Stanley, Gardening, and Road Tripping!!

        Well, I apologize for being so terribly overdue on my latest entry and I’m sure you all have just been dying to know what is happening in the magically mysterious and murderously melancholy life of Madison MacNichol!! Haha just kidding everything has just been so hectic I haven’t even had time to sleep properly much less write! But we just can’t have that, and as we know time is always made for the things that matter.  Prepare yourselves for a painfully long and dull account of  my life’s latest details ;).  

       So here I sit in the very late afternoon in Stanley, Idaho on the porch at the ranch while Grandfather reads The Economist, madly typing away before my free time gets bulldozed by supper.  I was able to get out of McCall for a few days for my yearly trip to this part of my grand state and have enjoyed it immensely.  There has been much walking, running, hiking, photo taking, chatting, laughing, and eating (naturally).  

       Charlie and I went for a hike up Williams Creek which was very lovely but I was terrified the whole time I would meet a bear, which I never did thank goodness! The little one hiked the whole way and chased at least 87 squirrels after which he was so exhausted he could barely keep his eyes open poor guy.   

       One afternoon Neil and I rented a paddle boat at Redfish Lake and had ourselves a nice little lunch on the water. 

Charlie was skeptical but I convinced him to get on board with bits of ham from our lunch. Then that evening Grandfather read to us after dinner.                    It reminded me of how in must have been in Little House on the Prairie or back when he was younger and made me wish it was still a regular occurrence.  He read the poem "Dangerous Dan McGrew" (….and there he lay dead and pumped full of lead, the Dangerous Dan McGrew….) which is a gruesome tale of a ruffian shot in a bar over a prostitute. lol I really enjoyed it. 

       Also probably one of the most exciting aspects of the trip was Little Miss. Carter!  My cousins new baby and the newest edition to the family and cute as a button.  Hard to believe but she only cried a little when I got to hold her.  She is the best behaved baby I have ever encountered (granted I haven't encountered many) and I cannot wait until she is old enough to call me Auntie Madi and I can teach her dirty words in Spanish! hehe just kidding Sara…kinda…;)  

       Neil and Steve have been feverishly rebuilding the boys cabin at the ranch to make it into Doug’s Cabin and they have really just done a fabulous job! Uncle Roland pitched in to get it all done in time and here are the boys having a celebratory beer in front of the finished product.  It looks great and I an very excited to see what it looks like when all the furniture is moved in! Nice job boys! You are the bomb(s)! :D  

       After Stanley I spend a day in Hailey/ Ketchum, Idaho shopping with Mom, eating the yummiest food imaginable and visiting with my Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mike who live there.  Here are the three of us girls having dinner at CK's.  YUM!!! 

        All this traveling and family visiting really got me thinking about how lucky I am to be part of such a wonderful family and a beautiful place.  I believe in every person’s blood there runs a bit of soil.  A bit of earth that reminds them where they are from and of those who love them.  This bit of soil plays a role in their lives however small and no matter how far they wander from it.  Some may deny it, or miss it, or fear it, or fear for it but regardless it will continue to flow within them until the end of time.  This is where my soil comes from.  It is dark and healthy and strong like the people it produces and it never ever ceases to amaze with all its bounty.  From it grow the great Rocky Mountains, pines as far as the eyes can see, and a plethora of wildlife. This is my Father’s and my Grandfather’s land and if I can get out of my own way long enough to listen, I can hear it speaking to me through the birds and the wind and the river.  I am of this land.  Good bye 'till next summer Stanley....

      Also, it was my birthday on the 11^th of this month and to celebrate Mom and I took the kayaks out on the river with the pups.                                          Being the thoughtful overprotective mother that she is, she went out and bought all the dogs life vests in case of a Chihuahua overboard incident.  Naturally Charlie bailed off the front of the kayak not ten feet from the shore and lucky for me those vests have a nifty handle on the back for easy retrieval.  It was a blast and even though Charlie was embarrassed to wear such a silly thing in public everyone we met thought he was a stud muffin.   I personally think it's more of a moral hazard really, I mean what’s to stop him falling in if he knows for certain he won’t drown? :P 

       Anywho after kayaking we went out for sushi and called it a day.  It was delightful. Thanks Mama for taking time off to spend my special day in style, love you!  

