Quilting in Alaska

Where have I been?

2010-12-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

I have severely neglected posting to my blog. How rude of me. I hook you in and leave you for months.

Summer got busy of course. And now we are almost done with 2010. My latest news is my brother came from FL with his wife for a visit. It was wonderful to see them. The sad part was they came right after I had broken my right ankle and sprained my left. I was in this big boot and mostly in a wheelchair. He brought good weather with him so at least he saw some sunny days. I did too from inside looking out the window. This break happened in my front yard in a hole--Larry removed a big rock from the yard and had not filled the hole--I found that hole.

I am walking again but carefully and sometimes painfully. It was 3 months and I was not able to use my beloved long arm quilter! I am back in business with that again but I have to be careful to not over do.

We had a blizzard yesterday that fizzled. It did cover up this mess in my front yard.

Better and prettier pics to follow on this blog if I can remember to do that--getting old is not for sissies you know!

eagles at the beach

2010-05-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

This is an eagle we encountered while walking the beach a few days back. He was chewing on a fish carcass. There were three of us walking and he kept an eye on all three of us.

Kyle's graduation quilt

2010-05-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Kyle, our oldest grandson, graduated from New Meadows HS in ID. Kyle is Paula's oldest son Kyle has enlisted in the US Army and leaving soon for boot camp. The pattern I used for his graduation quilt is called "Gathering Friends" by Kathryn Squibb & Deborah Jacobs. I have to admit it turned out well with a lot of free-motion quilting done on the Lizzie.

Josie's graduation quilt

2010-05-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

Josie, oldest grandchild, graduated from high school, Monroe, in Fairbanks, with honors. Here is her graduation quilt. And here is Josie at a family picnic the day after graduation. Josie is going to the Univ. of AK Fairbanks in the fall.

way too long ago

2010-04-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I posted here. Had a computer crash so lost everything. Trying to catch up and get back on speed. Pics to come soon. Spring too.

Sunset tonight

2010-02-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

I love sunsets that involve clouds. It set about 6:30 tonight. Still above freezing when I took the pic.

Lax in posting but lots of quilting!

2010-02-23T18:07:00.000-08:00

This is one of my quilts I recently finished. I did the quilting on my Tin Lizzie. Sure is fun and I am proud of this one.

I have been lax about posting here to my blog. I know there are those who follow me but it has been months since I have posted here. FB gets in the way.

It is has been a very mild February. We are getting lots of sunshine now too with the longer daylight and the sun sets in the west instead of the south. There is more winter to come!

grandkids

2009-08-27T09:55:00.001-07:00

Three of my youngest grandchildren have been visiting here this summer. Here are a few pics of them. They are Greg's children.

New Quilting frame and machine

2009-08-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

I bit the bullet and upgraded my quilting frame and machine. I now am the proud owner of a Tin Lizzie 18 and a new larger Grace frame. She is up and running well as you can see here. I plan to do a lot of quilting this winter; I have friends lining up and wanting some quilting done on their quilt tops. Some are just piecers and don't do their own quilting. So maybe I can bring in some $$ to help pay for this new toy-HA!

Baseball

2009-05-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Wish I was in Omaha to see Evan play. He is 12 now, a lefty, and plays 1st base when not pitching!

Summer

2009-05-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

I have not been posting here anything new but look for some gardening pics soon. I am finishing up planting today I hope. Gonna have my flower pots done and we have two new flower gardens. I will put annuals until I can get some perennials established. Larry is working on getting the grass to grow in the new front yard we had done last summer. We finally got some rain!

Anchor Point Library Quilt for Raffle

2009-04-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

We started this quilt for raffle about mid January and it was completed and handed over the end of March. I organized it and also did the quilting on it. Made from scraps from quilters. The label shows who worked on it or contributed in some way but sorry the photo is not very clear. Hope it goes up for raffle soon and they makes some good $$ on it.

Redoubt 4-20-09

2009-04-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

This pull off is on the way to Ninilchik heading north and I pulled off to get some photos of Redoubt. She still talks back... Notice in the first shot that a ship or barge is going up the inlet--or maybe down...

I took this photo on my way home from Ninilchik at the Deep Creek Rd. to the beach--just outside Ninilchik on the southside. It was a beautiful day for photos. Some kids had just rode their bikes down this rd to that RV park and were looking out towards Redoubt. You know it is spring when kids are out on their bikes.

Redoubt from across the bay

2009-04-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

I stopped the other day on my way to Ninilchik and took this pic of the mountain REDOUBT all quiet. However, yesterday a big plume was billowing up but I did not have my camera with me. It continues to build a lava dome and lahar is streaming down and into Drift River. It keeps talking!

Redoubt strikes again!

2009-04-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

This cloud came with thunder and lightening. It turned totally black--I took a pic of that but it did not come out (just black). Now these pics are blurry but they again were taken through my windows. It was very very eerie and dark with this fall out of ash. It was heavier this time and everything was so ugly but we got snow to cover it up and now the snow is almost gone. They say the ash will be good for my garden!

First ash fall out--Redoubt

2009-04-17T10:42:00.001-07:00

Here is what the first ash cloud looked like coming our way. The blue was beautiful color in the sky as the impending cloud moved in.

I took these two pics of course from inside as it was raining ash. This was looking over towards our neighbor's house.

