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| Photo from the interwebs |
Happy birthday to you my dear friend! May your day, and the year ahead be filled with delight! Thank you for always being my faithful best friend through the years and the miles that separate us.
Monday, February 27, 2017
BFF's & Birthdays
Happy birthday to you my dear friend! May your day, and the year ahead be filled with delight! Thank you for always being my faithful best friend through the years and the miles that separate us.
Friday, February 24, 2017
High Five Friday for Loose Change
High five Friday for loose change, and for husbands who always put theirs on the table so you can look it over to see if there is anything you need for your coin collection.
Thank you for these small gifts of love you share with me each day. I hope I return the favor in kind, and that you feel as lucky as I do to be married to such a kind soul.
Share your small gifts with those that you love, as there is largeness of heart in these small gifts.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Silence and the Presence of Everything ~ On Being with Krista Tippett
“Silence is an endangered species, says Gordon Hempton. He defines real quiet as presence — not an absence of sound, but an absence of noise. The Earth, as he knows it, is a “solar-powered jukebox.” Quiet is a “think tank of the soul.” We take in the world through his ears.”
Gordon Hempton says, “The explanation really goes all the way to silence. When we can speak in silence, you can hear, not just my words, but you can hear my tone, what I mean even beyond the words. In fact, it’s really not the words that are important. It’s the tone. It’s the overall message, the context. When we’re in a noisy place in urban environments, we become isolated, and we exhibit antisocial behavior because we are cut off from a level of intimacy with each other and we’re less in touch. We’re busy not listening to this, not seeing that, not doing that. We aren’t opening up and being where we are.”
“And now I think we’re realizing quiet is important, and we need silence; that silence is not a luxury, but it’s essential. It’s essential to our quality of life and being able just to think straight.”
Silence and the Presence of Everything ~ On Being with Krista Tippett ~ Click HERE to listen to the full episode.
Gordon Hempton says, “The explanation really goes all the way to silence. When we can speak in silence, you can hear, not just my words, but you can hear my tone, what I mean even beyond the words. In fact, it’s really not the words that are important. It’s the tone. It’s the overall message, the context. When we’re in a noisy place in urban environments, we become isolated, and we exhibit antisocial behavior because we are cut off from a level of intimacy with each other and we’re less in touch. We’re busy not listening to this, not seeing that, not doing that. We aren’t opening up and being where we are.”
“And now I think we’re realizing quiet is important, and we need silence; that silence is not a luxury, but it’s essential. It’s essential to our quality of life and being able just to think straight.”
Silence and the Presence of Everything ~ On Being with Krista Tippett ~ Click HERE to listen to the full episode.
I think it is time to find some silence in my world. How about you?
Monday, February 20, 2017
Dark Corners
We all hide something in a dark corner, some truth about ourselves we do not want anyone to see or to know. We hide these truths mostly from ourselves, which I think is because if we were to face the facts of these truths it would be devastating, to ourselves or perhaps someone in our family. In their place, we create false memories, and envision peaceful scenes that we can share with everyone; look-see is not my life perfect.
Yet these truths gnaw at us from the murky corner we have placed them in, and they surface begging for attention, longing to be permitted to see the light of day. However, if we allowed this to happen it would mean that we would have to admit to ourselves that we had indeed created false memories.
If you took away these illusions of your life what would be left, and what other truths would be found hiding underneath.
What would you do with the truth once it was free?
Admitting the truth to yourself is healing but would anyone else need to know or the better question might be; do you need others to know to heal?
The goal should always be to heal, and to become the best version of yourself.
Honesty, love, and kindness are all worthy attributes to carry in your heart. Sometimes it takes a dose of bravery to let these attributes shine through but believe me it is worth it at the end of the day.
Yet these truths gnaw at us from the murky corner we have placed them in, and they surface begging for attention, longing to be permitted to see the light of day. However, if we allowed this to happen it would mean that we would have to admit to ourselves that we had indeed created false memories.
If you took away these illusions of your life what would be left, and what other truths would be found hiding underneath.
What would you do with the truth once it was free?
Admitting the truth to yourself is healing but would anyone else need to know or the better question might be; do you need others to know to heal?
The goal should always be to heal, and to become the best version of yourself.
