From Mom and Dad: So I had a CT yesterday and saw the surgeon and hematologist. The bad news is that the hematoma is “mildly increased with 8 mm of left-to-right midline shift, increased from 5 mm.” The good news is that I am feeling fine. The surgeon is surprised but suggests we wait to see what happens in 3 weeks when we see him again. Then we can drain it again with a syringe or let it go. Or get a second opinion.
I had an episode Saturday night where I had trouble expressing myself for a few minutes. He gave me a prescription of Kepra to prevent seizures. I guess the brain does not like foreign matter like blood irritating the brain.
The hematologist is running about 6 tests but expects nothing unusual to show up. And I see a neurologist on July 13th.
Isn’t this fun? That’s it for now
Jun 15, 2010
1 Month and Counting till TRT!
Today is June 15th, 2010. I (Tyler) will be departing for Tahoe on Wen. July 14th with a one night layover in L.A. and then picking Zach up on Thur. July 15th and heading up to our family cabin in the Tahoe area.
We are 1 month away from heading for Tahoe. We have both been training when we can, hiking, hitting the gym, running....I don't think either of are over confident that it's helping to much :)
We have been ironing out the last of the logistics. Our food is sitting in boxes ready to go, one bear box is complete with two more to go, Topo's food is on it's way to Phoenix from Tail Waggers in Colorado.
Tyler has been in contact with a few people in the Tahoe area. One local lady who has hiked the entire trail has been able to offer advice about water and food caches. She has also offered us a dry guest room if the weather turns on us. Topo has a contingency plan as well via a local bording clinic in South Lake Tahoe. They have offered to pick Topo up at a trail head and board him for a few nights if he needs a break.
I will update again as we get closer and start getting gear assembled and boxes up for the trip.
....stay tuned.
We are 1 month away from heading for Tahoe. We have both been training when we can, hiking, hitting the gym, running....I don't think either of are over confident that it's helping to much :)
We have been ironing out the last of the logistics. Our food is sitting in boxes ready to go, one bear box is complete with two more to go, Topo's food is on it's way to Phoenix from Tail Waggers in Colorado.
Tyler has been in contact with a few people in the Tahoe area. One local lady who has hiked the entire trail has been able to offer advice about water and food caches. She has also offered us a dry guest room if the weather turns on us. Topo has a contingency plan as well via a local bording clinic in South Lake Tahoe. They have offered to pick Topo up at a trail head and board him for a few nights if he needs a break.
I will update again as we get closer and start getting gear assembled and boxes up for the trip.
....stay tuned.
Jun 6, 2010
Our first Vlog - Lower Wolf Creek Campground
With Claire's new position at Lifelock, we are getting used to taking full advantage of our weekends off. This weekend we loaded up the Coleman for the first time in almost a year, and headed north to beat the foretasted 112 degree weather in Phoenix. We left on Friday around dinner time, with a destination of Lynx Lake Recreation Area near Prescott, unfortunately we weren't the only one's with this plan, and arrived to a full camp ground. A quick inspection of the Atlas and we found a couple campgrounds less than 30 minutes away and headed for them. We found a nice camping spot late on Friday night at Lower Wolf Creek CG. Throughout the weekend we took some short video clips and put them together for your enjoyment. We will try to do more with the video camera...it was kind of an experiment this weekend. We hope you enjoy!
Jun 2, 2010
5 years of Marriage
Although the title to this blog is still "The New Matneys", we aren't so "new" anymore. Claire and I have hit a milestone in our marriage, 5 years. It was a bit of an unconventional anniversary, but an anniversary nonetheless.
This 5 years of marriage, also marked 10 years in our relationship. I don't want to get all sappy, and start bragging about how great we are together....but I can't help myself :) We are an incredibly fortunate couple, with a relationship that is easy to maintain, and a love that continues to grow.
So raise your glass (or your mouse, that will work) to many more years of bliss. Cheers!
This 5 years of marriage, also marked 10 years in our relationship. I don't want to get all sappy, and start bragging about how great we are together....but I can't help myself :) We are an incredibly fortunate couple, with a relationship that is easy to maintain, and a love that continues to grow.
So raise your glass (or your mouse, that will work) to many more years of bliss. Cheers!
