Now a gov worker

My first job interview, and I was hired. I now work at a gov agency. It has been one week and I feel I have been there a long time. So far so good. I was told by a friend it was a good department to work for. I hope so. It took 3 months to get a job. At least I got the summer off and now that the kids are in school, it works out very nicely.

I find it amusing i am 1 of those evil gov workers my in-laws think deserved to be blown up. And the health care fight. Again, I saw it coming. My in-laws were hard core anti-clinton types and thought health care reform in the 90s was a bad idea. Now my mother in-law has cancer and no insurance. So, now they live in an old camper trailer in Nebraska with no running water and they are ok with that. So very sad. But, they never did have anything to lose in the first place. They have been living a nomadic life for some time, and I find it strange I knew one of them would get sick. We ALL get sick and die from something. Are they crazy, yes.

Berries

This has been a very berry summer. My raspberries did well this summer, picked huckleberries, went to the oregon coast and bought a bucket of blue berries and this weekend I picked chokecherries.
Thats ok, my apples were ruined by hail in July. And my neighbors crabapple tree also. So, no apple butter this year.

Occupied Japanese Teapots

My collection of Japanese Redware teapots began with my grandmother's teapot she picked up in Japan. My grandfather Ray Luoma was stationed there after the war and they must have bought the teapot then. I now have it, since Alice is in a nursing home until she passes away. (she has no memory)

So, I have started collecting these, found most at the second hand store in Helena, then one at a flea market in Lincoln this summer.

While I was at the Oregon coast, I found several at an antique store, I bought the smallest one.($12) To my surprize I found one large one that looks like a Japanese pot, but was English and 4 times more expensive ($54).

I got home yesterday, and today googled it. This is what I found out.



"Redware glazed brown Tea Pots from Japan were very popular in the 1940's. The Brown Glazed finish ranged from a lighter reddish brown to a deeper chocolate brown (like this teapot) and was often hand decorated in a relief painting style called Moriage. This teapot has a rounded "C" like handle, Moriage style painted flowers in relief, and gold trim and embellishments. The rounded body of the teapot is fluted and is in Excellent Condition. Japan is written in gold on the bottom. The unglazed foot shows the identifying red clay. The lid has a knob and a steam vent hole. A small flange or nub on the inside of the lid juts out to keep the lid in place when tipped to pour. This little nub on the inside of the lid exhibits the only chip found (see photos) and that is rather small, inconsequential, and certainly unseen most of the time. The teapot measures 6 1/2" from spout to handle, and 4 1/2" tall. It comfortably holds 12 ounces. Perfect for use or decor. ($18)

This teapot was made from the red clay discovered in the Staffordshire region of England over 200 years ago and enthusiastically used by the local potters ever since. Very popular in the 19th and early 20th century Staffordshire Redware as it became known was the ideal material for producing table-wares especially teapots due to its ruggedness and superior heat retaining qualities. No need for a tea cosy to keep the tea hot! This Redware chocolate glazed teapot is decorated in typical fashion with gold stenciled floral swagged trim and raised-enamel dots of blue, orange, turquoise and white. Condition is good, there is some rub to the gold trim due to age and use, some enameled dots have worn off and there are the usual manufacturing blips and spots. The lid is broken on the inside and missing the piece. This in no way affects the use or display of this teapot but it is priced accordingly. Size is 7" high and 9" across. There is no makers mark (possibly an unmarked Sadler) but this piece likely dates to the late Victorian, early Edwardian period judging by the decoration. ($53)








The English potter John Dwight made the first copies of China ”redware” pots in Fulham in 1684. His techniques were copied by the Elers brothers from Holland, who set up a factory in Staffordshire. They, in turn, were copied by John Astbury, who pretended to be a simpleton and worked in the Elers factory for 18 months, learning the tricks of the trade.

It must be remembered that the various English potteries were in their full glory. The Elers were working near Burslem, producing a red ware similar to Japanese pottery, salt-glaze and black ware"

I think I have an English pot, there is no marking on the bottom similar to the english pot listed above, but the bad news is, the lid is missing. Bummer.

