Wyoming Breezes

Foreign Friday

2012-02-10T04:22:00.004-07:00

Miura Tamaki
diva in "Madame Butterfly"
Glover Garden
Nagasaki, Japan
April 1980

The design and atmosphere of Glover Garden depict the image many people have of the scenes in the short story and opera "Madame Butterfly" by Puccini. Glover House has thus been named "Madame Butterfly House." Statues of Puccini and diva Miura Tamaki (1884 - 1946), who played Cio-Cio-san, have been placed in Glover Garden.

It was dreary when we toured the garden and the house, but it was still beautiful.

Quilt Inspiration - part two

2012-02-09T04:20:00.001-07:00

I am not a fan of batik fabric or of the color orange, but I loved the design of this quilt. The block construction and the tiny squares in the blue border appealed to me.

Here's a close-up of the block. As Sheri and I were examining the quilt, a woman stopped to explain the construction of this block.

The block is started with the small square in the lower left - it can be any size you wish. This one was about 2 inches finished. That square is framed on two sides (the blue on the top and right side of the square. In this case, the strip is about 1 inch wide finished. The large orange square to the right is then added. It is the same size as the smaller square with the two-sided border. The top rectangle is then added. It is cut the same width as the two bottom pieces and is the same height. All of the blocks are then sashed with the same fabric that frames the smallest square. This block is based on some mathematical theory, but I didn't catch the name.

I plan to make some of these blocks this year.

Quilt Inspiration

2012-02-08T04:00:00.008-07:00

Saturday, I attended the Winter Quilt show with my friend, Sheri. We wandered through the large building that was packed with quilts for nearly two hours. The quilt, shown above was gorgeous, yet the blocks and quilting were very simple. I especially liked the corner border design.

The fabric resembling a crossword puzzle, grabbed my eye on this quilt. The block, made with different fabric placement, is rotated and repeated throughout the entire quilt.

Another example of using a simple block and off-set placement to make a stunning quilt.

The rectangles of feature fabric were framed and then separated with white sashing. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Living History

2012-02-07T03:54:00.030-07:00

Public Library
Pavillion, WY
1948 - 59
Currently the Pavillion Museum

When I was a child, this building seemed much larger, yet it is only the size of a storage shed. Eventually, the library moved to a different location, and the then vacant building was sold in 1959 to Forrest Morgan, who used it as a shed. Fast forward several decades. The town repurchased the building, moved it to its original site, and created a local museum.

I remember going into this tiny building and finding it packed with books like My Friend Flicka, Curious George, Nancy Drew and so many others that have faded from my memory. I think the building had a wood stove as well, but that memory is not as clear. I just remember it was a magical place, filled with adventures.

According to Irene Jones, author of Pavillion City, the lot on which the building sits was donated by Fremont County in 1948 for the local public library, and Mrs. Minnie Counselor was hired as the first librarian. The same year, the town purchased the building (shown above) from the Pavillion Methodist Church. Mrs. Jones wrote that when the church owned the building it sat behind the parsonage. The building was moved County's donated lot - on the west side of Main Street between Center and Cedar Avenues. (Pavillion City, page 60)

Other town librarians in the early years were Mrs. Harold Smith, Mrs. Alice Walker and Mrs. Olive Harebo.

Now, the little white building is the local museum (open only in the summer, usually by appointment).

Holly's Flutter-By

2012-02-06T04:10:00.020-07:00

One of my former colleagues (Holly C.) called last week and asked for my opinion on some vintage blocks that her husband's mother had made. I met her at the school and discovered she wanted me to turn the pile of blocks into quilts for two of her children.

Half of the blocks (those shown above) were hand-stitched with muslin backgrounds, and the other half were machine stitched with a poly-blend background fabric. We discussed how large she wanted the quilts and played with potential block settings. The layout, shown above, was rejected because Holly wanted a rectangular quilt.

I brought all the blocks home to hand wash (I knew from working with these blocks my mother made and kept in her cedar chest, that vintage blocks get very dirty in storage and from handling) and to square them to the same size, which ended up being 10.5 inches.

The two piles of butterfly blocks were made (in my opinion) by two different people. The ones with muslin backgrounds were more carefully made with neat and smooth seams. The poly-blend blocks reflected an impatient quilter, as numerous seams overlapped and are puckered. The poly-blend blocks were also less consistent in size, making sizing them a challenge.

Each butterfly's wing contains three solid-black fabric pieces
and three print-fabric pieces.

On Friday, Holly and I met to choose fabric for the quilt tops. We worked with a lot of bolts of fabric before Holly found the combination that she wanted for the muslin blocks. We were not so lucky with the poly-blend blocks. Background and border fabrics were auditioned and rejected, auditioned and rejected - nothing fell into place, and I finally told Holly if she didn't see anything she loved than it was best to just stop trying. I came home with the fabric for the muslin blocks quilt.

Holly's Flutter-By
59 x 79 inches

I am pleased that the top turned out so well, and I think Holly will love it, too.

Using scraps from the front, the thirteenth butterfly was added to the quilt's backing.

I definitely want to see Holly's Flutter-By after it is machine quilted.

Foreign Friday

2012-02-03T04:08:00.003-07:00

Spectacle Bridge
Nagasaki, Japan
April 1980

Built in 1634, Spectacle Bridge spans the Nakajima River in Nagasaki. When the river is high, the bridge resembles a pair of vintage spectacles, as the arches are reflected in the water.

Spectacle Bridge Neighborhood
Nagasaki, Japan
April 1980

Unfortunately, when my group saw the bridge, the river was very low, so I drew my attention to the surrounding neighborhood. I can't even imagine the historical events this area has witnesses.

Mt. Moran

2012-02-02T04:21:00.002-07:00

Mt. Moran
Teton Range in northwest Wyoming
January 2012

Mount Moran was named in honor of Thomas Moran, an American landscape painter, who helped inspire the movement to preserve the most beautiful parts of the country's wilderness and to create a national park system. Moran accompanied a geological survey team into the wilderness (the unknown Yellowstone area), and his sketches were used to convince Congress to turn Yellowstone into the first national park.

You can see one of his paintings in this 2009 post.

Chocolate Mint

2012-02-01T04:41:00.005-07:00

Cheryl and Sheri and I decided to knit an Oddball Baby Blanket called Chocolate Mint. The blanket will have two more sections - a mint and a chocolate.

When it is finished, the blanket will be mailed to the Western Oddball coordinator for distribution at Seattle Children's Hospital.

Wildlife Art

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

"Stormy"
1999
by Nancy Glazier
Oil painting on Belgian Linen

The National Wildlife Art Museum in Jackson is filled with dynamic paintings, among which were two, realistic, bison paintings that appear to be photographs.

"Chief"
1997
by Robert Bateman
Acrylic on Canvas

Staring down an open corridor between galleries, "Chief" (a life-size painting) commands the viewer to stop and study the detail. A plaque on the side states that Bateman spent many hours studying bison in the field. Bateman is quoted, "I was after a dynamic shift, when the life-hand side of the picture is the place where the subject originates. It's like an oncoming locomotive. The tension increases as you move from left to right. This particular guy is at Elk Island Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada."

You can take a virtual tour of the museum here.

Peppermint Twist

2012-01-30T04:35:00.000-07:00

Peppermint Twist, a Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket, was started in Washington right after Christmas and now is on its way to Texas.

This blanket will be knit with only red and white yarn. I prefer themes that dictate the colors used in the blankets.

Foreign Friday

2012-01-27T04:37:00.021-07:00

Outdoor Market
Tokyo, Japan
Spring 1980

I loved shopping in Japan, especially in Tokyo's bustling, outdoor markets where the stores were packed with interesting items. These markets were open long into the evening.

Since I served on the Overseas Education Association (OEA) board, I was fortunate to visit Tokyo several times for meetings during my two years in Japan. Trains did not travel from Misawa to Tokyo while I was in Japan, so the OEA representatives from Misawa flew stand-by on the military transports.

Fiesta

2012-01-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

Fiesta, a new Western Region Oddball baby blanket, should be bright-colored if the other knitters pull colors from this first section.

I used the empty needles from Nature to start this full-sized blanket. While it is difficult to make out, I used the Box stitch.

Star Gazer

2012-01-25T04:39:00.019-07:00

Star Gazer
Quilt of Valor
55 x 67 inches

PineTree Lodge Designs (Whirligigs #218) was used to make Star Gazer. The pattern offers three possible block layouts; thus, a wide variety of tops can be made from the different blocks layouts. The center section of Star Gazer required 12 assorted fat quarters.

