Up and Runnin' Again

Well, I got my computer back (very quickly, I might add). Apparently I had several viruses, one of which attacked my anti-virus program and disabled it (wow, that was worth the $70 annual subcription). Luckily it didn't do any damage. I'm enjoying having a fast computer again - "The better to blog with, my dear". Apparently this virus is contagious because I caught a cold last week. Luckily it didn't stick around long. Now, I'm just doing all the natural remedies to prevent a sinus infection, so far, so good.

I thought I'd catch you all up on our whirlwind weekend. I wish I could show you pictures, but I accidently deleted them off my camera, there-by learning this important lesson: never try to download pictures while trying to referee an argument between a couple of kids :-(

My sweet sis was kind enough to let us drop off our kids while I went to an Oregon Society of Soil Scientists conference on the other side of the state. Michael was able to take time off work and go with me, which was wonderful because it was at a beautiful place called Edgefield Manor - (click here for pictures). We love this place! We had the best room with the best view in the entire place (I think it must have been the honeymoon suite). It was huge. It used to be the county's poor farm, then it was a nursing home. They fixed it all up, put whimsical art-work everywhere, and made it into a fabulous micro-brew, winery and now distillery. They had the most beautiful soaker pool, too. I had a great time seeing all the soil scientists that I've known through the years, plus meeting some new ones. I realized, I'm now an old-timer. When I first started going to these conferences 10+ years ago, I was one of a small handful of women soil scientists, and I was by far the youngest one there. Now, probably half the meetings are made up of women and I'm NOT the youngest one ;P

After the meetings, Michael dropped me off at my sis' and drove back to the Portland area for his first drill in his new battalion. I got to spend the weekend my sister. I was able to help her with my nephew, Jacob's, third birthday. Click on here (Stacie's blog) for details and pictures. Jacob was absolutely adorable in his Buzz Light Year wing pack. He was Buzz. He wouldn't even take them off to eat. We'd just fold his wings back so he didn't poke anyone. It was so cute! I also got to see some of my immediate family, which is always a blessing.

Michael picked us up after his drill on Sunday and we got home very late. We brought my nephew, Marcus, home with us since Stacie is coming up to visit me this coming weekend. It is wonderful to have some time with him. The kids are having fun together (mostly), and it is good for them to learn from each other.

I've had a lot of people ask me how to make raw butter, buttermilk and sour cream, so I'm planning on doing a series of posts on those next. Stay tuned! I'm so far behind on my blogging - yikes :-/. Thanks for all your sweet comments. Keep 'em coming! I promise I will visit all your blogs as soon as I get a chance. I've got them saved in my email so I don't forget anyone.

Have an awesome week!

Love and Blessings,
Jackie