Monday, March 21, 2011
A Doll for Fiona
Today is my granddaughter's first birthday, so I guess it's about time I made a special doll for her. I've been going through my embarrassingly large collection of doll patterns - both modern and vintage - and have chosen a pattern from 1933.
Now I could have gone with a simpler, pancake style doll, but where's the challenge in that? This one has interesting construction (though the instructions are a bit scant), so I should be able to learn something new if I can figure it out. It also looks like it'll be safe for a child - no buttons or small parts to come undone.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
When Minutes Count...
Back in December right before Christmas, we received word at the ER in which I work that we were receiving a horribly injured young man from a head-on collison. Scrambling to prepare for his arrival (the accident occured outside Chinook on the Washington side of the Columbia River, and not that far from Astoria) - we feared the worst. The ambulance report was grim. Ben was unconscious and had an extremely low blood pressure. He arrested shortly after arrival, requiring CPR for several minutes while we performed multiple interventions - chest tubes, central lines, squeezing in units of blood as fast as they would go in. Lifeflight was on the ground, and the crew was ready to fly him to Emanuel (the big trauma hospital) as soon as we could stabilize him.
Ben's family and friends started a blog almost immediately, and I have been following his progress since the accident. Ben's case was an amazing example of tremendous teamwork, everything going right, and faith. I'm sure faith played a role.
Yesterday I attended a trauma conference in Portland highlighting three amazing trauma "saves." Ben Suprunowski was one of them. The panel that discussed his case included a First Responder, EMT, Lifeflight crew member, one of our Astoria surgeons, and Emanuel Hospital's trauma surgeon Dr. Long. I even got to comment on the Astoria part of his resuscitation (so glad the 200+ people in the auditorium were behind me so I couldn't see them). The best part of all? Ben was there. What an amazing young man. He makes me believe in miracles. Statistically speaking, cardiac arrest due to blunt force trauma is fatal. It used to be one of the "death in the field" criteria used by paramedics (along with decapitation, rigor mortis, etc.). Guess it's time to rethink that one.
A reporter from one of the Portland TV stations was at the conference:
http://www.kgw.com/home/Teens-recovery-from-crash-is-a-lesson-in-teamwork-118278379.html
I wish all our traumas had happy endings. Here's Ben's van:
Ben's family and friends started a blog almost immediately, and I have been following his progress since the accident. Ben's case was an amazing example of tremendous teamwork, everything going right, and faith. I'm sure faith played a role.
Yesterday I attended a trauma conference in Portland highlighting three amazing trauma "saves." Ben Suprunowski was one of them. The panel that discussed his case included a First Responder, EMT, Lifeflight crew member, one of our Astoria surgeons, and Emanuel Hospital's trauma surgeon Dr. Long. I even got to comment on the Astoria part of his resuscitation (so glad the 200+ people in the auditorium were behind me so I couldn't see them). The best part of all? Ben was there. What an amazing young man. He makes me believe in miracles. Statistically speaking, cardiac arrest due to blunt force trauma is fatal. It used to be one of the "death in the field" criteria used by paramedics (along with decapitation, rigor mortis, etc.). Guess it's time to rethink that one.
A reporter from one of the Portland TV stations was at the conference:
http://www.kgw.com/home/Teens-recovery-from-crash-is-a-lesson-in-teamwork-118278379.html
I wish all our traumas had happy endings. Here's Ben's van:
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Barley's Angels (or What I did for fun on my birthday)
I was so surprised at the birthday cake presented as the sixth (of seven) courses served. Mmmm...Raspberry Chocolate Cake paired with Rogue Double Chocolate Stout - a perfect combination.
All About Barley's Angels
WHAT WE ARE:
Mission Statement: As the consumer leg of the Pink Boots Society®, Barley's Angels is committed to involving women in the enjoyment of craft beer by creating environments where women can learn more about beer in a friendly, educational and supportive atmosphere, thus creating more women beer enthusiasts, and, ultimately, involving more women in beer- and brewery-related careers.
Purpose: Barley's Angels is a growing collection of individual chapters around the world that work with craft-beer focused breweries, brewpubs, restaurants, alehouses and other public beer establishments to advance the female consumer craft beer enthusiast, resulting in increased patronage and revenue from women, while encouraging education and interest in beer among this often under-recognized demographic group.
