Puppy Love

We officially only own one house. I left my old home in beautiful condition but it took a toll everywhere else in my life to make that happen. I am really struggling with all the mess of the new house. I still have that feeling of my chest being crushed and not able to breath properly. Sleep has been rather elusive, too. I am hopeful I will make great headway now that I can concentrate on one place.

In the meantime...dog walks continue. I live about a third of the way up on a mountainside. My new routine is to walk up the mountain. The road goes about two-thirds up the mountain and then it's trailblazing to get to the top. I've only made it to the end of the road. It gets the heart pumping.

Does it look a little dreary? Yep...those are clouds obscuring the top of the mountain. A fresh layer of snow is just visible. Sigh...most of it melted quickly...it's summer...really!

Perfect dog walking weather.

Tonka was on litter patrol...found a discarded Starbucks cup.

We have a beautiful waterfall to visit...here's the bottom half.

And the top on the other side of the road.

I don't stand right here often...I can just imagine a boulder flying down with that water and taking me out with it! All this water comes from the snow-pack on the top of the mountain...probably a little glacier or two along the way. I might find out first hand someday. I'll just get a little site seeing trip in my husband's floatplane...much easier than hiking.

Everyday this week...several times a day...we have seen our new neighbor...I call him Great Scott...cuz he is really big! His antlers are growing like crazy.

And now an incredibly adorable photo. I was picking up dog food at the feed store and ran into this little fellow, Hugo.

12 weeks old! Gosh I had so much fun...he is absolutely the definition of "adorable." I want one! Oh yeah...I've got two already. But they are like potato chips...can't have just one.

Design Wall Monday

Thursday is Breakfast Club so there is at least one day on this week's schedule to quilt. We are making the pattern, 3-6-9 Quilt. 

In all of the moving mess...I did find my sewing machine and class project bag...I think the lime green color was a smart choice.

I bought a kit at May's gathering in anticipation of June's class. Here's the panel I'll using in the quilt.

Usually I buy panels and nothing happens after that...but this time will be different.

Here's the matching fabric for the border. 

And here's the progress I've made in setting up the studio. The batiks are out and breathing.

Mini Break

The moving saga continues. I was forced to stay home at the new house today to meet the cable installer. I had two hours in my studio and I actually feel like I got somewhere...but as I sit here and look around...it's hard to tell there's been any improvement. But I have a plan.

I  also spent some time on the computer...and maybe you heard me squeal...there are four newly released Bucilla stocking designs. Of course I like them all so I will share.

Blue stockings are pretty popular...I have a few kits from previous years that would look great with this one!

Chickadees!!! Perfect for Alaska!

This is just plain fun...parachuting Santa and friends. 

And this stocking has a companion kit of ornaments. I just love them!

But here is my absolute favorite of the four...Marianette Santa.

Love the three-dimensional puppets!!! Where is my charge card? I see three of the stockings are already in stock at Supply Craft...the absolute best prices I've found for these kits on the internet. If you find them cheaper...let me know!

Hoarders - Episode 1

Maybe you saw the preview...new season of  "Hoarders," should feature me...the Quilting Hoarder. This is the current view of my studio. The sad part is most of the house looks this way...so this room will be last to get any attention...sigh...

Just before our move the new set of 2012 Mill Hill Santa ornament kits were released. I ordered mine right away. Aren't they just adorable? I really do love them and can't wait to crack them open.

So Much To Tell...

Ten days ago we started moving into our new house. Downsizing is great but it is painful...I have so much stuff. There just aren't enough hours in a day.

And as if a new house isn't exciting enough...my husband just got a promotion to a job based in Paris. I have no idea how it is all going to work out but I know that it will be fabulous...someday!

We are keeping our new home in Alaska. I'm not taking the dogs to Paris so I think I will still be spending a good amount of time in Alaska...but I'm going to have some frequent and wonderful vacations.

I can't post without a picture. Here's one of my new neighbors.

He needs a rest...he's growing some big antlers! Tonka came nose-to-nose with him a few nights ago...I'm back to using dog leashes regularly.

First Visitor of the Summer

About 9:45 p.m...our last night in the house and our little friend decided to stop by and see if we are leaving anything behind that is tasty. Just a tiny bear...a yearling. Can't help but wonder if this is one of the cubs that was at our house last summer.

Saxony Santa

Adding one more Santa ornament to the completed column.