Jun 1, 2010
Claire goes to San Fran
Claire was able to get away for a weekend to go to San Fran. I stayed at D&J's and my Mom also came down. We also spent a day wine tasting in Wine country. I found out I like a soft old vine cabernet wine. Everyone told me I have an expensive taste!
It was a great weekend walking all over San Fran and seeing all the sites! It was great to be with family and go to Katie and Jasons wedding.
May 29, 2010
May 19, 2010
Dad update...
From Mom and Dad: So the staples came our this morning with special pliers - but not more than a pin prick feeling as each one came out. So "off the top of my head" (pun intended) I think this adventure is over as I can drive now and even have a beer once in a while. My brother-in-law was hoping that with the pressure off my brain I would switch from being a flaming liberal to a sane conservative - but no such luck. I am feeling and thinking pretty much the same as I did before this all started. Now I just have to wait 4 - 6 weeks to get back to physical work and exercise. And then there are the 3 CT scans planned over the next 3 months to check to see if any reoccurance of the hematoma is happening.
May 15, 2010
Update from Dad
From Mom and Dad: Still recovering at home but I'm up and around and feeling pretty good. Washed my hair Thursday and stopped the percocet pain medication Thursday night - just taking Tylenol now. Nausea is gone too. The summer-like weather has enabled short walks around the neighborhood, but it still seems pretty weird to tell neighbors I had brain surgery on Tuesday. Hair is growing back in already and the staples come out on Wednesday. Biggest problem is the itchy scalp - which is pretty minor - and I don't really mind. I am blessed to have family and friends who care and angels looking after me.
LifeLock May event
After 3 short weeks of Claire working at LifeLock, we were invited to their May event. Once a year in May, LifeLock puts up the entire company in a local hotel for the weekend. We had a formal dinner on Sat night after spending a day in the Sun at the water park. Tyler golfed Sunday morning for free as well! It was a great way to get to know other co-workers and definately felt welcome as a new employee!
May 12, 2010
Another good Update on Dad
From Mom and Dad: Going home today! Wayne's CAT scan this morning looks great. He gets to rest a lot the next month and do very little exercise. The turban bandage is off and now we see about 32 staples which will come out next week. Come on over with your pliers if you want to help.
Thank you everyone for your caring thoughts and prayers. He is on the road to recovery already.
Thank you everyone for your caring thoughts and prayers. He is on the road to recovery already.
May 11, 2010
More Updates on Dad
The surgeon came by for a check up and said everything looks great. He said that Wayne can start to slowly increase the incline on the bed, then work on standing up and moving around a little. There will be a CAT scan in the morning to confirm things look good, then he will be released once the doctor gives the all clear on the scans.
Recovery is coming along well, with a little Tylenol, Percoset and morphine to help ease the pain.
Quote from Wayne: "This is not what I expected, going into a physical complaining of naps and headaches!"
Quote from Wayne (to neurosurgeon): "I came into the hospital feeling fine, and you made my head hurt!"
Recovery is coming along well, with a little Tylenol, Percoset and morphine to help ease the pain.
Quote from Wayne: "This is not what I expected, going into a physical complaining of naps and headaches!"
Quote from Wayne (to neurosurgeon): "I came into the hospital feeling fine, and you made my head hurt!"
Dad Update
From Mom and Dad: Just had a quick 5 minutes debrief with the doctor, and the news is good.
Here is the quick run-down of what we heard and learned...
* The surgery went great
* Three holes: 1 right side, 2 left side
* He has staples over the incisions, and his head is wrapped
* There was no source of bleeding discovered (this was expected given the old blood), and there was no additional bleeding.
* The fluid that drained looked like motor oil — dark, old blood that the body could not/did not absorb. “Old bad blood”
* Rinsed the fluid out until clear, and now those spaces are filled with air.
* The aspirin that he was on should stop, to help increase clotting
* Wayne is currently in recovery, and he will be for about an hour. He is talking and able to move both sets of limbs. After the recovery (which is better than the possible ICU!), we will be buzzed and can go see him.
* He will have scans tomorrow, in one month, two months, and three months. It will take about three months for his brain to fill back in and back to normal... Again, more will be known later today and tomorrow.