Volcano

2009-04-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Mount Redoubt has erupted. Last Sat. the 4th we got major ash cloud over the southern tip of the peninsula. UGLY mess. I don't have pics ready for posting because still using Larry's computer as mine is not up and running again yet. Anyway, they say the ash will be good for the gardens this summer so that s the only positive end to it I can relate to. It is helping the snow melt quickly too. So spring is coming. We are all well here and busy as always. Watch for pics soon.

whispy waves

2009-03-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Larry took this pic on the 15th of this month at Anchor Point Beach. Isn't it just simply beautiful? He was able to capture a wave breaking. I don't think he even got out of the car. LOL

Another completion in quilting

2009-03-07T09:59:00.001-08:00

I could not decide which photo was a better shot so put them both here--of the same quilt. This was a mystery quilt. In other words, they tell you what fabrics are required and tell you to make a few cuts and then you go to class and they give you steps to get the main part of the quilt finished. I did this class last spring but did not finish the border part until fall. I would have chosen something better for the interlocking circles as one fabric is too light to really show up. I quilted this right after Christmas and just now finished the binding. Not sure where it will find a home.

sunsets Jan. & Feb.

2009-02-25T10:41:00.000-08:00

These are sunsets taken late Jan. at the beach and the one from home was taken by me from the house in Feb.. Larry took the ones at the beach. We have had lots of nice days lately but more snow is coming. Lots more daylight now and the sun has moved west again in its setting time.

2009-02-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

This storm came through about 10 days ago! As you can see we get white out conditions and can barely see the neighbor's house. The wind makes it more exciting in my book. I love to watch it snow when it is like this. Now we are having longer daylight and the sun has moved west--will be putting up some sunset pics next blog entry. Enjoy!

Volcano

2009-02-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

No, the volcano has not erupted yet but we are on alert! It is at least 25 miles across the bay to land over there by boat--further from the Mount Redoubt. The ash and dust are our concern.

Angry surf

2009-01-30T17:53:00.001-08:00

Surfs up. I was up in the parking lot and the waves looked a lot bigger than they do here. I tried to capture the surf breaking against the chunks of ice but I am not that great at photography. I took these pics just a few days ago. Across the way you can see mountains in the background. The mountain tha tis talking about erupting is in that mountain range. I will try to get pics of it erupting but we won't be doing any driving because of the ash. Stay tuned.

Flat Stanley

2009-01-22T10:49:00.001-08:00

January 7, 2009

HI! I arrived today in Anchor Point, Alaska! BRRRRRRRRRR It is cold here! -8 degrees. I am late in arriving as I have been enroute longer than I should have been—maybe I came by dog sled! That’s why I was flat and white—frozen? I am just glad to be where I am supposed to be and to get some warm clothes on. The lady I am visiting said she will dress me warm. She will also take a pic of the view out her back yard today—I am hoping there will be a moose out there too to make it really look like the wilds of Alaska. I hope to get to the beach too for some look at the ice on the beach today.

Until later!

Flat Stanley (FS)

January 8, 2009

Above is the pic of the home I am staying in here in Anchor Point with the Dixons. My visit is short since I arrived so late. But the lady took some photos. All the photos she took 1/7/09 except for the moose because I did not get to see a moose so a photo will have to do—I did not want you all to miss out on seeing a moose. We looked but just did not see one moose on our short ride. Anchor Point is just a bump in the road with a post office, library, and a couple of cafes and small stores. I don’t have time to go to Homer, 15 miles south and the end of the road and to see the harbor and Kachemak Bay. Wish I had come earlier so I could see those places. But alas, I have to be back in South Florida ASAP! This photo is the back yard of where I am staying taken shortly after I arrived—the tracks in the snow are not mine—they are of the moose who wandered before me—there are moose tracks everywhere in the yard.

How serene it looks but it is cold outside! I want to come back when it is summer and daylight almost 24 hrs. And wish I could stay for the winter games/carnival coming up the first part of Feb. I don’t mind the cold since the lady has put me in a parka and boots. So no snow machine ride, skiing or sledding!

Look at the eagles! We had to stop at the transfer site to deposit some trash and there the vultures were in all their glory chortling in the trees.

Ok then we made a stop at the beach which is only 2 miles from where I am staying. There was a fog bank on the Cook Inlet so I could not see the mountains across the way. Anchor Point Beach is awesome. They told me they launch boats from the beach with big tractors in the summer when there is fishing frenzy—I would love to see that!

That white in the middle of the bay is a big ice floe. Those chunks of ice on the beach at high tide are huge! It is about 25 miles across the bay to Iliama area. The mountains are potentional volcanoes over there too. This inlet goes all the way up to Anchorage 200 miles north. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city!

This moose photo was taken a few days after Christmas in the Dixon’s yard off the south side of their house. Mr. Dixon had cleared a lot of the yard last summer and it enables a moose to walk through easily but nothing stops a moose except a 10 ft fence.

Here I am in Mrs. Dixon’s sewing room where she dressed me up in my parka and boots. This is Mrs. Dixon’s favorite spot as she is a quilter. She sews and looks out on the back yard . She also has a big quilting machine frame in the other living area part of the home here in Anchor Point, Alaska. Sure wish I could stick around and watch her quilt, sew, and visit with her quilting friends here in Anchor Point,in Ninilchik 20 miles north, and Homer 15 miles south. However, it is time for me to get popped into an envelope and taken to the post office—I might be in Anchorage tonight and then I can fly back to South Florida. Hope you all enjoy my visit on paper as much as I did in person.

FS

Mystery Quilt

2009-01-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

It is no longer a mystery--here it is! Today I completed the top of the mystery quilt I started on New years' Day with planetpatchwork.com--I have no clue as to when it will be quilted--it can get in line!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are in 2009! Who would have thought? I am so grateful to be still here on this planet.

