Alan & Ty

New stuff, different day...

2010-05-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Some stuff for finals...

2010-03-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Hopefully this will show a little bit of the work I have been doing.... Each one is about 5 hours work. At least... Click to make much bigger.

oh yeah and I had to do 12 of them...

New Work to do...

2009-10-14T17:10:00.001-07:00

The Magic of Adobe Photoshop!! None of these are real structures or interiors or even based on real structures or interiors. All of these images are built and then rendered completely in a digital environment as 2-D images.

What fun that I get to learn how to do this....(complete dead-pan mind you...)

What was that about cataracts and arthritis...

2009-10-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

Some awesome wood joinery. Just look very very closely to the corners of these boxes. The wooden joinery is all done by hand, by a Master Japanese Craftsperson, Kataro Yazawa.

Cataracts and arthritis is all I have to say...

Wow... Another Dry Spell. Move over Mojave!

2009-09-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well I figure that I will write again, and re-re-pledge to actually do something about this thing.

I have started back to school. I was officially accepted into the department of Architecture after my provisional year, and am looking forward to the big challenge ahead. Okay BIG CHALLENGE ahead. I was also hired by the department and am working as an assistant to several professors. In addition, one of my professors who is a licensed architect is developing several external submission projects and art installations has asked me to be on his design and production team. Needless to say, I will be very busy and Ty will have more than enough time to develop ALL of his hobbies.

Speaking of Ty, he is now teaching at Minter Bridge Elementary in the HIllsboro School District. And he LOVES his faculty. The other teacher on his team has been teaching for longer than Ty has been alive, so he will provide Ty with a wealth of knowledge.

Anyways more later....

Lets End the Dry Spell

2009-04-27T08:04:00.001-07:00

So just to let everyone know what has been keeping me SO busy that I haven't been posting, I thought I would post some of the work that I have been producing for my Architecture Dept. This should last me at least another week... :)

For all of the art work, charcoal and pencil, we were not allowed to use straight edges or guides of any kind in an attempt to train our eyes to do everything by sight.

Continued I

2009-04-27T07:58:00.001-07:00

Continued II

2009-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Continued III

2009-04-27T07:53:00.001-07:00

Continued IV

2009-04-27T07:50:00.001-07:00

Conitnued IV & 1/2

2009-04-27T07:47:00.001-07:00

Continued V

2009-04-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

A little winter cheer...

2008-12-20T00:23:00.000-08:00

Though we happen to be gathering on the Oregon Coast with the family for the coming holiday week, we wanted to write about some of the traditions that we keep in our little two-man house.

Since both of us wither with the loss of the sun, we anxiously await the swing side of the winter when the days become longer again. We love the Winter Solstice, because it is the shortest day of the year, the day after which the sun will steadily rise just a little earlier and set just a little later, shedding just that much more sunlight. We can begin to feel the shift in the air, bringing light and warmth back into our lives and the world around us. And to celebrate, we like to do a few things to mark the occasion.

The return of the light can be very symbolic for the coming year. The dark quiet of winter is a prime time to reflect on the past year, and to look forward and plan for the coming one. It is a good time to let go of past regrets and grudges and to embrace the spirit of the year ahead. We like to tidy up, make homey food and to decorate with color and warmth and find a way to bring a little of the light of the coming year into every day. We like to find at least one thing to soften our hearts to, find one person to shed a little light for. We try to reconnect and make amends with those that need it, forgive others and ourselves and let those lessons be learned with the diminishing light. We seek out and share gratitude with those who bring light to our lives, and strive to be that candle of light in return.

It is a good time for remembering. We go through our photo albums and journals and reminisce, and do a little updating so as not to forget who we are and where we came from. We also use this as a time to hash out the stories and tales that will become family legend, to remind us of THIS winter, THIS year. We also use this time to dream of the future, talk about our goals and aspirations. To check in to make sure that we both are doing all we can to meet the needs of the other and ourselves. That we are moving towards the goals that we have set for ourselves, each other and us. The future can sure look bright indeed through the dark of those cold winter nights.

We thought to share this as there are so many things out there that would be easy to take with us into this next year, too many things to begrudge and forget. Too much talk of doom and gloom. Too much of the dark to hide the coming of the light of a new day, a new year. Gather warmth and light and love. Memory and passions, hope and humility. These are such wonderful things to carry...

We love you all and are thinking of you.

Alan and Ty

Sick Puppy

2008-10-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

So just a little update, after a little while away.

