My Listeners...

When I had to say good-bye to radio, I was going to just let my blog go.... I can be the worst blogger in the world anyway...but I thought, no, maybe THIS, is the place we can connect and I can still say hello to my listeners, the most loyal listeners on the planet! Thank you for the letters, phone calls, msg's...I have gotten all of them. I am grateful and thankful for all of you. I miss you all so much!

I have a ton of stories to tell from the last month. It has been a difficult month, one of the hardest adjustments I have ever had to go through, but it has been one filled with peace....does that make sense? Can someone be at peace, but at the same time, having a hard life transition? The answer is yes. From spinal cord stimulator trials to walking on the beach with my husband, upcoming trips to Mexico and India, planning a wedding to having to take my dog out at 3am to 'take care of business', putting too much sugar in it....idiot drivers and general life, I can meet you here now, instead of on the radio and fill you in on whats been going on in my life and we can continue to share time together.... so come back often, leave me comments so I can hear from you also and get ready... here it comes I have tons I can't wait to tell you about!

disclaimer: I write like I talk, rambling and sometimes filterless, but if you were able to follow me on the air, you'll be fine here! haha...

Memorial Day~Catching Up

Memorial Day was a beautiful day and the service we went to was touching, beautiful and more than a few tears were shed as we remembered and honored our fallen. Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer.

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To many people, especially the nation’s thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country. They died to preserve our freedom, our liberty and our special nation.

Pictured above: The USCG drops a wreath in Memoriam

As I stood there during the service with my family, I felt blessed and sad at the same time. Sad for all of those families who have lost their loved ones during wartime. Especially with Jake having come home just a week prior from Afghanistan and Matthew in December, I shuddered knowing it very well could have been us laying a rose on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in remembrance of our sons. Honestly, it was a little tough for all of us, as the boys reflected on friends and brothers lost and us thinking about what could have been, but it was in great honor that we stood there shoulder to shoulder. Together.

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Pictured Above: Oceanview Cemetery Memorial Day Service

The honor guards for the service were Justin and Jacob Guathier~twin brothers~that went to school with our kids and also have served our Country. Justin, a veteran, served in the USMC, his brother Jacob, is currently serving in the US Army. One by one wreaths were placed in remembrance of fallen soldiers and Marines. The US Coast Guard flew over and dropped a wreath into the water...it was beautiful and touching as they were saluted by those on land. The colors of the flags, the wreaths and what each stood for....the tears of mothers and fathers placing roses on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in memory of their sons and daughters and comrades remembering comrades. Memorial day is yes, more than a three day weekend for picnics and parties. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of this countries heroes, who have fought and given us the freedom to live in a great country such as ours. Let's not forget, ever, that it hasn't come free, but with the price being higher than some could imagine. Let us not ever forget that. Next Memorial Day, make sure you fly your flag in respect and honor of our fallen heroes. Stop and whisper, "thank you" and place your hand over your heart with pride and gratitude, for this day is for them. Our fallen heroes and we have much to thank them for.

Pictured Above: Jessi, Jake, Justin & Jacob Guathier, Matthew and Jodi

What a Great 2 Weeks!

So I disappeared for a few weeks, but what a great 2 weeks I have had! Jake came home to Oregon and it was the 1st time his brother and sisters and I had seen him since he got home from Afghanistan the week before ~ Jerry had gone to North Carolina to meet him when he got off of the bus, but the rest of us weren't able to go. This was also the 1st time our whole family had all been together in the same place, at the same time, in almost 2 years! It was an exciting time at the airport. A lot of laughs, some tears and much thanks! Thanks again to all of you for your thoughts and prayers for our boys while they were deployed to Afghanistan this past year....please continue to keep our troops and their families in your prayers, until they all come home.

Here are some other things I'll be posting about in the next few days!

Memorial Day
The Goonies 25th Anniversary Weekend in Astoria
Hidden Treasures
Some Families Fish... We...
CMT Awards!

It's good to be back!

Two for Tuesday

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Jake reconnecting with the world, after just getting home from Afghanistan~Here he is with his dad in North Carolina showing off his fancy new phone and pineapple shorts. He said just stepping into a pair of sandals was "amazing".

Up and over....that's our couch going into our new living room, Yikes! but they did it...with two couches!

Our Son Came Home From Afghanistan Today!

