Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

Well, we have made it one hour out of our 12 hour travel time. Rob likes flying even less than putting things together so it's been fun. We have another hour of our layover here then on to Philly. I tried to sweet talk our way up to First Class, using the "This is our honeymoon" ploy but the flight is completely sold out! I am just hoping we won't be sitting by the same kids that sat by us on the way here. We are both wanting to get some shut-eye so that we will be refreshed by the time we get to PA. Seeing that it's a 4 1/2 hour flight that's highly unlikely but we'll make the best of it! After all, it's our honeymoon!!

Busy, busy day!

Today was the last day to get things done around the house before we head off for our honeymoon on Wednesday. I started doing yard work at 7:45am and got done around 11am. I would've gone longer but my back was killing me from digging holes and loading Rob's truck with dead branches. After a long, hot bath I went down the mountain to run errands around town, getting things for the trip. I was one pooped puppy after that and some house work so I laid down for about half hour. That really helped! Now I am going to scrapbook until Rob gets home.
Tomorrow I am going to spend the day in Sacto and Wednesday I have appointments before we head out. So, if you don't see anything new after this blog wait until next week. I'm sure I'll have a lot to say about our honeymoon on the East Coast!

Last one...

We have something going every weekend in August so we decided to stay close to home this weekend, relaxing and doing house projects. On Friday we intended to look at SUVs for me, but we ended up getting a great deal on a Yukon. In fact, as you can see, we couldn't pass up the deal so I now have a new SUV! It has a lot of things I liked on my Honda- a sunroof, power everything, multi-disc CD player, etc. Plus, it has SOOOO much more- seat warmers, OnStar, a DVD player, etc. It drives real smooth, like a really big Honda! Now we're set for the winter as far as vehicles go.
As I mentioned, we also did house projects. I like color so I planted some new plants in our "rock garden" (The previous owners must've loved rocks because, other than weeds, that's all there is.) Then, today after church, I bought more plants to plant next to the rock wall. I can't wait to have more color, other than what the weeds provide! On top of that we also put together a dog kennel for Roxy. (What a fun experience!!) I hate keeping her pinned up but I have no choice once I go back to work next month. Tomorrow, I will finish the dog kennel and planting the bushes. Then, other than the fence, we'll be done for awhile.
Today we relaxed and watched the second half of NASCAR (I am glad Kyle Busch didn't win!) Then Rob treated me to a movie, the first one we've seen at a theater in months. Now I am going to end this so I can clean up from dinner and work on my parents' wedding scrapbook. Ah, another good weekend.....

"My" Paint

I was in the house and could hear horses outside at dusk. I ran out to the balcony to see that "my" paint had returned. It was light enough to take pictures so now I can share her with you. Rob tried to rope her and joked around about keeping her in the garage until we finished our fence. I was worried he'd scare her enough not to come back though. Hopefully she'll come around on a regular basis because she's by far my favorite!

A Beautiful Life

This morning I decided to drive to Sacramento to surprise my mom, who continues to have setbacks from her surgery (Please pray for her). After spending most of the day relaxing with her and helping with what little I could, I made the drive home (I can't believe I used to not think twice about doing it at least once a week while Rob and I were dating!). When I got home my wonderful husband was putting away the clean dishes and grilling steaks on his new BBQ. After dinner we talked and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. Now, to end the day, I am looking out over the balcony watching the most beautiful Paint I have ever seen graze on our land. The pictures I took didn't do her justice so hopefully she comes back so I can take more. What a great day with the people I love and the love of my life. God is good!

Mustang Mystery

I have now had two Sacramento friends come visit. One of my friends came up today with her dog and hung out. I get so excited to have friends visit and see our house, but I also get excited for them to see the wild mustangs since that is not an everyday occurance in Sacramento. Unfortunately, the mustangs have not been cooperating. There were two last week when Marisa came up, but they were a ways away. Today Kirsti didn't even get to see any until she was leaving the highlands... after spending the day at the house! I guess that's the joy of wild animals- they come and go as THEY please, not on our schedules! At least my friends get to see the nice views from the house and I get to spend time with my friends so that is what matters.

What a weekend!

I love the weekend because I get to spend more time with Rob. But, this weekend was a great combination of relaxing and social engagements. Friday night Rob went down the mountain for awhile so I rented a couple "chick flicks" and watched one. Saturday morning, while Rob was at work, I had a lazy morning and watched the other one.Once he got off work, we picked up his new BBQ and got to use it with our friends, Matt and Jena, last night for dinner. They brought their kids, who enjoyed the house and Rob's NASCAR collection. It's been nice having friends come over for dinner so they can see the house.
Today was yet a new adventure for me. A bullfighter was killed a couple weeks ago doing what he loved and there was a memorial rodeo for him. Rob is mentoring a high school kid that wanted to ride. So, we picked him up and took him to the rodeo. (On the way to get him we saw a hot air balloon descending in front of a beautiful mountainous landscape). We left early enough to make it to "Cowboy Church". If you have not been to "Cowboy Church" I believe everyone should experience it at least once. People sit on bales of hay, the chaplain wears Wranglers and reads from the Cowboy Bible, and in the background you can hear the bulls in the chutes. Although I didn't take away much from the sermon, I really enjoyed experiencing the whole thing.
Now, to end our great weekend, we are listening to the rainstorm outside while watching our favorite show, "Army Wives". This storm has a lot of thunder and lightning that I've enjoyed. After a few times of the lightning striking and me saying,"Wow! That was a good one!" Rob asked if I planned to say that every time it struck. What can I say? I am fascinated with lightning (although Roxy doesn't like the thunder that accompanies it!)
I absolutely love weekends like this!!!

