Yellowstone in a Day

Yes, the park can be toured in a day...but oh my...what a long and tiring day!
We started at the far north end, near Mammoth Hot Springs.

Lunch was a trip down memory lane....I took the boys over to the General Store where I worked as a soda fountain girl some 27 years ago...

The shop has been remodeled but remains pretty much the same general design.We gulped down lunch and scooted over to watch "Old Reliable" perform at the noon-time show...
Thing One was feeling a bit grumpy as we waited for the "show" and I pointed out that watching Old Faithful is Americana at its best...his sassy-14 year old self replied with a "Yeah, we could just stay home and watch it on You-Tube". * Yeah, at that moment I said a little prayer of apology to my own parents....as I too probably didn't appreciate the efforts that went into all the family adventures we took when I was his ageThe Old Faithful Lodge remains unchanged....

Time to get back on the road...(disclaimer: not on this classic Yellow Bus....but it made for a good photo op)

The advantage of sitting by the window on the fully enclosed air-conditioned coach bus...Thing One had cheered up by this point and said "Can we bring him home and call him Sprinkles?".

Ok, kid, you might be back in my good graces and won't have to walk home...

We reach the half way point of our adventure and check out the Falls.
Taking advantage of the "twin connection"...a family with young twins approached me and asked if I wanted them to take a picture of me and my twins. Who was I to correct them when they managed to capture Thing One smiling AND looking at the camera (a rare occurence).

And here we are, back where we started...Mammoth Lodge...dinner time for the elk. 10+ hours in a tour bus, over 150 miles traveled, countless photos taken...

Another good day on this Western Family Adventure....

Cabin Fever

The day after Going to The Sun Road trip, we all found ourselves with a case of Cabin Fever. As in "let's stay close to the cabin" and just hang out!Thing One found his bliss in the "bunk house" where our family slept. He had his I-touch and my laptop and while not connected online, was able to watch his plethora of videos. Earlier, he had gone for a short side car ride with Hubby and they checked out the local family Adventure center so he had gotten some fresh air.
We sent Grandpa out with Thing Two for some western Adventure. I heard tales of horesback riding and white water rafting. Pictures to follow: my heart is still racing as I hear more about the white water trip. One of those cases of "tis better to ask for forgiveness than request permission". Protective Hover Mom would probably have balked at the water adventures (the snow melt is still causing the river to flow really high and fast).

And, me? Well, after a quick trip into town for some stuff, I grabbed my nook and headed for a quiet corner to read. Yes, the cabin was rustic. No dishwasher....but with a view like this...washing dishes hardly seems like a hardship. Soon, it was time to feed the hungry crew. Who needs cell phone service when you need to locate the gang? Just sound the alarm, and if they are hungry, they'll come find some grub.

Here we are: enjoying the sweet life...
Grandpa (a.k.a my dad) would be celebrating his birthday in the days to come. Forget cake when you can have a giant slice of Huckleberry Pie!
Dinner is done, and while the sun is far from setting (it would't even think about getting dark until well past 1030, and even then, it never got really dark), there was a chill in the air. Let's put Thing Two to work in the wood shed. From the grin on his face, you can easily see he did not consider this to be work at all!

This Thing found it very easy to step away from the distractions of city life...who needs Xbox when you've got a shed full of wood to chop?And the reward for a day of hard work and fresh air? Being allowed to dive right into the pie...eating straight out of the dish (disclaimer: everyone else had their fill of Huckleberry pie)

But alas, all good things much come to an end. Thursday we bid farewell to our friends Bobskoot and Kari and Ron as they headed west towards their homes. It really was a fun experience sharing this vacation with family and new friends. Creating a sense of community that you don't necessarily get when you vacation with just your own people.

Friday, it would be time for Hubby and Grandpa to take off on their next adventure and the boys and I will break camp Saturday morning. While we are getting road weary, there are still a few more stops planned along the way. Stay tuned for more Chang Gang adventures!

Opening Day

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, one of the must-ride rides is the Going to Sun Road. It is the only road that takes you directly across the park. And, it is only open "seasonally". Late snowstorms and record accumulation, had resulted in multiple delays with the opening of this road.

You can imagine our delight when we learned that TODAY, the road would open for the 2011 season.

this poor little baby goat seemed a little confused "Hey, Ma, these things weren't here yesterday...what are they doing in MY way?".

The historic red buses were filled to capacity.

