Which way from here

Super snowy Saturday

2010-02-06T14:45:00.002-05:00

This week was a frenzy of snow gossip. Rumors that there was going to be 4 feet of snow this weekend... could it be true? The grocery stores were unbearable but you couldn't risk getting snowed in without milk, toilet paper, Cheetos, and Oreo cookie ice cream.

The rumors were true! The above video was our one attempt at a walk. It turned into a snow angel and a walk down the front path and back.

18 weeks

2010-02-06T14:37:00.002-05:00

Two Fridays ago my friend Cecily, her daughter, and I spent some time at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The museum is a short walk from our neighborhood, we could have walked but it was much to cold. It was almost to cold to get out of the car.

2000's

2010-01-01T08:33:00.003-05:00

So much has happened in the past decade...

Dad took me on my first train trip to Arizona. I met and fell in love with Ken. Turned 21. I graduated from college. I explored Seattle. We bought a house. Got married. Traveled to Italy. Bought furniture and then sold all of our things to move to Juneau, Alaska. New jobs. New friends. Lost very dear family members. Explored Southeast Alaska and the Northwest of the United States. Met Sarah Palin. Obama became president. Lost our jobs. Traveled to NY, PR, FL, SC, NC, and stopped in Baltimore, MD. New jobs again. New friends. Turned 30. Found out there will be a new Lewis. And these are just the bullet points! What a amazing and fantastic decade! I am very excited about what's to come!

The Holidays

2009-12-28T12:00:00.006-05:00

The holidays are such a fun time. I have always enjoyed dressing up in coats, gloves, and hats. Growing up in Florida I would dress up in my winter gear and sit around the air conditioned house.

Now living in the North I can go outside in my cute coat and my warm toasty mittens.

We spent Christmas in Puerto Rico where there was no need for wool. We went to my favorite beach Montones and swam, we played Texas hold em, went to a casino, ate good food, visited with family and friends. And we did it all in three days.(see posts from January 2009 for more PR pictures)

On our flight to PR we flew over snow covered cities which was

a first for both of us.

A few weeks ago our neighborhood parade closed down the streets. It was the perfect day for a parade crisp and clear.

Nothing says Christmas like Santa on the back of a Semi!

Fritz & Jennifer's wedding weekend

2009-11-13T11:02:00.008-05:00

Here I have a few images out of 300 to share. The wedding was lovely, the bride was beautiful, and the groom, well, he's alright...

Florida visit

2009-11-06T08:46:00.004-05:00

We are back in Florida for my brothers wedding on Saturday. So far we have been catching up with family. Eating good food. And enjoying the warm sunshine.
top picture - my Great Aunt Bonnie and Ella

bottom picture - Ella

Last day in my 20's...

2009-09-19T08:01:00.003-04:00

What a fun last day in my 20's!

Early in the afternoon we will go to the Butchers Hill Flea Market & Craft Fair downtown... There will be over 100 booths of vendors. Live music. Fair food. oh, and it feels like fall.

In the evening we will get dinner in the neighborhood and head back downtown to see our very first Charm City Roller Girls Bout! I will post pictures next week.

Saturday - A day of firsts

2009-09-08T10:38:00.008-04:00

We have been in Baltimore about 6 months now. Seeing an O's game was a must on our list of things to do. With the season coming to an end the pressure was building. So Saturday we caught an afternoon game. We had prefect shady seats to watch a fun game,the O's won!!!
Earlier in the day I got my first major hair cut/color in three years.
The winning moment!
We drank our first beers in aluminum bottles....
My personal favorite! We saw our first beauty pageant winner, Miss Maryland. How bizarre...

Exhibit - Expressions In Wine & Music at Pure Wine Cafe

2009-09-04T11:01:00.006-04:00

I began painting again a few weeks ago after reading a call for wine art on Craigslist. Last night we dropped these paintings off at their new home, The Pure Wine Cafe in Ellicott City, MD. The paintings will be on display for two months. The opening event will be Monday Sept. 7th.

The top two paintings are the most recent. The bottom three I have posted in the past.

Wednesday sail

2009-09-03T09:29:00.010-04:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post we joined a sailing club in downtown Baltimore. We have taken the first crew class and have sailed once or twice a week all summer. Last night was the first time I took my camera (the winds were low and the light was luscious).

We arrived a little late so we had to wait for a skipper to show up. The wind smelled of sweet molten sugar. Some days the wind smells like sugar (the Domino Sugar factory)and others it smells like freshly baked bread (H&S Bread Factory in Fells Point).

If you look at the top of the above picture you will see a little arrow. That arrow points in the direction of the wind. It is your guide when at the tiller.

Baltimore has several great neon signs. The Domino Sugars sign is one of them.