First State Job Interview

I will be going to my first state job interview on the 18th. It's really not the job I want, probably won't get anyway. I am still hoping to get a job at the lottery. This will be good practice. We will see.

Go back to School?

I just sent an email inquiring about online Addiction Counseling courses at the U of M. I don't know if I will really do it. It depends if I get a job at the lottery within the next few months. If not, maybe this is a good time to change my career path.

Dear Sir,

I am interested in enrolling for some or all of the Addiction Counseling online courses offered this fall.

Recently I have been laid off from my job and found it is not easy finding a good paying job I may like in today's market. So, now I figured it would be a good time to go back to school and try something new. I am looking into becoming an Addiction Counselor because I see how many people are suffering out there in our community who need help. I have seen how destructive addiction is even within my own family. I would want to be able to help even one person regain control over their life.

If it helps, I earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Great Falls in Microcomputer Management in 1996. I also have two years of college credits from the University of Montana I picked up in the mid 1980's.

As an advisor, can you tell me what I need to do next to get the ball rolling if I get your permission to proceed?

Thank you,

My life today

Obviously I have not been posting much to this blog, my life seems on hold right now. Unable to continue to do much with my to do list on this page. Sad

I did manage to hold a garage sale. (not worth it) And, I have started to fish in our creek. Might still take fly fishing lessons this summer. Maybe.

Otherwise I am struggling to enjoy being laid off. Some days its great some days it is not.

There is plenty to do around the house, but getting motivated has been difficult. It's like working out, once I get started I'm good to go.

Today, I have spent most the morning online blogging and checking out a few of my social sites.

I need to stop now and do my weekly required job search. Wish me luck.

Nebraska

On forced vacation in Nebraska. ;}

This weekend is the Homestead Days celebration. The parade started at 9 till after 11. The longest parade ever, only one unique item was of real interest. The 1st ever RV.

Victory Garden

Update, my garden was trashed by hail! Life has not been kind to me this year.

Now that I am unemployed I have more time to grow a real garden.

In it will be my usual flowers

Rhubarb, Raspberries, Apples, and Strawberries

Cilantro, Chives

added this year

tomatoes, green beans, peas, spinach, radishes, onions, squash, & cucumbers

all jammed together in the pictured garden-on the right is a compost bin and a rain barrel.

In an other location next to a shed will be potatoes and zucchini.

This should keep me busy for awhile. Lucky for me I grew up in Montana (a good place to be poor) where my mother taught me how to grow a garden and 'can'. I will being doing a lot of that in the fall. I learned how to live well on a very small budget. Won't be much but will save a bit on groceries later.

Joined the ranks of the unemployed

As of last Thursday afternoon I no longer have a job nor career. Bummer

The weather today reflects my mood, I was doing fine when the weather was nice, but now its cloudy and cold and so am I.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is located downtown Cleveland on the waterfront. It is six storys of Band outfits and guitars.

Bought the kids guitar picks and of course the usual gift of key rings. Bought the hubby a CD.

Frank Solich

I was in Athens, Ohio the other day and ran across this guy. Frank somebody. We got to talking about the Indians game last weekend and he asked me what my favorite sport was. I told him I did not have a favorite sport, but my husband likes Nascar and is of course a crazy Nebraska Cornhusker fan. He smiled and so did his friend sitting next to him. He just happens to be the coach for the Ohio Bobcats and once for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. So Cool man!!! I called Jason on the cell and Frank was nice enough to speak to my hubby for a few minutes. This is obviously the highlight of my trip to Ohio.

The Cleveland Indians

Went to the Cleveland Indian's game last weekend. Perfect weather. Sat row 2 behind 3rd. It was a great time. Go Choo!

See how excited they were to see me there ;)

Off to Ohio

Starting next weekend the 25th of April, I will be in Ohio for work. This state was not on my list of places I would want to visit, but I will get a refridge magnet anyway.

Cleveland or Bust!

I travel for work just enough so it's enjoyable and a nice change of scenery, but sometimes 2 weeks away from home 3 or 4 times in a year can get old for my loved ones.

