Photos that invoke the Holiday Spirit

I found this picture from a couple of years ago.

Here my sister catches the Snow on her toungue.

How could I forget Reiley?

OK, since my lil buddy always just loves to dress up for the Holidays, I feel bad that I didn't get him a Santa hat to model for you all....LOL....

So, in leu of that, Here's one of my favorites of him in yet another Red Hat....

Merry Christmas!!!!

That was then, this is this week.

Well, let's talk about that job. Within three hours of starting, I wrenched my back.... Having to lean over a three foot tall converyor belt, while grabbing hundreds of 2x4's per minute, and flipping them side by side on another converyor belt, just before they head into a saw not only hurt my back terribly, but I screwed up my wrist pretty bad too.... by the end of the night, I was not even able to use my fingers. On Wednesday, my car broke down, so that was my saving grace to loosing my new job. I was so embarrased that I was not able to handle it, but my body just couldn't keep up. It took several days for my back to recover, but my wrist has become progressively worse. So, for those of you recieving Christmas cards from me... they're really short, since it hurts to write. My friend Nick said I'm a wuss... but, I beg to differ. So, it's back to the drawing board, which is upsetting, since I really wanted to work in a mill. But the hard-core/fast-paced work loads are more than I can handle. It's not worth $9/hr to walk away so hurt. I thought that if I hung in there, I would be able to withstand the pain, and my body would adjust, but that just didn't work out well.

So, the Jeep, it needed a new starter. Thanks to my sister I had triple A so they towed it to the local shop where several cheaper options for starters were used, aka rebuilt ones, but for some reason they didn't fit. so I ended up with a new one, and they barely charged me for the labor. I think $35, if I'm correct. But the new starter set me back a bit more than the rebuilt one would have.

Work is still interesting at Dempseys. I'll post more pics just for the heck of it. It's fun to take the camera to work, I've found. It's just not right that men look this good as women. ....... .....


I also went back up to Rim Rock, Which is the park that overlooks Seattle. It's so peaceful there. I love it. The snow that you see (it's the picture on the top of this post.....), which is still everywhere is from the fall, several weeks ago. It's been cold enough to keep from melting the wonderfuly covered land.

I don't really have much else to say. It's been snowing briefly here tonight...... I love walking down to the river, and listening to the silence. It's entrancing.

If I don't get around to posting more for Christmas, please have a safe and wonderful Christmas, and a very VERY Happy New Year. I don't know that I have any resolutions to post, only because it's been such an eventful year, that I don't know that I can promise to do much more than I am already working on.


So, how does it go??? Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night.........

Back to Work....And General Thoughts.

Well, another fun weekend at work. Actually very cold. As of the 8th of this month, smoking is banned in all establishments in Washington... WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!! It's not so much an issue for Dempsey's, although Friday was pretty slow. It was as though there was a revolving door. The intense cold didn't stop anyone from running out to smoke, therefore freezing me and the door man out. Even the space heater wasn't helping. I should open a bar outside, there were at least a dozen people at any given time out on the sidewalks, and as per the law, 25 feet from the entrance to the bar. Then they all came in complaining that it was so cold. Talk about agrivating.

The problem may be for my favorite spot here in town, Kelly's. Since we are on the border of Idaho, literaly a couple of blocks away, there are four other bars that people can still smoke at. I haven't had the opportunity to find out if it's a problem yet, but, I imagine it will be for a while. On Thursday, when I stopped in for dinner, the owner of Kelly's was at the competition, smoking...LOL...

Today I start a real job. Mon-Thurs, ten hour shifts, 3:30 until 2: a.m. a whopping $9.00/hr. sounds crappy, but at least it works well with my Dempseys job. I'll be working at a planing mill, and finger joint mill, where they join wood... you know... Ok, so I still have to figure that out too, but I guess by this evening I will be well on my way to understanding. It's still a lumber mill, so that's what I had in mind for work when I first moved here. I'm thrilled actually. So, now Sunday will be my only free night. After not working a fourty hour work week in years, and not really working at all since I first came to visit Newport in June, but it's time to get my butt back in gear. I have too many bills to pay.