* Related to “normal” -- the doc equated what he did and what Wayne experienced this morning as going through a windshield — lots of action on the brain. So, what I got from that is that the healing is (obviously) for the incision points, but also for the brain itself.
More later, once we can see Wayne!
What a strange, strange 24 hours...
(FWIW: the surgery started at 908 and ended at 947 — 39 minutes...)
Here is the quick run-down of what we heard and learned...
* The surgery went great
* Three holes: 1 right side, 2 left side
* He has staples over the incisions, and his head is wrapped
* There was no source of bleeding discovered (this was expected given the old blood), and there was no additional bleeding.
* The fluid that drained looked like motor oil — dark, old blood that the body could not/did not absorb. “Old bad blood”
* Rinsed the fluid out until clear, and now those spaces are filled with air.
* The aspirin that he was on should stop, to help increase clotting
* Wayne is currently in recovery, and he will be for about an hour. He is talking and able to move both sets of limbs. After the recovery (which is better than the possible ICU!), we will be buzzed and can go see him.
* He will have scans tomorrow, in one month, two months, and three months. It will take about three months for his brain to fill back in and back to normal... Again, more will be known later today and tomorrow.
* Related to “normal” -- the doc equated what he did and what Wayne experienced this morning as going through a windshield — lots of action on the brain. So, what I got from that is that the healing is (obviously) for the incision points, but also for the brain itself.
More later, once we can see Wayne!
What a strange, strange 24 hours...
(FWIW: the surgery started at 908 and ended at 947 — 39 minutes...)
May 10, 2010
Dads Cranial Surgery
Dear family and friends of Wayne:
Many of you may already know this by now, but Wayne is having cranial surgery tomorrow a.m. He has been experiencing headaches for about a month after a short bout with the flu. Also, his personality and behavior seemed to alter. He became weak and unable to exercise as usual, slept a lot (naps during the day, unusual for him), generally grumpy and much more quiet and almost disconnected/disinterested from life. Some friends thought he was depressed.
During an annual physical this morning which Cate went along to with him, the Dr. ordered an MRI which showed he has a sub-dural hematoma. There are significant pools of blood sitting between his brain and his skull (that’s the good news---not IN the brain, but BETWEEN the brain and the skull). The more disconcerting news is that the origin, usually head trauma, is unknown in his case. After MRI, cat scans, chest x-rays, blood tests, they decided to operate. Looking at the cat scans with the neurosurgeon and hearing how he will go about his work was reassuring. Tomorrow the neurosurgeon will bore 3 – 4 thumbnail size holes into the sides of his skull to drain the blood out. The holes should heal quickly with slight indentations that won’t show under Wayne’s nice head of hair. Or maybe the head will be shaved. We’ll see how funny he looks with big empty patches.
The surgery is at 8:20 and should last about 40 minutes. We will know more info in late morning and will send out another email tomorrow night. After looking at the cat scans and doing the neurological exams, the doctor was very impressed with how healthy Wayne seemed to be. They can tell the blood has been increasing in size for probably at least a month.
The risks are the usual ones for surgery – infection, bleeding, stroke, clots, spinal fluid leak. But we have good faith in the surgeon’s experience and that the angels looking after him the past month will continue to do so. He has been doing fine today, seemed almost better than the past month, and describes the experience best as being surreal.
Prayers are welcome!
Cate
Many of you may already know this by now, but Wayne is having cranial surgery tomorrow a.m. He has been experiencing headaches for about a month after a short bout with the flu. Also, his personality and behavior seemed to alter. He became weak and unable to exercise as usual, slept a lot (naps during the day, unusual for him), generally grumpy and much more quiet and almost disconnected/disinterested from life. Some friends thought he was depressed.
During an annual physical this morning which Cate went along to with him, the Dr. ordered an MRI which showed he has a sub-dural hematoma. There are significant pools of blood sitting between his brain and his skull (that’s the good news---not IN the brain, but BETWEEN the brain and the skull). The more disconcerting news is that the origin, usually head trauma, is unknown in his case. After MRI, cat scans, chest x-rays, blood tests, they decided to operate. Looking at the cat scans with the neurosurgeon and hearing how he will go about his work was reassuring. Tomorrow the neurosurgeon will bore 3 – 4 thumbnail size holes into the sides of his skull to drain the blood out. The holes should heal quickly with slight indentations that won’t show under Wayne’s nice head of hair. Or maybe the head will be shaved. We’ll see how funny he looks with big empty patches.
