ME leaving my camera unattended...

Interesting things can happen when you turn your back for 5 minutes...
I should have known better, growing up with 8 brothers and everything. You'd think a girl would learn. In my defense, all I can really say is that I've been in California for a while now and perhaps it's weakened my defenses. Perhaps, I have not had to do battle with the enemy in so long that I have gone plain, San Diego soft. But we'll see who has the last laugh....yes, we shall see....



Does anyone else notice the uncanny resemblance???? Eat your heart out Venus, Botticelli should have had such a muse as this!

I'm pretty sure these nitwits were brushing up on their Festivus "Feats of Strength" a little early or something. How else could one explain the great "Iron Ball Toss"...

And the "Leaping Lizard Long Jump"...

Not to mention the "Best Impersonation of a Plumber Log Splitting" contest.......

And lastly...but most definatley, not least....the great and terrible "Chicken Tractor Challenge." .

(I think it's safe to say dear bro Jeff will have to recuperate a bit before he can compete in the Finals).

ME and my Halloween....

My buddy Mike and I at my work Halloween party: Unfortunately we didn't win the grand prize, or any prize for that matter. I dare say people did just not get the genius of an actual blind man humoring me in this way. No worries, we both had fabulous fun anyway!

For those of you who have seen "Lars and the Real Girl" this Halloween duo, at a party I went to, was hands down my favorite! I even gave her bottled water when she looked thirsty. She was a pretty mean dancer.

(Below): my nieces donning one of my Halloween wigs....Lil' Dolly Parton and Lil' Joe Dirt, respectively.
Their mother actually spent time and effort on real costumes that they actually wore for Halloween...but c'mon these have that special Aunty Janette twist.

ME cheering on the Cougs....

Pre-game bafoonery.....

Slimby and I.....

Jared can barely contain his excitement. As proven by the dramatic use of the Claw.

Oct. 25, 2008: It was a successful day for the Cougs! Since I'm not exactly posting this on time..I'll try to remember the score. It was UNLV-something and BYU-something..MORE. However, I actually looked it up for those of you who prefer things technical: BYU: 42 UNLV: 35. This concludes my BYU posts for the year. (Nope, not even going to mention that "other" more recent game.)

From the lil'est fan... (thanks Em for being a good sport and letting Cannon wear True Blue) ...To the family's most senior...um, that is...most mature..er...the ones who graduated before the rest...."Y" veterans...the Bakes and Tanners gathered to enjoy the day!

ME and 12 Males...

Yes, sounds like a single gal's dream come true..... but alas, they were all under 14 yrs of age and full of adolescent sweat glands (and other smelly boy vapors). My nephew, Cody (far left in blk tee), just turned 14. So naturally for his B-day he wanted to creep around in dark corners shooting at various objects and people in plastic armour. Sounds like fun! So I joined him and the rest of his posse. Not one to toot my own horn (too loudly) I think the score sheet speaks for itself..... Keep in mind these are wild, practically rabid, teenage boys that will stop at nothing to stalk, tag, dominate, intimidate, and vaporize you at every TURN! Brutal! Oh, and "Darth Vader" next time we meet no amount of dark force will be able to save you from the wrath that is "Aeon Flux!" I will have my day.....

ME at Mike's Graduation

This is my buddy Mike. On June 4, 2008 Mike graduated from Cuyamaca College with an Associate's in Science (General Studies) at the age of 47.

What's also excellent about this achievement is that Mike is totally blind and relied heavily on the generosity of the kids and teachers on campus, transportation workers, and employees of Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center (where he resides) to help him get to class, collect assignments, type up homework, and make it there in one piece! Great job Mikey!!!