36 and Counting

Today Al and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. We worked all day then headed up to BridgePort Village for a little shopping and dinner. Al and I have never been ones to go crazy on anniversary celebrations so this quiet evening together felt just right. And we decided that after 36 years of marriage and 41 years of being a couple, we still wouldn't want to be married to anyone else. The secret? Really liking/loving one another and being best friends. I hope we have 36 more years together!

The Rose City Classic

The Herding group

The Animal Planet commentators.

Shelties getting all dolled-up for the show ring.

Something Al and I have always wanted to do is go to the Westminster Dog Show in New York City. Yesterday, we did the next best thing. Maryanne, AJ, Al and I attended the Rose City Classic Dog show, a Westminster qualifying show. The Classic showcases AKC bred dogs in Agility, Obedience and the regular classes that you see on TV. An added bonus was that the Animal Planet Network was there filming the Best of Group classes and the Best of Show. It was really fun to be a part of the festivities. Beyond that, we learned alot. Unlike the very organized horse shows that we used to particpate in, dog shows seemed to be very chaotic. Dogs and people are everywhere, they groom right next to the show rings, and some handlers get very upset if you touch their freshly primped puppies. Big surprise for Al who got a really dirty look and a wagging finger in his face when he reached out to pet a sweet little Sheltie. Oops! We should have brushed up on our dog show etiquette. We didn't get to stay for the entire show but we did get to see Maryanne's favorite group, the Terriers, and my favorite, the Herding Group...love those Collies! And the Toy group was hilarious. These little show dogs have plenty of attitude and really know how to strut their stuff. After the dog show we headed to Lake O for dinner at Manzana's and then home. What a fun day!

Lucky Me

From Silvia & Maria

From Al
Over-exposed photo but gorgeous in real life

While I was sitting at work this morning, a beautiful bouquet of orange tulips and roses was delivered to the office. Much to my surprise they were for me! My wonderful husband had sent them to me with a mushy note...just because. Then, when I got home this afternoon, the 2 precious ladies that clean my house on Fridays had left a giant bouquet of dark pink roses and gerbera daisies. Wow. What could be better than gorgeous flowers in the middle of winter. I feel very blessed!

Long Time No See

Yesterday I got to spend some time with my cousin Deanne, her niece Carey and Carey's daughter Ada. Carey and her family live in Bend and we just don't see each other very often. She came to Salem to pick up Deanne, who lives at the coast, and take her back to Bend for a visit. We were able to meet for a quick lunch at Baja Fresh and do some catching up. Then they headed over the mountain in time to beat the freeze. It's always so much fun to be with family!

Happy New Year Catch Up Post

I admit it. I've been lazy. Since Christmas I haven't sat down and posted anything, even though I've done lots of fun things. So here goes.

Monday night after Christmas, on the spur of the moment, I called our long time, special friends Debbie & Ben Espinoza and invited them over for dinner. Jana & JJ and AJ & Maryanne joined us for an evening of laughs combined with deep discussions on various mental illnesses. We are a very odd group! Anyway it was wonderful to re-connect with these neighbors of our youth and friends of our heart. But do you see a picture marking the occasion? Ugh!

Then then next morning, Al and I headed to Eugene for our "make-up" Christmas with dear friends Nancy & Curt. As usual, we had a great time catching up, eating great food, opening presents and watching the University of Oregon win their BCS Bowl game. Yahoo Ducks! We don't see Nancy & Curt as often as we should but no matter how long between visits, it always feels like old times. It was a really really fun day. Again. No Pictures! Sheesh.

But last night I finally got off my rear end and got out the camera. Because of the snow in December, I had to cancel my dinner party for my Hearts @ Home girls. So, last night was my "make-up" Christmas dinner party with these 9 lovely young women. They are beautiful wives and moms that love God and each other and we always have a blast when we get togther. We exchanged ornaments and gifts and ate salmon stuffed with crab and talked talked talked. Have you ever been in a room with 10 women who haven't seen each other in a month? The noise level rivaled our Thursday night dinners...no easy feat. It was a fabulous evening.
So now I'm caught up on the blog. I'll try to keep you ted more frequently.