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It's been a busy week! I was off from last Wednesday until today...moving. Can I just say, I hate moving! :) I love unpacking, but, packing and the move itself is never fun! Our moving days fell on the same days that our son, Jake, was supposed to come home from Afghanistan, so I wasn't able to fly to North Carolina with my husband and welcome him home. It broke my heart to not be there, but for him to be safely on US soil is an answer to many a prayer. Knowing he was coming home and out of Afghanistan also ended the many sleepless nights and free-flow of tears at the thought of him being in danger. This morning my husband kept me up to minute with text messages and pictures via text, so as best I could, I was able to see and keep up with what was happening, from his plane landing on US soil, to the busses arriving at USMC base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. As Jake got off the bus he hugged his dad, I was called, the phone handed to him and I heard his voice and got to welcome our boy home... I will get to finally put my arms around him next month. I can hardly wait. A warrior, a hero, our son. We are so very proud of him.

Help for Nashville

Such devastation...sadness and loss. The pictures and video from Nashville break my heart. Nashville is a beautiful city, rich with history and it has been devastated. The thousands of flood victims who are struggling and have lost everything need our help... The worst flood on record for the middle Tennessee/Nashville area, it will take a long time to restore and rebuild after the deadly storms and floods that hit last week. Please donate today...here's how:

Please Help Now

Click on the Picture to Donate Online

OR

TEXT REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross Now!

Watch Video Now:

Kenny Chesney's home before and after:

Grand Ole Opry 'Circle of Wood' Survives!

Mother's Day

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What a great day! I love Mother's Day!

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The weather was beautiful, which was a nice change with all of the rain we have had here on the coast! Sleeping in on Mother's Day, it was a nice surprise to here the front door swing open and hear, "Happy Mother's Day!" Our oldest daughter decided to come home for the day from college to spend Mother's Day with me! Our youngest daughter, Jodi brought flowers and visited too. I went to church with my mom and then we all got together for lunch at my mom and dad's, where my sister showed up also! A phone call from my son Matthew was a perfect addition to the day. A relaxing beautiful day, wrapped up with BBQ'd dinner by hubby....it was nice. I hope all of you also had a lovely Mother's Day.... I have always thought that being a mother has been the most important and enjoyable gift I have been given in life.

Lilies from my sister, Ann. One of my favorite flowers ever.

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Yummy soap from Jessi bought for me at the Sunday Market in downtown Astoria. It was the first Sunday Market of the year. I am looking forward to many a Sunday this summer strolling through the many vender booths and browsing.

Crazy women on a relaxing Mother's Day

L to R: my daughter~Jessi, my mom~Berit, me, my sister~Ann and daughter~Jodi.

Lilacs... another favorite flower of mine! They always remind me of when Jodi was born. They were in season and my hospital room was full of them!

Flowers Jodi brought me on Mother's Day!

Beautiful and bright, just like the day!

Time Capsule Thursday

Three more pictures from the last year..

Welcome Home Coming Again...

Marine Corp and Troops coming home is about all that has been on my mind. Our son Jake is due to return from Afghanistan in the next 7-10 days. He is a sniper with the USMC 2/2 and it has been entirely too long since we have seen his smile, put our arms around him or heard his laugh~when he steps foot on American soil, we will all sigh a huge sigh of relief and give thanks to the good Lord above..... Below is a photo of our son, Matthew, hugging his sister, Jodi, after returning from his deployment (in December 2009) to Afghanistan with the USMC 1/5....with both of the boys deployed at the same time, I think we all squeezed Matthew extra tight when he walked out on that deck.

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Rest in Peace

....and with every homecoming, there are those who don't come home, but to be laid to rest. Who gave the ultimate price for our great Country. A friend of our son, memorialized a 'brother' who lost his life in Afghanistan while they were deployed...this was one of the first things he did after he got home.... Rest in Peace David.

Pure Love

This is a sight I will never forget. Our son meeting his daughter again after 9 months. He was deployed when she was a month old. Here, she is 10 months old and a whole lot different than when her daddy left!...unexplainable love.

Five for Friday

1) I came across this picture today and with the 60th Loyalty Day Parade coming up in a few days over in Long Beach I thought I'd post it... here I am in my crazy 'peacock' hat (that I hated!) many years ago in a parade, representing Denmark for the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, as Jr Miss Denmark. 1977. WHO? Doesn't love a parade!? This Sunday I will be broadcasting a parade for the first time ever, with our News Director, Michael Desmond. I am looking forward to it. Long Beach, here we come!

