Best Christmas gifts of 09

Our gift list is small compared to most peoples. Maybe this is one of the reasons that I like Christmas shopping. I didnt even have to mail any packages this year. That takes a lot of stress out of shopping.
Now that the festivities are all over, I can reflect on three of the Best gifts of the season. Two of them were From ME!
I bought an expensive golf club for Butch. He liked it, but his favorite gift was the video that I made of photos taken of us this past year, set to music, with effects; all done from a program on my computer.
My other winner was a calendar that I made for Mom. It has family photos, many from her 90th birthday party, also included are birthdays.
She has taken it to "coffee" for show and tell, and today I had to hang it just below her clock, so she could look at it every day.
The third special gift was opened Christmas day in our family grab bag exchange. It was three hand embroidered dish towels made by my mother. Once you open a gift, it can be stolen by someone else, and we were way more excited to land those towels than all of the soaps and scarves and bath products.
Gifts from the heart, those were the best.
Who knows, maybe next year, a writer, or a welder can top my gifts of this year.

Merry Christmas From Our House to Yours

Merry Christmas!

We are grateful to be together but miss the rest of the family too- Marie and Brandon arrived on Wednesday to beat the storm and it'swonderful that Kelly has the weekend off.

Christmas Eve was church and then dinner and the family photo. In the middle of the sermon in church the priests cell phone rang - and then again with a message.

The house is decked with trimmings, mimosas for brunch, gifts unwrapped and even a game to play. The "blizzard" has turned to rain - we are going to curl this afternoon.

Photo Fabric

This is fabric! I made it today.

I went to BenF's looking for fabric that screamed Mn, like paulbunyan, and the sales clerk showed me pillows that a local woman is making from a PB photo. I bought the "paper" and then went to the water front and took a picture of Paul and Babe and emailed it to me from my phone. Printed it off at home on my printer and sewed it to a bag! The picture doesnt quite fit the bag pattern, so I will tweek that idea. But what fun, just when my sewing room was all cleaned up, I destroyed it again.

I am making bags to hold a pound of wild rice to bring to Fl for gifts.

I'm there

Right about now my lovely sister in landing in Florida. Yesterday, I got an invitation (that I had to decline) to hang out in Vegas next week. The snowbirds are leaving, the cold has arrived and I REALLY need a vacation. For now, I'll just have to dream of a deck chair with sun. Come the New Year, I'll get serious - Meet you at the beach?

crud #/:#*

There is something that I really dislike about winter.
Dirty Cars!
You know, that greasy, grey brown film that adheres to your vehicle as soon as it snows and they throw a little salt down. Then you rub your sleeve in it as you unload your groceries. If you are looking for your car in the full Christmas parking lots , all the cars are now the same color!
That's it, I'm going to Florida where all the cars are clean and shiny.

Vegas, Fog, Skin Glue & Turkey

We had a long weekend trip to Las Vegas for our anniversary. Beatles Love, Santana and a time share were the highlights. It took an extra day to get back because of fog in Duluth - airports when you don't leave are really a drag.

Then there was a trip to the ER to get skin glue for my dish washing accident - the lady in the next bed was also walking wounded from the kitchen.

Turkey day came quickly with David and family as guests - great fun.

My Haiku;my secret

I can RUN two miles

Even in the cold I RAN.

Am I a RUNNER?

Snow Wishing (a hiku)

 rain drips on my lens

looking up at the bare branches

i wish it was snow

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

It's a day to be Thankful for all the good things - mostly for our wonderful family. Missing Marie and Brandon and all in Bemidji, Kalona, and Toms family in the cities but knowing our hearts are with all of you. We will enjoy our turkey dinner with Kelly and David's family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Facelift

Oh, those big unruly pillows that are part of the couch that no one ever uses have just become Christmas pillows.

I just zipped off the cover, found some shiny green "Anderson fabric" in my stash, added some felt, some quilting fabric, some buttons and bells and launched my living room into the holidays. I didn't bother to put zippers in them, just slipped stitched them up.

(Who knows, i might not like them next year.)

Quilt Exhibit

From November 20Th to January 3rd there is a Quilt Exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post with local quilters handiwork's on display and sale.

These are some of my entries - except the coasters closest to the lamp - I'm keeping that set.

I've made 10 sets of coasters in the last month - some have been gifts and 4 sets are at the sale.

Start Decorating!

This is my creation from the woods. Princess pine, a foam ring, plus a few sparkly "this and thats" from Joann fabrics.

