A So Cal Girl in the Desert

We experienced the sweltering heat of summer in AZ, and now we're experiencing the bitter cold. Yesterday--get this--it was 28 degrees when we woke up in the morning. 28 degrees! The dew was frozen on the grass. How fun is this?!? Little Nasha, poor dear, was shivering on her walk, so "cute sweater need" instantly popped into my head. She just happened to have an appointment at the vet for a rabies shot, so I inquired about whether or not a doggie sweater was purely for human amusement, or if they actually served a purpose. The vet told me that if Nasha is shivering, I should definitely get her a sweater. Especially if we are trying to potty train her, because if she gets too cold outside, she won't want to go outside. Just after the vet appointment, we immediately headed to the pet store, where I purchased the cutest little faux suede, fur lined winter coat. I felt that pink was the warmest color.

When we visited the house over the Thanksgiving weekend, the drywall was staged in each room. We've heard that once the drywall is in, things should progress pretty quickly, but we've heard lots of things that didn't come true, so we'll just have to see. Every little step makes us feel good. From left to right, this photo is of hubby, me, hubby's brother, hubby's brother's girlfriend, and pile o' drywall!

This Thanksgiving weekend I had the most jobs I've ever had, which was great, but the stinky part is that one of them was WAY the heck out in the middle of nowhere. I didn't really realize how far it was when I went for the consultation because I got super lost, but driving 45 miles one way for four days will really make you realize how far you're going. I had to get up at 4:30 each morning just to make sure I had time for my other jobs. Not to mention the fact that I had a house full of guests that I didn't get to visit with as much as I'd have liked to. All in all, since Wednesday night I've driven 1,020 miles for pet sitting jobs.

But I still love my job.

Even after Saturday, when my first client greeted me with two giant mountains of partially-digested dog food vomit, the second job welcomed me with hairballs (kind enough to expel on the linoleum) and ten piles of diarrhea (not on linoleum), and the third with a urine soaked scrap pile of drapery. It was one of those laughing and crying at the same time days.

But I'm thankful that my client base is growing, and I'm so thankful to see the wagging tails and happy faces that greet me every time I walk into a client's home. And I'm especially thankful that I don't have any jobs tonight.

We went to the Harrah's Ak-Chin Indian Casino today for the first time. My best friend, brother-in-law, and his girlfriend are in town for the holiday, so we decided to grab the few hours of exclusively adult time we had while my stepson was in school and live it up. We sat at the bar and had Bloody Marys while we played video poker. I can't speak for anyone else, but I lost forty bucks pretty quickly. We gave up on that and headed over to Darlene the Dealer at the $10 black jack table, and I won my money back, exactly. So all I lost out on was the cocktail money. They don't buy you drinks like they do in Vegas, which threw my whole gambling plan off, because I usually just make sure I drink enough to cover my losses. Hmmm. I'll have to figure out how to make my losses work for me for next time.

Our house now has insulation! They did the whole house in one day. Check it out:



They also dug our pool today!!! Major progress!



Something extra to be thankful for this Thursday.

I was so busy yesterday that I forgot it was my 2nd anniversary of quitting smoking. Two years! I can't believe it! I must say, I'm quite proud of myself. I guess it goes to show how smoking is so not a part of my life anymore...I couldn't even remember the anniversary. Yay, me!

My husband was presented with an award last night for his contribution to Maricopa's Founder's Day. His company donated 1600 bottles of water for the event, and they also donated the first month's rental for all soft water and reverse osmosis tanks rented between October 15th and November 15th to the Maricopa Parks & Rec. Department.

We had to sit through a two-hour city council meeting about whether or not they will allow an ethanol plant in the city in order to see him get the award, but it was worth it. And the ethanol talks were pretty interesting for the first hour. He was presented the award by Marty McDonald, director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries, while the mayor and city councilmembers looked on. Pretty impressive, huh?

Good job, honey!

Our pool is now marked in the backyard! More progress!!! It will probably sit just like this for several weeks, but it's exciting now. It's sort-of a freeform shape with an extra long second step that doubles as a bench. The little semi-circle that's sticking out of the back will be where the rock waterfall will go. Hubby took this picture from the deck off the master bedroom, which will eventually have a railing.

I feel like a popular girl, now! Steph tagged me to tell five random facts about myself, so here goes...

1. I have a permanent blue dot on my left butt cheek, and I don't know how I got it.
2. I really do think dogs make better friends than people do.
3. I like Barry Manilow and I've been to at least ten of his concerts.
4. My favorite foods are hot dogs and foie grois (not together, although I'm sure it's been done).
5. I'd like to learn to play the guitar.