Feels like Fall, for a few minutes

2009-08-29T09:21:00.002-04:00

I woke this morning to the delightful feeling of Fall. Warmed with a fresh cup of coffee, I claimed a cushion on the couch and continued my journey with The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Ken's mom left this book with a high recommendation. I peruse a few pages between paintings. It's a quick, captivating read written as letter correspondence. The lead character is someone I would like to be friends with... if she existed in real life.

A few more...

2009-08-20T12:47:00.003-04:00

This is the latest one (above) I substituted wine for coffee. I just couldn't waste the wine and I didn't think it a good idea to drink before work.
It's funny I looked at these yesterday and was satisfied with them. I look at them today and they look so unfinished... I guess they are works in progress...

More Paintings

2009-08-17T10:16:00.003-04:00

I worked on these two last week. Unlike the first three these are painted with oil instead of acrylic. I really enjoy the smell of oil paint. It makes me want to walk around in paint smeared thrift store clothing and wear vintage glasses...

Our first date

2009-08-13T12:39:00.002-04:00

Eight years ago on August 11th Ken walked into the winery where I was working and asked me to go to Stoggies (a bar in St. Augustine) with him.

Here we are eight year later.... I know it's corny but it feels like yesterday.

Cupcake pin cushion

2009-08-10T10:37:00.004-04:00

I found a craft group that has both open craft nights and organized craft projects. Ken's mom, sister, and I went to a bottle cap cupcake pin cushion class. We had a great time! It is a simple project made of felt, embroidery floss, a plastic bottle cap, and stuffing.

For step by step instructions click here.

Wine studies

2009-08-07T12:03:00.004-04:00

A few days ago I found a call for wine related art for a wine bar in the greater Baltimore area. So I bought some supplies and I started painting. These are just studies. I limited myself to finish them in one hour.

Finished Mosaic

2009-07-21T21:12:00.003-04:00

May 7th was our third anniversary. Before our Ann. I did some research to get ideas. I found a website that suggested traditionally for the third year leather and mirror were given as gifts.

I first purchased a leather messenger bag/briefcase. I didn't like it so I sent it back. I then contacted a local mirror store and they gave me their scrap glass for free. I then printed the design and transfered it to wood about 34" x 34". Then the slow process of cutting the mirror and gluing each piece in place. This process took over two months. I just grouted it on Monday. I am very pleased with the results.

Artscape 2009

2009-07-21T21:11:00.005-04:00

Artscape is an extensive art festival that shut down the Northern streets in Downtown Baltimore. We went Friday night about an hour before closing time. We heard the last minutes of a concert by Dionne Warwick and saw her police escort and stretch limo leave the festival. It was very exciting... The police lights were flashing, the sirens blaring, and the crowd was cheering!

There were many booths of local and non-local artists displaying their handmade goods. I always enjoy seeing what other people are making.

We had our first sailing lesson on Saturday. We spent 8 hours on the water. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was cool and the wind was active.

After our sailing lesson we scurried over to Artscape to catch the band Cake. It was so crowded! (see picture below) We couldn't get close enough to see the band but their first song was my favorite, Stick Shifts and Safety Belts. We stuck around for a couple more songs, being bumped and nudged by a flow of people trying to get closer but realizing they couldn't. We worked our way back to our car and headed home.

New York for the 4th

2009-07-21T10:45:00.010-04:00

We drove up to NYC to visit Ken's aunt Beth for the Fourth of July weekend. We left Baltimore around 7 p.m. on Friday night and arrived in NYC at 11:30 p.m.. It's so close!

Saturday morning we took the train into downtown. Neither Ken nor I had been to NYC as adults. We were very excited! The city was quiet and interesting. We had authentic Italian coffee at Caffe & Gelateria Dante on 81 Macdougal Street. We went to a couple antique/flea markets. We walked around Central Park, Washington Square, and The Village. We met up with a few of Beth's friends and had a fantastic Thai dinner before we took the train back to Bronxville.

Grand Central Station

Beth recommended that we go to the Met. She didn't have to twist my arm... We started with the Francis Bacon exhibit. I enjoyed seeing how he used photography to inspire paintings. His paint-smeared photos were on display, they were my favorite.

We then wandered over to the Modern art area where we got up close to a Chuck Close. Chuck Close has two very unique styles. This was the first time I've seen one of his photorealistic paintings in person. WoW!!
Chuck Close detail- This is a painting... not a photograph...
We had a great time in New York. We look forward to our next visit!

A documentary

2009-07-14T22:09:00.002-04:00

Tonight we went to see the documentary Handmade Nation in preparation for Artscape this weekend. A majority of the crafters interviewed were crafters we represented at the Creating Place in Juneau, AK.

