Happy New Year--2011!!

I just about jumped out of my skin when the talking wolf attacked Edmond!! I'm in the middle of a Chronicles of Narnia marathon!! Just finished the first installment, complete with a sundry of delicious sweet treats--I'm in the process of becoming, as my college friends used to say, pasted shut!! And loving every minute of it. In fact, during the break, I will make some popcorn complete with real butter to go with my Coke! The next installment, Prince Caspian, awaits! A great way to bring in the new year--preparing myself for the new movie, Voyage of the Dawn Treader! Which I will see very soon!! Hope you too are having an amazing New Year's Eve--and my wish to you all is a Very Happy New Year, with many blessings to you and your families!! WooHoo!! Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Greetings from the Howertons--2010
It is pouring rain outside--our spa is overflowing, the fire is flickering in the fireplace, Christmas music is playing, I am in my warm flannels, drinking coffee, as I write this letter. A perfect California winter day!!
This has been a difficult year for many--us included. We are however, very thankful to still have our jobs! We feel very blessed! Lonnie is still with the Orange County Department of Ed. He completed the infamous Elk Hunt of 2010-at the top of his bucket list. Now however, he is hooked and wants to make it an annual event! He’s already busy planning next year’s hunts! He’ll never retire--has to work to pay for all his hunts! Lonnie celebrated his 45th class reunion last summer--boy those people are old!!
I am still sharing a contract in Tustin with daughter Sarah. We’ve had a tough year with a Kinder/First combo. We’re a third of the way finished--but who’s counting? Love the part time--don’t think I ever want to work full time again--after all, it’s almost retirement time, right? Then again, in this economy, do we ever really want to give up a perfectly good job? Especially part time? I didn’t get to travel much this year--Maybe next year! Lonnie did take me fly fishing in Colorado--it was an experience! I, unlike Lonnie, do not plan to make in an annual event! I do love Colorado-- but I don’t think we are moving there!
We have big news this year--two new grandsons!! Kembe came from Haiti in January to Mark and Kristen’s family, and Duzi came from South Africa to Michael and Jodie’s family!! We are very excited--we were all together for the first time at Thanksgiving. It was a happy reunion--the cousins (all 9 of them) had a blast!!
Michael and Jodie are still in Washington. They and their kids, Alex (10), Caleb (8), and Duzi (6) stay super busy with church (Overlake Christian), sports, and just living life!
Mark and Kristen are in Costa Mesa with their clan--Jafta (6 in a few days!), India (4), Kembe (4), and Karis (20 months). Mark is an MFT and Kristen teaches some classes at Vanguard University, and is writing an advice column for the OC Register. Jafta started Kindergarten this year and the two 4 year olds are in preschool. Again, busy life!
Sarah and Kipp moved to Mission Viejo this past fall--into our first home in California. It’s fun to see them in the house we lived in when Sarah was born! Kipp is still with the city of Aliso Viejo, and Sarah sharing a teaching contract with me. Tanner (3 ½) and Peyton, (22 months) love their nice yard. Tanner is in preschool this year and loving it. They also stay quite busy!
Other news this year is we have found a great church home. We are so blessed every Sunday with great teaching and wonderful loving people!! I have even joined the Christmas choir--with two rehearsals only--very different from the Viva-type choir from my past!! But I love singing praises to our awesome Lord!!
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Let Me Entertain You!!

I am struggling to get some exercise in each day, and have decided to walk on the treadmill in the garage to old movies I have purchased at various yard sales. (Let me just say, I will not be walking in the garage when it is 108 degrees, like it is today!) So, yesterday morning, I watched my second installment of My Fair Lady. If you have never seen the movie--Rex Harrison, and one of my favorites, Audrey Hepburn, you don't know what you are missing!! The story--amazing! The music--incredible!! Just pure, unadulterated entertainment!! A movie from an era where you actually went home feeling good about life after seeing the movie!! A far cry from many of today's movies which seem to focus on the evil, the crime, the hate, and the fear in life. I guess that's why you will find me at all the movies like Toy Story, Up, Mama Mia, High School Musical, Alpha and Omega, and the Legend of the Guardians. I want to be entertained, I want to laugh, cry and identify with characters who are fun and enjoy life!! I want to, no need to, feel good about my movies!!

Country pleasures!!

