A Hungry Soul

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T21:30:00.001-07:00

Christmas Scarves

2011-11-14T20:36:00.002-07:00

Goals and Motivation

2011-10-09T10:52:00.004-06:00

I've been thinking about this today. I saw it on Facebook, posted by The Gracious Pantry. Earlier this year my hubby and I each lost close to 35 pounds. We did it by eating healthy foods, exercising and tracking both on My Fitness Pal.

In July we achieved a long-time goal of buying a mountain lot for a weekend retreat. Our focus turned from our health and weight loss goals to working on our lot. The purpose of the lot was for fun and leisure, but first we had to develop the lot to make it inhabitable. Our idea was to park our RV there for the summer, but we had to do things like remove weeds and overgrowth, dig a firepit, line the drive and walkways with rocks, lay gravel to keep the weeds down, and various other fun things. I will post more about our awesome summer another time.

Even though we were doing all of that work, we've both gained back about 10 of those pounds we worked so hard to lose. Right now I'm feeling like it's a struggle, but earlier in the year when I was doing it, it seemed so easy. I know it's a mindset - so I've decided it's time to get my mind set again!

Sunburst Covered Stone

2011-09-20T11:44:00.004-06:00

I'm still covering stones and enjoying it. I used this pattern for inspiration.

Mountain Hummingbirds

2011-09-14T19:30:00.000-06:00

This was taken on Saturday on our mountain lot. I think these poor little creatures are destined for a journey south very soon.

My First Covered Stone

2011-09-01T22:20:00.001-06:00

I've been inspired for ages by the likes of Resurrection Fern and more recently by Barbara from Made in K-town and the beautiful covered stones they make, which are pure art. The stones have no real function, other than to look beautiful, and I find that inspiring.

I finally put aside my usual projects with deadlines and made a covered stone entirely for the joy involved and for no other reason. It's my first one and so I will keep it for me. I've already started work on another one that I will give away.

I've been experimenting with free actions from the Pioneer Woman. This is boost and quick edge burn. Almost all of the photos on this blog are SOOC (straight out of the camera), but I'm afraid I might be becoming somewhat addicted to these actions in Photoshop.

Another Little Star in progress

2011-07-08T11:27:00.000-06:00

I love these colors together!

Squares, squares and more squares!

2011-07-04T08:54:00.021-06:00

A Mid-West Sunset

2011-07-01T23:15:00.003-06:00

On our way home somewhere in the middle of Kansas.

On the road again!

2011-06-25T13:47:00.001-06:00

On our way to visit our new little grandson who is already four months old!

Finally finished!

2011-05-30T10:35:00.010-06:00

The CD case is for size perspective.

My Little Star

2011-05-09T06:10:00.001-06:00

I have about 16 more rounds until I'm done. It's for a very special birthday girl, who is definitely a star herself!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

2011-05-08T08:11:00.000-06:00

Wonders of Spring

2011-05-06T19:55:00.001-06:00

I'm so happy to see my friends, the Hummingbird family, back again.

Baby Crochet

2011-05-05T19:17:00.000-06:00

I had so much fun making these cute baby things for my new grandson. I normally make blankets and other things that take forever, so these were a refreshing change.

Rain and Serendipity in Washington DC

2011-04-29T08:57:00.002-06:00

This is one of my favorite shots from our trip to DC last week.

Spring in Utah

2011-04-10T14:54:00.002-06:00

I've been making baby things...

2011-03-11T18:23:00.001-07:00

Snowflakes and Words

2011-02-04T12:05:00.003-07:00

I don't have a blogroll, but I do have my favorites and I am slightly addicted to reading blogs. I recently found a blog that I love; it's called Snowcatcher.

About 15 years ago, I crocheted snowflakes as ornaments for my Christmas tree. My mom, having stiffened many a doily, helped me stiffen them. I hung them on the tree with red ribbon and they have decorated my Christmas tree every year since. They are definitely some of my most favorite ornaments.

