Elizabeth Caldwell

So is your clunker worth any cash?

2009-07-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

The ads are beginning to run on T.V. The cash for clunkers program has begun, and you may be wondering how it works and how it can benefit you.

First you need to find out if you have a clunker at all. I looked out the window at my 1991 Buick and was pretty sure I did, but when I went to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm I was shocked to learn that I didn't!

You see my buick had a combined MPG of 19 when it was new, and passenger cars must have a combined MPG of NO MORE THAN 18... So I was out of luck.

If your clunker was rated at less than 18MPG when it was new, and your car is less than 25 years old, is driveable and you have owned and insured it for at least a year you may be eligible to trade it in on a new car and get up to a $4500 credit!

A couple of things to watch out for though... your clunker may be worth more than $4500 so be sure to check http://www.kbb.com/ before you make the deal. Also, know that your car will not be resold. In order to participate in the program your clunker has to be destroyed.

Also, there are some limits on the new car you can purchase. It has to have a sticker price of $45,000 or less and it has to have a fuel economy rating of at least 22MPG. If you improve your fuel economy by 4 miles per gallon (clunker got 18, new car gets 22) you get a credit of $3,500. To qualify for the full $4,500 you need to improve your mileage by 10MPG.

Now some trucks, SUV's and Minivans have slightly different rules. The new vehicle has to get at least 18 MPG and can offer as little as a 2 MPG improvement over the old one to qualify for $3,500. With a minimum 5 MPG improvement, you can qualify for $4,500.

So, check it out. If you have been hoping to get a new car or truck that extra credit toward your purchase could come in handy, but don't wait too long. When the money is gone the program ends.

A Warrant for my arrest?

2008-08-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

yep - I am going to be participating in the March of Dimes jail and bail later this month, and so I need your help.

I am asking you to consider contributing $5 (that's a roll of dimes you know) to the March of Dimes. My goal is to raise $1000 before August 21st. I know if you will help me I can do it.

Check out my Jail and Bail website here. You can make a donation in any amount, every little bit helps.

I really appreciate your help. I am pretty sure I dont like jail :)

Busking

2008-06-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

We learned a new word at our house this weekend.

Busker

busk·er
Pronunciation: \ˈbəs-kər\
Function: noun
Etymology: busk, probably from Italian buscare to procure, gain, from Spanish buscar to look for Date: 1857 chiefly British : a person who entertains in a public place for donations
— busk \ˈbəsk\ intransitive verb

Saturday was the big garage sale, and while we didnt have a ton of loot to sell, I did tell John that he could have all the proceeds from the sale for his new instrument this fall. He has worked very hard to save and earn the cash necessary to trade in his old viola.

Sooooo... when Saturday morning rolled around I encouraged him to come and do his practice in the garage, so that he could get it out of the way. I also figured it would help draw attention to our little garage and our meager offerings.

John set up his music stand near the garage door, and as usual left his case open and lying around. He was not halfway into his first piece when some change was dropped into the open case. Well that brought out the enthusiasm for sure! So through the day John played for money and I sold junk to kids... together we managed to make $130 toward the new viola.

So now my son has discovered the art of busking. He has already decided that this will help him to backpack through Europe after he graduates from college, and he is trying to figure out if there is somewhere in Liberty Lake where he can busk on a regular basis (I dont think there is).

Anyway, to all of you who dropped a quarter - or one of the two fives - thanks so much.

I finally have something worth saying!

2008-05-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Ok - I know I have been the worlds worst blogger these past few weeks.... but I must blame that on having the most boring life the past few weeks.

The same cannot be said for John. He is having a very exciting week. This Thursday evening at 7 p.m. is the all district orchestra concert. One of the pieces that they are playing was arranged by my kiddo! How exciting is that??

So, if you have kids that will be in the 5th grade someday I encourage you to come and see the concert. All the orchestra kids from 5th to 12th grade for the entire district will be performing! That's a lot of kids. It is a great opportunity for your kids to see if they want to do something like that.

Oh, and Did I mention it is also a great chance for you to see how completely awesome my kid is?

Here is the news release from the CVSD web page

400 Students Offer Tribute to Slain Composer Mark Williams on May 15
4/29/2008
More than 400 Central Valley School District students in grades 5 through 12 will perform in an all-district orchestral concert on Thursday, May 15. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at the Central Valley High School Theatre, 821 S. Sullivan Road in the Spokane Valley. Admission is free.The concert will include a special tribute to the late Mark Williams, a longtime Spokane-area music educator and esteemed composer of works for school bands and orchestras. Williams was killed earlier this year. The combined orchestra will perform two pieces by Williams, “Fancy Fiddles” and “Mississippi Cakewalk,” in his memory.Mason Flemmer, who teaches the orchestra students at Central Valley High School and Greenacres Middles School, as well as those enrolled in the Spokane Valley Learning Academy, said that Williams’ teaching methods and numerous compositions “help our students learn how to play music in an ensemble.”Last year marked the first time an all-district all-string concert had been held in 20 years. The Central Valley School District’s six orchestra teachers, Mason Flemmer, Chad Hocutt, Eugene Jablonsky, Mark Sorensen, Mark Tietjen and Tanya Ward have collaborated for this second annual concert, and all will be conducting during the event. In addition to the Williams tribute, the students will perform within their grade levels. The fifth grade orchestra will play “Surfin’ Safari” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” both arranged by Jablonsky. The seventh and eighth grade orchestra will perform “Holiday.” The sixth grade orchestra and the high school orchestra will each play two selections, including “Jurassic Park” and “American Landscape,” respectively.

