Someone Finally Came to Visit!!

Ya know how you have those people that are constantly saying they are going to come visit but never do? Well my friend Stefanie finally did! 

Her and her hubby Thanh came up for a quick 3 day whirlwind tour of Alaska. 

Day #1-- Drove to Seward and visited Exit Glacier, went to Miller's Landing, had a nice dinner and hit the bars (we couldn't drink too much because we were fishing early in the a.m)

Day #2: 10 Hour Halbut Fishing Charter.  We took a two hour boat ride out near Montague Island and dropped our bait.  After what seemed like eternity, and no bites, we decided to move to a new location. This, I admit to say, was after I puked overboard-- yep, classy.

We all caught our limit (Stefanie had the biggest catch of the day) and had a great time!

Deckhand Big Paul and I with my "smaller" halibut.

Our fishing Crew and our Fish.  (the two girls on the right were WASTED most of the trip)

Steffy and our pompous Captain Jeff.. and her halibut.

We were entertained by two dall porpoises that were playing next to the boat.

All in all it was a great time. I enjoyed having Stefanie and Thanh here and hope they come back next year for Part Two of my Alaska Tour! :)

Arkansas; Part deux.

I'm home from my second trip to Arkansas to see Margaret and her family.  Last time I went in May and it was beautiful and this time in April it was equally as beautiful.  All the trees were budding and flowers were blooming and better than anything-- there was no snow!!


This trip was filled with kids, babies, cooking, relaxing, reading, and three other noteworthy things (not that kids and babies aren't..):
1) Cheese Making
2) The Spa
3) The Horse Races


Cheese Making: The last time I was in Arkansas (two years ago), Margaret had bought a book and the supplies to make cheese. We never found the time to do it so we made time this go-around.  We made Mozzarella Cheese and it was delicious!! It was easier than I thought and although someone gave up at the end (uh hem.. not me).. we still came out with a great end product.

The Spa: Margaret and her family live about 45 minutes away from Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is a historic area of Arkansas with hot spring bath houses.  I decided to treat my friend to a trip to the spa (and after a week with three little ones, I can now imagine how much she needed it!)... Neither one of us had ever been to a spa or had a massage. As someone who doesn't particularly care to be touched by people I don't know- I wasn't sure if I'd like it... 
So, we get to the spa, get in our robes, get in our room and by this point, have not stopped giggling the entire time.  Then the massage started and I was whisked away to a land of ooh's and ahh's..  We had a massage, foot rub and facial and they were all amazing.

 Horse Races: As Marge and I were driving through town we noticed lots of people heading one way.. I asked Marge where they were going and she said very non chalantly, "Probably the horse track"..  I knew immediately I had to join those people!  I had never been to a horse race, never had any desire to go to a horse race, but the mere thought of not going was out of the question.  So, after the spa- to the track we went!!  It truly is amazing the number of people that go, bet, sit all day (inside and out), and watch horses race for about 2 minutes at a time..  I loved it.  I bet on two races and won on two-- total earnings for the day: $15!  Had I not just been rubbed down with oil at the spa, Marge may have had to endure a longer stay at the racetrack..  For the record: Horses are beautiful animals and jockeys are funny little men.. tiny, tiny, men.. (I think seeing them was the best part!)

(my winning tickets)

Overall my trip to Arkansas was great! I loved getting to know Margaret's kiddos and having fun with them.. Marge and I are friends that never should have been-- We worked together at Big Brothers Big Sisters and she didn't like me! :)  Now, she is more like a sister to me than a friend and I am very grateful to have her in my life.

♥ ♥ Geoffrey, Opal, Margaret and Penny Sue ♥ ♥



Making myself a Parliament..

of Owls that is!  (a parliament is a grouping of owls)  :)

I saw these adorable pillows on a sewing blog and just knew I had to make one.. and one turned into two which turned into.. well, you get the point!

This first little owl was my test pillow.  I didn't purchase the pattern so I was winging it (no pun intended) with sizes and shapes and such.. I could NOT get the feet to work so I ended up using those cheap stretchy winter gloves you get for a buck.. They were easy to use but turned out looking a little funky... 

Owl #2 was much more successful.

They Never Get Old

This will be my 5th year back in Alaska and no matter how many times I see them,

moose are still exciting to see. 

This little one was in my front yard when I came home from work one day.  She made her way around my house munching on trees.  She was totally content with me sticking my head out the door 10 feet away from her to snap some pictures.  Zoe was in the window hissing at her when she came right up to the window fogging it up with her breath. 

I love Alaska.

It's plain and simple really.  I live in the most beautiful state.

I looked out my window at work the other morning and this was the sunrise (granted it was about 10:30 am or so) but it was still beautiful!

Let's just hope this summer is as beautiful!