I used the BB#1 block and the "B" layout for that block which created a "floating star." Focus on the neutral triangles to see the stretched star.

Antero Winds

2012-01-24T04:22:00.009-07:00

Antero Winds
Flute, Cobus Du Toit; Oboe, Max Soto; Bassoon, Kaori Uno-Jack;
Horn, Megan Garrison; Clarinet, Jerone Fleg
January 16, 2012
Lander, WY

Last week, I attended a local Community Concert in Lander, featuring a quintet called Antero Winds. It was a delightful concert: the music was light-hearted and soothing.

Some of the selections performed were Klezmer Dances for Woodwind Quintet (arr. by Gene Kavadlo and Adam Lesnick), Milonga sin Palabras (Astor Piazzola), Trois Pieces breves (Jacques Ibert), and Fire and Flame (Peter Kwasniewski).

I loved every piece they played and left the auditorium wanting more.

Oddballs No More

2012-01-23T03:51:00.002-07:00

Four Oddball blankets have recently been finished. They are. . .

Veggie Tales
started July 2011

Mr. Green Jeans
started September 2011

Sweet Dreams
started August 2011

Blue Hawaii
started December 2010
This blanket was stalled for months and
was finally put back into circulation.

Foreign Friday

2012-01-20T04:00:00.006-07:00

English-speaking Competition Officials
Autumn 1979
Misawa, Japan

The first year I was in Japan, I had the honor of judging an English-speaking competition at an off-base high school. The students recited and/or read selections of literature in English. Some students were highly proficient, and others painfully struggled with the simple readings. The contest took most of the day, and the school officials were most gracious and presented each volunteer judge with a gift.

Americans were commonly approached off base by Japanese teenagers and young adults, wanting to improve their English skills.

Tetons in Winter

2012-01-19T04:17:00.002-07:00

Jane F., Nancy J., and Trish S.
January 14, 2012

At a recent knitting night, Jane revealed that she had never seen the Tetons during the winter, so four of us planned a road trip to Jackson.

The forecast said a storm was approaching the State, and I secretly hoped the Tetons would not be shrouded with clouds when we got over the pass. While Saturday was a cloudy day, the Tetons were definitely visible and decked in Winter finery. Temperatures in Jackson were in the mid 30s; however, by late afternoon the wind was blowing and dropped the temperature.

Jane F., Nancy S., and Nancy J.

Candy Hearts

2012-01-18T04:30:00.002-07:00

Candy Hearts, a Western Region Oddball preemie blanket, started by suehling is being knit in the colors of Valentine candy hearts. I used Caron Simply Soft (Lavender Blue) and the Purled Ladder stitch for my four-inch section. Now, Candy Hearts is on its way to California.

Update: February 7, 2012

It's nearly finished.

Road Trip

2012-01-17T04:31:00.004-07:00

Grand Teton Sunset
January 14, 2012

Saturday I went to Jackson with three knitting buddies. While there, we toured the National Wildlife Art Museum and visited a yarn shop. As we headed home, a colorful, winter sunset made the Tetons even more beautiful and memorable.

Nature

2012-01-16T04:06:00.012-07:00

I added the final section to Nature, a Western Region Oddball baby blanket, using Caron Rhapsody (Charcoal) and the Purled Ladder stitch. The colors in this blanket should make it boy-friendly.

Since I was the sixth knitter and cast off, I will start another blanket for the group.

My friend Cheryl added the border over the weekend.

Nature is a cute blanket.

Foreign Friday

2012-01-13T04:16:00.047-07:00

Misawa AFB
Misawa, Japan
January 1981

This man struggled to clear the walks just outside of my BOQ. All of this snow is the aftermath of one all-night storm.

Once the walks were cleared, it was business as usual.

Nancy Stearns
Misawa AFB
Misawa, Japan
1981

My BOQ was fairly close to the school, and some days it was easier to walk than dig the car out of a snow bank.

One major difference I noticed was the snow in Japan did not squeak underfoot like that in Wyoming. This was probably because, unlike Wyoming, the temperatures were not sharp or bitter cold: the cold in Japan was damp and chilled to the bone no matter how many layers were worn.

Misawa is located on the northern edge of the main island (Honshu) of Japan. Storms consistently dropped more snow on the island to the north (Hokkaido) where the Sapporo Snow Festival was held every year. Snow sculptures can be seen on these posts.

Old Glory

2012-01-12T04:01:00.002-07:00

Old Glory is a Western Region Oddball blanket. The first section was knit with a Seed stitch, and the second section is the Box stitch. The blanket is on it's way to Idaho for the next knitter to add four more inches.

Vanishing Americana

2012-01-11T03:54:00.023-07:00

Hudson, WY
January 2012

Billboards were once painted on the sides of buildings all across America, and the few remaining are vanishing before our eyes. Last week, I stopped to capture some fading bits of Americana in my area.

Husdon, WY
January 2012

This is the other side of the building which is even more interesting. The left side of the photo shows a the ghostly SINCLAIR painted over the previous business' sign. At the top, I think it says, "D. J. Gaspersttn" or "D.J. Gasperstti" and then HUDSON, which is the name of the town. The campaign ad to the right is from several years ago, and I have no doubt that it will remain there until it, too, fades away.

Hudson, WY
January 2012

Across the street/highway is this building. I've lived in this area off and on nearly all of my life, and I don't remember this building renting rooms or having any residents.

Despite these remnants of the past, the small town of Hudson is well-known for two steak restaurants, Svilar's (still serving meals) and Club El Toro (now closed). Those two establishments, especially the Club El Toro, had live bands on the weekends, and it was frequently difficult to find a place to park. While Svilar's has a bar, I don't think it has live bands, but I am not sure.

Some online reviews of Svilar's are here and here. I don't have a clue why the last review is listed under Jackson Hole restaurants since Hudson is quite a distance from Jackson.

Hudson has other outdoor paintings that I which can be seen in this 2008 post.

Does your area have old, painted billboards that are vanishing or other distinct pockets of Americana (barns, silos, Victorian houses, etc.)? Make a point to capture these American icons in photographs before they disappear in the name of progress.

Crayon Box

2012-01-10T03:46:00.000-07:00

Crayon Box was made from the remnants in my scrap basket. Most were small balls of Simply Soft leftover from other Oddball blankets on which I've knit for the Western Region Oddball group. I used Simply Soft (Bone) as a buffer to create the "crayons."

My knitting buddy, Cheryl (no blog) added the boy-friendly border. Thanks, Cheryl

The blanket will be donated the the Seattle Children's Hospital.

American Potpourri

2012-01-09T04:22:00.011-07:00

As I straightened my sewing room over New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, I found a lot of red, white, and blue scraps from previous Quilts of Valor. American Potpourri was created out of those scraps.

American Potpourri

Quilt of Valor

60 x 69 inches

Foreign Friday

2012-01-06T04:40:00.022-07:00

Shinto Shrine Bells

Towada City, Japan

Autumn 1979

Some, but not all, Shinto shrines have bells, and most shrines are painted red. Other shrines I visited in Japan can be seen in previous Foreign Friday posts: here and here.

from Wikipedia
(click image to enlarge)

The Gauntlet Was Thrown

2012-01-05T04:17:00.014-07:00

Alycia has challenged quilters to make and donate twelve Quilts of Valor in 2012, and I have accepted her challenge. Since I have some quilt tops that have not been machine quilted, I am going to count them in my twelve in 2012.

If you don't sew, you can still help. Find a local group that makes Quilts of Valor and offer to work with them. Every quilter appreciates someone who will press seams and fabric - no sewing required. If you do sew but don't think you can make twelve quilts by yourself, then team with one or more quilters. Every quilt makes the world of difference to the soldier who receives it.

Won't you accept Alycia's challenge, too, and provide quilts to our wounded warriors.

Note: gMarie offered to make twelve red/white/blue blocks and send them to me. I accepted her offer. I will add fabric and turn her blocks into a Quilt of Valor top.

If you wish to participate in this challenge make one or more blocks, at least 12.5 inches unfinished in red/white/blue fabric, using one block pattern or a variety. Then contact me for mailing instructions. I will turn your blocks into a top for a Quilt of Valor.

"Cool" Mailbox

2012-01-04T04:33:00.000-07:00

near Esterbrook, WY
1974

The US Postal Service was a lifeline for isolated ranches in the Laramie Peak area in the 1970s. The ranches often had unique mailboxes, but this old refrigerator was definitely the most creative. Large packages were placed in the bottom of the refrigerator; regular mail, in the freezer section. The mail left in the box was safe from the elements and from domestic and wild animals. The "mailbox" also served as a landmark and was useful in giving directions.