Beautiful

We love many things about our home, but one thing we really enjoy is the view. Last night Rob called me out to the back balcony to look at the full moon rising up behind the mountains. It was too beautiful not to share so enjoy!

Yardwork...

For the past week I have actually been getting bored during the day while Rob is at work. The house is clean, errands are ran and laundry is done. So, I decided to take on a big project and clean up the property. I have only put in a couple hours worth of work so far but I've accomplished a lot. I have been pulling up dead branches and raking pine cones into piles so we can fill up Rob's truck and dump everything by the fire station. Roxy is being a good helper by digging holes where the old stumps were to make sure no critters have been left behind...for her entertainment purposes.
I don't know if I'll be able to clean up all the property by the time school starts but at least I'm getting rid of the stuff close to the house that would help prevent fire danger. The way I see it is that I'm getting a good workout and being productive all at the same time. Well, the dead branches are calling....

OUCH!!

I have been doing exercise type activities that my body is just not used to and today I am paying the price. I tried Hot Yoga a few days ago, where the room is set at about 110 degrees then humidity is thrown into the mix. We did yoga in this room for 1 1/2 hours. It was the most intense workout I've ever done, but I was glad that I was able to do it my first time. Afterwards I could ring my clothes out because they were so drenched in sweat (As gross as that sounds, I didn't know it was possible to sweat that much!).
Then, yesterday I rode my dirtbike in the morning, did a couple hours worth of heavy yard work in the afternoon and went horseback riding. No wonder my hindquarters and back are so sore today. I like variety in my workout, though, so I guess I'll just have to cowgirl up, lay off the yardwork and exercise today and know tomorrow I won't be as sore...hopefully!!

My husband rocks!!!

In my opinion, I have the best husband! Yesterday he called to tell me he was going to take me on a surprise date in Truckee. When he got home from work he informed me that we would be going on a horseback ride through Apline Meadows. He is helping me overcome my fear of horses so we can get horses someday. So, after working a 10 hour day full of hard physical labor he met me at the stables for a two hour ride. He could've easily come home and rested, but he knew this is something we'd both enjoy!
The ride was so beautiful,peaceful and fun! For the first time ever, I was completely at ease on the horse. My horse, Mae, was mellow and good with me. The only problem is that she ate a lot on the ride, which she wasn't supposed to do. But, I was afraid that if I pulled her reins too hard she would buck me. The part that made me really as ease was when she stopped to relieve herself and let out the longest, loudest fart I've ever heard. I couldn't stop laughing, especially since Rob was down wind. After that I knew I'd be okay.
Who knows? After a few more rides like today I may even be a pro...ha!

Summer Storm

I had a friend come up from Sacramento for the day so I wasn't really paying attention to the weather. When she left, I sat down to relax and saw threatening clouds outside. Much to my enjoyment, it began pouring down rain. The thunder and lightning has since been added into the mix. Since I am not from the South, it is hard to fathom being in a house that is 90 degrees while it's pouring down rain outside. But, that's what is happening now and I love it...pending no fires from the lightning! Hopefully it'll cool the house down as well and I can have a good night's sleep.

PART 2.... So, it ended up raining for almost an hour and I'm not talking about a little drizzle. It came with hail, wind, the works! I made a pot of coffee and sat on the couch, enjoying the sound of pouring rain. A HUGE plus is that our house temp dropped to the 70s....WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We may even be able to sleep in our own bed tonight instead of the guest room in the "basement" as Jay calls it.

Romantic Getaway

Rob always treats me well, but this week he has really been spoiling me. He brought me roses one day, left me a beautiful card the next. But, the icing on the cake was when he suggested we go get a room for the night in Truckee. Our house was 90 degrees one night this week when we were going to bed and we wanted to get away from the heat. So, we ended up going to Truckee last night. We got a great room with a well powered air conditioner! The ironic thing is that we sat in the hottub before we went to bed. But, I guess since our thermostat was set at 58 degrees in the room we made up for it. It would've been perfect if Rob hadn't had to leave for work early this morning, but I was just happy that we were able to get away and sleep in a cool room.

The smoke, The Shack and No sleep....

