Well, since the decision was made about home ownership and future investments, I've been thinking a lot about what I should do with Grandma's money. I wanted to make sure it wasn't just... spent, that it had a lasting effect. At first I thought about making this land into an energy farm; setting up solar panels and wind turbines to harvest natural electricity and sell it back to the grid. This would be an extremely costly and long-term investment (not one that I would see the benefits of), and it would be dependent of the hope that whoever next inherited the property would value ecology as much as I do. I would hate to see the land divided up and the solar panels and wind turbines dismantled... that would be a bummer!
My Dad always said, "It's better to invest in yourself." So I thought, what would I want? Yes, I would love to save the planet, but I'm not really sure I have the right place for it. What I love, what I have always wanted to do, is travel... Travel all over, travel far away, see new things and see familiar things. People can be so different and so much the same at the same time!
John and I have gotten pretty good at traveling together. We practice often enough, going to Eastern Washington and then New Jersey and then Montreal and then the Eastern Caribbean...We are pretty good at land, sea and air! We have been traveling in wider and wider circles...So now where shall we go? So now we are off to Hong Kong! My friend, Irene, and her husband have lived there for five plus years. I can't wait to see them and their two kids! The more I think about it, the more excited I get!!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
That's my girl!
From Elizabeth Salinas; "I love big words! Psychoanalysis and Rationcinate"
That's my girl! Lol!
That's my girl! Lol!
Wake up call
Woke up to my text-alert sound at 6:30 am. (I am NEVER up that early!)
"I miss you."
Missin-podunk
So I replied, "I'm right here, Babe; what do you need?"
"Nothin'. Just my Mom."
Awww...
"I miss you."
Missin-podunk
So I replied, "I'm right here, Babe; what do you need?"
"Nothin'. Just my Mom."
Awww...
Temporary
I realize I haven't blogged for a while. Let me tell you what's been going on...
John and I have been remodeling. We came to a point where we were trying to decide on a back door. John wanted a traditional slider, while I prefer French doors (about three times more expensive-oops) When John started to raise a stink about the price on the French doors, then I thought, "Well, I've recently inherited some money, and this would be a great way to use it; Grandma would approve!"
Then it occurred to me that I thought of that kind of quickly. In my first marriage there was a lot of joint ownership to unravel. Who owned what, who owed what... I even had to share Elizabeth! It was ugly, and I swore I would never do that again. So when John and I decided to get married, for the sake of our family, we decided on a simple, non-traditional commitment ceremony. It seemed like the perfect solution... all of the commitment, public recognition, blending of experiences, without any of the legal hassle.
It seemed to work well for us... until lately. A little over a year ago, John's mom passed away, and he inherited her house and property. We decided to move in, make some changes and make a home for ourselves. It has been a fabulous year, but suddenly we are finding that our lives are blending to such a point that it is including our finances!
Before I bought a french door and in any other way, invested in the house, I wanted to make sure my investment would last, would be enjoyed and would be used. I wanted to make sure it was "our" house; a place where I belong and where I have some say. Grandma's money is the only thing that I've ever had in my life that is mine, and only mine... I could put it to use in this place and build something that is really important... or so I thought.
John and I discussed legality of the issue, and he flatly refused to make me a part owner in the place. I understand what he is doing, trying to keep that line between yours and mine. Also, land ownership would cancel any of my social security benefits. So practically it made sense. However, it still hurt my feelings.
Many a night he has been home late from whatever and of course I've imagined him lying in a ditch and it makes me wonder what would happen to me if he didn't come home one night. I believe his nephew is next in line to inherit this house, so in all practicality, I would be without a husband AND without a home... all in one fell swoop! So in wanting co-ownership, I was really trying to arrange some security for myself. God-willing, I did not ever want to be in the position where I was grieving for my husband and trying to find someplace else to live! But it wasn't meant to be. Security is a myth...
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure."
Helen Keller
U.S. Blind & deaf educator (1880-1968)
Do any of us really "own" anything? Can any of us really "own" a piece of the earth (What we call "property")?
"The Earth does not belong to us; We belong to the Earth".
Chief Seattle
Long story short, John is remodeling HIS house, I'm not involved. I'm just a glorified squatter... but aren't we all? So I wonder what I WILL do with Grandma's money? hmmmm...
John and I have been remodeling. We came to a point where we were trying to decide on a back door. John wanted a traditional slider, while I prefer French doors (about three times more expensive-oops) When John started to raise a stink about the price on the French doors, then I thought, "Well, I've recently inherited some money, and this would be a great way to use it; Grandma would approve!"
Then it occurred to me that I thought of that kind of quickly. In my first marriage there was a lot of joint ownership to unravel. Who owned what, who owed what... I even had to share Elizabeth! It was ugly, and I swore I would never do that again. So when John and I decided to get married, for the sake of our family, we decided on a simple, non-traditional commitment ceremony. It seemed like the perfect solution... all of the commitment, public recognition, blending of experiences, without any of the legal hassle.
