January is a Busy Month...

Santa Anna Humming Bird

Well, the festive season is behind us now and it is time to start planning out the New Year.  My way of thinking about it - is like starting a new page, new chapter or for that matter a book, changing what you don't like, doing the things that you've always wanted to try and doing more of what brings you joy!  We never want to leave things too long on the back burner, for one never knows what is in the "big guy's" book, especially when you are in the senior's demographic.  Even though I never think of myself being a "senior"; but I guess I am - OMG!!! Pinch, Pinch can this be true!! Is that why I can't spring out of bed like a bunny anymore...hummm.

Joe Henry Park

It remains pretty cool in the Yuma area, particularly at night and in the morning; accompanied by lots of wind.  Have heard many comments that this is one of the cooler winters for sure around Yuma as well as the entire southwest. I think I said something about this in last month's blog.  If the cool weather persist, no doubt it will be in next month's ramblings.

The winter vegetable crops are growing and really don't seem to be affected a great deal by the cold weather, in fact now some areas, just north of Cocopah RV, are being planted to grains, which means it is the last crop planted before we leave.  Gosh time is zipping right along.

Paul and I went to Joe Henry Park a couple of weeks ago, for yours truly wanted to 'try' and get a picture(s) of humming birds, they are such elusive little characters.  Not sure if we were too early but their presence wasn't very noticeable, and as luck would have it just before we decided to leave FINALLY a couple were feeding.  Managed to get in close enough to one to take a few pictures.  I've never been able to be fast/close enough to get one in focus.  We desperately need to get some feeders that attach to the window, that way I can hide behind the privacy glass in the 5th wheel and snap pictures till my heart's content.  Does that mean the window will have to be cleaned?  We took the girls with us to the park, they quite liked running about and smelling the new smells.

Chip Summey - Guest Instructor

This past weekend was the Clogging Workshop in Tucson.  Chip Summey was the guest Instructor, he is such an entertaining individual, not mention talented.

So first thing on Friday morning I headed out to Tucson and picking up another fellow (lady) clogger enroute. It was nice having the company, definitely shorten the trip.  Tucson is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Yuma. I was very excited about going and had been looking forward to it for quite some time.

 It was an extremely enjoyable time, despite the nasty cold that I had been dealing with for several days, prior to going.  I hope I didn't infect too many people while there. Shame on me!! On Saturday evening there were guest exhibition groups, showcasing their talents not to mention lovely costumes.  Definitely one thing for certain, it doesn't take imagination to see the fun these people have and their love of clogging.  There must of been 80-90 maybe more participants in attendance.  Unfortunately it was a bit dark and my flash just didn't reach that far, so some of the pictures tend to be darker than I like.   Definitely wished I had written down the name of the dances that the exhibitions dancers had performed.

Being put through paces.

Studying the Que Sheet

Duelling Banjos

Frilly Frocks

Colorful Costumes

Dazzling Red

Cool Tuxedos

Very talented young lady!!

Having never been to Tucson, was a nice treat.  It is a lovely city, not overly huge.  We were in just a very small vicinity of city, but from what I could see - I liked it.  Shopping would be great, lots of things to do.


 We returned Sunday afternoon.  When arriving home, I was ready to tell my DH about my experiences and  he was flat out with a cold, OOPHS!  He wasn't then and isn't now impressed.  The good news is, he is on the mend.  It just takes time.

On the way to Grandma's

New Shed

Have been busy building a quilt in the evenings and just finished the top last night, the pattern is called, On the Way to Grandma's.  I loved the fabrics, they have such a vintage look.   Will take it home and quilt it.  Now I will have to think about how to quilt it and next on the list of things to do will be making labels for the quilts that have been made or quilted over the past year.  Oh yes, have a couple of table runners on my list of things to do as well.

Sewing Cave

We built a larger shed and I now have a sewing/craft "cave" to do my stuff.  It is so good to be able to sit down and do stuff and not have to put everything away each night.  I can get so much more accomplished. I generally spend a few hours in the evening.  I have a TV, a satellite receiver, my apple TV and computer, so what more could I want!!! :-)) Paul put in the wiring and set up the shelves with the left over lumber, ran the cable from the dish, and with wireless one doesn't worry about computer cables etc.

Tools of the Trade

When we leave in the spring, the tables can be collapsed and our cart and other outside stuff can easily be put in side.

Well, I guess that sums up my rambles for the first half of January.  Not too sure what the last half will bring but we'll see.  So take care and until next time.... "dance like nobody is watching"!!!