Speaking of money, thanks to you know who, who sent me 'dinner money'.... you know who you are. It was unexpected, and much appreciated. Also thanks to Matt who bought me big ol' Carhartt Overalls. They weren't cheap, but he didn't want me to freeze my ass off outside. On top of everything he's done for me, that was the greatest gesture.

Went to see Rent yesterday afternoon. I wasn't really into it. I'm not into rock much, and I didn't thing that the leads voices were all that great. But I did go with a friend who recently, ( I think, three of four months ago) lost his partner of many years to AIDS, and I sure didn't know that's what half of the movie was going to be about. It was difficult for him to get through, and anyone close to me knows that I don't deal well with peoples emotions. AT ALL. So, I was not very good company for him. Ugh, sorry bud (yes he reads this) maybe someday when I learn to cry myself I'll deal with it better, but ask Matt, he'll tell you I yell at him when he gets upset....

I am just trying to look on the positive side of life all the time, and jeez, I've rarely had to deal with death, only in the family, and it's usually great Aunts/Uncles, Grandparents, etc, who you are often aware that, in their old age, they may not be around long. It's tough on everyone, but I aparntly have a wall around that part of my emotions.

The Mayor of Spokane was recalled, as I am sure you are all aware of, I understand it's national news. He refuses to leave office until his last day on Dec. 16th. Sad, mister, just get over it, and get out. He's tarnished his reputation for life, but I don't think he understands that.

On a complete other note.... Anyone want to burn some Christmas CD's for me? If I have to listen to any more Barbara or Celene I'm going to shoot myself. Anything is good. If you don't mind, contact me at ronulrichis@yahoo.com I'll send my P.O.Box.

To whomever sent those two CD's from St.Louis ( with a return address on it that, we'll just say, the residents of that place would have known that that address was incorrect, so nice try) thanks. I've always loved the Chipmunks Christmas, but you can really only ever listen to that once or twice during a season.

I'll be staying in Newport for the Holidays. Some night I may get into that, for those of you who don't know what the reasoning is. But it's funny how many people think that I will be miserable up here alone. I broke down and joined a Thanksgiving feast, but I won't be crashing a Chrismas feast. The best Christmas I could have, will be out hiking this country up here. I think it's obvious that there's enough here to keep me happy for a long time coming. Christmas has become so comercialized, it's disgusting. It's also obviously become a holiday of Gift Giving and making people feel guilty for not getting gifts, or good enough gifts. The obligation is disgusting. So, I am not buying gifts this year, nor will I be recieving them. I am going to prove, at least to myself, and maybe a few others, that Christmas can be enjoyed without all of the hype, drama, guilt, and dissappointment. I have all I need. And someday maybe the world will realize that Christmas doesn't need to begin in Mid-October, and everyone will get fed up with it, and go back to enjoying Christmas the way it used to be. But I doubt it.

I have to get ready for work. Please, if you comment on the Blog, identify yourself, and where you are from. It's interesting to me to see how far away this blog is read, and I'm sad when I can't figure out who has taken the time to comment, but doesn't want me to know who they are.

Thanks a million. Here's a pic of Lexi, Greg, and I from Friday night. Just having some fun.

Have a great week everyone.

Ron

Quit yer Bitchin' .....

For those of you who feel that life sucks, or that it's too cold where you live, READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, after spending the night in Spokane because I had to drive an acquaintance home that was trashed, and had to spend the night on his couch (OK, it was a beautiful, incredible house, and yes, leather couch, but shortened my plans for the evening) I came home this afternoon, for an hour or so, before going to take a drug test for the job that I was going to start tomorrow, (Friday) and the 38 year old lock on my Airstream broke.


So, after trying to dis-assemble it, and failing, I had to remove the screen, crawl out the window, and pry the door open. I tried to rebuild the lock, with no luck. So, it's almost ZERO degrees in Newport, and I can not close my door.... Get it. If you think life sucks... come stay with me... I still think this is funny as hell, and I will offer you lessons in how to blow off the sucky things in life.

