Death by Cashmere by Sally Goldenbaum

Another fun mystery writer! This book is part of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series - I liked it. It's a well written mystery, with a little meat to it. Not just a slam dunk obvious solution.

Just what I like!

Great minds...

While I'm on the treadmill I watch episodes of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune that I've Tivo'd. The other day one of the contestants had on a great shirt. I kept looking at it, and thinking, "I really like her shirt." Then I realized: I own that same shirt! It's a blue, black and white shirt from Chico's.

The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith has a distinctive writing style. It is not action-packed. It is not suspenseful, and it's not particularly romantic. It's rather gentle, like a little stream meandering through the story - there are occasional surprises, and some very witty parts. It makes the book fairly easy for me to put down - I'm not usually driven to read it.

That said, I enjoy his books. I don't feel compelled to get the next one as fast as I can, but every once in a while it's just the kind of read I need.

And it's funny - I'll find myself remembering parts of his books, and wondering about some of his characters a few months later, just out of the blue. There's certainly something to be said for that.

Quilting catch-up day

It's my day to catch up on quilting posts.

I made this quilt for Audrey. It's her college graduation quilt - six years late. Of course, there were a few weddings and babies and other life happenings that are my reasons that it took me so long (sorry, Audrey).

Audrey picked the fabric and pattern. We made it big enough to fit her California King size bed. I finished it awhile ago, but sent it off to Valerie to be quilted.

Isn't the quilting fabulous? She did a flower like this in each square - and there are a lot of squares!

Finish date: May 2009 (me) July 2009 (quilting)
Quilt pattern: two simple! from Quick Quilts magazine, March 2007 issue
Quilt size: California King (the pattern is 82 X 90 - we made it bigger)
Fabric: 12 days of Christmas by Nancy Halvorsen for Benartex (the red and gold)
Moda's Bears Just Wanna Have Fun for the backing.

Quilting lessons

I am lucky enough to work with the fourteen and fifteen year old girls in our church. We meet on Wednesday nights to do various activities. The girls (there are three of them right now) decided they wanted to learn how to quilt. We did a very basic one patch quilt, and the girls did a great job. They each picked their own fabrics. I'm always amazed at how different the same quilt can look in different fabrics.

We met a couple of times a month for a few months to work on the quilts. The girls did all their own sewing and quilting (except the binding - I did that). They learned about cutting, and did some of that on their own also. There was some ripping out of seams and re-sewing (I kept saying, If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. One of the girls said - someone who sews must have made that statement).

The quilts have been done for awhile, but I was slow to take the pictures. Here are the finished quilts, and their creators. Great job, girls!

Catherine

Ashley

Madelyn

Fun quilting ideas

One of the blogs I follow is Bitty Bits & Pieces. She has cute ideas and has a couple of items on Moda Bake Shop as well. She is holding a giveaway for a very cute Charmed Gift Bag. Go check it out.

She's also the one I got the pattern for the bookkeeper from. It's on the Moda Bake Shop website also.

Bike trip days 3 & 4 - Campbell River, BC to Tofino, BC, and Tofino, BC back to Kirkland

After a great night's sleep in Campbell River, we all spent a little while exploring different parts of the town. We were right on the ocean, and it felt so good to feel the sea air, and smell the salt water. Ray went off with Scott to hunt down a book store for the latest Wilbur Smith book, and I went for a walk with Karen along the beachfront.

We gathered about 11:00, and took off for Tofino. We back-tracked along the coast for awhile, then turned west and went over the mountains. It was so beautiful. On this trip I saw all the parts of the Northwest that I love the best. Tall, tall evergreens, beautiful green mountains, lakes galore, and also the ocean. My soul was filled enough to get me through the next few months of living in the desert.

After the mountains we came through to the little town of Tofino, right on the ocean - a throwback in time to surfers and hippies. It was a kick. Good news for any who travel there - there are tsunami escape routes marked clearly everywhere you go. The last tsunami was in the 1700's, but they are predicting one could come anytime now. They've been studying the history of the Juan de Fuca fault line that connects directly to the San Andreas fault - at least so says the motel owner, who informed me at length about what to do in the case of a tsunami (they had a pamphlet describing what to do in case of a tsunami, so I asked her about it - and got a very long, but fairly interesting explanation).