The surgery is at 8:20 and should last about 40 minutes. We will know more info in late morning and will send out another email tomorrow night. After looking at the cat scans and doing the neurological exams, the doctor was very impressed with how healthy Wayne seemed to be. They can tell the blood has been increasing in size for probably at least a month.
The risks are the usual ones for surgery – infection, bleeding, stroke, clots, spinal fluid leak. But we have good faith in the surgeon’s experience and that the angels looking after him the past month will continue to do so. He has been doing fine today, seemed almost better than the past month, and describes the experience best as being surreal.
Prayers are welcome!
Cate
Apr 29, 2010
2005 Suzuki V-Strom DL650
Tyler is at it again...
On Monday Tyler signed paperwork on a (new to us) 2005 Suzuki V-Strom. Tyler has been talking about buying a motorcycle for years, and has almost pulled the trigger a few times. When the local dealership took in this bike on trade he couldnt' resist any longer.
So people have expressed concern over how safe riding a motorcycle is. Of course, there is a concern, there is reason to have one. People are injured and even killed on motorcycles all the time. However, people also ride for their entire lives and never have an accident...these people are well educated and safe riders. This is the route Tyler is going to pursue!
Tyler is enrolling in a motorcycle safety course where he will learn critical decision making skills, bike control, and evasive maneuvering. Most people don't know that Tyler has actually spent a lot of time riding motorcycles both on road and off. Not to mention his many years at the handle bars of a mountain bike.
So please don't worry, safety is #1, and the proper riding gear was purchased when the bike was, included a new helmet, riding jacket and proper foot wear.
So, enjoy the pictures...and next time you're in town...I'll take you for a ride on the back of it!
The Ride Now power sports delivery truck!
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My new baby, sitting pretty on the trailer!
+002.jpg)
Claire seeing how the back seat feels. As soon as I am ready, we will be taking this thing all over the state of Arizona!
+003.jpg)
Getting ready for my first time around the block!
+004.jpg)
See! Look how cautious I am pulling out of the driveway! SAFETY FIRST!
+006.jpg)
On Monday Tyler signed paperwork on a (new to us) 2005 Suzuki V-Strom. Tyler has been talking about buying a motorcycle for years, and has almost pulled the trigger a few times. When the local dealership took in this bike on trade he couldnt' resist any longer.
So people have expressed concern over how safe riding a motorcycle is. Of course, there is a concern, there is reason to have one. People are injured and even killed on motorcycles all the time. However, people also ride for their entire lives and never have an accident...these people are well educated and safe riders. This is the route Tyler is going to pursue!
Tyler is enrolling in a motorcycle safety course where he will learn critical decision making skills, bike control, and evasive maneuvering. Most people don't know that Tyler has actually spent a lot of time riding motorcycles both on road and off. Not to mention his many years at the handle bars of a mountain bike.
So please don't worry, safety is #1, and the proper riding gear was purchased when the bike was, included a new helmet, riding jacket and proper foot wear.
So, enjoy the pictures...and next time you're in town...I'll take you for a ride on the back of it!
The Ride Now power sports delivery truck!
+001.jpg)
My new baby, sitting pretty on the trailer!
+002.jpg)
Claire seeing how the back seat feels. As soon as I am ready, we will be taking this thing all over the state of Arizona!
+003.jpg)
Getting ready for my first time around the block!
+004.jpg)
See! Look how cautious I am pulling out of the driveway! SAFETY FIRST!
+006.jpg)
Feb 21, 2010
Charity Dog Walk in Tempe
Today, Tyler and I (plus Tinker, Topo & Bentley) participated in the 2nd Annual Petsmart Charities PetWalk. This event helps fund the many PetSmart Charities programs focused on saving the lives of homeless pets.
Why Did We Walk??
Homeless pets desperately need our help! In Arizona, an estimated 120,000 companion animals enter shelters every year; despite the best efforts of shelter staff, only about half of those pets find homes. In Maricopa County alone, more than 98,000 dogs and cats entered shelters and more than 53,000 had to be put down last year.