Many of the ranches had one-room schools because it was too far to bus students to the closest towns of Laramie, Wheatland, Douglas, or Glendo. One of my good friends taught on a ranch for several years: he had two students. Some small, isolated schools are still open in Wyoming; however, they are not as common as they were in the 70s. This article explains a situation very similar to my friend's ranch school experience - scroll down to the sub-headline, "Teaching Challenge."

I'm sure today's postal regulations would not allow mail to be delivered to this "mailbox."

White Elephant - No Way!

2012-01-03T04:30:00.002-07:00

Hand-crocheted shawl
made by Charlotte A.

The Tuesday before Christmas, my TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly) group gathered for a holiday party after our weekly weigh-in. Each person brought a wrapped, white elephant gift for the gift exchange.

I gasped when opening my package: inside was the pineapple shawl, pictured above, and a pair of slippers hand-crocheted by Charlotte. The shawl is the perfect length for my long arms and drapes gracefully. I have never received such a beautiful "white elephant."

Hand-crocheted slippers
made by Charlotte A.

12 Days of Christmas

2012-01-02T04:23:00.005-07:00

Twelve Days of Christmas

Mini Quilt Mystery

Temecula Quilt Company

While many declare Christmas over and have taken down their decorations, it continues in my house until Epiphany. This year, I was happy to read about a Twelve Days of Christmas mini quilt mystery on several blogs, and I decided to join in the fun.

Above are my 3.5 inch (unfinished) blocks for days One thru Eight. Do you notice anything about the make-up of the blocks? Each block has the number of pieces for the day it represents, i.e. the eighth day block has eight pieces. These pieces are small - the center of the seventh block is a 1 1/8 inch square, making precise cuts and an accurate seam essential for uniform block size.

Christmas is not over yet, so it's not too late to join in the fun.

Foreign Friday

2011-12-30T04:10:00.001-07:00

Honda
Misawa, Japan
Fall 1979

Once I found a reasonably-priced used car and obtained license and insurance, I was able to move out of billeting and into my off-base house.

Notice the outside mirrors mounted on the front fenders. I never could figure out why they were located there instead of near the windows. It was tricky to adjust them.

I can't tell you how many times I went to the left side front door to get in only to remember the steering wheel was on the right.

Even though the car had an automatic transmission, shifting was tricky because I am right-handed. The accelerator was located on the right, which made it easier to adapt. I had to constantly remind myself that as the driver, I needed to be sitting on the inside of the road. I avoided passing other cars: it was just too difficult to force myself to look right to check for on-coming vehicles.

It was a good car and served me well for two years although it was sometimes temperamental when moisture got under the hood.

My friend, Betty made arrangements to sell it for me when I returned home.

Carol's Fall Flower

2011-12-29T04:31:00.004-07:00

Carol's Fall Flower

December Block

The Quilter's Neighborhood

I took some artistic license with the December block because I did not want to fuss with convex and concave pieces. If I had cut the pieces, I knew that none of them would have turned out the correct size, so I grabbed a pencil and created an adaptation.

The directions called for lovely curved petals to form a chrysanthemum. My adaptation (see my pencil lines on the diagram) looks more like a star; thus, I am calling it a "Star Aster" rather than a chrysanthemum.

All the blocks for the 2011 Block of the Month are finished. Now, I need to decide what to do with them.

The complete set of Quilter's Neighborhood blocks.

Grandma's Haircuts

2011-12-28T03:58:00.005-07:00

Larry Stearns & Grandma Rosie
1974

Whenever any of the guys wanted a haircut, Grandma Rosie brought out her trusty clippers and the wild, layered skirt and got to work. I don't know whose skirt it was, but it was used every time someone got a haircut. I think my Mom stored the skirt with the clippers.

Notice Larry's trimmed locks in the lower left corner of the photo above.

I don't know when my mom started cutting my brothers' and nephew's hair, but she did it for years and the pile of used clippers in the cupboard served as evidence. I don't think my brother had anyone else cut his hair until after Mom died in 1989.

Terry Stearns & Grandma Rosie
1974

Note: Just to clarify, Mom didn't give buzz cuts but trimmed the hair into the style my nephews or brothers wanted.

Right Place, Right Time

2011-12-27T04:26:00.006-07:00

I am seldom in the right place at the right time, but the stars aligned for me on December 17, 2011, the day to pick up the last block of the month at Sheep Camp Quilt Supply.

After selecting some tone on tone yardage for my stash, I wandered to the back room where Clearance items are located. A kit for a 66 x 82 inch quilt, marked 50% off, caught my eye. I thought it was a great deal, so I picked out some coordinating yardage (also in the Clearance area) for the backing and the binding.

I was pleasantly surprised when the store owner told me that Clearance kits were 75% off. Wow, an even greater deal!

The two pieces of fabric on the left are the backing and the binding, and were not included in the kit.

The damages:

Floral backing fabric (top left) was 60% off -- $18.92
Red binding fabric (lower left) was 55% off -- $3.94
The remaining fabric was in the quilt kit which I purchased for $16.75

Grand total for a 66 x 82 inch quilt: (not including batting) $39.61

I was definitely in the right place at the right time for these bargains!

Silent Night

2011-12-24T22:30:00.001-07:00

Silent night, holy night.

All is calm, All is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so Tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night.

Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar;

Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ja.

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night.

Wondrous star, lend thy light.

With the angels let us sing

Alleluia to our King.

Christ the Savior is here,

Jesus the Savior is here.

Silent night, Holy night.

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus Lord at thy birth;

Jesus Lord at thy birth.

Foreign Friday

2011-12-23T04:24:00.009-07:00

Christmas Display
Misawa AFB
Misawa, Japan
December 1979

Christmas Display competitions were held on base the both years I was there, and the panels shown above were exceptional. This display was simply beautiful and a work of art. Click the photo to see more detail.

Merry Christmas to all of my readers.

What Does This Mean?

2011-12-22T04:13:00.002-07:00

seen on Burma Road
December 2011

Burma Road, a local farm to market road, was under construction most of the summer. A major portion of the road was relocated to remove some dangerous curves, but Burma Hill remained. I saw the sign, shown above, last Saturday. My first reaction was, "doesn't every hill block a view?"

I'm not sure what danger this particular sign and its twin going the opposite direction (one for each North and South bound traffic) is pointing out to motorists.

Just past this point, the road curves and the grade of the hill is significant, but this Warning sign or others around it do not indicate the curve. Burma Road will probably only have local traffic so most motorists will be familiar with the road's curve, yet this sign it more of a novelty than a warning.

Historic Winter - 1986

2011-12-21T04:16:00.062-07:00

Shetland Road, north of Wild Licorice where the mailbox was located.

The storms in 1986 were similar to those of 1978 (see this post), but the County and residents were better prepared to deal with the aftermath. After the storms in 1976, my brother purchased a rear-mounted snow blower for his tractor, and in 1986 between his labors and that of the County Road Department, Gabe's Road was kept open to the highway for the milk truck.

Nancy Stearns on Shetland Road, north of the mailbox.

Rosa Stearns checking the mailbox at the intersection of Shetland
and Wild Licorice roads, west of the farm. The mailbox post was broken
off by the County when they plowed, and here it is merely stuck in the snow
bank. In the Spring, my brother John welded a metal pole on the box
to replace the wooden post.

Gabe's Road south of the silo.
Any cattle in the fields for winter could easily
step over the fence.

In 1986, I lived on the farm north of Pavillion. My brother, Rich would come over on nights when the wind was howling and drive his four-wheel drive truck up and down the road multiple times to break the forming drifts, hoping that I would be able to get out in the morning to go to work. It worked well most of the time.

One morning, however, I could not make it up the hill on Disneyland Road in my little Toyota Tercel (shown in the top photo, the car was amazing and had the heart of a warrior.) I went back to the house and waited to see if the school bus could get through, as it had to come down the hill, and I had to go up. Once the bus came by my house, I jumped in my car and followed since we were both going to the school. The bus broke drifts, making it easier for my car.

At school, one of the boys on the bus, who lived on a farm across Five Mile Creek, called his dad and told him I couldn't get out that morning. That sweet man (Jerry Huelle) drove his huge tractor many miles to blade the road so I could get home that night. I can't even imagine the diesel fuel he used that day to clear the road. I truly appreciated his labors.