Ok - So it doesn't mention that my John arranged Holiday - but he did :) Come and learn more about these great kids and what they do :)

My thoughts

2008-04-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ever since the raid on the FLDS compound in Texas took place I have been in a state of sadness over the whole thing.

I feel bad for the Mormons I know, who feel that they are seen as guilty by association, when in fact no association exists, First and foremost, I want to assure my LDS friends that I do NOT confuse these people with the good Mormons that I have known my entire life. I want to assure you that most non-Mormons, like myself, understand that while we may see some of your ways as quirky or quaint and some of your beliefs as odd, we never see them as being pedophillic or illegal. In fact, most people that I know would state that Mormons are some of the most law abiding citizens around.

My heart is breaking for 400+ children who are being housed in an arena. I am sure that they do not understand what is going on, and it is my understanding that they have been taught that horrific events will befall them if they venture outside the compound. How terribly frightened they must be. I hope that if they do place these children in foster care that they will find a way to keep them in simple communities like those of the Mennonites or Amish. Communities where the children can continue to dress, eat, work and play in ways that are familiar to them. The shock of coming into a modern world so suddenly will certainly cause nearly as much damage as the abuse from within the community.

My heart breaks for the boys who are noticeably absent. Sure, there were 20 some teen boys that are now being housed separately, but one would expect the numbers of boys and girls to be equal. Where are those missing boys now? Are they safe? Are they fed? Are they loved? Are they alive? I cannot understand any religion that would cast out a young boy of 13 or 14 simply to keep the ratio of 3:1 or better. I look at my own son of 13 and know that if he were cast out he would not survive on his own. How can this be happening?

I also feel great sympathy for the women. While many see them as abusers for allowing their barley pubescent daughters to be married off to middle aged men, I see them as victims . Certainly many of them were child brides themselves. I believe that these women have been taught to be obedient to a degree that numbs them into not following what, for most of us, is the natural instinct to protect our children. I understand what 10 years of brainwashing from 1 bad man can do to make a woman unnaturally compliant. I cannot fathom what 20 or 30 or more years of that, coming from every living being you know would do.

And so, as the circus this continues I will watch with a heavy heart that mourns for these women and children.

I am a spice girl!

2008-04-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

On my 40th birthday my husband said I was a spice girl and told me I had a nice rack - not too bad for 40 I'd say... lemme see, what spice girl am I? There is Scary Spice, Posh Spice, Baby Spice, Sporty Spice and Ginger Spice..... I guess I could be Liberty Spice and represent!
But no, I am not THAT kind of spice girl. I am the kind of spice girl who loves to cook interesting food and try new recipes. As a result I am always buying yet another bottle of something or other. Running off to odd little stores in not so great neighborhoods to find the right ingredient. So for my birthday I got the very best present EVER. A spice rack that is cool, modern, functional, and artistic. Each of the containers is magnetic and adheres to the metal strip which is screwed into the wall. I am now able to display 30 of my most used spices just a few feet from my stove top. Because I can keep on adding strips that hold six canisters each, I will be able to continue collecting until the wall is full!

So when you need a half teaspoon of some obscure spice you know who to call - Liberty Spice!

Concert tickets available for you tonight!!

2008-03-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

For complimentary tickets call 624-3360 and talk to Carlos. Just tell him you got the information from a youth symphony parent and the tickets will be available for you at will call!

Would you like to go see the Great Wall Youth Orchestra and Chorus from Oakland, California? They will be performing at the Bing Crosby Theater Thursday, March 27 at 7 pm. Come enjoy the music of traditional Chinese instruments and classical Chinese opera with the Great Wall Youth Orchestra and Chorus of Oakland,California.

The performance by inner-city children is part of a regional tour sponsored bythe National Endowment for the Arts and will be an exciting event for the entire family. The Great Wall Youth Orchestra and Chorus is the performing arm of thePurple Silk Music Education Foundation, an Oakland-based nonprofit thatprovides free music education to inner-city schoolchildren. The youth orchestra brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to play both world music and classical Chinese songs on traditional Chinese instruments. For more background information on the Great Wall Youth Orchestra, go to: http://www.purplesilk.org

And the winner is?????

2008-03-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Ilene!!!

