Thursday, June 28, 2012

OLIVIA IN SOCAL DAY #1

Olivia flew into Long Beach this morning at 8:15am and her big adventure in southern California with her uncle, auntie and cousins began.

First we dropped off all her luggage at the house and then we took Scott to work. We drove down PCH to Sprinkles and enjoyed a cupcake together (with the coolest disposable plates ever). After our infused sugar fix we enjoyed spending time at the Sherman Gardens and Library in Corona Del Mar. We wandered along the beautiful paths and breathed in the wonderful aromas of flora and fauna. The orchids and koi pond were favorites of mine and Olivia loved it all.

Following the greenery, we headed down the 405 to take a look see at the business building where Shae works for her summer internship. We didn't go in, we just drove by and waved.

Next we went home grabbed Addison and Scott and treated Livie to her first Thai lunch. She liked it. Now, back to the house to wait for Shae to get home so we can move on to the next activity.

Olivia, Shae and I headed for LA, downtown LA. Right next to the Staple Center. Up the 110 from USC. Yea. That LA.

Addison's apartment was a must see and her friend Liz showed us around the city. We were all excited to be hit on by a homeless guy (he loved the red head . . . yep, I still got it). Don't worry. It's all a part of the LA experience. Liz took us to the textile district to shop and Livie and Shae saw an abundance of fabric. Too many to choose from really although Livie grabbed some treasures.

Addison and I discovered a simply perfect bakery in LA while visiting FIDM a few weeks back. Bottega Louie. I had to introduce it to the girls. So we followed Liz up 7th and popped into paradise. We selected our pastry and savored every bite while people watching. Another awesome thing to do in LA. We brought a treat home for the family as well. This place is truly something you do not want to miss should you ever be in LA.

We braved the freeway once more and now we are all home and tired. Very tired. And very happy.

All will sleep well at the Roderick house tonight. And we will all start all over tomorrow.

Monday, June 25, 2012

LINENS

Target had a sale on pillows and being a Roderick who usually doesn't pass up a great sale, I purchased a dozen. Out with the old and in with the new.

I arrived at home and got to work on the great "change out". I grab a sham and pulled the old pillow out and my hand was met with cobwebs and bugs. I shrieked and couldn't believe I had become such a failure at my house keeping skills. Then I realized that it wasn't cobwebs and bugs at all. Just some fraying strands of fiber that escaped with the removal of the pillow. Whew.

It could have been worse than the shriek. Four kids have caused an unpredictable bladder. However, you can be certain in the knowledge that no tinkling occurred during this startling event.


Friday, June 22, 2012

GUESS WHO?

Scott, Kelsey, Tim and I are walking through Pike's in downtown Seattle on a balmy Saturday afternoon. Aromas are thick in the air, a combination of seafood, sugar and floral notes. I am not walking at my normal quick pace but rather a slow meditative saunter so that I may enjoy the assault on my senses.

We make our way towards Pioneer Square and leisurely pass The Four Seasons Hotel. A gentleman in a white tux hurries by us, undoubtedly late for an event. Scott stares at him and leans in towards me and says "I know that guy. He is famous. I've seen him on TV. He looks a little older but still . . . who is he?" I too, thought he looked familiar but was unable to place him. Kelsey and Tim had no clue or even a guess at who the guy was so we kept walking past the many sights Seattle has to offer.

Marvin Hamlisch. That's who it was and Scott was the one who finally remembered, several hours later.

I love seeing famous people.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

HOPE'S HOT SUMMER 2012: #1















Let the summer begin. First stop, Lake Havasu with the Hayes' family and friends.

CLOTHES

Scott and I snuck down to Carlsbad today intending to go through his Dad's closet and do some odds and ends for his mom. Addison and Nana are in New Jersey so the timing was perfect. Nana has been putting off that difficult task and was thrilled that Scott and I were happy to do it for her. It's hard to believe that Scott's dad has been gone for six months.