Ty's school year is going well, his kids are light years away from his children last year. He has said that after this year, he would gladly teach at another Chicano/Chicana school, because of how respectful and dedicated to learning his kids are. What a bonus :)

I have begun the long slog back to school. I was a little concerned at the transition, but at the same time I was pretty confident seeing as how it seems that I have been constantly thrown under the bus, and am still kicking. But in all my limited 20 some odd year old expertise, I have come to realize that I am not nearly as spry or as witty as I was when I was even just a few years younger. Or, and probably more likely, I am less bendable and less willing to seek justification from somebody else. And so, the transition has been a bit more "colorful" shall we say, than anticipated. Anyways, it is mid term week, and I am SLAMMED. And to think, I pay for this torture.

The other big thing, that has provided for my absence is actually a little battle that we have had with our little puppy girl. Rykka decided that it would be cute to shred off 2 foot long sections of her blankets and swallow them whole. Her stomach and intestines did not agree as to the cuteness of this and staged a fairly drastic rebellion against her. After dealing with 24 hours of nearly constant vomiting and diarrhea, gracing nearly every room in the house and leaving her near actual death, and the proceeding hospital visit and $1000 dollars vet bill, time and money that I certainly don't have, she is left marginally alive, severely underweight, now with a phobia of any dish containing water, you know the stuff that allows her to go on living. So... Anyways, I apologize for the absence, and hopefully we will have a chance to talk to one another after midterms when I return to the real world of half functioning individuals.

Cheers!

Nerd Alert: the Caucaus

2008-09-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

I was doing a bit of research into the whole Georgia/South Ossetia and just this simple map, at least, made me think that whatever the larger governments say, the historical and regional makeup of this volatile region has plenty to do with the current conflict.

I miss my cats...

2008-09-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

"A Bit O' Pidgin..."

2008-09-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

The English used in Nigeria, as Edward Harris of the AP reports,"has developed over the years with a Nigerian twist."

For example, a TV isn't switched on or off — it's "on-ed" or "off-ed."

A Nigerian congratulating someone on a success or victory will likely "felicitate" him rather than offer felicitations. Similarly, people are invited to "jubilate," or celebrate, a triumph.

Sentence structure often reflects local languages, says Daramola. In the Yoruba language, adjectives can be altered by repeating them. So in Nigerian English a very small boy would be a "small, small boy."

Also, Yoruba English speakers may "smell" soup, rather than taste it, because the words are similar in Yoruba.

"The influence of native languages have combined to make performance a little peculiar," says the introduction to the textbook "Nigerian English," published in 2004. "The Nigerian variant of English seems to have emerged since there are so many influences impinging on its acquisition and use in its new home."

Many words are simply holdovers from the colonial era. Eateries are called "Chop Houses" — once popular but now all but vanished from Britain.

Upset stomach? Take "gripe water." Puncture? Take the tire to the "vulcanizer."

Street children are "urchins," and police often brand criminals as "touts," "rascals," or "miscreants" who carry "cutlasses" — machetes.

In reporting crime, Nigerian newspapers say police open a can of worms when raiding criminal hideouts. A dead or jailed robber is often said to meet his Waterloo. Politicians "heap calumny" on those they accuse of corruption.

In another influence of Nigerian languages, no letter is missed when speaking English. Fuel is FOO-el. A receipt is a "re-seeped," and yacht frequently rhymes with hatched. Wednesday is pronounced exactly as written — Wed-nes-day — and a leopard rhymes with leotard.

City people....

2008-09-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

nuff said...

Evidently they make great pets...

2008-09-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is a capybara. Otherwise known as the worlds largest rodent. Not quite as cute as a guinea pig, but then again, I wonder what kind of disgusting plague ridden mess Big Guy could make in my house... I am not rodent friendly I guess...

A Defendius Lock

2008-08-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

I just hope the bad guy wasn't on the inside with you :)

On the wings of an ... Owl?

2008-08-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

The BBC reports on planned nuptials with an unusual ring bearer-- Casber the barn owl:

A barn owl has been entrusted with a very special task at a wedding - flying in the rings for the bride and groom.

Three-year-old Casber will swoop down the aisle to give the rings to the best man at the wedding of bird owner Islwyn Jones's daughter Jenni in Denbighshire.

Mr Jones said Casber has been training hard and is confident the wedding will go smoothly at Ruthin register office.

Photo of Casber in training by Andrew Price.

"Swarm" By Kelvin Hudson

2008-08-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Dyed Chicks

2008-08-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

From Pakistan, I wonder what thoughts are running throught their little brains...

Way better than my big wheel...

2008-08-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

The 'I-Real' By Toyota.

Oh boy a Geep!

2008-08-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

I think that it was the sheppard's fault... Clearly he wasn't watching the sheep mix with the goats...

The Boars of War

2008-08-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

War pigs, also known as incendiary pigs, are those pigs speculated to have been used at most rarely in ancient warfare as a countermeasure to war elephants. The pigs were allegedly covered with tar, pitch, olive oil, or other flammable materials, set on fire, and driven towards enemy war elephants, with the intention that the elephants, terrified by the piercing squeals and oncoming flames, would flee in panic through the lines of their drivers' own army. Obviously, a burning pig is difficult to command and thus easily could quickly turn into a loose cannon and cause harm to friendly soldiers. However, the hope of stopping war elephants was enough to make war pigs a desirable tactic.

