Since the day after Thanksgiving we’ve had snow on the ground everyday.
Nobody loves it more than these two. Looks like Bigfoot ran through here. Love our snow photos. With the cold outside Martin keeps us warm inside. Our new stove works so much better. Kari uses it to warm her bum!Homemade English muffins can be found cooking during a cold winter storm. The front can be seen inside the greenhouse when it’s super cold outside. When you are just craving BBQ chicken you will do anything to make it happen. My assistant BBQ chef has trouble staying out of the snow/mud while helping. Sometimes your own cell phone catches this amazing chance in a lifetime. Saturn and Jupiter. (We think). It’s been too long since I took this picture. Old age. Can’t remember crap. With snow next comes mud.
These girls have hairy toes so the snow sticks and makes snow balls in their paws. So we decided to try these snow booties.
Kansas says, “What in the hell are these stupid things”
Kari ran right out of them and Kansas would not go poop or pee in them. So don’t waste your money on them. Or if anyone wants them I’ll ship them.
The winter time brings in the sun. It warms the house and makes us smile. One thing I’ve learned to do pretty good is make this rustic artesian bread. Two versions. Flax seed or rosemary. Christmas is coming so time to spruce up the little one. Kansas had a spa date with Wendy. Now we are ready for the holidays
Christmas Eve starts with a game of foot golf.
Marcus and Jamie Tanner shows is how to do it. Get it done Marty. Ada has perfect form. Waiting and waiting and waiting. Those guys who use clubs are holding us up Our familyOur crazy family It’s Christmas time. Ada helps make Food, food, food. Marty the chef of the night prepares the feast. Thank you Marty and Ada for hosting a wonderful Christmas Ready set unwrap!!!Papa and Kari chillin after a busy day.
Back home and just recovering after traveling Martin turned on the girls favorite channel.
Kari say, “ how do they do that?”Kansas says, “ big deal I just tore the guts out of this baby”Kansas says, “ hi dude”The moon here is big and bright and beautiful Martin helps neighbors and friends as much as he can. This doubled sided sign was painted by me and the metal letters designed and cut out of metal by Martin. Another storm lays a new blanket of the white stuff. Ready for the New Year.
As we finally say goodbye to 2020 it ended well with studio work coming my way. Thank god everyday for his strength. Thank god for the love and support of my husband. I pray that we all find our way out of whatever situation we were forced into. Stay positive stay safe and looking forward to a better 2021.
I know it has been a long time since my last blog. 2020 was definitely a challenge in many many different ways.
So let’s catch up ready go…….
We won our first car show with the Pie Rat
Lake Pleasant AZ Rockabilly 2020. Best Rat Rod Martin the builder. Joyce the interior decorator! We won we won!!!
The best part of the day is all the kids who love the Pie -Rat. Inviting them to sit in the car makes their faces light up.
Then to receive a t-shirt and come back the next day wearing it warms our hearts.
We had a few guests stop by
Mika, Jamie and PapaMika, Jamie and Grammie
Kevin and Paula joined us in on the fun.
Hot chicks and cool cars
After a nice warm trip we get a little dusting of snow balls.
The snow is mother nature’s miraclesThen the crystal formations are stunningThe first snow is always welcomed. It’s water in our tanks.
We had a special guest
My dear friend from high school, Lorna, arrived. We gave her the Pie Town experience. Ride in the razor. The Toaster HouseThe VLBA. Very Long Baseline Array
Our neighbor Sue offered to give Lorna a horse experience.
Can’t get any cutier than this.
The Elk Experience! Our neighbors Rob and Rose have herds to 30-50 elk come in in the evenings. So we were able to see them from their warm house
I see them I see them!Class of ‘77 rules.
Kari gets so scared by strangers so we bought her a special transport vehicle to make her feel safe around the big bad people.
Oh mom I’m scared I’m so safe now!
Thanksgiving was a real Treat for us. The Williams’ family were able to spend the special day with us up here in Pie Town.
Wood cutting time. Mika gets her first lesson in driving a tractor. Parker watches eagerly waiting his turn. Marcus does man work. Jamie picks up the mans work. Parker takes a turn doing man work. Parker splits the mans work. Mika carries the mans work to Jamie who organizes the mans work. Papa watches the man do work. Mika took her turn splitting the mans work.
Family working together to cut wood for the Williams’ to enjoy a nice fire outdoors in Arizona. That sounds crazy right. That’s something we don’t miss is the Arizona heat.
