Nothing like Dirt and Rocks

The temps have been at or around 40 for over a week with, not a cloud in the sky  SUNSHINE.  I will complain that the snow is not melting as quickly as it should, but the sun shining as intensely as it has been...quells my complaining quickly.  We wanted to plant BAD.

We used Amelia's new birthday gardening tools to plant the Nasturtium seeds we dried from last year.  Crossing our fingers they will rise again for her cottage planters that will once again be going outdoors come May. 

Anticipating our upcoming plantings, we also made a few markers for our seeds.   Amelia didn't want to paint any words on a few, so those will just be little artwork scattered throughout.  Once we pick our seeds, I am sure we will make a few more.  Seed shopping is Sunday.

Then we added a coat of Acrylic sealer...viola.  

We also welcomed a few eagerly anticipated packages for our newly remodeled bathroom that I talked about in this post, back in November.  New cherry pegboards and a beautiful shaker mirror (we sighed a relief when it arrived in tact).  All  came from Shakerworkshops.  

Just need to replace two outlets, purchase a shower rod and curtain, and buy some sort of 19-20" wide cherry looking storage for between the vanity and toilet and the remodel will be complete!

Besides these peg boards we bought two more....

One for our entry nook, where previously these hats and coats were just laid on the bench.

And one in the arctic entry way to hold party coats/snow covered outerwear and any other hangable junk :)

Once again we ask ourselves...why didn't we do this before?!

Finally...I know you lower 48ers have had a not so nice winter. I came across this painting to let you know that this is how Alaskans feel most of the time (sans this year). 

Happy planting.

Frozen in an Alaskan Spring

Everywhere we go, we are Elsa.  Turning everything around us into ice.  While in Homer last week, Elsa went on a rampage.

Of course, I am talking about Elsa from the movie Frozen.  Oddly enough she is the hero of all little girls, even  though her sister, Anna is really the heroine, but Anna dolls remain on the shelf, with anything Elsa...hard to find.  In fact,  we bought the only reasonably priced Elsa toddler doll in Anchorage and that had to be dug out of the back at Toys R Us...whew I say!  

The day after we arrived home from Homer the movie was scheduled to be delivered.  We waited and waited for our UPS man to get here (Amelia has no sense of time) and ran to greet him when we heard the truck.  He handed over the package straight to Amelia.  

Pop the popcorn! I have lost count at the number of times we have watched it since.  

 The weather the week prior was Lioness.  This week ... a Lamb.  Although still chilly, the snow is melting slowly and it was time to build Olaf.   He lasted about 20 minutes until he fell off the deck. 

Other than Frozen arriving, it was a relaxing, quiet week.  Skating is over til September as they are redoing the ice (will have to make a few trips to Anchorage to keep our skills sharp).  And the glorious sun shone, forcing us outside.  Amelia now wants nothing to do with sledding and snow pants.  She has been taking large chunks of snow and melting them in puddles on the road...she asked for her wagon to carry some.  At this rate we should be rid of the snow by May :)

She has been on a book reading marathon too.  To anyone who will listen.  Mainly me, but to her stuffed animals as well.  She gets most of the story right too.

Yesterday, the sun called us to the zoo.  

We found Sven.  More Frozen talk again if you didn't know.

It was about 25 degrees there and of course, Amelia did not want to wear anything resembling snow gear.  I  put extras in the back pack and carried them with me...good thing as she was freezing after her mountain climbing in the snow. 

It wore her out. 

Crossing our fingers that break up continues here in Alaska...bring on the glorious Summer!

Homer in Winter

I have always said I wouldn't travel in Alaska during winter.  Weather can change in an instant and you can be in sun one minute and a snowstorm the next.  However, Rob had work in Homer and of course we wanted to tag along.

Headed out during a Winter storm warning for Whittier thru Moose Pass.  We figured we could beat it if we left early as they predicted 2 feet of snow in the passes...and that meant Turnagain Pass.  There is no way around it if you want to get to Homer.  It is an absolutely gorgeous place in summer and on a glorious winter day...I am sure it is too.  However, in winter storm ... not so nice. 