       On a side note my garden is doing wonderfully!  Look how much is has grown! We had a few casualties in the beginning but now all is going strong.  I even got my first harvest of spinach and swiss chard the other day and it tasted heavenly!  Also upon closer examination I noted two of the tiniest zucchinis you ever saw and very adorable infant head of broccoli!  Soon I expect I’ll be eating more veggies than my fridge can hold!  

       OK now for the big moment you've all been waiting for! Below are the dates I will be visiting everyone on my road trip! Yahoo!!! Finally!!  I tried to make it as accurate as possible but for those of you back East keep in mind I may, in reality, be late by or early by a day or two due to unforeseen circumstances (aka life). :D haha If anyone has and questions, comments, feedback, suggestions, or whatever just email or facebook me.  I picked Fall for my road tripping season not only because it is my all time favorite season but also because I figured most people would be at home then, but I for some reason you will be away when I am planning on coming or don't want me to come please also let me know that ;) Also please let me know if I will be able to stay with you or if I should get a hotel. No worries about entertaining me if you have work and such I don't want anyone stressing about having visitors I just want to see all your beautiful faces for as much time as you can spare!  Also I am going to have a traveling companion between Seattle and New Orleans so if your stop is somewhere in between there will be two of us.

So here you go:

Sept. 10- Depart McCall>Moscow to have lunch with Meredith Griffin>Spokane (Kyler Dreyer)

Sept. 12- Arrive in Walla Walla, Washington in time to take Robbie to dinner

Sept. 13- Arrive Seattle, Washington (Mary Hourihan)

Sept. 16-Arrive Portland, Oregon (Carter, Jenny, Jack MacNichol)

Sept. 22-Arrive Corvallis to spend day with Neil then to Eugene, Oregon

Sept. 23-Crater Lake

Sept. 24-Redwoods National Park

Sept. 26-Arrive Danville, California (Foster Family)

Sept. 30-Death Valley National Park

Oct. 2-Grand Canyon National Park

Oct. 5-Arrive Santa Fe

Oct. 8/9-Arrive Galveston, Texas

Oct. 10-Arrive New Orleans (Stephanie Campbell??)

Oct. 14/15/16-Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina

Oct. 17-Arrive Jacksonville, North Carolina (Dusty and Nicole Brooks)

Oct. 24-Arrive Richmond, Virginia (Jessica Lewis)

Oct. 27-Arrive Washington DC

Oct. 30-Arrive Essex. Connecticut (Grammy and Grandfather)

Nov. 1-Train to New York City (Sally, Nick, Liz MacNichol)

Nov. 3-Train back to Essex, Connecticut (Grammy and Grandfather)

Nov. 5-Arrive Boston, Massachusetts (Caroline MacNichol and Kasey Olchitree)

Nov. 8-Arrive Portland, Maine (Hailey Johnston) 

**Sara and Steve Wellington, Megan and Kalen Pick, Terri and Roland MacNichol, Patrick Langan, Nicola and Casey McDaniel not to worry you will all be visited on the way back at some future date unfortunately to come see you would take me way out of my way and cost too much but I will make it up to you all I PROMISE!!!! I am deeply sorry :( Forgive me. 

      Whew! That was a lot to cram into one blog post! I am sorry I promise I will never make you all read so much in one sitting again ;) And as usual to end I have a pic of Charlie Bean.  It's not a goofy one this time though, rather I think it's quite breath taking.  I took this on one of our pre-breakfast walks at the ranch.  It was just about to rain on us so the sky looks heavy and thick.  I love this photo.  Hope everyone is doing very well and I look forward to seeing you all soon! Hugs and kisses to all!!! xoxoxo 

What Sizzles Like Summer??!!