If you are a crafter or creative person I think you will enjoy this film. It was inspirational for both of us. Check your local listing for showings in your area (it will be available on DVD in September from www.buyolympia.com).

There was a question and answer session with film maker Faythe Levine I enjoyed equally as much as the film itself. She mentioned she will be traveling to Alaska promoting Handmade Nation in the future.

Visitors visiting

2009-06-29T11:42:00.006-04:00

My dad and nephew visited us last weekend. They traveled North by train which took roughly 24 hours. They arrived in Baltimore Friday night and left on Monday afternoon. We jammed as much touring fun as possible into the two full days they were here.

Saturday - Started with us rain soaked running from building to building trying to make it to the Aquarium downtown.

The rain stopped just in time for lunch and a Harbor tour on the water taxi. We explored Ft. McHenry where dad (below) pretends he is in jail. We all participated in helping unroll/hold the flag (see below)during a very entertaining presentation.

Sunday - We woke early and drove to D.C.. We started by walking past the White House (where Brayden is sure he saw President Obama!) over to the Washington Monument, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln, and Korean War Veterans Memorials. We toured the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. We walked D.C. from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. we were officially worn out! We somehow had just enough energy to get dinner in Little Italy (Baltimore) a tasty end to a great Fathers Day!

What fun, Hon!

2009-06-15T11:29:00.014-04:00

"HonFest is a local tradition. The Bawlmer term of endearment, Hon, short for Honey, embodies the warmth and affection bestowed upon our neighbors and visitors alike by historic working-women of Baltimore. HonFest is an annual celebration in honor of these women." www.honfest.net/whatis.html

When in Bawlmer do as the Bawlmerons do....

For a girl who loves to dress up this is the best festival ever! Forget the fried food I just want big hair!
The Hon transformation started with the hair. I decided on a wig over the real thing. I wanted something I could wear again and again. I may just clean the house in my beehive...

Next I had to choose the right dress...
The above dress was too subtle, Hon...

Every Hon needs a great pair of glasses...

These Hon's joined the competition for best Hon...
A whole lot of dancing Hon's, Hon.

How is a Hon judged you might wonder. She has to look authentic, big hair, the tighter the outfit the better, but mostly it's the attitude and lingo that makes a true Hon.
If you can talk Bawlmerese you are a true Hon. There were no toilets at the fest but instead there were TURLITS...
The Hon slogan : The higher the hair the closer to God...

The above and below Hon's were also in the competition.

There were Hon's of all ages. I even saw one dog Hon in a tiger print outfit with pearls and a pink bow.

I recommend checking out the official Hon website (see link above) for more Honformation.

Hoisting the main sail

2009-06-09T09:05:00.009-04:00

When you think of sailing what do you think of?

My first image of a sailor was Popeye. Eating his spinach for strength, always winning his battles, and an admiring Olive Oil near by to boast about his victory. More recently when I think of sailing I think of Capt. Jack Sparrow who of course is a pirate.

Inspired by pop culture and the idea of spending the summer on the Inner Harbor, Ken and I joined a sailing club.

Sunday we went to a sailing open house. Ken hoisted the main sail and we both took our turn at the helm (tiller or wheel). We also both had our turn at tacking (working to windward by sailing close-hauled on alternate courses so that the wind is first on one side of the boat, then on the other). Our first time sailing was great fun! Bring on the spinach!

none of the above images are mine.

A day on the water

2009-05-31T20:28:00.004-04:00

We went downtown with the idea of spending the hotter hours of the day in Barnes & Noble but a docked water taxi changed our plans. The water taxi (map below) stops at many different points of interest in the greater downtown area. You can ride it all day for $9 and you get coupons for free beer! We had so much fun being on the water and exploring neighborhoods we have only been to a couple of times. I was also introduced to my new summer beer - Allagash White - it's light and delicious. Perfect for summer. Thanks to Max's in Fells Point!
These images were borrowed from the web. I didn't bring my camera

thinking we were going to B&N.

Annapolis, MD

2009-05-27T09:56:00.006-04:00

Having a three day weekend is very exciting. We decided to tour Annapolis. It only took an hour to get there but it was a whole other world. Tourists milling about, Navy t-shirt shops in every direction, and massive boats lining the harbor. We had a great time. It's a mix between good old St. Augustine and Baltimore.

We stayed at the State House Inn right across from the capital and in walking distance to everything.
This is Main Street.

Cherry Blossom Festival - D.C

2009-04-07T16:24:00.006-04:00

Sunday morning we woke early for an adventure in D.C. to take part in the Cherry Blossom Festival. The weather was perfect, blue skies and cool. We found parking without any trouble, only three blocks from the White House. We got a warm cup of coffee and fell in with the early morning crowd. First walking by the White House around to the Mall, then to the Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials. Man made and natural beauty everywhere we wondered.