For my current employer I have had the opportunity to visit South Carolina (my 2nd trip) and New Mexico in 2008.

In South Carolina I was able to make a run for it and went site seeing. It was a bonus to stumble across the Darlington race track on my way to Mrytal Beach.

Once I got to the beach, I limped (8 raw stitches in my left foot) out toward the Atlantic. I stopped, looked North, looked South, and left to get my kids a t-shirt.

To make the trip even more exciting, I was forced to drive into and out of hurricane strength downpours. It made for a long tiring road trip.

New Mexico

I was lucky to be there for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. How Neat.

It was also cool to hike around the Petroglyph National Monument and take pictures of the fascinating Native American rock carvings, while trying not to step on the many millipedes crawling around everywhere.

During my 2nd stint in New Mexico , I took my birthday off and drove half way across the state to The White Sands National Park. It was worth the long drive.

After 4 hours driving through the most desolate territory I have ever seen ( and I thought eastern Nebraska was awful) I quickly climbed a dune, and then hopped into the rental car for another 4 hours back covered head to toe with fine white sand. It was a bit windy that day

The Little Mermaid

My 12 year old daughter landed a part the in MCT's "Little Mermaid"

Friday night at the Clancy School. I'm sure my hubby and I will help tear down like we have every year.

Black Hole Education

Black Hole Expert to Deliver Keynote of Carroll Astronomy Weekend, March 27-28, 2009, Celebrating International Year of Astronomy

"To Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy, marking the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first observations through the telescope, Carroll College is presenting a keynote speaker from the American Astronomical Society's Shapley Program. On Friday, March 27, black hole expert and high-energy astrophysicist Dr. Niel Brandt, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State University, will give a lecture, "X-raying Active Galaxies: Exploring the Environments of Supermassive Black Holes," at 7 p.m. in Carroll College Simperman Hall's Wiegand Amphitheater, room 101/202. It is free and open to the public."

Blew my Mind!

Sushi and a Play

My sister came to town for a Governor's Conference, so she, a friend and I went out Friday night.

Ate Sushi and then went to the Grandstreet Theatre

'Grandstreet Theatre presents Lone Star & Laundry and Bourbon, James McLure's one-acts work together showing two sides of a Texas town. Lone Star features the men, outside a bar, followed by Laundry & Bourbon, the gals' response on their front porch. '

Actually the girls went first. After the show, us three had a beer at O'Rileys down the block.

Overall it was a great 'girls night out', except I got pulled over by the Highway Patrol for a burned out headlight.

Big Sky

I had no idea how big Big Sky was! I want to go so bad now! Maybe next weekend.

Green Energy Ideas

Christopher Borton of Sage Mountain Center will talk about solar and small wind generation here in Montana.
Again at the Exploration Works

A Murder in the Family

My Brother's first and only grandson Gabriel was killed Sunday morning.

Lee County crime: Kenneth Gerald Jones Jr. charged with capital murder in death of 14-month-old boy
By Chuck Williams and Alan Riquelmy - ariquelmy@ledger-enquirer.com --

A Smiths Station, Ala. man has been charged with capital murder in the death of a 14-month-old boy.

Kenneth Gerald Jones Jr., 24, was formally arrested today by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, said Capt. Van Jackson. He’s accused of causing the Sunday death of his live-in girlfriend’s child.

“The baby had died from blunt force trauma injuries to the head,” Jackson said. “We’re still trying to establish exactly what happened.”

Lee County authorities received a 911 call Sunday about 10:30 a.m. reporting a baby was unresponsive at a home in the 8900 block of Lee Road 240. The baby was taken by ambulance to the closest medical facility, Jack Houston Memorial Hospital in Phenix City. The baby was pronounced dead in the hospital’s emergency room about 11:30.

At that time, authorities did not suspect foul play, but the autopsy findings indicated the baby died of a homicide, Harris said.

The name of the boy is not being released.