Following that morning, I kept a packed suitcase in my car in the event I had to stay at the school or at my Mom's.

Oddball Update

2011-12-20T04:30:00.006-07:00

Little Miss Muffet
I didn't work on this blanket, but it is too cute not to share

Several Oddball blankets have recently been finished. I've posted updated photos at the end of their previous posts.

Citrus Burst

Raspberry Delight

Flowers

Chocoholic

All Aboard!

2011-12-19T04:28:00.001-07:00

Train Barbecue designed and built by
John Stearns
June 1986

Regular readers may remember the post about the train barbecue that my brother, John built. Recently I found some photos of the barbecue in use and wanted to share them.

Brenda's high school graduation party
June 1986

John Stearns and his train barbecue
June 1986

Foreign Friday

2011-12-16T04:34:00.002-07:00

Malaysian Children
December 1979

The children gathered at a Mosque gate when my group toured the building. Our group probably provided a distraction for them on a hot December day.

In my travels, I only encountered children begging for food/money in the Philippines and in Bangkok.

Fall Harvest

2011-12-15T04:12:00.003-07:00

Fall Harvest, a Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket, is promising to be a stunning blanket. So far, it has been to Idaho, Canada, and Wyoming. Where will it travel next?

The first section used Garter Steps; the second, Purled Ladder; the third section, Single Chevron. The blanket is 104 stitches wide and will have six four-inch sections.

Update: January 31, 2012

Fall Harvest needs one more section before the border

Historic Winter - 1978

2011-12-14T04:38:00.002-07:00

Terry Stearns
Gabe's Road - 1/2 mile from Hwy
December 1978

Over the weekend, I found the photos of the Winter of 1978, and I discovered the photo on this post is really from 1986 and not 1978, as I first indicated. Once I saw the other photos of 1986, the memories came back, but that is for another post.

This post contains a lot of photos of the aftermath of the 1978 storms. I am giving direction and road names for those know the area: my apologies to those who do not.

Long-time readers of this blog know that I grew up on a dairy farm. My mother and brother did all the work themselves, and the Winter of 1978 kept them extremely busy. Fresh straw had to be placed in the corral for the cows to have a place to bed down and not freeze their udders. The cows had to be fed twice a day, they needed fresh water (sometimes the stock tanks or automatic waterers would freeze), calves had to be fed and kept warm with fresh straw and heat lamps. It was exhausting work, but the Winter of 1978 compounded that work because all of the outside chores had to be done in miserable conditions - high winds and drifting snow. Then, add the stress of not knowing if the milk truck would be able to navigate the roads to pick up the fresh milk or if the electricity (juice) would go out. I admire my brother and mother for enduring those grueling days and nights.

Looking North on Gabe's Road
This is the route the milk truck used to come to the farm.
If the truck didn't arrive, and the stainless steel tank in the barn
was full, the milk had to be dumped.
It was difficult for the County Road Department
to keep roads open after they were plowed as the wind continued
to blow and new drifts were created.
My brother, Rich was constantly pulling stalled vehicles out
with his tractor, that is if he could get to the vehicle.

Gabe's Road plowed and ready for traffic.
It was dangerous to drive after sundown, especially if the wind
was blowing: drifts could not be seen until it was too late.

Wild Licorice Road, looking East.
This is the small hill that led to the farm from Gabe's Road.
On the left of the road is a deep irrigation ditch with cement drops.
That ditch was drifted over so it is difficult to distinguish
between the road and the ditch.

It may look like a road, but this is the drifted irrigation ditch, especially
dangerous if an unsuspecting driver thought it was a road.

Wild Licorice Road, looking West from the weir.
Even if the roads were plowed, a strong wind could create
new drifts in a matter of minutes. Farmers took down their fences and
created paths through their fields circumventing the roads until the
winds stopped creating massive drifts.

Clearing the road (Wild Licorice) in front of the farm.
The County Road Department worked long, long hours.

Even this big equipment struggled with the packed snow.

Progress was slow, but it was still progress - that is until the
wind started howling again.

Wild Licorice Road, looking west up the hill to the farm.
It was hard to know if or when you would meet another vehicle
at the crest of the hill. One lane traffic made careful driving a must.

Rich, Pepper, and Rosa Stearns
Rich moved as much snow as he could in the farm yard with this tractor.
After the winter of 1978, Rich purchased a rear-mounted snow blower for this
tractor. In 1986, he managed to keep Gabe's Road clear for the milk truck,
but it took most of the day. They also purchased a generator that hooked up to the
tractor's power take-off. If the electricity went off for an extended period, they didn't
need to milk 60 - 70 head of cattle by hand. Many lessons were learned from
the Winter of 1978.

Rosa Stearns, always a jokester, keeps an eye out for the County dozer.

By the time I was ready to go back to Wheatland, Gabe's Road had been
widened enough for two vehicles to meet and pass each other.

Milk Can Dinner

2011-12-13T04:32:00.019-07:00

Louise Oberlie and Debbie Johnson peel and prepare carrots.
Notice the potatoes on the table are already cleaned and ready for the can.
All of the photos on this post were taken in 1983.

Frequently, the Wind River Education Association would host a Milk Can Dinner for its members, the administration, and the school board. It was a chance to socialize and have a good meal.

Kris Nelson sat in the garage and prepared the corn.
Corn frozen on the cob can also be used.

Kris Nelson and Louise Oberlie pack the milk can.
The last few sausages must be forced into the can.

Chuck and Renee Gomendi prepare the fire while visiting with Rich Stearns.

Chuck Gomendi sets the can on the cinder blocks and adds the needed moisture.
We liked it prepared with beer, but water works, too.

It's time to remove the cans from the fire and empty into bowls.
Watching the process are Ethel and John Rowland, Michelle Goldsmith,
Chuck Gomendi, Louise Oberlie, and Ron Hines.

Chuck Gomendi and Ron Hines carefully empty the can's
hot contents into bowls with Louise Oberlie's help.

Make sure everyone brings an appetite because this is seriously good.

Here's the recipe from a Vocational Advisor's Cookbook, edited by Ike Strayer.

Milk Can Dinner

Select a clean, rust-free milk can with lid
The following recipe fills a 10-gallon milk can and will feed 25 people

Place the following ingredients in the can, in the order given:

25 pounds of potatoes, washed but unpeeled
3 pounds of carrots, peeled
4 heads of cabbage, quarter and remove heart
25 ears of corn (use frozen corn on the cob, if desired)
6 medium onions, peeled and quartered
50 pre-cooked sausages, they may have to be forced and packed into the can
1 1/2 quarts of water or beer

Prepare a hot fire between two cinder blocks or something similar that will hold can above and close to the fire. If the wind is blowing, prepare something to protect the fire. Set the can on the blocks and tend the fire as the meal steams and cooks, approximately 1 1/2 hours. On a cold day, it will take longer to cook.

Remove the can from the fire and carefully remove the lid. Two individuals, wearing insulated gloves, should then pour the can's contents into waiting large bowls. Add serving spoons and have guests serve themselves.

Note: milk cans in good condition and rust-free are hard to find. If you want to purchase a new can (they are expensive), Lehman's is a good place to begin your search. Several years ago, I accompanied my sister and brother-in-law to Ohio, and we stopped at Lehman's, located in Kidron, Ohio, an Amish community. It is a wonderful store, filled with all kinds of non-electric appliances and devices.

Mountain Meadows - revisited

2011-12-12T04:20:00.007-07:00

Since I can't crochet to save my life, Cheryl (my friend and knitting buddy) added a border to Mountain Meadows, and I appreciate it.

I love how the edge ruffles. This blanket will be sent to the Western Region Oddball Knitters coordinator for distribution at Seattle Children's Hospital.

Foreign Friday

2011-12-09T04:29:00.003-07:00

Esso Gas Station Sign
Near Misawa, Japan
Spring 1980

Gasoline was sold by the liter off-base and was more expensive. Of course, then most of the cars in Japan (other than Western imports) were small and got very good gas mileage.

At home, the price of gasoline increased sharply in 1979 when 52 Americans were taken hostage in Iran. I believe gas lines were common at the pump. While I don't remember gas lines on-base; however, I did find some references to gasoline in the journal I kept at the time.

December 8, 1979 (Saturday)
Gasoline is being rationed on base. Click on the link to listen to President Carter address the nation about the Iranian hostage crisis and embargo.

March 4, 1980 (Tuesday)
Gasoline on-base is $1.32 a gallon.