Ok - so no one really posted a compelling response to my entry titled I love hotels and I was left to decide for myself who was most in need of a hotel experience/getaway. So I chose the pregnant lady with small children underfoot who is currently faced with the daunting task of moving to Boise. Oh, and she likes the luxury of lots of clean towels just like me!

So, Ilene is the proud winner of a Mandarin and Mint "Shine" collection from Bliss Spa, made especially for Sheraton Hotels. She gets shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, bar soap and a yellow pouf.

Congrats Ilene! Do you want to pick up your prize or should I drop it off after work?

Off to High School

2008-03-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

I went to the Parent's night at CV last night. It was fun to tour the new school and even see a photo of the class of '86 in there! It was too high up on the wall for me to find myself, but I am sure I am in it.

The new building is far superior to "big blue". For those who never saw the old school pictured above, the whole thing was pained a rather bright shade of sky blue. It was actually the second CV and we were overcrowded back then with around 1000 kids (It was designed for 800).The new CV currently has about 1900 students. Unbelievable.

This is one of those big milestone moments. I am not the sort who is inclined to be overly sentimental but... My baby is going to be a freshman. I must admit this is harder for me than I expected it would be, perhaps it is just amplified by the fact that my 40th birthday is only weeks away.

By the way, in the end he chose German. He likes the idea of being able to holler "seien Sie ruhig" at future students who are too noisy in class. He has also decided that he wants to go further with his love of music and history and focus on European history in particular. I suppose at the end of it all, a young man who has focused his studies on classical music, European history and German ought to be able to get a teaching job somewhere!

I am just happy to have a child who loves school so much and has a goal to work toward. I know that he will be successful, not only in high school but in life.

Choosing a Foreign Language

2008-03-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

John came home with his paperwork to sign up for High School next year. Most of his classes are clearly defined for him and Orchestra is obvious. His other choice is foreign language.

So what language to take becomes the question?

German is his first choice, because so many composers were German and this will help him to read original compositions. Also, Steve took German in School and traveled in Germanic countries and will be able to help him with his homeowrk.

Spanish makes good sense as he wants to be a teacher and there will be more and more need for Spanish speaking teachers in the years to come. Steve and Grandma are both pushing this option.

Russian is available and John argues that this language would give him the ability to speak to Russian Students and that there are also a number of Russian composers. He has a point. But I think Russian would be terribly difficult...

French - well nobody is excited about french.

So weigh in. Take the poll. What language would you advise for a student who wants to be a musician, composer, teacher?

I love Hotels

2008-03-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Not just any hotels. I like nice hotels. The kind I would never pay for myself.

Each year Allstate gathers all the agents from Washington, Oregon and Idaho together for a day of training and recognition. Of course to get 500 of us in the same place and fed means we have to stay in a nice hotel. And so, earlier this week, I had the pleasure of enjoying 2 luxurious nights in a Starwood Preferred Guest Suite on the 26th floor of the Union Street tower in the Seattle Sheraton Hotel.

Clearly someone forgot to mention to them that I was a worker bee worthy of only the 5th or 6th floor at best. And not a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest program at all.

In appreciation of of the Sheraton and their great staff I thought I would take a moment to share some of the things that I love about hotels.

1. They are not home.
Now don't get me wrong, I love home. But once in a while it is nice to have a different perspective, a new view as it were. I like hotels because they seem to invigorate me.

2. Staff.
Hotel staff are easily the most under appreciated and most over worked people on earth. I love turn down service, I love beds that seem to make themselves and I love that people make their guests happiness a goal. Job well done!

3. Ice buckets.
Does anyone really have an ice bucket at home? I never use ice at home, I just drink the water and it is fine. But at a hotel I have to put it into a bucket and then use those little tongs to put it in my glass of water. It just seems more fun that way.

4. Coffee Makers.
I love having a morning cup of coffee in bed. Having a cute little coffee maker in the bedroom at home would be ridiculous, but in a hotel it seems appropriate enough.

5. Curved Shower Curtain Bars.
The tub probably isn't any bigger in a hotel, but they use that nifty curved shower curtain bar and it FEELS so much bigger. Why don't we all have those?

6. Chocolates on my pillow
Whoever thought up turn down service is a blinkin' hero in my book. The only thing the ladies didn't do was give me a story and a kiss!

7. Clean linens.
Sure, the encourage you to re-use the towels and save the environment... but it is so decadent to ask for new towels every day. I know I would feel differently if I stayed in hotels more often, but I don't. So for now I will continue to use my towels once, and then leave them on the floor for someone else to clean up.

8. Room Service.
OK - I didn't actually order room service this time out, but I do love it when I have the chance! I remember when I was in training in Chicago. One night we didn't finish until after 9 pm and all the restaurants were closed and I didn't feel up to eating in the bar. So I ordered a creme brulee from room service and ate it in bed. That is the good life.

9. Bathrobes.
Big, fluffy, wonderful, cozy bathrobes.... mmmmmm

10. Little Shampoos.
The very best thing about nice hotels are the wonderful little shampoos. I always bring some home so that I can have a hotel experience any time I need one. Sheraton has just partnered with Bliss to create SHINE a Mandarin and Mint line especially for them. It is wonderful.