When we first moved to our current location, about 7 years ago, I glibly remarked that this was probably the closest to the country we would ever live. We back up to a big canyon and see the Cleveland National Forest across the canyon--above a few houses. Very quiet and nice!
Recently, however, I am beginning to believe we do indeed live in the country. Why do I say that, you may ask? Well, it started a few weeks ago while I was working in the garage after dark--after it cooled down a little. I stepped inside for a few minutes, and when I came back to the garage, a huge (it had to have been at least 50 pounds or more!) raccoon went scooting out of the garage! We had never seen raccoons up here before.
Then last night, some friends stopped by, and as they were coming in the front door, a bird flew in. We spent the next 20-30 minutes trying to get it out!! Crazy!
Then tonight, I came in to work on the computer and I started smelling some serious skunk smell. And the window wasn't even open. I went to see if Lonnie was noticing it--and as I walked down the hall, it smelled like the skunk was in the house. We raced around closing all the windows and turned on the fans to try to get the smell out of here!! Seriously, my eyes are still burning. I have never smelled skunk so strong! I think a family of them has taken up residence in my yard. I was afraid to walk out there tonight--super crazy!
So I guess I am saying, even though I live in the middle of a very populated area, it seems I really do live in the country!! Now if I just had a red barn--I've always wanted one of those things!!

New School Year!!

I'm doing some serious vegging after our first 3 days of school. I swear the state and the districts are trying to kill teachers--what have we ever done to them? My heart goes out to all my teacher friends who, like us, are beginning our adventures this year with anywhere from 30-38 students in their classes, not enough desks, or text books, and even higher expectations than last year. Yet--we are thankful to have jobs, and just want to do the best for this little charges of ours! Lord help us!! Give us energy, patience while training these little ones (Kinder and First Grade for us), and lots of creativity to manage these large numbers! (35 for us!) And may they, either with our help or in spite of us, learn and grow!!

Vacation Entry--Day 7

I've actually been home from this particular vacation for two weeks now, but I have just a little more to say regarding our last day's drive. Our last night was spent in a nice hotel on the outskirts of Winslow, Arizona, made famous by the Eagles' song Take it Easy. So early the next morning, we decided to take a little time and visit the little town that made it all happen, and even the little corner, where it happened!
The first few blocks down Main Street were downright depressing. Abandoned motels (which could be fixed up really cute, I might add!), run down houses, empty churches, sleazy bars and restaurants--it was all there. Then, I saw a change as we approached "the corner". After parking, we walked toward the "corner" and observed other tourists taking pictures of the sculpture of the cowboy on the corner, backed by a huge mural that covered the side of a building. A gigantic route 66 sign had been painted in the middle of the intersection. Two darling gift/sundries shops were on two of the corners. A restored hotel was down the street.
Of course, we shopped. Lonnie bought an Eagles poster from a concert long, long ago. In fact so long ago, the price for the concert was listed at $15!!. We also bought a 2 CD set of the best of the Eagles. Which we promptly started reading about and playing on the remainder of the trip! Brought back so many memories, their songs were really great--even poetic! While drinking my "venti" sized cup of hot tea, I wrote a few lines of poetry of my own:

I won't last long
with this much tea.
I won't last long
with out a pee!

And down the highway we sped--eager to get home!! Or to the next rest stop!

Vacation Entry--Day 6

We finally got on the road this morning (actually noon) after a delightful breakfast on the patio at Uncle Bob and Aunt Jody's. Before we left, they introduced us to their Wii Fit plus. I think we will have to get one! I never laughed so hard in my life. Especially when Lonnie tried the bird one using Uncle Bob's statistics--He about wore himself out and couldn't get that bird off the ground!! Looks like a fun way to get in shape--and boy do we need that!!

Our drive has been great so far. We drove through some "toad stranglers" as we crossed New Mexico and part of Arizona. (Serious rain storms for those of you from California!) And even this evening, we are surrounded by a beautiful lightening show. God's amazing handiwork!! We still have 8 hours or so before we get home. Can't wait! We will see the kids on Sunday!! It's been a great trip. Lonnie and I are still friends!! I got tons of shopping done for school. We saw the most beautiful scenery and storm clouds. We hung out with family and friends. Even went trout fishing!! As good as it was, I am very excited to get home!! Just like Dorothy--there is no place like home!!

Vacation Entry--Day 5

As I begin this post, I am reminded of travel journals my son Michael wrote, and the subsequent book that he published, Miles to Cross. Great reading!! Let me assure you, there will be no book as a result of these mindless drivilings. Just a way for me to remember the trip!!

Again, it is not really day five, just post 5! I've had no internet access since Sunday. As some of you may have read on my facebook, we had a very interesting evening at a bar in Enid--part of Lonnie's reunion tour!! Had a fun day of shopping on Saturday--I always find the neatest things when shopping in Oklahoma or Kansas. We had fun at the reunion that night--dancing and being silly!! One of my favorite things!! Sunday, we drove down to Edmond, Ok. for a reunion of sorts--several of Lonnie's cousins, nephews, and other family members were there. We had a great time seeing everyone again! And ate some delicious steak!! Thanks Darrell!!