Now comes the part that makes me feel not so popular. I only have one other "blog bud" besides Steph, and I don't think I can tag her back. And I met this "blog bud" through Steph. And I don't know if I know this "blog bud" well enough to be termed "blog buds." So Coffeedog, you have to do this five times! I guess we need 25 random facts about you. Don't let me down!!!

Just look at my babies!

Someone posted this on the 85239.com forum a while back, and I laughed. Now I can relate.

1. You buy salsa by the gallon.
2. Your Christmas decorations include a half a yard of
sand and l00 paper bags.
3. You think a red light is merely a suggestion.
4. All of your out-of-state friends start to visit after
October but clear out come the end of April.
5. You think someone driving wearing oven mitts is clever.
6. Most of the restaurants in town have the first name "El"
or "Los".
7. You think 6 tons of crushed rock makes a beautiful yard.
8. You've signed so many petitions to recall governors that
you can't remember the name of the incumbent.
9. You notice your car overheating before you drive it.
10. Your house is made of stucco and has a red clay tile roof.
11. You can say "Hohokam" and people don't think you're laughing
funny.
12. You no longer associate bridges (or rivers) with water.
13. You see more irrigation water on the street than there is in
the Rillito.
14. You know a swamp cooler is not a happy hour drink.
15. You can say 115 degrees without fainting.
16. Every other vehicle is a 4x4.
17. You can be in the snow, then drive for an hour and it will be
over l00 degrees.
18. Vehicles with open windows have the right-of-way in the summer.
19. People break out coats when temperature drops below 70 degrees.
20. You discover, in July, it only takes two fingers to drive your
car.
21. The pool can be warmer than you are.
22. You can make sun tea instantly.
23. You run your air conditioner in the middle of winter so you can
use your fireplace.
24. Most homes have more firearms than people.
25. Kids will ask, "What's a mosquito?"
26. People who have black cars or black upholstery in their car are
automatically assumed to be from out-of-state or nuts.
27. You notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead
of distance.
28. The AC is on your list of best friends.
29. Monday Night Football starts at 7:00 instead of 6:00.
30. You realize that Valley Fever isn't a disco dance.
31. You can finish a Big Gulp in 10 minutes and go back for seconds.
32. The water from the cold water tap is the same temperature as the
hot one.
33. You can (correctly) pronounce the words: "Saguaro", "Ocotillo",
"Tempe", "Gila Bend", "San Xavier", "Canyon de Chelly", "Mogollon
Rim", "Cholla", and "Ajo."
34. It's noon in July, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person
is walking on the streets.
35. You experience third degree burns if you touch any metal part of
your car.
36. You know better than to get into a car with leather seats if you're
wearing shorts.
37. Announcements for Fourth of July events never end with "in case of
rain......"
38. When someone asks how far you live from a location, it's always in
terms of minutes, not miles.
39. Everyone's smiling and talking about the great weather on rainy
days.
40. If you haven't worked for Raytheon at some time, you must be a
newcomer.
41. You have to explain to out-of-staters why there is no daylight
savings time.

On Friday night we went to the Arizona State Fair. It was a blast! I had never been to a state fair before. The thing was HUGE! So many rides and attractions, concerts and shows, food, food, food, and animals. It pretty much cost us an arm and a leg to go, but it was worth it. I never thought anything could be more expensive than Disneyland!

We started our adventure with a ride on Kitty, the 8,000 pound Asian elephant. Little B and I rode while Big B took pictures. The people that rode Kitty right before us got a bonus ride because Kitty had to go potty. They got to sit on her while she did. Hmm. It was actually pretty impressive. Two trainers backed her up off the ride route (I guess it was the "bathroom"), and each had a trash can. One was for #1 and one was for #2. The trainers got their trash cans into position and just gave her a pat on the bum. She went on command! Pretty cool. So Kitty was all refreshed and perky when we got on her. I'm sure her flower tiara helped her get in the mood. The ride was pretty slow and rolling. Kind of like being on a boat. We got to pet her head, which was rough and bristly. Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to kiss her, but you know I would have. We told her thank you, and gave her a good pat at the end of the ride. Poor thing...going round and round in circles all day.

After that we watched pig races. The pigs had names like Janet Napigliono (Arizona's govenor is Janet Napolitano), Arnold Swartspignator, and the like. They were pretty cute. Once they got their numbers on and got in their stalls, they were all fired up. Squealing and snorting. The race started and the crowd cheered, they rounded the first bend and crossed the finish line, where they were greeted with platters of slop. I think they only had to race about twenty feet or so, so the whole thing was over in about ten seconds. I think it took us longer to get to our seats in the bleachers. But who can resist a racing, squealing, snorting pig. No kissing there, either.