WHAT WE ARE NOT:
Barley's Angels is not just a social, beer-drinking club for women. Barley's Angels respect beer and brewing, have a thirst for education, enjoy beer responsibly and act appropriately at all times.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Down to the Wire (AFIC)
I'm trying to be as productive as possible today, finishing a doll pattern for Cynthia Sieving's Artistic Figure in Cloth (AFIC). She had the brilliant idea of putting together a booklet that features patterns from doll designers - dolls, pincushions, ornaments, pins, etc. AFIC participants will receive the booklet in their goodie bags.
The tricky part has been designing a pattern and writing instructions that will fit onto 1 piece of paper (front and back). So here's Mirabelle, my very simple doll for the AFIC Designer booklet. The benefit of participating in this way is that it's really great (and inexpensive) advertising.
AFIC will be held April 28 to May 1, 2011. I've never had the opportunity to attend this fantastic conference. Check out the AFIC blog http://www.artisticfiguresincloth.blogspot.com/.
The tricky part has been designing a pattern and writing instructions that will fit onto 1 piece of paper (front and back). So here's Mirabelle, my very simple doll for the AFIC Designer booklet. The benefit of participating in this way is that it's really great (and inexpensive) advertising. AFIC will be held April 28 to May 1, 2011. I've never had the opportunity to attend this fantastic conference. Check out the AFIC blog http://www.artisticfiguresincloth.blogspot.com/.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Half a Century!
Can't believe I'm 50 (!) years old today. I don't feel that ancient. Today my mom sent me a photo of the naval hospital where I was born. I thought "what a charming vintage photo." And then "wait a minute, that means I'm vintage."
At this (chronological) turning point in my life, I've decided to do everything in my power to stay fit and healthy. Yeah, I know I should have been doing this all along. Every day at work I see people who have seemingly given up on themselves - and the condition of their minds and bodies is so disheartening. I don't want to be like them. The sentiment on this vintage postcard is a birthday wish to myself.
I'm so used to incessant drizzle on my birthday, but today has turned out to be gorgeous! I've had my coffee, done my exercises, and am preparing for the "seminar" I'll be attending at 2 this afternoon called "Barley's Angels." It's a beer tasting event at the Fort George (one of my favorite places. I'm a sturdy German girl, so yes, I love good beer). I might even flatiron my hair and wear makeup!
I'm so used to incessant drizzle on my birthday, but today has turned out to be gorgeous! I've had my coffee, done my exercises, and am preparing for the "seminar" I'll be attending at 2 this afternoon called "Barley's Angels." It's a beer tasting event at the Fort George (one of my favorite places. I'm a sturdy German girl, so yes, I love good beer). I might even flatiron my hair and wear makeup!
Monday, February 14, 2011
"Soul Restoration" homework
It's been fun working on something different. I've been taking a 6-week online class called "Soul Restoration" by Brave Girls Club. I've been a little bit behind the whole way because my times a bit limited and I tend to over-think everything. But this is a project that can continue on independently. Below are my "Soul House" pages, one of the first assignments.
Today I finished some "Truth Cards," an ongoing assignment. I got started a little late on those, because I'm a ruminator... had to decide how big I wanted them and what kind of a base or template I wanted to work with, yada yada. I really didn't want to use up my expensive Timtex, so found some white chipboard 4X4 inch square coasters on eBay ($7.50 + shipping) for 100 of them. A perfect base for this project.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Cycle Oregon Route Announced!
Rather than drive into the Portland/Beaverton area 2 hours away to attend the big Cycle Oregon Kick-off Party (and drive back home), we decided to have our own kick-off party at home complete with microbrew and taco bar.
I'm adding the route here as a reminder to myself. Sounds challenging:
Day 1 – September 11: Sutherlin to Cottage Grove
“Hill and Dale” (47 or 70 miles) Our opening day builds to a climbing crescendo, starting on the inspiringly named Nonpareil Road, followed by a gentle climb through a wooded ravine. Then it’s rollers past oak copses and sheep farms, on into Scotts Valley before turning upward on London Hill for a long, steady grind. A sinuous, forested descent to lunch bottoms out for a flat cruise into Cottage Grove, skirting the shores of Cottage Grove Lake. A lovely introduction to an epic week
Day 2 – September 12: Cottage Grove to Reedsport
“Roller Coast-er” (90 miles) Today we taste one of the truly sublime coast routes. From the handsome downtown of Cottage Grove, pedal incredibly smooth backroads into tiny Lorane, and then glide through a tunnel of trees on Siuslaw River Road. Yes, there’s a climb and a summit, but you’ll be so euphoric you won’t mind. After lunch it’s a steady ride through the “Chapel of the Coast Range,” a forest-and-river cathedral. We follow the Smith River to Reedsport as it grows placid and wide.