2009-03-14T13:14:00.005-04:00

A few things about Baltimore

2009-03-08T22:52:00.009-04:00

We have been in Baltimore just over a week. I like it here. We are staying in Hampden, a neighborhood full of character, great food, and fantastic shops. I like the row homes, the steam that streams from underground at night, the fact that there is always something interesting to see or to avoid seeing. "The Avenue" is the main walking street just a couple blocks from where we are. We have walked this strip many times but today I took time to go into the shops and look around. I bought a dress for $3! What more do I have to say. Oh the art museums are free... And when you get on the highway the signs give you a choice of New York or Washington D.C.. A great contrast from Juneau where the signs gave you a choice between Thane and Auke Bay.
The Avenue - Hampden
One of several antique stores on "The Avenue".
A very happy mannequin!

Chapel Hill & Duke

2009-03-02T09:43:00.005-05:00

Before arriving in Baltimore Ken and I spent two nights in Chapel Hill, NC. It is a beautiful place. We walked around the UNC campus among hordes of college students. Later the same day we wondered to Duke and marveled at the amazing architecture. (UNC images above, Duke images below)

Saluda, NC

2009-02-26T16:41:00.008-05:00

Some of our very dear friends from St. Augustine moved to Saluda, NC about the same time we moved to Juneau, AK. We hadn't seen them in over two years. I would say they are my benefactors -- they have purchased several of my paintings and have always encouraged me to become a famous painter. They live up in the mountains of NC. We went on a much needed and beautiful hike to a distant waterfall. We caught up on time passed and plans or lack of them for the near future. We ate amazing food, drank delicious wine. It was wonderful to be able to catch up and experience a part of this grand country I had never seen.

Charleston, SC

2009-02-26T16:26:00.003-05:00

We got into Charleston later than planned due to a "quick" detour to Savannah, GA, that took much longer than we expected. We checked into a hotel outside of town, rested a bit, ate food, and made it downtown just before dark. It is a beautiful city! It was cold (in the 30's). We walked along the waterfront and watched the sunset, then chose to drive around a bit because someone didn't wear their long-johns (Ken). We instantly liked Charleston. We woke up the next morning, got coffee, walked, and drove around before we headed to our friends' house in Saluda, NC.

On the move

2009-02-23T08:02:00.003-05:00

We are leaving this morning for Charleston, SC. Many people have responded to our query of where to live with "Oh you should go to Charleston ... I love Charleston!" So today we are going to see what the fuss is about. I have never been there. I am excited to discover a fresh place to consider. It's a city near the water that has character. Sounds great!

It is strawberry season here in Florida and they are lovely and delicious! (picture above)

The Oldest City

2009-02-20T20:21:00.007-05:00

Here are a few pictures of St. Augustine. It's quaint and full of character.
Flagler College (two above images)
Castillo de San Marcos - "The Fort"
St. George Street

Our time in Tampa, Florida

2009-02-19T10:42:00.004-05:00

We spent several days in Tampa. The pictures above were taken on Super Bowl Sunday. We walked around downtown Tampa with my dad before going to our friends' house for an Olympic/Super Bowl party. The Olympic half of the party included Corn hole, Beer Pong, and random luck based on what cars drove down the street. What a great time. The Super Bowl being held in Tampa was an added bonus.

We spent six nights in Tampa with our wonderful friends Kim & Jason. By day we looked for cars and jobs. By night we ate, drank beer, and listened to music. Tampa is a beautiful place.

We learned a lot about buying cars and finally purchased one on Tuesday. We got a 2003 Toyota Camry. So far it's been a great car. Wednesday we woke up early and headed back to St. Augustine, where we are staying with another wonderful friend I use to work with at San Sebastian Winery.

Last weekend visiting St. Augustine with my dad was a great time. Catching up with old friends and seeing old sites. We remembered how much we liked it here. So now we're back in North Florida looking for jobs and career opportunities.

St. Augustine for the weekend

2009-02-13T07:28:00.002-05:00

As promised the above picture is of the Sunshine Sky way. It's an amazing bridge that connects St. Pete to the Southwest coast of FL.

This weekend we are off to St. Augustine. My college town & the town where Ken & I met. (See map several posts back) We look forward to seeing our old house, the college, and dear friends.

Visiting St. Pete

2009-02-11T18:50:00.007-05:00

I'm a bit behind. Saturday morning we went to St. Petersburg. What a beautiful city! Small, colorful, and quaint. We walked around a waterfront park and watched dolphins splish-splashing in the sun glazed water. We ate at a delicious resturant that I can't remember the name of. Then we drove over the sunshine skyway (pictures in next post) to Bradenton to visit friends.

