Ro's Random Questions

It's kind of funny seeing Ro's name in front of "Random". It's normally the reverse. We call her "Random Ro" just because of some of the random things she comes up with. Now I'll be even more honest, she stole this idea from me - these random questions.

Name FIVE things on your "To Do List":

1. Surgery/Procedure
2. Go grocery shopping
3. Take dogs out
4. Go see Karen
5. Laundry (this starts by clearing De's clothes off the rocking chair)

Name THREE bad habits:

1. Crazy about hiking (borderline OCD)
2. "Forget" to make the bed
3. Constantly chewing hard candy or has a sucker
   

Name FIVE jobs you've had:

1. Telemarketer
2. Front Cashier
3. Medical Assistant at Dr.'s office
4. Office Manager for dialysis unit
5. Live-in counselor for pregnant teenagers

Name FIVE places you've lived:

1. Gardena, CA
2. Obatha, KS
3. Carson, CA
4. L.A., CA
5. SLC, UT (the best yet)
   
   

De's Random Questions

I will admit right off the bat that I stole this idea from another blog I ran across. I thought it was cute. Just a few random questions that most people don't know and don't ask.

Name FIVE things on your "To Do List":

1. Rummage through the big box of papers taking up coveted space
2. Win the Lotto
3. Organize the closets
4. Scan old photo prints into the computer
5. Watch The Rachel Maddow Show...daily

Name THREE bad habits:

1. I've gone to the dark side: Extremely Political
2. Using the rocking chair as a clothes closet
3. Coffee Snob
4. Peanut M&M's (whoops, it said three)

Name FIVE places you've lived:

1. Logan, UT
2. Murray, UT
3. SLC, UT
4. Glen Head, NY
5. Chester, CT
   
   

Name FIVE jobs you've had:

1. "Sank yoo fo cawing Hing Woon, may I hewp yoo?"
2. Popcorn maker: Ernst Hardward
3. Gift wrapper: Bed Bath & Beyond
4. Nanny: Live-in & out
5. I.V. mixer & Pill counter (Pharmacy Technician)
   
   
   

VOTE

Maybe reversed psychology works...maybe not. Either way - Declare Yourself & VOTE!!

Gray Matter

When I speak of gray matter, I'm not talking about what's between my ears rather what's starting to appear on the top of my head. That's right, little strands of course, curly gray hairs are starting to emerge! When I discovered the latest one, the chorus of Tennessee Ernie Ford's Sixteen Tons raced through my mind.

You load sixteen tons, what do you get
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store

I remembered back in 7th grade choir class when we'd sing this song and I'd think to myself, "Wow, whoever we're singing about must be ancient." I now see myself in the chorus of that dreaded song. With each day, I get older and in this troubling economy, who isn't getting deeper in debt? Maybe replacing Saint Peter with "Old Devil" suits me better.

I am mildly encouraged by a few minor details though. One is the gray nuisances are far and few between. In other words, they're still within "plucking" standards. I have some time to decide whether I will take the bottle of color or not. And the second most saving grace is to remember my Grams. Up until the day she passed, she had a full head of black hair with a little patch of gray in front. Maybe I'll enjoy the same luck she had. If any of you are about to tell me that gray hair depends on my father's mother's sister's niece's daughter, please spare me. When it comes to gray matter on my noggin, I remind myself, the geneticist's studies do not pertain to me. I must clinch to any hope out there.

Gardener's Village

Who could resist spending a beautiful fall day at Gardener's Village with Grandma and Auntie Ro? With Halloween being my most favorite holiday - I can't even believe that work held me back from such an adventure! Nonetheless, I resisted.


I start by saying, I really hope he didn't drive all the way down there! Fingers crossed hoping he just parked the car - and hopefully he wasn't on his cellphone while doing it!



My eyes must not be working right, but I see three witches and Kelan in this picture. Anyone see different?

I'm hoping Kelan doesn't become the next ingredient to be added to this witche's brew!!


Part of the Worthington clan sitting with...is that? couldn't be? is it.?...Aunt Suzy. Sure enough, they were able to meet up with their Auntie Suz! I never thought she'd be part of the witch scavanger hunt!

All in all, I hear everyone had good times. I can't wait to get down there, check out the witches and Halloween decorations. I know one thing, Ro didn't want to leave just to come home and see another witch!

A Dog's Prayer

I'm beginning to think the name of our blog does not fit it's contents. I should consider a rename of "Pooters", "Pooparoos" or maybe just "Our Dogs". I notice I talk more about our two dogs than I do us. I ran across the following and it definitely got the best of me. By the last paragraph, I had tears running down both cheeks. I just had to share it.

A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

--Beth Norman Harris

Hiking Buddies

Ro spends a lot of her time hiking in the beautiful mountains of Utah. It keeps her grounded, sane and frankly, easier to live with! I love that she so enjoys this new state she calls home. You'd be hard pressed to find such beautiful, majestic mountains elsewhere.

With trees reaching towards the almost painted sky and snow encompassing Mother Earth, not only is our snow the greatest on earth, our mountains are too!