Then we watched people waste their money on the Crazy Bike, hoping to win a bike of their very own. Of course, the dude in charge of taking all the money could ride the thing perfectly. All you had to do was ride the bike straight between a set of cones for only fifteen feet or so. But the steering on the bike was backwards, so if you went left, the bike would go right and vice versa. Seems easy, but most people fell as soon as their feet hit the pedals. Funny how everyone thinks they are going to be the one to do it, even after watching tons of people fail. I wonder how much that guy raked in at $3 a ride or $5 for two rides. Sheesh! It was sure fun to watch, though.

There were so many food stands, it was amazing! They were all lit up and flashing with merchants yelling at us to try their fried this and their fried that. Your choices were limited in terms of fried or not fried (I think the only "not fried" items were pickles, which you could also have fried, and ice cream), but there were a load of fried choices. We finally settled on hand-dipped corn dogs and curly fries. Yum! My belly kinda hurt after, but it was yummy.

Just after eating, I found the "Orbiter," a ride that spins, and then has arms that spin, and then individual cars that spin. it goes really fast, and flies up into the air. I had been on one before, and they are super fun. I had to go alone because both of the boys were chicken. Especially after the fried feast. I got off the ride a little shakier than I remember last time. It must be age. Or the corn dog.

The boys then played speed pitch, where you throw one pitch, then guess the speed of your second pitch. Big B guessed 58mph exactly and won a Giants baseball hat. Then Little B went on a bunch of super slides and fun houses, and we walked around and enjoyed the sights. We also went on this terrifying spinning coaster thing. Each car fit four people--couples back to back. The whole thing was a coaster, but then the car spun, as well. I hated it because A) You felt as if your whole cart was going to launch off the track at any moment, and B) I was sitting next to Little B and about two seconds into the ride he said "I feel sick." I ripped his new baseball hat off his head and handed it to him. He didn't have to use, it but it was a close call. As if we didn't have enough to eat, we stopped by the ice cream booth. Big B and I got hand-dipped ice cream bars, and Little B got--get this--a frozen Twinkie hand dipped in chocolate, then covered in Oreo cookies. Insane!

We rode "La Grande Wheel," the largest movable Ferris Wheel in the northern hemisphere. It is over 150 feet high, and has over 500,000 lights. It was really an impressive sight, and the view from up top was amazing. Made us realize how big the fair really was. I thought it would take forever to get on the thing because the line was really long, but they have the loading and unloading thing down pat. They load six gondolas at a time. They can do this because the line for each is tiered. It went really quickly. So they load all the cars, spin you around about four times, then you get off. Little B was afraid to go on it at first, but he loved it once he saw the view.

After that, we headed over to my favorite thing, the petting zoo, where I finally got to kiss something. A goat! They had baby goats that were too cute!!! They were crawling all over the grown-up goats and prancing around. We also saw a giant tortoise, got to pet a kangaroo, got to see Rosie Rose's relatives, the wild cavies from south America, and got to feed a yak (and got butted...they don't like to be pet on the head). We saw a giraffe, zebras, and the largest rodent in the world (I forget what it's called). Oh, and chickens! The petting zoo was definitely the best part!

Tired and belly achy, we then walked back to the car. A nice cap on the evening was a street musician playing the sax. He was quite good, and we enjoyed the tunes as we strolled a half mile back to our $15 parking space.

I've been hesitant to update all of you rooting for Skinny because I've been waiting to see how things played out. Well, I'm pretty sure this story will have a happy ending...

A few days after Skinny escaped her new home for the second time, Mrs. D saw her running across the 347, the busiest street (highway, actually), in Maricopa. Skinny got hit by a car not once, not twice, but three times!!! Twice on the way across the street, then the girl went back across and got hit again. Mrs. D witnessed it all and tried to capture Skinny, but Skinny was on the run. Mrs. D followed her until she stopped under a trailer next to a puppy that looked just like her, only not quite so skinny. Skinny was pretty banged up, but didn't seem to have any life-threatening injuries. Mrs. D noticed a TV on in the trailer, and it seemed as if someone was home, but when she knocked, no one would come to the door. She left a note asking the owner to surrender the dogs to her.

