Opperation Lizard

Look at his face. Is endearing the word that comes to mind? For you it probably doesn’t, but for my Country Sis and me, this little guy has a special place in our hearts. The details surrounding Operation Lizard have long been forgotten, but it is a tradition that carries on, bringing much "endearment" with it.

Years ago when my Country Sis was still The Eldest City Sis (whom we teased and called Mother Superior...you know like the head Nun in a convent* smile*) started to "hide" this plastic lizard somewhere in the other sister's "stuff." The goal was to surprise her.

Back and forth, from underwear drawer to shoebox, to makeup cabinet, agent Lizard went. Occasionally he brought a message such as a tender "I love you" or a playful, "Didn't think you'd find me here did ya?" The tactics became more serious and complicated when I mailed Agent Lizard to our friends in Texas so they could hide it in Eldest City Sis's suitcase. I had forgotten to do so before she left.

On my recent trip back from Eldest City Sis's home (now married and whom is fondly renamed Country Sis. Sorry girl-friend but I don’t' think you were cut out to be a nun!) I found Agent lizard in my bag. After years of sabbatical, he was back on the track, with a bow on him!

I don't have Agent Lizard anymore, he has been sent on another mission.--back up with Country Sis. When she came for a October visit, the reptilian Agent accompanied her back home.

Mission Accomplished!!

Anyone else want to share the fun and silly traditions that they have?

Move 'em on, head 'em up

That is right, tomorrow we "move 'em out" to deliver my sisters "stuff" to her new home in another state. Dad was unable to secure the smallest size truck from Penkse, however, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We ended up filling the size we got-- a 16 foot truck!! It is amazing the large quantity of items one little lady can possess! Loading took 2 1/2 hours for 3 1/2 adults (Mom was on the phone for half of the time). It was 2 1/2 hours of problem-solving, weight lifting, and laughter. After loading, the four of us celebrated with sparkling cider (we didn't have Coke and the bottles had been taking up shelf space since 2006) and a delicious, homemade tri-tip salad.

Hopefully, when I get back, I will have some pictures to share. Wagons ho!

When I saw this hat at the Culinary shop in Cambria, I told something I do not often say..."I have to get this!" You must admit, it is just too cute! The pink chef coat look was even more adorable but outside my budget. Besides, where would I wear a pink chef coat?

On The Road Again..!

The best chapter of summer is, hands down, the one where our family takes a vacation. This year, we traveled to California's central coast (San Louis Obispo, Santa Barbara etc). White capped waves, giant rocks so alluring there is nothing to do but climb them, Food Network on the TV at night, swimming, milkshakes... Sigh. We were even surprised by an unexpected whale watching opportunity (why is it that you never see them when you are on a whale watching trip but somehow they decide to appear when you are eating lunch at a turn out?) The largest guffaws came on Thursday when we rented a little bike-surrey. With yelps of laughter and cries of "don't steer into the bushes" we jovially peddled down the broad walk.



I am not a big spender but I did pick up a few souvenirs and gifts. Take a look at some of my treasures:

These cuties are going to be my little housewarming gifts. You see,I was taught how to write thank you notes and give small tokens of thanks to the hostess of a get-together or party. It is always nice to be invited to a new acquaintance or old friend's home and I think the art of simple gratitude is lost these days. Yup, I was raised right by my mamma!!