Because I love those little bottles so much, I brought home a set to share, It includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, yellow bath pouf and lotion. I am looking forward to the comment explaining why YOU need a hotel experience soon. The most compelling response will win the prize!

Looks like someone got some photos!

2008-02-29T11:01:00.000-08:00

So I have borrowed these from the youth symphony, since I wasn't able to get any of my own.

If you want to see all of the photos (even the rehershal shots) you can go to the gallery. But I put a few favorites here for everyone!

Paul Featherstone as Fred Flintstone
Carol Pederson as Wilma and Faye Atwood as Betty
Verne Windham conducting as Bugs Bunny with a carrot for a baton (after the ears fell off)Faye Atwood as Inspector Clousseau

Faye Atwood preparing to conduct as Marge Simpson
Megan Styborski as Mumble Happy Feet
Carol Pederson conducting "Under the Sea"

Upcoming Events

2008-02-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

I thought I would go ahead and gather some info on local symphony happenings for your information. My family really enjoys the Coeur d'Alene symphony and it is a great choice for culture on a budget! The youth symphony is nice because there are lots of families and no one cares TOO much if you have to carry out an unruly child.

March 1 and 2, 2008
Romantic Exploration
8 pm/ 3pm Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
For tickets call 624-1200
$19 to $41
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

March 14, 2008
Regional Talent Extravaganza
7:30 pm Schuler Auditorium, North Idaho College
For Tickets call 208-765-3833
$15 adults; $12 seniors; $8 students
http://www.cdasymphony.org/

March 15 and 16, 2008
Celebration of Expression
8 pm/3pm Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
For Tickets call 624-1200
$19 to $41
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

March 25 and 26, 2008
Spring Chamber Soiree
7:30 pm Davenport Hotel
For Tickets call 624-1200
$18 to $42
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

March 29 and 30, 2008
Doc Severinsen at The Fox
8 pm/3 pm Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
For Tickets call 624-1200
$20 to $49
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

April 5 and 6, 2008
Music for America: Serge Koussevitzky, The Advocate
8 pm/ 3pm Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
For Tickets call 624-1200
$19 to $42
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

April 12, 2008
Chamber Concert
7:00 p.m.; Old Church Arts & Cultural Center, 4th & William, Post Falls
For Tickets call 208-765-3833
$10
http://www.cdasymphony.org/

April 12, 2008
Fancy Fiddlin' with Eileen Ivers
8 pm INB Performing Arts Center
For Tickets call 624-1200
$20 to $44
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

April 18, 2008
Symphony on the Edge with Eckart Preu
7:30 Big Easy concert house
For tickets call 624-1200
Tickets are $19
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

April 20, 2008

“Musical Showcase Celebration” with Mark O'Connor
4 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
For Tickets call 624-1200
Adults $14, Seniors $12, Children $10
http://www.spokaneyouthsymphony.org/

April 25, 2008
New Sounds of Old Times
8 pm Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
For Tickets call 624-1200
$19 - $30
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

May 3, 2008
Season Finale
7:30 pm Schuler Auditorium, North Idaho College
For Tickets call 208-765-3833
$15 adults; $12 seniors; $8 students
http://www.cdasymphony.org/

May 3 and 4, 2008
Infinite Love
8 pm/3 pm Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
For Tickets call 624-1200
$19 - $41
http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

May 10, 2008

Tonight - Bernstein's Broadway
8 pm INB Performing Arts Center

For Tickets call 624-1200

$20 - $44

http://www.spokanesymphony.org/

June 1, 2008
"Celebrate the Finest – Our Elite Orchestra’s Graduation”
4 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
For Tickets call 624-1200
Adults $14, Seniors $12, Children $10
http://www.spokaneyouthsymphony.org/

No Flash Photography Please

2008-02-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you combine 40 first violinists, 41 second violinists, 18 violists, 30 cellists, 5 bassists, 7 flautists, 4 oboists, 4 clarinetists, 4 bassoonists, 5 horn players, 4 trumpeters, 3 trombones players, 1 tuba player and 2 percussionists with the Flintstones, Bugs Bunny, Inspector Clouseau, a professor of cartoonnology from the University of Hollywood, Marge Simpson, a conducting fish, his marimba playing lobster sidekick and a dancing penguin?

You get the Four Orchestras of the Spokane Youth Symphony performing "The Compleat History of Cartoon Music".

Now if the Fox Theater would allow flash photography I could SHOW you. But they don't. So I can't. You're just going to have to take my word for it. They were really cute, and pretty darned good, if I may say so myself.

They played:

1. This is It (the Bugs Bunny Overture)

2. Theme from "The Flintstones"

3. The Ride of the Valkyries

4. Sleeping Beauty Waltz

5. The Pink Panther

6. Colors of the Wind

7. Under the Sea

8. Theme from "The Simpsons"
9. The Story of Mumble Happy Feet

It was a fun evening and is the annual free concert that is open to the public.