I took these moose photos on Monday or Tuesday. Look how low the sun is. And it was blasted cold out there too--we have been having some below zero temps. They don't usually last long however and it is nothing like Fairbanks. Two shots were from a dining room window--same window Christmas card photo was shot from--and the other from the living room window.

I am doing a mystery quilt today on line and watching the Nebraska football game as a result of urging from Lynnette who is a big fan--ya, they live in Omaha, NE and would be!

My little friend

2008-12-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

Well Henrietta, the pheasant must have come on hard times or something--she is not around this fall and now we are into winter. Here is a little guy who comes though. He is a nut hatch. He grabs a seed and goes to the tree trunk and head down cracks the sunflower seed open. He sat on that limb for a long time--I watched him and then went to the other side of house for my camera and thought for sure he would be gone before I got back but he waited. Then he grabbed his seed and flew under the limbs.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T21:18:00.001-08:00

I finally got the table runner done just in time for Thanksgiving. I bought the fabric over a year ago. Life is good. Larry and I cooked a great dinner. He did the turkey on the barbecue grill and it tastes yummy--he also did the bread. I did the rest. We miss the kids and grandkids too but that is how life goes!

BRRRR Cold and not November yet

2008-10-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

It was 5 degrees on the plus side this morning. COLD We have no snow on the ground. We have had some snow fall but it has been warm enough to melt it or rain would follow. We have had two nights of high winds--gusting to about 30 mph.

We are renovating the only bathroom we have in this small house. Took out the pink bathtub--yes we had a pink bathtub! Larry installed a shower stall in its place. He removed a wall last night to move it over about 4" but it will only be half way up and will have open shelves above that. We had taken out the honking big hot water tank in the summer as we have replaced it with a tankless on demand hot water system. Larry is also installing new flooring. I have been painting and replacing things on the walls. My laundry appliances are in this large bathroom too. I put all the laundry stuff now in the closet that housed that old hot water tank. It's all shaping up but it is taking FOREVER! Anyone who knows me knows patience is not one of my strong suits.

Quilting and sewing? Oh yes, working on so many quilts, wall hangings and table runners. Just recently completed two rainbow quilts that Sasha had put together for Reily and Tatelyn. The photos I took of them came out fuzzy so I am not posting them here. I am also doing some Christmas gift sewing. Every day I can spend sewing is a good day. Winter is great--more time for sewing!

Baby quilt/baby due any day

2008-10-01T18:25:00.001-07:00

I made this quilt for Larry's sister's granddaughter's new baby Kaydence Mackenzi. It came out pretty special and I love the kitty cats! This one went in the mail today!

Last hurrah

2008-09-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

Since we have not been camping this summer, we decided to take a couple of days off and go do that--you would think we worked or something! We had tons of stuff to do around the house but nothing that could not wait. We will be putting the MH in storage as soon as we can now as we doubt there will be any more camping this year. We only just went down to Homer Spit and camped right on the beach as we wanted to walk on the beach and gather coal for the outside fire pit. It was fun watching people walking their dogs, children playing, and someone using a parasail to ride the surf. It was so windy the next day we decided it was too cool for us on the beach and decided to pack up and hit the rd. We stopped at Anchor Point Beach on our way back and ate lunch there and watched the surf. So this the results of of our overnight get-away.

This was the only sailboat I saw that day but we saw lots of fishing boats but too far away to get anything decent.

This wind surfer was fun to watch--he of course had a wet suit on. Larry was watching him from a distance but he did come closer and I got a better shot.

Larry snapped two good photos of the sunset that evening.

This is the Anchor River and I wanted photos of the river running by those big rocks. The river is running a little high since we have had so much rain recently.

The leaves are starting to fall. This was taken at the state campground down on the Anchor River.

Typical Alaskan

2008-08-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Another project completed and ready to be shown at the Keani Peninsula State Fair coming up Aug. 15. I like to vary my projects.

exploding mums

2008-08-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

This quilt was made from a pattern called "Reflections". It is done sort of like a stack 'n whack with the four identical layers. However the layers are manipulated so you get a gradual repeat. I used fusible grid also which was a new technique for me. I plan to show this quilt in the Kenai Peninsula State Fair this month.

Valdez

2008-07-22T10:29:00.001-07:00

I went over to Valdez for a couple of days. I just flew over as it is ten hours to drive it although just a hop over the mountains. Daughter Paula was visiting from Iowa so I got to see her as well as daughter Carla, who now lives in Valdez. Had one gorgeous day so we went out on the boat fishing for an afternoon. Here are a couple of photos from that trip.

I

AWARD

2008-07-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I won something! Thank you Suzy! I will try to figure out 5 to send the award and spread the glory!

flowers

2008-07-13T13:25:00.001-07:00

This photo was taken in my favorite spot for perennials in my yard. The iris are in full bloom. One or two lupine in the back drop. I love daisies! The lighter lavender flower is wild geranium. My rhubarb has gone to seed. The roses are just now starting to bloom. Larry's old snow plow truck in the background sorry--because of all the bulldozer work being done in the yard, he moved it over there out of the way (almost into my flower garden).

This photo is of the lupines that border our rds and are in our fields everywhere now in Alaska. Beautiful. This was taken on the rd to the beach and boat launch as my friend Cheri and I walked it. This is part of the scenery we experience every day on our walks (2.5-3 mi).