Honesty, love, and kindness are all worthy attributes to carry in your heart. Sometimes it takes a dose of bravery to let these attributes shine through but believe me it is worth it at the end of the day.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Kitchen Remodel Highlights
We purchased all GE appliances except the refrigerator, for this appliance we purchased a super energy efficient and well built Liebherr. We are pleased with all the GE appliances except the oven/range as the 'on' light indicator is a very tiny button that does not have much glow.
The tile detail above the oven/range.
The 18 inch GE compact dishwasher which is just the right size for the two of us. We always thought that we were not dishwasher people but we are happy to report that we really are, we are those people.
A compact area for the trash and the recycling.
The extra on-demand counter for those days when the baking bug bites.
Our counter depth, 80 inch tall, 13 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer Liebherr!
Can you say love? Yup we are in love with this appliance.
There is plenty of room in the fridge and freezer for two people, and when we have company we can fill it up even fuller and it functions perfectly.
Our custom made wine rack.
We installed an on demand hot water Insinkerator that has a cold water filter to take out the chlorine from the city water. Perfect for all those times when you want to make a cup of tea.
We also opted for an open one basin sink. At first I had my doubts as we have both always lived where the sink was the two basin style but this was absolutely the best choice. Add in the fact that the dishwasher does most of the work for us and we are in chore heaven.
The kitchen and the dining room area now have an open feel that is more welcoming to company, plus there is more room for everyone to hang out in the kitchen.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Kitchen Remodel Before & After
Here are a few before kitchen photos of our Anchor-town home. Please overlook the messy counters but I suppose they do give it that lived in look.
Standing in the dining room looking into the kitchen. Take note of the drop down ceiling, the large dishwasher, and the refrigerator that sticks way out into the walk area.
Photo looking at the sink side of the kitchen where the microwave took up all the counter space.
This photo is taken from the laundry room area looking at the sink side of the kitchen. You can see just how low the drop ceiling was as it is only inches above the window sill.
Here is a photo of the wall that divided the dining room from the kitchen. I took this photo the day we started the demolition of this wall.
Now without further waiting, here are the after photos.
What do you think? Yup, me too! We love it, and we cannot wait to host you over for supper. See you soon my friends.
Standing in the dining room looking into the kitchen. Take note of the drop down ceiling, the large dishwasher, and the refrigerator that sticks way out into the walk area.
Photo looking at the sink side of the kitchen where the microwave took up all the counter space.
Photo looking at the stove side of the kitchen. Love those cupboards and the 1983 range, what a classic. It is worth mentioning that the toaster-oven also took up most of the small counter space by the fridge, and on the other side of stove the counter top was only 11 inches wide.
This photo is taken from the laundry room area looking at the sink side of the kitchen. You can see just how low the drop ceiling was as it is only inches above the window sill.
Here is a photo of the wall that divided the dining room from the kitchen. I took this photo the day we started the demolition of this wall.
Now without further waiting, here are the after photos.
What do you think? Yup, me too! We love it, and we cannot wait to host you over for supper. See you soon my friends.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
When Scientist Think they are Funny ~ Part 2
P.S. When Ph.D. holding scientist where polled in person about what they thought this last page of a scientific journal was saying, 9 out of 10 did not get the reference.
What about you?
Monday, February 13, 2017
Days in the Year
Happy anniversary! Insert gushy mushy words of love here that not everyone wants to read but that I always want to say.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Courage
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”
~ Mary Anne Radmacher
When I read this the other day on one of the blogs I read, I knew I had to share it also. Courage, pass it on.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
University of Alaska ~ Change Force
Well done University of Alaska! Well done!
To watch their video click HERE
If your young student were looking to go to college in Alaska, my two cents would be to choose UAF! They have a strong sense of community that will add greatly to your college experience. However, wherever or whatever career path you choose, choose wisely and put all you have into being successful.
Your future self will thank your past self!
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Painting on exhibit commemorates purchase of Alaska
News from UAF:
A 19th-century painting on display at the University of Alaska Museum of the North through the end of February depicts the 1867 signing of the treaty to purchase Alaska. It will tour the state to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the event. The artist, German-born Emanuel Leutze, also created one of the better-known paintings in American history, a depiction of Gen. George Washington crossing the Delaware River during the American Revolution.