So, yes, while the travel was slowed down with fellow tourists, motorcycles and construction crews, I must say it was pretty cool to be part of the "Opening Day" frenzy!

*Tonight's disclaimer: while I am not sitting outside on the steps of the property owners, I am sitting in a pie shop using their free wi-fi. Free but not very fast. In the interest of time, I went with small size photos. Sorry for the small pictures.

Looks like we made it....

Three days road travel, over 1200 miles completed thus far...and yesterday...we reached our destination...

Some of Hubby's motorcycle buddies are joining us.

Until yesterday, we only knew of them through their online blogs.

Now? I feel like we have friends who live in Oregon and Vancouver, BC!

Meet Mickey...

Mickey was the Russian immigrant who immigrated to the Valley in the late 1890s and set up a homestead (MT word for Ranch). His descendents continue to live here and a couple decades ago left the ranching life and now use their assorted cabins as vacation rentals.

We were told it was to be a rustic experience.

the only guarantee was indoor plumbing...

supplemented by some outdoor options

but as you can see from the smiles, rustic works for us!

*Disclaimer: internet options are limited. I am submitting this while sitting outside on the porch of the owner's...with their permission using their wi-fi. I've never blogged in the bright sunshine with a weak signal so I don't feel like spending a lot of time fiddling with the format. I want to get back to enjoy the quiet life!

Cooling our heels

We've almost reached our destination. However, since Hubby scored an extra day off, we found ourselves 'stretching' the travel a bit. Today, we found ourselves, just slowly working our way to our cabins.As a treat for not killing each other in the first 1000 miles on the road, we've treated the Things to a night at a hotel with an indoor "water park". Ok, so it is just two slides but hey, it was more than the other hotels offered.
Uh oh, one last attempt to drown each other...
There you go...smile nice for Mama.

Or as Thing Two likes to tell others "Just smile, she won't give up until we pose for her pictures"

Tomorrow we'll travel a little further north and check into our cabin for the week. The boys are in for a "treat"...Grandpa picked out the place...indoor plumbing is a guarantee, all other luxuries the Things have become accustomed to? who knows...

Bits and pieces: Day 2

While crossing Beartooth Pass, we met up with these native Americans that would serve as our guide...
Leading us over what has been described as America's Most Scenic Highway.

I'd have to agree....

Scenic drive: check

Light traffic: yeah baby!

and snow ball fights in July: cherry on top!

Hope you found joy in the journey today!

Observations from the road..

If you give me a German engineered auto, designed for the "without speed limit" autobahns of Deutschland, I will find that driving is pleasurable. Hubby would argue that I wasn't so much as driving as I was 'speeding' but since no law enforcement officials gave me a "performance award" I think I wasn't going that fast (for the record, Schnitzel just floats at 80+mph!). As you can see, he was out in the elements on Vikki and the side car (yes, the boys each took a short stint as the "monkey", the official term for when someone rides in the side car)

If the street performers do a "pre-show" shtick where they try really hard to sell their posters (instead of waiting until after the show), that is your cue to skip the show and go find dinner. The Cody Gunslingers are an event worth skipping. It could have been the wind, the approaching rain shower or the fact that we had just cruised through some 500+ miles of "exciting" Wyoming terrain that skewed our perception. Just the same, skip it and save yourself from the family teasing because you were the one that suggested this activity.

If you are cruising with your Things, one Thing will imagine the rocks ahead look like bagels with poppy seeds. The teenaged Thing? Imagined they all looked like boobies. Not sure if he really thought that or if he just enjoys watching his 11 year old brother giggle at just the word boobie.

So there you have it, Western Road Trip Day 1.
Stay tuned for more humorous observations from the road.

What game?

Thing One asked me earlier this week "So, mom, do you think Grandpa will ever get back in the game?".

Um, uh, excuse me...what game might you be referring to?

Thing One, in that tone known to any parent living with a teenager, "Mom, you know what game..the game of L.O.V.E."

Um, uh, not sure...you'll have to ask him that yourself when you see him next week.

so, that's what's going on here. Summer vacation continues on: days spent hanging out, going to Water World, pondering life's great mysteries of love (at least for Thing One) and now we're about to embark on the great-American tradition of the Family Road Trip.

Wish us luck...we'll catch you on the flip side (or maybe in between with some picture updates...we shall see).

Why yes...

Miles...

My sis and I...

Southern Living...1976

Patrick and his great grandma Irene

Desert Dolls...Tuscon AZ...?1970s

Why yes....I have been playing with my scanner.