       O my gosh well here we are half way through June already!!! I can hardly believe it! Summer is such a bitter-sweet time for us McCallians because we only get three months of lovely weather and most of us spend it working our bums off wishing we could enjoy it.  I do however love the warmth and the birds and all the general goings on around here this time of year.  For instance all the tourists come back (the people watching is spectacular), the ice rink sells home-made chocolate gellato, the lake warms up, and things really pick up at the bakery.  I was so excited because Stacey taught me how to make the perfect pies last week and we have been bustin' 'em out ever since!! Here they are along with some of our other goodies:

                   
Most people lose weight in the summer because of it being bikini season and all, plus the added hours or daylight allow for extra activities...haha not me, and now you know why!! YUM! ;)
      Also tis the season for graduation!!!! Of course as most of you know (because you were here) my little brother Neil graduated high school on the 2nd!! I am so so proud!
 Look how handsome he is in his spiffy red gown!! He has decided to go to Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon next year and already has his dorm all picked out.  We had a big graduation party for him and some of his buddies and a whole bunch of family came to town for the festivities.  I was so much fun seeing everyone and celebrating such a milestone with my little (not so much) Spud!!! Congrats dude, you made it!!! :D
       Also a few weekends ago Daddy's memorial was finished and there was a dedication ceremony.  The memorial is super cool with pavers, benches, a dog and person drinking fountain, freshly planted flowers, a clock pole, and a really nice plaque.  It's so great to see he was so loved in the community and I think he would really appreciate it.  Thanks to everyone who pitched in, you did a spectacular job!
 
                                                   
       Speaking of flowers and lovely things, another wonderful aspect of summer is the greenery!! Everything is so alive and lush this time of year that it inspired me to create some of my own.  So I planted a vegetable garden!! From left to right I have zucchini, cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, red onion, swiss chard, beets, spinach, bell peppers, and habanero peppers OH MY!!!  So we will see how it goes and if I have a green thumb or not! I also planted a small herb garden for the kitchen so I can have fresh seasonings!  
                                                                  
       Also, last but certainly not least, I  started my CNA class this past week!  For those of  you who don't know, CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant.  Will I be a nurse someday? Who knows!... but I figure this is a good way to test the waters.  I have to wear maroon scrubs and sit in a classroom for 12 hours/week all summer but by the end I will CPR certified as well as able to work in a hospital helping make sick people better, which sounds pretty darn cool if you ask me! I am less than excited to have homework and lectures again, but so far it is super interesting and I am enjoying it immensely! This is the book we are using for class (just for a visual).

       Well I think that covers about everything....Life is getting crazy hectic with all that's happening around here but everything is going really well and road trip planning is underway!  I will try to get dates of when I am coming your way to everyone pretty soon so be on the look out!  Of course I will end with an ADORABLE pic of Charlie Bean:  
                               We went for a bike ride and a friend took this photo for me.  He loves riding in the basket and gets so excited when I tell him we're going for a ride! ;) Hope everyone is well! Hugs and kisses to all!  "Till next time!! xoxoxo
Side Note: if anyone ever gets a spare moment I would love it if you shot me a quick email to update me on how your lives are going!!! 

Puppies, Prom, and Potatoes!!!

       Can I just start this entry by saying I love my friends and family?!  For some reason this month has just been filled with moments that make me realize what wonderful people I am surrounded by!  So YEY for fabulous friends and lovely family members! OK, lets start with my most recent achievement: I ran a half marathon!! Yahoo!!!! (I hope that didn't sound too self congratulating but I am super proud) Every year The Y in Boise hosts the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon/Half/10K/5K and I got to sneak away from work for the weekend to participate with over 3000 other runners in the event.  For those of you who don't know, a half marathon is 13.1 miles and for those of you who have never run one, I HIGHLY recommend it!  It was a beautiful day (seriously I could not have asked for more perfect weather) and the event was organized super well down to the last detail.  I finished 874th with a time of 2 hours 12 minutes.  For some perspective that is over an hour behind the winner!  Holy smokes!  Their feet must truly have wings.  It was so inspiring to run with so many people!!! It made me realize that bizillions of other men and women are as crazy as me to want to spend their sunny Saturday testing if they can push their body to the edge and when they do be so happy they could burst!!! Haha so anywho up top is me nervous, excited, and unsure before the event, and below is me exhausted and ready to vomit in that garbage can behind me afterward.  It was a good day indeed.  
     