Ramblings and Christmas Wishes

Grinchmas Quilt Top

Almost two months have past by and I haven't written a thing!! Definitely thought about writing something witty and interesting, but that just wasn't going to happen.  Little glimpses of  what to say would flit through my mind and that is pretty much as far as it got.  Thank goodness it isn't my job to write, or I'd be starving by now!

The weather for the past while has been anything but stellar.  Very cool and extremely windy.  The Yuma area is well known for it's wind, and it is not letting us down now.  There have been a few morning here where there were only a couple of degrees difference between Yuma and Alberta.  Now that is bad!!  Trust me when I say there has been a lot of grumbling amongst the folks in the park.  I do hope that it warms up soon, if it doesn't, some warmer clothing will be on my shopping list.

 Fudge Gift Box
with Lace Ornament

Since arriving in Yuma, several of my unfinished project, quilts that required binding, that I brought with me have been completed, now that is a good feeling. One new project, a Christmas quilt top has been assembled, Grinchmas Quilt, which was fun, it went together quickly and without a lot of fussing.  I'll probably take it home and quilt it on my big frame, just makes life a lot easier. Had a brain wave (or should say fart) to make some festive aprons to celebrate the season, made two, then quit because I didn't know what to do with them afterwards.  So typical of me!  Of course, life isn't the same without making up some free standing lace ornaments with crystals.

Aprons anyone???

Have been clogging twice a week since arriving in Yuma, it is such a great workout, never realized that sweating could ever be considered fun.  The second week of January there will be a workshop in Tucson, AZ that is beckoning yours truly.  It should be fun.  There is another lady who has expressed interest in going with me and sharing the expenses - now that is a total bonus.

Opening performance

Over the past couple of weeks we have attended a few of the shows that have been in the park.  Last Monday the Arizona Classical Ballet presented "Winter Wonderland".  The dancers were amazing, it was a very enjoyable evening.  To add variety there was even a tap routine.

Tap Dancers

Opening of the Nutcracker Suite

Ages of the dancers ranged from preschool to late teens.  It wasn't difficult to tell who took their dancing seriously, definitely there were a few that had exceptional talent and stood apart from the rest.



One of the routines had excerpts from the Nutcracker Suite, a traditional Christmas ballet.  The lead or principle female dancer did a wonderful effort, you could tell she was in the moment.   By the way this is the only time that the young man danced.

Guest Vocalist

 There was also an extra treat - guest singer, Ruben Dominguez, he is well known in these parts for his singing ability.  He did a number of Christmas tunes in between the performances by the dancers.  So all in all it was a lovely evening well spent.  Loved his rendition of "Ava Maria".

Bath Day

Today was the puppies bath day.  They smell so good now, not to mention cute.  It is such a ritual after the bath, they go absolutely crazy, running like little crazed animals around in circles until they are exhausted and practically drop over.  In no time at all their hair is practically dry.  Today they got the "special" bows in their hair. So they are pretty set for Christmas outfits.  They are so easy to please!!

When is Santa coming?  We've been really GOOD!!

It is way too clique to say where has this past year gone, but here I am thinking those exact words.  Christmas will be here in another day plus a few hours, then seven days after that will be the new year.  OMG!!   This year, I didn't bring my card making stuff with me, so unfortunately no cards have been sent out.  Guess, cards could have been bought and sent, but that didn't seem to happen.

When we get down here, it never feels like Christmas, it could be anytime of the year but not Christmas - maybe it is the sand and palm trees swaying in the wind.  Did I mention the wind??
It goes without saying, Paul and I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and may 2012 treat you well.


Until next time....do take care....and most importantly Live, Laugh and Love!!

We're Gone!! WooHoo

Maybe it's better to say, we are happy about leaving the impending winter that is tapping at the back-door, this makes us very happy; but we'll miss our families and friends.  Our departure is about a week later this year, and I think we are just leaving in the nick of time, snow has been reported in a few areas around Alberta, and the wind has just been brutally cold. For a few days when out walking the pups, I was feeling rather wimpy, so out comes the big white parka, giving me the resemblance very much akin to that of the Michlin tire man, which was OK, there is no dress code when a person is cold. 

As we approached the border crossing at Coutts, there was a huge amount of trucks, fortunately we didn't have to get in their line-up. Something I never noticed before is all the trucks had to drive through a large shed with a scanner.  The US border folks weren't interested in us, they even told us we could keep our banana.