Day 3 – September 13: Reedsport to Bandon
“Cape Crusaders” (76 miles) Start off rolling past dunes, marshes and lakes along Highway 101, before turning off to swoop and loop around Kentuck Bay. After climbing up and over to Charleston, enjoy lunch at stunning Shore Acres State Park as waves crash against rocky outcrops and seals bark on the way out to Cape Arago. After lunch, take on the Seven Devils – short, steep pitches that will test your resolve – before descending to Bandon for a cruise through the dunes and on into Old Town.
Day 4 – September 14: Bandon – Port Orford Layover Option
“Parks in Paradise” (56 or 66 miles) After the rollout along scenic Beach Loop Road, enjoy a surprise: glassy-smooth pavement and good shoulders along Highway 101. The optional side trip to Cape Blanco is a must-do, taking you past headland mesas and cranberry bogs to the cape’s rugged shoreline and majestic lighthouse. Our lunch spot at a park in Port Orford features trails leading to the beach. Retrace your way back up the coast for a new view of the same great scenery, and then find more fun back in Bandon.
Day 5 – September 15: Bandon to Powers
“Pedaling Pastoral” (60 miles) The theme of the day is tranquility, as we traverse low-traffic roads through pastureland and along gentle waterways. Start with a backroads route from Bandon to Coquille, and then enter a Mad Hatter maze of turns on what seems like a dozen roads that all have the same three names (watch your signage!). It’s a pleasant multidirectional meander through dairy farms and pastures. After lunch in Myrtle Point, take a magic carpet ride into Powers – rollers, swoops and views down to the Coquille River as we approach town.
Day 6 – September 16: Powers to Riddle
“Stairway to Heaven” (85 miles) This is a quintessential Oregon forest ride. Climb gradually under a shady green canopy, alongside a boulder-strewn stream, then turn toward the sky for a sturdy climb past waterfalls, before smoothing out for a glide into the aptly named Eden Valley. After lunch the major climb of the week awaits, but the serene surroundings offer a worthwhile trade-off. And it’s (nearly) all downhill after that, including an amazingly smooth run-in that follows Cow Creek for miles of pick-your-pace pedaling.
Day 7 – September 17: Riddle to Sutherlin
“Water to Wine” (52 miles)Today’s finish reminds you of the diverse splendor of Oregon riding. You’ll pass pastures of sheep, cattle, llamas and horses. You’ll fly by lumber mills, roll through river valleys and ascend along hillside vineyards. The middle part of the day follows a local wine-tour route, including a stop at the picturesque Melrose Winery. After the rollers spill out into a broad valley, you’ll follow gently rolling swells into Sutherlin, capping a memorable week.
I'm adding the route here as a reminder to myself. Sounds challenging:
Day 1 – September 11: Sutherlin to Cottage Grove
“Hill and Dale” (47 or 70 miles) Our opening day builds to a climbing crescendo, starting on the inspiringly named Nonpareil Road, followed by a gentle climb through a wooded ravine. Then it’s rollers past oak copses and sheep farms, on into Scotts Valley before turning upward on London Hill for a long, steady grind. A sinuous, forested descent to lunch bottoms out for a flat cruise into Cottage Grove, skirting the shores of Cottage Grove Lake. A lovely introduction to an epic week
Day 2 – September 12: Cottage Grove to Reedsport
“Roller Coast-er” (90 miles) Today we taste one of the truly sublime coast routes. From the handsome downtown of Cottage Grove, pedal incredibly smooth backroads into tiny Lorane, and then glide through a tunnel of trees on Siuslaw River Road. Yes, there’s a climb and a summit, but you’ll be so euphoric you won’t mind. After lunch it’s a steady ride through the “Chapel of the Coast Range,” a forest-and-river cathedral. We follow the Smith River to Reedsport as it grows placid and wide.
Day 3 – September 13: Reedsport to Bandon
“Cape Crusaders” (76 miles) Start off rolling past dunes, marshes and lakes along Highway 101, before turning off to swoop and loop around Kentuck Bay. After climbing up and over to Charleston, enjoy lunch at stunning Shore Acres State Park as waves crash against rocky outcrops and seals bark on the way out to Cape Arago. After lunch, take on the Seven Devils – short, steep pitches that will test your resolve – before descending to Bandon for a cruise through the dunes and on into Old Town.
