Everyday Boise

Last weekend.

2005-08-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Luke forgot to shave...

Last weekend we were in Northern Idaho. We got to visit with my parents, Luke's mom and step dad, and Luke's dad and step-mom. It was a great visit. We went swimming with my dad, had a great dinner with Luke's mom (plus a wild Thunderstorm), and got to see Teresa bike in the CDA Tri-a-thon. We also got to look at one of the place Luke and I want to get married, Settler's Grove. It was awesome and beautiful. We think it would be a great place to get married, but we are going to look at a couple of other places to make sure we have all our options available. We are still looking for places to hold the reception, and our next visit will be more scouting on locations.

2005-08-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

All finished.

2005-08-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Off to the finish line of the biking portion of the race.

2005-08-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

The half-way point in the race.

2005-08-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

And off she goes.

2005-08-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Teresa was getting ready to do her part in a du-a-thalon.

2005-08-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Luke's dad and his wife Teresa.

2005-08-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

*Blinking* Luke and his dad.

2005-08-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

Looking out from the center of the site.

2005-08-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

The area from the other entrance.

2005-08-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Looking into the area from one of the entrances.

2005-08-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Settler's Grove. Possible wedding ceremony site.

2005-08-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

Luke's father's dogs, Alf and Tega (Spelling is most likely wrong) playing.

Memorial Day Camping

2005-06-04T14:05:00.001-07:00

Luke finally getting a hold of the camera before we head home.

Well, Luke finally got a hold of the camera. We had a great trip. We pretty much had both camp sites to ourselves both days and the people we did see were either heading in as we left or didn't stick around.

It was absolutely beautiful and we ended up hiking around 20 miles, 14 of those with full packs on. We didn't find the hotsprings liked we had hoped, (I actually think it elsewhere) but we had a nice trip and we would like to return. The wildflower pic we took were in the hope that MAYBE if a botanist was looking at the site they might know the flowers, but we did see lots of Lupin and Mule's ear.

We also saw 2 deer and 2 snakes (non-rattlers) one deer (much to our delight) Abby tried to chase but when we yelled at her to come back, she immediately stopped, turned back around and came straight to us. She also did very well off her leash which was great. I think we tired her out though, she slept for 3 days straight when we got home.

2005-06-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

Luke ready to head for home.

2005-06-04T14:04:00.001-07:00

Abby all tired out from the trip

2005-06-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Abby looking up at Luke.

2005-06-04T14:03:00.001-07:00

And some more...

2005-06-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

And more...

2005-06-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

More scenery.

2005-06-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Scenery Shot

2005-06-04T14:00:00.001-07:00

Luke and Abby hanging out by the fire.

2005-06-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Luke showing off the nice bucket he made. Originally it didn't have a handle. So not only is he handsome... he's pretty handy too.

2005-06-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Another wildflower

2005-06-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Pic of our second camp site from up high. We hiked up the ridge above. On the left, if you look hard you can see our tent.

2005-06-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

Cutie Abby pic. Look at the tongue hangin out.

Memorial Day Camping

2005-06-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

Luke and Abby at our second camp site.

2005-06-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Beautiful wildflower along one of our hikes. All the wildflowers were still in bloom.

2005-06-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Luke giving Abby a treat. Notice the full pack on Luke's shoulders.

Memorial Day Camping

2005-06-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Our first camp site

2005-06-04T13:48:00.001-07:00

Luke's B Day Cake

2005-06-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Abby chillin after the walk.

2005-06-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wendy and Abby Completeing the Walk

2005-06-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

MS Walk

Well, on Luke's Birthday we celebrated his b day by going to Chili's a get horrible service and by walking in the MS Walk. We raised about 150 dollar together to go toward MS. So the pictures above are of the walk and of Luke's yummy birthday ice cream cake that my parents got him. I was going to make him one, but two cakes for two people was way too much. Abby I am sure would have volunteered to help with eating both of them, but we thought better of it.

Update

2005-05-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

Wendy's engagement ring. A little blurry. This is the best picture we could get. The center stone is a sapphire and on the sides are three diamonds.

Well, as the picture suggests, Luke and I are engaged. He asked me to marry him in April. He took me to Ann Morrision Park, we had a picnic lunch, he read me Shakespeare and asked me to marry him.

My father was also here this April. He went to an after-school training on children's gardening with me that I was helping out with. Hence the hat, I'm sure Donna will love love this pic.

These past couple of weeks Luke and I have been pretty sick. I had the stomach flu 3 weeks ago, was healthy for 3 days and then had a nasty cold for the rest of the time. Luke got my stomach flu, (although he didn't have it as badly) and then he got my cold (again not as badly, darn his immune system). But now we are beginning to feel better.

