Knowing Just Enough to be Dangerous

One of the things I've missed during this last 9 months of non-blogging, is the whole conversation going on in Blogger/Blogspot about custom domain vs FTP--and the fact that Blogger will no longer support FTP blogs after March.
So far I've visited 4 different locations & in none is there the key Q&A: how do you know if you are an FTP blog? I'm gleening that FTP is 'older' language--and therefore a little geekier oriented? (No offense intended to anyone with that remark--I'm in awe of geeks most of the time!). Based on that I'm thinking I'm NOT an FTP blog, but how would I know that? (Doubt that Blogger tells you directly that you're an affected party...)
Anyone able to point my in the right direction for info (or just tell me not to worry...)? Jim sez: well if your blog doesn't work in March, you'll know! (thanks!)

Cassie is 12!

Yesterday was Cassie's birthday. Although we never knew exactly when our little pound puppy was born, we slated Groundhog Day as the day to celebrate as it was about the right time.

In January when all our family was here for a wonderful visit, the three of us sat on the same bench for a group shot that was taken when she first arrived in our family. (We're ALL a bit older now--and definitely colder!). Although she is now a 'mature woman'--there is much of that puppy still inside--as noted by the leaps through the barbed wire fence multiple times later in the walk! (Cheeze!)

So--here's to many more, Cassie!

I'm Back!

Can't believe that nine months later I'm returning to the blog--with a bit of trepidation along with some hopefulness. Thought that I needed a new look to pay tribute to a new beginning. Whadya think?

This will be a month of changes--brief as it may be. Last Friday was my last day of work at a job of nearly 27 years--not sure what comes next but work will still be involved. Muddling that one over...

So bear with the new start-up and stay tuned. Oh--and Happy Groundhog Day, all!

"I was in the Virgin Islands once. I met a girl. We ate lobster, drank piña coladas. At sunset, we made love like sea otters. That was a pretty good day. Why couldn't I get that day over and over and over?" Phil Conners

An Escape From the Rain

Don't know why, but I really liked this picture in the paper this week. Taken by Karel Navarro for AP (in Rio Branco, Brazil).

Wow--It's the BIG 25!

Have a Max Fischer, Hamlet, Cyclops, Orwellian kinda day. May all of your travels be inspired, all classes be attentive, all your dreams be great adventures, and may the rainy season be mild. May you find stories that still excite you and trees worth climbing, may your coffee be warm and may every Q find it's U!

Wishing you love, peace, and hopes fulfilled--and may your every wish comes true when the candles blow out! Birthday hugs, kisses, & misses!

UFO update--Purple Pillow

So here's another item off the list: the dragonfly pillow.

I'm still hopeful that it will get warm enough for dragonflies some day...but not this week! The wind had an arctic bite & once again the island had snow & hail...

Here's the back:

UFO Project--Circles R Us!

Remember that fateful list of UFO's that never seems to get shorter? Well I'm working my way through it...slow but sure.

This wall hanging was started at the class I did in LaConner in November (was there on election night!--a night to remember!).

The instructor was Reynola Pakusich and the class was on circles. It was a great class, and definitely gave me the skill set I was looking for to be able to draft/use circles in the future. Reynola is just a great teacher, mentor--don't hesitate to take a class with her, given the chance. It measures about 28 x 32. (can click on the pix to get a closer look...)

2009 Monthly Challenge Project - April

This one brings me back to 'real time'! Small victory...

Assignment for this month:

Color: Neutral

Theme: Nature

Technique: Convergence (ala R. Tims)

Of note: the leaf is real. Jim & I tried a preservation approach last fall with glycerine & it worked pretty well--it's still pretty soft & pliable. Also note the hanger. Remember the African porcupine quills that we found? Seemed like a great place to use one...

2009 Monthly Challenge Project - March

This weekend was my first one 'off' since mid-January--wow! The weekend definitely involved staying in the bunny-slipper mode for much of Saturday, doing laundry, having a great Easter brunch with Jim & Mom (at our favorite Oystercatcher!), & actually getting reacquainted with my retreat space (aka: sewing studio). Starting the catch-up process.

Here's the March contribution to the monthly challenge. The assignment was:Color: spring colors

Theme: architecture

Technique to include: stamping