SheSue Experience

Live the Life You Want.

Archive for the ‘Other Groovy Stuff’ Category

Having Family Company

Posted by SheSue on May 31, 2009 under Other Groovy Stuff

The past week I have seen much family. It’s always great to see relatives you only see once in a while, but I have to say, I am exhausted!
family
Last weekend I saw my brother from California. We had much catching up to do. My brother is a talker and can get on rants about government, but I just steer him to the topic of travel and discover delightful tales of the different places he’s been to. His latest was Egypt and Istanbul, both of which he loved. He has traveled so much, that he has great advice. I listen with great amusement (he loves to tell funny stores) and wind up with the travel bug, big time.
family1
Two days later I was with my nephew and his family from central Oregon. They have two small children. I can’t believe the paraphernalia they bring with them. They drive a big king cab full size truck. The whole back seat is crammed with folding crib, car seat, booster seat, toys, etc. My kids sat on a book and played with grandma’s pots and pans.

Next came my sister. She just left today after four days. Now I worked for those four days so I didn’t get to see her that much, but I did find myself considering entertainment in the evenings. She is the one with the cats, so yes, I did get to spend some time petting kitties.

Finally today I went down to see my son at college. He is on a team that builds a small version of a formula one race car. They design and build the car from scratch and then race it against other colleges (more on that later). Now I love nothing better than to see either of my children. And I love to see them doing so well, but I still get sad that they are doing so well without me!
ellies
In celebration of family, I include the following quotes.

The last step in parental love involves the release of the beloved; the willing cutting of the cord that would otherwise keep the child in a state of emotional dependence.
- Lewis Mumford

In truth a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring, and love you show to one another, and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit.
- Marge Kennedy

In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.
- Eva Burrows

Unconditional love is loving your kids for who they are, not for what they do … it isn’t something you will achieve every minute of every day. But it is the thought we must hold in our hearts every day.
- Stephanie Marston

Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up – ’cause they’re looking for ideas.
- Paula Poundstone

Animals can be so Fabulous!

Posted by SheSue on May 28, 2009 under Other Groovy Stuff

Check below for some fabulous animals. Animals can bring us so much joy and not know it. Below are are some pictures That make you want to run out to the humane society and bring home a pet. Okay, some of these animals you won’t find at the humane society, but they’re cut anyway. Enjoy!
First we have a kitty who has found just the right spot. Ahhh.

funny-cat.jpg

Oops.

fish.jpg

Enjoying some time in the sun.

squirrel.jpg

Aw shucks!

iguana.jpg

A nice little roll in the dirt.

zebra.jpg

Pleased as punch and never you mind.

ostrich.jpg

The bunny makes an effort to socialize out of his species.

bunny.jpg

Don’t you want to please take me home?

dog.jpg

And finally, someone with dignity.

mastiff.jpg

Is it a Robot? No, it’s Break Dancing

Posted by SheSue on May 25, 2009 under Other Groovy Stuff

I have to admit that I do enjoy watching the TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance”. I am one of those with two left feet, so I greatly admire those who can look beautiful moving across the dance floor. The video below could be considered beautiful to some. This guy has some real talent. But some of his moves are just plain odd! None the less, I was fascinated by it.

Break dancing originated back in the 70′s with great influence from Michael Jackson. In the 80′s it was thought that breaking was gang related. Rival gangs would complete to settle territorial disputes. Though not as popular today, breaking is now considered an accepted dance style.

When one things of break dancing, you may think of the guys who spin around on their head. There is a lot more to it. Breakers spend hours practicing this highly stylized dance developing moves such as toprock, downrock, power moves, freezes and suicides. Though mostly improvisational, breaking often follows basic routines. You won’t find any fancy spins in this routine, but this guy definitely has some awesome moves.

You won’t find me attempting any of these moves, I think I would probably break something. But it is fun to watch. Enjoy!

Backpacking – What’s it Like

Posted by SheSue on May 24, 2009 under Other Groovy Stuff

Your bedroom is a tent. Your dresser and kitchen are in a pack. Your bathroom is a hole in the ground. Your living room is a fabulous place in the woods complete with stereo birds, rushing water and wind whispering through the trees. Summer is near and the call of the woods is beckoning me to my backpack.

backpacking

Planning is essential. Choosing a trail will depend on how long you are going to be gone. I usually try to keep it to 10-15 miles per day. I also plan on camping by a river or lake each night. The time of year will also come in to play. I planned a nice loop trail one year towards the end of September. It was a beautiful day. We were up around 6,000 feet. We hit snow about a quarter mile into our trip. Did I go? Of course, it was beautiful.

Packing can be like a puzzle. You have clothes tucked snugly in ziploc bags to keep water out. You have food, all prepared and ready for hot water or to just enjoy. You have a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent or sleeping tarp, stove, flashlight, etc. You must figure out how to pack all these items into a small space, using as little as possible so the weight is not unbearable. Snacks and map are placed on top for easy access.
tent
Food can also be a challenge, especially on longer trips. You want to pack light, so freeze dried is best. But you also want healthy food, lots of fruits and vegetables. You can buy the prepackaged meals, but it is a lot cheaper if you make your own. Check out natural food stores for the best selection. For some great food recipes, check out the Backpacking Chef

The first morning of your trip, you are eager to get started. Your pack is ready, you are well rested. A new adventure is waiting. For most, you will have found a driver to bring you to your starting trail. Or, if you are doing a loop trail, you drive yourself. Pack adjusted, shoes tied snug, water and map handy, you leave the city behind. Yes, the pack is heavy. Since I like a tent, my pack usually weighs close to 40 pounds. But if you have it adjusted right, it doesn’t seem that heavy.