The 2nd Annual PetSmart Charities® PetWalk brings people and pets together for a great cause: raising money to help homeless pets. It's a fun-filled way to spend the day with family and friends (two-legged AND four-legged). Best of all, it will help Arizona pets find the lifelong, loving homes they deserve!
Why Did We Walk??
Homeless pets desperately need our help! In Arizona, an estimated 120,000 companion animals enter shelters every year; despite the best efforts of shelter staff, only about half of those pets find homes. In Maricopa County alone, more than 98,000 dogs and cats entered shelters and more than 53,000 had to be put down last year.
The 2nd Annual PetSmart Charities® PetWalk brings people and pets together for a great cause: raising money to help homeless pets. It's a fun-filled way to spend the day with family and friends (two-legged AND four-legged). Best of all, it will help Arizona pets find the lifelong, loving homes they deserve!
Feb 15, 2010
The Plan for Tahoe Rim Trail Hike
Commitments made, vacations requested, next of kin notified...time to get down to logistics!
A few problems that are very apparent for Zach and I are; we don't live near each other, and neither of us live near Tahoe. Solution: books, maps, phone calls, internet, and Google Earth!
The main source of knowledge about the finer points of the TRT have been provided by a wonderful author named Tim Hauserman via his book "The Tahoe Rim Trail: A Complete Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians". His book provides detailed trial notes, water locations, forks in the trail, and even the names of prominent peaks that can been seen in the distance.
Zach and I each purchased a copy of Tim's book and we approached the schedules on our own, to see if we came up with anything different. Thankfully we were both on the same page. We agreed our starting point would be Tahoe City, and we would hike in a clockwise direction.
Here are the plans as they stand now.
Wednesday July 14, 2010 - Tyler and Topo drive from Phoenix to Sierra Madres (near LA)
Thursday July 15 - Tyler and Topo drive from Sierra Madre to Sacramento and pick up Zach. Then head to the cabin in Tahoe (Hillard Haven)
Friday July 16 - Start food caches, visit TRT Asso., visit dog boarder and then check into Hampton Inn
Saturday July 17 - Complete food caches, drink one last beer and lay in bed awake all night...
Section 1 - Tahoe City to Spooner Summit 46.5 miles
July 18 - Night one @ Watson Lake - 13 miles
July 19 - Night two @ Gray Lake - 16.5 miles
July 20 - Night three @ Marlette Peak - 17 miles
Food Cache at Spooner Summit
Section 2 - Spooner Summit to Echo Summit 52.4 miles
July 21 - Night four @ South Camp Peak - 19.2 miles
July 22 - Night five @ Star Lake - 15.8 miles
July 23 - Night six @ Round Lake - 17 miles
Food Cache at Echo Summit
Section 3 - Echo Summit to Barker Meadows - 40 miles
July 24 - Night seven @ Lake Aloha - 20 miles
July 25 - Night eight @ Lake Aloha - OFF DAY - 0 miles
July 26 - Night nine @ Middle Velma Lake - 11.5 miles
July 27 - Night ten @ Richardon Lake - 8.5 miles
Food Cache at Barker Meadows
Section 4 - Barker Meadows to Tahoe City - 23.2 miles
July 28 - Night eleven @ Barker Meadows - 6.5 miles
July 29 - Night twelve @ Ward Creek - 11.5 miles
July 30 - Complete hike to Tahoe City - 5.2 miles and drive to Hillard Haven (cabin)
July 31 - Drink beer and relax at the cabin...soak feet in hot water.
August 1 - Zach flies home, Tyler, Claire and Topo drive back to Phoenix.
A few problems that are very apparent for Zach and I are; we don't live near each other, and neither of us live near Tahoe. Solution: books, maps, phone calls, internet, and Google Earth!
The main source of knowledge about the finer points of the TRT have been provided by a wonderful author named Tim Hauserman via his book "The Tahoe Rim Trail: A Complete Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians". His book provides detailed trial notes, water locations, forks in the trail, and even the names of prominent peaks that can been seen in the distance.
Zach and I each purchased a copy of Tim's book and we approached the schedules on our own, to see if we came up with anything different. Thankfully we were both on the same page. We agreed our starting point would be Tahoe City, and we would hike in a clockwise direction.