Mika gives Parker a ride in her 19 year old red wagon Look how much this girl has grown. I use to tie her in it as we cruised around the Phoeniz Zoo. Mika and Mika experience the Toaster House If you ever need a pair of shoes you can find them here. The Toaster House. Who’s ready for a ride? Jamie that’s who!Masks are worn here for dust not Covid!True love on a quad!!! This couple has spent more time apart than together due to the stupid Covid shit.
We said goodbye to Martin’s Harley. Marcus is the new owner of a sweet ride. Our days of the wind in our faces on the back of this beast are over.
Mika and Parker took to making pancakes for breakfast
Yum yum Sparky is waiting for his pancakes.
Thanksgiving Day started with burning calories in preparation for the big Turkey dinner.
High up on the ridge. Love our family. Our babies. Mika and her BoFinally dinner time at the family table. Happy Thanksgiving!!!Storm is brewing. But first the kids wanted to take home a real tree home. This one will do. No chainsaw here. If your going to cut down a tree you must do it the old fashion way. Back and forth. Back and forth. Giggle, giggle, giggleParker carries it away like a feather. With the man work loaded. The Harley secured tightly to the trailer. And the tree secured and ready to travel. We had to say goodbye to family as weather was coming in quick. The girls love the snow Nickname ……Snow PlowNickname……..old Girl.
2020 has been an adventure of a lifetime. Some people have lost a life. Some people have lost their businesses. Some people have lost their homes. With every $$$ we have lost we are so very thankful to be living where we do. We social distant live everyday. We have no mortgage, no power bills, no water bills and no car payments.
For me I’ve learned the real feeling of gratitude. So grateful for our life, my life, our families and friends.
Towels and sheets washed. Beds remade. Welcome to Ada, Marty, Tanner and Trey.
Who’s that driving in? Tanner that’s who!!!
Before the kids arrived we completed several additions to the rat rod. Each time we add something it just makes the rod that much better.
Marty jumped in to give his Dad a hand or two.
Watch out….don’t shoot.
The house looks so cool at night all lit up.
With all the new touches the Rat Rod was ready for it first parade.
It was such a great day. Marty, Ada and the boys road in the trailer throwing candy to the children. Happy 4th of July. Thousands of people enjoying the day out of their homes. Was everyone wearing masks? Hell no. Was everyone social distancing? Hell no. Did we get Covid? Hell no.
After a fun filled day. The boys took a quick minute to change the oil in Marty’s truck. Dad has all the cool tools.
Then it was an evening of corn hole.
We needed a score board so Marty created this in a quick minute. Marty wait till you see Dads computerized score board.
Kari was curious as to what we were doing.
Of course we gotta bang, bang it up.
The boys being boys. I love my boys.
A quick lunch and they are off for home. Another good bye. No Covid here. We love our friends and family to the moon and back and beyond.
California peeps are heading home. Next up Arizona Peeps.
Who’s that there in the rat rod? Well I’ll be, it’s Mikaila! Papa showing her how it runs.
Mommy who’s holding me? Oh yea that’s right Mika helped get me out of jail.
Mika was on a mission to send Parker a key chain. She created some by hand and then had Papa help her make some more. Parker will be set for key chains till the elk come home.
Nothing more fun then taking the family for a ride in the razor.
Jamie, Marcus and Mika at Davenport tower.
This old wind mill converted to solar power still does its job providing water animals.
Break time.
These rocks have personality!!!
Papa, Mikaila and I went for a hike. This was the biggest Va-J-J we have ever seen. or have ever been in.
If you think that was nasty wait for it. Wait for it.
Yes that’s me standing next to cock rock. We don’t know if that’s it name but it’s what we call it.
I swear these rocks are watching us. They have such personality.
Mika wanted to ride her quad to go geocaching. This quad was purchased from our neighbor 18 years ago. Mika grew up with me taking her for rides around the neighborhood to see the animals. Many times she would fall asleep in my arms cruzin!
At Mika’s request……Grammies biscuits N Gravy!
A hike up to the knoll revealed a gorgeous sunset.
Catching the sunset from a different angle. Over the shoulder.
Who is this? Omg that’s Jamie sewing! Someone wanted some more masks so she is trying her hand at it!
With Covid effecting many people differently Mikaila and I decided to bake our own peach pies. The Pie-O-Neer ( our favorite pie place ) has decided to close for good. Such a sad day. We had so much fun that I decided that when company comes to visit you go home with a pie. So what did I do….. ordered to go pie tins.
Mikaila created two pies. One for her coach and one for herself. Then I made one for Papa and I.
Now I just need to go boxes.