Historic Winters

2011-12-08T04:39:00.023-07:00

Wyoming Winter
December 1986

I was teaching in Wheatland, WY during the winter of 1978 - 79. I told Mom when I was coming home for Christmas, and she said to meet her in Kinnear because she needed to guide me home -- I would never find my way. What??

Of course, I knew some major storms had dropped snow in the area, but what I didn't know was how much snow had fallen and how the wind had created massive drifts. Roads were impassable, and farmers took down fences to create paths through their fields, allowing mail delivery and providing the milk trucks access to the farms to pick up the milk from the area dairies.

Plowed roads were only one lane wide, and the snow was higher than most vehicles, nearly creating tunnels. It was possible to walk right over the fences.

It was a Winter for the history books, yet eight years later it was nearly repeated. I haven't seen snow drift so badly since the Winters of 1978 - 79 and 1985 - 86. I'll post more photos when I get them scanned.

Nuts for Pins

2011-12-07T04:36:00.001-07:00

My oldest Christmas pin, circa 1968 or 1969
It is heavy metal, and the clasp has been replaced twice

Another one of my collections is holiday pins. Not just Christmas pins, but Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and even quirky brooches. I wore a different pin to school each day, amazing my students, who declared me to be a "Pin Nut."

Jingle Bells
a gift from my friend, Sue

Hand-painted by my niece, Brenda

This one was a lot of fun to wear.

Remember the song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"?

These never failed to make my students groan.

So how many Christmas-related pins do I have? Would you believe 110 pins. Several years ago, I pinned them on red velvet ribbon so I can display them during the holidays.

One of five ribbons on which the pins are displayed.

I think it is safe to say that I am definitely a "Pin Nut."

Completed Swap

2011-12-06T04:30:00.009-07:00

Marilyn and I made an arrangement in September: I would knit two baby sweater sets (featured here and here) for her grandmother boxes, and she would complete a Christmas card holder for me.

Last week I received the completed banner and hanger. She did a fantastic job, and I love it. We saw the banner on display in Rapid City quilt shop this summer, and Marilyn thought she had the pattern at home. When we started cutting out the pieces in September, I didn't see how I would ever finish it; thus, Marilyn and I struck our bargain.

The banner Marilyn made fits perfectly on my pantry door, and it already has three cards tucked in the branches of the tree. Thanks, Marilyn!

Freedom Stripes

2011-12-05T04:38:00.017-07:00

Freedom Stripes
56" x 66"
Quilt of Valor

Freedom Stripes is a loose adaptation of Mary's Quick Strippie pattern. The fabric for this top (other than the white), the backing, and the binding came from the yardage shown in this September post.

Machine-quilted by BunkHouse Quilting
January 2012

Ann was my volunteer longarmer for this quilt. Ann transformed this simple quilt with her awesome quilting. I've never had a volunteer quilter do custom quilting on a top or take such care with the details. Thank you so much, Ann!

If you need a someone machine quilt your tops, I suggest you check out Ann's BunkHouse Quilting site. You'll be impressed with her work.

Foreign Friday

2011-12-02T04:25:00.010-07:00

Hotel room

Southern Japan

April 1980

I never got used to sitting on the floor to eat: my long legs just didn't fit well under the table and cramped pretty quickly. The "chairs" shown in the photo were very common in homes, hotels, restaurants, etc. Hotel rooms often had small areas covered with tatami mats and frequently those areas had short tables similar to the one in the photo. Notice the additional floor pillows stacked under the storage area.

The floors in the ryokan guest rooms were covered with tatami mats. Futons which were used for sleeping were rolled up during the day and stored in the raised storage areas. Some ryokans had raised platforms, on which the futons were placed for sleeping and then rolled up and stored the day. Most of the hotels that I stayed in had beds with mattresses.

You can read more about Japanese style homes and the use of tatami mats on this blog.

Back in Time

2011-12-01T04:00:00.012-07:00

Dad, Richard, Mom, Marilyn, Evelyn, and Nancy
approximately 1956 or 1957

This image of my Dad and Mom joking around is one of my favorites. Notice the Brownie camera in my mother's hand: it was pretty high-tech for those days. I was fascinated with the camera and how it had viewfinders on the top and on the side and could be turned to take either vertical or horizontal photos. Those old cameras were real workhorses, and they captured many great images. The exposed film was mailed to a processor in Nebraska. Remember the flash bulbs the cameras used? The bulbs were either clear or an opaque blue and made a popping sound when they flashed.

I rarely wore shoes in the summer and had callouses on the bottom of my feet that allowed me to run and walk on gravel. Even now, I prefer to go barefoot around the house and in the yard, but the callouses are long gone.

Two of my brothers (John and Jerry) are not pictured.

Lovely Transformation

2011-11-30T04:06:00.034-07:00

Even though I featured this sculpture previously (2008), its transformation is truly amazing. Central Wyoming College planned the makeover around the dedication of a new building, an Inter Tribal Center. While the building was being constructed, the statue was removed from its pedestal and taken to be refurbished.

Central Wyoming College dedicated the Inter Tribal Center in the Fall of 2010, and the statue was moved very near the building. It no longer has a pedestal but stands at ground level, making it much easier to see and appreciate.

According to the Art Inventory database, the statue was originally dedicated in July 1981.

The statue is no longer surrounded by trees and looks directly west toward the Wind River Mountains.

Even the baby in the cradle board can now be seen. I am pleased that CWC had this work of art recolored, restored, and relocated: it definitely needed a facelift.

Scrappy American Squares

2011-11-29T04:00:00.004-07:00

Scrappy American Squares
55 x 66 inches

By using the scraps from Freedom Flags and a bit of extra yardage, Scrappy American Squares was started and finished on Thanksgiving Day. The pattern American Squares by Rita Fishel is designed to use just three fabrics, so making it scrappy was a risk. I like the "modern" feel of the quilt top.

Featuring 11-inch blocks, the pattern is quick and easy - a perfect one for a beginning quilter.

Scrappy American Squares will be sent to a volunteer Quilt of Valor machine quilter after the holidays, and the finished quilt will be sent to Alycia for distribution.

Scrappy American Squares
quilted by BunkHouse Quilting
January 2012

Update: Check out the post on BunkHouse Quilting about this Quilt of Valor. Ann is a talented and gracious quilter.

If you need a someone machine quilt, I suggest you check out Ann's web site and blog. You'll be impressed with her work.

Susie's Summer Flower

2011-11-28T04:11:00.004-07:00

Susie's Summer Flower

November Block

The Quilter's Neighborhood

This block was easy to make, but it contains a LOT of pieces, most are 2-inch squares with a few rectangles. This is by far my favorite block of the series.

One more block and the Quilter's Neighborhood will be finished. The shop owner doesn't have any settings in mind for the blocks - she suggested seasonal table runners, but I won't be using them for that. Any ideas on how to set these blocks into an actual quilt?

Foreign Friday

2011-11-25T03:45:00.053-07:00

Thanksgiving Dinner

Deaton Residence

November 1979

Misawa, Japan

Joann and Don Deaton shared their holiday dinner with six teachers. Joann was my "sponsor" and mentor my first year in Japan: she helped me tremendously. She assisted in finding off-base housing and a car, she helped me learn military protocol and lingo, she dried many, many tears. She was a real blessing to me because I would not have made it through that first year without her.

Joann's husband was an Air Force Major, and she was a high school teacher. Joann and Don had two young children: Donna Rae and Bill.

Those enjoying the Thanksgiving meal were: Joann Deaton (at the foot of the table), Nancy Vandenberg, Donna Rae Deaton, Peggy Vaughn, Don and Bill Deaton, Nancy Stearns, Roy Sargent, and Marie Fricchonne. John Hedberg (Nancy Vandenberg's husband who was pictured in yesterday's post) took the group photo.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T03:55:00.009-07:00

John Hedberg

Thanksgiving Day - 1979

Misawa, Japan

May your day be filled with faith, family,

friends, food, and football.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mountain Meadows

2011-11-23T04:34:00.007-07:00

Cynthia (no blog) brought several bags of yarn to a recent knitting night. One of her friends no longer wanted the yarn and unfinished project so she donated it to the group. I took two partial skeins of Red Heart to make a baby blanket; thus, Mountain Meadows was created. I'll ask someone from the Western Region Oddball group to add a border, and the blanket will be ready for a child at the Seattle Children's Hospital.

I knit the blanket with 110 stitches on size 8 needles, using my favorite Checks and Ridges stitch. Each section is 5 inches, so the blanket is 25 inches square. I used all of the variegated yarn and had just a tiny bit of the purple skein remaining.