Pliny the Elder reported that "elephants are scared by the smallest squeal of a pig" (book VIII ch. 9). Antipater's siege of Megara during the Wars of the Diadochi was reportedly broken when the Megarians poured oil on a herd of pigs, set them alight, and drove them towards the enemy's massed war elephants. The elephants bolted in terror from the flaming squealing pigs often killing great numbers of the army the elephant was part of (Aelian, de Natura Animalium book XVI, ch. 36). The Romans would later use the squeals of pigs to frighten Pyrrhus' elephants, thus winning a great victory (ibid., book I ch. 38). Procopius, in book VIII of his History of the Wars, records the defenders of Edessa using a pig suspended from the walls to frighten away Khosrau's siege elephants.

Not A Chance...

2008-08-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

A Whiter Shade of Pale

2008-08-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

And White I am at it...

2008-08-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Speaking of whiteness...

2008-08-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

For the Whiteness of a Whale

2008-08-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a white whale named Migaloo. Beautiful. Pure. Awe-inspiring. But it reminds me of Moby-Dick:

"Is it that by its indefiniteness it shadows forth the heartless voids and immensities of the universe, and thus stabs us from behind with the thought of annihilation, when beholding the white depths of the milky way? Or is it, that as in essence whiteness is not so much a color as the visible absence of color, and at the same time the concrete of all colors; is it for these reasons that there is such a dumb blankness, full of meaning, in a wide landscape of snows - a colorless, all- color of atheism from which we shrink? And when we consider that other theory of the natural philosophers, that all other earthly hues - every stately or lovely emblazoning - the sweet tinges of sunset skies and woods; yea, and the gilded velvets of butterflies, and the butterfly cheeks of young girls; all these are but subtile deceits, not actually inherent in substances, but only laid on from without; so that all deified Nature absolutely paints like the harlot, whose allurements cover nothing but the charnel-house within; and when we proceed further, and consider that the mystical cosmetic which produces every one of her hues, the great principle of light, for ever remains white or colorless in itself, and if operating without medium upon matter, would touch all objects, even tulips and roses, with its own blank tinge - pondering all this, the palsied universe lies before us a leper; and like wilful travellers in Lapland, who refuse to wear colored and coloring glasses upon their eyes, so the wretched infidel gazes himself blind at the monumental white shroud that wraps all the prospect around him."

Glum, ain't it? "Thou surrenderest to a hypo, Ishmael."

New Nephew

2008-08-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Well, my sister Aimee popped on the 15th, and welcomed little Wyatt Andrew into this world. This is the 4th and final child for her and Ryan. He is quite cute, and I think looks remarkably like his Great-Grandpa Finch. And luckily lives close enough for me to go and squish once I am back to school.

Check out her blog for more pictures, or to see the rest of the Heitmann Clan.

I just remember stories...

2008-08-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

Dad told me stories about Volkswagens and Mooses :) The Mooses won...

A Painting in Tape

2008-08-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

This multi-media work was created by Mark K. Haismann, using a lighted panel and brown packing tape. I think that it is very creative and brings out a (no pun intended) 'certain light' that evokes quite the emotive response.

In all things needs balance...

2008-08-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Now here is pictoral evidence as to why they have shutters :)

Ty has a JOB!!!

2008-08-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ty has a Job!

Ty interviewed yesterday at Reedville Elementary, for a 5th grade position and was called back and offered the job! Yeah, food for us! :) It will be a great place, has only 300 kids total and is in a neat old building built in 1920.

After being in Utah all summer, we were a little concerned that he might has been a little too late on the draw. But Ty had the fortune of having 3 interviews lined up for himself as soon as he returned. One for his typical 3rd grade, one for a bi-lingual Kindergarten class which would have been fun minus the rusty-espanol part and this 5th grade position. Luckily the people at Reedville were very kind and seemed to be the type of people that would be easy to work with. And after an hour long interview, I am pretty sure they liked him too. Oh, and it is only 4 minutes from our front door! I think that I will make him ride a bike, just for his health :) (or the health of our pocketbook...)

A Masai Guide for the British

2008-08-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

A group of Masai marathoners on their way to compete in England have received a guidebook explaining the peculiarities of their host country, (excerpts via the Telegraph):

"You may be surprised by the number of people that there are and they all seem to be rushing around everywhere," the guide says.

"Even though some may look like they have a frown on their face, they are very friendly people - many of them just work in offices, jobs they don't enjoy, and so they do not smile as much as they should."

"You cannot rely on the sun to tell the time accurately and will have to rely on clocks and watches. The sun will rise and set at different times."

