Linda's BD - 12/4/08

I was just going over pictures in my camera and realized that I hadn't shared the pictures of Linda's birthday party. So here are some of them. It was a fun night!! Jackson and I played on his wii - good workout, huh Jackson? And the company was great. Cute picture of Linda and her cake and flowers. Who is that in the birthday hat?? Happy New Year to you all!

Winter Wonderland

This picture was taken outside my front door. As much a bother this snow has been at this time of year -- certainly is beautiful. Think I might use it on a Christmas card next year.

Merry Christmas to you all!!!

White Christmas for sure

My goodness...I think we'll have snow 'til April. And more is expected before the end of the week. After we took this picture, our house looked so cozy to us that I think we'll cancel our trip to Dallas and stick around for the rest of the month. Not sure what we'll do about our friend who was planning on house-sitting for us. Hopefully she'll accept our invitation to come over anyway and we can treat her to an O'Banyon B&B experience with Baggy Omelets.

Poor little birdies

Marmie was feeling sorry for the birds this morning, so she braved the elements and filled up the bird feeder. It didn't take long for the news to spread in the bird communities - they were enjoying a treat within minutes.

The major wind storm didn't materialize for us last night, thankfully! But I stayed overnight with Mom last night, just so we'd each have moral support. We woke up to a bit more snow, with a freezing rain topping and now it's snowing again. White Christmas for sure this year - at least on the ground anyway.

Well, my Christmas cards are nearly done and I've made cookies...haven't wrapped yet, but will likely have time tomorrow as I don't think I'll be going to work.

(Guess I'm blogging on Mom's page, but I couldn't remember my password over here)

Lindalou

Tyler's 19th BD

Somehow, this picture didn't get posted with my message. Will try again. This picture is Ty on his 19th BD with Mom at my house. He has been breaking shovels when making jumps for his bike runs, so that's what is leaning against the wall - a gift from his Mom

Santa said Laya was such a good dog, she could have anything she asked for -- Huh Jackson

Grandma, GG, and Auntie R Sing to Cohen

I had to share this video with the fam - it was at Kathy's for their post Thanksgiving brunch (it was delicious I might add). Cohen is just the cutest little guy! Where did we all learn that song anyway???????????

Monday morning chill

This weather is getting in my way of shopping. It's 20 degrees this morning and I just don't drive in the ice and snow. Maybe I can finish my cards today. I only have 75 to go!!! I had a breakfast for Tyler's 19th BD yesterday. He doesn't seem to want to smile for pictures, but thought we should make a record of it. Charlie, Amy, Janie, Linda and Jackson were here. Picture later when I figure out how to do it.

My "Ah-Ha" Moment of 2008

Making oatmeal in a double boiler was my ah-ha moment of 2008. I have been cooking oatmeal for years, and most every time, it boils over and leaves such a mess. I knew mom cooked it that way, but I thought that it took a long time. So after seeing her fix it for us when we were up, I tried it at home, and lo and behold......... it cooks up fast and no mess on the stove! Much creamier too even when I use water! So if I think real hard, I may be able to come up with another ah-ha moment, but for now, it's cooking oatmeal!!

Hot time Saturday night!

Well, I'm the last blogger - thanks Renee for helping me - I couldn't figure out why I couldn't contribute! This will be a fun way to stay in touch!

Jackson and I finished decorating our Christmas tree last week while he was home from school with a bad cold. He's better now - well enough to have a couple of buddies overnight. I fixed dinner for them and they just polished off a pan of brownies and are now watching a movie. They're sort of oblivious to the snow falling outside, but if it continues overnight, I'm sure they'll be excited with the possibility of missing school on Monday.

I joined Facebook this week - is anyone else on that one? One of the Warrior Spirit people invited me to join and all of a sudden, there's a whole community of people I'm connected with. It's kind of fun and makes me look forward to working on the next workshop in February.

Christmas Decorations

Hi family--Wow - I'll be so happy if I can actually do this! Janie, I loved the video you posted. We have hummingbird activity in our back yard, but I don't think chances are good for capturing it on camera.