Well, I had another sleepless night last night. I don't know if it's because of the thick layer of smoke that seems to permanently cover the Reno area and California or because of a troubling book I'm reading. Either way, it's getting annoying to go to bed tired and "wake up" exhausted!
I just started a book called The Shack by William Young. It is one of the most well written novels I have ever picked up. However, it is also very disturbing. Since I have an active imagination, reading a book about a little girl getting kidnapped does nothing to help me sleep better at night. I had a nightmare last night that it was me that was kidnapped and then I couldn't go back to sleep. (I am sure Rob is getting frustrated with waking up only to find me upstairs on the couch!!)
I came upstairs (We are still sleeping downstairs because it is SOMEWHAT cooler down there) and I was going to sit on the deck to have some quiet time. Although, I guess it's pretty quiet anywhere at 3:30am. Anyway, the smoke was so thick I didn't want to step foot outside. As bad as it is here, I heard it's SOOOOO much worse in Sacramento. I guess I will find out in a few hours when I go see my mom, who is recovering from surgery. I pray that the fires end soon and the air quality gets back to normal for a lot of reasons!
Please keep the residents that are having to evacute and for the firefighters that are trying to save land and homes in your thoughts and prayers. For once, I can't even imagine how horrible that is!!

INSOMNIA!!!!!

Have you ever had trouble falling asleep, no matter what "sleep tricks" you try? That happened to me last night, but it was partly my fault. I asked Rob to make some sweet tea because it was so hot yesterday. I know my body doesn't handle caffeine well after dinner (yes, I sound like an old lady) but I couldn't help myself. I had 3glasses of the stuff, right up until 8:30!!! Needless to say, I tossed and turned until 1:30, at which time I gave up and got out of bed. It was so hot in our house last night since we don't have a/c that we even went downstairs to "Jay's room" where it was cooler. We each had a fan blowing on us but it didn't help me.
So, at 1:30am I came upstairs and watched "Happy Days", "Judge Mathis" and two hours of news re-runs. I also Googled everything that came to mind. In fact, I found out some interesting stuff on pregnancy should the Lord ever bless us with that. It was enough to turn my stomach, but not enough to make me scared of it.
Anyway, I finally fell asleep around 4am, which is close to the time Rob wakes up for work. He was so sweet, though, and turned off the alarm I had set for him so it wouldn't wake me up. Then he quietly got ready for work, making sure not to wake me up. When I woke up an hour later I was worried he had overslept but he was already gone for the day. I missed saying good-bye to him! Hopefully tonight will be different and I will be able to have a good night's sleep, even with the heat! (I won't drink sweet tea either)

Roxy, the country canine

So, Roxy has gotten used to country living...maybe a little too much! She now likes to kill any insect within her reach in the house. Tonight, when we were walking the property (of course she had her log in her mouth) she ran over to a tree. She started burrowing her head under the tree. That's when I heard an animal noise. Before I could get there, Roxy lifted something in the air and watched it fall to the ground. To my dismay, it was a newborn bunny. It didn't even have its eyes open yet. I got her away from the hole before she could kill any others but it broke my heart. Rob informed me that a coyote or snake or any other type of animal would probably find the baby bunnies but I don't want Roxy to be a bunny killer. So, she may have to be trained to be a country canine in a different way....like chasing lizards or mice! I can't handle her killing the cute country animals!!!

Rob, the bull rider....

Well, Rob got to ride a bull after all. He ended up riding in a Mexican rodeo in Truckee. It was interesting to say the least, mainly because we didn't understand anything that was being said. Rob was impressive, though, and came in 3rd!! The first ride, I was a nervous wreck but by the second ride I felt like a pro so I enjoyed it. I was the proud wife, cheering him on and praying for his safety. Once again, Rob amazed me!

4th of July!

Yesterday was my favorite holiday of the year. Something about spending time with my family and friends, eating my mom's potato salad, watching fireworks and just knowing that I live in a free country really makes me happy beyond words. It is better than Christmas or Halloween or Thanksgiving, in my opinion. Rob and I went to Sacramento for the 4th because Rob was riding a bull in the Folsom rodeo. It was a compromise we had made before we got married. He was really excited and I was REALLY nervous. My biggest fear is something happening to my best friend after waiting 32 years to find him. My friends and family rallied behind him and came to the rodeo. All was going well until his event. I couldn't find him at the bucking chutes and then he suddenly appeared in the stands. Unfortunately, he had been disqualified because of his spurs and a new PRCA regulation. He was really bummed (I was secretly relieved) but he handled it well. I still enjoyed watching the rest of the rodeo events, seeing my husband in his element and watching the firework show. In my opinion, it was once again the perfect holiday!

Mustangs Galore!

Tonight I was taking Roxy for our usual evening walk around the property. When I got to our neighbor's yard I saw 3 mustangs through the trees. Rob came out and grabbed a handful of hay from the neighbor's horse. He held it out and the (mustang)colt came and ate it out of his hand. Roxy got close to one of the mustangs. Close enough, in fact, that Rob told me to call her back because he was afraid she would get kicked. I was impressed that she got as close as she did! I know our house is a ways off the beaten path, but I have really come to love this house. I love looking out any of the windows and seeing mustangs, or beautiful sunrises, or miles and miles of mountains. I may be singing a different tune come snowfall, but right now I LOVE it!