We ate at Schooners, and I had some of the best halibut fish and chips I've ever eaten. In the morning I popped over to Breakers - a bakery that was just down the street. They had some great breakfast choices, but I just got a bagel.

Sunday morning (day 4) we left Tofino, and headed home. We went back over the gorgeous mountains, almost to Nanaimo. Then we turned south and went almost to Victoria. We cut east, then up north again to Sidney. That was the most direct route to catch our ferry. There was more freeway driving that day, and it was cooler, but it was still very pretty. We took the ferry from Sidney to Anacortes. It's a two and a half hour ride. We played cards, read, napped, or did whatever struck our fancy. It was raining from Anacortes to Kirkland. Gayle kindly called her daughter, who came to Anacortes and drove most of the women home in her van. The men rode the motorcycles home in the rain - the only rain on the entire trip.

It was a fabulous trip. It was a beautiful ride, and most of all I loved being with all my friends. They really looked out for me and Ray - the rookies - and took care of us. I can't wait until next time!

A note about the pictures: When I go on vacation I plan on taking lots of pictures. Ray was great about doing that this time. I'm good for the first little while, then I forget. Thanks to the Perry's for sending me some of their pictures to add to the blog.

Diane and Ray in Campbell River

Diane, Kathy, and Karen in Campbell River - you can see across the street is the ocean. We're standing in the parking lot of our motel.

Ray, Diane, and Tamara on one of the ferry rides

Ray and Scott on one of the ferries

Fred, Scott and Dave. Let's just say the picture speaks for itself.

I think this was taken in Tofino.

Here's the group, getting ready to board the Sidney - Anacortes ferry.

Ray, Diane, Dave, Tamara, Karen, Scott, Wendell, Kathy, Amy, Scott, Janie, Brian, Gayle, and Fred.

Diane and Ray, driving onto the Sidney - Anacortes ferry.

A fun time was had by all.

The perfect PB&J sandwich.

Today I went on an outing with the Relief Society up to Silver Lake. We packed lunches, walked around the lake, and some women who were not wearing a sling went kayaking for a little bit.

For lunch I took a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I may perhaps be the world's expert on pb&j sandwiches. After all, I ate one every day of my life for my first 15 years or so. Well, almost every day. Maybe there were 10 or 12 days where I ate something else. And I've eaten hundreds since then.

Peanut butter and jelly is the perfect take-along sandwich. If made properly, it does not get soggy or stale. There is no mayo gone bad. It doesn't stink like warm tuna or egg salad.

When I was in 7th grade, part of my allowance included money for school lunches. If I chose to make a lunch at home and take it, I could pocket the money and have a little savings. I chose the middle road. I paid my sister, who was in 1st grade, to make my lunch for a mere fraction of the cost of a school lunch (by the way, this is why she has all the money, and I have none). I taught her the proper technique, and she was a whiz at making pb&j for me.

To make the perfect pb&j sandwich, you must spread peanut butter thinly on each slice of bread. This forms a seal that the jelly cannot ooze through. Then your sandwich is never soggy, and the stronger peanut butter flavor is mellowed slightly by being in two thinner layers with the jelly between. Trust me, I know. I did it today, and it worked like a charm.

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Forty years ago one of man's greatest scientific feats took place. Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon.

Most of us remember where we were when a world life-changing event takes place.

I remember watching JFK's funeral procession on our family room TV.

I was teaching 4th grade at Riverton Elementary School when Reagan was shot.

We were at the lakehouse on Labor Day weekend when Princess Diana died.

I was teaching early morning seminary when I heard about the first plane hitting one of the twin towers on September 11, 2001. As we listened to the car radio while I drove the kids to school, I told them to remember this moment - it would be a day they would always remember.

So, where was I when man walked on the moon? I was in Mayville, New York at my grandmother's house. The family was gathered in the living room, watching the television. I was sitting in the corner, reading Gone With the Wind. My mother told me to put the book down and watch the TV. I was not happy. She told me this was an event that would go down in history. That doesn't mean a lot to a twelve year old who is engrossed in her book. She threatened to take the book away (which she would have done - my mother is a woman of her word). I put the book down, and pouted the entire time that that bit of history was being made and miraculously televised throughout the world.