"Whereas at home for you it is acceptable to spit, in England it is not but, if you have to, you must do so in a sink or in some trees when no one is looking."

"If you see something that someone else has, like a bracelet, and you like it, then the person will find it very unusual if you were to take it and wear it."

"You may see . . . animals in a field, seemingly left alone. It is important to remember that these animals are owned by someone and are being looked after."

"You will see many people who are wearing only small clothes and you will wonder why they are cold and may think they are being disrespectful. This is normal for England, especially when it is sunny or in the evening. However, it is illegal to show certain parts of the body and for this reason it is important that you wear underpants if you are wearing your blankets."

Green Fuel? A whole new meaning...

2008-08-13T09:44:00.001-07:00

Tree Hugger reports:
The Brazilian “Copaifera langsdorfii” can be tapped just like rubber trees, but instead of rubbery latex, this tree it gives up a natural diesel.
“One hectare will yield about 12,000 litres annually,” says the nurseryman selling the trees.
It doesn’t need any complex refining, so once it’s filtered, it can go straight into a diesel tractor or truck. A single tree can continue to produce fuel oil for 70 years. It seems the only negative is this particular form of diesel has to be used within three months of extraction.

Because we all like our Captain's to "fail"

2008-08-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Ben Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette , like any good eighteenth-century document, makes liberal use of the "long s" -- the one that looks like an f -- amusingly in this case. The difference between a long s and an f is that the cross-stroke doesn't go all the way through the s.

Do you know who the Pied Piper really was?

2008-08-12T16:37:00.001-07:00

This is a photochrom picture of the Rattenfängerhaus (Rat-catcher's House) of Hameln (Hamelin), Germany -- also known as the Pied Piper's house -- as it appeared around 1898. The facade was built in 1602, but the rest of the house is much as it would have been in the middle ages. It is called the Pied Piper's house not because the Pied Piper lived there, but because there is a plaque on the corner of the building commemorating the loss of the children. It reads:

"ANNO 1284 AM DAGE JOHANNIS ET PAULI WAR DER 26. JUNI - DORCH EINEN PIPER MIT ALLERLEY FARVE BEKLEDET GEWESEN CXXX KINDER VERLEDET BINNEN HAMELN GEBOREN - TO CALVARIE BI DEN KOPPEN VERLOREN. "

"In the year 1284 on John and Paul's Day, the 26 of June -- 130 children born in Hamelin were seduced by a piper, dressed in all kinds of colors,and lost at the place of execution near the koppen (probably a hill)."

The street that runs alongside the Rat-catcher's House is called Bungelosenstrasse, meaning "Drumless Street," or the Street without Music. Tradition has it that no music has been played on that street since the children were led down it and away from the city by the piper.

2008-08-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

After much ado, I have finally decided to add to the eternally dead blog.

Ty and I moved from Klamath Falls on June 14 to Beaverton Oregon. Jessie drove the Nitro, Ty with the dogs in the Element and myself in the big U-haul. (Isn't is interesting how evey time you move, the U-Haul unexplicibly gets bigger somehow?) I had worked all day friday, picked up the U-Haul, loaded it that night and we all left 6 a.m. the next morning. Thanks for the Mortenson clan for helping to load us all, it wouldn't have happened otherwise, without any fatalities anyways. We finally had found a place that would allow us to have our dogs and that was convenient to the MAX line. Luckily it was only 2 blocks from Jena and Josh. We had become very used to having family close and decided that we couldn't live without. It is a nice 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment, that has a large lawn on the front ( which India and Riika really enjoy) and only a couple of crazy neighbors. I started work the next day. And I still haven't had a chance to rest... ( I know this is the time where those older and wiser would tell me 'get used to it'... but...but...)

At the beginning of July, Ty received a phone call from a close friend in Utah, who runs an exotic bird store. She had some health problems and didn't have to man power to run the store. So Ty loaded up Riika and the Element and headed east. He has been gone almost exactly a month and suprisingly nothing has completely fallen apart at home, but it will be nice to have him home. I know India would love to have her sister back.

While he has been gone, I have been running back and forth like a hill-kicked ant, trying to get things done. None of which is easy with 2 hours of commute time each day, and an hour commute to the barn where Zar, the perennial horse resides. This whole commute thing doesn't work for me, I think.

One of my pleasures is that on our suprisingly large patio, Ty has been good enough to allow me to take over his decorative planters and go hog-wild with my 'Patio Pantry'. I have planted 4 types of Tomatoes, Sweet Snap Peas, Sphagetti Squash, Summer Squash and Strawberries for sweetness... It is silly, but I really take pride and alot of joy from my little garden and will be posting pictures of my produces shortly, as it has already begun to ripen, nothing like fresh from the vine.