2) It was supposed to be sunny today. It wasn't. It was rainy and cloudy all day! Just saying... I wish Mother Nature would make up her mind and bring us REAL Spring weather!

3) Tomorrow is the first day of May! My brother, Niels's, birthday! Here he is with his wife Allison.... I am sure mom will have cake and coffee at her house to celebrate! Yummy...mom's cake! Happy birthday big brother!

4) I think I have an unhealthy, abnormal love of coffee.... a random thought I know, but my eyes keep trying to close and my brain is screaming... COFFEE!


5) Well, I didn't quite get to 5, but 4 is good.. Happy Friday Friends and Happy May Day!

Time Capsule Thursday

Happy Thursday everyone!
So...3 random pictures from last year.
Here they are:

1) I know...I can go on and on about how beautiful this area is! This is the foot bridge out at Ft Stevens...I can't count how many times we passed under this bridge last year going to explore the beach and/or many trails!

2) Bowling with Carrie Underwood....read about it here! :)

3) Harry Glickman came to the studio to chat about the Blazers Basketball Camp in our area and was a joy to talk with! A lifetime full of stories...to hear only a few of them was an honor. Glickman is considered the "father" of professional sports in Oregon. Here he is with myself and Antonio Harvey, former Trail Blazer, who was currently in his third season as radio analyst for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Two for Tuesday & Taylor Swift

1) THIS is WHY So Many People Love Taylor Swift

She's Sweet and thoughtful. Genuine and fun....and of course, talented. Who doesn't love this: Taylor surprised a few college students who had a mission. To get a hug from her. She heard about their website, twitter page and facebook page and responded! She put them up to some challenges, which they took above and beyond to impress her.... Their website, A Hug from Taylor Swift , explains it all....fast forward~ They ended up getting their hugs... check out this video ~ I love it!

2) My Favorite Taylor Video....

This is one of my favorite Taylor Swift videos...in bed with her mom, watching the nomination announcments for the CMA awards and she got her first nomination for Entertainer of the Year...I can't watch this without tearing up.....everytime. She's just a regular kid~(young woman)...with a spectacular opportunities.

Five for Friday!

A Most Favorite 1 of 5!

I chatted with my son on the internet today and saw pictures! Getting to see his smile for the first time since he was deployed last year was wonderful~ Jake comes home from Afghanistan next month~ Our USMC scout sniper... we are so very proud of him.

2) My Namesake...Yes, a Chick...Princess Sonja

My sister, Ann, texted me this photo today and it said, "Meet one of our new chicks. Her name is Princess Sonja- after you dear sister...." A white crested hen chicken. She will grow to be a beautiful. My sister is a city girl and lives in Portland, Oregon, but her backyard is a farmyard of fun! Chickens, ducks, a rabbit, a garden and more~quite a city farm!

3) A ride on the Trolly

Old 300~Astoria's Riverfront Trolly what a great ride and day! My husband's dad and his wife came to visit yesterday and we don't get to see them often, so it was a definite treat and blessing to see them! We decided to eat some lunch and play it by ear...We went to Rollin' Thunder BBQ had some great southern BBQ and we heard the bell of the trolly! We decided to jump aboard and were so happy we did! 'Bear' was on board playing conductor and he was hysterical ! As we rode along the waterfront and historical areas were pointed out, jokes were told and 'Bear' even led the group of riders in a few fun songs, that were, yes, corny, but fun! 'If You're Happy and You Know it' was belted out by all aboard, followed by a good round of 'B-I'N-G-O'. The trolly is such a wonderful addition to our community and for a dollar a ride or 2 dollars for all day of jumping on and off, you can't beat it! Be sure to take 45 minutes out of your day for an afternoon relaxing ride on occasion, but for sure, it's a must if you have company visiting Astoria or the surrounding area!

4) A Drive Out Hwy 202

After our lunch and trolly ride, we headed home for a nap and headed back out again for a drive. Jerry Sr and Sue (my in-laws) haven't spent time here in many years and both love the outdoors, so a drive seemed appropriate! We stopped at waterfalls, we saw elk, deer, birds of all kinds and just spent the evening laughing and catching up. I can never say too many times, what a beautiful area we live in. Get out there and explore it!

5) Crab Festival Time!

