Merry Christmas

I spent the last 4 days in ANC, visiting, hanging out, shopping, making stuff, wrapping presents, sewing, eating, staying up late and sleeping in. My daughter had to work until 8p on Christmas eve, so I stayed in town we had dinner at her house and opened presents, then I hit the road about 930pm for my 3 hour drive home. Stopped at the top of Turnagain pass to give the dogs a break, the moon was bright and gave the mountains shadows, the stars were out it was very beautiful. As I drove through town just before I got home the time/temp at the bank said it was 1230p -17. Got the jeep unloaded, dogs taken care of and hit the hay, not sure if it was from listening to so much Christmas music or being very tired but I heard Sleigh bells as I was falling asleep.

ole hound

The dog house has made me chuckle last few days. It has been cold out so the ole hound dog doesn't leave her house except for a morning snack and evening dinner. She is kind of like the car "20 or below plug it in" 20 or above is OK with her, below she is staying inside. Just so nobody thinks we are mean for letting the dogs sleep out side, the dog house is insulated and filled with straw, so it's really warm in there. The night I felt really bad was when she had to sleep in the straw in front of the dog house because she had kicked all the straw outside. She still did OK, she had a high calorie dinner and straw wrapped around her, she wasn't even shaking when I woke her up in the morning.

my weekend

Went to ANC on my weekend, daughter has bought a new house, I was going to help move but they have already got most of there thing moved. I helped pick out some curtains and going to size them for the windows next days off. Did a little Christmas shopping got the mechanics mom a NOOK, that thing is so cool, and she will now be able to read books again. I have the NOOK to set it up and download books on it. I'll give it to her next week. She usually wants nothing for Christmas but this year found something she can use.

This picture is on the drive home it was so beautiful out, the pictures just don't look as good as the real thing. I pulled over on the road to get this shot, it's right after the pass and just before some lakes. I was a little tired after my drive no more than usual, but a little nap seemed in order because there was a hockey game to play at 9p. So I layed down for a nap, woke up at 915p went back to sleep called in sick for work the next morning and got out of bed at 3p. I can't think of a time when I have done that there must have been a little flu bug also. Working on a quilt for my granddaughter for Christmas, but that longarm machine is kicking my butt, I spend more time riping out stitches than sewing them in.

word of wisdom

there was a e-mail going around that had much advice

so I thought of some of my own that are important in my life.

1. Pray before going to sleep
2. Family is important
3. Walk every day, take the dog
4. Look at the sky
5. Read books, magazines are the best but sometimes it maybe anything with words
6. Stitch, art or craft some type of creativity
7. Get out on the water
8. Sports, playing is more fun than watching but both are worth the time

pictures/ thanksgiving

Here is Capt Bligh changing the boat number from CA to AK, first night out little town called Port Browning.

This is the harbor in Point Roberts WA view from the customs dock.

A little spot called Stewart Island in WA, beautiful little place, has a short hiking trail.

Next morning there was a boat race, called Round the County sailing race.

Then the boat went on the hard for a small repair.


There were 8 people for Thanksgiving dinner at my house. Lots of food, racing around, games and enjoyable time with family and friends.

back home

Wed morning took a 6a flight out of Victoria got into ANC at 1145a, not feeling well, so took a nap, then my daughter and I went got some lunch and shopping done. Was going to drive home early the next morning but still not feeling well so got a late start. got back to the peninsula about 4p. The snow was deep, my jeep plowed it's way into the drive way. I was going to start the snow blower, but the mechanic didn't have it ready, it was in the shed, not the garage gassed and ready. So I had to drag it through the snow and never did get it started so put it in the garage. It did start the next day, but needed oil which I couldn't find in the neat organized garage (ha). So now 2 days later the snow blower will be ready to go when I get home from work today and lots of snow to start in on.
the mechanic is still on the boat in the boat yard waiting for them to finish up the project, hopefully the boat will be back in the water on Monday or Tuesday.
Was a nice time off and hard to be back to work. So much to get ready for the holidays, so am glad to be back home. I forgot my camera, so hopefully will remember next day and get some pics posted.

canada

I am in the laundry room Canoe Cove Sidney BC. Was going to fly home today, but the couple I met several years ago that live here invited us to dinner tonight at their house so I am staying extra day, so hopefully fly out tomorrow, I have to be back to work on Fri so that gives me 2 days to travel.



We have had a great time on the boat. Got to CA early last Wed morn, rented a car got a nap, then to WalMart for supplies and got groceries. Early Thurs we got out of the harbor and headed North West. Spent the night in Port Browning was a great spot they had a cafe/bar open showers and a short walk to town. There was a book store and the lady behind the counter talked me into buying "Folly" by Laurie King. I haven't read allot but it's a great book.

Next morning it was off to Point Roberts nice place had time for dinner and a shower. Got up really early left before daylight, it was suppose to blow about 25 to 30 on the Straits of Georgia but was a really nice sail not to much wind. Then on to Steward Island in San Juan's, no facilities there but a dock that had 2 other boats tied up. One couple in a big sail boat that were really friendly we went over to their boat for coffee and lots of good stories. Next morning it was back to home base for the boat for the winter.



Then decided that a few things needed to be fixed before the boat stays for the winter so we brought it over to Canoe Cove had the boat hauled out onto land and the work is getting done. Every one that sees the boat says "wow", what a neat boat. It gets lots of smiles when people look at it.



I have been taking pictures and will get some on the post, but the lap top in the laundry room isn't going to work to well for now.