“No further details can be released at this time as the investigation continues by the Lee County Sheriff’s office, the Lee County Coroner’s office and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences,” according to a release from the Lee County Coroner’s Office.

Gardening Class for Beginners

At Exploration Works will be a 101 Gardening Class

Such as, seeds to buy for Helena, starting plants in the house, and planning for the growing season. Its a part of the Start to Finish program offered by the Growing Community Project which is sponsered by WEEL and AERO.

(A Clancy Community Garden?)

Ski Lessons? I Went for it!

Trying to get up the nerve to go skiing this weekend!

I have tried to ski only once in my life and that was 20 years ago. Not a pretty picture. No lessons at a top notch California resort. I went down 4 times on the so called bunny hill and called it quits.

The kids have been invited to a B-Day party on the mountain Saturday night. The parents of Clancy kids have rented the whole place for them.

There is a three day package available at the Great Divide

I would go up Friday afternoon for my first lesson.

Saturday, I'll take the kids up and do my second lesson. I hope one or both of my kind children will hang out with mom and help her out.

Sunday, I may or may not go back for third lesson, depends on how Saturday goes.

I decided to go for it!

I called and set up the 1,2,3 ski lesson plan.

Day 1

I left work early Friday afternoon and took the first lesson at 1 PM. After an hour learning the basics, I was taken up the lift for my first try at the mountain. I was terrified, crashed and wore myself out getting up. I made it down twice.

Day 2 (an absolutely gorgeous day)

Left the house a 9 am with my 2 kids and returned for more torture at 10 am. I was taken back up to the "Meadows' or also called the ricochet run. I made it down 4 times, I think maybe it was 5. Finally after tightening my boots, I made the final run without crashing. Yeah!!!!

Day 3

Another 1 pm appointment. This time only Jake went up with me. I was so very very sore, had a head ache and did not really want to go this time.

But, once I was there, I was fine until after one warm up run down the 'meadows' I was to take on "good luck'. Again I was terrified and struggled to get myself down the, to me what seemed like a cliff. I crashed most all way down and hard. Finally, I was taken to the top on a different lift. Again it was steep and I even though less panicked, struggled down with a few crashes. But, once we got to the meadows again at the bottom, that was now easy as pie.

For a graduation gift I was given a half-off punch card for 10 more lift tickets. Cool.

I will have to go back now. I am hooked. I was happy to see how quickly I learned to ski, but still need to work on my turns and get rid of that "pizza" stance. Getting down "Good Luck' with out crashing is my next goal.

Home Brew

This is how I do it

The Beer Machine is a self-contained, single-step brewer that brews fresh premium naturally made in 7 to 10 days.
The convenient size easily fits in a fridge in the same "footprint" space of a regular six-pack.
Putting it together was a challenge and the pressure relief valve on top did not work properly, had to babysit it for the first four days. After four days it goes into the refridgerator downstairs for another three to seven days when it is then ready to taste.
My first brew was good, I am on my 2nd brew. This time the pressure guage appears to be working better and I put it in the refridge last night. It will be ready for St. Patty Day.

Lawn Aeration

Aeration, or core cultivation, is standard lawn care. Aerating a lawn means supplying the soil with air, usually by poking holes in the ground throughout the lawn using an aerator. It reduces soil compaction and helps control thatch in lawns while helping water and fertilizer move into the root zone.
A lawn can be aerated at any time the ground is not frozen, but should not be done when it is extremely hot and dry. Heavy traffic areas will require aeration more frequently.
Aeration is most effective when actual cores or plugs of soil are pulled from the lawn. Holes should be two to three inches deep and no more than two to four inches apart. Lawns should be thoroughly watered the day before aerating so plugs can be pulled more deeply and easily. Mark all sprinkler heads, shallow irrigation lines and cable TV lines before aerating so those lines will not be damaged.
On thatchy lawns, it is important to leave the cores on the lawn, allowing them to work back into the grass. Otherwise, the cores may be removed or left on the lawn. Lawns may be fertilized and seeded immediately after aeration. There is no need to top dress lawns following aeration.

A Wish List

a list of desired but often realistically unobtainable items