Boat launch

2008-07-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is how boats are launched at the Anchor Point Beach. It is 15 miles to Homer to a "normal" boat launch in the harbor and another 20 miles north to another boat launch like this one in Deep Creek. It is so much fun to watch the boats get launched and retrieved--all sizes as long as they are not too deep in the water. There is a natural sand bar that runs out in the area. We have a slip or slot at the harbor on Homer Spit so we use the launch there for our boat. When the boats are retrieved it can be difficult because of waves and wind drift. Sometimes they jam right in on their trailer. There is a young man who hooks the trailer up and the tractor driver pulls them out. The "hooker" has a "cold" job.

More beach photos

2008-07-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

These crows were up near the boat launch and we got quite close to them and they would have been been better behaved to stay put if we had not had some tag alongs. Two young dogs tagged along with us on our walk--we think they belonged to some campers. We knew the crows were not fussing about the fact we were there since the boat launch was right there and lots of people around continuously but the dogs worried them a lot. We were concerned about the dogs following us all the way back to where I was parked but we ditched them at another camping area. I like how the roots and stumps make a nice back drop for the crows.

Beach days and birds

2008-07-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

A friend and I have been walking the beach. I remembered the camera yesterday. I will post more in later posts of more pics as this is just a start. the eagles and sea gulls have been feasting on fish carcasses and some look almost too full to fly.

We walked very close to a young eagle. Don't ask me how but I got this one about to take flight. Just in our walk there had be 30 eagles in various stages of growth. They were on the bluff too and flying overhead. It's difficult to walk and get photos too and some too far away for my little digital to get a decent photo.

Quilting on the Kenai --Show 6-27-08

2008-07-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Latest quilt completion

2008-06-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

I finally completed the "disappearing 9 patch". I wanted to make it larger than what was declared in the class I took from a friend so had to use a couple of other lighter fabrics in the blocks but I put them in the corners and scattered a couple more throughout. I quilted it myself on my Grace with the Elna. Not my very best work but I am happy enough with it. I did not have to pay someone to quilt it at least. It is a large quilt and fits on a king size bed. The backing is a hoot and something I picked up at a quilt store for $4 a yd. This is a fun project but I had to drag it out. I just finished the binding tack down on 6-18. I placed it on our bed but need to take the leftover fabrics and try to concoct a bed skirt with them to match. How long can I drag that out--a few more months probably but there are other priorities calling.

Grandchildren on the beach

2008-06-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Our son and family spent a week here in Anchor Point the first week in June. They stayed at the cabin. They went clam digging and had lots of fun here on the peninsula. We took the kids just to walk on the beach one day too. They found shells, rocks, and star fish.
Reily on the beach at Homer Spit.
Tatelyn at Homer Spit

Caden under Mom's hoodie.

Clam digging at Ninilchik June 8

2008-06-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

I know I am so late in posting these photos. I just wanted to show you all how many people there were digging clams on the extreme low tide--I took a photo looking north and the other looking south. We did this when our son and family were here from Fairbanks. I fell in the mud butt first--thank goodness no one took my picture! We had to walk considerably far for the children but they were good. Reily collected chunks of coal for her grandfather's outside fire pit for which he was very grateful. Sasha and I carried bags of coal and a bucket full of clams plus she had the baby inside her coat. We all had a snack when we got back to the car.

Grandchildren in Fairbanks

2008-05-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

I went to Fairbanks for a week and spent time with the grandchildren who still live there. I don't have a recent photo of Earl, a grandson, as I forgot to get photos when I saw him. I flew a puddle jumper to Anchorage and then to Fairbanks--loved it because I did not have to do all the homeland security stuff. I had not been back to Fairbanks since we moved here in 2006 and I had yet to see our new grandson Caden. I had a great week with all three of our son's children and Sasha.

This is Caden:

Here are the three monkeys--I mean grandchildren--I visited with for a week:

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Reily is his sister on the left and she is 5 1/2. Tatelyn is his sister on the right and she is 3 1/2.

One of our dancers

2008-05-13T17:14:00.001-07:00

This is Gabriella, our granddaughter, age almost 6 yrs. She just started dancing. What charm. Gab is following in her sister's footsteps. We think she is pretty special and a cutie pie.

Our baseball player

2008-05-13T17:08:00.001-07:00

This is Evan, our grandson, 11 years, who is a great baseball player. He is a lefty too. His team plays a lot of tournaments and they take home trophies. This has to be one of his best photos in his uniform. We are proud of this young man.

A legend has passed

2008-05-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

A dear family friend passed away early on Mother's Day May 11, 2008. Norman C O Miller has left this earthly plain. He is so very much missed. He was like an uncle to me. I am guessing at his age but he was about 96. I have known him all my life. He introduced my parents and he was also my dad's best friend. He used to tease me--he would say to me " I knew you before you were a twinkle in your dad's eye." He lived in Maine all his life and died there after losing his beloved Sally a couple of years ago. He and Sally came to Alaska twice to visit us and loved it here. He was a hunter and a fisherman as well as an artist. I will never forget Norm Miller and will continue to miss him. He truly was a legend. His memory lives on in my heart.

another month has passed

2008-05-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

The snow is gone and we have been on another clam digging expedition since I last posted. Snow is gone around our place and nearer the water but the hills still have white on them. I just took a 3 mi walk today--it was windy in places and too warm in others. Actually is prefect weather right now for working outside.

Another quilt has come off the frame and ready to be bound. So I am not idle.

Moose in April

2008-04-12T18:36:00.001-07:00

We have had the same moose nibbling their way in our yard. Larry was able to get some better shots as he stepped outside. Usually we take the photos through the window. The cows will be dropping their babies soon. One moose is a baby from last year. The other might be the mother.

