Monday, December 6, 2010

Bad Blogger

Well it has been awhile since I have been here.  My Dad had his surgery and is doing well.  He had two tumors that were different types of cancer, but they got it all and he stopped smoking.  So that is good news.  I am still a little mad that  it took this to make him stop.  My nagging never did.  I hate smoking, have since I was tiny made my mother stop when I was three years old by telling her she could not kiss me any more because she smelled bad.  Well it worked on her but not my Dad.  But he has always known he could not smoke around me I just would not put up with it.  Yuck, never dated a smoker, kissing one would be like licking an ash tray.

On with better things.  I have been so busy.  My little hobby has been very time consuming this summer and I will spend most of Feb, March and April getting ready for the next cruise ship season.  I have spent the last part of Sept, Oct, Nov, and now working on Santa to the Villages Program.  I like keeping busy but I am ready for a break.  We do an auction to raise funds for the program first and then we do the work to get ready to deliver the all the presents and other items to the villages so it takes several months to do everything.  There are just a couple of ladies who do an tremendous amount of work and the rest of us do a lot of work.

Well I hope to do better at keeping up.  Let the giggling begin!!!

Friday, July 9, 2010

”We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey” --Miyazawa Kenji

I haven't posted anything lately.  I have been very busy with making photo coasters and other photo related items for the cruise ships that come in once a week.  Haven't had much down time.  But last night I got a call that made me sit down.  My Mom called and told me that my Dad has lung cancer.  They will not know what stage until next week.  I am so scared and angry.  I have asked my Dad to stop smoking since I was a very little girl.  I am only child and a Daddy's girl.  I feel so helpless.  When I had cancer I cried for about 5 minutes and moved on.  Now I know how my parents felt.  I can't do anything.  I am not use to that.

Well it is time to dry the tears and wait.  I hate waiting.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Scott and Karen



A couple of weeks ago my friend Karen and her husband decided to renew and have their marriage Blessed by the church.  How wonderful is that!!!  They ask me to take photos which surprised me and scared me.  I take nature pictures, never really done the human photo thing.  But I agreed and I am glad I did.  I was honored to be part of such a beautiful day.  It had been grey and rainy for a few days, but that afternoon the sun came out and turned into a beautiful day.  Their son stood with them, Karen's Mom was here visiting and she had such a look of love on her face as she watch them.  It was one of those moments in life that make you very happy.    Thanks guys for including me on such a wonderful day.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Survival suit race

Silly me, I didn't think about anyone not knowing what a survival suit race would be or what it would be about. If you have ever watched the Deadliest Catch you have seen a survival suit. Bright red, looks like a giant rubber suit that covers you from head to toe and only your face is showing. It is a pain to get in but hey if will save your life it is well worth the effort to get in it.


Kodiak is a small town with a large fishing community. We are the second largest island in the U.S. Our island is the beginning of the Aleutian chain. Our fishing fleet can be exposed to some of the worst weather you have ever seen. It is a horrible fact that too many lives have been lost to the sea. Survival suits are one way that you have of trying to survive if you go down.

If a boat is sinking you put on your survival suit, life rafts are deployed and launched. Sounds like it should be easy to get in. Wrong... By the time the life raft has been launched it could be 100 yards away and the crewmembers of the boat are going to have to swim to the life raft. Our waters are cold even in the summer. Right now it is around 38 Fahrenheit, crab season the water is below freezing, and the wind has a habit of howling!

Every crewmember is required to get in their survival suit in a certain time to be able meet USCG regulations. Everyone practices, even the Coast Guard has survival suit training.

Ok so I have gone on about the survival suit so here is where the race comes in. During Crab Fest we have a race, a "friendly" competition to see what team can put on their suits, and swim to a life raft the fastest.

Each member of the team must:

Run down a ramp

Unpack and don a survival suit

Swim 100 yards of cold teeth chattering water

Get into a life raft



The team with the fastest time wins.

Survival suit race pictures

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Crab Fest Pictures

Crab Fest

Sometimes I just seem to run out of free time!  Crab Fest has come and gone.  It was a beautiful sunny day for the first day and then the rain set in for the rest of the Crab Fest turned into the Kodiak Rain Festival!  Oh well, everyone that went still had a good time.  There was great food for everyone to choose from.  VFW had the funnel cakes, and fried twinkies, CPOA had the turkey legs everyone has been missing, and of course their were the bruin burgers and dough buoys.  Personally you couldn't pay me to eat the last two! YUCK.  Not that I want a fried twinkie.  I did go to Marie's and enjoy some of the best steak taco's I've ever had.  And one day we had some great B-B-Que sandwiches from organic beef from Alaska Beef.  The Mudd's know what they are doing.  If they start selling wholesale I will be getting a side!  I didn't take a lot of pictures due to the weather but I took a few of the survival suit race and people on the midway and some of the kids with "fair hair" the hair was fun. 

