Mob

I recently was on a quick shopping trip with my niece Kirsi. We were at the local WinCo. I failed to notice that whilst perusing the aisles that Kirsi decided to 'get rid of' her stuffed Grover. I didn't realize this until I was bagging my groceries, which I might add is a MAD skill I have thanks to my dedicated years as a Cerkoney's Thrifway employee. After finishing bagging, which again was done so quickly because of my technique and mad skillz, I combed the store for Grover--unable to locate him. I left my name and phone number on a piece of paper with the kind woman at the customer service desk who reassured me she would 'HANDLE IT.'

I received a phone call the next day and I immediately drove over to retrieve the beloved Grover. This is what was handed to me:

I mean, one has to wonder.... is WinCo a Mob Operation? Hear me out people:

1. They tout their horns that it is "EMPLOYEE OWNED"

2. You 'BAG' your own stuff.

3. There's an exchange of money.

4. They have their own Pizza Parlor inside the store. (Hello....Leonardos??)

5. They want you to feel like family.

And now this? I mean Grover is bound? I'm suprised he wasn't tied to a brick. Maybe he had seen too much. . . You know I am only kidding, I gotta watch out or I might get mixed up with the mob.

San Fran!

Late on a Tuesday night I had my friend Robin call and offer a deal I couldn't refuse. She had a free plane ticket for me to fly out to San Francisco to see her, but I'd be leaving early Thursday morning. Would I be able to pull it off? I think the picture below says it all!! We've been friends for 25+ years and since we don't get to see each other often, and well, Robin spoiled me and had some things planned for my stay. I got a massage. Yup, you read that right...I haven't had a massage in uh, years, like double digit years. It felt quite relaxing.


We ate lunch and dinked around. It was fun to see her home and her family. It was quite fun to be on the other side of things as we transported the boys to the places they needed to be! They made me laugh!

Robin had arranged for us to go on the Alcatraz tour. Here is the view of the city from the boat ride headed out. It was blue skies and slightly windy, but it was so beautiful.

Here is the first thing you see when you arrive on the island. That's a lot of jail cells!

I have to say though, if I was a prisoner, this view would probably keep me sane. Gorg-eous! I so love blue water.

Inside Alcatraz you get a better feel for how things are stacked one on top of another. I have to say you feel a bit trapped. Not encouraging for someone spending time here, uh, indefinitely!

The cells are small. There is not much room to do anything! Well, to be frank, there isn't a lot to do when you've lost your freedoms! Now all this place needs is some cute flooring and a couple of coats of paint. Heck a stop at Home Depot could fix up this place in no time. Wouldn't a pedestal sink look cute in here? How about some sconces for lighting?

Seriously, you need to maximize your space. For heavens sake...if you're going to be in here for so many hours out of the day, you might as well!!

Again, just the feeling of being 'caged up' so to speak. It would be hard to keep your chin up here for sure!

In the kitchen, they used paint to outline the shapes of the knives so they knew right away if one was missing...not to mention I bet it totally cut time on the spent on doing the dishes!

I had to take this picture because what is interesting is that the red spice containers are "Schilling" brand which is the company my father worked for. I have some of these 'vintage' spice containers myself. Dude, it's just like I was servin' time at The Rock!

Well, even though you're incarcerated, I cannot imagine a more beautiful view from a jail recreational yard. It was a beautiful view of San Francisco!

After our tour of Alcatraz, we hit the pier. It was beautiful out, lots of people were out and about and I know most people don't enjoy that--but I so love the hustle and bustle!!

Just a few of the boats docked up.

Of course we had to hit 'Pier 39' because, well, just to say I'd done it.

And I had to get a picture of this because my boys would love this store. Heck, I love this stuff--but the practical joke stuff is what we like best. Big surprise there.

Then there is what I called 'Seal Beach'. Check them out...they're just basking in the sun! I mean do they not know what it can do to your skin?? Oh wait, they're seals.

In a world of politically correct people I was so surprised to see this! No I didn't purchase any....

Of course Ghiradelli Square was a definite on the list of things to see. I figured since it is the actual location that there would be 'specialty' items for purchase. Uh, yeah, same chocolate that you can buy at Fred Meyer for tons cheaper. But hey....I BOUGHT it there so it's fresher, well, if I didn't have to uh, fly it back with me!!

Then we hit Lombard Street! The houses are amazing and as silly as it seems...I thought it was fun to wind down, especially with my head out the sunroof. Ooops. Helllooooo Officer!

Who can afford these places? Amazing.

Back down the hill....Dukes of Hazzard style! Yeeeee hawwww!

Then we were off to see the 'Painted Ladies'. This is used in the 'Full House' opening credits. I knocked on the door and asked for Uncle Jesse but ran away when I heard something about a restraining order. Geez...some people.

Of course we hit the Golden Gate Bridge. I have to say that having only seen it in pictures or television gives it no justice. It is pretty darn amazing to see it in person. This shows the thickness of all of the little cables together to form this solid piece. WOW. I couldn't stop thinking about red licorice though.

Here we are with the bridge as our backdrop. It is easy to find someone to take a picture because everyone is doing the exact same thing. Can you say TOURIST? I knew you could.

The Golden Gate Bridge--again...amazing! I loved it!