A chunk of coal

2008-04-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

Coal is found on the beaches here in Alaska. The guy riding the 4-wheeler in the clam digging photos spotted this big chunk and of course they had to have it. It took three men to get it in the back of the Jeep. Not sure they listened to me but I suggested logs and trees to get it in and that is what they did because they could not get the leverage. We collect small pieces and burn it along with wood when we have a fire in the outside pit or a fire on the beach. One of the clam diggers burns it for heat. That will last him a while. So it is recycle too on the beaches. My father used to collect driftwood for a fireplace on the beach in Maine when I grew up.

Clam Digging April 8

2008-04-10T09:59:00.001-07:00

We had the best day on the beach clam digging. I forgot to get a photo of the size of the clams--just think Alaskan BIG! They are called razor clams and are much bigger than our butter clams. They have to be cleaned. The guy on the 4-wheeler was a friend who went with our friends. We drove in a beater car 4-wheel drive to the best spot where the sand bars were exposed. It was very wet though. And cold but we dressed for it--we had Tyvek suits under our clothing. I felt like Michelin Man. I had to unzip my coat and take off my gloves. It really was fun. Larry uses a clam gun and does not get on his knees like the guy in the one photo. The others were digging but the clams can go down so fast you have to get on your hands and knees and grab 'em sometimes. The clam gun brings up the mud and hopefully the clam in the mud. I love being out at the beach. It was a pretty day but by 3:00 we had snow coming down. We got a few more inches but it has gone now--but we still have winter snow piles.

Sewing cuties

2008-03-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

I made this little wall hanging for a friend in CA because we share the love of quilting. Another quilting friend sent me the fabric which had about 10 different funky looking quilters/sewers on it. I got the idea to make a wall hanging from it from another quilter. Round and round we go!

Walking on the snow

2008-03-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

I was shocked that the snow in my yard was so crusted and so hard that the moose could walk on the top of it. But here is proof. These were taken from the inside hence the flash on the window.

This is a keeper

2008-03-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

I love log cabin! That is the name of the block for all you non-quilters who might read this blog. The blocks were made by a group of quilters in an exchange--a group of quilters in Fairbanks. Every exchanger picked her own block and colors. When mine came in I was astounded and they all went together perfectly. I could not wait to put it together. I have blocks from other exchanges that are still not put together but these blocks caught me right off and begged to be put together. I think this quilt is a keeper. I did my own quilting too on a Grace Machine Quilter.

March and spring is coming

2008-03-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

No posts because nothing exciting happening and no photos to post. Even Henrietta left home. We don't know if she hit someone's stew pot (not ours) or she is fickle. She was seen about 2 miles away at my friend's house then a couple of days later a male pheasant was seen too in the same yard. Does that tell us anything?

We have had some lovely melting down days. Lots more to go but spring is coming. We have had some ice dams coming off the roof in the kitchen/dining area--one that brought Larry out of his chair as he sat by the window. We have long days now too.

I have a couple of things close to completion in quilting and will be posting photos soon since this blog has the word "quilting" in the name I guess I should. I did quilt a quilt for a friend in exchange for her knitting a sock for me. Yes, a sock. I have been trying to do the second sock to the pair for a long time and found I just was not interested. But the lady I quilted for does beautiful knitting. She likes how I quilted her daughter's quilt she so asked what color I wanted for a second pair because she has another quilt she needs quilting. I guess I should be flattered but this always puts a crimp in my time on my own things.

Soon I will be outside more in the garden and on the beach. Every day I walk the treadmill for 25 minutes and do my mile. An iPod has really helped in that regard. And the pounds are coming off slowly, thanks to Weight Watchers.

Henrietta

2008-02-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

Henrietta comes every day. Larry says she would make a fine dinner--NOT!

February 7, 2008

2008-02-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

I was going into Homer yesterday and stopped at the overlook to take a couple of photos to share as it was beautiful and breath taking yesterday. One was looking one direction and the other opposite. There is some ice on the bay. The land mass is the Homer Spit and houses the main harbor of the area.

Cold cold angry seas

2008-02-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

Larry was at the beach a few days ago and took some photos. I know so many never get to see the Pacific like this so thought I would post them for interest. We can get angry seas any time of the year but these were taken in January.

Piles of new snow

2008-01-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

Ok same views but after the storm.

Snowy day in January 2008

2008-01-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

A couple of photos to show you how hard it was snowing one day--Wednesday or Thursday to be exact of this past week. Then I will post some "finished" photos of the amount of snow we did get--look for them in the next post.

Bear Paw Completed

2008-01-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

I finished the bear paw quilt and it hangs on the quilt rack now. It is done in all flannels. Look at the back--crazy but it was flannel I had in my stash. I did the quilting myself. I think I had other photos of this top here on my blog but it was just that--the top--now it is stuffed and backed and bound!

Our new pet

2008-01-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

Lunch under the tree. We figure there are seeds from weeds under the tree and seeds dropped by the other birds that feed at the feeder and fly to the tree to get the sunflower seeds open under protection. He--probably a she--scratched for about an hr. all around the base of the tree.

He has puffed himself out to stay warm I guess.

He definitely was puffed up here in this shot. He looks like a road runner when he runs with his long tail feathers.

Father and Son

2008-01-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

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This is our son, Greg, at two weeks old and he was such a pretty baby boy.

This is our grandson Caden, Greg's new baby boy, about the same age. There is so much resemblence.

Here is another photo of Caden with his older sister Tatelyn taken at about a month old for Caden and Tatelyn was three in October.

A month old

2007-12-27T19:28:00.000-08:00

Spelling Caden with a C and he is a month old now. Caden Dennis Dixon.

I don't have anything to post on him yet for a new photo but he looks just like Greg did as a baby.

