You know what?

I love staying up way too late talking on the phone with one of my greatest friends. That was just what I needed.

April 17, 1975

Morgan pointed out today that I have been a little too quiet about MY BIRTHDAY. Which, by the way, IS TOMORROW! So there you go. It's my birthday tomorrow. I'll be a whopping 37. That seems so weird. Not bad, just so weird. I truly feel 28. I don't mind getting older, I just don't actually believe it's happening. I came home tonight to find Maddie and Jason waiting with two wonderful cards (which Maddie picked out), a book, and a very yummy looking oreo cake. It's going to be a great birthday. J

Easter Break in Flin Flon

Maddie and I took the bus to Flin Flon, we got in last night around 11 pm (local time). The bus is actually an awesome way to travel with a little kid - you don't have to wear a seat belt. She can get up and move around. There is a toilet right there, just waiting for you. STC is really quite clean too. And we had wifi. Plus b/c it was a Tuesday night, the bus was pretty empty so we had empty seats all around us. For awhile Maddie made her own little nest in the seat beside me. But that didn't last long, soon she was curled up in my seat. and by "my seat" I mean my half of the seat we were sharing. Yep. Snug as bugs, me and the barnacle. She did really well though and managed to squeeze in a cat nap in the last 20 minutes of the 7 hour journey.

I forgot my camera BUT I have also recently finally caught on to Instagram on my iPad, so I'm going to use those photos on here. Not sure how they'll work out when I get this part of the blog printed, but hey, it's all a learning curve.

I went to the grocery store with my Dad today, we needed to pick up a few things b/c we baked hot cross buns yummy). I'm walking along when I hear "hey, isn't that Johnny's therapist?" I turn and look and Johnny's grandpa (name has been changed so I can keep my job). So we have a little chat. Meanwhile I'm glad I took the 5 extra minutes to comb my hair and change out of my gym pants. Never know when you're going to bump into someone.

Now I know how Justin Bieber feels.

and more Rock Star discussions

Windowpane signed two of their CDs and left them for us as thank you gifts. It's super sing a long kind of music, so that's great. Anyway, Maddie and I were looking at the album art and they have their "Group photo" (it's on their website too). Maddie: They look hue-normous (huge) and mean. But when they come to our house they are little and friendly. It is amazing what a photographer can do b/c I will tell you, had Stephanie not assured me these were all good guys, I would not have wanted to them to stay at my house with my five year old based on their website photos. But to get to know them in the morning over muffins and coffee and they were just the most normal, funny, and interesting to talk to group. Maddie hauled out her guitar and wore it most of yesterday.

Cousin Convo

Maddie:  One had bobbed head.  I mean bobbed hair.
Mackenzie.  You said bobbed.
Maddie:  Yeah, bobbed.  (there was a BALD guy)
Mackenzie:  they were Rock Stars?
Maddie:  they were guys.  Literally all guys.  I'm full of chocolate.

I can't even make this stuff up. 

Rock Star Adventure

So, Rock Stars are pretty much like the Easter Bunny and Santa:  They tip toe into your  house while you are sleeping and when you wake up there are surprises everywhere.  In this case, there were Rock Stars sprinkled through our house.... We had two in the spare room, three in the basement, and two in the front yard (well, in a van in our front yard).

They arrived somewhere around 2:30.  We were all snug as bugs in our beds (just like when Santa and E Bunny arrive) so Aaron sent a text saying:   "I just walked in thru the front door.  Please don't shoot me."  I said "Ur in Canada.  Won't happen."

So Aaron, Madge and I had coffee and a visit this morning at 8 a.m. and slowly, one by one the Rock Stars emerged.  They are a really great bunch of guys.  Very friendly.  They loved the Beagles, well Mark did and that was enough for Sammy. She is Windowpane's biggest fan now.  Madge, on the other hand, was a bit surprised to hear they didn't play any Justin Bieber songs.

It was a lot of fun to have them stay with us and I would welcome them back anytime.  Except next time I would have a robe for the big guy.  Just sayin.  

 Windowpane:  Big Guy, Glenn (vocals guitar, used to fly), Kevmo (drums, from Kansas),  Aaron (cat herder, married to my oldest friend), Tony (guitar), Mark (bass, owns the van, from Maryland, Beagle Whisperer)

Nate (a teeny widdoe guy) slept in the van.  He seems a bit jaundice.

Oh, and last night Madge and I made Easter Chocolates.  Lots of fun and only a teeny bit messy.  Today, if the weather holds we are going to have a fire in the backyard and have a cookout supper.

It's a pretty fun weekend and it's only Saturday morning.  

I may need a nap.

A little more about Skiing

i'm pretty sure I forgot to finish posting ski trip pictures.

here's a bunch.  credits: if the pictures are good, it's b/c lisa took them. 

about that video.  yeah, not quite sure how to do that yet.

Markosky Motel

The Nelson family stayed with us last night - we were finally able to meet Miss Ella.  What a beautiful little baby. This also meant Maddie had her first "sleepover" in her room with her idol, Alyssa.  Not sure how much actual "sleeping" occurred, but isn't that what a sleepover is all about? (Why don't they call it a "giggle over" or "awake over"?)  Anyway, today is a 'stay home day' so Madge and I are going to have a wee nap after I publish this post.

Tonight, or if you're picky, very (VERY) early tomorrow we will be hosting a Rock Band.  Their real name is Windowpane and they are from Seattle.  But I like to call them Rock Band.  Or Rock Stars.  Yep, it's my brush with fame.  You are all sitting here going... "WHAT?"   b/c let's face it I'm about the LAST person on earth who would have a Rock Band stay over.  True dat.  Not b/c I don't like Rock Bands, but mostly b/c I wear sensible shoes and cardigans. 

One of my oldest friends, way back to when I was about 3, is Steph and she lives in Renton (Seattle for you and me).  Her husband, Aaron, is living out his dream and touring with Windowpane for a month or so.  They are playing tonight at the Odeon (check it out, kids) and then coming to our house around 2a.m. or so to sleep for the night.  Seven men in my basement.  With the Barbie Dream House.  Will there be a blog post with photos?  Can I get a "hell yeah"?  Steph assures me they are all husbands and fathers so I'm pretty sure they are well versed in Barbie Play....but if not Madge will help them brush up on their skills. 

So.  That's what's new with The Markoskys.  Oh and Madge and I are taking the bus to Flin Flon on Tuesday. 

STC....
Yeah you know  me....

(insert image of jenn rapping in a cardigan here)