Monday, May 31, 2010

I am so TIRED!

Maybe it's because tomorrow's Monday, maybe it's the weather, maybe it's because Scott & I had a fight, who knows. I am EXHAUSTED! I am actually too tired to sleep. I have a campground full of good campers(random riff raff across the river in Upper Meadows but not too bad). Guess I'll sleep what I can and plan to make up for it during the week.

All the same, Happy Memorial. I'm done. More tomorrow.
-m

Saturday, May 29, 2010

We're off to see the Wizard

The car is LOADED. My faithful slave child (Chris) came over and helped me harness the cats then compact the carpet scraps and get them all into the trunk along with 2 ski tubes, four camp chairs, 3 tarps...then I folded 3 loads of laundry & fitted them next to the new litterbox & bucket of litter, and bucket of cat food in the back seat. Tomorrow first thing I shall leash/cage the ferocious beasts and load them into the front seat.

I am declaring myself QUEEN OF PACKING! And I dedicate this award to my father, who taught me by example (come on y'all anyone who saw him load the truck and boat for Lake Powell know EXACTLY what I'm talking about!).

I fully expect that upon arrival at Willows I will crack the door, and the car will unpack itself like a can of prank peanuts.

Scott has braved the beginning of Memorial Weekend by himself. Fortunately the weather has kept the riffraff down.

I'm hating leaving work, and it's gonna be really strange not to see my friends every day. I keep extracting promises to visit...I really hope some of them actually come see me. They really are my family, and I feel like I'm leaving home.

That sounds odd since I actually am leaving home, but in a way I'm just moving my stuff to a portable part of my home. I'm leaving my couch, my kitchen, my closet, my tulip tree, and moving my whole life into a small studio apartment on wheels. But I'm so excited! I love being a camp manager. No wonder it's a lot of peoples' dream job.

It's beyond late, and the two balls of fur in my lap are both tired and grumpy. I think I'll lead them to bed in hopes of lulling them into submission for morning. Wish me luck!
-m

Friday, May 21, 2010

Another day in paradise.

They keep changing their minds about if my campground is open or not. Last night they absolutely wanted it closed. This afternoon the forest service had a word with them and now they want it open. Good thing I didn't go home this morning. Magpie is open with no host...long story. I guess I'll just be glad I'm here. If they want it open then I'll check things and collect fees. If they want it closed I've got plenty to keep me busy.

I've barely even begun to set up my camp. Today I decided where I wanted to park the camper (pretty much exactly where I was last year, go figure). Hooked up the water and sewer, and thought about where I'm gonna put my pavilion. Haven't completely made up my mind about that one. I think tomorrow I'll erect the frame and stand around staring at it until I can get my mind made up. I need to drag my carpet out of the shed & get that laid out also.

It's been delightfully rainy. Fortunately I've been able to do all of my traveling and errands during the dry moments. That's very lucky since the only vehicle I have to drive is my scooter. I don't mind getting cold or damp, but I'm a bit of a wimp about being soaked to the skin and frozen. Temperatures have been pretty mild, but I'm still not putting my birthday flowers outside yet. Someone told me there's supposed to be snow tomorrow. I hope not.

Today I went to my favorite grocery store Valley Market in Eden. They might not have the biggest variety selection, but they make up for it in awesomeness. Their deli counter serves catfish, crab rangoon, fried frogs legs, and a chicken rice burrito that's to die for. Their bakery is also amazing. I know it's crazy to rave about a grocery store...but I am.

I'm remembering how much I LOVE being up here. Not just because it's pretty, and wild, and there's a fabulous motorcycle ride no matter what direction I turn from my driveway (less so on weekends of course because of all the slow cagers). But because there are so few complications. As long as the bathrooms are clean & I'm keeping an eye on campers, no one gets after me. Well most of the time that's how it works...

I'm going to have time to read, draw, think deep thoughts. I know I could make time for those things at home, but it's somehow much easier up here.

I've had a lot of people come through looking for sites for next week. Scott & the Whitmans should be plenty busy! Hope they survive!

The birds just found the feeder I put out. Yay, wish I had a hummer feeder with me, they're everywhere and keep giving me dirty looks. They'll still be here next week though. I guess I'm a bit impatient to have everything set up so I can just enjoy it all.

Wildlife spottings:
wild turkey
swans (on Pineview)
some sort of strange looking crane (on the way into Eden)
adorable tiny goldfinch who woke me up this morning
gross beak (on feeder)
hummers
robins (just took over the feeder)

I'm off to manufacture dinner out of the odds & ends I picked up at the grocery store. Wish me luck!
-m

Monday, May 17, 2010




Here's a map for those whom I've promised it to! I'll try to keep y'all posted and share some of my adventures. Hope to see ya.
-m

Friday, May 14, 2010

I’m HOME!

I’m HOME! It’s crazy how wonderful it felt to pull into Willows & know that it’s all mine. Scott & I got here just before dark last night.