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday.  I made it through another year.  Every year I celebrate my birthday I am amazed I made it. I am so lucky to be here.  Everything I have been through, I shouldn't be here, but I am and very happy about it.  Not so happy about the tiny lines that are starting around my eyes but I can't have everything. LOL 

Kodiak was beautiful for me the sun was out, wind was calm and the ocean looked like glass.  We had a cruise ship come in and the ferry came in and docked right after they left.  So it was a good day for the all the tourist.  Kodiak isn't green yet, but it is getting there.  A few more weeks and everyone will know why it is called the Emerald Isle. 

Crab Fest Starts today.  Let the fest begin!!!  You know who the locals are, they are the ones in line with food in each had and waiting in line to get more food.  VFW will be selling funnel cakes and fried Twinkies, snow cones, CPOA will selling brats, but most hope they will have the turkey legs back.  I heard from a little birdy they will.  We'll see.  King crab will be on the menu, dough buoys, bruin burgers..and the list goes on.  I hope to take pictures of the USCG when they put on their show that is always fun and hopefully I can make the parade. 

I have to post a picture later of the halibut Karen gave me.  I can't wait to hang him up in the kitchen.  Halibut is my favorite fish.  Yummy in my tummy.  Can't wait to go halibut fishing!!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

View from an airplane

Just a few shots from the flight to Seattle from Alaska.

Happy to be home

After spending a week in Seattle I remember why I do not miss living in a city! Good grief it takes forever to get anywhere and everywhere is crowded. Also I just didn't get a thrill out of watching people urinating in public. Not just the homeless, but a young guy wearing a skirt. Yes a skirt. It was not a kilt. Anyway the food was great. So many choices which we don't have here on the island. But after a week I was tired of eating out and was ready to eat my own cooking for a change. I don't know how people eat out all the time. Even when we lived were we could do that we only ate out once a week or so. Loved Zoopa's. Incredible all you eat salad and pasta bar. No meat on the bar, but you can order chicken extra if you like. They even have tofu and a bread bar. When we go back to the west coast I will definitely eat there again.


We went to Pike's Place, I do miss being able to shop like that. All the wonderful choices in fresh fruit, herbs, plants..... not to mention love watching the early morning fish market. We also went to the aquarium. It was rather strange to go in there and see so many things in glass tanks that we see here on the beach and when we go fishing, or just riding around the island. They did have a rather cool display for jellyfish, it went in a circle and had lights that changed colors so that when the jellies passed the colors where displayed through the jellies and you were able to see every detail of the jelly. Made for some interesting pictures.

I also did a lot of regular shopping for things that are hard to get here on the island. We came home with two footlockers full, weight, 48.9 and 49.3. Just made the weight for the flight. We went to Seattle with one of the footlockers, believe me this is not unusual with anyone from Alaska. Anyone living in the "bush" goes with empty suitcases wherever they go, or they come home with "Alaska luggage" which can be anything, including a cardboard box with duct tape. We went to Target to get the footlocker. Looked everywhere could not find one so I decided to ask someone if they had them. I found a Target employee, asked him if the carried footlockers and he said oh yes I'll show you. So I follow him, DH in tow. He stops at the small food containers. Did I mention that he was Nigerian? So English was his second language. I told him I wanted a f-o-o-t locker, he gets this strange look on his face, then he ask me how many feet did I want to put in the locker? My DH leaves at this point, and I am trying not to laugh while I explain what a footlocker is. Next thing I know he holds up his inventory machine that shows that nothing was found matching footlocker, and he is stammering and takes off. By the way he followed us out of the store. He thought we didn't see him but we did. So I guess he thought we were some kind of criminals looking for storage for our trophies! I went to Wal Mart even though I didn't want to, they had it. Oh well it made for a really good laugh

