Tuesday, March 23, 2010

this and that

We spent more time than not down in SL last month. Being a bit compulsive, I manage to keep myself busy no matter where I am. I guess it gives me a chance to do the crafty things I normally don't do at home because I feel there are more pressing things that divert my attention. So, I worked on my first "real" sewing project, dresses (I don't feel like I can count curtains or pillowcases) and had some fun with different flowers.
I also finished covering the cough-drop tins my mom gave me and embellished them with the tags my cute friend Nicole gave me (Thanks Nicole!). We've been doing "commission" for Audrey. Rather than an allowance, she "earns" commission and has 2 tins- savings and spending, and sets aside tithing. I did 2 for Bethany at the same time, since I'm guessing I'd be a year behind if I waited to do them until she needed them.
The "bubble stick" was an alternate project because toward the end of working on pinwheels I discovered (apparently I didn't read the directions) that I didn't have any eyelets or the tool to set them, so the pushpin will have to work for now until I can find one. Oh well.
So, now that I have neglected any real projects that need to be done (cooking, cleaning, gardening, etc. etc.) hopefully it will warm up again soon and I'll have even more motivation to press forward.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

waiting for spring...

Thanks mom for the cute dresses! They love them! Here is Bethany - who keeps calling herself a princess and twirling in her dress. I thought you'd want to see how fun they are on them. Thanks again.

Monday, March 8, 2010

The Rickenchocolater 360: EAT YOUR HEART OUT

Let me start this post by introducing you to a fabulous guitar. Keep in mind that while this introduction is somewhat focused on my (Doug) obsession with guitars, it doesn't continue that way. Therefore, those of you who do not care one whit about guitars, feel free to read anyway, as you will see this post has more to do with how awesome my wife is, and less to do with cool guitars. Any Questions? please send them in triplicate via certified mail. On we go. This is the Rickenbacker 360. For our readers from mars, it is a musical instrument known as a guitar. It is played by shortening the theoretical string length by pressing the strings down to the long board or "fretboard" using ones fingers and then plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum (often referred to as a pick.) Made famous by the likes of George Harrison, Peter Buck of REM, and many others, in my humble opinion, it is a piece of artwork. I love its retro design and smooth lines. (Of course, if you know me, I'm in love with alot of guitars) Anyhow, if I have my way, some day this guitar will hang proudly on the wall of my home music studio. Donations are always welcome, and can also be sent via certified mail, or any other means of transport, for that matter.

Now, on to the point of this lengthy and worthless, as many might claim, introduction. Two days before my birthday, Heather asks me via instant messaging if I have seen the new "Rickenchocolater 360." Now, a smart man would have been very quick to pick up what was happening. I am not a smart man. Therefore, I proceeded to perform a google search, despite a sneaky suspicion that she was up to something. As many of you have likely already surmised, My google Search revealed nothing. It was at this point that I began suspecting that Heather had created something exciting for my birthday. without getting into any more detail, I shall simply display an image of what I found when I came home from work that evening.
Needless to say, she nailed it. This was, without question, the coolest birthday cake I have ever received. (sorry mom, the Hot Air Balloon Cake, complete with licorice ropes, supplied for my 5th birthday? has dropped one rank position, feel free to re-apply for first place by providing a cake of superior taste and creativity than that which heather made. I will be happy to consume it, and restore your rank.) Heather, thanks so much, it was such a great surprise. I really appreciated the thoughtfulness and time it took to create such a magnificent cake. You never cease to impress.