Thursay, November 3

typical Montana scenery

Montana Highway 1-15

We haven't been able to warm up at all since leaving home. A very cold bitter wind has been blowing ever since we left, we were in hope that would change, unfortunately - not so. In yesterday's travel there was a lot of snow in the lower areas besides the mountains. Even parts of the highway had snow, the creeks have ice buildup along the banks, on some the ice layer covered the entire creek. We stayed over night just outside of Butte last night.

It's cold out there!

The girls didn't seem to mind, their coat is thick so the wind and cold hasn't slowed them one bit. So far they have taken the traveling right in stride. I'm so glad that we kennel trained them for the night time sleeping, there is just no fuss and no 'surprises' in the morning.  When its lights out time, you just tell them to get in their house and they get their night time treat and that's it!  They are so funny, they even have a preference as to which kennel they sleep, Emma is always in the kennel to Bella's right.  While driving through Idaho we saw a cattle drive, it looked very chilly.  There was a few hundred head being herded down the trail, which sounds so much more alluring than just to say a service road.

Our gas stop at Dubois, brought about a shocking revelation, Paul couldn't  find one of his credit cards. After about an hour of turning the place upside down, it was decided it would be simpler to call and cancel than to keep up the futile search. The positive,  Dubois was considerably less windy the temperature was tolerable. It was even pleasant when walking the girls.  On to McCammon for our overnight stay,  it's a small place just 45 miles north of the Utah border on I-15.

Friday, November 4th

We got away at a decent time from McCammon RV. It was nicer than the past few mornings, unfortunately not nice enough. The water hose froze, Paul didn't think it would get that cold, good thing there was a hair dryer in my arsenal of goodies.  Wasn't too long before everything was thawed out and put away.   The trip through the Salt Lake City corridor is massive and takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs to get through depending on what you are driving. From my perspective, most of Utah's population base resides in the various city's/towns sprinkled mostly on the west side of the freeway.  In the four years that we have been driving south, it has always been under construction, mind you it is now mostly at the south end. A lot of this is 7 lanes.  If you were counting north and south it would be 14 lanes with dedicated toll lanes. The one thing to remember, never travel in the far right lane for you will definitely get caught in an exit lane - with the volume of traffic and fast pace you could be in a bad situation that is not easily resolved.

The wind is just pain nasty today, not as cold, but nonetheless outright nasty. It has to be very tiring for Paul.  Won't be long and we'll call it a day. 

Saturday, November 5th

Get lots of looks when triple towing.

Cedar City, Utah

Good morning sunshine...wait that bright shiny stuff is snow - we are surrounded by snow and there's a lot, well it seems like a lot.  When Paul got on top of the motor home to clean off the snow the girls were beside themselves. This is the first time I have ever seen them tremble, I thought they were going to have a heart attack.  It took a good part of the morning for them to settle down and not go into high alert with any unusual noise.  The good news – it wasn't that cold – as well, we didn't have far to travel to get out of the snow. Within 15 minutes the elevation had changed enough there were only traces of snow and in another 15 minutes the pavement was dry - YEAH!!!

Today we drove through three states: Nevada, Arizona and California.   Destination point today is Needles, California.  Then it will be a quick trip into Yuma on Sunday.  We sailed through Vegas without incident, a lot of people don’t like to drive through Las Vegas, and it was a bummer the first year we drove down due to endless construction on the freeway.  Now the construction is pretty much complete, it is so straight forward and fast.  We did try a couple other ways that people suggested, to see if alternate routes were any better, but in my humble opinion they weren’t. 

Sunday, November  6th

We arrived in Needles as planned Saturday afternoon, it seemed like a treat!!!  We have driven the entire trip down without disconnecting once. Triple towed the entire trip. Every place we stayed on way down, the RV parks were able to accommodate the length of the motorhome, jeep and cargo trailer.  This was a total bonus. We left Needles bright and early, and arrived in Yuma around 1:00 pm. This concludes our journey south.  We'll be busy setting things set back up, once it is done we will enjoy the sunshine and warmth for 5 months and head home in the spring.

Until next time....

.  

Whew, My Feet Are Burning!!!

Focusing 

This past winter while south, clogging beckoned me to give it a try. For a few years now, at least 5 or 6, (before going south in the winter) I'd see clogging advertised in the community events calendar and wonder, hummm, what is clogging??  My visions were definitely wrong! Then other things would get in the way, then it would be too late to register for the beginner lessons.  Always an excuse.