There are beautiful, free patterns at Snowcatcher. I intend to make some this year. Having been inspired by this photo from Snowcatcher, I am thinking of something a little more creative than just ornaments on the tree.

Snowcatcher also led me to Wordle, where I created this from all of the words on this blog:

Have an awesome Friday!

Heaven Rains Down

2011-01-31T18:29:00.001-07:00

A Saturday Excursion

2011-01-22T21:37:00.005-07:00

We drove up into the mountains to a nearby reservoir today. It was so beautiful.

We stopped to let our puppies run around and they spooked out a whole herd of young deer.

I was so lucky to get this shot.

Full Moon in the Morning

2011-01-19T17:33:00.001-07:00

I caught this walking into work this morning.

Reflections of 2010

2011-01-01T17:44:00.021-07:00

January - I accepted a new position at work that involved more responsibility. In fact, when I think of spring 2010, work is the primary topic that comes to mind. Thankfully, some major achievements during the year have left the situation feeling more routine and less overwhelming.

February - The most major event that occurred this month is that I finally received my Nook! My kids went in together and bought it for me for Christmas, but I was on a wait list until February. This gadget is now well-used and has changed my life and my reading habits. I'm so happy and thankful to be able to download a book at a moment's notice.

January and February were difficult in terms of finances as our rental property remained vacant. Thankfully at the end of February we found an excellent tenant who we hope will stay after his lease expires this February.

March - I'm mostly blank about March, except that my niece got married and we successfully filed our taxes.

April - Also an unnoteworthy month. I can't think of one thing that happened during April, except that it was spring and I was busy admiring and photographing my garden.

May - We un-winterized our RV and drove east for Memorial Day Weekend, ending up camping near Vernal at Steinaker Reservoir. It was a good first camping trip. We enjoyed the inside of our RV while waiting out a dust storm, we fished, we toured and we ate good food with friends.

June - I traveled to a small town near Baltimore, MD to meet with a new contractor for work. The week after that my husband's family all met in Las Vegas to celebrate his 50th birthday and my mother-in-law's 70th birthday. It was definitely a memorable trip and we were happy to meet two new little nieces and one great-nephew.

One very notable thing that happened in June was that I was able to purchase a Canon T2i DSLR camera because of a cash award I received from work. I am absolutely in love with this camera. Possibly one of the biggest realizations I've had this year is that there is so much more that I need to learn about photography!

July - We hooked up our RV and traveled to Island Park, Idaho to camp at Buttermilk Campground for the 4th of July. My parents accompanied us and we had a wonderful time watching fireworks from the dock over Island Park Reservoir. We fished at Henry's Lake. This was the first time I really used my new Canon camera and I was very happy with the results.

We also began looking at purchasing membership into the Sourdough Wilderness Ranch. While the combination of our finances and lack of finding the perfect lot did not allow us to buy in this year, it is at the top of our goal list for 2011. My parents did, however, find their perfect lot!

August - We again hooked up our RV and spent a long weekend at Mirror Lake. While we had a great time with family, this trip convinced us even more that we need a private camping area. At times we felt like we were camping in a parking lot. :) I did get some great photos on this trip.

In addition, I got two visits from my daughter who lives in California; one because she missed me and one because it was her 10-year high school reunion. I treasured my time with her very much. I also traveled back to the Baltimore area for work near the end of August.

September - We spent Labor Day weekend camping with my folks on their lot at Sourdough. It gave us a feel for what it will be like to have our own private lot.

I also officially created a room in my house dedicated to sewing and crafting! One other notable thing that happened this month is that I connected with my best friend from junior high through Facebook. I lost touch with her years ago and I am so happy to have found her again.