It seemed to work well for us... until lately. A little over a year ago, John's mom passed away, and he inherited her house and property. We decided to move in, make some changes and make a home for ourselves. It has been a fabulous year, but suddenly we are finding that our lives are blending to such a point that it is including our finances!
Before I bought a french door and in any other way, invested in the house, I wanted to make sure my investment would last, would be enjoyed and would be used. I wanted to make sure it was "our" house; a place where I belong and where I have some say. Grandma's money is the only thing that I've ever had in my life that is mine, and only mine... I could put it to use in this place and build something that is really important... or so I thought.
John and I discussed legality of the issue, and he flatly refused to make me a part owner in the place. I understand what he is doing, trying to keep that line between yours and mine. Also, land ownership would cancel any of my social security benefits. So practically it made sense. However, it still hurt my feelings.
Many a night he has been home late from whatever and of course I've imagined him lying in a ditch and it makes me wonder what would happen to me if he didn't come home one night. I believe his nephew is next in line to inherit this house, so in all practicality, I would be without a husband AND without a home... all in one fell swoop! So in wanting co-ownership, I was really trying to arrange some security for myself. God-willing, I did not ever want to be in the position where I was grieving for my husband and trying to find someplace else to live! But it wasn't meant to be. Security is a myth...
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure."
Helen Keller
U.S. Blind & deaf educator (1880-1968)
Do any of us really "own" anything? Can any of us really "own" a piece of the earth (What we call "property")?
"The Earth does not belong to us; We belong to the Earth".
Chief Seattle
Long story short, John is remodeling HIS house, I'm not involved. I'm just a glorified squatter... but aren't we all? So I wonder what I WILL do with Grandma's money? hmmmm...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
In Tears
Last week, my daughter called me from school in Yakima (300 miles away) IN TEARS telling me she is having problems with her social life, and then went on to describe in depth the situation. She never specifically asked for my advice, but on the other hand, never really sought me out as a shoulder to cry on either. She would be the last to claim me as a "friend". So as I am listening to her, I find myself wondering what do you want me to say?. I don't really want to insert my opinion, obviously a delicate subject. I feel like I am walking on egg shells. We talked for about five minutes; I have tried to say something supportive, noncommittal. Then she hung up...
Three days later...I'm STILL wondering what was that about? Did I say the right thing? Did it help? How is she now? Is she alright?...*sigh*... Why do kids do that?
Three days later...I'm STILL wondering what was that about? Did I say the right thing? Did it help? How is she now? Is she alright?...*sigh*... Why do kids do that?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Welcome, 2011!!
ah-h-h, I LOVE NEW YEAR!! Not so much for the New Year's Eve party- I usually don't do much of
anything but go to bed early!- it's the newness of the year I find exciting. We were at the Seven Cedars Casino when 2011 started, with friends and fun. Then I spent the weekend cleansing the house. I smudged every room, packed away all the Christmas decorations... John emptied E's room and rip ped up the carpet in preparation to resume our remodeling... everything is feeling... optimistic... powerful... don't you feel the energy sizzling electrically?! I spent some time making lists and writing descriptions of future plans, hoping to focus some of this tangible current into reality. Maybe I should work on my l ayout for the garden.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Happy Holidays 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
Yep, she’s home! WOO-HOO!! Been to a movie; had Monica over; her room has EXPLODED!! ... She’s DEFINITELY home! Lol My baby went away to school this fall- sniff-, and she’s home for Winter Break.:) Of all the words of wisdom I’ve heard about ENS (Empty Nest Syndrome), the most accurate have been, “Don’t worry, Mom, ‘cuz they’re comin’ back... And they’re bringing more with ‘em!” ~Jeff Foxworthy... Her friends arrive next week!
In the last few months, John and I (and our dog and two cats) have adjusted to
life in our little house on the beach. Over a year ago now, John’s mom passed away, leaving him their family home. 1252 Jamestown Rd, Sequim, WA, 98382. Although it is extremely small, the house never felt cramped. We spent the summer making things cozy and lived-in, and we have everything pretty much where we want it. However once we get a couple of Elizabeth’s 6’5” friends in here for a week, I have a feeling “cozy” will quickly turn into “close”. Well, things are always a challenge, always changing...
JANUARY – Wrestling wraps up for the year... Thank goodness!! With all of the Machismo flying around, the football jocks come off as a bunch of tough guys, but now, I beg to differ. Wrestlers are a unique breed of athlete. They measure every morsel, they condition like crazy, and they are a very egotistic sort. After sweating and starving for 2 months, Elizabeth had enough. I think the extremism of the wrestling mindset is a little unhealthy. It would be much better to, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” - Michael Pollan
We’ve decided to move! Very exciting (I think). Sort of having that creepy,
yes/no/butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling. I hope this is a good thing for our
family. I KNOW it is going to be a lot of work!
FEBRUARY – We went to a Barn Dance (Yee-Haw!)
John turns 48 , goes to his Slot Tournament at the Seven Cedars Casino.
Still slowly cleaning, getting ready for the big move...