The second year we were down south just before returning in the spring, I saw, not to mention heard music, as well as rhythmic tapping noises in unison emanating from the resort's ballroom. Sounded great.  It was a group of gals dancing (men do this too, but it seems to be a favorite among women).  I watched them for the longest time with great interest and desire to give it a try, but what was it???  Could this be clogging, wasn't entirely sure, for I'd never seen it done. Kind of reminded me of river dancing, an Irish jig and lord knows what else. Finally asked a person what were the ladies doing in the ballroom.  Well that was that!!! I made a mental note to self that it would be my year to start.  It so reminded me of years gone by, and my tap dancing days, I think everyone took tap in those days.  Oh my, where is that strength and fleetness of foot that I had been blessed with as a youth.  Needless to say it is pretty much gone now...sigh. Could we say - what happened is a 100 years.  OK, 100 years is a bit of a stretch!!   The bottom line is - it is one of the best exercise for mind, body maybe even soul, and its all fun!

The pace is picking up.

On October 14/15, there was a clogging workshop (Clog-toberfest, 2011), the guest instructor was Janice Jestin. I'm sure this lady was born clogging, she makes it look so easy.  The workshops are lots of fun and there will always be a dance or two maybe even three if you are lucky that you can dance to like a pro, maybe not quite a pro; then there will be dances that will be more complicated, faster requiring more knowledge as to how the steps are done which is only gained by time and experience.  The workshop instructors are very good about a preliminary "step-through", unfortunately if most of the steps are new, your knowledge base is limited - it does get difficult to remember the sequence with so many new steps.  In this case, you just go for it and do the best you can, for each time you do these steps that caused you so much grief initially, just gets simpler and simpler then one day it happens - you are actually doing the steps WOOHOO!!

Here is a group shot of the ladies with the workshop instructor, Janice, the third lady in from the right side of the back row.  Everybody who purchased a workshop tee, got their picture taken.  I think they look pretty good. (another note to self, if you want to be in the pic, buy the t-shirt.)


So now, my goal is to be able to do the dance that Janice is doing in this video clip, which is illustrating buck and flat footing steps. Well, it may not be exactly this dance. Could take a few years, hey I'm retired now, isn't that what retirement is all about!!

Until next time....

Happy Thanksgiving Wishes to Everyone

Already it is Thanksgiving in Canada.  Not too sure why it is a month earlier than than our neighbours to the south, where I grew up.  I do remember when I was very young, when we had Thanksgiving, it would be a very big event, or at least in my mind it was.  There were always  Aunts, Uncles and cousins around.  Sometimes it was spent with my mother's side of the family and then other times it was spent with father's side of the family.  Which ever side it was spent with - it was a big day with lots of yummy stuff to eat!!!  Trust me when I say, I ate a lot!!  The other most exciting thought at the time, I knew Christmas was only a month away.  That was "big" in my world at that time.

 I do sincerely wish that everyone was able to spend time with their families and friends over this Thanksgiving Long Weekend.  Too seldom in today's busy times,  do we get the opportunity to share a meal, conversation or just enjoy the company of those who mean so much to us.  My daughter, granddaughter and grandson were able to join Paul and myself.  Unfortunately, my son couldn't get away from long enough from up north to make it down.  Needless-to-say we gorged ourselves with ham, scalloped potatoes and pumpkin pie.  My plan was to take a picture and then I totally forgot, don't ask me how I could forget - but I did!!!  Guess my mind was on too many other things.

My grandson gave me an awsome 101 on torrent files, pacs, seeders, leachers, peers etc.  It has finally sunk in today, initially it was "what"!!!!  Anyway I asked and I received!!  A wise person would leave that stuff alone.

intrigued with the abstract

felt this was rather chic

Swarvorski Crystals

Stripes

 Lately, shoulder-bags have been consuming some of my free time along with trying to make flowers or something to embellish the bags, it takes me as long to make the flowers as it does the bag.  Over the years, for the most part, I left this kind of crafty stuff up to others who are creative, but there was an overwhelming urge pushing me to give it a "go"! I think these bag are so cool, the possibilites are infinite, limited only by one's imagination, which at times can be very lacking.  The bags have two front pockets; one zipper back pocket and an inside pocket. The biggest challenge was finding fabric that would be suitable, and had some pizazz, trendy upbeat look you know what I mean.  Ikea was a good place to start. Mostly because that is where the person who made the pattern suggested!!  See I told you!!!