The pine grows just in our back woods, what a bargain!

Tomorrow, more pine, stuck into a cone shape and decorated, makes a very cute tree.

My fantacy world..........

I knew the last entry would spur rebuttal!
Certainly, I can sympathize with anyone who complains that 6 months of winter is TOO much. The problem lies in the transition from fall to winter, and winter to spring. I get impatient, I get excited.
If we lived in a perfect world, I would have winter in November and December, then go south for three months, and come home to spring; like with flowers blooming and trees budding, and golf courses open!
I want it all. "We're here for a good time, not a long time"

Six months of good sledding

There should be rules about wanting snow. Like if you don't stay around for the full effect of winter you don't get to wish for snow in November. Personally I'm glad to not have snow until Thanksgiving - this picture was taken April 16, 1995 - Easter Sunday.

That big blue thing is our boat - Marie, Kelly & Cocoa are walking on top of several feet of hard packed snow. Those who love snow so much and have all the toys for playing in it should not be snow birds.

Snow from November through April makes for six months of good sledding.

Snow!

It's November! Let's not mess around with nuisance snow this year. You know, the kind that teases, and then melts in a few days, leaving the woods grey and dark.

Just get on with winter, bring on the snow, lots of it!

I have a coat and boots for every temperature. I have skis for deep snow, skis for wide groomed trails, downhill skis, uphill skis, snow shoes, a snowmobile, snow tires on my truck, every size shovel for snow removal, plus a snow blower, and a jeep with a plow on it.

Come on God, what are you waiting for?

Corner Office With A View

This last summer I was able to move to a different office at work - A corner office with a view - - I can see Lake Superior as I sit at my desk

I've come a long way - starting in the dungeons of the courthouse basement with no windows

A quilted wall hanging was just the thing for decorating and I'm finally getting it done. I've learned an important lesson - if you are making up the pattern as you go - plan to bond with your ripping scissor. Thank you Marie for helping me to get unstuck when I was struggling with color and pattern.

Go play outside!

After being a "slug" all weekend, I decided today that I had to make some changes in my exercise routine. Golf is over.
I went for a long walk this morning in the wet snow and was totally invigorated. It changed my whole attitude. The light snow that covered everything made the most common things pretty.
Imagine a sweater in this brown and white pattern, or a batik quilting fabric.

Barn Burner

barn burner: an extremely impressive event or successful outcome
Those Twins sure know how to give us a barn burner.

I'm hooked on the post-season. And the run for the title. That's my excuse. What excuse you say? I've been avoiding posting at my crafty blog for lack of something. It will be my 50th post. Not very momentous, but I feel like there should be something...maybe a give away? Or a quilting bee? Any suggestions?

The twins are playing and I am holding my breath

My sewing room is officially open for the season!

With the change in the weather, it is time to do some sewing!

This table runner was to be a "quilt as you go", but I was having trouble with the instructions so just went with the picture, and did the quilting at the end.

Not sure why I picked this fabric as it is not very fallish. It will be cute for Easter!

I am a fan of pieced borders, using lthe left over fabric, but I should have put the light pink in two places. I like being a little unpredictable though.

Wind damage

This flower bed was destroyed by the wind during our recent storm. The flowers look like they got frost but it's just from whipping in the wind. I'm really glad it's the end of September so there really wasn't much season left anyway.

Bill will be logging the downed trees in our yard and woods this weekend. We soon will have a view of the lake even in the summer.

ingredient challenge: squash

I am not a very good vegetable eater. I try to like cooked root vegetables and usually fail; I've cooked squash a few times with less love. BUT. I do like farmers' markets. And imagine a day with a significant garden, so I'm working on liking more vegetables.

I'm starting with squash. About a month ago, I took some green, gnarly squash from my in-laws' house with trepidation. "Why am I taking this - I don't like squash?" "But I had some at dinner yesterday and it was ok...?"

So I challenged myself to cook this hard-shelled gourde and learn to like it more. And I'm thinking of continuing the challenge - take an ingredient and cook with it. Use one ingredient for a whole week and figure it out. We've tried this with bacon - why not vegetables?

First toe-dip into squash: Apple-Squash Bisque made in the crock-pot.
Translation: horrible baby-food puree. I had a vat of yellow-ish muck in my fridge and couldn't bring my self to throw it away. (I probably don't need to mention that my husband is not taking part in this challenge - maybe when I use bbq sauce, but not with squash).