Of course I can't have a post with NO photos.. so I will include one of the Junior Orchestra (The Orchestra our John is in)for good measure.

And a photo of the inside of the Fox Theater borrowed from their website to encourage you to go and see it yourself someday.

Moving Summary

2008-02-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Friday afternoon -

I transported the dirty laundry to the new house and began the process of washing the clothes so that they could be put away clean. It is really, really wonderful having my own washer and dryer again after so many months without.

Friday Evening -

We loaded up the Expedition full of boxes. I am actually surprised that the darn thing doesn't hold more. You would think it would!

Saturday Morning -

I was showering in the one and only bathroom at the old house for the last time when I heard a knock on the door, accompanied by the plea "Mom can I come in? I gotta go!"

Well as long as we were both up we decided to make a first run. So at 6 am we were in the Expedition and on our way to Liberty Lake. We emptied the Expedition into the garage and then stopped at Albertsons for some croissants, half and half and empty boxes.

Back at the house we re-loaded the Expedition. Said good morning to Steve who slept blissfully through the first trip and then had a nice breakfast of coffee and croissants.

Steve (being infinitely smarter than me) had to work on Saturday but before he left I got him and John to move the bookcases, chairs and other medium size furniture out onto the front porch.

9 am my dad arrived with his Jeep and a trailer. My sister and her husband were also scheduled to arrive, but were not there yet. I asked John to give her a call. She promptly told John that she had changed her mind and wasn't coming at all. John looked horrified and handed the phone to me and said "she isn't coming" I took the phone and as I put it to my ear she said "I am 3 blocks away, but I told John I am not coming." So I played along and proceeded to pretend to be REALLY angry and hung up on her. I just looked at John and said "well I guess we are on our own sweetie". Just as he was realizing how much lifting that was going to mean for him she pulled into the driveway. It was funny. Really, truly funny.

We loaded up the trailer and made a trip to Liberty Lake...

Saturday Afternoon and Evening -

John was then sent to his Grandma's for viola practice and lessons.

On Saturday we moved:

2 trailers full of stuff to the new house
1 trailer full of stuff to the dump
5 loads in the Expedition
2 car loads

Huge Saturday thank yous are due to

My sister Maggie and her husband Wade who carried so much of the really heavy stuff
My John who worked so hard and never complained once
My dad who drove his Jeep, pulling a trailer, because I would have run into something for sure!
My mom who took John to Viola lessons, brought groceries to the new house AND made pizza for everyone for dinner.. yummy.

Saturday night -

I puttered and unpacked until about 11 pm when I finally went to bed.

2:30 am I was awake and quite sore. I knew if I didn't start moving I would be too stiff and sore to manage anything... so I got up, took (more) advil and worked putting things away for a few hours before drifting off to sleep in front of the TV around 5 am.

Sunday Morning-

I got up and made a nice Sunday Breakfast for my boys. Well, it wasn't as nice as it normally would be - because part of my kitchen was still missing. But we did OK.

After breakfast we were back to the old house to pack up the Expedition one more time. Dropped John at my parents.

Sunday Afternoon -

BIG THANKS to Mary Beth Wagstaff for taking John to Orchestra Rehearsal Sunday Afternoon.

I spent all of Sunday afternoon doing laundry, unpacking and putting things away. By the end of the day things were looking pretty normal and put together.

One thing I know for sure. I don't thing I ever will want to move again.

What kind of Egg are you?

2008-02-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up we had chickens. Lots and lots of chickens. This of course meant that we also had lots and lots of eggs. We ate alot of eggs and we sold the extras. My very industrious dad put a sign up on the mailbox. It said "Eggs" The boy up the hill decided that must be my name and called me Eggs for years. I ran into him at the grocery store last week. He said "Hey I know you. You're Eggs!"

And so I got to thinking.... What kind of egg am I?

I try very hard to be sunny side up. I really, really admire people who honestly are. I want to jump out of bed every morning and be automatically happy. To have the sunny disposition that only a sunny side up egg can have.

But I don't think I ever will be sunny side up, no matter how hard I try.

I am glad to know that I am not hard-boiled though. I imagine that once an egg is hard boiled it is difficult to ever be any other way. Hard boiled eggs seem immune from the jostling and abuse this world can shell out, but it is only because they have spent 15 minutes resting in water that was brought to a boil! Imagine how little a hard boiled egg must be able to feel!

No, I am not hard boiled.

It has been suggested that I might be deviled.. but that is just a hard boiled egg that is dressed up and well seasoned. So I must not be that either (okay maybe once in a while). Sure they are well liked at picnics but who wants to be deviled every day?

I think I was soft boiled for a while in my life. I had begun down the road of becoming hard boiled but was smart enough to get out of the water while I was still soft inside.

Approaching 40 I really strive to find peace with a generally over medium self. I am nicely cooked but still a little soft. Strong enough to make a difference and still willing to care.