Here are the plans as they stand now.
Wednesday July 14, 2010 - Tyler and Topo drive from Phoenix to Sierra Madres (near LA)
Thursday July 15 - Tyler and Topo drive from Sierra Madre to Sacramento and pick up Zach. Then head to the cabin in Tahoe (Hillard Haven)
Friday July 16 - Start food caches, visit TRT Asso., visit dog boarder and then check into Hampton Inn
Saturday July 17 - Complete food caches, drink one last beer and lay in bed awake all night...
Section 1 - Tahoe City to Spooner Summit 46.5 miles
July 18 - Night one @ Watson Lake - 13 miles
July 19 - Night two @ Gray Lake - 16.5 miles
July 20 - Night three @ Marlette Peak - 17 miles
Food Cache at Spooner Summit
Section 2 - Spooner Summit to Echo Summit 52.4 miles
July 21 - Night four @ South Camp Peak - 19.2 miles
July 22 - Night five @ Star Lake - 15.8 miles
July 23 - Night six @ Round Lake - 17 miles
Food Cache at Echo Summit
Section 3 - Echo Summit to Barker Meadows - 40 miles
July 24 - Night seven @ Lake Aloha - 20 miles
July 25 - Night eight @ Lake Aloha - OFF DAY - 0 miles
July 26 - Night nine @ Middle Velma Lake - 11.5 miles
July 27 - Night ten @ Richardon Lake - 8.5 miles
Food Cache at Barker Meadows
Section 4 - Barker Meadows to Tahoe City - 23.2 miles
July 28 - Night eleven @ Barker Meadows - 6.5 miles
July 29 - Night twelve @ Ward Creek - 11.5 miles
July 30 - Complete hike to Tahoe City - 5.2 miles and drive to Hillard Haven (cabin)
July 31 - Drink beer and relax at the cabin...soak feet in hot water.
August 1 - Zach flies home, Tyler, Claire and Topo drive back to Phoenix.
Feb 8, 2010
Hillards were in town!
Cate and Wayne made it out here for a long weekend as well! We had 3 days between parents being in town but it was fun!
Friday we took Cate and Wayne into downtown Phoenix on the new light rail. Our destination was The Phoenix Art Museum which had an Ansel Adams exhibit. While on the light rail we noticed a street fair going on so we jumped off the at the next stop and browsed the street fair for a little while. After the Art Museum we went to the Old Spaghetti for an early birthday dinner for Claire.
Saturday the 4 of us made the 1.5 hour drive down to Tucson to visit the Biosphere. The Biosphere was simply amazing! We had a terrific tour guide and if you are ever in the area, make the trip to see this marvel!
When Cate and Wayne flew into Phoenix, they brought Ruby Joy down to visit some other family. On Sunday Ruby Joy came to our house to see the animals and then headed off the mall to see more animals! We also went out to the local R/C flying field to watch the maiden flight of Tyler's new R/C plane (it survived the first flight).
Monday, Tyler had to leave early for a business trip so Cate, Wayne and Claire spent the day doing some small projects around the house and relaxing.
Friday we took Cate and Wayne into downtown Phoenix on the new light rail. Our destination was The Phoenix Art Museum which had an Ansel Adams exhibit. While on the light rail we noticed a street fair going on so we jumped off the at the next stop and browsed the street fair for a little while. After the Art Museum we went to the Old Spaghetti for an early birthday dinner for Claire.
Saturday the 4 of us made the 1.5 hour drive down to Tucson to visit the Biosphere. The Biosphere was simply amazing! We had a terrific tour guide and if you are ever in the area, make the trip to see this marvel!
When Cate and Wayne flew into Phoenix, they brought Ruby Joy down to visit some other family. On Sunday Ruby Joy came to our house to see the animals and then headed off the mall to see more animals! We also went out to the local R/C flying field to watch the maiden flight of Tyler's new R/C plane (it survived the first flight).
Monday, Tyler had to leave early for a business trip so Cate, Wayne and Claire spent the day doing some small projects around the house and relaxing.