Recently, I got a windshield crack in the new car on the drivers side. It was so bad we had to get the windshield replace. But we did end up saving $500 from miss quoting and as look puts it my 'feminine charms'.

We also got a new computer. Luke has really been wanting a new computer for some time and so he bought one with his tax returns. I helped out a bit so it's also kind of his B-day present. But it is a very nice computer and much better than our 6-7 year old one.

Finally, I am learning how to knit. I have learned how to cast on, knit and pearl. Mom would be proud and so would grandma too. I am currently working on a dishcloth and I'll let you know when I finish and how it turned out.

2005-05-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

Wendy sick as a dog with Abby cuddling to make her feel better.

2005-05-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dad comes for a visit.

A Very Long Weekend.

2005-03-13T17:33:00.000-08:00

Abby hanging out.

These last couple of weeks have been long ones. Two weeks ago was Luke and Wendy's 5 year anniversary on Feb. 27th. Five years.... yikes. Other than that we've been busy with work, more work, and a little bit of play.

And this weekend was a very long one for sure. Friday was Wendy's Birthday. She had a wonderful birthday. She found and bought herself another pair of Roman sandals she had once had for four year and broke. She was taken out to dinner by many friends. (COMING SOON! Birthday picture of Wendy with Red Robin) She also got a birthday card from her Aunt/Grandmother and her parents, who also sent her a card, bought her a yummy mint-chocolate ice cream cake.
On Saturday, Wendy had the Operation Military Kids (OMK) Bowling day and it went wonderfully. OMK is a program through 4-H and the military to support children who's family members are currently deployed and Wendy has been working on it ALOT recently. So the bowling event being a success was great, plus to see some of the cutest kids bowling was wonderful. A father was helping his 3 year old daughter bowl. Basically, she picked her up put her down and helped her throw the ball, but still very cutie. That night Luke, Wendy and some friends did some bowling ourselves. Cosmic bowling. Basically they turn on black lights, fog and you bowl away. Plus it adds a little bit more of a challenge with the fog sometimes.

Sunday, was cells as usual, except the data files on our community drive at the college some how got erased. Hopefully, we will be able to regain them. If not, Wendy has all her data stored on hard copy but she fears that some of the students who she works with are not using basic laboratory techniques of keeping a hard copy of our data. We will find out and well, if they aren't, they are definitely going to learn a hard lesson.

2005-03-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

Hangin out on the couch after a LONG weekend.

This Week.

2005-02-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Guy at the Hot Springs as Luke and I left. Too many people showed up, but we had the spring all to ourselves for about 20 to 30 minutes.

This week has been a long one. Been busy. Found out that my insurance won't cover anything that has to do with diabetic other than meds because it is a pre-existing condition. It if very disheartening when you have been working for an organization for the past two years, thought they appreciated you but evidently not enough to take care of me during my service. It makes work much more difficult because of the realization that when it comes down to it, my volunteering isn't important enough to them. Other than that, the weeks been okay. On Saturday, we went to the P.A.L Dog Walk, Abby played with a Great Dane and we had breakfast at a little cafe in Star. The food was great. I worked on Sunday and on Monday we went up to Lowman to the Pine Flats Hotspring. The hotspring was really nice, but everyone and their dog knew that. But we did manage to get the hotspring for about 20 minutes to ourselves. That was nice. Then yesterday back to work.

This weekend is Luke and our 5 year anniversary. So I am looking forward to Sunday. Other than that... work for the next week.

2005-02-23T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hot Spring Shower at Pine Flats Campground/ Hot Spring.

P.A.L Dog Walk

2005-02-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

P.A.L. Dog Walk.

At the Dog Walk, we raised about $800 for the Pet Adoption League of Emmett. It is a no kill animal shelter.

Abby had a blast and wore herself out by playing with a Great Dane. It was the funniest thing ever watching those two dogs play together.

2005-02-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

Luke and Abby at the Pet Adoption League Dog walk.

Happy Valentines Day

2005-02-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

Adorable Abby.

So it Valentines Day. We got the package from Wendy's parents. The candies were yummy and abby liked her bone. We got a message from Luke's parents saying happy V day, so all and all it was a good day.

Wendy got her teeth cleaned today again. Four hours in the chair and her teeth are killing her. No sweets or anything for that matter today.

This weekend was pretty much the same. Worked a lot. There is a Women's Hiking Group I have joined, I just need to have time to go. I am hoping with the three day weekend coming up I will have the time.

Also, Wendy finished one of her projects for the new members of the family entering into the world this year. Now on to the next.

Other than that the week was pretty uneventful.

Happy V Day everyone!

2005-02-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

Abby torture. Next came the blow drying and nail clipping.
I swear there is enough hair in the tub to make another dog.