Monday, more shopping and more goodies to pack in the car!! Yikes, if I buy anything else, I will be carrying it on my lap all the way home!! Tuesday, we drove north to my hometown in Kansas. As we were driving, the temperature kept rising--from a mere 103 in Edmond to a high of 114 in Kansas. We met my 97 year old uncle and other friends for dinner--so nice to see everyone!! Stayed with our lifelong friend, Pearl--she is such a sweetheart to open her home to us at the last minute!!

Wednesday morning we woke up early and went out to our storage unit and went through some things of Lonnie's from Boy Scout stuff, to old girlfriend photos, and other high school friend photos--a walk down memory lane for him. I will give him credit--he got rid of most of the stuff (and I use that term loosely!) He went from two foot lockers full, to 6 small shoeboxes. (Don't even ask where the shoe boxes came from--see first paragraph!)

Then we started driving south/west toward Lubbock, Texas home of Lonnie's aunt and uncle--amazing people!! Lonnie got to play golf with his uncle. Then we went to a great Soup Plantation type restaurant for lunch. Now we're playing on the computers. Tomorrow we start home--dread the drive, but can't wait to get home and see my little grand kids!! Then Wednesday, I take off again for Kansas for a week!! Yay!! More shopping!!

Vacation Entry--Day 4

It's not really day four--I've been out of reach for a day or so. To update you, we saw no bears at the High Country Lodge. I consider that very good news. So after a great rest in the woods, we met our guide Scott for our adventure up the mountain to some fantastic streams. I truly have never seen such beautiful scenery. And the streams--amazing!! I loved being in the streams--of course walking on those boulders is not exactly easy--thankfully I had Scott holding my hand!! How did I do, you may ask? I did catch the first fish of the day. I also caught the smallest fish ever caught out of these streams. Scott took a picture for his web page!! And he told me I was like job security for him. So what do you think?

After our fishing adventure, we travelled up the hill and across Wolf Creek Pass to a tiny little town called, Creede. Absolutely adorable!! We stayed at a darling B&B called Blessings Inn. If you ever go up there check it out!! We ate at the Antlers Lodge, right on the river. Saw lots of fish and a deer while eating!! A beautiful and relaxing town!

Then Thursday, we started our trek to Oklahoma and arrived here at 10:00 last night. We are staying at Cherokee Lodge, a nice place on the Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Lonnie's hometown. We are here for his class reunion. So, at this moment, I am all caught up on our laundry, and ready to hit the town of Enid!! Lonnie's sister, Kay will be joining us this afternoon--can't wait!! More to come!

Vacation Entry--Day 3

Today we said goodbye to Aztec, NM, and our new friend Laurie. We left her with both toilets stopped up and sewage backing up into the tubs. She may never speak to us again!! She kindly assured us it was not our fault. She may never speak to us again!!

We arrived in Pagosa Springs around noon today. This is another beautiful town. We looked at some vacation/retirement houses today and fell in love with a couple of them!! The best thing about this place in addition to the beauty, is the lifestyle--so laid back. So very different from California! I dropped my phone by the car when the realtor dropped me off--an hour later she calls me on Lonnie's phone and brings it to me. So sweet. We're staying in a great lodge--complete with bear warnings!! We're going fishing again tomorrow--this time wading the creeks. Should be fun. Stay tuned!!

Vacation Entry--Day 2

Okay, I was a little too hard on our guide, Corky. He was very patient with a beginner grandma!! I even caught the first fish!! And several more to boot!! I hooked the biggest fish, but unfortunately, it jumped right off the hook while we were trying to land him!! Bummer!! All in all, a very good day!! And the scenery was beautiful!! I will add some pictures when I figure out how!! It was hot and it didn't rain--no hypothermia!! It felt very good to get a large iced tea and cool off.

Now I'm all showered up and ready for the evening. We are going to a chinese restaurant tonight with the gal we are staying with. It's a bed and breakfast without the breakfast. And we have become friends with the homeowner and are having a wonderful time!! If you are ever coming out the Aztec, New Mexico or Durango, Colorado, give her a call!!

Tomorrow is now up in the air--I don't think our guide wants to guide us again!! So we may have to just go shopping!!

Vacation Time!!

We made it into Colorado yesterday amid pouring rain!! I have to say I sort of like it--since it "never rains in California"! Tomorrow we are going fly fishing. My biggest concern is getting soaked while out on the boat and dying of hypothermia!! Our guide, (young and cocky) assured me that he could row the boat back to shore in 45 minutes from anywhere on the lake. And how long does it take to die of hypothermia again? I don't feel very assured personally!! I will put that out of my mind and go as prepared as I can for the possible weather changes!!

That aside, Lonnie and I have only had one "knock down, drag out" conversation so far in three days, so I guess that's a good start. We're not really used to the 24/7 lifestyle!! And only one desperation call from my sister. Funny how her emergencies always come up when I am on vacation. And then, the friends who are staying in our home called to say the electrical outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms are going out!! Fantastic!! I'm feeling so relaxed already!! And it's only 10:00 a.m.!! I know it's 5 o'clock somewhere--bring out the wine!!