It's Astoria/Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival time of the year again! I'll be broadcasting again this year from the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, for 'locals night' of the Crab Fest...! This is always a time of the year to see old friends and have a bit of fun~in fact, I have lot's to do, so I've gotta get going! See you there and have a wonderful; weekend everyone!

Three for Thursday from the Last Year!

Time capsule Thursday!

Three more things from the last year to fill the blank place, called a blog, that I did no writing on!

Exploring Our Own Backyard

Seagulls on the shore of the Columbia River along on of the trails in Warrenton

Warrenton, Oregon boasts a ton of trails and amazing parks! Beautiful places that my husband and I explore a lot! Walk, ride your bike or walk your dog~Here is one of the many trails we went on last year. It was a nice sunny day and the view was fantastic. Looking out to the Columbia River, while resting on a bench it was a nice quiet place to reconnect after a long week. I encourage anyone to start exploring the many paths and trails that our communities offer. I find myself needing a vacation sometimes or I have hard a hard day and all I have to do is drive a few miles, ride my bike or walk to some of the most historic, beautiful places that people come from all over the world to see~ and it's right here in our backyard.

I Became Grandma

Macie-Jane~ MeeMaw's girl

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Macie Jane was born March 5th, 2009~ Our first grandbaby, she is a joy. This picture was taken in April 2010, when she was here visiting her MeeMaw (me) and PawPaw. She was climbing all around and was on the verge of walking. Becoming a grandma at 40 years old thrilled me to pieces. While many of my friends are just now having children or have just started their families, I am getting to enjoy the blessing of grandchildren~ They say the reward for not killing your own children in their teenage years, is grandchildren ~ haha. I think they may be right! Macie Jane is a blessing to us and has us all wrapped around that tiny pinky of hers!

Disneyland! The Happiest Place On Earth!

Disneyland Castle before the fireworks display

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When we went to California in December of '09 to welcome our son, Matthew home from Afghanistan, we had to hit Disneyland! We took our daughters, Jessi and Jodi, and headed on our way. I must say~ It truly is a magical place! It was Christmas Eve when we went and I felt like a little kid. Main St was decorated with garlands and lights, music was playing and I saw the biggest Christmas tree I think I have ever seen. A day of fun and laughs with our daughters created memories to last a lifetime. The end of the night was spectacular and a must for every child and grown up to see. The castle lit up to a music, light and fireworks show and because it was Christmas, it SNOWED...yes, snowed on Main St. It looked real~ it felt real~ but anywhere in California besides Disneyland's Main St. it was about 80 degrees out! I could ramble for days about every moment spent in Disneyland~ It truly is magical! A definite highlight of 2009!

Space Mountain~Sooo much fun! Jerry, Me, Jod & Jessi

Five for Friday

1 ~ I will be trying to my nephew how to ride his bike with no training wheels this weekend!

2 ~ As I write this, I swear I am starving, but I think it's because I just bought some 50% off certificates during our morning 1/2 off mini auction sale here at the station.... great deals.

I paid $25 for a $50 certificate to the Longbeach Lighthouse & Columbia Bar. Love this place. Great food and service. Last time my husband and I ate there, I had steamer clams and he had steak..perfectly done! 4 stories up on the ocean in Longbeach, Washington, the view is spectacular! I also got a certificate for Ilwaco's Imperial Schooner and Rollin' Thunder BBQ in Astoria! I have never been to either of those places, but I will be sure to let you know how they are! Now I am really hungry. Hmmm...what's for lunch? Probably Grilled Cheese and tomato soup. I can't use those certificates without my husband...can I? Well, I could, but that wouldnt be very nice now would it!

3 ~ Tom Freel is coming in to do my show with me this afternoon. He is the voice of our sister station KAST 1370am, news and talk. (he is also my boss...well, one of them) Here's a random thought~I think we should have a Tom Freel Roast....how fun would that be? We could sell tickets, have a dinner... a community event...all in good fun of course! *laughing~loudly* I have worked with this guy for a gagillion years and I know he would be a good sport...way better than I would ever be!

4 ~ Movies. I think a movie would be fun to goto this weekend...

5 ~ and the ACM Awards! Yay! I love the ACM Awards. So much fun .

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Three for Thursday from the Last Year!

Well, here's blog attempt 3 for this year! Maybe a way to catch up a bit...on Thursdays I'll post 3 random pictures from the past year, with a little description~ Ok~ here it goes!