2005-02-14T17:56:00.000-08:00

Abby and Luke hangin out on a Saturday.

This Week

2005-02-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

The coffee table with binder of cross stitching and knitting patterns.

This week was an interesting one.

On Tuesday, much to Wendy's father's disgust, she got a cell phone. With Wendy working for 4-H and doing cells on the weekend, she had to get one. Poor Luke could never find her. Plus Wendy got a great deal for it. She got the phone for free from a friend and then her plan is only 10 dollars for 2000 minutes.

On Wednesday, Wendy first call on the cell phone was almost 911. She was in downtown Boise when she saw the car in front of hers get T-boned in an intersection. She got out and didn't even think of using her cell phone. Wendy was much more concerned about the guy in the car that had been T-boned. He wasn't getting out of the car and Wendy ended up staying with him until the paramedics showed up. Turns out, according to the police officer, he either had broken or very badly bruised ribs but otherwise was okay. Very lucky man.

This week we also got an entertainment center. Luke was the lucky one who got to put it together. It ended up taking about 4 hours to put up, but he did a nice job and it looks great.

This weekend we also came across an awesome estate sale. We ended up buying a mahogany coffee and end tables, a binder of cross stitching and knitting patterns and a beautiful painting that Wendy absolutely loves.

2005-02-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

The other end table.

2005-02-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

One end table.

Estate Sale Cont.

2005-02-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Painting we bought at estate sale and entertainment center put together.

Estate Sale Cont.

2005-02-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

Up close picture of the oil painting we bought.

Luke Working on the Entertainment Center

2005-02-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

Luke hard at work on the new entertainment center.

More Luke Working on the Entertainment Center

2005-02-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

Look at him go.

Workin on the Entertainment Center PICs

2005-02-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

More of Luke working on the new entertainment center.

2005-02-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Reptile Presentation with Fish and Game at Garfield Elementary RAP Program.

Cutie Abby Picture

2005-01-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

Cutie Abby pic.

Weekend

2005-01-30T19:06:00.000-08:00

Working on the cells.

Well, this weekend went by fast. On Saturday, Luke accompanied me to do cell work as seen above. Then we spent the rest of the day with our old neighbor Shawn and his mom. For the past year or so Luke has been mentoring the downstairs neighbor boy in the old apartment complex. They hang out and play video games and it gives Shawn a chance to have another positive adult male role model in his life. He has a couple older brothers but I guess they aren't the best role models.

When we got back, we watched the movie Hero. It's like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It was a pretty good movie and the scenes were just beautiful. Very artistically done. The only thing is that throughout the whole movie I kept feeling I was missing something. Maybe it is because I am from the Western world but I felt like I only really understood half the movie.

On Sunday, more cell work for Wendy and Luke pretty much stayed home and cleaned.

Wendy has mostly recovered from being sick this week. She was sick for two days. She found out that exhaustion and codeine do not mix very well. I almost fell of the bed while Luke was talking to me and I left a pretty interesting, or basically incoherent message for my boss that I was not going to be able to make it in that day.

Anyways, yet another week is over and back to work we go.

Garfield After-school Program

2005-01-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Garfield RAE After-school Program. The lady in the picture is from the BLM and the owl she has with her name is Copper.

This is my After-school program at Garfield. The kids absolutely loved the "bird lady". They were so good too. It was amazing. I wasn't sure these were my after-school kids. Last week they had the snake lady and this week we will have the "entomology lady". I'll post pictures as they come in.

Insurance Check

2005-01-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

The scratch. The white line is just a reflection not a scratch but the black one is the one.

Well, I got the insurance check and it was about double what my insurance quoted, so that was good. We are going to put the money toward the car. Dad said he could tell Luke how to fix it and plus, you can't really see it unless you get close. And, with all of the cold weather and frost, you can't even tell the car is blue sometimes.

Also, warranty. A very good idea. I guess when I went in for my first oil change, the boot from the axle was leaking grease. It was a problem, but they said two years from now my axle could freeze up. So they changed it. It cost 400 dollars and thanks to the warranty, we didn't have to pay a dime.

First Post From Boise

2005-01-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

Abby going to the wash.

Hello all!

Wanted to set up this website so that you could see what is going on with us in the high desertland itself. So far this weekend has been mostly work for Wendy and play for Luke. But Wendy is happy to announce that her cell line work is bouncing along well as we speak.

On Saturday, Wendy got to teach a whole bunch of 4-Hers how to make play dough from items found in the kitchen. Tons of fun and very messy.

Abby is doing well. She went to A.S.P.I.R.E (A special class for mentally challenged youth) to teach the kids about dog safety on Friday. She was great and the kids loved her. Well, the weekend is over and back to work for Luke it is and well, Wendy... more work.

2005-01-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

The Family