Just after sunset

2009-02-07T22:07:00.003-05:00

Ken and I drove to the beach yesterday. We missed the actual setting of the sun but caught the last few minutes of peach colored twilight.

Winter Contrasts

2009-02-06T07:34:00.003-05:00

Since I arrived in the Tampa area it has been cold, windy, and it even rained a few inches. This weather is the kind of weather that if you live in Florida you stay in and bundle up. The above picture is one of the coldest days we have experienced a temperature in the 50's.

It is such a contrast from Juneau. The below picture would be considered a beautiful winter day because if you look closely you can see a small patch of blue sky (a sucker hole). The temperature would be in the 30's you would bundle up and go out and enjoy the little bit of light before dark at 4 P.M.

Blue Sky

2009-02-04T08:47:00.004-05:00

There is nothing like a wide open blue sky. I have been in the Tampa area for one week today. The weather has been cool and sometimes rainy. Yesterday morning Ken and I drove around the beaches and Bel Air. The weather was classic Florida winter clear and 60 degrees.

Cute runs in the family

2009-01-29T22:19:00.002-05:00

The best thing about Largo is family and friends

2009-01-28T21:27:00.006-05:00

The above is my first grade picture.

I made it safe to Largo. It's as if I never left. Tons of traffic, lots of shopping options, warmish weather, and family. I have been here for two full days, jammed pack with visiting. I met my 6 month old niece for the first time. She is all smiles with big blue eyes, dirty blonde hair, and cubby cheeks. She is very cute! I have spent time with my great Aunt, my Pop, my Dad, my sister, one brother, two nephews, and one niece... in two days...Wooh!

Below are a few pictures of us kids when we were cute. I am the youngest.

Colorful

2009-01-26T14:30:00.011-05:00

My faithful follower Cathy requested more pictures of Puerto Rican houses. Cathy these are for you. These structures line our favorite beach Montones.

The top picture is more or less the view from these houses. Lovely!

Villas del Mar Hau - Montones (above)

Last day in Puerto Rico

2009-01-25T20:54:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow is my last full day in PR. I am tan and rested. I have rediscovered my love for swimming and having salty beach hair. I look forward to seeing my family and friends in the Tampa area, but if it's just too cold (55 degrees in Tampa tonight) I am reassured knowing that I can fly back to PR for a mere $77 +tax on Jetblue Airlines from Orlando (What a deal, coming from Juneau it's amazing to fly anywhere for under $1,000). I will be posting more PR beach pictures once I develop my waterproof 35mm camera.

These images are of Shacks at dusk. Same day different directions.

Florida

2009-01-23T07:47:00.002-05:00

This is a short post. I just wanted to let you know we have tickets to leave PR and arrive in FL on Tuesday the 27th.

Now I am going to have my morning coffee and some sunshine.

Mr. President

2009-01-20T17:41:00.005-05:00

Sitting in this tropical paradise we watched the waves of people, 2 miles long, standing as one in the bitter cold to welcome our new president. What an amazing day. I hope the next 4 to 8 years provide change and inspire change in each one of us to get up and act in response to President Obama's call to serve. I don't know where we'll be next week but I look forward to getting involved in whichever community we choose to settle.

Wild Horses

2009-01-17T18:19:00.008-05:00

So much has happened today. The morning started with dark clouds and warm rain. The rain let up so we quickly headed to Shacks beach for a walk. As we parked it started to rain again. Near our parking spot there are mangrove trees that house egrets and this amazing iguana (below). We watched the iguana for several minutes. He was captivating, bobbing his head around and climbing trees.

Back at the house I napped a bit then we headed to Crashboat beach (picture above), known for brightly colored boats resting on the shore. We ate lunch at a local chain El Meson and headed home for another rest. We went back out to Shacks beach at dusk for that walk we didn't take this morning. It was overcast and cool, perfect! I found more sea glass on this walk than all other walks thus far, and best of all there were wild horses!!! and of course I didn't have my camera. Oh they were fantastic, like two little kids chasing each other back and forth over the dunes. Like frosting on a cake we had thai for dinner, yumm!

2009-01-16T20:18:00.005-05:00

I haven't been blogging daily. I am sorry. Each day seems pleasantly the same. I wake up to the sound of the ocean. I drink a few cups of coffee while sitting on the porch, glancing at the ocean while turning a page of Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama. When I see a rainbow I grab my camera and take a picture (there were four rainbows yesterday morning). Yesterday, Ken's mom invited me to lunch with her group of yoga friends (They do yoga on the beach twice a week) we had a great time. Then I took a nap listening to the palm leaves frolicking in the breeze. We went to the CG base exchange to buy wine and to the Super Coop for supper supplies. I made a fine veggie soup, biscuits, and chocolate butter cookies. I followed my two blogs and felt I should blog, if for no other reason than the act of blogging itself. It would be easy to fall out of the habit. So there it is my day yesterday.