  Next on the agenda is Neil's Senior Prom!!! Awwww doesn't he look so handsome?!  I was such a proud sissy.  He actually cut his afro off and now, I must admit, looks like quite the little stud-muffin ;) Sadly I didn't get to go take pictures myself of Neil and his beautiful date (Ashley Davis was her name) because I was doing this.....

Ahhh yes, not my finest moment, but definitely one of the most fun.  Confused?  Let me explain.  I found out a few weeks before Neil's prom that my favorite restaurant in town (Ruperts) was doing a "prom date" special.  A tasty three course meal at a great deal for prom couples only!!! Well I wanted in on that for sure so I asked the chef if I dressed in a prom dress and got a date if we could have the discount too and he agreed (I think he thought I was kidding).  So I gathered the girls who gathered their old high school prom dresses and off we went!  We had a great dinner together on the lake (even though we were a bit embarrassed) after which we all agreed this was better than our actual prom because we got to drink champagne with our meal!  

       Now for some puppy talk! Everyone meet Savanna Sue!!! This is Moms new baby chihuahua!  When I moved out and took Charlie I think Mom went through chihuahua withdrawals because it wasn't long before she started talking about getting one of her own.  She decided it was a good birthday present for herself and went online to the breeder where I got Charlie and three weeks later here is Savanna! She is such a little midget!       So there is Charlie on the left, Nikko (Mom's other dog) on the right, and the new baby in the middle.  She is very sweet and playful and gets along with Nikko very well.  Charlie was kind of a bully to her at first but I think he is coming around.  Of coarse no one is as special to me as my Charlie Brown ;) but Savanna Sue is adorable and quite the charmer!  

       Well I know this was kind of a short post but in this case less is better! So I will end in the usual way with my photo of the month of Charlie  He wanted to make sure I had packed everything I needed for my race and to make sure he did not get left behind!  Hope everyone is well! XOXOXO

Spring is in the Air!

       My, my, well it has been warming up here at an alarming rate! The snow is almost all gone and I even wore a skirt today! I am L-O-V-E loving it!  So many wonderful things come with spring such as my favorite flowers (tulips), sunshine (and SPF 70 to prevent sunburns), farmers markets, bike rides, hikes, runs in shorts, dinners on the deck, AND Charlie's Birthday!  Yes folks, thats right; Mr. Charlie Brown turned 1 year old on April 2nd and we threw him a lovely party: He got that new sweater from Auntie Steffy and chew toys from Aunt Camille...and yes, that is a cake for people (it was delish).  Although he was not too hot on the party hat he seemed very pleased with his gifts and was a gracious host as he thanked the girls for coming with big wet doggy kisses. :)  

       The next best thing about Spring is Easter!! I didn't get to dye any eggs this year but I ate lots and instead I made adult Easter baskets for the girls which I sneakily left on their door steps from the Easter Bunny...Oh I really do crack myself up! Anywho, on Easter day the fam and I went to church followed by brunch at the Shore Lodge.  Afterwards Charlie and I came home, took a nap, went for a walk around town and finished off the day by watching Lord of the Rings (don't ask).  It was truly a marvelous day!  

       You know what else is marvelous? WEDDINGS!!!! My long time friend Dusty got married this month to the love of his life Nicole.  Nicole is really wonderful (and perfect for him) and I love her to death.  They got married here in McCall at Jug Mountain Ranch and it was a fab ceremony. Of coarse Stacey Cakes made the cake and we all danced the night away; it was a blast! Congats Brooks'!  

       The day after the wedding the bakery shut down for a week so Stacey could visit her family in Arizona and I decided to take a little vacation of my own.  I headed up to the ol' college town of Moscow, Idaho to visit friends and do some reminiscing.  It was so nice to see everyone and I really enjoyed listening to how their lives have progressed, their plans for the future, and their funny stories.  It made me realize how lucky I am to have such inspirational people in my life and also how much I miss seeing them on a regular basis. Jessica, Megan, Meredith, and Kyler you guys are the best! We went frisbee golfing, running, swimming, out to eat (many times), and even to a movie! Here is me outside the best coffee shop in Moscow and all the world in my opinion.  They have the bests coffee and bran muffins you can find anywhere (but maybe that's just the wonderful taste of many fond memories talking) and even Charlie had a blast.  