Feb 3, 2010
OH Matney's in Town
Greg and Jan came out to visit in conjunction with Greg's business trip. They weren't able to stay long, but it was terrific to have them over! Friday Jan and Claire went to see puppies at Claire's store and we all went out to dinner. Saturday we took a little backcountry Arizona road trip up scenic Highway 88 to Tortilla Flats for lunch. We stopped into the Ghost Town tourist attraction out that way and wandered around.
Sunday Greg had to fly back to Ohio, and Jan stuck around for an extra night relaxing. Tyler even managed to score some new clothes of dear ol' Mom. :)
Sunday Greg had to fly back to Ohio, and Jan stuck around for an extra night relaxing. Tyler even managed to score some new clothes of dear ol' Mom. :)
Feb 1, 2010
Claire gets a promotion!
Claire is now the manager at Animal Kingdom! She is very exciting to start this new challenging career! First day as manager is 2/1~ Wish her a good first month!
Jan 23, 2010
Garage Extreme Makeover!
Tyler has been working had organizing the garage! As part of my Christmas gift he promied me I would be able to park my Mini Cooper in the garage and have it organized before Valentines Day! It looks amazing! Thanks Steve for garage envy and finally motivating us to get organized! Before picture on bottom and after picture on top.
Jan 22, 2010
Tinker gets fixed!
We took Tinker to the Vet this morning to get fixed! We found out when we picked her up that she had an infection in her uterus and lets just say we are lucky we found it when we did. They vet gave us another 2 weeks before we had her in the ER trying to figure out what was wrong. So my point of this post is get your dog fixed! The only reason she got this infection is because we let her have to many heat cycles. She just turned 3 so in my eyes we were VERY lucky. The infection was a very serious problem but it was solved by getting her spayed. So please, get your pets spayed or neutered!
Jan 8, 2010
Tyler gets his Wisdom teeth out!
Tyler is now 29 yrs old and finally getting his wisdom teeth out! They have been getting worse and worse every year and he finally agreed to getting them out.
Jan 6, 2010
Birds!
For Christmas we got a couple bird feeders and man are we popular! We are enjoying watching the birds right outside our door so we recently adding 2 more bird feeders across the yard! Each bird feeder has a different type of seed making our yard very interesting and diverse. My parents always had bird feeders which I loved to watch and now we have our own! Picture to come later!
Jan 1, 2010
Whose coming with me (Tyler)!
I have been thinking about hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail since I first heard of it, in mid 2008. The toughest part about attempting somthing like this is finding someone to join you. After posting on the local hiking club forum, reaching out to some friends and family I didn't have much more than a "well....let me see if I can get the time off work" from anyone. Then a phone call to Zach brought my dream to fruition in December 2009.
This was an excerpt from my posting on HikeArizona.com looking for someone to join me...
I would encourage any interested party to ask themselves a couple questions:
1. Can I hike 10-15 miles a day for 12-13 consecutive days?
2. (most important) Can I vanish from the state of Arizona for over 2 weeks without losing my job/wife/girlfriend etc...?
3. How will I feel down the road if I miss out on an amazing opportunity like this?!?!?!
Now, if you answered the questions favorably, start doing some homework and keep asking yourself the above questions. I can't do it alone.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 (give or take a couple miles depending on your source) loop that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe. The trail is fairly new in the realm of larger thru hiking trails. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association was established in 1981 to plan, construct and maintain the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 24-inch wide, 165 mile single track trail open to hiking, equestrians and mountian biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. Another huge draw to me, and a major factor in choosing this hike, is that for approximately 50 miles it shares the same piece of dirt as the Pacific Crest Trail.
This was an excerpt from my posting on HikeArizona.com looking for someone to join me...
I would encourage any interested party to ask themselves a couple questions:
1. Can I hike 10-15 miles a day for 12-13 consecutive days?
2. (most important) Can I vanish from the state of Arizona for over 2 weeks without losing my job/wife/girlfriend etc...?
3. How will I feel down the road if I miss out on an amazing opportunity like this?!?!?!
Now, if you answered the questions favorably, start doing some homework and keep asking yourself the above questions. I can't do it alone.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 (give or take a couple miles depending on your source) loop that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe. The trail is fairly new in the realm of larger thru hiking trails. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association was established in 1981 to plan, construct and maintain the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 24-inch wide, 165 mile single track trail open to hiking, equestrians and mountian biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. Another huge draw to me, and a major factor in choosing this hike, is that for approximately 50 miles it shares the same piece of dirt as the Pacific Crest Trail.