Ty is interviewing for several different teaching positions in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha area, and after last year in Hell, Ty has decided, and I concur that he would prefer to teach a lower grade, maybe Kindergarten or 1st. Its best when they still fear you... :)

And since I have not seen it posted on any of my other siblings' blogs, I wanted to let everyone know that my sister Airica gave birth to her daughter Tivianne Colleen. I have only heard this through the grapevine and stolen e-mail pictures, so if this is incorrect and these pictures are a hoax or there is a spelling error on my part, I plead the 5th. :)

I start school at Portland State University on the 29th of September and am becoming quite anxious about it. I have been out of school for so long and I am afraid that I am rusty and am going to be "that old loser" guy that I always thought looked out of place and sounded old and codgery when I was in Uni at the ripe age of 19. Anyways, and more importantly, as the ever-opportunist that I am, the closer I get to starting school the more I re-run the list of potential educational paths, and get myself way out of whack. So for any of you out there that might be reading, whether you know me or only think you do, please leave any suggestions, censored or otherwise that might be helpful as to what you think that my contribution should be to the workplace (this goes for Ty as well, that is another long story...)

Anyways, I will be better, (isn't that what all lapsed bloggers swear?) and will try to update things, especially as the babies start to hit the ground in numbers over the next few months

We love you all...

Alan and Ty

They Are Here!!!!

2008-03-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

We Have Puppies!

Kenya gave birth yesterday at 3:45 pm in Ogden Utah to 4 beautiful puppies. 2 Girls and 2 Boys, all in the right coat colors. Finally.... After 3 attempts and a good several thousand dollars, we finally have our girl. And we are quite happy about it. We will be posting new pictures as she gets bigger and develops, but for now enjoy the newborn shots. (She is the one in the blue ribbon.)

Puppies!

2008-02-13T18:36:00.000-08:00

We just received confirmation that India's mother Kenya will be having babies! (Finally! I guess that the third time is the charm... we have been trying far too long to be funny any more.) That means another little stinker to fill our house with puppy kisses and wrinkly skin. We are excited and can't wait to have her home. Kenya is due on or around March 9th and we'll just have to wait to see what the new little one looks like!

Sorry!!!!!!!

2008-02-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

So I am finally writing, again. And to start with, it has been an absolutely crazy winter. (Cue run-on sentence:) The work at the bank has been long and seeing as how I work at a financial establishment, very high "drama", and with the delight that is Ty's commute and the daily trauma of his classroom, then to run home and quickly feed and water our horses in the dark, in our pasture that is completely inaccessable in the THREE FEET of snow that has fallen on the ground and purchase hay at night, in the dark, when all the hay is going to Japan or China, with horses that are dropping weight and wont even let us touch them because of all the HUNTING (ie people, dogs, a battery of gunfire with untrained unaccustomed prey animals) that is going on IN THEIR PASTURE and not to mention the overall engulfing decision process that has a deadline of a month from now, in which I have to decide my future career from among my many majors and ridiculous number of minors. So after all that, sorry that we have dropped off the face of the planet. We both have new resolve to be better about communicating with family and friends.

I am just going to include a couple of the pictures of our lovely snowy house. The second picture down is actually of us driving in the middle of a white-out. There actually is a road there, and a huge set of irrigation lines just to the right of said invisible road, I think you can barely see the tops of the wheels. And I will try to update more. ASAP.

Thanksgiving Baby!

2007-11-25T19:56:00.001-08:00

Long Story Short:

We had a Black F-350. We decided for various reasons that it no longer worked for our situation, and Voila! Big Black begat Baby Black! And ooooh is he nice! We might be poor but at least we have a nice car :)

Happy Thanksgiving to all, we are grateful for our family's love and support and want to wish them all the best this Holiday Season!

Oh, This is a Rorschach

2007-11-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

Cats... Rorschachs of Humanity

2007-11-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

The Spotted Boy

2007-11-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

George Alexander was a black child with a skin pigmentation disorder known as piebaldism. For much of his short life he was exhibited for show, described as ‘the Beautiful Spotted Negro Boy’ and ‘a fanciful child of nature formed in her most playful mood’.

George was born to black African parents who were slaves on a plantation on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. From birth George attracted attention and curiosity, and as a baby he was displayed in his local town for a fee of one dollar. When he was just 15 months old he was transported to Bristol where he was delivered into the care of a travelling showman named John Richardson. He was baptised at Newington Church in Surrey on 22 July 1810.

George was the star attraction in Richardson’s travelling theatre. He was exhibited at fairs and shows, and was shown privately to wealthy patrons. Although Richardson was said to have behaved with ‘great kindness’ George was often exhibited for up to twelve hours a day.
This schedule may have affected his health. George died on 3 February 1813 of a tumour in the jaw. He was buried at All Saints Church in Richardson’s hometown in Marlow. By his own request, Richardson was later buried in the same vault as George and their tombstones were bolted together.