She then called JJ, the Animal Control Officer. He went to Skinny's home and got the owner to come out. He told the owner to either surrender the dog to animal control or pay a fine immediately for letting the dog run loose. The owner chose to surrender Skinny to Animal Control, but was allowed to keep the puppy since it wasn't running all over town. JJ will keep checking on the puppy. He took Skinny to Mrs. D's house.

This was about two weeks ago, and Skinny has been there ever since, very happy. She hugs like a person, and is so so sweet. Mrs. D called a Lab rescue as soon as Skinny arrived, as the people who took Skinny two times before were understandably unwilling to try again. The Lab rescue was full, so Mrs. D has been housing her waiting for an opening. Well, that opening has come, and the Ds are driving Skinny to the Tucson Lab Rescue today.

Bye Skinny! Good luck in your new home!

I'm sorry to say I can't remember much of the dream I had last night, but the parts I do remember are too bizarre not to share...

I'm abducted. I don't see who did it (or I don't remember), because it's already happened. I can see things from my perspective and also from overhead. I'm stuck in what I can only describe as a giant blue square-shaped floaty raft. It's the kind that have the cylindrical pockets to allow water (or a beverage can) in. I'm one of many naked people that have been abducted and are stuck in a pocket.

For some reason, I know that I can only be alive if I stay in the cylinder, but I can choose to get out, if I want to. If I get out, I'll be dead, but I can see the people who have died before me.

So the next thing I know I'm out, and now I'm wearing a white toga-like outfit. I'm watching a man in a similar outfit who's about fifty years old run around what looks like a ghost town. He's really scared. Then I'm holding him and comforting him, and I'm his mother.

That's all I remember.

Isn't it bizarre how some dreams you can totally figure out--like an engaged woman dreaming of wedding disasters--and then there are others that come from some little-used corner of your brain? I have no idea what this dream could mean. It's probably better that way.

Our first Halloween in AZ went off without a hitch. My husband and son carved pumpkins on Halloween eve while I made the pumpkin seeds. I really dislike carving pumpkins. I feel obligated to carve every year because my dad used to really enjoy it (I think), and he would always make a big deal out of it when I was a kid. He would spread the newspaper all over the kitchen counter, get out all the tools, and make sure we drew out our patterns and planned ahead. This was before you could buy patterns. This was also before the "Pumpkin Cutter," which is probably why I'm not real hot on carving. I guess I feel like I should carve to honor his memory. But this year I realized I could just smell the pumpkins and think of him. I didn't have to pretend like I enjoyed carving. Sorry, Dad! And to help me along with the memory, my husband acted all serious just like my dad used to. The only part of pumpkin carving I truly enjoyed was sitting with my dad in the dark and admiring his lit jack-o-lanterns...then we would place them in the front window just so and walk out to the street to check it out. Good times. This year the dogs got up on the table and helped as the guinea pig chewed on the pumpkin top. My dad never would have let me do that, but now that I'm all growed up, I can do it if I want (as long as my husband has his back turned).

On Halloween night we went to The D's house. We had a great time taking the kids trick-or treating and handing out candy. We sat in the driveway with bags and bags of candy. There were a ton of kids. Mr. D had decorated their house pretty elaborately, complete with spooky music and strobe light. My son dressed as an army dude, Kermit dressed like a weenie, and Nasha wore a mohawk. The dogs didn't get to come with, but we took pictures anyway. My son has graduated from the cartoon character costumes to something a little more mature. Hopefully next year he'll go for something really horrific with blood and guts. Little Mr. D was a cute froggie!

Mrs. D had this candy bowl from hell. She said "Isn't it cute?" I said "Cute? Actually, it's kind of frightening." This is the stuff nightmares are made of, folks. It's a little kid's body dressed in Halloween garb with a pumpkin bucket head. See for yourself. Please vote "cute" or "oh my God, run for your lives." Isn't it reminiscent of a certain clown we all know and love? Yeah, that one under the bed. Except this one is even freakier because the head is hollow. And it just sits there. Like a real person. And he's pictured here in Little Mr. D's stroller. What happened to Little Mr. D?

Happy Halloween! Can you believe it's November?!!! (And our house still isn't done!!!)

Mr. and Mrs. D have been having a serious scorpion problem, most likely because their house backs up to open land and next to that open land workers are grading for new homes. They have found a total of six scorpions since they moved in! And that doesn't count all the babies on the back of this one they found in their garage last weekend:


Ewwww! And here's the daddy, they think:


I guess the sting is only really harmful to small children (like their 2-year-old son) and animals (like their three dogs and two cats). Scary and gross, huh? They don't have those suckers in So. Cal.