Another goodbye. This time to our family. Did we social distance? Hell no. Did we wash our hands? Hell yes. Always doing dishes. Did we get Covid? Hell no.
Ready to party!!! Kevin, Paula, Tina, Robert, Jerry, Marianne and little Kate arrives.
We were able to enjoy the green house for our meals.
Who’s ready to ride? First stop Kevin’s car wash!! Supervisor Martin makes sure he gets all the dirt off.
Kate gives a helping hand.
Bang bang time. So nice to have the acreage to have your own shooting range.
Ready pull!
Nothing sexier than a chick with a shot gun.
Ready pull!!!
With shooting done I’m sure we had another meal. We played we ate. Played some more we ate. But then we had to take the newbies to see our famous toaster house. This hostile is a great place to stop for hikers, bikers and visitors.
Our next stop the Stool Bus! These are the cutest shit suckers.
On the way home we ran into some friends. The Pie Town deers.
After a day filled with fun and food it was time to bust out the bucks. Poker time.
Martin was found cheating.
It was a battle of the chicks. Paula wins!!!
The next morning was ride day. It was a beautiful day. Frank and Lizanne joined in on the fun.
Chillin!!!!
The views are just amazing.
Kate, Kevin,Robert and I decided to take a hike.
Sometimes you just gotta stop and stack rocks.
Kevin, Tina and I have been friends since high school. Class of ‘77 rules! Your special friend are priceless.
The flowers in the green house are happy plants.
After another meal it was corn hole time. Chillin, drinkin and having fun.
Mother Nature never disappoints!
Kater Bug wanted to make herself a sweat shirt. She designed it herself. Thank god we have all the right tools to make a little girls dreams come true.
We just know there is gold on the hill. I’ll. be damn we can’t find it.
But we keep looking. And looking. And looking.
The girls always love to go for a ride. Going hunting!!!
The very old stagecoach stop still stands.
Kevin enjoyed seeing the old rusted car.
Tina what are you doing? Getting stoned? She was a pro in no time.
The big array is just down the road from town. Always fun to stop to say hi to the aliens.
New Mexico finally allowed restaurants to open. So we took a break from cooking. Thank you Jerry and Marianne for the TREAT!! Steaks for everyone.
Kate, Tina and I had our giggles playing watch your mouth.
Nothing worst when you have to say goodbye to your friends. We had a blast and no one got Covid. Did we social distance? Hell no. Did we wash our hands? Hell yes cause we were doing dishes after every meal!
With this Covid crap and lack of work makes for special times.
Shawna brought the boys up for a visit. Papa got the little red quad and the mini bike running. They had a ball.
With a new metal detector in tow. We went looking for gold. None found this day but Tanner found an old rusty nail.
It’s always nice to have such good help during a project. The last planter bed in the house was finally going to be completed.
The layers begin. Big rock, small rock…..
A little layer of sand needs tamping. Two little tampers helped Papa.
And with such great help the planter bed is finished. The plants are thriving.
Grammie loves her boys!!!
One more project complete. The water feature provides humidity in the house along with soothing sounds. It also provides the element of surprise. It’s fun to watch visitors faces as they walk in the house.
As the the little treats leave. We change the sheets and wash the towels as more company is on their way.
Can you say ship lap? After this bathroom Martin doesn’t want to see another piece of shit lap! It’s up and it beautiful. Now we just need light. But first the ceiling. Such a hard job screwing over your head!We have light!!!!We added trim at the ceiling. Tin surround and trim wood.
It’s just step by step. Little at a time and day by day. This stupid finger injury has slowed us down but we still just plugged away.
Red sore and 6 weeks post op. My special ambiance!!!
Martin would each day take a bite out of the list of things to do. He could picture me in my tub soaking my painful finger so he presses hard to get it done.
Squealing brake sound!!!!!!
Joyce in the first mask made
This Covid virus has closed down our country. People are suffering everywhere. It hit me a few weeks back that I might not have costumes to sew cause nothing is open. My orders for March canceled and tryouts for the Cardinals cheerleaders are postponed. I saw no work for March, April and May.
On March 30, 2020 one text message changed our lives. Masks were needed for a company in California who couldn’t buy them anywhere. Harmony asked if I could make some.
Martin downloaded a china pattern we made one and altered it to fit our American faces.
Martin was a great fit model.
Martin tried it on and gave his approval. With the pattern made we gave a price and 100 masks were ordered.