Weather

2009-01-14T12:50:00.006-05:00

One of my daily pastimes, watching the clouds/weather roll by.

The above picture was taken a few nights ago. The moon was almost full. I love the grain and high contrast and look forward to exploring night photography.
An attempt to capture an afternoon shower out over the water. I could see and smell the rain in the distance but it just passed us by.
Rainbows always make me fell magical.

103 degrees

2009-01-13T08:41:00.002-05:00

The past few days poor Ken has had the flu. Last night his temp was up to 103. He feels much better this morning.

I went to the Coast Guard Exchange with Ken's mom yesterday and was startled by a mannequin dressed in uniform. They had a great wine selection. It was fun just wandering around the air-conditioned store.

A breezy day at the beach

2009-01-10T21:04:00.003-05:00

Today was a quiet day. A lazy morning followed by sun and swimming at our favorite beach, Montones. We are actually looking tan! No sun burns here. It's windy, sort of chilly. I had to put on a sweater! However, I didn't need my Extra Tuffs (winter boots).

A wild morning

2009-01-09T09:58:00.005-05:00

This morning everyone had something to do. Ken's mom had yoga on the beach, Ken and his dad went to find horse manure for their garden, I was left to my own accord. I decided to sit on the porch and catch up on phone calls, e-mails, and blogging. I glanced up to admire the view as I was talking to my dad about the Gators Championship win last night (Go Gators!)and saw something in the grass that seemed out of place. The iguana moved from the grass to the tiled patio, I was lucky enough to have my camera handy and snapped the above picture. I startled it taking its picture so it didn't hang out as long as I might have hoped.
I forgot how much I love clouds. The kind that don't constantly drip but contain soft brilliant colors. I can't wait for our first thunder storm.
Ken & his dad manuring the beginnings of their garden.

A day in Rincon

2009-01-07T19:33:00.004-05:00

Today, we explored a beach known for its sea glass. Rincon is about a 45 minute drive from the house and considered a tourist destination among locals. It was beautiful! I will post pictures at a later date (I purchased a 35mm waterproof camera that will need to be developed). We left with a handful of sea glass, full of great moments, coated with warm sun.

We also had an amazing lunch at La Casa Isleña a spectacular small hotel right on the beach in Rincon. I had a hamburger but this wasn't an ordinary burger it tasted like cayenne pepper and cinnamon were ground into the beef. It was interesting and tasty. It came with tostones (twice fried plantains) and a little Sangria to quench my thirst.

A lazy day

2009-01-06T21:09:00.003-05:00

We're having a good time just hanging around the house. I purchased flip flops. My feet have grown. I wore a sun dress for the first time in over two years. Tomorrow we are going to a beach known for finding sea glass.

This picture is of random graffiti I saw while we were driving around. There is another graffiti painting I hope to get a picture to share in the future.

An overcast day in Puerto Rico

2009-01-04T16:07:00.010-05:00

We arrived safe last night and went straight to bed. It was a peaceful sleep. The windows all open, a fan overhead swirling around the sound of ocean waves at a distance outside our window. We woke with birds chirping and a salty breeze gently calling us out of bed.

The view outside our window
We had lunch at Happy Belly's - view from the street.
Happy Belly's - view from our table.
We took a nice walk on the beach - Shacks. These four pictures were taken on our walk at Shacks and the way back to the car on what is considered an overcast day.

Goodbye Canandaigua, NY

2009-01-02T14:28:00.003-05:00

Today is our last day in New York. We've had a great time visiting family and enjoying the weather and wine Canandaigua has to offer. If you're ever in upstate NY I recommend checking out this area. The houses are amazing, it has a quaint little Main Street, a lake, farmland, and wineries galore.

Our flight leaves tomorrow at 6:30a.m. we will arrive in Puerto Rico around 1:30p.m. then we will drive four hours to Aguadilla. Our wardrobe will change dramatically from bulky snow parkas to a new slim pair of flip flops.

First day of the year, day of firsts

2009-01-01T21:26:00.006-05:00

Today, we had lunch at the lake, in the car at the lake. A swan sat just beyond the shore. As Lunch continued we realized the swan wasn't moving other than his neck. The swan was frozen in the lake. Every few minutes he would struggle with no success. We wanted to help but there was nothing that could be done. 1st swan frozen in place.