I thought I'd post a picture of two stockings Renee made for Scott and Jenny the years they were born. They (the stockings) are a permanent part of the Christmas tree every year. Sara, Cathy and I had our annual Christmas dinner and ornament exchange last Tuesday. We began in 1986 and haven't missed a year yet, so the tree is filled with special memories.

Saturday Morning

I just asked Jay to take a video of the birds we're watching out the window on the feeder he made. We'll see if I can get it posted. Meanwhile, Hi Family! I should be out running around already this morning but have had to start slow this morning because of this darn cold. Jay and I attended my department holiday get together last night and had a great time. We're hosting a steak/lobster/crab dinner tonight in Seattle and have some details to wrap up so this will be brief. The weather sure has calmed down from yesterday but its supposed to get COLD later. Guess I won't be driving my little car for awhile - dang it. I'm heading out to blanket horses and run the dogs then off to Seattle. Tyler's birthday is tomorrow and we're still not sure what we're doing but maybe dinner and bowling. He signed himself up for school last week and is starting on January 6. Gotta run! When we posted this video, we had to click the big arrow and then the little one to get it to play, fyi. Love to all.

First Snow

Well, we finally got our first real snow. It's really late this year and everyone is worried that it will be another dry year. Sure was good to wake up to a little dusting. More is expected throughout the weekend. I started putting up Christmas decorations last night and hung out 3 stockings (including one for Chip) and as we were heading for bed, Chip went over to HIS stocking and started messing with it -- I thought it was so funny that he knew which one was his until I checked it out and found a big hunk of dog biscuit in the toe that had been forgotten from last year! Good nose! So Chip got a big treat in bed last night!

Washington weather

Around 3 or 4 pm today, the wind whipped up so strong, it wouldn't have surprised me to see trees down. My driveway is covered with branches and needles. I read the directions to my generator and hoped my power didn't go out. Sounds calmer out there now 7:30 pm.

Janie said the power at Sammamish was out momentarily. They're having an office party this evening.

Was a cozy afternoon inside with the fireplace on. I spent my time reading 'The Art of Racing In the Rain". Good book Renee.

First, I want all of you Ratliff sisters (and Marm)to know it wasn't my idea to be a part of this blog. When I first saw it (today, right now) I found that R. had put my name on it (Renee and Larry) Why? I know not. It seemed to me to be kind of a "girl" thing among you all.

But, since you haven't found the time yet to make many entries, I am now forced to be a part of this. So, if, as I suspect, you want me out of here, you'll have to get busy and begin "blogging". I won't promise not to peek once in awhile so, be aware, secrets may not be kept among the girls! I do promise not to share those among either the Plumas Pines Fantasy Football League or the Fantasy Golf Group. But that is as far as I can commit.

So, am I blogging? Is this what it's about? I'm sure you have more interesting stuff.

Love, as always, Larry , AKA"Just Kidding"(thought I needed something to compete with Ratliff Ranch, Linda's Lookout (loft?), "Jaybird", Casa O'Banyon, etc)

Thanksgiving 2008

What a wonderful 2 weeks we just spent at the Ratliff Ranch over the Thanksgiving holiday. We enjoyed all the get togethers that Mom planned and also shared an overnighter at Casa O'Banyon, a birthday party at Linda's Lookout, and an entertaining evening with Janie and the JayBird :) Chip got to hang out with all sorts of cousins - Laya, Brandee, Smurphy, and Sheila, and got to know Joker, who welcomed him into his home with open paws and an excitement that he just couldn't wipe off his face. It was bitter-sweet to learn that would be Chip's only opportunity to play with Joker. We're so sad to know he's gone.

Check out the pictures of the Sisters - I think it's been about 25 years since our first Sisters picture and we haven't changed one bit!

The nieces and nephews are all growing up - even some of them are parents if you can believe it! Little Cohen is adorable and so happy. Scott and Trisha are great parents. Jenny and Paul, Amy, Tyler, and Jackson were all there and it was great to see them and meet Paul who will soon be a part of this family.

My intention with this blog is to allow all family members to add to it. If it doesn't work that way, does anybody else know of a site that would allow all of us to add our thoughts, pictures, videos, etc? Please let me know. Love to you all and Happiness this holiday season. Renee