The Great and Random Ramblings of Cannwin

Repeat picture... read post to find out why. I don't think I mentioned that I had lost my sewing machine in the move. Well, I did. I couldn't find it anywhere and Ralexwin swore he didn't remember putting it in storage. Yesterday I finally gave in and drove myself (and the munchkins) out to the storage unit to have a look-see for myself. I've only been out there once because it's in the next town over (the things you'll do for a discount--thanks Aunt Vicky!!), but I decided yesterday was the day to get it over with. So...after digging around for about five minutes, and knowing more what I was looking for than Ralexwin did, I found it! In the very back corner at the bottom. That's right. My sewing machine is inaccessible. At least until that husband of mine comes back down and can help me rearrange things. It's really okay, though, because my Mother-in-law has a better one than mine anyway. I just haven't asked to use it. The oth...

South Dakota... Packing Day 93*F Nebraska... Moving Day One 90*F Colorado... Day Two 34*F I had to stop at a Wal-Mart in Denver and buy sweatshirts for everyone. We hadn't anticipated snow! I mean, if South Dakota was warm then it seemed pretty safe to assume anything South of us would be too. It took us twice as long as it should have to get through Colorado... We were so excited about finally making it to Utah that we had to stop. Utah...the destination 70*F The car was attached to the Uhaul and got rained on the ENTIRE way. Our new home. Extra video:

(written offline on May19th) The first week of my new life in Utah has passed and I will admit a burning desire to jump in my car and race back “home” to South Dakota. After a grueling few days of unpacking Ralexwin left me with a kiss and an “I love you,” and headed north to Salt Lake City. Three hours later Remewin started throwing up. Six hours later the Mischievite did the same. Five days later and Remewin was still at it. I have had very little sleep. I've stripped my bed three times and Remewin's crib four times. Today when Ralexwin called I told him I was very angry at him for taking me away from my home and my doctors and my friends and my comfort zone, then I cried and told him that I just wanted to go back. But the vomits are hardly the only issue with my cross country move. Everyone here is so PRETTY. Seriously.... not kidding I think I've moved to a mini-Hollywood or something. And my mother-in-law has about 5 times as man...

The Mischievite is ready to go. (18 months) To my dear husband of ten years,  can I just take a few minutes to pin down some important do's and dont's for you during this packing period... please ? 1. I made these for a reason... please take advantage of them---(location is where you want the box to go when we unpack, if you are unsure, please just put what room you packed it with). 2. Don't mix and match. Stick to a room. Pack that room then move on. Please don't go searching for other things to fill the box unless it specifically applies to the box at hand . i.e. If you know that Vicbowin has books in the main room, that ought to be in her room, you can go get them. 3. Please fold all the clothes and linens before you put them in a box. 4. Towels are acceptable forms of padding, and the only thing rule #2 doesn't apply to. 5. Don't pack framed artwork unless you can ensure safe passage in the box. The best way to move them is to cut out a p...

Are you interested in investing one of the greatest deals you'll ever come across? Do you know someone who just happens to be starting school at the University of South Dakota? Has there been a need in your life, recently, to find a safer, quieter, community to raise your children? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I have just the thing for you. My house. Built in 1954, this beauty sits on a half-acre fenced lot. She has just over 3,000 square feet of living space with three family rooms, 4 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths and an office. All just waiting for the sounds of laughing children. Not enough for you? Well, Prairie Ranch (as I lovingly just decided to call it) sits across the street from both the park and the city swimming pool.  It is also within close walking distance to the high school, elementary school, university, and hospital. Did I mention the hardwood floors? The piano? The fire place and the wood burning stove? What about the massive amounts o...

When moving (next time) remember to avoid Western South Dakota in early August. Holy Moly! I know I said before that South Dakota was a hopping place but let me reiterate, this place is crazy. There is this little get together called the Sturgis Bike Rally that just happens to run the first part of August. It brings in around 50,000 bikers... and we had to drive through it. Have you ever tried to drive when you knew a motorcycle was in the next lane? When you can't see them, but you know they are there? Well, imagine it with the two wheeled monsters everywhere, you are in a huge 4-door Ford F-150, trailing behind an even bigger U-Haul (with attached Mazda). You look left, you look right, you look in your blind spot... three times... and still you hesitate. The roar of engines is all around you, you wait just a moment more and out of seemingly nowhere a Harley passes you on the right. How did you miss him? You've counted six cops so far. You're literally going 10 miles und...

Trying to pack with kids in the house is like trying to shoot a target with your foot in the way. "What are my books doing in that box?" "I'm packing them." "WHAT! NOOOOOOOOO. Please, Mommy, please I love those books, don't take them away." "I'm not taking them away, I'm putting them in a box until we get to South Dakota." "But I love them." For the love! This entire process is becoming painful, I think I'd rather shoot a target with my foot in the way. And then, to top that all off the 'What's in that box?' has spread to my husband. This was a common problem the last time we packed. Each box filled was followed by the other person checking the garbage or 'give away' boxes. He thinks I don't need things I really do, and that he needs things he really doesn't. ;) Like those books we bought at the Library book sale that no one has so much as opened since we got them, over a year ago. "...

'Never turn back and never believe that an hour you remember is a better hour because it is dead. Passed years seem safe ones, vanquished ones, while the future lives in a cloud, formidable from a distance. The cloud clears as you enter it. I have learned this, but like everyone, I learned it to late.' -West with the Night by Beryl Markham Great words. If you haven't read that book I suggest you pick it up and read it. Ernest Hemingway described Beryl Markham by saying: "She has written so well... that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer. I felt that I was simply a carpenter with words, picking up whatever was furnished on the job and nailing them together and sometimes making an okay pig pen. But she can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves writers." So I don't say it lightly when I say it's a good book. It's the story of her life, growing up in British East Africa and it's just amazing. She's attacked by lion...