We went for a walk to enjoy the snow before flying to Puerto Rico on Saturday. On our walk we saw a sunbow. What is a Sunbow? It is a rainbow without the rain. It was faint yet beautiful red, orange, blue, and green circling the sun shining through an overcast sky. It kind of looked like the "rainbow" in the swan picture just not as vivid. 1st Sunbow.
I have wanted to knit with fabric for a while. I started a few days ago, with no plan for the end product. The knit fabric has a nice texture but wouldn't make for a cozy scarf. I decided to turn it into a crafting apron. knitting aside, the apron was complete in a few hours. I can't wait to craft in my new crafting apron. 1st apron.

My snow parka sure came in handy

2008-12-31T13:50:00.006-05:00

While packing in Juneau I was torn between two coats. My trusty snow parka and my beautiful new red wool coat Ken gave me for Christmas. I really wanted to pack the red wool coat but the reports of blizzards in the Northeast made me think the snow parka might be the better choice. In the end practicality/the snow parka won.

Traveling and changing planes four times with this huge coat was annoying. I had to put it under the seat in front of me along with my backpack and I was wearing my big snow boots (Extra Tuffs). The space was cramped. Arriving in NY I decided the snow parka wasn't the best choice, it was in the 60's.

Today is our fifth day in NY and I am glad to have my snow parka and boots. It snowed all through the night and into the morning. We walked to get a bagel in a beautiful white fluffy snow and then shoveled the driveway.

Snow is the best. It makes me want t sing the song Snow, Snow, Snow from the movie White Christmas. Only if Bing Crosby were here.

Off the subject

2008-12-30T14:20:00.006-05:00

This blog was created to track our travels. I have talked myself out of blogging about Eagle vs. Shark and M. Ward several times but decided that today was the day to just blog it. It may be a stretch but it could be our minds travel with music and movies.... So it sort of fits the blogs purpose.

We watched Eagle vs. Shark a couple days before leaving Juneau. It is a beautifully simple movie, about ordinary interesting people, in ordinary situations (sort of). I was surprised to learn that this movie came out in 2007 so you may have seen in already. If you haven't and you aren't tired (not a movie to watch tired. Ken fell asleep and he was enjoying it.)you should check it out. Keep in mind that you may not agree with my movie tastes, but if you liked Amelie or Penelope you most likely will like this one.

M. Ward is my current favorite musician. I discovered him a few months ago and can't stop listening to him. His lyrics and voice are haunting in a good way. Each time I listen to his songs I hear something new I haven't noticed before. I hope to see him live one day. He is playing in Seattle in March...

www.mwardmusic.com

I decided to blog Eagle vs. Shark and M. Ward together because one of M. Wards songs is used in this lovely movie during an animated

(real life animation)scene towards the end of the movie. It was interesting to see the two fit together, the music I have been enjoying and this movie that stands out from the pack. Both are compelling.

If you have an opinion of Eagle vs. Shark or M. Ward I would be glad to read it. Please add a comment.

Canandaigua, NY

2008-12-28T17:07:00.004-05:00

This is Canandaigua Lake. We walked around despite a very cold wind prior to a wine & chocolate paring at the New York Wine and Culinary Center (www.nywcc.com).

Down south safe and sound

2008-12-27T20:20:00.006-05:00

We made it safe, a bit tired, but sound to Rochester, NY. We weren't sure if the flight would take off with the blizzard-like conditions in Juneau. There was no delay with multiple snow plows clearing the runways. The other three flights also took off without a glitch.

We are glad to be on the ground with all the leg room we need.

What a Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T02:40:00.002-05:00

I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a lovely new year. Drink Wine 2009!

Today, Christmas, is our last day in Juneau, Alaska. We fly out around 1:30 p.m. tomorrow. Our flight path will take us to Seattle - San Fransisco - Washington D.C. - stopping in Rochester, NY. The trip duration is just over 15 hours.

We spent the last couple days/weeks cleaning and packing. Tomorrow after we make breakfast all we have to do is clean the fridge, do a load of laundry, take a few pictures and we are done.

We had Christmas dinner at a friend's house. Thank you J.A.M.M (James, Anji, Mason, & Max) for having us over and enlightening us on the aerobic benefits of Wii.

Our walk home tonight was one I hope to remember. All the houses were decorated. The twinkling lights catching small glittering snow particles that were much to small to catch on our tongues. A peaceful silence. Juneau is an amazing, beautiful place. We will always cherish our time here.

A Sunny Christmas Eve on the Flume trail

2008-12-25T00:05:00.006-05:00

Busy, busy, busy

2008-12-23T18:36:00.003-05:00

The past two days have been busy! Franticly packing boxes. Taping boxes. Addressing boxes, buying more boxes. Finding parking at the post office. Standing in a very long line at the post office. Lifting boxes. Paying for boxes to be shipped. Times that by three. Almost selling the car but not selling it. Almost selling it again but not selling it. A little bickering. Eating. Drinking. More packing of boxes. and repeat. Whoooh!

