The Sickmiller Express

36″ in last 24 hours.

The oval one is the original from my Grandma’s kitchen.

While home for the holidays my family set about the task of going through my grandparent’s house. My grandfather moved into an assisted living facility and my brother was in the process of trying to move into Grandpa’s house. Before he could move in, my family and aunt Carolyn had to sort through their things. I chose a lot of things based on specific memories that I had of being in their house and brought them back to Colorado. I also chose a few things I had never seen before but that I really liked. The photo above shows an oval dish that we found in the kitchen. I don’t ever remember it being used but I liked the pattern and thought maybe I could find some matching pieces some day. A few weeks ago I was planning a dinner for friends when I thought it would be nice to have matching serving dishes so I decided to try to find them online. After about fifteen minutes I found a hostess tray and a serving bowl on Ebay Express! I had never heard of Ebay Express before and it turns out it’s a site where you can list things for a set price, no auction. So I started yelling for Adam (he has a Paypal account) and he came to the computer and we bought them. One seller replied saying that now that he looked over the item it appeared to have some glaze crackings and asked if I still wanted it. I said yes and he put in two complimentary matching saucers. Now, I don’t have any cups, but oh well. Maybe some day. I haven’t been able to find any other pieces but I think these three are about all you need for serving a nice matchy match dinner.

The tablecloth was also something I brought home from their house.

So I was sitting at the computer typing an email to Adam, giving him ideas for my birthday when I struck genius. Do you strike genius? Back to birthday talk. I wanted to give him a lot of ideas in advance because, no offense Silverton, I don’t really want my gift coming from here so I have to figure in shipping time. Anyway, while sending him a small idea I likened it to a stocking stuffer. WHY oh WHY haven’t I thought of birthday stockings before? It’s a great idea, a little pre-gift if you will. Perhaps it should all be able to fit inside an envelope with a card. A little challenging but who doesn’t like a challenge? Now that I think about what I just typed I realize I’ve always thought of gift giving as a challenge. Wanting to do something for someone you love and make it nice. I spend a lot of energy every time I give a gift and I generally think my gifts are perfect. Probably a bold statement considering this will only be read by people who have received a gift from me It is an energy that I really enjoy spending. I have become a big fan of celebration as I age. Having spent some time in other cultures I realize how little time we take to celebrate things here in the U.S.A. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to come here to laid back Silverton. The slower pace, festive mood, more relaxed work attitude, blah blah blah.

Think I’m going to go finish my DVRed presidential debate from a few weeks ago.

Awhile back, when I was at the hardware store to buy our tree stand, Carla convinced me that I should buy a flower bulb. She told me how to take care of it and said that I would have a beautiful flower just in time for Christmas. Once I left the store I immediately forgot the name of the flower and most of her instructions. I looked up some things on the internet and ended up putting it in a plastic bowl that was here when we moved in and some gravel from our aquarium. Then I waited and nothing happened. I got talking to my co-teacher about it a couple of weeks ago and we (she) decided that I wasn’t putting enough water in it. So I added more water and it voila, it started growing. It just bloomed and has a wonderful springy smell. It brightens my day to see it in the kitchen window. I love flowers. I need to get more plants/flowers for the house.

It just makes me smile.

In the past the few houseplants we have had have been destroyed by The Colonel. He ate them. We had a pothos and a poinsettia, both of which he ate. When we moved out to Silverton we bought another pothos and a mother-in-law’s tongue. We also got another poinsettia around Christmas and he has managed to leave them alone, for the most part. I think it’s because he can go outside here and in the winter we now try to have some kitty grass growing for him.

So go ahead, buy me a plant.

Yesterday

Danielle: “Adam I think we’re going to have to go to the store this weekend. We’re on our last roll of toilet paper and we’re out of Tide. Plus I want to get some groceries.”

Adam: “No we don’t need to go. We’re not going.”

Tonight

Adam: “Did you clean out the refrigerator?

Danielle: “No.”

Adam: “Really? Oh.”

Contents = Sourdough starter, Skyline Chili, Barilla Pasta Sauce (not very good), leftover from Thanksgiving turkey soup, Albertson’s Whipped Topping, an Oreo Pudding Cup, shredded medium sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, pickled eggs, orange juice, milk, water, Pizza Zip pizza sauce, one bottle of Leinenkugel’s Red beer, italian dressing, ranch dressing, half a grapefruit, part of an avacado, bag of cranberries, and a bunch of eggs. Not Pictured (in drawer) mozzarella cheese, more cheddar cheese and Nathan’s hot dogs (I still prefer Kahn’s).

Well the holidays are over and a new year has begun. 2008, now known as the year my father retired. In fact his last day was yesterday. It’s so hard for me to believe that he will no longer be working. I’m slightly concerned that he will be stir crazy but I suppose that is bound to happen for a bit after retirement. I’m trying to convince him to buy a second home in Silverton so they can come live here in the summer. It doesn’t seem to be working, yet.

I called him this morning to see how retirement was going and he was working on renovating his dad’s house. He was painting. Not a very exciting way to spend the first day of his ‘vacation for the rest of his life.’ He should get a part-time job. Oh I know! Somewhere where I could get a discount. OH! I vote for Jo-ann fabrics. That would be sweet. (think about it dad)

Perhaps we will put up a little album of our fun December times so everyone can enjoy some photos. Otherwise all I have to say is…

THANK YOU dad for your dedication and for providing our family with everything we could ever ask for. I love you.