100 masks! Wow I was now seeing that this could save us. One post on Facebook they took off. I couldn’t keep up with sewing and taking orders and also keep track of payment. So Martin set up Pie Town Designs website. Something we always wanted to do but were to busy to get to it. With a few days we were up and running and directing people to the site.
Red flannel leftover from a project for the Cardinals Cheerleaders
As I sat sewing masks I looked at my stock and wondered if the Cardinals would like some. So just one text asking a question turned into 252 masks for personnel and cheerleaders.
We were so ready just to haul ass to get the bathroom done now we are making masks all day and everyday. The orders would come in each day and our turn around time is the next day shipped. Martin figured out all the shipping stuff. Ordered supplies, scale, label printer and quickly we were streamlined.
The Cardinals organization wanted to do an article about us.
With this article masks blew up. No time to build. Only time to create. We added new prints or fabrics each day posting on Facebook.
I ❤️ my dogPaw prints
This is how people touch our lives. The FedEx driver got stuck in the mud so he called us to see if Martin could help him.
Martin helping Roy.
With me telling Roy about the mask making the next day he ordered 12. Paid for them out of his own pocket then donated them to a local hospice. So for us helping him, he helped us and then he helped hospice. And then fedex orders 200 masks. Ain’t life beautiful.
To thank our customers we added their photos on the website.
Shelby and her husband sporting Their masks Some Custom requests were donated. Dr Tom loves Apple products and is very ill with stage 4 liver cancer. Wishing him a comfortable journey.
It’s hard to believe that one little bug can change millions of people’s lives.
Pretty
With all this craziness and traveling for finger appointments and supplies I was able to buy plants for the green house. They give me peace and calmness. spring is my favorite time of the year.
Can you see their faces?
We found that custom imprinted masks were in need.
If you can think it we can print it. Martin and I make a great team. Not only in making masks but in life. We balance each other. In two months we are approaching 2,500 masks made. Donated or sold.
With masks slowing down cause everyone and their brother are making them I finally had time to sit down and mosaic a step. One of many to do items on the list.
I found time to make the bottle window in the bathroom
Cute Kari
One thing this girl can do is put all this crap aside and just make you smile.
Martin and I were featured in the local paper Catron Courier. The lady behind the mask. Well without my sidekick I couldn’t have done it. With my painful finger he kept us going. The nerve pain in the morning was sometimes unbearable. He kept encouraging me or just a hug made it feel better. Love that sidekick of mine.
After receiving my pretty pink pinky splint we hit the road home. It was crazy cause I had to drive my car home and Martin drove his truck. So I followed him closely. It was a white knuckle intense trip driving late at night in sometimes white out conditions. What were we thinking. We weren’t.
The next morning I was able to take the time to really look at my poor digit.
Marty, Ada and the boys arrived a few days later ready to have some fun.
Fun to us is getting things done. John, Frank, Martin and Marty put their heads together to determine the best way to move the new beast of a wood burning stove. 750 pounds of soon to be warmth.
Awe they got this. Like an Egyptian! One on each end. Ready set go! Nope. To hella heavy.
Lift to a pallet jack to an engine hoist to its final resting place.
Thank god for tools. This baby puts out the heat.
So thankful for all the help when we need it.
Tanner and Kari
Snow ride time.
Who’s there. Trey that’s who!
Beautiful sunny day.
Stud muffin! Ada is ready for snow ball throwing. Such happy smiles.
Making memories. Snow, mud, wet shoes, cold fingers and lots of giggles.
Kansas loves riding The girls making yellow snow.
One thing Martin and I do is live. Live fully everyday and love our family whole heartily.
We took the kids up the mountain and wanted to take these trails off the main road. As we headed down Mother Nature said no. The gator got high sided in the deep snow and we were stuck.
Kansas says, “I didn’t do this mess”
Luckily the razor has a winch. ( time to put that winch on the gator). It pulled the gator out and we were able to head back out.
Another day of fun
Time to destroy some things. With adding the flushing toilet we had no more need for the composting stinky toilet. We pulled that shitting thing out along with the big heavy old TVs out of the moho. Martin lined them up for targets.
Tanner taking aim.
Tanner took the first shot.
Tanner hits the tv. Trey destroys the toilet Marty misses!!!!!
Not really but I made you laugh.
Everyone had the chance to take a shot. Except me. My finger is too painful.
Ada unloads the gun. So glad to see this thing dead.