This morning when we woke up it was snowing. Everything is now covered in a fluffy white powder. If is is still fun snow tomorrow we are going to build our first and last snowman in Juneau.

A sunny day on the lake

2008-12-21T21:04:00.004-05:00

Today was much warmer than yesterdays 6 degrees it was a balmy 26 so we decided to take a walk on the lake, the Mendenhall Lake. The glacier was as beautiful as ever and it was fun to watch about 20 - 30 Juneauites enjoying the nice weather. Some were sledding. Others were ice skating. And a crazy few were climbing on the ice burgs that gouged the frozen silt laden lake.

We have walked the lake before but never when you could see the cracks so clearly. It was the perfect day to say goodbye to the glacier. We will miss having such grand natural beauty in our backyard.

My priorites

2008-12-20T18:59:00.002-05:00

My day started like every other day, with a couple cups of coffee and checking in on my friends blogs. With no new posts to read I decided my blog needed a new look. This idea has consumed my morning and afternoon. Yes, we are moving in a few days and yes, there are other things I should be doing. I guess to my credit it is 10 degrees outside. I am now going to force myself to step away from the computer and pack something?

My last day at The Creating Place

2008-12-19T14:19:00.006-05:00

What a wonderful experience it's been managing The Creating Place.

I had a great time learning how to craft. I enjoyed helping and swapping ideas with all of the creative customers.

Thank you Anji and Amy for taking me in and teaching me to think outside the fine art box, the details of managing a small business, and mostly for being my creative inspiration and friends. I will miss you very much and look forward to following your future endeavors.

2008-12-18T13:26:00.006-05:00

We have a closet inside of our closet (a.k.a The Grinch Closet)It is a scary kind of closet. One you could easily imagine some kind of troll or Grinch living in, hence the name. Well, the other day Ken braved this small strange space and found a box of my clothing that would have been in there since we moved to Alaska two years ago. It was a very exciting day for me, my birthday and Christmas wrapped into one. I now have a brand new/old wardrobe. I recommend that tomorrow you pack up a box of clothing you don't wear. Hide them from yourself. When you rediscover this hidden treasure it will make your day. Ken had the same experience with his comedy Cd's.

There are perks to packing.

Southeast Alaska on a sunny day

2008-12-17T23:21:00.008-05:00

On Monday we drove up to the Eaglecrest ski area it was 13 degrees! Our long johns and wool socks couldn't keep us warm so we went for a drive out the road on North Douglas.

Juneau is amazing when it stops raining!

These pictures were taken from the North Douglas boat ramp.

Gastineau Channel

The Mendenhall Glacier

I will miss the native art and Raven

2008-12-17T01:26:00.011-05:00

Downtown Juneau

Sitka, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

What a day!

2006-12-19T17:00:00.000-05:00

We started our day frantically cleaning to have everything in order for our 11:30 Realtor walk-through the door bell rings at 10:30 and a stream of Realtors check out our sort of empty, sort of clean house. We weren't supposed to be here...whoops. So we decide to go to Barnes & Noble where we met Justin & Kati and discussed what to do if one is confronted by a bear? We moved the bear debate to the Casa Monica where Laura and I had made plans for lunch. It was a great lunch and I look forward to getting the new Apple ipod phone pda/bear tranquillizer that should be on shelves next Christmas "The Alaskan". On our way home a realtor called to let Ken know they were bringing people by today at 5:00 so I cleaned and showered to be out of the house before they arrived and as I am drying my hair (half dressed) I hear people...hello, anyone there...AAGH it's only 3:00! I dressed quickly and stood sheepishly in the corner while strangers wondered around. I am glad I won't be here for the viewing process it is awkward.

Our replacement winter gear arrived today I am going to rock Alaska with my new -30 degree winter boots and my sea breeze colored windproof fleece.

An empty home full of friends

2006-12-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

We cleared our first house of all of it's furniture and this morning we filled it with loving friends. We lured them in with Bagelicious bagels...ummm...hot coffee, and Florida orange juice. They gave us more great memories to take with us on our adventure. I now sit in a very quite empty room procrastinating scrubbing the bathroom floor. We have a group of Realtors coming by tomorrow to grade out house...I hope we pass.

2006-12-17T09:33:00.001-05:00

Juneau, Alaska

2006-12-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

St. Augustine, Florida

We are moving

2006-12-17T09:07:00.000-05:00

We had our first garage sale yesterday, it was fun yet we still have tons of stuff. Our winter coats arrived on Friday however Ken's didn't fit. I am very pleased with mine I have only been able to wear it for five minutes by the end of the five minutes I am sweating...this tells me it's going to be great in Alaska. The guy at Backcountry told me I could jump in a river get out and I would still be dry...WOW!