So it sat there until I received a magazine that just happened to have a recipe for Spicy Thai Squash Soup with Shrimp and Peas. I read through it and thought - I can save this soup! I like shrimp and peas and it sounds like something tasty...I can save the soup!

I saved the soup! Spicy Thai Squash Soup is DELICIOUS. Try it for yourself!


(photo and recipe from Self magazine)

A few notes about the ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (I used squash apple bisque - it had apple sauce and sour cream, but was basically the same constancy and flavor, but next time I'll just use squash)
• Their recipe is for easy cooking - making a bunch of recipes at the same time - I just eliminated the onion-garlic mixture, becuase there was both in the original soup, but I will use an onion and clove of garlic in the mixures place.
• 1 teaspoon green curry paste (this stuff is amazing and the magic of the recipe! Changed everything about the texture, flavor and color of the baby puree)

Next up - squash ravioli!!

Vacation Photos

Waterton Park in Alberta was very beautiful - a fun time shared with Carol Ann and Butch

We had a great time at Glacier Park -

These goats were along the trail to Hidden Lake

a hike from Logan's Pass. They were totally oblivious of people

What would summer travel be without road construction. Bill is always checking out what is going on - this was on the "Going to the Sun Highway" which must be one of the most challenging road projects there is.

Canadian Rocky Mountain High!

I feel like September is complete, now that I have been to the mountains. There is something so spiritual about hiking a trail to a lake or a summit, knowing that you are going to be rewarded by sensational views and breathtaking scenery.

Will we see a grizzly this trip, or some mountain goats? Some hikes we don't even see other humans.

Go to the mountains! But get out of the car, and take a hike.

Happy 90th Birthday

Celebrating Mom's 90Th Birthday was a big event. It was a great day with lots of friends, family and sunshine. My theory is that from age 49-89 no one really wants to advertise how old they are, but when you are 90 it's time to be proud that you have lived a good life and are still around to enjoy it.

Last Day

Happy last day of Summer. Welcome Fall.

Discoveries

Big Red can't go above 45 without the radiator getting cranky...

Alfalfa smells like clover. (And it's pretty too)...

**The state fair can be fun...


**As always, those pictures I post that are great are by this guy - my husband. (you can buy some if you wish)

new toy

Now I really feel old. I am writing about my new vacuum cleaner. I bought a "dyson ball". It is amazing! I dumped 2 entire yellow labs out of the "bag".
Oh, and I am such a smart shopper that when I checked out at Target, and the girl told me I could save $40 by opening a Target charge, I went for it.
I have been eying these all summer and They never seem to go on sale,
and I hate paying full price for anything but wine.

The Difference of a Day

Today is the day after Labor Day. That means school starts - we had excited parents at work one with a kindergartner and one who watched her son drive off to school for the first "first" day of school.

Town is very quiet now too - On Sunday I ran an errand downtown - barely a place to park, the streets where full of people and you couldn't move in the shoe section of the Trading Post. Today looking down from the stop light - there were no cars or people.

Saturday Holiday was full of cars filling their tanks - tonight just one.

I ran to grocery store at 7:20 tonight - it was closed. The summer hours until 8:00 have changed to 7:00- now once again on days Kelly works she really doesn't have the option to grocery shop.

And today Marie began her 6th year at her job and I my 29th.

Biker Buttt

Last week I had my bike serviced, and while at the bike shop, I bought a pair of bike pants. They are not the most attractive piece of clothing that I own, but are certainly the best investment I've made in a while.

Today, I biked around Lake Bemidji, and my butt is not even sore!

Catching Up

Time to catch up with some recent activities -

We hiked to Magnetic rock and picked blueberries at the end of the Gunflint Trail last weekend.

The berries were really good if you could find a patch that no one has been to. It's sad to see all the burnt trees but there are many little new trees growing like the one on the left.

During my time off a few ago it was entry day at the County Fair. My flowers were in bloom and it was just after Mom had been to visit so I was inspired to bring some flowers. Also then decided to bring a couple of quilting projects. Not sure that I'd been happy if the quilting projects hadn't got the blue ribbons.

My sister's garden

Your Mom is so proud of you!

A Flowerbed Tour

A wonderful weekend with a visit from Mom and Carol Ann. The last time Mom was in Grand Marais was in 2001. Since that time my flowerbed has evolved and expanded. Most of the perennials have come from Mom's flowerbed over the years. With the late season it was perfect timing to be here in mid August as the Day Lilly's are really just getting going - both days they made a great showing. Thanks Carol Ann for making the trip, it has been my goal for years to share my flowerbed with Mom.