After sorting through a massive amount of men's clothes (his dad had more clothes than the girls), Scott had a pile that he wanted to give a go. The rest are going to find a new home at a Disabled Veterans facility.

We also brought down his mom's clothes that were upstairs in the spare bedroom closet and put them in what is now her exclusive walk-in. Cleaning, dusting and general maintenance was complete and the time arrived for Scott to start trying on his pile of garments.

He picked up a pair of grey dress pants and put them on one leg and thought they were a little snug but he kept sliding into them. He thought his dad must have bought them after losing so much weight due to the radiation because they seemed really tight. After sucking in he tried to zip them. Wait. Something was wrong. The fly was odd. Really.

Yep. He was trying to squeeze into his mom's slacks.

Oh Scott Roderick. You make me chuckle.

Monday, June 18, 2012

THAT NUTTY DOG

Our Diesel is not the smartest tool in the shed, however, he does have his moments. That being said I will share a story of intrigue and suspense.

Every so often I give the dogs a bully to chew on until their hearts are content (a bully is usually a cow tendon. I know it sounds awful but they love them). Dakota grabs hers and heads for a rug where she will gnaw and chew for hours. Diesel, on the other hand, loves to savory the moment and enjoy his in a more timely manner.

I continued doing my morning chores when I noticed Diesel in the fireplace . . . that's right, in the fireplace. We have a burning glass fixture and his body was immersed in it burying his bully. He messed the whole thing up and I was more than a little put out.

I went over, pulled him out and started my own excavation searching for the bully. Diesel is eyeing me nervously while still sensing where Dakota is located (she has been known to snake a bully or two from him). I didn't discover said bully and tried to replace all the cut glass pieces while D. is still observing my every move. He has now taken it upon himself to "guard" the fireplace. Dakota goes near it and his growl is on full throttle. It is a stand off.

I grow tired of the game and continue my chores paying no attention to the dogs. As I emerge from the garage I notice Diesel laying on the rug . . . chewing on his bully. I glance at the fireplace and it is once again a mess.

That dog is going to send my to crazy town. I can only imagine what else lurks in the depths of our glass fireplace.

He's definitely a Roderick.

A LOVELY LUNCH

Last week I was invited to my friend Phyllis' home for a delightful brunch celebrating one year in Women's Ministries at our church. As we all arrived, ready to enjoy the culinary delights she had prepared, I inquired about the timing of the dreaded street cleaner. She assured us that her husband had heard the monstrous truck go by earlier that morning so we continued to frolic in each other's company and the tasty tidbits provided.

Unexpectedly there was an urgent knock at the door and I proceeded to answer. I was met with a gentleman whose wild eyes spoke volumes. "The street cleaner is coming" I heard as I bolted out with many followers. We dashed to our cars to no avail. The peace officer was scribbling our license numbers down as we pulled away thinking we had escaped the unnerving parking ticket. Whew. That was a close one.

The next day in the mail I received a parking ticket which said "Driver ignored me and sped away". My wallet is $43.00 lighter.

I have to say a more expensive lunch was never had by me. Ah well, I am Roderick.

THE GREAT WHITE HUNTER

My nephew has become a neighborhood hero, a super hero even. You gotta love the only grandson my dad and mom were blessed with 16 years ago.

RJ and his buddy were walking down the sidewalk when suddenly they hear what appears to be the sound of a faucet that was inadvertently left running. They glance towards the neighbors front sidewalk and see an enormous rattle snake shaking that insipid tail. RJ runs for his house to grab his .22 while his friend keeps an eye on the serpent.

RJ returns and pops the thing with three big bullets and saves many from certain danger and a possible serious encounter from that slithering creature.

Not long after this perilous incident, RJ spies a flock of magpies tormenting a tiny squirrel. Once again, certain death for the rodent is approaching and RJ flees for his trusted weapon. This time he takes out 3 birds mid-flight. Neighbors cheer because everyone knows that magpies are the most annoying, noisy birds God created.

I know I will sleep easier knowing that my nephew is always there to save the day. And he is not even a real Roderick.