Hello Spring?

Getting acquainted with the roads in North Carolina I found quite a challenge. After I dropped Brigham, Kellie and the baby at the airport I tried to drive straight home to get ready for a day of shopping and sight seeing. That would not be the be the case. I being over confident and greatly directionally challenged ended up in Raleigh, instead of Durham. Thank goodness Justin can direct me home from 900 miles away.

My Week in North Carolina was Fabulous.

I dined at the finest southern restaurants; The Cracker Barrel, The Waffle House and McDonald's. aka The Crapper Barrel, The Awful House and Crapdonalds. Abbie later commented that she though the food at the Waffle Houses was delicious, but they had a small problem with sanitation there.

I visited Civil War sites http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/bennett/bennett.htm

Abbie, Grant & I decorated little foam Christmas Trees...

Then played Giant Baby and stomped through the forest to destroy the trees.

I was so happy to see little E-Clair's chubby cheeks.

I had such a good time it was really hard to leave. The fun with the Kids, the beautiful Spring like weather and back to the land of the frozen Midwest.

Thanksgiving in the West

We deiced since the Iowa Caucus is Jan. 3 this year we couldn't make it back to SLC for Xmas

so we made it for Thanksgiving. Just in time to catch the season of Mica to change.
Mica went form Punk to Prep to what the Hell

TJ at his usual spot in front of the computer. IM the World about his up coming takeover of the Universe

Ham with the Becky Daniels Family and a bunch of Turkeys
Soda experiments with the Scott Daniels Family

Turkey with the Jackson Family, Evil Turkey!

Beers with our friends, many beers.

A fun time was had by all.

Taco Fiest Was a Success

Taco Fiest (Justin named it, he claims a clerical error but, I think he thought it just wasn't worthy of and actual Fiesta) We try to have Justin co workers over for dinner every so often (to ensure they eat more than Hot wings and Beer) and this week was Taco Bar. Justin looks so surprised to have dinner, this I find offensive because he has dinner waiting for him every night when he gets home form the Corn Fields. (Note from Justin: I was excited for tacos, not suprised at having dinner. Alisha always makes sure that I am well nurished. She is the very greatest.)

Some of the fellow Dodd Staffers and one Richardson Spy enjoying Tacos and Margaritas

This is Karen ,Maggie's #1 Fan. Her and Al bought Maggie's the very cool Iowa Hawkeyes Jersey. Maggie is #1
Al loving Maggie

Happy birthday dog

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGGIE

Maggie with a big smile days before her big dayMaggie posing for the traditional lets take a picture of you by the garbage can for your Birthday Maggie is sporting the very cute sweater Aunt Amy bought her

The terrible 2's are now at our door. Literally! Maggie is trained to ring a Doggie Door Bell when she needs to go outside, this is good, but she has now realized that by doing this we pay attention to her, so now she rings it when ever she fills neglected. This was cute at first, but now we are annoyed. Neglected is her word not mine. You people know how much attention we give her. This dog has more attention than some children. She is always the center of attention in any crowd. This dog is, dare I say, spoiled. Its a sickness really, she has a wardrobe that is comparable to any Diva and more toys than most kids. And yet she wants more. More Treats, More Lap Time, More Toys, More. More. More. And we always oblige, so today is no exception if anything she will get MORE! MORE! MORE!

Maggie requested to sleep in today and that she did. Justin and I were out of bed and on with our day at 9:30 and Maggie stayed behind until about 10:30 then off to the couch for another 2 hrs. Followed by a simple lunch of kibble and dog treats. Then off for hours of fetch or should I say keep away form Me. I did in fact get back at her by trying one of her new Birthday dog treats before she did. Peanut butter and Apple Snausages Yum-O!

For dinner she had requested Steak and Potatoes (she gets this sophisticated pallet from her father) Which she finished her portion and went on to clean our plates as well. She may be sick tomorrow, but she is happy today!

Justin helping her unwrap her new Platypus, ty BOW WOW Beanies (ty brand dog toys are the best, Maggie can usually un stuff most toys with in minuets of their arrival but the ty Co. got it right and she has had her pink puppy for about 2 months now)

Other than that this last week I was sick with a bad cold so not much has been happening around here that I am aware of. Justin continues to work hard and I continued to take my NyQuil and Benydral, so I didn't notice when Justin was here, let alone when he wasn't.

BIG WINNER AGAIN

We Won! We Won! We Won! We hit the jackpot yet again. The Iowa Lottery sure has been good to us. This $3 will sure come in handy. like if we want a box of cereal we can almost pay for it.
For the last few weeks Maggie and Alisha have just been hanging out in the beautiful fall weather her in lovely Davenport. Many long walks at the local parks, lots of fetch and the occasional look form Maggie that says OK this was fun but lets go back to Seattle to see my new BF Babaloo. Maggie even hops in her dog Carrier and barks at me to pack her up and go. As much as she loves Justin and as harry as he is, he is still no dog best friend. Hopefully Maggie will get her fill of furry friend love when we come to Utah for our Thanksgiving visit. Yes you heard it right we are coming for Turkey Day!
Justin on the other hand, for the last few weeks has not done much in the way of hanging out or long walks in the park. When he is not hard at work ALL DAY and NIGHT he is at home watching Baseball. Maggie and myself even find ourselves watching Baseball when Justin isn't home yet just for the reminder of that one guy who sleeps here sometimes.