While I may me over medium most of the time latley I am really scrambled. All of this moving stuff has me in chaos, and I have to go out of town the first week in March. I have so much going on and I cannot stand the disorganization of it all. I hate being a scrambled egg!

So I need to ask - what kind of egg are you?

Spring is on it's way!

2008-02-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

There are lots of ways that people determine that spring is just around the corner. There are of course the rodent followers who check to see if that darned groundhog has seen his shadow. There are the crocus watchers who wait for that first sprig of green to emerge and show a lovely little purple flower of hope. There are bird watchers and butterfly watchers... Snow watchers and sky watchers...

But me? I am a business watcher. After a long winter, during which people seemed to be in hibernation, the folks seem to be waking. People are moving to new homes, they are buying cars, they are calling to ask questions. People are beginning to show signs that spring is near.

I am happy for that today. I am ready for spring to be here.

America the Beautiful

2008-02-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

I am so very proud to be an American. Oftentimes I am unable to put my finger on why I am so patriotic, and then there are times when clarity is present...

My husband's car slid into a swale at a busy intersection. Before he could get on the phone to a tow truck a man with a chain pulled him out and got him on his way.

Our next door neigbor walked over and knocked on the door just to check and see if we were ok.

The other day I got stuck pulling out of my driveway. My husband and son were trying to help push me out but it wasnt enough. Two strangers stopped their cars and got out to help. Before I knew it I was on my way to the office.

The next day we got home and the plow had blocked our driveway... so my husband jumped out to shovel the end of the drive. A stranger pulled over, grabbed a shovel from the back of his truck and helped. Two more people stopped to ask if everything was ok in the few short minutes we were stopped.

A local news station organized a "big dig" to make sure that people who had been snowed in for up to a week could get out of their homes.

On our way home from the office we pulled off to the side of the road to make a decision before proceeding. A couple of cars slowed to see if we were ok and waited for us to wave them on before leaving us there.

I turned to my husband and said "people get downright neighborly in the snow don't they!" His response? "You would never see this behavior in England". I was suprised. Why is that? Why wouldn't people help thier neighbors? He said that most people would feel that the government should step in and help, because that is what they pay taxes for (over 40% of their gross income). He said that most brits would not feel it necessary to help the neighbors. He indicated that it would be intrusive and insulting to most brits if someone came to offer help, because it would be like saying that the person NEEDED help...

I was still trying to get my head around this conversation a few days later when he told me that his mother had had just under an inch of snow and was worried that she would not be able to make it up to the village to do her shopping. Like most elderly English she does not drive and walks or takes a cab to shop one day at a time and does not keep a lot of food in the house. Thinking back to our earlier conversation I asked when social services would be by to shovel her walk and he told me they wouldn't... she would just have to wait for the snow to melt...

Now it did melt, and within 24 hours, which is usual for where she lives... but I think this should give us all pause to think about how dependent we want to become on government to meet our needs.

Personally I belive it is best if government stays out of our way so that we can help our neighbors with joyous hearts whenever it is needed. I hope that as others prepare to cast their primary ballots they consider this truth.

There goes the neighborhood!

2008-01-31T15:03:00.001-08:00

Since purchasing the Agency in Liberty Lake in August of 2006, I have made the grueling daily commute from here.... ...to here.

It currently takes me nearly 20 minutes in good weather (about 50 minutes this morning) to travel to and from the office! But it was well worth it in order to keep John at Evergreen Middle School with Mr. Hocutt his orchestra teacher.
Because if your child has a passion, I believe they should be encouraged.
Now that John is in the second half of his 8th grade year we can safely move to Liberty Lake, avioiding the school choice issue and he can commute instead (ok - so I will have to drive him, but only until June... or July if the snow days keep up). So on March 1st we will move into our new place here in Liberty Lake and I am SOOO happy that it will only take me 2 minutes to get to work if I drive... 10 if I walk.

The new place has lots of great features. In addition to the (not so) lovely green carpet, it has a kitchen and a dining area.....

...and a fireplace...

....and a little back yard....

...and a half bath with laundry (so that I can tell Jessica all about my laundry adventures).

It has a bedroom and a bathroom for a mom and dad......and a bedroom and a bathroom for a boy....

...who thinks fake green marble in his very own bathroom is very, very cool.

And an extra bedroom for all of that music stuff he loves so much. Like keyboards, guitars, violas, sheet music and a computer that has composing software for his symphony and other efforts...
But perhaps most important of all it has a front door that we will use to welcome friends.

please forgive any dreadful spelling - the spell check isnt working right.... I am therefore doomed

Mouse Traps and Friends

2008-01-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

This fun story was sent to me by my good friend Louise. I hope that you will enjoy it!

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. What food might this contain? The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning :
There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr.Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of noconsequence to me." " I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. "Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose." So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital ,
and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

REMEMBER,,,,

EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY; OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.