I have not posted because I have been very busy. The Christmas rush is over now and I will try to get some recent photos up. We have lots of snow too. We have had some pretty neat storms--so different from Fairbanks!

Kaden Dixon

2007-11-23T10:25:00.001-08:00

Kaden was born Nov. 22, 2007, Thanksgiving. He is our 10th grandchild and was born to our son Greg and his wife Sasha. He has two big sisters, Reily and Tatelyn. Don't know his stats yet but he is a beautiful baby boy. Life is wonderful and we have so much for which to be thankful.

SNOW!

2007-11-18T17:58:00.001-08:00

What a difference from last year--we got our first appreciable snowfall in October and it came in with a storm. This year it was just gentle snowfall and came on Nov.17. Larry had to fire up the old Dodge and plow us out today. The sun was out for a while today so I snapped a photo taken in back of our house.

Enjoy!

Not quilting!

2007-11-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is our oldest daughter Carla (ok Carla I won't tell anyone how old you are!) working on a theater/stage curtain for the local high school in Valdez. She does a lot of sewing but it is more industrial type sewing for which she gets paid the big bucks. Valdez is right on the ocean so she does a lot of things for yachts and boats, i.e., canvas windows, cushions, curtains, etc. What talent!

Winter Bloom

2007-11-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

I bought this plant for $5 at a garage sale a couple of months ago. I took this photo the other day and now it has even more blooms. Isn't it beauitful! We have a little snow on the ground now so seeing something so vibrant and living is rewarding to say the least.

Our foot ball player

2007-11-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

This is our 11 year old grandson, Evan, who is an avid sports player--here he is playing foot ball. He also plays baseball. His mother, our daughter, tells me he is into hunting now with his dad.

Posing pheasant

2007-11-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

He does not like to hold still often. And the shots are taken through a window. The visitor was around the yard for a few days and we could not resist getting some good photos of him as we have never had pheasant in our yard. Amzing how he blends in sometimes and how beautiful he truly is.

Family

2007-10-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

A great photo of our youngest daughter Lynnette and family. They are such a busy family so of course most difficult to get a photo of them together. I have not been down to see them in 2 years. Miranda is 13, Evan 11, and Gabriella 5.

I have been tagged!

2007-10-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

I lost count on my tags but now I have to do a MeMe. I am not sure I know how to do the links but will give it a try. Here are the rules:

Here are the rules which you must abide by if you are tagged.

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

I read Candi's 7 facts--not sure I can own up to everything but why not since most of you are as crazy as I am.

1. I love where I live! Anchor Point, Alaska! I don't plan on moving!

2. I love the outdoors and never tire of scenery--love to watch the birds, the weather, and moose in my yard.

3. I love to fish too but I hate rough water much more than I ever did so I don't go fishing much any more. I can't get the old man to get up and go out while the seas are calm. I usually catch the first fish on the boat--but that might be because my hook goes in the water first that is baited by hubby--LOL.

4. I am getting so I hate to shop unless it is for fabric! My latest shopping is gift certificates for the grandchildren's birthdays--so easy!

5. I am a saint to put up with my DH but I have been with him 43 years so you would think I would be used to everything by now! I am not trading him in however. He has to be a saint also to put up with me too.

6. Oh I have to top Candi's sandwich--I love peanut butter on crackers with a sliver of fresh garlic--sometimes I add pepper jelly or a piece of sharp cheddar!

7. I love to garden for both veggies and flowers. It gets harder to do that however but I keep on trying. I love to see things grow.

I am tagging:

My Bro

Karrin

Veronica

Gabriele

Carole

Gail

Susan
http://desertskyquilts.livejournal.com/

Hope I did this right. Good night!

A big challenge for me

2007-10-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

This block contains 49 pieces and the block is only 10 1/2" so you know some of the pieces were tiny. It was a challenge for me. It is for a block exchange I belong to in Fairbanks for Martha--and I had to make two of these and she specified the colors. Doesn't it just sparkle! The next time we do this exchange I am planning on something like this instead of the easy log cabin block I chose. I would have never thought of these colors and it just amazes me how well it all goes! Mother Nature did know what she was doing.

beautiful doily

2007-10-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Isn't this doily gorgeous!!!! A friend of mine who goes by the nickname of Varmit on a crochet list I moderate made it for me. I just fell in love with the pattern and sighed over the fact I have no time for making a doily for myself so Varmit made it for me. Thank you Varmit AKA Marsha

Bear Paw Block Exchange

2007-10-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

This quilt top was done for anticipation of an exchange happening November 11. The blocks were from the previous exchange and I joined at the tail end of that one and got the blocks--I was told you put it together for the next meeting. It's done in flannel.

The blocks for this exchange coming up are house blocks. They took a long time to complete and I doubt I will be in any hurry to put them together. I might be up for hosting the next exchange meeting.

Animals for Anna

2007-10-11T18:04:00.001-07:00

This is the quilt I just finished the top on for a dear friend of mine here in Anchor Point. She found the blocks at a garage sale and they were like trampunto. She asked if I would put a quilt together for her. I purchased some fabric last summer and thought about it all winter and spring. Had some different designs going in my head but ended up with the flying geese border that just made this quilt move! She is having it quilted and then I will put the binding on for her--she said she wants to hang it. I think it is ideal for hanging but I bet it is warm too!

back yard shot

2007-10-11T17:57:00.001-07:00

This was taken the same day as the previous photo below. Google would not let me post it this morning so trying again. Fall is short here. We don't have the colors because we don't have hard woods. I still enjoy it especially when the leaves fall.

fall look

2007-10-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

Check it out quickly--it is probably going to change again and I will next post a photo with snow!

beach time like this running out

2007-09-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Time is definitely running out of days like this on the beach here this summer--besides fall arrives on Sunday. I took this beach photo 9/16--it was a beautiful day on the beach and we had a little lunch and fire. Then Larry rescued someone trying to pull a camper up the rd and was having problems--his truck literally pulled the truck (they were from Indiana) and the fold down camper UP THE RD to the highway. I don't know what the grade is where they were stuck but it was not a pretty sight. I waited on the beach. LOL We figure it was our last day to ride with the 4-wheeler. We gathered some coal for the fire pit at the house.