I have more to post tomorrow, since I"m not starting that job, since I was stuck in my Airstream....LOL... See you soon.

Ron

MY LAST BAD DECISION HAS BEEN MADE.... LADONNA IS HOT!!!

More Holiday Window Designs, all of the windows that weren't painted last week,

were painted this week.

Take the time to figure out where this post gets it's name... I know there are those of you who browse, those of you who look at the pictures, and those who actually read this blog. For those of you who do the latter, you are rewarded with little bit's of stupid wisdom... And that, sometimes is what makes a life a life, or a day a day... or an hour an hour.... get my drift.


There's more to this blog to my connection to Ladonna... Lucky you. But, Yes, this is going back to Sandpoint. The sun came out today, as I was headed back to the town to look for a job. It was too late in the day to get some really great pictures of snow, and sun, because I am on this totally screwed up sleep schedule, and I didn't get up until after noon..... So, the sun melted much of what I wanted to photograph, but as I see it, there's plenty more sun and snow to come in the future...

A few more sights of Sandpoint....

This is the Coldwater Creek store that I mentioned in a previous post. It's two stories, and spans the width of the river.

On the way to Sandpoint.... There's such beauty anywhere you look

The Panida A live Theatre.

The Park at the Beach, it was nice to see that most of the walkways had been plowed, even at the beach in the winter.
The Dock, covered in snow, sitting on the beach.

Don't forget, you can double click, and enlarge the picture...

Schweitzer Ski Resort, as seen from the Beach.

The Downunder Saloon. This was the closest place for me to warm up, after standing next to the lake freezing my head off, in 12 degree lake breezes. Head on down the stairs to a warm neighborhood bar, where everyone goes because "They have the cheapest beer in town"

In the 30 Minutes I was in here, I met several great people, and heard their stories,

I love the Northwest.....

And Last, but not least, I found this guy hangin' out atop a truck, on the way back to my car.

Tonights pictures.....

One last post for the evening. It's been snowing for days. Thought you should see these.

More Creations.

After running through all of those pics of the house, I thought I would show you some other things I have done. I was part of a Mardi Gras Crew in St.Louis, which I think has the third or fourth Mardi Gras in the world. I know these aren't THAT impressive, when it comes to floats, but for something that I did... I think they're pretty cool.

This is our Little Shop Of Horrors Float. We won 1st Place for this baby. Tony and I alone created the AudreyII ..... This was the first Mardi Gras that I was 'there for' but never actually saw... I was inside the big plant, with the microphone, calling to the crouds.... "FEED ME BEADS!!!" and singing along to the songs. It was a blast. So, yes, the plant was 100 % animated.

I swear I'm inside there.....

This is my Lion, for ' The Lion Sleeps Tonight..... This is my pretty much my masterpiece. I have a thing for curling ribbon, don't ask.... I am also a spray paint master, I think I was a thug in my past life.....

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Since we only won second place for the lion, we retaliated, and decided not to build a float,but honor the pathetic "Bowling Hall Of Fame" in St.Louis.

Hello all, It's been snowing for days now, on and off, I estimate six or so inches at least. It's wonderful...I wish I would have brought along my copy of White Christmas, It's fun to open up the windows and watch the snow, with a space heater blasting at my feet. If you read the previous posts, you know about the deer. Well, last night, while on the computer I saw them again. But this time they brought their mother.... which was a tragic sight. She has a broken front leg, that she keeps curled up to her body. She can barely move. It's ironic, yesterday, in the police blotter, there was a notation that someone called the police bacause there was a deer in their yard, with an obvious broken leg. After hunting season, who knows if it could be the same deer. But I didn't call anyone, because I couldn't stand the thought of them shooting her, and leaving her two fawns alone.