October - This month brought one of our longest and most enjoyable trips with the RV to date. We took three weeks and made a big circle, beginning with a drive south, spending the night in Las Vegas, then heading on to Malibu to spend time with the LA kids. After a few days, we headed to Three Rivers and then onto visit The Old Corner Saloon in Copperopolis. There we met up with some good friends and headed northwest to the wine country and the Redwoods. We continued north to end up camping for several days at Beachside, Oregon. From there we drove home happy and satisfied and ready to live in a 3000 foot home vice a 23 foot RV again.

November - My mother-in-law came to visit for a long Thanksgiving weekend. We had such a good time with her, including a midnight run on Black Friday to procure a special birthday present for my step-daughter. My mother-in-law is one of the sweetest people I know and I love her very much. Just as her visit came to an end, I got very sick and lost my voice for more than a week. It wasn't a good way to begin the holidays, but by mid-December I finally felt back to normal.

December - This is the easiest month to reflect upon since it just ended. We had a wonderful, if not unusual Christmas. It is the first time in the history of the world that none of my kids were home to celebrate for one reason or another. I made my peace with their situations and decisions and spent a lovely time with just my sweetie and the puppies. I was happy about some of the projects I was able to complete for gifts. Now I'm hoping to surpass my expectations for 2011 holiday giving.

If I do better in 2011 at posting here, I shouldn't have to recap like this next year. Reflections on resolutions are forthcoming.

Puppy Girls goin' for a ride

2010-09-28T18:42:00.000-06:00

Sunset over the Great Salt Lake

2010-09-27T22:34:00.001-06:00

I have stitches!

2010-09-26T15:03:00.001-06:00

I'm working on the Infinity Wrap, which was originally published in the Winter 2007 issue of Interweave Crochet. It works up quickly and it's fun!

Peaches!

2010-09-24T21:47:00.001-06:00

We have so much shade in our garden that our peaches never get very big, but this year, they're outstanding!

Harvest Moon in the morning

2010-09-23T22:08:00.001-06:00

My New Sewing Table

2010-09-19T16:02:00.002-06:00

This is my new sewing table. I love it!

Hello Crescent Moon!

2010-09-10T21:23:00.003-06:00

End of Summer Nectar

2010-09-09T21:19:00.003-06:00

Spring in Utah

2010-04-23T11:09:00.001-06:00

Happy 28th Birthday to my beautiful daughter ♥

2009-09-25T08:17:00.002-06:00

You've brought so much joy into my life.

Peaches!

2009-09-12T11:13:00.000-06:00

The first tiny ripe peach off of our peach tree.

Goin Home

2009-09-04T21:09:00.000-06:00

I love Greek food!

2009-09-03T22:01:00.000-06:00

And this restaurant had particularly good eats - good service too.

Nice Ride

2009-09-02T23:06:00.000-06:00

Downtown

2009-09-01T21:04:00.000-06:00

This sight makes me miss my honey - already.

Appropriate Seating for an Airport

2009-08-31T22:02:00.000-06:00

Traveling this week!

2009-08-30T11:00:00.000-06:00

Princess Jasmine

2009-08-22T15:04:00.001-06:00

This is truly one of the best pictures I've ever been able to take of Jasmine. Usually she is very aware of the camera and turns her head away.

She has been such a camp dog! There was a boxer at another camp some distance away that came snooping in her territory. Well - she started chasing him and he ran as fast as he could back to his camp! It was hilarious.

Steel Creek

2009-08-21T10:52:00.001-06:00

Mountain Wildflowers

2009-08-20T08:49:00.000-06:00

Camp Dogs!

2009-08-19T11:47:00.000-06:00

Today is my birthday

2009-08-18T09:41:00.001-06:00

A milestone birthday I could do without, but as one very wise person said to me "It's better than the alternative!"

I love these mountains

2009-08-17T12:12:00.000-06:00

Big Sky

2009-08-16T14:44:00.000-06:00

Road To Camp

2009-08-15T12:35:00.000-06:00

Can you believe we pulled our trailer up this road? I thought I was going to have a breakdown, but we made it without any mishaps and we're settling in. The thing that has been hard is the trees. Can you see them - they are dying. I cried.