From "A Visible Difference: Skin, Race, and Identity: 1720-1820," an exhibition by the Royal College of Surgeons of England

Babies! Babies!

2007-11-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

Donkey babies, especially wild yet timidly inquisitive ones, might just be the best thing since butter! Yes that little black thing tucked away in the sagebrush that looks like a creature comprised soley of ears, is a week old baby. Too cute.

My Life this Last Week...

2007-11-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know that it has been a long time, (in blog days) since I last posted, but now I am back. Let me give you a long convoluted summary :)

I was away in Medford Oregon, where I underwent training on my new position, aka "Teller School". It was fun, and for the first time in a long time, I can say that I actually think that I will like this company. Realy like them. Anyways, I arrived home late Friday evening, and promptly left Klamath again, at 4:30 a.m., this time to head to Salt Lake City. We have discovered that Kenya isn't pregnant anymore and so we were taking her back to the breeder so we can try this all again. We dropped her off Saturday night as soon as we arrived in Salt Lake, and left to return to Klamath again, very early this morning, whereupon we just arrived home in Klamath Falls. Oh and did I mention that the drive is 12 hours, one direction? I am tired, nevertheless, (which also accounts for my broken syntax and basic sentence structure debacle).

Now to what was really important, at least to me, was that the drive to Utah passes through a Wildlife Reserve out in the middle of the desert otherwise known as nowhere/the moon. There is absolutley nothing out there, no towns, really lucky to even have the road paved. Anyways, Sheldon used to be where the Cavalry turned out their remounts after WWI. And after the Cavalry was disbanded, they just left the horses and some donkeys out there to fend for themselves. These mustangs and burros are a rare sight and on this trip we saw a full family group of 9 mustangs (with which you could trace lineage based on the phenotypical color genetics) and 42 (!!) burros, including two babies!!! One of which was clearly less than a week old, and the cutest little jahonkey in the world! They were all just right off the road, and we were able to get some pretty good pictures. One of the other cool things was a bachelor band of burros, with some of the young jacks sparring and play fighting, all of which we caught on film.

Makes the whole week and subsequent horrid road trip, worth it!!

Glory Hallelujah!

2007-11-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

Its official, I have a job! I will now be working at Sterling Savings Bank, and so glad of it too! Hopefully it will be interesting and fast pace enough to keep this little Corax distracted enough to not be bored to tears. You know how I am, always looking out for shiny things!

To each his own..

2007-11-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

The spice of life... though you might not want to cook with it!

Leave it to the Japanese

2007-10-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

Convenient looking, isn't it...

Kinetic Sculpture

2007-10-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

To Bribe...

2007-10-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

Travis is learning the art of bribery with our horses. And after being chased down relentlessly as a result, he has also learned that bribery is generally not all that profitable, at least when it comes to 3 year old 'nerd' geldings. The seagulls from 'Finding Nemo" come to mind. Mine mine mine mine mine

Yes, IT happened...

2007-10-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Well it happened. We went to let the dogs out, and Kenya, the big cow who never listens (don't ask, wasn't our problem until now) ran after a skunk. And completely contrary to all of our shouted protests, chased a skunk under the trailer and tried to bite it, even though it had sprayed her, all over her neck and chin, and then finally, into her mouth. Needless to say, the whole place, house, yard, garage, everything.... REEKS! I have never really had anything against skunks, even found them mildly interesting and I daresay cute-ish. Never more. If I have power over the situation, their certain death will be my only pleasure... Ughh, after staying up nearly all night and much washing, scrubbing and deoderizing, I still can't get the smell out of my soft palate. Poor Lynn and Anne and Travis...

Autumnal Voyage

2007-10-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

This last Friday, Lynn and Anne took us on a trip to Medford to shop for Brad and Molly's reception, to get out of town and to see if we could see some of the Autumn scenery. We of course became sidetracked, gloriously and discovered a wonderland of Aspen. It was absolutley beautiful. I love that Lynn discribed it as "a flower... except 30 feet tall!" Travis took the camera and was able to take some pictures, like the one of us guys. I only was able to snap a couple, but it was all worth it. Too bad the photos don't do the real thing justice. The crisp air, the smell of damp leaves, the breeze whispering through the trees. Good golly I love Autumn!

The Crossroads of Sark

2007-10-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Sark, the smallest of the Channel Islands, in Great Britain is the last bastion of feudalism in Europe. Rob Crossan of the Guardian writes:
Nobody has tried to change things on Sark for some time. Its arcane system dates back to Elizabethan times, with the head of the feudal government, or seigneur, owning everything, including anything that gets washed up on the island's shores. The present incumbent, Michael Beaumont, has held the position for more than 30 years. Sark's tenants are required to own a musket - a relic of the time Elizabeth I sent 40 Jersey men there to quell debauchery and piracy in the 16th century. There are no paved roads or cars, and bucolic harmony has reigned pretty much unchallenged (bar occupation by the Nazis) for more than 500 years.

