Summer continues...

After work on Saturday, Josh, Jeff and Brandi called me to get my ass down to Alpine and on the boat and bring my camping stuff! It seems that Josh had somehow convinced some man that he was responsible enough to test drive this guys boat for sale.  So, I loaded up Elu and headed for the boat ramp. Elu greatly enjoyed her first time on a boat... 

And Josh pretty much loved driving a boat... 

The scenery was beautiful.

Brandi decided to drive to the campsite while the rest of us went on an adventure! Luckily for us, cell phones worked on the river and we were able to meet up with the car, and drive into town for staples like beer and Jagermeister (and I was able to get my car so I would be on time for work the next day).  The weather held out on us, and we ended up with a relatively clear night. Very few hang-ups...

Except:

Elu and Kipper (Brandi's dog) got sprayed by a skunk

Josh caught himself on fire (just his pant leg)

The dogs found Elk legs, hooves still attached

Overall, it was a nice Saturday evening, and Elu was pooped!!

Hey Guys!!!

 

I have had some serious blogger's block! I have several unposted "drafts" on my posting list.  All existential l crap.  I've been "woe is me," and "what am I doing with my life?" and stuff.  The Blogs may or may not get posted... we'll see if I can muddle through the stream of consciousness mumbo jumbo and make something meaningful and interesting.  

ANY WHO!  Here's some goings on...

I got my hair cut.  I have been thinking about it for a while now and FINALLY decided that identity crisis number one is SOLVED... for now. 

Just for shits and giggles, let's explore a couple of years of Hair Do's.

 there's the long and straight circa December 2005

there's the really long and straight December 2008

the brief "hippie" stint of last summer/fall....

then back to the long and straight.... 

:::I would like to comment on the fact 3 out of 4 pictures I am drinking- I do not really drink that much it just so happens that the only time I am ever on the receiving end of a picture is when my friends are drunk. The rest are all self portraits; most are less than flattering.  I only post pictures of myself where I look good.  I am vain like that. I do not want the public to see me with four to eight chins... which happens. so. in conclusion, don't judge me. Thank you::::

AND, now ladies and gentlemen, without further ado....  I give you the new and improved Patricia Ann Ireland. 

It's funny how I move to the biggest bum town in the country (where, by the way, women apparently find it acceptable to go the the bar in sweatpants) and discover that I am, in fact, a girly girl. 

GASP!!!!!!!!!! I totally hear ya.  I NEVER thought it would happen either. Part of me is ashamed that I have become the girl I used to make fun of. BUT, I have discovered, that I am a lot happier when I look pretty.  It's not a vanity thing (well maybe a little), but when I get all dressed up and made up, I feel better. I'm sure there is a psychology on it somewhere, I'll look it up for you later. Regardless.  I am a bona-fide girly girl. And I'm totally fine with it. I am still me, and I will still get dirty and play in the woods, climb rocks and throw snowballs at people.   However I am making a point when I am not in the woods to look nice. It makes every experience more fun.  I am even putting makeup on before the 6am shifts. Woa!

In other news, my favorite little husky pup is doing well.  She's been running alongside Mommy taking bike rides almost every day.  She has played ball in the park.  We have been on Puppy Rides to see Aunt Lola.  Elu loves Jackson very much, and really doesn't want to leave. She has made neighborhood friends, even snuck out in the middle of the night to be a rebellious teenager with the 'hood.  She's brought friends home. Here's a picture of my little pre-teen in what is likely to be the last year I can dress her like a little girl for Easter.... 

Elu says I love you and I hope you had a Happy Easter!!! 

Well, more to come later... I'll let you absorb these things for a day or two.  Smooches!! 

Snowmen and Trampolines

Today I played with Oliver Kimmel while his Mommy was out running errands. We got all bundled up in our snowsuits and went outside to play. I played on the trampoline and built a snowman...

And for an added treat, here is a picture of Elu's favorite activity.

she loves to run along side (or rather in front of) the car on the drive to Lola's place.

Dog Sled Races in Jackson!!

Friday night was the annual Pedigree Stage Stop dog sled expo in Town square.  They blocked of the Square from road traffic and had a festival like feeling to it.  Sarah and I walked from her house with Elu.  I was worried at first that Elu was going to be a pain, but she was actually VERY good.  She was in awe of the sled dogs.  And LOVED the attention. 

The dogs were a lot smaller than I thought they were going to be.  And they were mutts. There were no huge Husky or Malamute dogs on any teams.  They are not accidental mutts, they breed them for racing. To have long legs and lean bodies... something tells me Elu would be great at it. I forgot my camera, so I poached some pictures from Lola. 

It was REALLY cold! SO we couldn't stay for the entire expo.  6 degrees was fine for Elu, but Sarah and I couldn't feel our hands anymore after about an hour, so we left. 

If you're ever planning a trip to Jackson in the winter, this is a MUST SEE!!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELU!!!!!!!

My baby girl turns TWO today.  Two! She has grown up right before my eyes...

Thank you Elu for being the best friend a girl could ever ask for.  You keep me warm when it's cold, you give me kisses when I feel that I'm all alone.  You HUG (i'm serious man this girl gives the best hugs on the planet) me when I come home from a long day at work and your pretty pretty face makes me smile!!!

I LOVE YOU LADY ELU!!!!