How did you guess?

I'm entering the 4th week of summer vacation and all is well.
The boys and I have made it to the pool, the water park, the movies and yes....even the library.

They've slept in, I've stayed up late.

I've renewed my CPR certification (feel free to collapse in my presence, I now will know to start compressions before breathing).

I've been to the doctor for my annual (ok, so it was more like biennial) check up.

I've published a blog book (Thanks Ganelle for the idea, I went with blog2print, required next to no editing on my part)

I've bonded with "Stewart"...he and I have made a donut run, a post office run, a couple runs through the neighborhood and some practice time at the school parking lot

Yep....the best part of being a school nurse?

Summer Vacation!

Hail and Farewell...

First the farewell....Thursday I walked my child home from the neighborhood elementary school for the last time. After summer vacation, he's headed off to the middle school. The end of an era for sure...as we have had one child, sometimes two at this school since July 2000. Bittersweet? Nah, mostly just sweet....many memorable moments and wonderful friendships formed...both for the boys and myself. Off he goes...no looking back...not only is he very ready for middle school...he's going through that stage where mom is embarrassing enough, mom with a camera? Oh the horrors of it all...
Who is happier...the boys...or Mr. D....who survived teaching each Thing at one point or another? It is indeed a memorable moment to finish up elementary school. One worth a little bit of celebrating. So, celebrating we did.....I rounded up several wonderful friends (many that we've known since this kid started kindergarten) and we had a little party in the park...
Watch out middle school....here they come!

And the beaming mommas. If there is one thing I am reflecting on a lot these days....take each day as it comes, celebrate the "lesser" milestone moments in the company of good friends.

And now for the Hail....I've added to the collection in the garage. A few weeks ago, to make my hubby happy, I took the motorcycle safety "basic riders" course. No, I don't want to ride a motorcycle (beyond my comfort level). But, maybe a scooter wouldn't be so bad. I finished the class thinking "maybe". Today, I made up my mind...within minutes of sitting on a scooter that felt right and looked pretty much perfect in terms of what I'd like.

So join me in a hearty welcome to the newest edition to the motorized members of our family....she remains unnamed...but she is a 2009 Genuine "Buddy" brand scooter.

Strike Up the Band!

Thursday afternoon I stopped by Judy's place under the pretense to see how she was doing post-chemo. We visited for a bit and then lo and behold...we hear music...band music!

It really is just like living in a small town....my friend Judy is the band mom for the school where I work. When I shared her news with the people at work, they immediately started to plot this surprise. The timing was perfect and the sounds of their music...made us all forget the worries of the day if just for a moment or two.

Thank you Mr. M. and the marching Raptors!

Heart 2 heart...

Judy, Eric and Allie Spring 2008

Earlier this week, as I walked Thing One out to the front of my school and send him up the hill to his school, he asked to borrow my stethoscope. You know nurses, we always wear the thing around out neck like an accessory.

He puts it to his heart (there is hope for him yet, he knew exactly where to place it), listened for a moment or two and quickly handed it back to me...with a classic Thing One remark

Here you go Mom, I've heard enough...

Yep son, I too have heard enough this week.

Unfortunately, it isn't quite time for me to hand over or hang up the stethoscope. There are a couple weeks left in the school year and then summer vacation starts up.

A summer that will be unlike any other summer before....as I hold the hand of one of the best friends a girl could ever be blessed with as Judy takes on the biggest medical challenge that gets tossed our way.

Halloween Madness October 1999, Things and the Lish Girls

It really is not my story to tell...but from time to time I may use this blog to share some of my thoughts on the matter. A way for me to process what is going on with my friend. and yes, I'm sure I'll find a light hearted fun way to express it....for that's what makes this blog such a happy Ride....focusing on the happiness that I experience in my life.

It is what Judy will want...always happy...always positive..

It's time I get on that Ride too!

Growing up

Secret confession time (ok, not so secret for those who know me): I have a potty mouth.
You need to know that for this update to be even slightly amusing.

Chatting with my older Thing, trying to distract myself with humor I called him "my little sh*t".

To which he cheerfully replied "Mom, I'm growing up now, I"m more like a medium sh*t".

Thanks son...I needed that little giggle this morning...as I struggle to process some grown-up issues that I'm just not ready to tackle.

What do you say when...

A young 15 year old comes to your office and shares with you she has done something really bad, and disappointed her parents.

