Crafting and Cocktails

or maybe Cocktails and Crafting.  Which ever way it was a fun and productive day.  I didn't bring much with me for my first day, just the above bag that I changed the handles out.  I am quite pleased that I finished that little project.  Then I spent the rest of my time sorting photos.  Next time I will take a couple projects.  Hopefully this summer will be one that I get some projects finished up.  I bet Tristan would like that too.

It was a day full of fun conversations, delicious food and fabulous company.

There was also a bit of trickery involved . . . sweet, kind Rachel poured Chrissy and I a shot of kale juice (yes, you read that correctly and obviously we should have known better), Chrissy and I shot them back and well, I almost threw it back up!  Yes, it was that bad!  We then had to have a shot of Magarita to chase it down.  Yick!  That was not good, but our faces were worth a few laughs, too bad no one snapped a photo.

Where have thy been all this time?

Another Winter and Spring have pasted.  We are now into summer, with so much time that has passed and not much being said.  Admittedly there should be some catch-up, but I tend to keep waiting to fill in the blanks and never get there.  I have decided not to worry about that and see if I can be faithful to this blog again, without worrying about perfection and not missing anything, because perfection will surely never be reached. . .

It is a dark, yucky day today here in JNU.  The rain is pounding and the wind blowing.  A good day to be inside, which I have been for most of it.  So, if it must be a yucky day, at least I will be productive.  Maybe tomorrow will bring sun, or at least less wind and rain.

It is "Summer Vacation" time here, although I use both words loosely as it is neither summer weather, nor am I on any kind of vacation.  Actually working more hours than when I am at school.  Seems a bit silly really and I will need to work at spending a few less days at work.  Having said that, I will be leaving for the theatre soon, maybe the weather will bring more people inside. . .

Turkey Trot

I went out in the morning to run the Turkey Trot with Jody and her son.  I figured I could handle this 5k since Colton is 8.  No problem keeping up.  But when the race started and he took off running, I wasn't so sure.  Luckly he slowed down and I was able to catch my breath.  It was a fun way to start the day and make room for dinner.

 The turkeys and the hunter

 Jody and I (this is my Alaska Sister, so many people thinkwe look alike)

 The trail

 Jody shakin' her tail-feathers

 The hunter killing me at the finish line

After the race I walked home, it was such a nice walk over that I figured I'd keep enjoying the outdoors.  As I started walking it turned into a white-out!  It was still a beautiful walk home, but a bit crazy!

Thanksgiving Eve

On Wednesday night we joined a group of friends for and I quote:  "Turkey Bowl Disco Night" at Treadwell, the local ice rink.  When we arrived the gal behind the counter was super excited and asked if we were here to bowl.  "Sure".  Tristan was the first to sign-up.  After a bit of skating it was time to bowl.

 Tristan "bowling" the 14.1 lb turkey

 Bob preparing to "bowl" a strike!

 It's not as easy as it looks.  Me on the ice.

 On my second "ball" I got 9.

 The winner, after two "turkey-offs", he said this was his trophy.

The champions with their prizes. 

Bob decided to donate his.  Hopefully it brought as much joy to a family as it did us.  I think this might be a new tradition for us.

Movember

In honor of Mo-vember Christael and I in our mustaches.

Snow day!

I totally could not believe that we had a snow day!  I was all dressed and ready for the day when I got the call I changed my clothes, hung my cute outfit up for tomorrow and enjoyed a quiet little morning. 

Even though I had a school snow day, there was still work to be done, so I headed to the Dog for a bit.  I think I got out before the snow crews . . . 

 Oh how I do love the look of fresh snow

A snowman keeping watch over Marine Park



Biking around town

I wish I had a parrot to bike around town with me . . . 

 

Dinner by the fire

Another sunny Sunday so we decided to head out Thane after the baseball game, enjoy a bit of the sunshine and bbq up a little dinner delight.

Is that a penguin or an egg plant?

You decide . . .

Dog on a roof?

That's right folks - as we were leaving for work this morning Bob said "there's a dog on the roof".  I am guessing that he wished now he wouldn't have brought it up.  We went back, I took a few pictures, knocked on doors and in the end called our management company so someone could get the poor guy off the roof.

A Sunny Sunday Afternoon

Pinecones are dangerous

I woke up to a beautiful Monday morning and was excited to get to ride my bike today.  It was a wonderful ride, the crisp air, blue skies and pinecones, that's right, pinecones.  I learned today that although they are very useful when starting a fire, they can be quite dangerous when biking - avoiding them is a much better idea.  Here's hoping that tomorrow is rain-free also.

Red Dog end of season

It's that time of year again, the end of the season is approaching and we are celebrating the end of another season - Red Dog Style.

 Me and Kenny

 Me and Andrew

And then she smiles . . .

Lately JNU has felt a bit gloomy, but today she shined wand was indeed beautiful.  It is another reminder of how blessed I am.

I did it!

Today started my bike commute to school.  I totally wasn't nervous about doing it, just how I would feel doing it, so far a-o-kay.  I like this time to myself and just smile and bike.  Today was rain free, so it was a great ride.  Tomorrow I will remember to take deodorant.

Bike Commute

I am all ready to go.  Got my bike, new waterproof bag, helmet, waterproof gloves, some reflective bands and an "I can do this" attitude".  Tomorrow I begin my bike commute to and from work. 

First Day of School 2011

I love that my Mother is retired . . .

Yes, I do!  She is truly the most beautiful, devoted, loving, forgiving women that I know.  She has spent her life serving and taking care of others and in her retirement, I would expect no less of her.  I cannot remember a moment in my life when she was not there, yes, sometimes she doesn't answer her phone, but if I called me as much as I called her, I wouldn't answer either.  She has heard and been a part of way more than I am sure she wishes to be, but I do hope that she realizes that it is our trust, love, and the fact that we know she is "the vault", that we share.
I am enjoying all of the blogging that she is doing.  I don't know if she, or her grandchildren realize it now, but these moments they are sharing together now are priceless and I am so grateful that they get to share them, it warms my heart.
I am looking forward to having her all to myself next Spring.  Love you Mom.

A little visit with my Hillis Family

It was a brief visit, but so good to eat a delicious dinner,

see all of your beautiful faces,

share family moments,

laugh and oogle,

dance,

smile,

kick-back,

be silly,

be happy,

be family,

and of course give Bethy a hard time.

Thank you for a wonderful visit!