Thursday, May 28, 2009

A Work In Progress

These are the raised garden boxes my boys are building
for my desert garden:The ground is sooo hard, we had to rent a post-hole digger to
dig the holes for the box posts:
That's a serious drill bit!

When they were growing up, Seth and Spencer spent A LOT
of time together building all kinds of flying contraptions and
hover-craft and a giant trebuchet.
Their most famous joint venture was a fire in the backyard.
Seth was three and Spencer was five.
They built it right next to our wooden fence and wooden shed.

It's nice to know they grew up to be useful, productive and hard-working.




Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Odyssey

One of the joys of moving to a new state and starting over is the opportunity to get new licenses-- for driving and for the cars. This meant spending some quality time at a favorite place of mine: The DMV.
Here I learned all about the beauty of the bureaucracy of my new state.
I started out optimistically that morning--Andy had already done his time at the DMV and had the paperwork partially done on my car. I just had to take it to get "Smogged" as they say around here and bring in the proof that it passed the very strict California Emissions Test.
So I showed up at the local DMV, (which happens to share the same strip mall as our local Wal Mart) with the "Smog Report" in hand and stood in line.
I was handed some paperwork to fill out and told to come back when I was finished.
"Don't get in line again, just come over here and I'll give you a number to wait for the next step."
There were going to be steps? This did not bode well.
It seemed my desire to obtain a Driver's License AND Car License was a little too complicated for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
"What!? This woman wants to save time? Where does she think she is? McDonalds? Hahahahaha!"
So I sat and waited. It gave me time to study the manual for the Driver's test so it wasn't TOO BAD. But I actually had the crazy notion that I would finish and get back home in time to pick up the three youngsters and make it to the Bishop's Storehouse in time for us to fulfill our commitment to volunteer that afternoon/evening.
Silly me.
I finally got called up and was told to take some more paperwork and go fetch my car, park it in a certain space reserved for inspection, put the hood up and wait there for a professional VIN # writer-downer to come out and write my VIN number on the paperwork.
I dutifully followed directions. I sat in my car with the hood up and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Did I mention it was 90 degrees out?
Although my car had passed it's emissions test, I didn't think they would want me running the engine for air conditioning right in front of the DMV.
So, I waited and sweated.
And waited some more.
After about 45 minutes, someone pulled up next to me and opened the hood of his car.
He sat in his car about 5 minutes.
Then, here comes the DMV worker.
He did have the intelligence to do the paperwork of the sweaty, angry-looking middle-aged woman first. But, then he immediately turned to the guy next to me and did his.
Next, I had to park my car away from the special reserved spots--but there was not a parking spot in sight. I circled the parking lot and then ended up out in the north forty in the Wal Mart parking lot.
I trekked back to the DMV and got back in line for STEP 3.
By now the line was a mile long (thus the full parking lot). I waited patiently and enjoyed a little 'people watching'--a favorite pastime of mine.
I counted three people with black eyes.
One with stitches in his lip.
What does this say about my new community?
I finally worked my way back up to the giver of numbers. She asked me what I was there for. I explained that I hoped to accomplish TWO tasks: A driver's license for me, AND a license for my car. This was baffling for her. She finally picked a number and wrote something cryptic on it. I think it said: "Trouble-maker"
I settled in for another long wait.
When I finally got called up again, I was lucky enough to get the one worker in the whole place who was new on the job. She had no idea what she was doing. She kept waiting for the guy next to her to pause in his efficient helpfulness to ask him what to do next.
We got through the confusion over my Washington License:
"Where is the number? Oh, your name is part of the number? Weird."
Then through the confusion over my passport.
"Where is the number?..."
And the confusion over why the heck I was there.
"You want a license?
For you?
And for your car?"
Then, she decided I could have the plates for my car, which she had locked right there in her desk. But first, I had to go remove the Washington plates from my car and bring them to her.
"You MUST SURRENDER your old plates before I can give you the new ones."
Well, I happened to know that Andy had removed his old plates at home, and they were sitting in the garage. I had the audacity to mention this to the DMV worker.
"OH NO! You MUST SURRENDER your Washington plates!"
I was starting to feel like a criminal. Those contraband plates from out of state were apparently verboten.
I immediately tried to placate her with humility and apology.
"Of course I will remove the plates and bring them back to you. But... do I have to get in line again? Please don't make me get in line again."
"You can get a screwdriver from the front desk over there--"
THEN, suddenly, her heart grew THREE SIZES and she said:
"You don't have to wait in line. Here are your California plates."
She started to hand them to me, then pulled them back.
"BUT YOU HAVE TO PROMISE that you will surrender your Washington plates!"
"Oh, I will! I promise! Anything you say, just don't make me wait in line again!"
Then, I was entrusted with the glorious plates of California.
And I walked over to the testing counter and stood in line again.
I had plenty of time to study for the California driver's test. I had been in the DMV for 3 1/2 hours. But they have a few quirky laws that I hoped would not be on the test.
Of course they were.
Yet, it came to pass that I passed!
The corrector of tests even gave me a little bit of encouragement:
"You did well."
I had considered the fact that the picture on my license would be there for the next five years. I took some extra time with the grooming that morning with that in mind. But, alas, I had now sweated, and waited myself into a mess. But I didn't care, I just wanted to get it over with.
At least my eyes are open.
I was given a Temporary California License
But I still had one more quest in my Odyssey of Licensing.
I had to get the screwdriver from the front desk and go remove my old plates.
I must keep my promise to the Lady of Recent Hiring.
I was handed a giant phillips and also a huge flathead screwdriver--because, silly me, I didn't know which type of screws were holding my evil Washington plates in place.
I crossed the vast wilderness that was the Walmart parking lot and located my car. I pried off the "BYU Alumni" plate holder and unscrewed the plate on the back.
Then did the same with the front. The plates carried the dirt and grime of much driving.
I attached the glorious plates of California to my car.
Then made the return trek to the DMV with the screwdrivers and the dirty plates.
I turned them into the giver of numbers. And she did thank me.
And I did travel again in the wilderness for the space of many minutes, back to my car.
And thus we see, that it is better to pass through sorrow at the DMV that we may appreciate our lives and be filled with gratitude that we only have to do that once or maybe twice in our sojourn here on earth.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Remember

"Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action."
They Keep Us Free
by Roger Robicheau
In time of need their will is sure
American, their freedom pure
Protect our life and liberty
Unselfishly, they keep us free
Each soldier knows what is at stake
The risk is grave, there’s no mistake
With pride they serve our country strong
They face each foe to come along
Remember them while in your home
Or where you choose to freely roam
Don’t take for granted what you see
Some left this life, so it could be
To God I urge you all to pray
For soldier’s brave, to face each day
We should be thankful, one and all
For those who march to meet each call
©2003Roger J. Robicheau



"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Taken from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Carcass Removal

We thought we left the mice behind at the cabin.
Unfortunately, they found us here.
The Terminex Company guy was kind enough to set some traps for us while they were here
spraying for ants and 21 other deadly and/or annoying pests.
This did not include scorpians, which was too bad, because Seth found one
in his bathroom the very morning the Terminex guy was coming.
Spencer and Seth took care of it with a broom and a big stick.Well, the traps were set up in the attic space. And worked like a wonder.
How did we know?
The rank, rancid, smell of death that began early the next morning.
My first instinct was to check the laundry for smelly stuff and start a load with a generous amount of clorox.
That didn't help so I started checking toilets.
I was baffled by this smell--and I don't get baffled easily by smells (I have 5 boys you know).