Surrounded by all this beauty, Rhonda glows! She loves being outside, hiking and just being one with nature.

She has found a new hiking buddy with our pooter, Kasper. As he prances through the woods, his tail is no longer between his legs with fear, his ears are no longer perched with anxiety and he no longer shakes in anticipation. Having been chained up, starved and cracked feet from the cement he called home for the first two years of life, I am happy that he's found a home. It was a tough start for him but he's come through as a champion. He still gets anxious and fearful but he knows his mamma's will protect him. He has a hard time with new people but once he's a friend, he's a friend for life.

I am so happy for the foster mom that spoke up and took him in when the inevitable was to happen at the animal shelter. I am so happy we saw her flyer up City Creek Canyon and that he's grown to love us! I am so happy he no longer sleeps sitting upright! He has gained so much confidence in himself. After accomplishing what would have been a very anxiety-ridden task, he gloats with pride. It's quite difficult bringing an unsocialized dog into a household. He has taught me it's very worth it! It's worth the love, hugs and cuddles we receive in return. It's worth the tail wagging to and fro, the circles of excitement he runs, and him meeting us at the door...with a toy in his mouth! I thank Kasper for the love and patience he has taught me.

Now I look at my big boy and can't even imagine a time in my childhood when I was actually scared of dogs! Both of our dogs have brought so much happiness and joy to our house. Louis Sabin puts it the best, "No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich." We are definitely the richest people around.

Six Years

Seis Anos - Spanish
Six Ans - French
Sechs Jahre - German
Sei Anni - Italian
Zes Jaren - Dutch

No matter what the language, it means one thing - SIX YEARS - that's how long Rhonda and I have been together!
It hasn't always been the best of times at our house. We have definitely had some worst of times. Nonetheless, we have worked through these times, grown closer and happier. It has also taken both of us some time to realize that relationships do take time and effort. Great things do not come easy.

I am so happy to be able to spend each day with my best friend, to make one another laugh, to enjoy each other's company and most of all to love and be loved.

I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. I am who I am and most of all, I am true and honest to myself. It has taken me a while to get here...but I am here and I am happy. I can only hope that everyone has the chance to find the happiness and love that I have found.

We are at six years and still counting...happily!

Mini Ro

One thing I was surprised to find was a Mini Ro-just hanging on the beach.

While waiting for the sunset, Rhonda needed something to do to keep her busy. The first thing that popped into her head was something to make Suzy laugh. Knowing Suzy's querky obsession with little people, she had an idea. She would pose as a Mini Ro.

To my surprise, she pulled of a little person quite well. I was laughing so hard, I couldn't take the pictures, so she stood- I mean knelt- there for quite a while. I can only imagine what the people around us were thinking! I really didn't care, we were having a good time.

Buffalo Whisperer

When we planned on going to Antelope Island, the main thing Ro wanted to see were the bison. We were on the way to the ranch and saw our first herd. Ro immediately pulled the truck over. She pulled out the camera and started taking pictures. After the adrenaline rush of seeing such an animal, she returned to the truck. I asked her if she had ever seen one before this. Her reply, "Yeah, the puppet head one at Knott's Berry Farm." I knew then she was definately from L.A.! Having grown up in Utah, I guess I have taken advantage of having the wildlife so close.

We were able to see many bison on the side of the road. We even ran into a bison crossing. Ro would get out of the car and take pictures as I had visions of a sudden attack. Sometimes, we were too close for comfort! As Rhonda would get back in the truck, she would look at the bison and tell them "Thank You". She told me she was thanking them for letting us be there with them and take pictures of them.

After the many hours of discovering the island and being with the bison, Ro has deemed herself "The Buffalo Whisperer." I thought, hey, if Cesar can whisper to dogs, Ro can whisper to bison! Whatever it took for them not to attack us!

So, the next time you see an American Bison, think of Rhonda and the great energy she exchanged with them. She is "The Buffalo Whisperer".

Working the Ranch

One of the first stops we made on our trek of Antelope Island was The Fielding Garr Ranch. The ranch was built in 1848 to manage the Mormon cattle herds. It's located on the east side of the island at Garr Springs, one of the 40 springs on the island. It was simply amazing to run into such greenery (and water) in the middle of a desert. We had a great time exploring the adobe ranch house, the storage area, the corrals, barn and land. The houses and barn were full of antiques. Ropes on a bed frame supported the mattress. Old lanterns, horse saddles and ancient tools filled the barn.

I was suprised that even on our weekend out, Ro couldn't resist doing some laundry. I also caught her using the old oven and making some coffee. When we saw the ironing board and iron, she asked me if I wanted her to iron. I let her have the day off ironing.

Ro decided to make herself at home. Sporting a hat too small for her noggin, she wanted to make a fire. Good times playing with the stove as I had a blast trying to lasso a play cow!

Of course, I couldn't let Ro be the only one "dressing up" for the occasion.

If you're ever on the island, take an hour or so and stop by the ranch. Good times to be had by all. Thanks Papa for telling us about it!