Anemones and urchins

sea anemones and urchins

Fish aquarium

Fish at Seattle Aquarium

Jellyfish aquarium


Jellyfish at the Seattle Aquarium

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Beautiful day at Pasagshak


Yesterday was amazing. The big round bright shiny thing in the sky that so often alludes us here on the island stayed all day! When my DH got off work he loaded the atv up and we headed out to Pasagshak. We were hoping to see some whales maybe. The whales were not close to shore but you could see lots of spray and and a few flukes. However, the buffalo are having their babies right now and they are just adorable. The Teddy Bear Cows are also calving. O.K. so their name is not Teddy Bear but that is what they make me think of, wish I could make stuffed animals like them. They are Scottish Highlander and they are a rugged breed to make it here. They have one heck of a view for grazing even if they don't appreciate it. While riding the atv around I got to see a whale breech. No picture except the one that will live in my memory of a wonderful day. The dogs loved running on the beach, staring at the buffalo, and Buddy got brave and "chased" a cow. Which means he ran toward it and when it got off the road he kicked his stiff little legs like he had done something grand. He was proud of himself. Taz ignored him and the cows.

In just a few miles of road way we saw whales, buffalo, and new babies, cow, and new calves, eagles, ravens, magpies, chickadees, wrens, sitka deer, Canadian geese, and swans. All done in a couple of hours. Not bad for a quick little ride in the afternoon.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Why a day trip from Kodiak is never just a day trip.

Well my DH and I left for Anchorage Monday morning bright and early. We both had several appointments. The flight to Anchorage went smoothly, the appointments went as well as can be expected for the VA. We had something important to do for a friend in Eagle River that went well. So we headed back to Anchorage to go eat at the Moose Tooth. They have great pizza, something we don't get here on the rock. That went great, so back to the airport we go. Turn in the rental car, check in at ERA and head for the gate which is in no man's land. The board shows the plane is on time. So far so good. Well half an hour before we should leave we hear them talking about our flight is going to be late. Well, we are only about 20 minutes behind schedule. Not bad. I should have known that it would only get worse. Coming in to the Kodiak area, we couldn't see anything, fog was thick as pea soup. We start our decent, WHAT? Still can't see anything, landing gear goes down, WHAT? By now the whole plane is quiet. Next thing we know the plane is nosing up hard!! It better, our runway starts at water and ends in mountain. Pilot makes the announcement we are heading for Homer. HOMER, WHAT? We get to Homer land get off the plane, and they fuel up, oh joy, we were low on fuel. Finally the pilot informs us that we will be heading back to Anchorage. Jeeze lady we needed an hour for that? One more time on the plane and back to Anchorage we go. Getting off the plane is fun, since everyone wants to be first in line at ERA to rebook! Look out rude, tired, frustrated, travelers running amuck! By the way this is 10:00 at night the flight left at 6:40 and is only an hour flight. Next flight available is 10:00 the next morning. And no, not everyone on the plane made it on that flight. I am happy to say we did and got back on the rock a little after 11:00, only to find out they were doing emergency repairs to our heat. thank goodness for good neighbors.

I have to thank our friends for caring for puppies while we were gone. Buddy, went to stay with his "girlfriend" Lola. One spunky, active dog is one thing but to have two is another. And when those two get together, they go in crazy circles. Taz stayed with Trinna, and showed what a diva he really is.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Basketsbyrose give away


Everyone loves beautiful handmade baskets, well here is your chance to when a free basket. These beautiful baskets are handmade right here in the USA. For a chance to win click on the link I have her and get all of the details. While you are on Rose's blog check out all of her other wonderful items!

http://basketsbyrosebasketsbyrose.blogspot.com/

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Puppy Love











We have all heard the term puppy love, well my bichon Buddy is really in love. It is cute, funny and a little depressing. We took Buddy and Taz to meet Lola, a shih tzu. Her humans were going to Hawaii for spring break and she was going to come stay with us while they were gone. Well, she bounced over to Taz and he ignored her. Then she found Buddy, they just kinda looked at each other and then just went aobut their way. However, when we got inside they took a closer look at each other and that was it. They chased each other all over the house, she cleaned him, he let her, and they had a wonderful time. On the ride home he slept. He sacked out at home. Lola did the same thing. The next morning he was depressed, Lola was too. So we made another playdate for them. Yep, they perked right up. But when they leave each other depression sets in. After a day or so they are o.k. she spent more than a week with us and that just sealed the deal. They are crazy about each other. They pout after they have seen each other and then have to leave the other one. I never thought I would have to take my dog on dates. The strange things we do for our furry family members.
Lola running to Buddy, that hadn't seen each other in a week.
Lola is kissing Buddy.
Buddy and Lola.
Buddy after Lola leaves.








Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Shiny Day




Well the sun was shinning yesterday. The sun here can seem like a foreign object. LOL My poor puppies sat in their favorit spot watching the world go by and enjoying the sun from inside all day. So after we all had supper, my honey took us for a short ride down to Solanie Creek and we let the dogs out to run around like little wild animals, well Buddy anyway. Taz is too....oh I don't know he is just a poodle and they are so paticular. I snapped a few pictures. Walked a little bit and just enjoyed watching the dogs and my honey have a good time. But good grief, did it have to be 27 degrees. Sun was great, but it was chilly. Enjoyed just getting out for awhile.


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Experiment




DRATs




Last night was like Christmas. My husband brought the mail in for me and I had two packages. I got two more great things from DRAT members. The first are the beautiful dove ornaments made by Montezuma Mudd Pottery. They feel so delicate and have wonderful detail.


The second item is a quilted wall hanging from Cottontail Quilts that I received in a member swap. This little brown bear is just adorable, he is perfect for Kodiak. I have already found a spot to put him up and my doves will be on display all year.


You should check out the DRAT website there are some amazing artist.

Friends

Just a quick post to thank my friends for keeping me sane while I am cooped up. Karen has been kind enough to help me here at the house. My craft room had turned into chaos. Not to mention she has taken me to town to run errands and have lunch. Judi calls even though she sounds like she is pulling her hair out with both hands. Slow down girl before you need one of your hats to cover the bald spots! LOL Don't work too hard in Anchorage, yea yea, I know, it is a business trip. Try to relax a bit. Don't worry about that cat in a dog suit, I know he will be in good hands while you are gone. I am researching some treats to make for him that will be alright for him and his little problem.

Thanks to everyone who stops my honey to ask him how I am doing. I will be back in fine form again by the end of May.

And thanks honey for putting up with my grumpiness right now. LOL I kinda like you helping with laundry. Long as it consist of folding and carrying!

Monday, April 5, 2010

A Flock of Seagulls




That smile is so smug. Just like a kid.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter

Happy Easter to everyone. I hope everyone had a wonderful day. I am adding a link on the side I hope you all will watch. I will leave the link. It is a tribute to our troops. I wept as I watched. It brought back so many memories. Most not good. But that discussion is for my PTSD Dr. LOL Just watch and remember that so many women and men will not be home with their families on this occasion. Remember the one thing all military personnel pray for is peace.
May it happen soon.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Crab Pin

I recently ordered this cool little crab pin from Lorri Amidon from her Etsy shop. www.etsy.com/shop/lorristhings You should check out her shop she has very nice pieces of jewelry.

Sunday, March 28, 2010


Mallard duck trying to scratch an itch.

Strange and WONDERFUL Sunday

Today started out great, and got better. I enjoyed breakfast with my DH, spent some time with the "puppies" and figured it was time to call the family in the lower 48. Little did I know that I would get a great big shock. Turns out I became a Grandmother. My son was a little surprised by this news a couple of months ago and didn't want to tell me until after he finished doing the test and then going to court to get visitation rights. One hand I really would like to throttle him, we had "the talk" a long time ago. On the other hand my new grandbabies, are beautiful. Yep, babies, twins, a girl and a boy. Now I can't wait to start spoiling the rotten out of them. Well the credit card company will love me. LOL. Oh well, my life has never been simple, always a little crazy and I hope it doesn't change.

Friday, March 26, 2010


These little snowbunnies are my "boys" on the left is Buddy my happy go-lucky bichon frise, and on the right Taz the "old man" a toy poodle.

Why I started a blog.


Seems like everyone has a blog now. This will be my place to rant and rave, let off steam, praise my family, friends, pets, post pictures and post things I just happen to like. I have turned a hobby into a small business, but this blog is not all about that. I have found other artist along the way who do amazing work and I will be featuring their work also.


I am lucky enough to live on a beautiful island in Alaska. The beauty of the island is more than the view, it is the people of the island. They are an incredible bunch of people. I have always dreamed of coming to Alaska. Alaska was on my dream sheet in the Army. The reason it is a dream sheet, cause you can just keep on dreaming. Never got here while I was in the Army. But after my husband got out of the service, he got a job here and gave me a whole new adventure, just when I thought all of my adventures where over.