Day 4 – September 14: Bandon – Port Orford Layover Option
“Parks in Paradise” (56 or 66 miles) After the rollout along scenic Beach Loop Road, enjoy a surprise: glassy-smooth pavement and good shoulders along Highway 101. The optional side trip to Cape Blanco is a must-do, taking you past headland mesas and cranberry bogs to the cape’s rugged shoreline and majestic lighthouse. Our lunch spot at a park in Port Orford features trails leading to the beach. Retrace your way back up the coast for a new view of the same great scenery, and then find more fun back in Bandon.
Day 5 – September 15: Bandon to Powers
“Pedaling Pastoral” (60 miles) The theme of the day is tranquility, as we traverse low-traffic roads through pastureland and along gentle waterways. Start with a backroads route from Bandon to Coquille, and then enter a Mad Hatter maze of turns on what seems like a dozen roads that all have the same three names (watch your signage!). It’s a pleasant multidirectional meander through dairy farms and pastures. After lunch in Myrtle Point, take a magic carpet ride into Powers – rollers, swoops and views down to the Coquille River as we approach town.
Day 6 – September 16: Powers to Riddle
“Stairway to Heaven” (85 miles) This is a quintessential Oregon forest ride. Climb gradually under a shady green canopy, alongside a boulder-strewn stream, then turn toward the sky for a sturdy climb past waterfalls, before smoothing out for a glide into the aptly named Eden Valley. After lunch the major climb of the week awaits, but the serene surroundings offer a worthwhile trade-off. And it’s (nearly) all downhill after that, including an amazingly smooth run-in that follows Cow Creek for miles of pick-your-pace pedaling.
Day 7 – September 17: Riddle to Sutherlin
“Water to Wine” (52 miles)Today’s finish reminds you of the diverse splendor of Oregon riding. You’ll pass pastures of sheep, cattle, llamas and horses. You’ll fly by lumber mills, roll through river valleys and ascend along hillside vineyards. The middle part of the day follows a local wine-tour route, including a stop at the picturesque Melrose Winery. After the rollers spill out into a broad valley, you’ll follow gently rolling swells into Sutherlin, capping a memorable week.
Friday, January 21, 2011
testing...
Just pondering the viability of blogging our Cycle Oregon adventure in September. Is it possible? How about ride photos? Hmmm... So I'm at the local brew pub right now, and have successfully logged onto my blog account. It's tedious to use the tiny keyboard on my phone.
Home now, and typing with a real keyboard~
One big aspect of the ride is to get away from technology and the busy-ness of everyday life. Last time I purposely left my cell phone behind - and that was before I got my Blackberry that can do a few more tricks. It wasn't that difficult. However, a week without my computer/email was quite painful - not only during the week of the ride, but after getting home and having to wade through so much email and catch up on digests.
As we'll be camping out for a week, I will not be dragging my laptop along. There are a few riders that blog throughout the week - I think a few are journalists.
If I do decide to bring my phone, I'll have a way to post photos to Facebook along the ride. The number of friends that'll be joining us is growing, and it'd be a great way to communicate with them and coordinate. The Cycle Oregon folks have a cell phone charging station, which is nice.
Home now, and typing with a real keyboard~
One big aspect of the ride is to get away from technology and the busy-ness of everyday life. Last time I purposely left my cell phone behind - and that was before I got my Blackberry that can do a few more tricks. It wasn't that difficult. However, a week without my computer/email was quite painful - not only during the week of the ride, but after getting home and having to wade through so much email and catch up on digests.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Finished a Doll!
Today's the first "free" day I've had for awhile, so first thing this morning I made a list of things to do (believe me, it was pretty long), and have been checking them off one at a time. Right up there at the top was going through my stash and finding something suitable for Averill's hair.
I found some eyelash yarn that was particularly challenging to knit, and had to pull out my knitting reference books again to figure out how to cast on yarn (and cast off).Tomorrow we'll be celebrating the last of our mini Christmas observances, so it's off to the store to shop for groceries. Then I need to do my exercises (yes, still keeping that New Year's Resolution), do some homework for my online "Soul Restoration" class through the Brave Girls Club - and that's it! Whew!
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