I guess the real enjoyment was that they were litteraly within reaching distance of my window. I sat here for the greater part of an hour watching them eat the bushes right next to my Airstream. It was a magnificent experience. The mother was on guard, every second. Her head popped up with every little sound. Only a few times did she ever hear me. I have crank windows that open up ever so silently. So it was like I was there with them. This time, I opted not to show Reiley that they were there. And, of course I didn't take a photo, even a digital camera makes too much noise. I anxiously await their return.

It's been a downer of a day. I have had so many promising leads for jobs that I really wanted, and they have all fallen through. Money no longer exists, you know the story... but at least I am here, and not in St.Louis.

Speaking of, I thought I would include pictures of what I left behind. more of an expression of my creativity, and some of my ex's too. I had a two family flat (I rented to a wonderful couple upstairs, and I had the first floor.) It was a great place to entertain, as you will see Christmas parties and garden parties were a must. But it's also the object of much pain and turmoil in my life. Refinancing the house so I could afford parties, over and over, all so people would like me. It took getting rid of it all to realize that I don't need things for people to like me. It's really sad what I went through, the people I hurt, and the drama involved all to be 'special'.

I guess you all are going to get a glimpse into a vulnerable part of my life. But we all have those. I can easily turn off all of the mistakes I have made, but moreso, I look to work on my future. And structure it around me, and not what I have. That's why being happy, here in my little Airstream has been such a wonderful experience that has turned my life around for the better.

This is the backyard. I usually had more than thirty hanging baskets, some more than twenty feet off the ground. We liked to call it the "Hanging Gardens of Babylon" and yes, those are damn near the tallest drapes ever found on a deck. The entire neighborhood used to walk by the alley, along side of the yard, just to see what new things we had done. Below is one of my favorite features in the yard, my tree swing.

My bedroom. VERY ORANGE, but actually, a wonderfully comfortable place to be. The light, sheets, and disk are all still in storage, it's a room that I will create again someday.
The dining room. I just don't have a picture that does it justice. Tony made the "Alice in Wonderland on Acid" drapes, and I painted the diamonds on the wall. This picture was obviously taken prior to the orange bedroom. I'm a big fan of tone on tone, and Flat on semi-gloss paint jobs. It's the best way to make a wall really POP!

My bathroom. VERY small, but a fun, bright place to be. I bought the fish pictures in Chicago's Shed's Aquarium. More small things close to my heart that I kept.

More of the dining room prior to a Christmas Party, and the Alice in Wonderland on Crack Draperies.... Yes, the ceiling is Crimson. DON"T BE AFRAID TO USE DARK COLORS ON YOUR CEILING!!!!!!!! No matter what anyone says.

Sorry to the people in this picture, but this seems to be the only digital pic I have of my FAVORITE Drapes, with the $50 or so bucks a yard 6 inch fringe. High drama, I know, Way over the top, but I LOVE THEM... Yes I kept them too... The tree is all Tony. All Glass ornaments, mostly Radko. I could tell you a funny story about when the tree fell over, TWICE in fifteen minutes, but he might read this, and it's only funny if I tell the story in person.... Other than that, it really was a tragedy. But we made a great wreath out of the broken ornaments.... Very Martha Stewart. Thought I had a pic, but aparently I don't.. How unlike me. I photograph everything.

This was the orange room, prior to painting it. I had a bad habit of changing rooms when I was bored.

This is the SIXTY POUND bedspread. That is just a guestimate, but Tony quilted it, then we stuffed each and every square as tight as we could. My bed was on a platform, so it was some, four and a half feet off of the ground. It stole the show at the Christmas party. Or was it Reiley? This was just days after Reiley crawled in the basement window, and 'Moved in'. He was the nicest sweetest cat. Until the party, people came in to see the bed, reached over to pet him, and he growled, hissed and bit his way to a peaceful existance on that bed. He DID NOT like people in his house. But, shortly thereafter, he became a fully friendly lil' guy. He figured out how to open the back door, so he would go visit any neighbors that happened to be out on that particular day.

Thanks for allowing me this trip down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed it.