Caution not for children or sensative types - Leaving Jesusland - NOFX

Goodbye NorthWest Hello MidWest

Goodbye Seattle, goodbye Fall weather, goodbye great house on the lake, goodbye Fabulous Kitchen, goodbye Babaloo and Karmel.... Hello Laundry!
Well my trip home was a fine one. A few delays, but Maggie was a champ, yet again. I can take this dog anywhere. We left great Fall weather to arrive home at 10 o'clock at night to have 80 degree temps. and what I describe as 1000% humidity. Welcome home I guess. We are both so happy to be home. Yes that's right, I called Iowa home. What is the world coming too?

My Mom's Here

This was quite a sight a very full moon rising over Bellevue across the lake. Beautiful view from the front room of my Uncle's house. Hooray my Mom came to visit and entertain me the rest of my Seattle stay. We have had fun shopping (at Ikea, twice) and just hanging out.

Curtis invited me to a Baseball game with his Girlfriend Jessica and her boys Isiah and Joseph. They were good company at the game full of energy and really into the game (well most of the time) It was a great game the Mariners vs. Rangers. Entering the 9th inning it was all tied up 4 to 4. The Mariners in the bottom of the 9th, 2 outs and a great home run for the win. Very exciting. Sorry Justin no major league baseball for you this year unless we win the lottery and can afford Cubs tickets.

We had a great time, even though I embarrassed Curtis with my Utah sweatshirt and my lack of Buss smarts. My Mother didn't allow me to ride the bus until I was 17, so I'm slow to learn not to talk to the bus drunk. My mom and her new Seattle Do. I guess grunge is out and glam is in.

Polteno Brothers live

I had the good fortune to get in touch with Robert while I'm in Seattle. He is attending school for art and production design. He lives with his Wife Violet and 2yr old Lylia in the Green Lake neighborhood near Seattle. He has a 6 yr son Matt that lives with his mother in Arizona. They spend as much time with him as they can.
Things are going well for the Polteno Family and they are quite happy. Robert would like to hear from old friends e-mail him at robisnow@hotmail.com

And Surprise Curtis also lives in the Seattle area too. he is getting along going to school to get his Masters in Counseling and has a new girlfriend Jessica. A very cute couple they are.

Their younger brother Ian also lives in the Seattle area with his very pregnant girlfriend Lindsey. They are expecting a girl Stella in 3 weeks. (I forgot to make them pose for a pic. sorry)

It was so great to see them and catch up. I can't believe it had been like 8 yrs. I look forward to keeping in touch with them.

Tom Harkin Steak Fry 2007

While I'm lounging in Seattle, Justin is working his ass off for the Dodd Campaign
(although workin' and fun go hand in hand with Justin)
as you can see they are a serious bunch ready to go with their inflatable Billy Clubs.
Mario Yelling at Justin "Go Dodd Go"

The Sennsible priorities campaign has a sweet new ride. Out with 420 Billion $ Pig, in with the Short Bus http://www.sensiblepriorities.org/

As you can see this knock off of Flag Day even brought in a few more than the Daniels' brings, just a few, at 12,ooo people in attendance. Something to aspire to I guess. this was also covered by C-Span. At flag day we are lucky to get Paul Rolley.

I was told that the Dodd people had more signs than anyone else, just no photographic evidence of it.

Ears of Experience; notice that Dodd didn't make the list because their isn't enough ears to cover his experience.

The candidates on the walk to the stage. (if you ask me Dodd and Obama look a little friendly almost holding hands)
Caucus for Change that is what its all about...

Visitors in Seattle

Scott, Chrissy & Harry came for a visit and we had a great time.
We visited the Space Needle. On what appeared to be a nice blue sky day...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Needle
Alisha and Harry getting a good caffeinated start to the day (we are in Seattle, so do as locals)

But as you can see it was a bit foggy, but gave a unique view I had never had before.

Harry taking a look at the view

We did not visit the EMP but paused to take a photo, look at this cute kid.

Seattle Pig Art Project, Harry loved this one. Harry was in charge of counting Pig Art (I think we got up to 20 or so & Chrissy was in charge of counting Starbucks. I think Chrissy won)

The fountain at the Space Needle area. Harry deep in thought posing like the runway model he is.

Harry and Maggie just loving one another. Those dirty dogs!

Star Fish at the Aquarium

Harry got to touch the starfish and other see creatures. We also had the good fortune to get their just in time for the feeding of the Otters, Seals and the Octopus. That was way cool!

Scott Daniels Family Photo, on the way to the world famous Ye Old Curiosity ShopOne of my Favorite Seattle spots. http://www.yeoldecuriosityshop.com/

A day at the Lake Washington Kids Beach. I think Babaloo had the most fun.

But Harry did very well look at all that sand. Harry the Dirty dog lives on...

Making Friends

Karmel the Kat has been slow to warm up to Maggie, but finally they are in the same room together. But as you can see Karmel is keeping his eye on the little dog. and Maggie...Well Maggie is a bit on the scared side, trying to hide behind the pillows.

Maggie you Chicken!