“The man who made Washington stand up in the boat was also responsible for the most important historical painting in Alaskan history,” said Terrence Cole, a UAF history professor.
A public lecture featuring Cole and Kes Woodward, UAF professor emeritus of art, will take place Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. in the museum.
In “Signing of the Alaska Treaty,” Leutze imagined the setting at Secretary of State William H. Seward’s office at the State Department in Washington, D.C. during the early morning hours of March 30, 1867. The event occurred after all-night negotiations led to the signing of the Treaty of Cession with Russia and the purchase of Alaska by the United States.
The painting focuses on Seward at his desk with a pile of maps next to a giant globe, implying the great future of the United States as an international power.
Leutze’s original painting is about 40 inches high and 60 inches wide. It is part of the permanent collection at the Seward House Museum in Auburn, New York. It has never been exhibited in Alaska. Cole said Alaskans mistakenly believed for decades that the painting had been lost or destroyed. “However, in the 1930s the painting was discovered to be in the possession of the Seward family,” he said.
Subsequently, two copies of the historic painting were made in 1934 as part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration. One was given to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the other still hangs in the Alaska State Museum in Juneau.
A statewide team of museums and cultural organizations has organized a touring exhibit of Leutze’s original 1867 painting in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau. The Alaska Historical Commission funded the project as part of its program to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Alaska Treaty of Cession.
ON THE WEB: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/oha/designations/150Anniversary
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| Painting by Emanuel Leutze - photo from the web |
A 19th-century painting on display at the University of Alaska Museum of the North through the end of February depicts the 1867 signing of the treaty to purchase Alaska. It will tour the state to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the event. The artist, German-born Emanuel Leutze, also created one of the better-known paintings in American history, a depiction of Gen. George Washington crossing the Delaware River during the American Revolution.
“The man who made Washington stand up in the boat was also responsible for the most important historical painting in Alaskan history,” said Terrence Cole, a UAF history professor.
A public lecture featuring Cole and Kes Woodward, UAF professor emeritus of art, will take place Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. in the museum.
In “Signing of the Alaska Treaty,” Leutze imagined the setting at Secretary of State William H. Seward’s office at the State Department in Washington, D.C. during the early morning hours of March 30, 1867. The event occurred after all-night negotiations led to the signing of the Treaty of Cession with Russia and the purchase of Alaska by the United States.
The painting focuses on Seward at his desk with a pile of maps next to a giant globe, implying the great future of the United States as an international power.
Leutze’s original painting is about 40 inches high and 60 inches wide. It is part of the permanent collection at the Seward House Museum in Auburn, New York. It has never been exhibited in Alaska. Cole said Alaskans mistakenly believed for decades that the painting had been lost or destroyed. “However, in the 1930s the painting was discovered to be in the possession of the Seward family,” he said.
Subsequently, two copies of the historic painting were made in 1934 as part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration. One was given to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the other still hangs in the Alaska State Museum in Juneau.
A statewide team of museums and cultural organizations has organized a touring exhibit of Leutze’s original 1867 painting in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau. The Alaska Historical Commission funded the project as part of its program to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Alaska Treaty of Cession.
ON THE WEB: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/oha/designations/150Anniversary
Monday, February 6, 2017
Hershey Bars & Birthdays Go Hand in Hand
Hershey's chocolate bars savored on this day of days are a wonderful way to remember a great man. Happy birthday Pops! Miss you...
Friday, February 3, 2017
Bathroom Remodel
What do you do when you have finished the kitchen remodel project? Start another remodel of course. This time it is the last room in our place that needs a facelift, the master bathroom. Do not let the word master fool you, as the only thing master about it is the fact that it is connected to the larger of the two bedrooms in the house.
We are in the commit now and have to have this job completed before family comes to visit this summer. Surely, we can have this project completed in five months. Surely!
Thursday, February 2, 2017
BFF's & Birthdays
Happy Birthday BFF!
It is a pleasure to share a one day apart birthday with you! Have a great year ahead. Love you dearly!
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Happy Birthday Supper
On Sunday, my sweet husband treated us to a wonderful supper out at Simon & Seafort’s in celebration of my upcoming birthday. Our evening together was full of love and joy, I could not think of a better way to start another year than a beautiful sunset, great food, and wonderful company.
February is the month to share the love, do so always and often!