The first bag was was a struggle; wondering what to do, how to make it looking interesting - not junky or most importantly, not a mistake!!! Then it was attaching the flowers.  Still working on that aspect, think it's under control now. This should be a great winter "project" while we are south.

That pretty much sums up the excitement around here this past couple of weeks.

September is Almost Over

Can't believe that September is coming to an end.  The true bonus has been the wonderful weather that we have been enjoying these past few weeks, only wished that it had started sooner i.e. July, promised myself that I wouldn't be greedy and say June.  Now the wish is for it to continue another month, and then we'll be heading south.

Strawberry Hall Area

Yesterday, Paul and I decided to a drive about to take in some of the wonderful weather and enjoy the autumn views. Leaves are intact for the most part so the trees on the hillsides look magnificent. We had no destination in mind, and more or less wandered aimlessly about.  With the wonder of GPS we had no fear of getting lost. Lots of harvesting was happening, field after field the combines were going strong. There was a strong wind blowing so the dust pretty concealed the activity. It would of been nice to have gotten a picture or two of the combines in the field. Maybe next year.  We happened to find one rather majestic old barn sitting in a field of wheat, waiting to be harvested.  This barn was located in the Strawberry Hall area, which is somewhere not far from Warburg.  So after snapping off a dozen or so pics, we decided to move on.   

We came upon a huge farming operation, it was the Warburg Hutterite Colony.  There was quite a large barn (amongst many) that appeared to have only geese, at first sight it looked like turkeys but as we got closer we saw that they were white geese. (alright, already, I know my eyes are getting old)  Then somewhere in my memory bank I remembered that the Hutterites are known for their down duvets.   

East of Breton

After an hour or so found the highway again, and discovered we were just a few kms from Breton.  Being that we were so close, I just had to revisit an old barn that I took pictures of a few years ago to see if it was still standing.  The barn was still standing, unfortunately the brush is starting to hide the structure itself.  Needless to say it is still very pretty with the glowing autumn colors; so now there is an updated version with a little less barn.  

We continued on to Breton and grabbed a water and a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich.  By this time it was late afternoon and decided it would be prudent to head homeward.

We had the girls with us, they are becoming such good little travellers.  I think this is one of the many reasons people like the breed, for they are such great little travellers and so easy to take anywhere.  We flew with the last two and they never batted an eye.  The added bonus - when flying with two dogs, my husband and I got a row of three seats to ourselves.

Bella (aka Tiny Terror)

Today was a big day for the girls, they had their first groomer appointment.  They left the house looking pretty scruffy, and when they were picked up I couldn't believe the change that took place, THEY WERE SO CUTE!!!  I just don't know how they can be such little trolls at times, often I refer to them as my "Evil Twins" with their mischievous antics.  Perhaps I'm being paranoid but I swear they plot their plans of attack at night while I'm sleeping. The groomer gave them a glowing report for good behaviour. 

Anyway, the little darlin's looked gorgeous when I picked them up.  Their little "top-notches" were still in.  The lady who groomed the puppies is also a breeder, she figures that one of her dogs could very well be the grandfather to the girls for they are out of the same line.  She commented how much Bella resemble the male that she had or still has, really didn't pick up on which.  

Emma (aka Big EM)

 By the time the pictures were taken Emma had pretty much worked out her little "top-notch".  She has such a big coat of fur almost enough hair for two puppies, consequently making her look so much larger than Bella, but in reality their weight difference is very little.

Emma

Emma remains being the little tease.  Everything she finds she drags out to the deck.  Have never seen such a collection of stuff.  Said to Paul the other day if you are missing anything, shoes, socks, headsets,  combs etc just take a gander on the deck it might be there.




 No new sewing projects of significance. One quilt that I had finished quilting is hanging on the wall at a south-side sewing machine store in Edmonton.  It made me feel good that they even asked, at first I thought they were kidding. Finally quilted the wall hanging that a lady brought to me a month or so back. Had my HQ Avante in for some minor adjustments. Noticed a few consistent glitches such as tensions not holding and skipped stitches causing me grief that translated into redoing some sections.  The lady was happy when she picked it up, her concern was with the front  - not the back, it really wasn't that bad on the back.

Bella

Have been told that I'm rather obsessive about things being perfect, and in situations such as this is where it will show up.  I'm sure Paul walks away shaking his head.  Sometimes I literally will drive myself crazy.  Wished I felt the same about housework!!

Until next time.