Wind Turbines near Mt View, Wyoming

2009-08-14T14:29:00.000-06:00

Yay - Going Camping

2009-08-13T18:31:00.001-06:00

We're headed for the high Uinta Mountains for a week.

Young Love

2009-08-08T22:57:00.000-06:00

Who is that young couple making out in the parking lot? ;-)

Can you see the squirrel in this picture?

2009-08-05T20:39:00.000-06:00

We have a flying squirrel who comes at night and raids our bird feeder, but this is the first time we've seen this guy.

The Doggie Car Seat

2009-08-04T22:36:00.001-06:00

We love to go!

A Prize-Winning Sunflower

2009-08-03T20:31:00.000-06:00

Patio Garden Tomatoes

2009-08-02T13:37:00.001-06:00

One of the best things about summer.

Fresh corn from the garden of a generous neighbor

2009-08-01T13:20:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things about summer - corn on the cob!

My Nasturtiums finally bloomed!

2009-07-31T19:16:00.002-06:00

Today we have a special birthday in our family. We hope the birthday girl is having a wonderful day!

Precious Artwork

2009-07-30T17:13:00.000-06:00

Another beautiful Utah Sunset

2009-07-29T22:42:00.000-06:00

Trekking home through Teton National Park

2009-07-28T21:33:00.000-06:00

Our last Yellowstone campfire of the year

2009-07-27T23:30:00.001-06:00

Puppy Picnics and Catching Cutthroat on Yellowstone River

2009-07-26T20:23:00.000-06:00

Victoria Cascades

2009-07-25T15:17:00.001-06:00

We saw these falls while looking for a picnic spot. The road was a little treacherous, but worth it for this view.

Yellowstone Wildflowers

2009-07-24T13:04:00.000-06:00

I am awed by the beauty...

2009-07-23T21:56:00.000-06:00

Yellowstone National Park

2009-07-22T23:51:00.000-06:00

Yay - we made it!

Dragonfly

2009-07-21T23:48:00.000-06:00

Check out the dragonfly hanging out on the antenna of our trailer. Do you think he wants to go to Yellowstone with us?

I've started a new project (surprise!)...

2009-07-20T21:30:00.000-06:00

...to take along on our upcoming camping trip. I'm making this for someone special. I wrote about the yarn here. So far it is knitting up so nicely. I hope the someone special will love it!

Firecrackers

2009-07-19T20:36:00.002-06:00

I want to share this remarkable recipe. If you try it, you will be surprised. These are yummy! I found the recipe online and decided to try it for our upcoming camping trip. Here goes:

1 box saltine crackers (4 sleeves)
1 2/3 cup canola oil
1 package dry ranch dressing
about 2 tbsp (or to taste) crushed red pepper flakes

I also added parmesan cheese (the kind in the shaker). Dump the crackers in a large bowl (I used a gallon ziplock baggie). Wisk other ingredients together and pour over crackers. With a spatula start turning the crackers (or if using a baggie just seal and turn). Continue until the mixure is absorbed into the crackers.

You might think the crackers would be soggy, but in fact, they are crunchy with a wonderful flavor. We used the whole 2 tbsp of crushed red pepper flakes because we like it hot. It's totally not overwhelming though. If you try it, leave a comment to let me know what you think.

Sunflowers on their way...

2009-07-18T19:39:00.001-06:00

Check out the sunflower progress. This is the result of the babies I wrote about here. I wonder who will win the competition.

My First Harvest

2009-07-17T23:30:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited - these are my first red tomatoes from the patio garden. I paired them with some basil for a good combination - plus it looks pretty.

Hydrangeas

2009-07-16T18:23:00.001-06:00

These are so beautiful just beginning to bloom in my front flower garden.