What to Wear!!

Just checked out the weather forecasts for the next three weeks in our respective locations--you know to prepare for packing, etc. Well, with the exception of rain/thunderstorms in Colorado most of the days we are there, it will be consistently in the 90's across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas and of course all parts in between! Actually makes packing quite easy!! One rain jacket, and the rest hot weather clothes!! Whoopee--Summer in the midwest!! (One thing the weather channel doesn't mention--the humidity will choke us!! Yikes!!) There is no clothing appropriate for the humidity/heat combination!! Except a bathing suit while sitting in the pool!! Course, I have to take my fishing clothes!! We have special shirts, you know. Exciting!! Can't wait!!

Summertime!

I have 71 days of summer vacation from work!! I am very blessed, it is true. But it seems 33 of those days have already gone. And the question is Where? It's true I spent 3 days camping at the beach, a week long road trip with Sarah and kids to Boise, had amazing house guests from Tennessee for a week--such a fun time!!

So, now that I have actually counted it all out (that is of course, including weekend days!), I will start tomorrow taking some positive action. There are now 38 days left of my summer vacation. That's positive, right? Starting Friday, I will spend the better part of 16 days in the car on a road trip. We will be trout fishing in Colorado, looking at retirement property, going to Lonnie's high school reunion, visiting family and friends in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. And doing a lot of driving. It's a good thing, right?--no tv, unwanted phone calls, and I'm really looking forward to it! I've got my music lined up, my snack list prepared, our stops planned, and I'm mostly packed. That leaves 22 days. Later in August, my sister and I will be flying to Kansas (again?) for "her" vacation. (8 more days gone)

Now I'm down to 14 days!! No, not enough! I can't get everything in that I want to do! I want to go to the beach, clean out all my closets, go to lunch with numerous friends, play with my grandkids, read at least 10 more books, have a few BBQs at my house, and do a lot more relaxing! I haven't seen any of the new summer movies--Toy Story 3, etc. All I can say is, I'm going to very busy spending up these 14 days!! I don't see much sleep in the near future!! It's worth it--I love my summer!!

It's Spring--and I'm uplifted!!

It's been a great weekend--first of all, fantastic weather--sorry to all of you who had snow on the first day of spring--so sad!! But we played and played--outside!! Now, sadly, I am getting ready for tomorrow--two solid days of teaching and parent conferences. But then, Wednesday I fly to Kansas--there had better not be snow when I get there!! I'm expecting some spring weather!! So get it together!! (As you can tell, I am a fan of the multiple exclamation marks!!) I choose to be excited about the small stuff--after all, it's all small stuff!! I am probably about as dorky as they come!! At least according to certain members of my family--me and my matching clothes! Woohoo!! I know I am rambling, but unlike other Sunday nights, I feel fantastic!! Have a super week friends!!

Sunday blues

I've got a bad case of the "Sunday Blues". Church was very inspirational--in fact some serious tears were shed as I was duly convicted and challenged. Lonnie grilled some steaks--that along with a delicious salad and my favorite veggie, broccoli, topped off a wonderful Sunday dinner. Lonnie even cleared the table. So what is my problem? If I knew, maybe I could do something about it. I just feel low, sad, lonely, depressed, even a little angry--need I go on? Those words alone make me feel even worse. Who ever said it is good to talk about your problems? I think I am in serious need of some girlfriend time--my life just isn't cutting it right now. Maybe another part of that is I'm not sure I even have any girlfriends. I've not been very good at cultivating my friendships these past few years. Anyone up for some girl time fun? Call me!

New Picture Needed!!

We have a new grandson!! and consequently, we need a new photo for my blog! For those of you who didn't know, Mark and Kristen have been trying to adopt a little boy from Haiti for over 2 years. When Kristen was visiting him in Haiti two weeks ago, the 7.0 earthquake hit causing much devastation, and fear on our part regarding their safety. We finally heard she was safe and all the children in the orphanage were safe, but it was not a good place for any of them. Four days later, Kristen and Karis came home, but without Kembert. After hundreds of phone calls and letters to congressmen, last Friday, Kembert came to the US. Mark met him in Florida and they flew to California the next day. A large group of friends and family members met them at LAX--what a joyous reunion. And now he is home. Learning about his new family, learning a new language, learning about new food, having new experiences, McDonald's, trampolines, a mom and dad, brothers and sisters, cultural experiences we probably aren't even aware of. What a blessing to us all. I am very excited to get to know the newest member of our precious family--can't wait for some very special grandma hugs, and times together. Thank you God, for yet another little person to love and share life with.