My project for the weekend is to eliminate several small balls of yarn.

Sunny Baby

2011-11-22T03:54:00.001-07:00

Sunny Baby is a Western Region Oddball Knitters Preemie Blanket. Knit with size 6 needles with DK weight yarn and 108 stitches. When finished, Sunny Baby will have a total of five 4-inch sections and a border and will have travelled to several states. It started in Texas and will travel to Idaho for the third section.

I used the Checks and Ridges stitch to complement the Purled Ladder used in the first section.

Update: January 22, 2012

Back on the Wall

2011-11-21T04:00:00.001-07:00

The replacement plates arrived on Thursday, and they are perfect. I will definitely be more careful about putting anything in front of the door again.

Foreign Friday

2011-11-18T04:26:00.003-07:00

Sanbongi Nougyou Agricultural School

Towada, Japan

August 1979

School uniforms for boys were similar to business suits. Notice the hooks under the desks, which allow the book bags to be up off of the floor. The student in the foreground obviously wanted to be able to slip his shoes off and on quickly.

Unlearning

2011-11-17T04:32:00.009-07:00

I've been reading Made to Crave Devotional, and today's devotion was about perceived body image and how women, in particular, are harsh critics of their own bodies. As I read, I thought about how many times I put myself down. If someone else said those things about me, I would be angry, but I allow the negative self-talk. Obviously, I need to "unlearn" what I have learned and accepted all my life.

At the end of this devotion, author Lysa TerKeurst states, "Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, 'Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.' I’ve found my beautiful. And I like my beautiful. I don’t have to hold my beautiful up to other people’s bodies with a critical eye of judgment. I pray that you see your beautiful today and enjoy the blessings of the body that God gave you."

Today, challenge yourself by looking in the mirror and saying the following:

Repeat this exercise daily for a week.

Only Myself to Blame

2011-11-16T04:22:00.010-07:00

I have only myself to blame for breaking these Bing and Grondahl Mother's Day Plates. It makes me sick to think about how it happened because it could have easily been prevented.

Last Thursday, I propped the banner flag pole in front of my front door so I would remember to put it out on Veteran's Day and went about my usual routine. I ran some errands, went to exercise, and came home. Because I had some other things planned for the afternoon, I parked the car in the driveway and came through the front door instead of the garage. (I rarely enter the house by the front door unless I also used it to exit.)

As soon as I opened the door, I remembered the flag pole, but it was too late. The swing of the door and the force behind it sent the pole toward the wall and into the plates. When I heard the crash, I knew immediately what the pole had hit.

In 1970, I started the plate collection for my mother, and later found and purchased the first plate in the Mother's Day series for her. The two plates that broke were the last ones I gave Mom, so a part of my heart broke along with the plates.

Fortunately, I found replacements at Replacements, Ltd., located in North Carolina. The "new" plates won't carry the same sentimental value for me, but at least the first 20 years of the Mother's Day series will be intact.

Remember Replacements, Ltd. if you break a valuable piece of china or crystal and want to add to your set. The company has a large collection of china, crystal, silver, and collectibles for sale, but they also purchase items.

Gridiron Glory

2011-11-15T04:38:00.004-07:00

Gridiron Glory (a Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket) needed a pinch knitter, so I volunteered to add a section. I used Caron Simply Soft (Autumn Red) and the Purled Ladder stitch.

Green - the gridiron

White/Black - referee

Yellow - penalty flag

Brown - football

Red - coach's challenge flag

River Icing

2011-11-14T04:23:00.022-07:00

Last week, I noticed the shallow areas of the Wind River near Kinnear are slowly building ice.

From the bridge, ice ripples were clearly visible. Temperatures continue to drop in the evenings and daytime temperatures are cool, so ice will gradually build toward the center of the river. Usually the river is not completely frozen since it moves quickly in the center.

Foreign Friday

2011-11-11T04:16:00.011-07:00

Sanbongi Nougyou Agricultural School

Towada, Japan

August 1979

The principal of the agricultural school (gentleman in the dark suit) shares information about his school and students with a group of visiting teachers from Robert D. Edgren High School in Misawa, Japan. Acting as our interpreter was the man in the rust-colored sweater, the Japanese teacher at Edgren. Edgren's principal was the man with the white beard.

Notice the calendar on the black board. The dates are listed right to left, and the information for the dates is written top to bottom, which is how the Japanese read and write. Japanese books were read from the back to the front.

An Honor and a Privilege

2011-11-10T04:13:00.001-07:00

John Stearns
1954
US Army

Please hoist a flag tomorrow in remembrance of all the Veterans (past and present) who give so much to this country. If you don't have a flag, purchase one and fly it often. You'll be surprised how good it makes you feel.

John Stearns

Honor the troops by showing the Colors they proudly serve.

Chocoholic

2011-11-09T04:40:00.004-07:00

Chocoholic was started by my friend, Cheryl in August. Even though I had taken a photo, I somehow overlooked posting about this Western Oddball Baby Blanket. Cheryl's first section was knit to resemble fudge, and I added the second section, using the Box Stitch, to represent chocolate chips.

Update: December 19, 2011

Recording Progress

2011-11-08T04:34:00.028-07:00

Converting my LPs is a long-term project, yet slowly I am making progress. Recently, added to my MP3 collection were these albums:

Rita Coolidge – Anytime. . .Anywhere

Mac Davis – Mac Davis Collection

John Denver – An Evening with John Denver (2 LPs)

Crystal Gayle – Classic Crystal

Hillside Singers – I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing

Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge – Breakaway

Olivia Newton-John – Have You Ever Been Mellow

Peter, Paul & Mary – Album 1700

Helen Reddy – I Don’t Know How to Love you

Kenny Rogers -- Kenny

Kenny Rogers – What About Me

Diana Ross & The Supremes – Let the Sunshine In

Spanky and Our Gang – Spanky’s Greatest Hits

Barbara Streisand – Songbird

Barbara Streisand – Wet

Donna Summer – The Wanderer

Top Star Festival – 20 Dynamic Hits (Vol. 2)

Tanya Tucker – You Are So Beautiful

Bobby Vinton – Bobby Vinton’s All-time Greatest Hits (2 LPs)

Dionne Warwick – I’ll Never Fall in Love

Some favorite songs from these artists include: "Day by Day," "I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog," "Watching Scotty Grow," "She's a Mystery to Me," "You Never Miss a Real Good Thing," and "Blue on Blue."

The Mac Davis and Top Star Festival albums were produced by K-Tel. I remember ordering them after seeing the advertisement on TV, probably one of the first companies to market music that way.

I still have many albums to convert, but the stack is getting smaller.

Next Destination - Colorado

2011-11-07T04:26:00.060-07:00

The two flag quilts are bound, labeled, laundered, and making their way to Colorado, so Alycia can distribute them to the Wounded Warriors at Fort Carson.

This one was quilted by Julie B. (Ogden, UT)

Julie used some swirls around the large star, a small meander inside the star and a feathery plume on the stripes.

This one was quilted by Nita V. (Ogden, UT). Nita used an all-over star pantograph on the quilt.

Both quilts crinkled beautifully after they were washed and dried.

I am very thankful for the generosity of Julie and Nita, who volunteered to do the longarm quilting on these two Quilts of Valor.

Daylight Saving Time

2011-11-05T08:24:00.000-06:00

Click here for more great comics

I think Gerald has a great idea. What are your thoughts on DST?

Foreign Friday

2011-11-04T04:00:00.014-06:00

Home Economics Class
Sanbongi Nougyou Agricultural School
Towada, Japan
August 1979

These girls prepared a wonderful lunch for our staff when we toured their school. The uniforms the girls are wearing were much like those of students in other Japanese schools. (Notice the shoes of the girl on the right.) When students entered the school building, they removed their street shoes and placed them in separate cubicles at the front door. The shoes worn inside the school were never worn outside.

In the foreground, are automatic rice cookers, which were not available in the United States until the mid-80s. I purchased and mailed several of these appliances to family and friends.

In a Bind

2011-11-03T04:34:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, Alycia put out a call for Quilts of Valor. Currently, she doesn't have any quilts in her QOV pantry, and she has several soldiers on a waiting list to receive one.

I just received my two flag quilts back for the volunteer longarm quilter, and I am tacking down the binding like crazy so I can get these laundered and in the mail to Alycia.

If you or anyone you know can help fill the boxes in Alycia's pantry with Quilts of Valor, please contact her for the mailing address.

Which is It?