Now Sark has fallen afoul of the EU because, as Seigneur Beaumont so disarmingly puts it, "Nothing much is human-rights compliant here." So, the tenants have three options. They can vote to retain the status quo and risk the wrath of Strasbourg, decide to bring in democracy straight away, or adopt a transition phase, which would mean a parliament of 28 people, of whom 16 would be elected.

And now, very probably, we will have to bid godspeed to Elizabethan Sark. The ruffs, the stomachers, and even the codpieces will have to go into mothballs, all for the sake of modernization.

Rent a Potty Pony!!!

2007-10-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well the story is that Brynlie is going through that wonderful time of Potty Training. She has a motivational chart that gives her a reward when she fills the squares with a sticker. She gets a sticker every time that she goes to the bathroom. Her reward this time was a pony ride furnished by our wonderfully sweet horse Dante. Needless to say that she had gone like 16 times a day.

So this last Saturday, the whole family turned out to watch Brynlie on her Potty Pony Ride. We walked into the field to grab Dante and the other horses, and tied him up to tack him out. Ty was just beginning to brush Dante down when Brynlie let out a scream and started to cry. We all jumped thinking that maybe the horses had scared her, or that one had nibbled on her looking for treats. When asked what had happened, she stuck out her bottom lip and cried, " I want to ride the pony, RIGHT NOW!!" She is too cute. When she was on, and walking around she was so happy, it was adorable. She ended up having so much fun, that Travis had to have a ride too. Which of course Dante was glad to oblige with.

Beautiful Views

2007-10-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

So I just wanted to share with you all some beautiful pictures of what the view looks like from Lynn and Anne's deck. Their house sits on a hill over-looking the Klamath Valley, with the Lost River meandering below. The other day there were some beautiful cloud formations over the valley, there were high winds and they just created some stunning views.

This whole job hunting thing stinks...

2007-10-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well as you all know, we moved to Klamath Falls, at the last minute, though we were intending to be in Portland really. Ty took a less than satisfactory job at a local elementary, when NOTHING else was available, and I am looking for a job in order for us to move out of his parents home. Then comes yesterdays paper, confirming what I already knew through trial and error. THE JOB MARKET IS NON-EXISTENT. Klamath has less than half of the living wage jobs necessary for its trained workforce. And everything else doesn't pay half. Real fun, let me tell you. Anyways, I am still trying to remain positive... But it is wearing thin...

But at least I don't have to do this... ST

What a Pony Ride looks like in Louisiana

2007-10-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Fun while it lasts...

A new theme.

2007-10-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

Along with all of the standard, everyday, family things, I thought that I would display some of the strange things I find while looking for more random knowledge. I will try to do this periodically, so as not to overwhelm, but hopefully it will also give you something to call your significant other over to look at in wonder/ astonishment/ suprise/ chagrin. To start with, I found this photo of a mushroom. And an intersting one at that.

It is a 'Bleeding Tooth Mushroom." Looks more like a crime scene to me. ST

Anne will be so proud ;)

2007-10-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with you some pictures of some of our favorite squash varieties that we have grown in Anne's garden this year. For Christmas last year, Ty and I gave Anne a book entitled, 'The Compleat Squash' by Amy Goldman. Basically it is Martha Stewart + Heirloom Squash = Fun! It inspired Anne to plant ALOT of squash, with some pretty interesting ones tossed in the mix. I was just the Johnny-Come-Lately who horned in at the end of the season and am enjoying the fruits of her labor. Anyways here are some pictures, maybe it will pique someone's interest and then I can blab a whole bunch to you about my passion for heirloom squash.

This one's for all the horse crazy girls...

2007-10-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would share some pictures of our pretty ponies for those who haven't seen them yet. Especially Miss Meysa. Anyone would be welcome to come and see them, they are all actually a little bit too lovey-dovey sometimes and would love an apple or two from somebody's little hands. Thats you too, Brynlie :)

Hewp I am Twapped!

2007-10-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

This is my little niece Lauryn. Out of all the cute pictures, I think that this one is pretty darn funny. And that smile is her mothers to an absolute 'T' or I am the Pope! Don't believe me, look at any of our old school pictures, K-3. Love ya sis. :)

Brynlie is the Best!

2007-10-04T11:43:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of Julie's daughter Brynlie. She is just the most precocious, agreeable child around, not to mention, cutest. We don't get to see her as often as we would like, but when we do, its like we never left :)

We are missing you Jessi

2007-10-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Jessi has left for her freshman year of University at BYU-Idaho. We miss her silliness and her smile. We love you, have fun, we'll see you soon!