Luckily, Scott traced it to the attic and we deduced that:
Dead Critter + 100 Degree Heat= Stink
I called our Terminex guy. The bored receptionist let me know that the papers
I signed with their promise to correct any problem immediately was just a
suggestion. A guideline. Not really true.
They would be happy to send someone out tomorrow.
Me: "We will probably all be dead by tomorrow--dead by asphyxiation from dead animal smell"
She: "I'm not sure who the guy is that works in your area."
Me: "Don't you have a list there somewhere that you can check?"
She: "Ummm, I don't know."
Me: "What do you usually do when you need to send someone to a particular area? Draw straws?"
She: "I'm going to have to put you on hold."
While I was waiting on hold, I had time to look through my paperwork and see that our guy's name was 'Abood'.
So I passed that helpful tidbit along to the helpful receptionist when she got back to me.
She: "OH! Abood!"
Me: " Yes, Abood. Tell Abood he needs to come and collect the dead critters in my attic."
She: "He'll be there tomorrow between 10:00 and 2:00."
Me: "This is pretty urgent. You can't get someone here sooner?"
She: "Tomorrow. Thank you, good-bye."
And with that she got back to texting her boyfriend.
And I got back to holding my breath as I made my way out to find a willing son.
It's a long-standing tradition that I pay my boys for carcass removal.
They like dead stuff and I don't so it's a WIN/WIN situation.
It's usually something the cats drag in.
But usually the cats eviscerate and decapitate their offerings so SMELL isn't an issue.
But this time it was a much bigger job.
Seth volunteered--for a higher than normal fee--which I was
more than willing to pay.
We weren't even sure what kind of animal was up there.
Or what kind of mess it had made.

So, here you see him braving the smell and removing the carcasses from the attic.
Two tiny mice.
Now we're all breathing easier.


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Thank You

Dear Siara and Shanna,
Thank you so much for the lovely Mother's Day gift.
It was so fun to get a package in the mail. And the gift
was wrapped so beautifully I almost didn't want to open it!But I did. The necklace is soooo pretty and I wear it all the time.
You are sweet and thoughtful daughters
and I am lucky to be your Mom.
Love, Mom


PS I wanted to send you a proper "Thank You" but I have not, as yet, found my Thank You Note Collection. I know as soon as I break down and buy some more, the next box I open will have them in it! Hopefully this will suffice for now and I will send a note along to you as soon as I find them.


Saturday, May 16, 2009

A Little Light Reading

Gentle Reader,
If you have a delicate constitution, don't read today's post.
Let me preface this by saying I LOVE all things Jane Austen--the BBC Version of
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is the only movie that I can stay awake for (my kids find this unbelievable--and a travesty). I have savored her books and every movie based on her books that I can get my hands on--not all worth the time and effort yet hope springs eternal.
But...if you have a boy (or maybe a girl) who is a reluctant reader, this might be for you:

Editorial Reviews
Product Description"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." So begins Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton—and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers—and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Can she vanquish the spawn of Satan? And overcome the social prejudices of the class-conscious landed gentry? Complete with romance, heartbreak, swordfights, cannibalism, and thousands of rotting corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies transforms a masterpiece of world literature into something you'd actually want to read.



About the Author Seth Grahame-Smith once took a class in English literature. He lives in Los Angeles.



Jane Austen is the author of Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and other masterpieces of English literature.

Mama Gale Disclaimer: This in no way implies that I endorse or support the undead or the eating of brains.

Living the Dream

Ever since Seth was old enough to notice the airplanes in the sky,
he has been fascinated with flying.
He spent many hours working on models of his own design
and trying them out in the backyard.
Seth with the Airport Cat
He was a reluctant reader, but anything to do with planes
would entice him into reading happily.



We happened to move to a house that's right by a rural airport.
We happened to move into a ward with a very enthusiastic Flight Instructor.
He is starting an Aviation Venture Crew.



Since Seth already finished Ground School back when he was a Freshman,
he got to fly the plane. He did the take-off and the landing.




He's going to help train the rookies in his Venture crew.


He took a picture of our house from the air!




Now he has a reason to set his sights very high.






Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Birthday Blog: Our Favorite Daughter-in-law


I have been blessed with five sons.


Each is unique and wonderful and each has been a joy and a challenge in their own special ways.


They grow up so fast I've hardly had time to catch my breath between walking, talking, reading, driving, leaving for college, and for the oldest: mission then marrying.


As I have raised these sons, I couldn't help but think about their future (there are times when you have to remember the big picture to get through the moment!)

I have hopes that each will find a wonderful girl to marry.

But I never imagined a girl as wonderful as Scott's wife, Nicole.

She's set the bar pretty high for the other boys.



She's smart and pretty and funny and kind and patient.

She is an amazing mother to Bailey--which makes Bailey a sweet and pleasant little baby.

She handles the craziness of our big family with grace and aplomb.

She pitches in and helps naturally and quietly.

She has a strong and abiding testimony.