2011-11-02T04:24:00.053-06:00

This statue is attractive with the scarf/shawl

draped around her bare breasts; however,

just down the hall were two more statues, both sans shawl/scarf.

Why was a scarf/shawl added

to the statue that was not fully clothed.

What do you think: was the added scarf/shawl

Window Dressing or Censorship?

Lavender Fields

2011-11-01T04:08:00.000-06:00

Janet, the Western Region Oddball coordinator, sent me a circular needle to start a new blanket for the group. When I saw the photo (shown above) in Google images, I knew the blanket had to be named Lavender Fields. It is my hope the blanket will be knit with alternating sections of purple/lavender and green. I think it would be a very attractive blanket.

Here is the beginning of Lavender Fields. Knit on size 9 needles (110 stitches) with Caron Simply Soft (Grape), using the Garter Steps stitch.

Anna's Spring Flowers

2011-10-31T04:34:00.006-06:00

Anna's Spring Flowers

October block

The Quilter's Neighborhood

September's block challenged me with parallelograms, and this month the challenge was set-in triangles and squares for the tulip.

All of the Winter and Spring blocks are finished for this Block of the Month project.

Foreign Friday

2011-10-28T04:16:00.000-06:00

Unzen Hot Spring

Unzen, Japan

April 1980

Unzen Hot Spring is located at the foot of Mount Unzen, an active volcano. The Japanese as well as tourists flock to this area for the healing waters (both cloudy and clear).

This area reminded me of several areas in Wyoming that have hot springs (Thermopolis, Yellowstone, Saratoga, and an area around Fort Washakie.)

The Mount Unzen violently erupted in 1991 and 43 people (scientists and journalists) died. Prior to eruption, the area was evacuated, preventing further loss of life.

Pink and Scrappy

2011-10-27T04:39:00.009-06:00

Julie, a knitting friend, gave me several small balls of pink, baby (fingering) yarn a couple of months ago. The pinks are a shade different and are not as obvious as this photo shows.

I estimate the jacket, knit on size 6 needles, will fit a 3 - 6 month old. This pink and scrappy Baby Surprise Jacket will be donated to a local pregnancy center.

Did You Know?

2011-10-26T04:15:00.008-06:00

A postage increase is on the horizon.

In case you weren't aware of the increase (I just found out yesterday), you might want to stock up on Forever Stamps and send your holiday cards before mid-January.

Good-bye Summer

2011-10-25T04:30:00.010-06:00

Seeing the feather in the pile of leaves on Saturday reminded me of the opening of the movie, Forrest Gump when a feather flutters hither and yon and lightly lands at Forrest's feet. Forrest bends, picks up the feather, and gently places the feather inside his favorite childhood book, Curious George.

I'm sure the feather I found nestled among the leaves is from the doves who, all summer, perched in the trees' foliage, their presence revealed only by a soft cooing.

Gone are the warm days of Summer. Gone are the leaves that provided shelter. Gone are the cooing doves. . . Winter's silence settles around me.

A Lick and a Promise

2011-10-24T04:06:00.007-06:00

I always panic when the weatherman says a rain/snow storm is coming and the leaves are still on the lawn. One year, 8 inches of snow fell, and getting the yard cleaned for the winter was a long and messy process. I did not want to relive that experience.

The yard guy came by a week ago to pick up the leaves, but the trees had not dropped their leaves completely, which is out of the ordinary. Normally, they are some of the first ones in town to change and drop. Normally, all the leaves come down within one or two days, but not this year.

Yard Guy said he would be back when the leaves are all down, which would usually be fine, but a storm is coming. So, I spent some time on Saturday, raking and bagging leaves.

The leaves in these twelve bags are from one tree, and it still has a ton yet to drop, which is why I wasn't too concerned about picking up every errant leaf. I did a "lick and a promise" pick-up, not a "clean sweep." I picked up another twelve bags of leaves in the front yard. One tree in the front is void of leaves; however, the other one has quite a few hanging on to summer for dear life.

Twenty-four bags stuffed with leaves line the driveway, and the yard waste dumpster is also full. Note my neighbor's yard with nary a stray leaf. I wonder how long it will be so neat once her tree starts shedding.

Foreign Friday

2011-10-21T04:35:00.000-06:00

Plastic Food Restaurant Menu

Misawa, Japan

Autumn 1979

Practically every restaurant in Japan had a display of plastic foods which represented their entire menu. Surprisingly, the displays accurately depicted the food.

You can see how the fake food is made on this site. If you are interested, make sure you click on the "next" button at the bottom of that page for more information.

Thought for Today

2011-10-20T04:14:00.001-06:00

Need I say more?

Mr. Greenjeans

2011-10-19T04:11:00.005-06:00

Just hearing the name "Mr. Greenjeans" reminds me of Captain Kangaroo and its iconic music.

This blanket will be knit in different shades of green and should be boy-friendly.

Mr. Greenjeans is a Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket knit with size 9 needles on 121 stitches.

I used Caron Simply Soft (Dark Sage) and an adaptation of the Purled Ladder stitch for my section.

Were you a regular viewer of Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Greenjeans?

Update: January 20, 2012

Discovering Old Friends

2011-10-18T04:46:00.038-06:00

After I purchased this album in 1973,
I played it so much I memorized all the songs.

I am having a lot of fun converting my LPs to mp3 files. (See this post for more information.) Some of the records have not been played in decades, and listening to them brings back a lot of wonderful memories. I've learned how to expedite the process, especially marking and labeling the tracks.

These albums were converted over the weekend:

Air Supply – Lost in Love

America – Hearts

Eddy Arnold – I Want to Go With You

Eddy Arnold – Song of the Young World

Bread – Baby I’m a Want You

Bread – Guitar Man

Bread – Lost without Your Love

John Denver – Aerie

John Denver - Autograph

John Denver – Some Days Are Diamonds

Glen Campbell – Galveston

Glen Campbell – A Satisfied Mind

Petula Clark – 20 Fantastic Hits

Crystal Gayle - Favorites

Gordon Lightfoot – Dream Street Rose

Bette Midler – Bette Midler

ShaNaNa – The Golden Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll (2 LPs)

B.J. Thomas – Greatest Hits (Volume II)

As you can tell, my taste in music is quite eclectic, which will become more evident as I post names of the converted albums.

These LPs will be donated to the Friends of the Library for their monthly sale. I have over 100 more LPs to convert.

Are any of your favorites in this list?

Bountiful Baskets

2011-10-17T04:26:00.019-06:00

Bountiful Baskets is a tremendous organization, and if you haven't participated, you are really missing out of a bargain on fruit and vegetables. The basket in the photo shows all the produce I received at this week's delivery. (My area has a delivery every two weeks on Saturday). I purchased a basket (50% fruit and 50% vegetables) for $15.00, plus $1.50 for handling. On my initial Saturday, I paid a one-time charge of $3.00 so the coordinator could purchase sorting baskets.

The type and quantity of items varies each time. This week's fruit basket contained: bananas, gala apples, plums, pears, grapes, avocados.

This week's vegetable basket included: leaf lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, garlic.

The truck arrives at my location at 6 AM, and volunteers (it is requested that those who order baskets are to volunteer from time to time) unload the truck.

The boxes and items are checked-in by the coordinator.

Once she is certain that all the items are present, the volunteers distribute the number of items in the waiting laundry baskets (one for fruit and one for veggies).

A master list tells the volunteers how many of each item go in each basket. (Every basket must contain the same items in the same quantity. Sometimes, there are extra items, and they are also placed in the baskets, so each basket will have one extra item, but possibly not the same as another basket.

Volunteers work quickly: the truck must be unloaded, and the baskets filled in under an hour. It is nice when a lot of people come to help because it is not so hectic.

Speciality items (breads, tortilla shells, organic food baskets, fruit packs, etc.) are also available from time to time and ordered at the same time as the baskets. No money is paid on distribution day. The table in the foreground holds speciality items. Individuals who ordered these items must present a receipt to receive the items.

The doors are opened at 7 AM for people to pick up the food they ordered. They must present a receipt and sign-in.

The white laundry baskets remain at the location (they are sanitized after they are emptied) and are only used for sorting. Each person must bring their own bags or boxes to take their items home. It is easy to spot first time participants because they come with one or two plastic grocery bags and end up making several trips to their car.

If a participant does not pick up the food between 7 - 7:30 AM, the contents is donated to the local fire department - no refunds are given for baskets not collected.

Need more information? Bountiful Baskets has a great Frequently Asked Questions page.

Check this page to see if your area has a group. You will be glad that you did.