Thank heavens my mother had the presence of mind to make me pay attention!

Bike trip day two - Gibsons Landing,BC to Campbell River, BC

We left Gibsons Landing about 9:15, and rode along the coast for awhile. Then we decided to dash and catch an earlier ferry than planned. We arrived at the Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay ferry in the nick of time. We drove right on, then they put a big semi on behind us, and off we went.

We disembarked from the ferry and drove to Powell River, where we walked around and had lunch. We ate at Snicker's and the food was great. We went for another ride, then came back for ice cream. Hutter's next to the miniature golf course, had great ice cream - even licorice flavored, for Janie.

We took the Powell River ferry to Comox River. No rush for that ferry - we were first in line. We rode into Campbell River and stayed at the Heron's Landing Motel. We ate dinner at the Lookout. Some of the food was good, some okay. The service was not good.

We had a great night's rest on one of the most comfortable hotel beds I've ever slept on.

Here we are at Gibsons Landing getting packed up for the day

This is the ferry at Earl's Cove - we drove on, and the ferry took off.

Ray and Diane

Here we are in Powell River, stopping for lunch.

Scott, Amy, Kathy, Fred, and Gayle

Tamara and Karen

The Powell River to Comox River ferry - right in the front this time.

Bike trip day one - Kirkland, WA to Gibsons Landing, BC

The seven couples gathered bright and early at the Jaeckels'. The weather was great the entire trip except the last two hours Sunday night.

We rode up I-5 to Arlington, then took Highway 9 to the Canadian border. It was wonderful to be in Washington, surrounded by real trees, and water. We stopped for breakfast at the Acme Cafe. Then on to the border, where we all passed through with no problem. (We weren't expecting any problems, but with this crowd you never know...)

Then we went west - through North Vancouver, and caught the ferry at Horseshoe Bay over to Langdale. Gibsons Landing was just a few minutes further down the road. We stayed at the Ritz Inn and ate a delicious dinner at Molly's Reach.

There are some definite advantages to traveling on a motercycle. The scenery is not blocked by the confines of a car. The scents of the pines, lakes, and ocean are fresh and clear. Then there's the ferry advantage - drive right to the front of the line, or squish in the back of a seemingly full ferry.

Stay tuned for further installments of the great motorcycle adventure...

The group, ready to roll, still waiting for the Butterfields, who were caught in traffic.

The bikes, all in a row. Karen took this - the Perrys always ride in the back. We're on the red bike closest to the camera, then the Mackenzies, then the Badgers, then the Jaeckels, then the Butterfields, with the Bruners in the lead. It's pretty cool to see this as we ride along together.

Gibsons Landing, BC

Janie & Brian

Ray & Diane

Gayle & Fred

Karen & Scott

Kathy & Wendell

Dave & Tamara

Amy & Scott

Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas

Ooh, I liked this book! It might be my new favorite by Sandra Dallas. She is a great storyteller, and this book is no exception.

It's the story of two women friends during the depression in a mining town in Colorado - one is old, one is young.

The Body in the Snowdrift by Katherine Hall Page

I finished this book on the plane yesterday. Mysteries are great books to travel with.

Getting ready

Yesterday we flew into Seattle (by the way, there are still some dogwoods in bloom!!). We checked one bag that had all our stuff for the week. Then we (and by we, I mean Ray) carried on all the motorcycle gear - that way it was sure to arrive with us. This is a lousy picture, but the black bag at the foot of the bed was one of the carry-ons. It is almost as wide as the bed, which is a queen size. It was full. Ray walked through security with it and another bag that had our helmets while I was checking in our one suitcase. No one blinked an eye. Then he walked right on the plane with it, and not one comment or glance at it then. That man manages to get anything on a plane. Debby said he's the airline employee whisperer.

Here's a shot of the bike we're riding this weekend. My dad took the picture while we were out running some other errands. Candy apple red - you can't go wrong with that!

Ray and I went for a ride to make sure our helmet to helmet communication system works. It works great, so I can just chat away the whole time, and the poor man will be forced to listen to me (I hold the controls in my pocket). My dad took these picture when we got back. Helmet hair and all. We're going to have a great time!

