Some Assembly Acquired: Yikes!

...words that strike fear into me. In 31 years of marriage, I have never assembled anything that I can remember! In fact, I seem to remember our wedding vows going something like, "...to love, honor, and handle all correspondence till death do us part (me)--and Randy responded with the same only to do all assembling. Well, here I am having to put my big girl panties on and do stuff around here since Randy has returned to Mongolia. Sigh. OK, there really are lots of other things I miss about him :) Anyway, here are my success stories of yesterday and today! One, my sewing chair and two, a little bistro set for out back. I'm so proud of myself! Next, a set of little table and chairs for the munchkins. Stay tuned :)

Here are my new best friends: 1) the power drill that Randy bought me before we left for Mongolia. This was an ill-conceived period of my life where I attempted to be handy. Not pretty. 2) my grandfather's tackle box that I've used for my tools, screws, nails, etc. However, as of this summer, I have outgrown it; so, Randy bought me 3) my shiny new (red!) craftsmen toolbox. Isn't it great?! He's the best. When I look at it, it feels he's here rooting for me :)

...and hey, what do you think of my former Post Soviet patio now? Looking a bit better I think--I love to have my quiet time out here in the mornings.

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Much Needed New Winter Robe - Vogue 9232

Last spring I chucked my 20-year-old bathrobe, giving me no choice but to replace it come winter. Granted, I never took it to Mongolia, so it only got worn when I was home in the US. But still. For summer I made several light weight robes, but I knew I liked the style of my old RTW one. When I saw reviews for Vogue 9232--on PR (all 3 of them), I knew I'd found my pattern. Interestingly enough, the pattern is actually for a caftan-type dress; but all 3 reviews were done up as a robe. Sham's review in particular had great tips. On a trip to Colorado Fabrics in early summer I spotted a beeeuuutiful pink sweatshirt type fabric. The outside is more like a thick knit and inside is dreamy soft. And it's baby pink! Which is hard to tell in the pics as we in Colorado have had lots of rain and no sunshine. And OK, I'm no photographer. But seriously, this is like stepping into a pink cloud. ...

St. Patty's Day UB Style

I know this is a few days late, but we've been out of power for about 48 hours . Another story, another time. Anyway, holidays as we know them are a real challenge here. We did manage to go over to the Grand Khaan Irish Pub (remember, I do not make this stuff up) for a pint of Guinness (OK, it's watery Guinness out of China, but the sentiment is there as you can see :) and some Chinese stir fry. You see, their power was out, too, so the the grill was down but the wok was up. The place was packed and when the power did flash back on now and then, the Irish Rovers were a playin '. My first response to the 2nd picture was " Agghh ! I look 110 years old!" Randy reminded me that he took this on his cell phone. Hmm ... The 1st picture is of my first homemade corned beef!!! My dear friend, Beverly, shared her recipe (and her corned beef!) with my Bible study group 2 years ago. It turned out stellar! I have a handful of ladies of a Certain Age that inspire me and...

Jesus, Me, and Yoga

Almost a month ago I signed up for a 3-month membership at a local Dahn yoga center--and I have to say it has been life changing! Seeking to conquer my constant heart palpitations and gain lots more flexibility in ever creakier joints and muscles, I am constantly surprised--and delighted--to find it a profoundly spiritual experience. Not in a zen way, no Hindu gods invoked--but lots & lots of Jesus. I have found this stage of life to be an intersection where my spiritual life & emotions collided head on with my body. Things that for years I could sweep under the rug or just push through (ok, and blame others, hold grudges, lash out, etc., etc., yuk & yikes); well, my body would no longer tolerate it. Results: constant heart palpitations, sleep issues, anger/depression, etc. God used the hormonal stew of this life stage to bring me to a Ground Zero of sorts--what a journey it has been! My trip to Cambodia was the beginning of Change; it rebooted my decision-making p...

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