If you do participate, make sure to volunteer. Your time is well spent and helps prevent coordinator burn-out.

Foreign Friday

2011-10-14T04:12:00.001-06:00

Typical Neighborhood Grocery Store

Misawa, Japan

Autumn 1979

These stores were very dark inside and crammed with everything imaginable. It was fun to roam through them to find unique food items.

Notice the vending machines to the far right. Vending machines were very common throughout Japan. Specific machines sold beer, nectars, magazines, cigarettes, and soda.

Spinning Again

2011-10-13T04:31:00.112-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, I looked at my LP collection and wondered if I should keep my vinyl. I have a nice player, but I rarely use it. Then while thumbing through a catalog, I saw a USB turntable and did some research online. I discovered it was possible to turn my LP collection into MP3 files, so I purchased a Crosley USB turntable on Amazon.

The reviews on the turntable were mixed, but I think most of those who complained wanted a portable record player with stereo sound. This player is portable, but it was not intended to be a quality stereo. It has speakers, so it can function as simply a stand-alone record player, but I don't think it was designed to be used as an everyday player. It plays 33, 45, and 78 rpm.

When hooked to a computer via the USB cord, the player makes it possible to record songs, clean up the sound a bit, and download the songs to the computer as a WAV or MP3 file.

I am on a mission to preserve my LPs to digital MP3 files so I can burn CDs to play in my car and load some of the music on my iPod. I may get rid of my LPs after I have recorded and converted them to digital files.

The player arrived yesterday, and last night I sorted through my LPs to see which ones I wanted to record and download. Many memories came flooding back when I saw some of the albums from the late 60s and early 70s.

There is a bit of a learning curve to record and download the songs, but anyone comfortable with a computer will be able to figure out the process without too much difficulty. The instruction manual is helpful, but not complete. I found labeling the music tracks to be the most difficult part. I hope I can master that soon, as the way I am doing it is tedious.

The player comes with the USB cord, an AC adapter, a software CD to allow downloading and editing, and an instruction manual.

I downloaded one and a half albums in two hours. The process is slow because, unless only select songs are recorded, the LP must be played entirely.

Once I feel more comfortable with the process, it should be easier and faster. So far, I am very pleased with my purchase. I probably won't record and download all of my vinyl LPs, but I certainly will enjoy listening to those that I do convert.

Citrus Burst

2011-10-12T04:39:00.003-06:00

Citrus Burst was started by Bailey in ID as a boy-friendly blanket. Sections of this Western Region Oddball blanket will represent citrus fruit (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit).

I used a diamond seed brocade stitch for my section.

Update: December 15, 2011

Orange Blossom Set

2011-10-11T04:11:00.002-06:00

Since it was a cool weekend, I completed the hat and socks for the Orange Blossom set for Marilyn's grandmother boxes.

American Valor - Completed

2011-10-10T04:10:00.007-06:00

American Valor

Quilt of Valor

66 X 81 inches

American Valor's flimsy was finished on Saturday. It still needs a good pressing and loose threads plucked, but it is done.

The stars were pieced, but the red, white, blue stripes sewn adjacent to them is a striped print. The center of the quilt is a printed panel.

As I posted earlier, I purchased a kit for this quilt. The fabric is a Marcus Fabrics line. The yardage can be purchased online, but finding it requires a search since most is not available on a single site. Search for "American Valor" + "Marcus Fabrics"

The pattern for American Valor is free from Marcus Fabrics.

Foreign Friday

2011-10-07T03:34:00.009-06:00

Trail near Lake Towada

Japan

Autumn 1979

Fall was my favorite time to tour Japan.

Every twist and turn in the numerous walking trails provided breath-taking scenes - each one more memorable than the last.

I Got Mine

2011-10-06T04:34:00.005-06:00

Don't forget to get your flu vaccine. I got mine yesterday because hand washing alone is not enough to keep the flu bug away.

The flu bug doesn't play fair: he doesn't care if you have are busy with your family or your job. When he hits, it is hard and quick, and you will be down for the count.

Complete Set

2011-10-05T04:31:00.012-06:00

The socks for this set were finished last night. I still need to sew the buttons (my least favorite job) on the Baby Surprise Jacket, but basically this set is complete.

Patterns:
sock pattern from Plymouth Yarn site
sport weight cap pattern from Warm Up America site
Baby Surprise Jacket pattern from Schoolhouse Press (I recommend the A-B-C-SJ, Adult, Baby, Child Surprise Jacket Pattern because it includes the a row by row pattern for the baby sweater)

The chart above (click to enlarge) may help you select yarn weight for the Baby Surprise Jacket. More information can be found on this Ravelry page.

Some Assembly Required

2011-10-04T04:07:00.008-06:00

Yesterday, I finally had the time and the motivation to start on the American Valor quilt from this kit.

All of the pieces are cut, so the top should come together quickly. As shown, the eight stars are nearly finished: the top and bottom pieces just need to be attached. Once the stars are complete, I will be practically home free.

Flashback

2011-10-03T04:25:00.072-06:00

First Day of Second Grade

September 1958

I had hoped to post an official "first day" photo in early September, but I couldn't find a picture to scan. My oldest sister, Evelyn made my dress (a gorgeous blue with a white collar) as well as a dress for herself out of the same fabric for a Home Ec project the previous year. It is hard to tell because of the tall grass, but I actually am wearing "dress shoes." Normally, my school shoes were saddle oxfords - the shoes that never wore out no matter how hard I tried.

Girls wore dresses to school unless the weather was extremely cold when they could wear long pants under their dress and remove them when arriving at school. I don't remember being allowed to wear slacks all day until I was in junior high.

In my hands are the items necessary for school: a Big Chief writing tablet, a pencil bag with pencils, ruler, a small box of crayons, and an eraser - no pens, no boxes of tissue, no glue (the classroom had a gallon jar filled with thick white paste, which some kids actually ate), as the school did not require multiple items like so many do today. I don't remember anyone carrying a backpack to school; maybe, they didn't exist then.

I also remember that my lunch money (all coins) was tied in one of my mother's handkerchiefs. Everyone ate hot lunch at school unless lived in town and went home for lunch.

What supplies do you remember taking on the first day of elementary school?

I kept my report cards from Grades 1 - 12. All fit into similar 4 x 6 inch envelopes (elementary cards were folded in half, but the junior high and high school reports were on single cards) which allowed the cards to stay clean and undamaged as they were carried home multiple times during the school year. Students were required to have a parent sign the back of the card before they returned the card and envelope to the school.

Do you still have your school report cards?

In the top photo, the farmhouse is visible in the background. The black, tar paper was replaced with pink aluminum siding when I was in high school.

Foreign Friday

2011-09-30T04:45:00.005-06:00

Kumamoto Castle entry and walls

Kumamoto, Japan

April 1980

The signature curved stone walls, known as musha-gaeshi, surrounding the castle were designed to prevent attackers from penetrating the castle. "Musha-gaeshi" literally means repelling warriors. Also notice the stone steps in the foreground which lead to the castle sitting on the hilltop.

On my way up to the castle, I was drawn to the contrast between the delicate blossoms and the unyielding stone wall.

I wonder how many warriors walked up these steps in the 400 years the castle was inhabited.

Fruit Salad

2011-09-29T04:04:00.020-06:00

Fruit Salad, a Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket, came to me from Bonnie in Ottawa, Canada. Bonnie began the blanket with a purple (grape) section.

I used the Checks and Ridges stitch and Simply Soft (Mango) for my section.

This blanket will be bright and cheerful as more fruit colors are added.

Update: January 31, 2012

Fruit Salad
ready for its border

Orange Blossom

2011-09-28T04:39:00.005-06:00

Orange Blossom, another Baby Surprise Jacket, came off of the needles yesterday. It was knit with one 100g/3.5 oz. skein of Bernat Jacquard (Orange Blossom) on size six needles. The remaining yarn will be enough to knit a collar.

Before the jacket can be declared completely finished, it needs seamed, a collar added, and buttons attached. Then, it will be ready to send to my sister for her Grandmother Boxes.

Mary' Winter Flower

2011-09-27T04:18:00.042-06:00

Mary's Winter Flower

September block

The Quilter's Neighborhood

With this ninth block, I am working on the last set of blocks in the Blocks of the Month - seasonal flowers. September's block is an amaryllis.

Cutting parallelograms was a little challenging, but I must have done it correctly because everything fit together easily.

The Winter blocks of the Quilter's Neighborhood are complete, and only the flower blocks for Spring, Summer and Fall remain.