Today was my birthday. It was a fabulous day! We slept in, I woke up to the noises & sounds that are home to me (mostly the river which is running quite high). Went down to Chris’ for breakfast (best country gravy other than mine & Dinner Bell’s) Gathered up my supplies at Anderson Cove, and stopped by Thom & Judy’s to visit my Willow Darlin and play with Mucuy. I’ve missed those guys a tons! Mom & Glenn showed up this afternoon & helped me clean up the sites. It was a great surprise! I rode my trike around & It really is gonna be as awesome as I thought it might be. Oscar spent the day watching the wild critters and strutting around the camper asking “Where’s Spazz?” Don brought up WONDER CART (I believe he must have fixed the front tires cuz it’s way less prone to steer it’s self in random directions), he also broke into my shed for me, and then figured out how to turn the water on. The canyon managers (Jim & Max) brought me uniforms, receipt book, and a leaf blower. So I’m in business!

Welcome to Willows! A good time will be had by all!
And if not, don’t tell me about it! =)

Wildlife sightings for yesterday & today:
Red Fox
Hawk
Gross Beak
Humming Birds
Snake (ewe, yes I screamed like a girl)
Jack Rabit
And if it counts Mom & Glenn picked up pieces (bones) of a dear that were scattered all over camp

Scott’s cooking me a mystery casserole for dinner (we skipped on going to the grocery store tonight since we were both worn out). Dessert will be the two slices of sparkly purple marble cake that I brought from work. Fran is the awesomest! She not only got me delicious cake, but it was purple with magenta neon glitter writing. The blue frosting roses stained all of our mouths bright blue, and also colored Byron’s mustache. It was a great party, and I’m already missing them! Good thing I get to go back Tuesday for a few days.

I have in mind a picture project for the summer. I’ll set the camera in the same place every day and snap a photo. Should be pretty interesting to look at when the season’s over. & it’ll motivate me to get my camera out every day and snap pics. I hate that I only have a few from last year.

I believe it’s time to turn of the computer and enjoy the sunset.
Be well.
-m


p.s. we just got our first camper of the year, it's official! He came to our door with two giant puppies (I think they're chow) He's a brave soul to camp in this weather, but I'm pretty sure the dogs will keep him warm. Oscar wanted to see the BIG kitties and had to go into his room (the bathroom) just in case. He & Scotty seem to be getting along a bit better in these tight quarters. We all miss the kitties!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Shifting Gears!

Mother's day is over, Tulip Tree is moving, and I'm headed for Willows. Fran always says if you want something done give it to a busy person. Things are getting DONE and I'm BUSY. Scott & I are hoping to pull the camper north either Thursday night or Friday morning. I'm pretty sure it'll be Friday, but I'm trying to stay optimistic. Quite looking forward to a change.

Tomorrow I'm going to Paramore with Jessie Whitman. Should be fun, it's been forever since I went to a concert.

I'm exhausted and in the mood for a movie. I believe it's time for a little Kenneth Branagh & kitty snuggles!
Happy trails y'all!
-m

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Aunty Cheryl's in town!

Here's a long awaited video of Steph's wedding. It was a fairytale day & I'm so happy for her!

Junior & Stephani Wedding Trailer from Michael Winget on Vimeo.



Last night I had a nightmare about overcooked steak. Eww. So lunch today was Sizzler. They're not fabulous, but I've rarely had an overcooked steak there, & I dare send it back if it is. And the salad bar is pretty good. Unfortunately they've gone to a microwave brownie, it's a tragedy. But other than that lunch was good.

After we went out to Bluffdale for a visit. Lynns purging her stuff ( I understand but it's still scary). We brought home a couple dutch ovens and theses awesome bird prints that were Scott's grandma's. I plan to hang them in the bedroom. Also Scott got his grandpa's ships wheel. Not sure where we're gonna put it but it's heavy & awesome.

Aunty Cheryl's here for a couple weeks. I really wish we'd had a bit more time to visit, but she's the kind of family /friend who doesn't judge. So I'm not berating myself. Still I love her dearly & if she didn't live in Alabama I'd be running over to visit her as often as I could (not that I'm super good at that). Guess I'll just be glad that she's a good texter! I am way better at texting than phone calls. She is Lynn's sister and they are so very similar, and yet completely different! I don't know how I ever lived without them!

Had a fun visit with Lynn's fur people. Buddy has lost weight, he's less of a sausage and more dog shaped. He still has his adorable curly soft hair that is unlike any other healer I've ever known. Bandit (his subservient little brother dog) is just the cutest little beast i've seen in a while! He has a headstand trick that just makes my eyes water with laughter! I took a pic so that willow's not the only heeler in this blog. So here's Bandit's happy side!

He's learned to do this when you say "show me your tail. & then once he's done it it's such fun that he does it a few more times just for fun. I love Lynn's dogs!

Spazz has a new trick. She lays on my pillow and puts her face on mine to purr me to sleep. The down side of this is that her tail is on Scott's pillow...hmmm. Purrrrrrrrr.....snmffff, nnnnnjjjhhhkkk, rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Life's good! I love my kitties.
-m