Christmas at the Cabin

This year for Christmas, Wren and I decided to take photos in our hideous Christmas sweaters!

We both made comics (you can see his on his blog).

We fixed up the cabin nice (Wren's cabin he's been building at the quarry), MacGyver-ed up a Charlie Brown tree with random "ornaments", 

We made dinner together.

And we each wrote a Christmas poem. Here's mine. Ehem...

It's the Cabin for Christmas!

We decide with delight

A list is created

To make everything just right.

It's groceries and bedding

And two heaters for sure!

Lights and extension cords

Are a cabins Christmas cure.

We roll into the quarry

In the Echo packed real tight

Across a newly formed river

Increasing in its height.

But we make it to the cabin

With daylight yet to spare

We get to the unpackin'

And set up with excited care.

Wren's at the generator

Makin' us some heat

I'm  on sweep n' tidy

And soon all's nice and neat.

A tiny Charlie Brown tree

Will add some Christmas light

We decorate with randoms

And what a jolly wholesome sight.

The night is getting chilly

And our stone abode is not yet warm

So dinner's a can of hot soup

And we enjoy the rustic charm.

Tummies warm and full we're ready

Stocking caps still on our head

To watch Muppets Christmas Carol

As we snuggle into bed.

Sharing Christmas in the cabin

Is such a sweet delight

I'm thankful for just everything

'Cause everything is just right.

Rivers ClownHawk Birthday

This year, River had a ClownHawk bowling party for his birthday. I of course wore Rivers moustache (he gave me his real-fake moustache years ago and is borrowing it for this picture. I'm wearing licorice.), but the name also inspired me to don my favorite clown suite, and make a balloon mohawk to compliment the look. 

 Chipps was there!

Melanie was there and she couldn't get enough of Rivers Moustache.

Who could blame her, really?

 More Moustache-love from Melanie!

Rivers Mom (Joan) couldn't get enough of Santa (Gabriel), even with the evil Krampus in the background (the Dirty Birds in disguise, who swept me away for a brief, random video shoot!)

As a good clown should, I brought a bunch of other balloons for just-in-case. They fit in perfectly at the bowling alley.

 Joan's moustache cake: the hair is made from licorice! Brilliant!

Birthdays, friends, costumes, cake, Santa, bowling, moustaches... thanks River, what an awesome party!

New Housesitting!

Wren and I have a new housesitting place. It comes with horses!

 And dog snuggling!

 And a gorgeous gazibo!

 And a Boochie (that's her name)!

 And a Jebbie!

 And being that it was winter, a frozen fountain pond!

Peoples homes and animals are just so lovely.

Moms surgery

My mom's a trooper. This year she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and so far, she has had chemo, surgery, and now more chemo. When told that the chemo will most likely make her hair fall out she said, "Just the grey ones, right?" Then asked my dad to knit her a "Whoopie Goldburg hair hat". Here it is with my dad modeling his second blond version.

When told they would remove 3/4 of her stomach she excitedly noted how she's been trying to have that surgery (bypass) for years! Here she is with her male nurses...notice where her hands are? She is a notorious bum pintcher and typically has the staff in "stitches". Also in this photo, my mom is sporting her newly died fucia/red hair color! "You only live once!" She proclaimed proudly.

When she had her surgery and was showing off her scar, or "zipper", she bragged about how tough it made her look. I love this woman and her enduring sense of humor and optimism. 

Mom's currently in a great recovery center in Port Townsend where she does physical and occupational therapy, has a great "room" mate, and is exceeding her therapists goals. She loves a challenge, and loves to win... and she sure has been wining the hearts of everyone involved in her recovery process.

Rudolph the Baby Orca

My old friend and roommate Rudolph the cat passed away today. He was 15 years old and weighed a whopping 23 lbs! He had the fur of a bunny, eyes like saucers, and dainty feet. I have had many a belly laugh because of this cat, and am so happy he has been a part of many peoples' lives. Thanks Rudolph for the good times.

XO Rudolph!

Juggle bags!

I just opened an etsy site with my first product... a juggle bag. I made one for myself just over a year ago and it has been so great! Since then I've made two others for birthday gifts. I couldn't find any place online that sells them so realized that making Juggle Bags would be my calling, my life's goal, my million dollar baby!!! Ok, maybe it will be a fun project I enjoy for a while. So here's the link to my Etsy site, where you can see these same photos there!

We'll see if anything comes from it, but for now, I'm off to sew!