And Again

As I mentioned earlier, using up scraps and finishing handwork projects is my free time activity this winter. This striped pillow cover belongs to that category.

A different kind of project completed by Dad and Mom was the redecoration of Maren's room, now turned guest room. Down with the old wallpaper, on with a fresh coat of paint and in with new furnishings from Grandpa and Grandma's former house.

Using Up

This knit pillow cover is one of the several use-it-up projects I have undertaken in my spare time this winter. I'm not a fan of too much spare yarn sitting around.

A Flipp'n' Birthday

Our friend, Joey, taught us the title to birthdays that sit at the beginning of the month. Flipp'n' birthdays are those that we are surprised by when we flip the calendar to a new page.

While flipp'n' birthdays are usually those that are ill prepared for, all was well in order for Jason's special day at the beginning of March. Maren had made his favorite pie (lemon meringue) and even had fancy candles on hand. What did end up a surprise to all was that not only did these candles have sparklers built in, a playful feature we were expecting, but also re-lit upon being blown out. Somehow that fact had slipped or perception. Excitement!

Not My Ice Palace

This picture is a couple months old but too fun to miss. Having the name "Elsa" does not automatically give one snow and ice palace creating abilities.* Nevertheless, some talented workmen did saw out and construct this castle out of a local lake.

*Check out the movie "Frozen" if you are wondering what I mean.

102

Maren, Hannah and I were unable to celebrate with Grandpa until the day after his monumental birthday. We were blessed to be with him on one of his good days. One of his comments during our visit was, "I haven't told you how I learned English." And so he told of his little neighbor girl who took four year old Grandpa in hand and taught him his second language. You would never guess that he started out life speaking only Norwegian. He, at 102 years old, has more correct English than me.

When the Furnace Fails on Sunday

Frost this Morning