrastinate in all areas!
4. Clutter Bug
5. Messy closet


Jobs I have held
1. Teacher
2. Camp counselor
3. Fabric Store Worker
4. Dairy Barn Worker
5. Preschool Director


I need to Tag some friends to start a BLOG!

Thunderstorms!!

Living in Southern California for the last 30+ years, I can count on one hand the number of times I have heard thunder out here. So you can appreciate my delight in the amazing storm we had yesterday. I was in my classroom--the sky had darkened, a flash of light hit my face--and then it happened--THUNDER!! Huge, rolling, crashing thunder! I was revelling in it--reliving my childhood memories of sitting on the front porch swing, watching the rain pouring down, even wading in the flooded street during the storm--when suddenly I was jolted back to reality with two of my little friends bawling their eyes out in fear! Needless to say, I have little patience with anyone who doesn't love thunderstorms--but, I put on my teacher hat and explained about thunder and lightning (after all we are in the middle of a science unit about weather!) and how the rain is so needed by our gardens and flowers. We even moved our barrel of flowers out from under the awning so they could drink of heavens waters. The day was complete as I walked four little ones under my unbrella over to the day care room--wading ankle deep with them in the streams of run off!! I do love thunderstorms!!

Going Green?

I have always been somewhat green. My mom was recycling before there was even a name for it. And I grew up having "paper drives" at the elementary schools for fund raisers. But maybe I only thought I was green. After watching Oprah's Earth Day special, I decided to buy the book she was talking about that day--Georgeously Green. I had already made a feeble attempt to begin composting--I told Lonnie all I wanted for Mother's Day was a compost bin from Lowes. In the meantime, I am collecting it in an old trash can. (I noticed today some black liquid seeping out of the bottom of the can--that can't be good?) Oh well, back to the book--I do want to be educated!! So 8 simple steps to an earth friendly life--how hard could it be? If Sophie and Julia Roberts can do it--so can I!! Chapter 1--becoming aware--no problem, I'm fully aware. Chapter 2 Green Goddess. Apparently I am poisioning myself on a daily basis with all the products I slather on my hair and body. And I do mean poison--cancer causing and hormone altering poison, pages of lists of poison, none of which I can even pronounce! After instructions to literally throw out all my "products" and check out the umteen dozen websites where I can purchase green products for myself, (and I can assure you, Target or Walmart are not on the list of where to go) I am ready to throw out the book instead! Maybe I'll just stick to composting for now--it's not that hard to save garbage and paper!!

Happy Mother's Day

It's Sunday evening of Mother's Day. I'm always a little nervous about Mother's Day. Just 4 years ago, my mother died on April 18th. I think of her so often all year long--even more so in April (her birthday was April 21) and May. I am one of those very lucky people who was very close to her mother. She was a friend to me--but even more than that--she loved my children and I unconditionally. I know many of my friends have lost their mothers and share with me in a somewhat bittersweet Mother's Day.

But as I reflect on this day, I am so very thankful for the sweet part! I was able to be with Tanner in his Sunday School hour at church. Then we drove up to have lunch with Mark, Kristen, Jafta, and India at a great little Cuban restaurant in Newport (I think). Such fun!! When Mark was taking a picture of India and mommy, he said to her, "Say cheese, baby!" So with a big smile on her face, India replied, "Cheese, Baby!" We all cracked up to say the least! Such precious little pleasures and memories. Later today, we drove down to San Clemente and met Sarah, Kipp, Kipp's mom, Glenda, and Tanner at the beach for a KFC picnic. The sun was shining, it was warm, and Tanner had to get his feet wet. We saw dolphins and pelicans. As the sun went behind clouds, we bundled up in blankets--Tanner in his little bomber hat. I got to be with all my local kids today--and my Seattle kids last week. What a blessing!! Being a mom is such a gift--and now a grandma!! All that on top of having a most amazing mom of my own. Thank you Lord, for this beautiful Mother's Day!

Coming Home

It's always a little sad when I get home from visiting my northwest kids and grandkids. The visits are always amazingly fun, but they are so few and far between. I'm always so blessed by them--Alex is quite the Tae-Kwon-Do star, and Caleb is following in his dad's footsteps as a hustler on the baseball field--granted it is only T-Ball. Jodie is always the perfect hostess and I love attending church and hearing my son Preach!! Wow!! I sometimes still can't believe it! I love the great talks over coffee or a glass of wine by the fireplace. The weekend was topped off by the goats they "rented" to clear some of the vegetation overgrowth--what fun!! Check out Jodie's blog for pictures. Today, I am watching Tanner and having a quiet day--tomorrow back to work. In honor of the fun I had in Seattle, however, I brought some of the weather home with me--cold, cloudy, rainy. Ah California, home again!!