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Thursday, March 7, 2013

bunny, warm boots, and an unfinished chess board...




Put out a few Easter things yesterday.  This bunny puppet I found a few years ago when I was shopping for grand daughter's Easter gift.  She ended up with a really fabulous puppet turtle (wish I had a picture, but don't).  I couldn't decide whether to get her the bunny or the turtle (both were adorable) until my friend came up with the solution. Get the turtle for her and the bunny for you. Isn't that just like a friend, perfect solution!


warm boots, hat, gloves, and travel journal

Beginning to get my act together.  Have spoken to a few people who have taken this Alaskan cruise and  feel a little more 'into it'.  I even called my cell phone company and asked them if there would be any extra charges for using my iPhone in Alaska. I was told that since it was part of the US, there shouldn't be any problem. The rep did tell me that I could be charged extra if I used it outside of the US (such as Vancouver, BC) or if we are out in International waters. The way to avoid this I was told is to either turn the phone off when not in the US or put it on 'airplane mode'. She also thought that the phone may alert me to this fact.

Also today was the critique on the chess boards. They are not finished, but we had to show our work so far and explain the concept behind it. So far I have the 4 (10x10) bases made. I've rolled out the slab to start on the tiles - but 64 (2x2) tiles may take me a while.  I'll keep you updated.

Slate kids gave us hanging in kitchen


Was looking through some of my old poetry books to find a particular poem and got lost in it.  I love poetry... (now, not all poetry mind you... like all art forms, it's very subjective. Some speak to you while others don't.)  But I came across this illustration that I liked and thought I'd post it.

illustration in one of Emily Dickinson's children's poetry books

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears the human soul!

                      - Emily Dickinson




22 comments:

  1. Easter is the best time for adorable, plush, *gorgeous* stuffed bunnies, etc. I'd have been torn, too, between the turtle and bunny, so your friend had the ideal solution. :-)

    Looks like you're preparing well for the cruise. Very exciting!

    Yes, careful with those cell phone charges. Just last week in our news there was a story about a family who had vacationed in Mexico recently. Their young son inadvertently racked up over $22,000 in charges--and yes, they had put the phone into airplane mode, but the child switched it off somehow, by mistake. Yikes!

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    1. Yes, Kim, I have heard horror stories about traveling cell phone charges... thus, the call.

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  2. Love the illustration ...and the poem.
    Good luck with the chess board ...so much work ...cant wait to see it finished.
    I am also so happy that you are getting into the spirit of your trip ...I wish I could for mine ...I think it because I really do not enjoy weddings but feel I have to because its my son ...even though it will be his second go lol xx

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    1. Angie, I'm with you on this one... and have always felt odd about it. But weddings are like big *parties* and I'm not a party person. However, with so much family around, you will have fun.

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    2. We are Steves only family so I think we will be out numbered lol. As for telling the twins apart ...in photos it was impossible before Ben had glasses but in real if one could see Jakes scars it was easier ....I hope Jake doesn't have to have glasses too then I shall be stumped ...I just will blame my age. xx

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  3. I seem to remember that the cruise ship had a way of charging you for using your cell phone onboard. We turned ours off on the ship...there wasn't anything so important that we needed to have phone service. We did turn our phones on when we were in port and they worked fine with no extra charges. I also didn't bother to get wifi on the ship. We just waited until we were in port and I took my laptop to McDonald's to check my email. At one stop there's a big public library right by the dock and they have wifi access, but I don't remember which city that was.

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    1. Thanks, Nana. I think that I will keep the phone *off* when on board the ship... and only use it when we're on US land. Hopefully that will work.

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  4. The book illustration is wonderful. I never thought about the cell phone charges. (always something ot worry about) It sounds like you are getting prepared and I hope you have a great trip. Of course, I wanted to see more of the quilt those boots were on.

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    1. Olga, my friend made that quilt for me. She makes beautiful quilts. I will post a better picture of it later for you.

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  5. I've done that: Can't decide which toy to get for child and end up getting one for her and another for myself. Except in my case I got one for her and two for me! What a deal.

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  6. What an interesting and varied post today, Rian...I had a nice visit.

    The bunny puppet is adorable, I'll bet the turtle puppet was, too :)

    I am happy to hear that you are feeling better about your trip. Have a great time and enjoy!

    The book is lovely. I often buy books just for the cover art or the illustrations inside...that's just me.

    BTW...that quilt is wonderful!!!

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    1. "I often.... that's just me." No, it's not just you. I do that too.

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  7. Lovely chock-full post!!!! :-)

    So glad you are getting all your ducks in a row, for your Alaska cruise!!!! It feels better, when we are ready! Let's us really enjoy the anticipation.

    Hooray for all your photos!

    And especially, for sharing that delightful illustration, in the book. I showed the cover of a children's book today too. One with delightful illustrations. Ahhhhh, great minds running in the same line or whatever that saying is. -grinnnnn-

    "Auntie"

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    1. Saw your children's book cover. I'm not familiar with that one, but will check it out.

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  8. Awesome book illustration! I also love the recipe for a happy cat.

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    1. Yes, my grandson (14 yr old one) said something that made me think the other day before I took him off to school. I was sitting on the floor early one morning by the Aga with the 6 cats (drinking coffee and talking to them) and he said, "Me-maw, it's great how you give each of them the amount of love they need..."

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  9. I was hiking near Deception Pass and my phone dinged with a new text message that said, "Welcome to Canada!" and warned me that I was going to be charged. I turned my phone off, so I didn't even need to be IN Canada for it to happen. Nice pictures and story, Rian.

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    1. Thanks for that info, DJan. That makes me feel better.

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  10. I love book illustrations especially children's books. I am sure your chess set was admired by every one. So much detail and thought to it.

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