She is fun to be around.

She's a good cook.

She loves Scott.
We love her.

Happy Birthday Nicole!






Monday, May 11, 2009

This Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day. The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun shone.
As usual. But my special day actually began early--the day before when this little
surprise turned up in my dryer. My new "Tuscan Chestnut" dryer.
It's gum.
Luckily I have this--
A mom's best friend:


Spencer worked so hard digging out a pine tree for me,
He got blisters on his hands:

He's got a style of his own--let's call it
"California Hick"




We don't have a pick-ax or even a pointed shovel.
But he's an Eagle Scout you know, so he found a way to
make it work with his camping hatchet.




Here's the pear tree he planted for me in place of the pine.
On Sunday, Scott gave Bailey to me during church and I got to enjoy my
sweet granddaughter during the meeting. She was adorable, as usual.
Scott and Nicole also gave me a beautiful yellow rose plant and
a sizable chocolate bar...both much appreciated.
Shane sang with the Primary children in Sacrament Meeting--
or rather, he stood at the back and mouthed the words. I'll take what I can get.
After church, I got out a favorite file of mine:
Kids Creations
My file cabinet has been packed away in long-term storage and to tell you the truth
I hadn't looked in that particular file for many years before that.
It was like a time capsule of Mother's Days Past.
We all had a good time reminiscing and laughing over the pictures and sentiments.
There were coupons for chores and promises of good behavior.
A coupon from Shanna (when she was 7 and he was 1) said:
"I will keep Seth busy for one hour"
Scott noted that there was no expiration date.
"Call Shanna and tell her you need her to come and keep Seth busy for an hour."
A beautifully drawn flower with a note from Siara said:
"Happy Mather's Day"
Each little note and drawing is precious and I'm glad I saved them.
I can't believe how fast the years go by.
I enjoyed long phone conversations with Siara and Shanna later in the day.

Seth made a beautiful Mother's Day dinner for me.
(Note the beautiful bouquet of flowers on the table--that
was from Dad along with some very yummy
chocolate-covered strawberries!)

And Dad took a nap for me.
All in all, a lovely day.
I have the best job in the world.








Saturday, May 9, 2009

New Home, Sweet Home

Lizards instead of slugs. This was the family room 2 weeks ago--
Not quite ready for the "after" picture because
we still need to hang pictures.
Andy's "after" picture looks the same:


This little fella was packed away for 9 months:




Now he's perched back up on his roost in the kitchen:
(he's at the far left over there--barely in the picture!)




We ate outside for the first few weeks until we got a
dining table...that's fresh strawberry lemonade and
peach lemonade!





Our back yard at sunset:










Sooooo many boxes--luckily there are lots of
helpers here:





Uncle Seth taking a break with little "Bales"





Our first Sunday dinner on our new table--Scott & Nicole
made a DELICIOUS meal for us!
(this is the replacement for the
big, round Amish table that I left behind at the old house--it's not round.
And it's not Amish, I believe it's agnostic.)





Friday, May 8, 2009

Remembering Ashley





We miss our sweet Ashley.
We know she feels right at home in Heaven because she always seemed to have a bit of it around her while she was here.



Looking on the Bright Side

This is going to be our garden:
Look, no BLACKBERRY BRAMBLES!
And not a slug in sight.
This may look like a barren desert--
but I think it's got potential.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Field Trip!

Yesterday, the Gale Academy of Classical Education... Took a FIELD TRIP!
To the San Diego Wild Animal Park
The park is just a few minutes from our house...practically in our back yard!
(let's hope the animals don't get loose)
The wild animals were pretty amazing.
The butterflies were pretty wild too.

Here you see the elusive "Lepidoptra Ferocious"


Pink Flamingos!



Awesome Cheetah




There were many different animals and a huge
expanse of preserve.





Here you see the majestic Zebra in their natural habitat.
You may not be aware that chain link is actually a native
species of plant in the African Savannah.

We enjoyed our trip to the park and had a great time
looking at all the different animals ...
But this was our FAVORITE:
Bailius Humanus Adorablus









Happy Birthday Scott!

 It has been awhile since I updated this little family scrapbook on the internet. I like to pop over here from time to time and look at our ...