Thankfully, Rob does not panic and planned to turn around in Whittier (just before the pass) if the weather there was white knuckled.  What I am sure was much worse as the day went on, was not as bad as we feared.  We arrived just short of Homer to the worst of the snow, and driving off Homer Bluff we encountered a cold rain.  Much like the eagle was bearing in the picture above. 

We bundled up and braved what was then a drizzle to go throw some rocks back into Kachemak Bay.  Until the rain gained up on us and we headed inside for dinner at the Land's End Resort.   

Sea Otters are prevalent in the Bay, as too are Seals, however, just saw one seal and he didn't like posing.  This guy enjoyed it.

Like I said, Alaska is full of micro climates and here by the sea, the weather can change so quickly...you better be prepared.

The next day began with rain and then for about two hours the sun shown and we headed back out sans jacket.  It felt like our last trip here when the weather was fantastic. 

Dad joined us for some more rock throwing.  Until the clouds came back and the skies opened up yet again.  A few hours later, the sun shone bright.  We were on a roller coaster....jackets on, mittens on, jackets off, mittens off, boots off...hurry lets go outside!

Homer is Eagle heaven.  So many adolescent eagles flying around, with what I am sure are moms and dads keeping a close eye.

Not as many boats as in summer and considering the weather, not many venturing out at all with gale warnings surrounding the bay and ocean.

Went from winter to summer in an instant.  Amelia got a lot of exercise when she could and threw about 200 rocks back to where they belong.

The next day...

was cold again with a snow dusted landscape.

We had watched the sunrise while having breakfast.

Until it was time to head back home...sigh...thru the pass that was predicted to get 10 inches.  Once again, our luck held out and only a few flakes and wind.  On a high note...we did miss a high wind warning here at home :)

I will remember this trip when we ponder travel in winter.   

Lastly, we hadn't seen a moose in our yard all winter.  The day before we left for Homer we found this guy peering at us with his mom not far away.

Four

Our mermaid is Four and it is time to celebrate.

We decorated on a semi sunny day a few days prior with an ocean full of mermaids on our driveway...crossing our fingers it wouldn't snow :)  Then it was on to the inside of the house...

I purchased these octopus balloons and decorated pictures that were already up by printing our invitation mermaid and sticking them over the paintings or when I could...slipped them into frames.

Amelia's Frozen castle served as the underwater mermaid palace and Amelia's first drawing of a mermaid was frame worthy as well :) 

I purchased 4 blow up mermaids, tulle and a few bags of blow up balloons to complete the underwater scene. 

I printed shells (same as the invitation) and used glue and glitter for her banner.

I have done an  "Amelia at" each year...varying the questions a bit to suit the age.

Thank you gifts included Hello Kitty Mermaids, Jake and the Neverland Pirates toys and Alligator legos for the various aged kids we had join us.  We did a fabulous game for treasure chests and other little goodies called "Ask the Mermaid" complete with Amelia's movie trivia where an unknown answer to the question could be asked of the Birthday Mermaid (who knew the answers of course!)  Quite fun for kids and guests as who knows "What's the name of the boy Ariel loves?" 

We also had a few shells where guests could write their birthday wishes.

On party morning Amelia and I headed outside to decorate on yet another gorgeous day in March. 

Then it was party time:

For some reason I didn't get a pic of our Octodogs...that friend Kayla is munching in the below pic at the kid table with Amelia.  They were the biggest hit.  

Both Amelia and I were exhausted ... in a good way of course!

And it wasn't over quite yet...the next day was her official birthday and Dad took off work and we all celebrated her day in style :)

It was Christmas morning all over again.

After a birthday breakfast of pancakes...we headed out for her skating class and her first time bowling!

A spectacular 3 days of fun and the only thing missing was a bit of family here to share it with.  Thank goodness for our friends :)

Whew...a much needed rest.  

Oh...nevermind..I have cleanup duties :)