In the woods, all seems right in the world. You only hear natural sounds. Birds sing their songs for you, you might hear water as it passes over rocks in a creek, you may hear the wind as it passes through the trees. There are no cars, no boss, no dogs barking, no babies crying, just nature at it’s best. At break time, it feels great to get your shoes off and wiggle your toes. You enjoy a snack or light meal.

backpack

After several miles, you break for the night. Time to set up camp: pitch your tent or tarp; make your bedroom comfy with sleeping pad and bag and open up your pack. Depending on where I am, I may enjoy a short hike around the area or just relax with a book or conversation with others in the party. Since I always plan my hikes with a river or lake at every night, I take a swim/bath, usually in the clothes I have worn during the day. This is a great way to relax, sooth aching muscles and clean off all the trail dust. After this, I usually change into fresh clothes and wash what I had on, hanging it out to dry. Packing light means you wear the same clothes.

For dinner, I will pull out one of my carefully packaged meals or splurge on a purchased backpacking meal. Always eat the fresh food you packed first. If necessary, do your dishes. More time to relax before heading to bed fairly early.

The following day you rise early. I do some morning freshening up. I always bring a damp washcloth in a ziploc bag. I use this for a quick spit bath, dress, fix my hair, etc. I like to eat breakfast before breaking camp. This gives your stomach time to digest before you start hiking again.

The new day will bring new adventures and scenery. You may want to bring along a small camera or notebook to record your sights. Or just enjoy your time in the wilderness. I have done 2-3 day trips and week long trips. After a week long trip, it seems strange to step into your house. The floor seems very unnatural to you. It becomes very quiet if no one is home. Yes, quiet. There are no birds or water or wind in your house. Makes me want to be out on the trail again.

I could give you lists of packing suggestions and menu ideas, but I’ll leave that to the experts. Check out International Backpacking Association for some great information, packing lists, food ideas, trail maps, etc.

Bird House Frenzy

Posted by SheSue on May 17, 2009 under Other Groovy Stuff

Summer is near. The flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping. I was just out in the yard and heard some birds right overhead. I admit that I don’t know a lot about birds, but their songs are cheery to me. I especially like hearing their tunes when I’m out hiking in the woods.

Some people tolerate birds, others love birds. To the point of building them bird houses like the following. First we have an A-Frame? and an apartment complex.

a-frame.jpgapartments1.jpg

Here we have a bungalow and a dilapidated house.

bb.jpgcabin.jpg

A caboose and a cafe.

caboose.jpgcafe.jpg

A cloudy wonder and high rise apartments.

clouds.jpgcolorful-apartments.jpg

I love this flowered one and one with a garage.

flowers1.jpggarage.jpg

Next we have a hotel and a cute little cottage complete with lattice work.

hotel.jpglattice.jpg

A bevy of gourds for marlins and a nice red ranch in the country.

marlins-gourds.jpgred.jpg

And finally a shingled home and well, just plain weird.

rustic.jpgweird.jpg

Where No Man Has Gone Before

Posted by SheSue on May 12, 2009 under Other Groovy Stuff

Both my kids went to see the new Star Trek movie and both thought it was great. My son liked it so much, he has already gone twice. Admittedly my son is a much bigger Trekkie than my daughter. But neither of them grew up with the original Star Trek. Since this movie was supposed to be based on the original characters, I had to go see it.

I have never been a Trekkie, but it was hard to grow up in the 60′s and not see Star Trek. With the stilted, overly dramatic Captain Kirk, the pessimism of Bones, the logic of Spock and the fabulous accent of Checkov. Along with many a young girl, I was a big fan of Checkov.
spock
Each of my kids had one objection, so naturally, I was watching out for them. My son, who has just gone through a years worth of Russian language classes, objected to Checkov replacing all his v’s with w’s in his talk. In true Russian language, there is a ‘v’, but no ‘w’. My daughter’s objection has to do with changing the last statement from “where no man has gone before” to “where no one has gone before”. I have to presume that it was some politically correct version, but come on, who is really going to be insulted.

I did notice these two items, but did not let them distract me from enjoying the movie. They really did a fabulous job with the characters. Spock was just as logical and stubborn, Bones was pessimistic and loyal, Sulu was serious, Scotty was quirky and Kirk was all over the place. Okay, Checkov wasn’t as dreamy as the original, but he still had the accent. The movie even had Leonard Nemoy in it.

Seems like Hollywood enjoys making these ‘going back in time’ movies lately. This movie took you back to before any of these guys even considered being on a Star Ship. Gave you a little perspective on their characters. Gave it a nice story line. There was still a lot of shoot em up scenes, more than I care for. But the special effects were definitely a huge step up from the 60′s. For anyone who grew up on Star Trek, I would recommend seeing this movie.