Happy Birthday(s)

Fishermen's Picnic

Another Fishermen's Picnic over - This is Nurse Kelly in the parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the hospital. Other co-workers and retired nurse's are walking behind but she's the cutest.

This year the biggest topic of conversation would be the weather. It sporadically rained everyday. Now really it hasn't rained yet on Sunday but my first thought this morning waking up was not "if" it was going to rain today, but "what time" is it going to rain and the temperature at the fireworks should have had a windchill factor added in.

Another highlight of the weekend for Kelly would be the bingo tent collapsing while she thought they were so smart to be undercover in a rain storm.

Hey Scottie!

I was just going through my pictures that are still stuck on my camera and found a gem. Our annual baseball family get-together was complete with hot dogs, nachos, beer and losing to the White Sox.

My dad's side (stretching down the first row in this picture) meets up every year in Minneapolis to attend a Twins baseball game. Its always fun, always hot and always an adventure. And we usually lose. Well, when Kelly and I attend, we have lost every time.

This year, we were also joined by a row of White Sox fans behind us. They were not so much into the game as they were discussing topics such as: Scott Podsednik's butt, how to zoom a camera to photograph Scott Podsednik's butt, the name of the new stadium and potential of buying tickets for the games at its namesake (yes, we know, Target is taking over the city), the death-traps involved in the current stadium, and what does the TC stand for on the TWIN's uniforms.

All of this was discussed with a accent that I've only heard in Saturday Night Live sketches.

And now we have a couple of faces to go with those accents:

Ladies and Gentlemen, I was looking at her the same way.

Double Rainbows!

Two rainbows, two wishes:
1. Hot and sunny for the cabin weekend with Kelly, Marie, and Brandon.
2. walleye, of course, and maybe, fresh blueberry pancakes.

A Spot of Color

Finally a perennial is blooming! It's a really slow growing season.

I moved this Lilly to my new flower bed. It would never have more than two flowers on it when it was in the rock bed. Apparently it likes dirt.

Three generations of quilters

Now that the quilt is done and gone, what should we do next?
I am kind of missing the vertual blocks, and the quilt anxiety phone conversations.
Maybe...... some kind of a contest, or a mystery project, or a progressive project that gets passed from one person to the next, to be added to.

Catching up

I finally feel like we are catching up with life. So let me catch you up.

We went to Rochester to visit friends. Sat by a pool, went to a honkers game, got a picture with Slider - their mascot, and had a wonderful warm weekend. The guy on the end is leaving us at the end of July and moving to Montana, so we have to soak up some Phil time before he goes. On the plus side, we will have a place to crash the next time it takes us three days to get home from Bozeman. (That is another story for another, more winter-y post).

Summer Solstice came and went as it always does. B and I attended two parties to celebrate. Our annual neighborhood bash and a roof-top fete. I highly recommend roof-top parties and parties in community gardens - the air is pretty good at both.

This next picture is of a Twin Cities oddity that is quickly becoming an institution. The Pedal Pub is pretty much just what it sounds and look like - 12 people sit around a bar and pedal their pub down the street. My friend Annie rented it out for her own bachelorette party. Thank you Annie. BEST. IDEA. EVER.

Finally - my hubby has been photographing weddings lately. I think the pictures are neat.
This is Annie on her wedding day (just 32 hours after the pub) looking gorgeous. The Farmkid has some more pictures here.

So, summer is in swing and I'm just trying to hold on for the ride. I hope you are all enjoying the fun, friends, family and sun!

My Linus Quilt

Our group had 19 very cute quilts for this years project. These Linus Quilts will be on display at the Grand Marais Library for the month of July and then will be donated. Linus Quilts are given to children who need a little extra love - most of them are very ill.

As a group we made a good variety of age and gender appropriate quilts. I think this one should be for a five to eight year old girl.

Happy Father's Day!

First Day of Summer

This is what the first day of summer looks like when your garden is north of the border. I am not complaining, at least I have some flowers blooming; as my nasturtium and Zinnea seeds are just peaking out of the ground. and the fish are biting!

Surprise Tulip

This weekend I accidentally found this tulip. It's growing in the woods along the west side of the house.

Years ago before I discovered a love of growing flowers Mom was visiting and thought we should have a flower bed. We made a little bed next to the cement patio in the back yard and planted tulips. After several years of not getting anything to grow but the leaves I dug them all up and threw them into the woods -