MARCH – By the middle of March we’ve got about two-thirds of the move done. I’m glad I’ve allowed plenty of time for this project. Moving can be a little more complicated than I thought it would be. The place that we are moving into is a bit smaller than where we were. It’s not unlike living on a boat; you can only have one of anything, one thing has to be put away before you put something else away... It has challenged us all to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle, but that’s good, right?
APRIL – Elizabeth’s Birthday – Sweet Sixteen!!
Randy Travis concert at Emerald Queen Casino.
April 15th is “Chick Day” at the local Farmers Coop... so the sign said. Two huge steel troughs swarm with tiny, fluffy bodies. The lady asked me what breed I wanted, and I shrugged my ignorance. So I got the five slowest. I brought them home in a shoe box- one sturdy yellow,
three shades of gray and one black. Elizabeth promptly fashioned a fabulous chick-condo from a moving box, with slits for windows and three separate rooms and varying degrees of warmth and light. (It was a beautiful creation!)
MAY – Elizabeth goes to Professional Bull-Riding Championship. Each year at Christmas, instead of giving “stuff”, I try to give “experiences”. For example, John always likes tickets to some athletic event, usually basketball at the U (ahem- no accounting for team loyalty, eh?) Elizabeth has seen the Nutcracker, the Ice Capades, a musical at the 5th Avenue, attended Summer Camp in Oregon, etc. Last year, she got 2 tix to the PBR...in her boots, hat and Carhart, she’s styling!
JUNE - We take advantage of the National Energy Incentive Program. We have all the windows replaced with brand new double-paned storm windows! Oooo...
JULY – Grandma and Dad have the usual joint Birthday Bash. Grandma is 102yrs old!!! (Hushed awe!)
John & I attend the 30th reunion of Sequim High School’s Class of 1980. Great people!
AUGUST – Elizabeth goes to Not-Back-to-School Camp, again.
I turn 39. A bunch of family and friends come to celebrate my birthday at a barbeque on the beach. As the sun set, a huge full moon rises. Perfect!
SEPTEMBER – Was a rough month... Sept 7th Elizabeth starts Job Corps in Yakima. (Okay, it’s only 7hrs away; it’s not THAT far, but still...) Check out her blog: http: //elizabethrose94.blogspot.com.
We come home to say goodbye to Grandma Platt. After a relatively brief term of ailment, Grandma passes away from this world. She is sorely missed.
COYOTE IN THE HEN HOUSE!!!!!!!! Four of my five hens... My babies!
OCTOBER- October is usually the month John and I travel, but this year, as new land owners, we had... Dunh, Dunh, Dunh, Dunh... Property taxes! Maybe next year...
We got to visit Elizabeth at Job Corps in White Swan! We camped out at Grandma Sauve’s old house in Moxee, where we made ourselves a fabulous steak dinner! Elizabeth and I listened to Susanne Collins on tape while carving pumpkins. She let me bring her creation home (They were not allowed to have them in there dorm room), so I had a piece of her to decorate the front porch. :-)
NOVEMBER – I discover why people DON’T remodel in the winter. November 2nd, our friend, Mark, comes over to help us with our laminate floor- 3 to 4 day project, right? By the end of the first day, he decides that we HAVE to remove a wall BEFORE putting in the new floor to eliminate the seams... Sigh! After 5 days of pounding and saw dust, Harry, Ivy, Kitty and I are getting pretty sick of the bedroom (the only room with a door). About a week and a half into it, we have a pretty unprecedented snow storm (i.e. Blizzard!!)
Pipes freeze and the roads are impossible. Mark gets back to work, and it’s now the 3rd week in November. Only a handful of days left, John has invited his whole family to Thanksgiving dinner-phew! Mark knocked off early Wednesday, giving us a few more hours to prepare. As he packed up his saw horse, we were following him out with a broom, hastily replacing furniture over the half-finished floor. By the time the guests arrive, things look deceptively put together and we are ready to party! Thankfully, half of John’s family are Jehovah’s Witness, and several of the others are feuding, so our guests in attendance number comfortably in the teens.
DECEMBER – After the snow storm, we resume the remodeling. Another week into it, though, I look around at the mess and realize that CHRISTMAS is coming soon!!! Elizabeth and three of her friends from Job Corps will be here in a matter of days and I have nowhere for any of them to SLEEP!! AAAHHHHH!!! We decided to put an end to Remodeling Phase One and pick up Phase Two after the holidays. Whew! We have got things back in order, now – the furniture is
replaced, the floors are swept and shiny... We are sooo ready to enjoy the beauty of the holidays!!
And speaking of... I think this year, we’ll mosey over to Victoria for Christmas Eve depending on the weather. The city lights are supposed to be charming this time of year! And, 0f course, we’ll keep an eye open for opportunities to provide random acts of kindness. T’is the season to remember that, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” –Winston Churchill. Here’s wishing everyone make a FULL life in the next year! Take advantage of every opportunity to make others smile… Making others happy is the spice of life!
Happy Holidays and Happy Giving!
Andrea, John, and Elizabethrose
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