Love it when friends and family come to visit. Special times equal special memories. This is why I blog. It is not only to share the build of the house with all of you but also to make it like a journal of our life. With this blog our children and grandchildren will be able to go back and remember us when we are long gone. For me growing up I had the shoe box full of black and white photos to pull out. Touch, feel and reminisce. With the digital age everyone’s pictures are on their devices. Family can’t touch and feel and reminisce. I hope you enjoy my writing as much as I enjoy sharing it. We welcome everyone into our home if you ever need to get away from the crazy crowded town. The air is fresh and beds are comfortable.
First Post op appointment. What did I do. Seeing these pins sticking out of my finger is when it really set in.
After the appointment what do we do…..yep head to Lowe’s for supplies.
Our little troopers
We drove back home. Martin and his one handed assistant got back to work
Martin ran water lines, drain pipes and power. Finished insulation.
Luckily I ordered TP from Costco before the hoarding really set in. Covid 19 virus has officially turn this country into a shit storm. People going crazy with the threat that this virus will kill us all.
Pi day 314
Luckily we were able to have Pie on Pi day. Locals along with travelers joined together to celebrate the special day of Pie Town.
My favorite cherry pie
With everything we have been through in the last six weeks there is always time for a birthday party.
Mika and Papa
The reality of this Covid 19 virus is hitting home for everyone. Mika just begun a relationship with Parker and he had to return to Canada. She was so sad and our hearts broke for her.
Trey and TannerJamie and JoyceMarcusMarty and his favorite girl Sassy
Martin turned 63 and still the love of my life. Happy birthday love. Thank you Jamie for putting together papas party.
Hoping to get these damn painful pins out of my finger
Yes removal day
I’m ready but not ready.
Pulling supplies.
So nervous. I had to sit and wait alone. No husband by my side. The virus had kept him from being allowed not only with me but from even the waiting room. Alone the doctor finally came in to torture me. Pulling firmly one slid out. The second one was not as easy. The angle was not right. The pain intensified. Breathing deeply he moved to the third one. It came out easy now back to the stubborn one. Dr told me to just breathe. What I really wanted to do was to kick him in the shin. He held my finger firmly and then just pulled hard. OMG!!! It hurt so bad but it was finally over. Now I was sporting this stupid pink thing.
Stupid pink thing
Till next time…… I will finish catching up tomorrow
I must apologize for my lack of posting. 2020 started off great. I finished a very busy season. My best ever! We started the new bathroom. Then I broke my finger screwing in a screw.
John and Martin framing up the foundation for the new bathroom.
The dudes came to give Martin a hand in pouring concrete.
Many hands make work done faster.
With the concrete work complete. All my work done it was finally time to start building.
However the weather was not the best. The girls loved it though.
Kari’s favorite thing is snow. Kansas can take it or leave it.
We had appointments in the valley for yearly check ups and a very special boys birthday.
Happy birthday Tanner. Age 9Brother Trey age 11
Go cart racing. Martin and Marty battled and Martin came out with the fastest lap of the night. The old man still has it.
Cousin love.
As soon as we got home we got busy building. But first with all the snow we had to dump water. Hopefully this will be the last time. With a new bathroom we plan on using that water we would dump back to Mother Nature.
The girls had so much fun playing in the water and mud. Now it was time to build.
WallsRoof
The progress was going good for only two days of building. Then on the third day 2020 went all to hell.
Broken finger
I was screwing in a 3” screw and the damn thing would catch in the wood. So I adjusted my hand to hold it better. Pressed harder and pulled the trigger faster then it caught the wood along with my glove. It twisted my glove around the screw. I said, “Ooow my finger.” I could not let go of the screw cause it was caught. I had I put the drill in reverse then I was free. Pulled my glove off and went, “ Oh Shit!” Martin said, “Girls get in the truck”. He loaded us all and he zoomed down US60 looking at that ugly finger the whole way. Hoping it was just dislocated he made the hour trip to the hospital in 50 min. Awaiting the doctor to look at it the pain started to set in. The X-ray proved my suspicions wrong. It was not only broke but shattered, twisted and shorter.
When the doctor told me I needed surgery to pin it I just started crying. I was so mad at myself. I worked so hard during my season and I was so looking forward to helping Martin build now I was screwed really screwed. Martin was able to contact my hand surgeon and surgery was scheduled within three days. That meant another trip to the valley. (We just got back)
With my styling left hand we didn’t let it slow us down much.
Bathroom all wrapped up
With the bathroom all sealed up Martin was able to cut the hole for the doorway. This was a big deal.
Peek-a-boo I see you.
A new bathroom needs power, water and propane. So pulling all those was another big deal.
We were so anxious to get the toilet in Martin started tiling. Me I took a nap. Still struggling with pain!
Back to the valley we go first post op appointment.