What can I say except I am one lucky girl! I got a chance to visit a great city, see the sights, have some fun, and enjoy the company of a dear friend. I hope to see you again soon San Fran!

Local

We decided that for Spring Break this year, we were going to stay around here. I decided that even though we aren't rich, that if we were going to spend any amount of money....why not support the local economy? So, each day we tried to do something fun and different. Everyone was on board, well, mostly....it did take some prodding but as the week moved on--well, it was just plain fun.

One day we hit Big Al's for some bowling. There is a cheaper rate if you go early and so we popped on the ol' bowling shoes and were ready for a little friendly competition. Now since there were children involved, why, the bumpers were involved. Please note that the bumpers do not stay up for everyone which may or may not be beneficial to those of us who are not gifted bowlers. Needless to say, almost everyone beat me. I did look exceptionally stylish in my lace-up color-blocked shoes though!

After bowling we met up with my sister Kelsey and her 4 kidlets and hit Milwaukie Popkorn and Candy. Kelsey used to work there when she was in high school and they have pretty amazing white cheddar popcorn. I only got a small bag because I knew I'd have to go to a detox place if I bought any more. It's THAT good. Now, when we got there we realized that the place has gone swanky on us, so I played Zone Defense around the quaint shop. I'm proud to say that no one could get past me. I've got mad skillz like that!

One day we headed into the Hawthorne District and went to the Waffle Window. Here you can find some a-maz-ing waffles for so cheap. They do all kinds of combinations and they are delicious. There is a cool vibe and we were grateful for the ability to eat at the tables indoors as it proceeded to hail in Biblical amounts. Sweet weather!

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science Industry)is always a fun place. We hit this with Kelsey and the kids again. Luckily we have a membership and so we could get everyone in at no cost since it

was already paid for! I admit it....I am a bit of a science geek and love this stuff! (Sorry no picture here!)

We decided to see 'How to Train your Dragon' at a local theater where I grew up. It was in 3-D and not a lot of people were in the theater. Even though there might have been some grumbling at the beginning from a certain TEENAGER, it turned out to be a great movie for the family! Everyone loved it!

We then walked over to Fairley's Pharmacy. It is an independent Pharmacy and Soda Fountain that has been in operation since 1913! I grew up with Fairleys and I had forgotten how yummy it was. It was so inexpensive and fun to sit 'at the counter' with the kids daintily snarfing down the ice cream treats.

The cost was quite inexpensive and we all got yummies for $11. I love no tax!

The bonus was finding this picture up on the wall of my brother Trevor. He is in the front row, far left--I know it's hard to see. Fairley's has sponsored teams for years. The best part? Remembering that we called it 'Fairley's Fart Machine'. Man, you gotta love memories like that!

We did a few other things, but you get the jest of how we spent our break. We enjoyed trying out and seeing the places I grew up with and enjoyed finding a new haunt or two. We may not have gone far, or done anything lavish, but sometimes it is good to appreciate that which surrounds you and just keep it local.

Gathering

You know it's almost Easter and Spring in the Pacific Northwest when you're looking for an Easter basket that is made out of plastic. Perhaps your daughter's Easter dress should be long sleeved and have a hood. Nonetheless, this area is gorgeous because of that rain, so I will not complain.
Kicking off the season is our neighborhood Egg Hunt. Sophie is always a good sport and is thrilled to find candy and earn prizes.
Yes, Sophie is wearing gloves in the picture. I'd love to say that it was a strategic move once used by her Ninja Mother which helps gather the eggs in a timely and efficient fashion of which is 'legend' in these parts. The reality is that is was cold enough outside to freeze the jelly beans hard enough that I'm lucky she didn't crack a tooth.

Here is the loot! Yes, she does look like is is doing the 'Vogue', but actually Sophie is more concerned that her detachable hood is back at the house.

For Easter Dinner, we spent it up in Woodland at Januaria & Scot's this year. Owen was so excited to be there he could HARDLY stand it. He slept the entire time. Way to throw a partayyyy! For cryin' out loud there were 19 adults and 14 kids!! That warrants some ear plugs and stiff drinks....uh, if I did drink!

Here is McKay who is like the Pied Piper. At this point they could care less about dinner and wanted to play with the lovely Penguin toy that Januaria has. It is LOUD. It is obnoxious. What does that mean? The kids love it. Needless to say....the hostess confiscated it and disabled it for further use. Buh bye Penguins. Hilarious.

TJ and Sophie are sharing a chair. For whatever reason my daughter has to look as if she is in the casting call for the Exorcism when I am taking a picture. Honestly dear, you will never need Botox if you continue smiling like that.

If you do nothing else as a parent, you should at least teach your kids (or nephew) how to do the 'olive hand'. It is always a hit at parties! Kudos Brogan!

Now I feel as if I have gotten Violet on surveillance video. Looks like she is up to some mischief....

Ahhh, it's my pops chillin in the chair--overseeing the little kids activities. Nothing broken. No one hurt. Nice work Tom!

And here is Katherine and Reed. She was so excited to hold him. She absolutely loves kids! So sweet! As many people as we always have at any given function and as loud and chaotic as it can get....we always have a good time. Food. Laughter. Sarcasm. What more can you ask for at a Narvasa Family gathering?