       When I got back from Moscow I still had a day before I went back to work so I went to watch an RC Car Race!!! What is that??? Oh! Let me tell you! Okay, so this is Jeremy and he works for a company called

                                                                                                             

and they make these,which they race on             this nifty dirt track.  That's right people, toy cars for adults....sounds dorkey right?! Not so much!  Don't get me wrong. I was unsure when I first heard about the sport too (I put it in the same category as Dungeons and Dragons to be honest) but now that I have seen it first hand I have had to amend my opinion.  It is actually pretty cool to watch because the little cars go fast and sound like spaceships.  They build them from the baseboards up and there are competitions all over the world. Who knew?! Anyway the weather was nice and the track was next to the dog park so Charlie and I just hung out for the afternoon, and Jeremy got 1st in his class! Woohoo!  

         Also I spent the evening the other day putting all of Neil's graduation announcements together, so family, be looking for yours in the mail!! I am such a proud big sister! I will probably cry at graduation so if you're coming please bring extra tissues ;)  Well, I think that is all to report for now and I think I have blabbed on for long enough so I will just end (as usual) with a cute pic of Charlie Brown.  

I gave him a bath so get revenge he rubbed all over my pillow....it now smells like wet dog.... thanks for that buddy.  Hope everyone is well!! Hugs and kisses to all and I will see you soon!!!

Back on Timm St.!!

       Yes yes, I know it has been a bit longer between posts this stretch, and I apologize to all my “fans” eagerly following my exhilaratingly eventful life ;) However I have been sooooo busy!!! It’s been quite the whirlwind around here.  The most exciting (and most taxing on my time) is that I have recently moved! Well moved back that is.  When I was in high school we lived part time in a house on Timm St. here in McCall.  When Mom got remarried and bought the new house on the hill, the Timm St. house was not sold due to the bad economy and has been sitting vacant for nearly four years! So two weeks ago I barged in, cleaned out all the cobwebs and made myself a little Madi-nest.  Since the house is three stories and WAY more space than I need I hauled a bed down and made the main floor into a lovely little studio.  Just the right size for Charlie and me!  Here are some photos of the new digs:

   
It's perfect and I love it! Decorating tips anyone?

       Also, as you know I have a small sewing venture here in town and  few weeks ago I was asked if I would sell my crafts at a local shop called Studio 616!  It is a vintage/handmade/very cute/way too cool for a tiny town like this shop that opened a bout a year ago.  OF COURSE I said yes!! They now carry three styles of my handmade hair barrettes and journals.   Here is my display in the shop and here are close up pics of my work: 

It is quite thrilling if I do say so myself.  I even bought myself a little rubber stamp with my business name on it just to feel official, and I do!  I am proud to be part of such a fun hip place even if my articles are just goofy and girly!

        Well….what else do I have for you…..Oh!  Because my Grams (Mom’s Mom) is going through chemotherapy she is sadly loosing all of her beautiful red hair.  For those of you who know her, I'm you can vouch that she is a very stylish woman and naturally felt the "balding" look simply wouldn’t do.  So as a surprise her best buds at the local bar (her fav hangout) had a head shaving party right there on the dance floor.  It was pretty funny to watch and Grams seemed extreamly pleased.  She said now she could wear fancy hats and headscarves without feeling silly!  I love my Grams.  She is very brave.(Sorry I know the pic is a bit blurry...)

       Also in the exciting category, I have been accepted into the Culinary Institue of America in New York for their Winter 2013 session.  Will I attend? We shall see….I am looking into other vocational schools as well and if anyone has any suggestions (things you think I'd be good at or whatever) I would L-O-V-E, love to hear them!

OMG AND LOOK! Someone here in town drives the same car as me!!! I like to think it’s Stella’s BFF.  When I saw it parked at my favorite coffee shop I couldn’t help but pull up along side and snap a qick pic! So cute!!!!  

       As always I HAVE to end with an adorable shot of Mr. Charlie Pants. I put a chair in front of the fireplace to dry my wet running shoes and he thought it was for him.  Warmest seat in the house!  That’s all for now! I love and miss you all and hope you can fill me in on your lives as well because I’d love to hear! XOXOXO