The flower--well that was taken a few weeks ago on the beach. Amazing how they grow like that. Last Sunday the 16th, all the flowers like that looked like dandelions with their seeds ready to blow in the wind.

Speaking of flowers, I still have flowers blooming in my yard--roses, portabelia (sp) a few petunias, daisies, and other wild flowers. The bees are so bad they won't let me pick the raspberries. We had frost last night so I should try to get everything left in the garden--only potatoes, carrots, and a couple of cabbages left to reap outside. The wasps chased me out of the garden more than once yesterday. Still have tomatoes, herbs, and zucchini in the greenhouse.

Rain is predicted for the next day or so.

minus one panel and siding

2007-09-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

The garage is finished except for the one panel on the door--notice the black one that does not match. The siding will probably happen next year. Larry is busy putting up shelves and arranging piles. Soon the boat will be stored in there for the winter. The photo of the garage in the distance with the fireweed in bloom, was taken from the North Fork Rd which runs by our house--I was standing under our street sign--Anchor Ct.

Whiskey Gulch Beach photos

2007-09-07T09:46:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos we recently took down on the beach at Whiskey Gulch. Notice the erosion on the bluff--that's why we did not buy the one house we had wanted right on the bluff--we did not relish the idea of a good shaker or bad storm with lots of rain and sliding down the bluff like that. I love the one with the fog--it was moving and rolling and was so pretty. We had a hot dog roast too while down there. After we had our lunch we had a bigger fire with coal--you can find clumps of coal scattered all along the beach.
Enjoy!

two granddaughters

2007-08-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

These two granddaughters are daughters of our son Greg and his wife Sasha. Reily just turned 5 on August 18. Tatelyn, the younger granddaughter, will be 3 in Oct.

never too old to 4-wheel

2007-08-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

We spent two afternoons on the beach at Whiskey Guilch--about 5 miles from the house to that particular beach--and went riding, fishing, and had hot dogs over a fire. The weekend (8/25 and 8/26) weather was beautiful--gorgeous summer days. However, down at the water line there was considerable fog as you can tell from the photos.

The Boat

2007-08-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Here is the photo of the boat my grandchhildren caught their BIG fish from. It is my daughter's and her new husband's boat and it is located in Valdez. SIL, Gary, is a captain and can take you on a charter if you are over that way. You too might catch one that big!

That's our oldest daughter Carla on the bow--Valdez mountains in the background.

whoops/summer sky

2007-08-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

I posted the pix in the bay twice of that cloud--can you tell I am taken with clouds? I am always wanting photos of the clouds--they are so interesting. Here are a couple more I took one evening about a week ago looking east around 9 p.m.

Kachemak Bay

2007-08-15T17:05:00.003-07:00

We took the boat out of the harbor the other day and I got some neato photos I thought I would share.

big fish!

2007-08-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Josie and Earl, sister and brother, granddaughter and grandson, went fishing in Valdez recently. Josie's halibut weighed 180 lbs--Earl's was just under 150 lbs.

Oldest granddaughter Josie

2007-08-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

Josie, our oldest granddaughter, almost 16, plays soccer with a team of girls that have been playing together for several years now. They travel to the western US states and compete there every summer. They recently played for the state cup in Kenai, AK--Josie was the goalie for her team.

garage update

2007-08-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

I do need to update and take more photos because the roof is on and the doors are made--still not siding however.

We plan to get a roof on a porch too before snowfall.

More Garage space than bedrooms

2007-07-27T10:28:00.001-07:00

flowers

2007-07-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

Summer Solstice

2007-06-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

We are almost at the Summer Solstice. We had a beautiful few days through Saturday last and then Sunday I thought fall was here already--cold and the wind right out of the north. But they are predicting warmer temps and pretty days again starting today for a few days. We have had no precipitation however. I have to water my garden by hand every day. The water right out of the well is too cold and shocks the young plants so I have to water by hand. Same for my greenhouse where we have buds on the tomato plants and things are thriving. I can't keep up with the weeds in the yard though--the dandelions are taking over as well as horse's tail! I have picked rhubarb already but there is promise of tons of strawberries!

We have a family of swallows in one of the birdhouses on top of the pole that holds up the fence surrounding the garden--I don't have a photo yet though. We also had some sort of sparrow banging himself into the kitchen window--he is a slow learner--notice I said "he"! Don't know if he is suicidal or wanting to mate with himself! We have the most beautiful robins too. There are many species we watch sometimes as we sit right there in the yard. I will try to get some photos.

Larry bought an older ATV and has fixed it up--he took me on a ride down the street about 1/4 mile--there is a trail on the side of the rd for snowmachines and ATVs. We plan to take it to the beach soon--that should be more fun than the side of the rd--we had a dog come running out of his yard at us but I spoke to him or her, and he was ok with us invading his territory. When we go riding again I will take my camera.

