The title of this post is: "Things that keep Nate and Mandy entertained"

Since our first visit to this town, we have developed a special place in our hearts for this place. Not because we had ever been inside, because we hadn't. I guess it was for the sheer fact that in one small store they sold coffee, donuts, and chinese food. A great combination! The first time we drove by it we both laughed and repeated "coffee donuts chinese food" over and over, and it stuck. So, a couple nights ago I said aloud, mostly to myself, "I would really love a donut right now." Then Nate, because he is the greatest man in the world, decided that it would be a great time to go to our favorite place, the place we had never before entered. The Chinese food smelled wonderful! The donuts were yummy! We are adding the Donut Star Chinese Food restaurant/bakery to our list of places people must go when they pass through Barstow.

What it means when you're asked, "Have you seen the sights?" in Barstow, CA

Last weekend we made it to the biggest event in town! A Civil War reenactment at the Calico ghost town. (It was apparent, after the show, that Barstow sided with the Confederates. We knew there was something else wrong here). Keeping in mind we forgot our camera, and that these pics were taken with our phones, please enjoy the following visual agenda:

To view these pictures in all their full size glory, visit: http://picasaweb.google.com/mandykolbaba/CalicoTrip




Lots of cannon bombs and smoke, but the only soldiers falling down were Union soldiers.......





Notice Nate is showing off his "sheriff's belt buckle" which he wore specifically for this event.



When we first saw Lincoln, who, in real life looked quite realistic, he was buying some bbq corn on the cob......Nate said, "Look, there's Lincoln, buying some corn with a five dollar bill that has his face on it."

February 16th, 17th & 18th 2008 (Presidents Day Weekend)

Imagine yourself under martial law in a town occupied by the Confederate army. Suddenly a cannon blasts, smoke fills the air, and a hundred Union soldiers come rushing in. Before you can turn to run, a battle is raging before your very eyes.

Authentic Encampments
See what life was like for soldiers on both sides. Open pit cooking, canvas tents, no frills here!

Weekend Activities to include
Drills, Troop inspections, Cannon Demonstrations, Period Fashion Shows, Battles Morning & Afternoon, Gettysburg Address.

What's Your True Color?

Nathan's Result: Black

Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

Pizza Love

I made pizza for dinner the other night, one of Nate's favorites. (Thank Beth V. for the recipe!) I asked Nate to put the pepperoni on while I cleared the table. This was his creation.

He was so proud, so I asked him to pose. Who has the cutest husband? No competition, ladies.

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Brown

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

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Jane Austen Marathon Rocks!

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Tagged!

I have never answered a tag before, but this one didn't seem too long, so I gave it a shot.
It was quite illuminating. Thanks Shar!

A: Attached or single: Attached
B: Best Friend: Nate, I don’t have any other friends.
C: Cake or Pie: Cake, pies are nasty….wait, under what category does cheesecake fall?
D: Day of Choice: Thursday because now that Nate doesn’t work on Friday it’s like the weekend is starting!!
E: Essential Item: A garlic press and a bathmat
F: Favorite Color: I’ve told people green since I was a kid, but I’m lying, I like any color.
G: Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms, the red and white ones.
H: Hometown: Grew up in Provo, been in Barstow for 4 weeks
I: Indulgence(s): This really stupid Teeny Bopper TV show called “What I like about you.” Dang it, only Nate knew that one. I watch it knowing that it is stupid, but I can’t stop.

J: January or July: July!!! The 4^th, Nate’s b-day, my b-day, and our anniversary!
K: Kids: Nope
L: Life is incomplete without: Family, cell phones, and cookies.
M: Marriage Date: July 19, 2005
N: Number of Siblings: 4 brothers, 4 sisters. Double that if you count in-laws, which I do.
O: Oranges or Apples: Oranges
P: Phobias or Fears: I have a real phobia of snakes, I can’t go in a room that has them even in a cage. Don’t care for spiders that much either. Oh yeah, and small spaces, being constrained in any way, divorce, losing a loved one, and I can’t breathe when hot air blows on my face.
Q: Quote(s): "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to spend a lot of time running around shouting he’s been robbed." - Gordon B. Hinckley
R: Reason To Smile: Cuddling.
S: Season: All four.

T: Tag Six: I only know a couple people with blogs. Steph and David, Beth Vermillion, the Crocketts, and Beth Kartchner.

U: Unknown Fact About Me: I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket, and I never drive without speeding. Figures.
V: Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I really love meat, more than most women I would say.
W: Worst Habit: Honesty. I can’t even pass an honesty test, I’m too honest.
X: X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Bring ‘em on.
Y: Your Favorite Food: Café Rio.
Z: Zodiac: Cancer or Leo, depending on the specific Psychic you ask. I’m right in the middle.

Nothing New

I don't have anything to say, I just felt bad having a joke and picture about a tornado after many people died in Tennessee from a real tornado. So I need a new top post.........Let's see.

I don't want to talk about politics, I followed it all religiously for a bit, but Stupid Tuesday burned me out.
I don't want to talk about Barstow, for obvious reasons.
I don't want to talk about taxes, cause although it looks like we will get an enormous return, that makes us scared we'll get audited, which kills the glory of it all.

I guess I could post a picture of something........

That'll do. You've forgotten about the tornado joke, haven't you?

Auntie Em, Auntie Em!!!

I am beginning to understand something about the Barstow climate. WIND. That's it, it just likes to be windy. Very windy. (See title of post). For example, right now, every window in my house is rattling like crazy, there is cold air gushing from the fireplace and every vent, and it sounds like a team of jets is doing a fly-by past my house. I try to look outside and see if the tree in the backyard is bending to the ground, only to realize that I can't see my tree for the dust, sand, and debris that is in the air. Unfortunately, as Nate has pointed out, this house must not have been built very well, because when the wind picks up our blinds and curtains on the INSIDE of the house sway back and forth. Which, obviously, is bad. Especially for the temperature we try futilely to maintain in our home. Meaning, it is cold all the time in here, no matter what the thermostat is set at. Alas, when summer comes, no doubt I'll complain about the heat.