Hosta Fruit

2009-07-15T18:05:00.000-06:00

Black-Eyed Susan

2009-07-14T22:08:00.000-06:00

Begonias on my porch

2009-07-13T19:32:00.000-06:00

The Ballad of Trenchmouth Taggart

2009-07-12T13:17:00.001-06:00

This is assigned reading for my book club. It's interesting so far.

A July Wedding

2009-07-11T23:27:00.001-06:00

Tonight we were reminded of how fun and exciting it is to be newlyweds. While we're wishing the young couple much happiness, we're enjoying reminiscing about our own wedding night.

Overcast Sunset

2009-07-10T22:49:00.000-06:00

The daylillies have finally bloomed!

2009-07-09T19:43:00.001-06:00

Seven-Eight-Nine

2009-07-08T21:38:00.001-06:00

I wanted to post this picture of an odd perennial that just bloomed in my garden, because it is an odd day. At 12:34 and 56 seconds today we had a 1-9 sequence.

By the way, this is one of the few plants in my garden whose name I don't know.

Sunset on Legacy Highway

2009-07-07T22:19:00.000-06:00

Ethereal Morning Clouds

2009-07-06T08:27:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to the cheesecake lover in my life

2009-07-05T18:54:00.000-06:00

He turns 40 today and I've known him about 26-27 of those years. He voluntarily became my son. Over the years we have become accomplices for a very personal cause and also become allies in activism against a way of life that is harmful to women and children. He is definitely one of the most important men in my life.

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T00:10:00.003-06:00

We spent a quiet 4th at home. I'm practicing knitting lace by knitting up this washcloth. The pattern is #3 in the knifty knit book

In the 2nd picture notice what was going on in the background whilst I was in a photo shoot?

Oh, have I ever mentioned how thankful I am to live in this country?

Tree-Trimming :-(

2009-07-03T20:34:00.000-06:00

Tonight my granddaughter and I prayed that God would make the trees grow back.

Begonias in the rain

2009-07-02T19:36:00.000-06:00

Growing in a pot on my front porch.

Fuschias II

2009-07-01T18:16:00.000-06:00

My Fuschias are doing better as you can see.

The Thirteenth Tale

2009-06-30T20:29:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading this book by Diane Setterfield. It is not the kind of book I would normally choose, but I recently joined a bookclub and it is assigned reading.

Wow...it was definitely a page-turner and I could not put it down. Yes, I would recommend it, especially if you like twists and turns and surprises.

Foxtails (AKA June Grass)

2009-06-29T00:18:00.000-06:00

Look at our poor little Abby standing right in the middle of the evil foxtails! If only we'd known when we took this picture. We had to take Jasmine to the vet to have some removed from her swollen, painful paw. We'll be more careful next time we go into a field full of weeds.

Vespers

2009-06-28T23:14:00.000-06:00

Twilight in Utah

2009-06-27T23:40:00.001-06:00

A good game of Chickenfoot

2009-06-26T22:18:00.002-06:00

A beautiful summer eventide

2009-06-25T23:03:00.000-06:00

Pincushions

2009-06-24T21:19:00.001-06:00

The first Dianthus bloom in the back garden

2009-06-23T19:21:00.000-06:00

Tonsils and Youth

2009-06-22T17:45:00.003-06:00

My granddaughter had her tonsils and adenoids removed today. I made this little kitty that she had paid particular attention to in the book Super-Cute Crochet. Beneath it is a knitted Ballband Dishcloth posing as a kitty blanket. She clutched it to her during recovery. Keeping her down for two weeks won't be easy.

Our New Toy

2009-06-21T22:45:00.001-06:00

My husband is calling this his birthday and Father's Day present, but he knows better...

Happy Birthday to my Sweetie

2009-06-20T18:57:00.000-06:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love this face?

Lilies in the rain

2009-06-19T21:22:00.001-06:00

Good words of advice...

2009-06-18T22:28:00.001-06:00

...found at my parent's house.