I've been in this job long enough to realize I now need to approach with caution. Who knows what will come out next. Slowly I manage to coax out of her what she had done to disappoint them.

She had told her parents NO!

No, she did not want her marriage arranged.
No, she did not want to be engaged.

and yet, her father insists it is to be so.

I can spout off the district statistics of the various cultures represented in our school.
But today? It struck home....and I realized I was completely unprepared for how to help this young lady.

So instead, I phoned a friend....and with this young lady's permission, I found a Muslim teacher in our building who can help her bridge that gap between parent and child

Some days? It really does take a village!

Pride....through the eyes of an 11 year old....

On the way to the store this weekend, Thing Two proudly announced that "Mom, not only was it a three flusher but I ended up having to use the plunger too!". Seriously? Yep....that was his major accomplishment? And he was beaming with pride Oh my....where have I gone wrong with this child?

Thing One...strikes again...

where does this boy come up with his word choice?

while fixing dinner this evening, he looked at the preparation and said "EEww...what's that?"

When I said "it's your favorite, Salisbury Steak"..he quickly replied with a
"Cooking: taking yuck and turning it into YUM"

Perhaps it is time for a refresher course?

Thing One comes to work with me each morning, and hangs out in my office for about 40 minutes until his school starts...which is right next door. Usually, it is not a problem...he sits and watches cartoons on the computer and eats his breakfast.

Yesterday, I had an emergency to deal with while he was still around.
Scalp wound + Nose Bleed + Orbital Fracture=Blood, lots and lots of blood. (Springtime apparently brings out the wild in some of our hot-blooded girls!)

As I am cleaning her up, some of my co-workers help get Thing One out of the clinic and away from the mess.

When I asked him this morning if he had seen anything and what his thoughts were, he casually remarked "Oh, I just thought she was having her period".

Okey-dokey, time to re-read that chapter in those books....

Overheard

Thing Two: "Mom, can you take me to Sprouts? I've been feeling tired and think more vegetables would help."

Thing One: "NOOO...you can't go vegetarian...we've had so many meaty memories together!"

While we were out...

Saturday...we needed to run a few errands:

• First stop: The music store to exchange Thing Two's viola for the next size up. Apparently it isn't just his hair that has grown this winter.


• Next up, should have been picking up detergent (hard to tackle Mt. St. Laundry without it), but while we were out...we decided to swing by the car lot and picked out this little beauty..

Joining the Chang Gang is Schnitzel. She's a 6yr old BMW x5, with not just a V8 (315hp @5400 RPM), but 4 bun warmers. yes, we're more excited about those leather seat warmers than the technical details.

Telling it like it is...

For starters:

• Driving home from the store, both boys in the car. I started to ask them if when we got home would they....and before I even had a chance to finish my request, younger Thing quickly chimes in with a "Sure Mom, whatever you need. Oh wait, I suppose I should have waited to find out what you were going to ask". I burst out laughing...and said, "Boy, dial it down, you are kissing up".. "I know Mom, I find it makes me liked by more people when I do that". Mr. Tell it Like it is strikes again!

Meanwhile, back at the school...

• it's been a busy start to the week. Monday, I broke a "record"...one that need not be broken. Left work wondering if it was National Bring Your Weed to School day? as I tested 7 kids that afternoon. Pleased to report only one was high, but a couple were still sent home because they had the "right stuff" (though bringing it to school, makes it the wrong stuff). This came after a lunch time encounter with the paramedics. Seems a kid decided to pass out and have his initial seizure on my watch. Good news is, he's ok. Bad news? yet again, I was too worried about the student's health to even notice if the fireman hotties were hot.
• Yesterday, I found myself dealing with frostbite and diaper rash. I am happy to report, it wasn't the same kid with both concerns. Just that reminder that we see a little bit of everything.

Changing my image...

• For some reason, I've earned the reputation of being a bit serious and straight laced at work. For those that have met me (or in the case of some, who have known me my entire life), you know that is far from the case. I had the opportunity yesterday to hopefully show folks I am not ALL work and no play...'
• My principal had heard about the busy day I'd had on Monday and came by to thank me for a job well done. I smiled and said "So, I suppose now is not a good time to tell you my husband had a job interview today?". The look of worry on his face was priceless! Couldn't leave him hanging for too long when I giggled and added "Oh, but it is for a job here in town!".

So this 'bout wraps up the latest here at our place...a little laughter both home and at work. I'm still taking daily pictures, just not daily blogging (that? is simply too much to tackle!)