First Date

2008-01-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

My sweet little boy is growing up fast. He had his first date on Saturday night.

About a month ago we talked about getting tickets to the Coeur d'Alene Symphony. It is always a big treat to go because John's Orchestra teacher plays viola. Not to mention the fact that John LOVES the music.

John told me he'd like to invite a friend and asked if that would be ok. I told him I wouldnt purchase the tickets until I had heard the outcome. Well it was a bit of a suprise to me when he announced that he had asked *gasp* a girl to go! What's more, she said yes.

Now I should add that this isnt any old girl. This is Kaytlyn, the principal cellist in his school orchestra. She is charming, lovley, talented and sweet. In addition to being a very capable cellist she does celtic dance and holds a 4.0 gpa. Needless to say, if my son was going to notice girls, this is the kind of girl I wanted him to notice!

So calls were made between mothers to arrange times and go over the plans. We picked Kaytlyn up shortly before 5 pm and made the treacherous drive to Idaho. I don't know why it always snows on Symphony nights but it sure does!

John did a great job of behaving as a gentleman should. He opened car doors and asked conversational questions. He even remembered to tell her how happy he was that she could come.

We had dinner at the Coeur d'Alene Resort and sat just a few tables away from Mr. Hocutt and his family, such a treat for the kids! Poor John was so focused on his table manners that he hardly got any dinner in! They shared a piece of Oreo fudge cake and John very politely offered the chocolate covered Oreo to his companion. I know that bit of chivalry nearly did him in.

Next we were off to the symphony. There was more door opening and more general politeness. We found our seats and enjoyed 2 hours of wonderful music from movie scores. From Breakfast at Tiffany's to Star Wars we were fully entertained.

The drive home wasn't as bad as the roads had been plowed by then. As we approached Kaytlyn's house I told John that I wanted him to help Kaytlyn up the drive as she was wearing pretty shoes and I didn't want her to fall.

Instead of waiting for John to come around to her side of the car Kaytlyn opened her door and got out and headed up the drive... poor John nearly fell himself trying to catch up to her! When she reached the steps to the porch she stopped and said "Thanks. Good Night" and turned to go up the stairs. Having been dismissed, John returned to the car.

While hope springs eternal for the boy I am less than convinced that her feelings are the same. We'll just have to wait and see how things work out.

The biggest thing is that he managed to speak to a girl, and was polite and nice the whole evening. Not one single boy behavior managed to get through. While I can't say that I am overjoyed that he has discovered the fairer sex I am glad that he was willing to have a double date with his parents and behave like a gentleman.

For you who have boys that aren't quite this age yet keep insisting that your son's treat you like a lady - I promise it will pay off someday!

My New Favorite Used Bookstore

2008-01-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

Looking for a book? Don't want to spend a lot of money on one? Check out the FRIENDS of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library's Used Book Store!!!

Yep you heard right. The FOLLML Used bookstore is up and running in the vestibule between my office and the Children's Library. The shelves are full of great books looking for a good home so come and check it out!

Best part is there is no due date on these books or any fees for not returning them! LOL

Yes for our Community Center/Library

2008-01-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

Last night a group of citizens and interested individuals met at the water and sewer building to discuss the upcoming bond measure for the Community Center/Library.

The good news is that in just over an hour we managed to...

Appoint Co-Chairs Valorie Marshcall and Margaret Barnes
Appoint Treasurer Bill Quirk and Deputy Treasurer Jack Smith
Appoint a 5 person steering committee consisting of Me, Pat Dockrey, Bill Quirk, Valorie Marschall and Margaret Barnes.
Set a date for the first steering committee meeting this weekend
Set a date and time for our next committee meeting (February 1 at 6pm)

We are still trying to find out exactly where that Feb 1 meeting will occur but I am sure we will figure out something soon.

I really hope that our friends and neighbors will come and help us to support this bond issue so that we can have a beautiful Library in Liberty Lake to meet our needs.

In the coming weeks the City Council will be considering the bond issue and will decide in Mid-February whether or not to put the matter to a vote. We expect that they will. Once that happens we will only have until April 22 to prepare for the vote. It is going to take a ton of work in a very short amount of time to make this happen for our community.

The Moment of Truth

2008-01-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

Or should we call it the moment of Divorce???

I stumbled on this show last night and was not only bored, but horrified. Like so many game shows the pace is far to slow and the efforts to convey drama are too contrived. That covers the bored portion, I wont torture you with more detail.

But as I watched, I felt like I was witnessing a train wreck. I cannot, for the life of me, imagine why a person would be willing to strap themselves into a lie detector and answer questions for money.

Of course the lie detector test happens before taping, so even knowing what the questions are in advance is not enough to convince these people that they should run screaming.... oh no, they could have their 15 minutes of fame and make a quick 10K or more!

So the victim sits and answers questions with his wife, his boss and his best friend watching (never mind the TV audience). Sure he could walk away with a few bucks, but I suspect he will spend it all soon enough looking for a new job, a new place to live and new people to hang out with.