Dec 31, 2009
Happy New Year! 2010
We rang in the new year by going to Phoenix Zoo lights (a HUGE light display that encompasses the entire zoo) and Old Spaghetti Factory (our favorite date night restaurant)! At the Zoo lights we managed to wander into Sting Ray Bay on one of the rare public feeding nights. For $2.00 you got a little cup full of minnows and got to hand feed the sting rays. It's a WEIRD feeling! They don't have teeth, so they basically suck your entire hand into their mouth to get the piece of fish...pretty cool experience.
Dec 29, 2009
Christmas in Big Bear
We are very blessed to have just spent a week in Big Bear, CA like we do most weeks between Christmas and New Years. It is a nice break after the busy holiday retail season. We also met Hazel Lindgren for the first time! She seems like a great happy beautiful baby!
Dec 6, 2009
Bisbee Trip!
Got woken up with warm cinnamon rolls in bed and then we headed out on a fun road trip with my hubby to Bisbee! Tyler researched and found an old mine tour so we gassed up the mini and went for a road trip. The mine tour was amazing! We got dressed up in yellow jackets, hard hats and head lamps and rode an old mining cart into the mine. Our tour guide was an actual old miner from this mine.
BISBEE - a name to stir the interest of mining men everywhere - has been one of the greatest copper camps the world has ever known. In almost 100 years of continuous production before the Bisbee mines closed in 1975, the local mines produced metals valued at $6.1 billion (at 1975 price) one of the largest production valuations of all the mining districts in the world. This staggering amount of wealth came from the estimated production of 8,032,352,000 lbs of copper, 2,871,786 ounces of gold, 77,162,986 ounces of silver, 304,627,600 lbs of lead and 371,945,900 lbs of zinc!
Today’s Queen Mine Tour takes visitors deep into the old workings of the famous Queen Mine where great tonnages of extremely rich copper ore was mined in the early days, catching the attention of the mining industry around the world as one of the greatest treasure troves of copper ever discovered.
Taking the Queen Mine Tour is to step back through the pages of history. A melting pot of immigrant miners from the mining districts of Europe labored beneath the Mule Mountains to feed the insatiable demand for copper and electricity. The electrical age changed the World from a predominantly rural society to the industrial age, bringing with it the highest standard of living the world has ever known.
BISBEE - a name to stir the interest of mining men everywhere - has been one of the greatest copper camps the world has ever known. In almost 100 years of continuous production before the Bisbee mines closed in 1975, the local mines produced metals valued at $6.1 billion (at 1975 price) one of the largest production valuations of all the mining districts in the world. This staggering amount of wealth came from the estimated production of 8,032,352,000 lbs of copper, 2,871,786 ounces of gold, 77,162,986 ounces of silver, 304,627,600 lbs of lead and 371,945,900 lbs of zinc!
Today’s Queen Mine Tour takes visitors deep into the old workings of the famous Queen Mine where great tonnages of extremely rich copper ore was mined in the early days, catching the attention of the mining industry around the world as one of the greatest treasure troves of copper ever discovered.
Taking the Queen Mine Tour is to step back through the pages of history. A melting pot of immigrant miners from the mining districts of Europe labored beneath the Mule Mountains to feed the insatiable demand for copper and electricity. The electrical age changed the World from a predominantly rural society to the industrial age, bringing with it the highest standard of living the world has ever known.
Nov 23, 2009
Gotta love Craiglist!
Silver Dapple Craft Room (aka our Guest Room) is newly reorganized! I found this great find on Craiglist and couldnt pass it up for only $25! This exact set up new from Ikea is over $300! I scored on this one!
Nov 21, 2009
B.B. King tonight in concert!
Thank you to Steve and Christy we got the chance to see BB King in concert! What an amazing show!
Nov 8, 2009
Holiday Gift Show
Reminder!! this SUNDAY (11/8/09) my holiday gift party from 12-6pm. Come by and say HI ! Food and Drinks plus jewelry, hand scrubs, mary kay and Cake Pops - who could ask for more! We would love your support even if its just a visit!
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