We spent Sat. night on the boat at the harbor--it was too rough (6 ft. seas predicted) to go out on the water on Sunday--at least for me! The entertainment at the launch was awesome. So many boats in and out of the water. A big fishing boat came roaring out from the side dock and almost hit a small boat coming into the harbor--the small boat took evasive action and almost sent someone standing in the rear into the drink! Some ladies came down on the dock one up from us and fished in an open area where there were no boats parked--I saw them catch a herring and a small halibut right there! Larry tried it the next day but all he did was lose his bait. That was our entertainment and excitement for the weekend. The wind came up in the night and gently rocked the boat for nice sleeping.

Very little sewing happening here for me since the garden has taken precedence. I did do sundresses for Reily and Tatelyn. Gabby's is in the process. Lots of unfinished projects waiting. There is the big quilt show called Quilting on the Kenai happening this weekend and I have plans to go with the quilters from Ninilchik on Friday. We will do lunch out too! I was too busy with the garden to enter anything for display. Everything happens at once and I have found multi-tasking is not my forte' any longer! Wonder if age has anything to do with it?

And one last note--#10 grandchild due in November. And it's a boy!

company

2007-06-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today is dedicated to company who have come and gone--whew 8 days of buzzing bees. That's what Larry said anyway. One time 12 for dinner. But after the long weekend, they started leaving for home, a few every other day, and we spent last few days with Greg, his school/neighborhood buddy Jim, and Jim's 12 yr old son Brooke. We have lots of fish in our freezers now as the main thrust was for fishing. We also had a friend from a crochet list--Cool Crochet--visit and the hubby got to go out fishing one day. That's all they did here and missed a whole bunch of other things to see and do but the highway called them. So it was hectic week last week to say the least--now it is like dead silence! This photo is of me and my friend, Ree, from Maine who came to Alaska.

quilt show

2007-05-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

A couple of fun small ones.

This quilt does not show up as pretty as it was actually. Done for a 50th wedding anniversary. The quilting was done with gold thread--it was very attractive in person.

I just liked this one and want to do something like this some day.

This is hand done embroidery in the middle of each block--each block represents the month of the year. This was done by another friend I sew with Nada Torgeson.

This is the one that won viewer's choice. It is pretty and nicely done.

The Mariner's compass one was a wedding quilt --quilt was made by Cheri Worley for her daughter. I sew with Cheri and also go to Cheri's quilt classes. She taught a mariner's compass class and I learned so much. I had hoped this one would win best of show.

This show took place on Mother's Day in Homer, Alaska. There were 64 total quilts there.

Is it ready yet?

2007-05-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

I put the finishing touches on Larry's boat--I made a new flag. A brand new angel now for the Sea Angel. So there are two photos of the boat all done and ready to go in the water--she has a newly painted bottom too. I was able to snap that photo before they carted her off to Homer Harbor to slip her off trailer into the clear blue Pacific! Now let's see if they can catch some fish!

Love these sandhill cranes

2007-05-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

I took these shots on May 8, 2007. I bet there is green grass now out there--we have had some rain since then. These were taken way up on the North Fork. Aren't these birds something else? Hope you all enjoy!

Welcome RAIN!

2007-05-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

WOW

These guys and gals are gonna love the fact that it is finally raining here. Everything should sprout green now. This photo was taken by Georgia, up in the hills in her yard--some stay all summer she said. I watched these guys from her sewing area. Aren't they great? For those who might not know--they are sandhill cranes and have flown thousand of miles to get here.

I have a few more pix of these guys I took so will post them later under a different post as I have yet to download them off my camera--and there are steps involved. What fun this is being able to share springtime in Alaska with anyone who is interested. With the rain, we will have green grass and leaves on trees finally!

spring fever

2007-05-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

I guess one can say I have it--spring fever! I got 85% of the cleaning inside done. A method to my madness--no heavy cleaning during the summer. Worked in the yard too--yesterday was particularly fruitful in that dept. I have not done anything with the greenhouse yet but good thing--it was 27 when I got up this morning. Lots more to do and then clean windows too. And oh, there is the filthy car I ride around in! Yikes! Decided to save the $10 and do it myself but the water system here at the house is still not fully functional. Larry did the roof off the wellhouse so he can get room to work on that--the pressure tank sprang a leak.

I have not been to the beach for a walk and I want more beach rocks too--for the yard--so one of these days--there are sure plenty to be had down there. And then I have to go to the nursery for some plants. I do have some seeds sprouting inside too--hope they can go in the green house soon.

I am almost caught up with quilting exchanges--can't wait to clear my sewing room of those projects. I am promising not to take anything more on from outside this house and family! I have to figure out how to do a new bow flag for Larry's boat--the one there is in shreds. Guess I will ask for a piece of nylon at Northern Marine when we go to pick up Larry's last window for the boat--yes, he had them all redone. Sure looks good and you can see through the windows again!

I don't have any interesting photos to put here--will try for some as things start greening up around here.

Birds in batik

2007-04-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well, this quilt is finally done and hanging on my wall. I am keeping this one and might even put it in a quilting show or two. I like how it came out and it was something I just put together on my own. I had the center blocks of the birds and decided to do it all in beloved batiks. I took it with me one summer--maybe two or so ago--to the cabin here in Anchor Point. This is what I dreamed up. It went back to Fairanks and it was finished there with borders and then it came back to Anchor Point and I finally got it on the frame this past winter. And I just finished the binding the other day. I hope some of you will critique it and tell me what you think. Please leave a comment if you can.

one more--about the challenge

2007-04-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

Here it is now and ready to be quilted. Kind of different that is for sure. Hope the senior center likes it and can do something to raise some money with it.