Brad and Molly are engaged!

2007-10-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well its official. Ty's brother Brad and his fiance Molly have announced their engagment. The wedding day is set for December 28, 2007 in the Seattle Washington Temple. We are all excited to hear this, and look forward to it. Congrats kids, we love you.

Luomi's Way of Helping

2007-10-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Luomi trying to stowaway in Ty's teaching bag, hoping to go and give Ty encouragement in his classroom.

Whistle while we work!

2007-10-03T12:38:00.001-07:00

So yesterday I had an interview with US Cellular for a Consultant position. It was a terribly long interview with a lot of in-depth answers, but I guess that suits me just fine, everyone knowing how verbose I am. We are crossing our fingers and saying little prayers that I get the position, not only because it would allow us to finally sign on our own place, but also because itwould be a great job to transfer with when we move to Portland in July for school.

Ty is getting ready to take his ORELA test this Saturday, to become considered highly qualified here in Oregon. This would make sure that he would be able to find a job when we do move to Portland. When we moved here, he had his teaching license from Utah and was told that if he was considered "highly qualified" in Utah, which he was, he would be considered "highly qualified" here in Oregon as well. That ended up not being the case and with the whole No Child Left Behind thing, that basically meant that in order to be hired, it would have to be at the discretion of the individual principle. Needless to say, there is a reason that he is teaching at a certain school in less than satisfactory conditions. And why he is taking the test this weekend so as not to encounter this problem again. Regardless, he is a trooper, and tries hard not to complain, getting up every morning to drive an hour in the dark to a classroom full of little heathens, stay late, and give up most of his evenings on extra work for his grateful family.

Zoomies!

2007-10-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry I know that I am barraging the blog with random photos and dates. I figure I'll get it all out of my system and then we can go on to the new stuff.

India is loving having such a large, soft yard to run and play in here at Lynn and Anne's, she has SO much energy, it is just great to watch her have a "mad case of the zoomies".

Luomi being Luomi...

2007-10-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ty's Classroom

2007-10-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Ty interviewed for his job and then in less than a week, he had his First Day of School. The old teacher who left, left due to health issues, so his room was in complete disarray. These pictures are of what his room looked like only after we made piles! Needless to say it is a bit outdated and clearly in need of a new paint job. All things that are hard to come by in little old "scary" Chiloquin.

ONE reason we moved, okay ALOT of reasons...

2007-10-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

Building a home for our horses

2007-10-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

When we had to move here to K-Town, we had to find a place to put our horses. Luckily Gma Vel let us put our horses on her property. Though we had to build our own fence. Here are some pictures of the process, notice the horses are there, though the fence is not. :) (Rushed is an understatment.)

Oh yeah, the history.

2007-10-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

So I think that I should do just a bit of general filling in. Ty and I moved from Salt Lake City to Klamath Falls at the beginning of August. Our job at the Stables that we run, not to mention our living situation was no longer a good option for us, and since Ty had been wanting to return to Oregon for quite some time, we decided that it would be best to "Head West!" Ty was able to find a job at Chiloquin Elementary School on the Klamath Indian Reservation. Not necessarily our number one choice, but given how late we moved here, it was nice that there was a job at all. I on the other hand am still looking for a job. Lynn and Anne have been so generous to us and have allowed us to stay with them until we are able to get jobs and could move into a place. Even knowing that that meant allowing our furry family to live with them in their house, which is no small thing considering the extent of our animal collection. So that is where we are now. Updates to follow :)

I love the babies!

2007-10-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this one of Kelson and I. I dont know what it is between me and Julie's babies, but I just love them, and I am lucky that their mom tolerates me stealing them any chance I can get.

The Bounty of the Garden

2007-10-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this photo as a tribute to this small portion of the INSANE amount of produce that Anne and I harvested from her garden this year. Anne and I had so much fun watching all of it grow, ripen and be harvested, right down to weighing every last thing. For posterity's sake of course :)

Miss India

2007-10-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

This is our most recent photo of our girl. Miss India is just over a year old, and though we love her and think that she is great, we are still hoping that she will grow into herself and then we can take on the show world! What a pretty girl, look at that neck!

Family Photo

2007-10-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

This was a photo taken at the Evan and Lyn's house, just before Jessie left for school. It was so fun to see all of Julie and Jaime's kids, they are all just so sweet, and it was nice to have Jena and Josh here for the weekend as well. All that was missing is Brad.

First Post

2007-10-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Well after Ty's sisters published their blogs and evidently my family has jumped all over that bandwagon, we have decided to put in our two-cents. I have several other blogs, but those have always been just online journals, so posting current events so that our families can be kept up to date is certainly beneficial. I will hopefully try and post pictures and stories from the last couple of months to bring everyone up to date.