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DANCING IN THE OCEAN

Pictured: Jessi & Jodi at the beach in San Clemente, California

One of my favorite pictures from last year and there are plenty! Dancing in the ocean at sunset! This does wonders for the soul~and the funny bone. This was this past December (2009) in San Clemente, California. Our girls, Jessi & Jodi, welcomed their brother, Matthew, home from Afghanistan and only a few months earlier said goodbye to their brother, Jake, as he was also deployed to Afghanistan with the USMC.

GREAT PLACE FOR A PICNIC

Pictured: Saddle Mountain and Astoria, Oregon. Taken from Fort Columbia in Washington State

What a beautiful area we live in! This is on the bluff at Fort Columbia on the Washington side of the Columbia River. There are so many areas right here in our own communities to discover and see! With the economy the way it has been stay-cations and staying close to home has gotten popular among locals...myself included! This is a lovely place for a picnic on a sunny day!

TERRI CLARK IN EAGLE COUNTRY

Pictured: L-R~ daughter~Jodi, me, Terri Clark, son~Jake, hubby~Jerry, daughter~Jessi

Terri Clark performs at the Liberty Theater! Another great concert in Eagle Country was enjoyed by a full Liberty Theater! With over a half a dozen albums under her sparkly belt, Terri has had a great deal of success in country music. Being a native of Canada, Terri has been certified platinum in both Canada and the United States and has produced several top ten hits. Terri was a lot of fun to chat with backstage and was a joy to watch onstage.

Umm..Too Funny NOT to Share

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This is my naughty cat Sylvester.

That is my fish...who apparently has a good heart.

~LIFE~

Sometimes your the Cat...Sometimes your the fish.

Disclaimer: No fish were hurt during this photo op

Oh, Yeah...My Blog :)

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Ok! Sooo~ I'm back~ I think. :) The last time I 'blogged' was a year ago and I have decided to try to be a good little blogger and add a little something at least once a week! There is so much that goes on in the country world of music and here at the station that I shouldn't run out of things to chat about...and if you want to read it, well, I'll share! I hope this year has brought you great things so far and continues to... so onto my um-teenth try at blogging, here we go! Welcome back!

Happy Easter

I Hope You Had a Beautiful day! Rain, wind and all!

Sissi's 40,000 Calorie, 20lb Brownie Cake

Seriously...we counted. My sister made this cake for my 5 year old nephew's birthday party this weekend.........and they ate it all!

8 boxes Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix
(use-9x13 cake pan , 2 boxes per layer)
Spray pan with Pam (non-stick spray) Line brownie pan with parchment paper, pour in prepared brownie mix and cook as directed, set aside and let cool.

Prepare filling:
Ganach: In a food processor finely chop 2 ½, 11.5oz bags of ghirardelli bittersweet dark chocolate. Heat 2 ¾ cups of heavy whipping cream until just boiling (pay close attention not to burn) While processor is running with chocolate still in it, pour hot cream into chocolate and blend well, as chocolate melts, consistency will be of a light pudding. Set aside and allow to cool until consistency is that of frosting.

Start assembling cake.

Brownie Layer, ganach, brownie layer, ganache, until finished.

Top layer may be finished with ganache, Butter cream frosting or frosting of of choice.

Yum. :)

Five for Friday

1) Easter is Sunday. To some it is about beautifully colored eggs and assortments of yummy chocolate and candy treats... little ones running and searching for hidden treasures in Easter egg hunts all over the country. To some Easter is a celebration of the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead, three days after his crucifixion... dressing in their finest clothing and feasting with friends and/or family.......To some it is a combination of both. Whatever Easter is to you and your family, Have a beautiful day on Sunday!

2) I will be welcoming my husband home after his visit with our son, our daughter-in-law and our new grandbaby, Macie Jane. Our son being in the USMC, is getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan....it has been a great visit for Jerry with the kids, but it will be nice to have him home.

3) It's rainy and windy...again! I think April didn't get the memo, that it was Spring!

4) It's been a long week and it's great to see the weekend arrive. A time to rest and recharge.

5) ...well, I almost made it to five! This Friday, there you have it..4 for Friday! Have a wonderful weekend friends.

Random Two for Tuesday

We live in such a beautiful area of the world......

Congratulations Julianne Hough

When Julianne came to Astoria she had already recieved the ACM Award for 2009 Top New female Vocalist of the year and was up for the ACM award for 2009's Top New Artist. Great News for Julianne! Last night, she walked away with the ACM for Top New Artist!