Hell has frozen over

Yes, the River Styx is abounding in icebergs.

Ray and I are leaving to go on a motorcycle trip. Something I swore I would never do. This is what happens when a low adventure girl marries a high adventure boy. Eventually he breaks down some of her barriers. That, coupled with a high desire to socialize with my friends who invited us to join them on this trip, caused me to cave.

We're flying into Seattle today, then we'll join up with six other couples, and drive up through Canada, just past Vancouver, then on over to Vancouver island, and back down to Seattle. Over four days.

I'm all set. Ray got me all the gear I need. I even practiced wearing my helmet so that I might lose some of the claustrophobic feeling it gives me (the same feeling I get when using SCUBA gear). I've suggested Ray ask Dave for some drug that will give him patience with me (for Ray). Ray laughed and said any pills that would help in that way would make it unsafe for him to drive.

I'm taking the camera. I'll try to get lots of pictures. Here's Ray by the kind of motorcycle we'll be riding on (Honda Goldwing):

I wouldn't mind a few prayers sent on our behalf... (we leave Thursday morning at the crack o' dawn).

Quilting projects

I've been going great guns with my quilting. I have now completed all the quilts that I had that were partially done when I moved (three years ago this week). Now I just have a giant pile of projects that I've purchased but haven't yet begun...

Two quilts that I've finished I'm having my friend Valerie quilt. One is for Audrey, and it's big. The other is a sampler I finished, and it's so pretty that I want it done specially. I'll post pictures when I get them back. Valerie says Audrey's is next up for her to do. I just gave her my sampler yesterday, so it might be awhile before I get it back.

Meanwhile I got sidetracked from bigger quilt projects by this little one I saw on the internet in the Moda Bake Shop. It's called a bookkeeper. The girl that designed it made it so it would hold her Kindle. It can serve a myriad of functions. It can hold a paperback book that you are trying to keep nice in your purse (or hide). It can hold a couple of diapers and some wipes. It can hold power cords when you travel. Use your imagination.

Here are the first two I made, using scraps from my sampler quilt:

Then I decided to make one as a gift for a friend:

Then I lost all control, and made several more to give away (some of them I gave before I took a picture):

It's a quick and easy project, and a great way to use up scraps. Audrey has helped me coordinate fabrics, and even helped as my quilting maid (ironing and some cutting) so I could get some of these done on time.

More 4th of July

After the breakfast yesterday, I spent the day finishing a few projects, with Audrey's help (see future blog post...). Then in the afternoon we headed to Austin and Jen's with the whole Linford clan. I love it when we all get together. It's a big bonus of living here. Everyone played in the pool, and we had lots of good food to eat. Family on the Fourth - that's the way it should be.

Audrey's holding Madeleine

Debra and Madeleine

The Hanks family - Audrey, Elizabeth, Matthew, Austin, Joseph

I only took a few pictures. I get engrossed in other things and forget to take photos. And I'm not a great photographer.

The Fourth of July

This morning we had a neighborhood 4th of July celebration. We all met in front of the Tillman's house. Jared Gorringe gave a speech, Andrea Reynolds sang The Star-spangled Banner (I want to be her when I grow up), Ray O. played reveille, and the scouts raised the flag. I cried.

After the flag raising we had a little parade down the street - a small fire engine led the way, followed by decorated bicycles and pedestrians. We ended at a pancake breakfast in front of the Gorringes. Lots of people came, and I think everyone had a good time.

I am thankful to live in the United States of America. It's not perfect, but it's a lot better than most of the other options in the world. I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy.

God bless America. Please.

Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy

I fell in love with Maeve Binchy's writing when I read Circle of Friends. I think I've read every one of her books to date. I really liked almost all of them. There were just a couple I didn't like as much.

Binchy has a way of making her characters seem very real. We all know people like the people in her books. She is witty and concise in her writing. To my American mind and ears, her dialogue seems very Irish. That's particularly fun for me.

Binchy's later books have a few characters that float from book to book. They are featured in one book, then show up as a supporting cast in other books. It is not at all necessary to read them in a certain order.

This book is about the staff and patients of a heart clinic in Dublin. I really liked it.

(I bought the book in hardback. I think I actually completed it before it came out in paperback - a goal rarely accomplished.)