So my question is this. Have you lived a perfect enough life to be able to answer probing, personal, invasive and damaging questions? Would you be able to go on The Moment of Truth and win the big money?

As for me I think I will choose to keep a few things to myself. I really don't need the fame anyway.

Pryor's Fish House

2008-01-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

fish n'chips with mushy peas - not what we had at Pryors!

You may (or may not) know that I am a huge fan of buying locally whenever possible. As a small business owner I try to buy from other local small business owners whenever possible. I intend to use this blog as a way to share some of my favorites with you. So here goes....

We tried a new place out on Saturday. Pryor's fish house in Otis Orchards (24706 E. Wellesley). It is a fun little place run by really nice people and the food was great. Steve and I both had fish and chips, Steve also had some wonderful chowder. John bucked the trend as usual and had a burger with onion rings and a hot cider to drink. (Mom it is just like drinking apple pie!)

My husband (the pickiest fish and chips critic I know) lamented that there were no mushy peas served with the fish and I explained for the millionth time that no American would eat them and no business that wanted to be successful would serve them. He proceeded to pout until the chowder arrived which made him very happy... While his mouth was full I explained that chowder is unavailable in the UK so we are pretty even :) When the fish came a few minutes later he said that the breading was PERFECT but that the fries were too crispy. This is NOT a problem for me. I love my fries extra well done. He on the other hand likes them soggy... ewww.

Anyway, I strongly recommend that you try it out if you haven't been there before. I was really surprised at how busy it was at Saturday lunchtime given that it is in the middle of nowhere!

Naughty British Food

2008-01-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a recent post from Penny I thought I'd share some of my favorite naughty british recipies. Sure to get a giggle in any crowd...

Neeps and Tatties with Bangers

Begin frying bangers in a heavy skillet over low heat, turning regularly.

In a seperate pot boil 2 lbs potatoes (tatties) and 1/2 lb rutabagas (neeps) that have been cut into 1/2" cubes. When soft drain and add butter, salt and milk and mash. Serve along side the bangers.

Cock-a-leekie

Boil a chicken in a pot with 3 leeks roughly chopped, salt and pepper. When the chicken is cooked drain the stock through a strainer and return to the pot. remove the chicken from the bone and add to the stock. Finely chop 2 more leeks some carrots and cook until the leeks and carrots are soft. Serve with bread and butter.

Bubble and Squeek

Generously butter a large cast iron skillet. Add Cut cabbage, potatoes and onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat and listen to it bubble and squeek as it cooks. Cook for a long time until you have a nice crust on the bottom. This is great with roast beef!

Spotted Dick with Custard

4oz Self Raising Flour

A pinch of Salt

3oz Shredded Suet

3oz Fresh Breadcrumbs

2oz Caster Sugar

6oz Currants

Grated rind of 1 Lemon

Approx. 5 tbsp Milk

Place all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Make a well in the centre of the mixture then gradually add the milk to form a soft dough.
Knead lightly until smooth.
Turn onto a floured surface and roll out to an oblong about 9 x 11
Bring a large pan of water to the boil.
Make a pleat in a large sheet of greaseproof paper or a clean tea towel, to allow for expansion, wrap the pudding loosely, tying each end with string (like an Xmas cracker).
Steam or boil for 2 hours.
Serve your Spotted Dick hot with custard

Transition's Gate

2008-01-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

"A woman not beaten is like a garden not watered..."

According to Paula Opera president of Compassion & Care, this is a common saying in her native Romania where nearly 50% of all married women report domestic violence to the authorities. One is left to wonder how many more women do not report.

This is a photo of the building where a women's center will be opened soon. Eventually they will provide a residential shelter, counseling and legal assistance to women who are victims of violence in their own homes. You can keep updated and help by visiting Transitions Gate.

Paula has spent time here in Spokane interning with Anna Ogden Hall to learn all about their operation and plans to take that information back to Slobozia, Romania to help with the shelter there.

I was personally moved by the stories of the Romanian women because of my own history with domestic violence. We have a long way to go in this society before we are truly civilized. I am so thankful to live in a country where the police actually have domestic violence laws to enforce. I am so thankful that the courts can and do enforce those same laws.

I was also reminded by Paula's presentation of my own desire to provide help for victims of domestic violence here in Liberty Lake. Per-capita we have a relatively high incidence. Someday I would hope that we could have counseling and services available here too. According to Court records there were 19 cases of domestic violence in 2005 in our little community. That is far to many.

Women Inspiring Prosperity

2008-01-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

It has been over a year now since I met with Rhonda and Kim from about: face, Alex from Remax, Julie from Liberty Lake Mortgage and Janet from the Splash and we conspired to create a group where women business owners and executives could get together and share ideas and support each other. It has been such a wonderful experience getting to know so many women in the community and to learn about their dreams and aspirations. Because of the holidays we haven't met since last October - I am really looking forward to joining them at Stilos tonight to share laughter and joy again.