As the winter and Christmas season approaches we realize how quickly 2010 has flown by! It is always a highlight for us to recieve news from family and friends at this time of year.
In January Pat took another course in web design studies through the University of Alaska, learning advanced web design with an introduction to JavaScript. The latter topic was extremely challenging and while she managed to see it through, it isn't something she plans to pursue further (whew!). Pat taught acrylic painting classes to a couple groups of homeschoolers, in still life and landscape. She also enjoyed teaching two new students (ages 6 and 7 1/2) a beginner's art class of learning the basics of color, pattern, texture, and drawing with simple shapes. Her students alway inspire her as they learn and grow in their art skills.
Near the end of May we flew to Raleigh, NC to visit Chris's family and to attend a cousin's wedding in Virginia. It was a joy to witness Daniel and Lois's beautiful wedding celebration and it brought back memories of our wedding day almost 13 years ago to the day. Our time in Virginia gave us the oppurtunity to visit with many family members. While we were in Raleigh we got to visit with Aunt Linda as well - it was so good to see everyone!
This past year our church family grieved deeply for the loss of three loved ones who went to be with the Lord. It's been difficult to accept but God's comfort and peace has been evident day by day, and we know He works through all circumstances for His glory. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - Matthew 5:4
In August Pam and Sarah came to Ketchikan for a few days. We shared a quilting craft table at the Blueberry Arts Festival. The weather was cool and damp. Sarah (7) used blue crayons to color a page from her coloring book, held it up for people to see, and welcomed them to come and "pick anything you want" at our booth - an adorable little blueberry helper!
In the two days following American Thanksgiving Pat participated in the Winter Arts Faire and had a table with quilted fall- and Christmas-themed table runners, small zippered fabric bags, potholdders, and Pam's beautiful crocheted snowflake ornaments. It was a fun event and unlike the Blueberry Festival the Faire was indoors so there were no weather worries. Interestingly, Pat shared something in common with fellow crafters next to her. On the left, knitted hats and scarves were made and sold by friends name Pam and Pat... on the right, the handmade jewelry designer was Ivy Rose... friendly Faire neighbors with names in common!
We do not have any bear stories to tell this year (for which we are thankful), but in October it was weather that became headline news in Ketchikan. We had hurricane force wind and rain storms come through several times, causing power outages over many days. Linemen were flown in from outside regions to help restore things back to normal. Tree cutters were also in big demand in delaing with the many trees that ended up leaning across power lines and falling across roads. We now have our own generator for future emergencies. Power outages are not uncommon in our community but October's weather created longer and more serious outages than usual.
In spite of a very busy summer and fall at the Coast Guard base Chris has been working hard on honing his pastel painting skills in his free time. He plans to evenually make prints and sell them at a couple of local art gallery stores, and hopefully he'll be able to have an art show sometime in the future. Most of all he just wants to enjoy and grow in the art of creating art!
Happy New Year!
In January Pat took another course in web design studies through the University of Alaska, learning advanced web design with an introduction to JavaScript. The latter topic was extremely challenging and while she managed to see it through, it isn't something she plans to pursue further (whew!). Pat taught acrylic painting classes to a couple groups of homeschoolers, in still life and landscape. She also enjoyed teaching two new students (ages 6 and 7 1/2) a beginner's art class of learning the basics of color, pattern, texture, and drawing with simple shapes. Her students alway inspire her as they learn and grow in their art skills.
Near the end of May we flew to Raleigh, NC to visit Chris's family and to attend a cousin's wedding in Virginia. It was a joy to witness Daniel and Lois's beautiful wedding celebration and it brought back memories of our wedding day almost 13 years ago to the day. Our time in Virginia gave us the oppurtunity to visit with many family members. While we were in Raleigh we got to visit with Aunt Linda as well - it was so good to see everyone!
This past year our church family grieved deeply for the loss of three loved ones who went to be with the Lord. It's been difficult to accept but God's comfort and peace has been evident day by day, and we know He works through all circumstances for His glory. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - Matthew 5:4
In August Pam and Sarah came to Ketchikan for a few days. We shared a quilting craft table at the Blueberry Arts Festival. The weather was cool and damp. Sarah (7) used blue crayons to color a page from her coloring book, held it up for people to see, and welcomed them to come and "pick anything you want" at our booth - an adorable little blueberry helper!
In the two days following American Thanksgiving Pat participated in the Winter Arts Faire and had a table with quilted fall- and Christmas-themed table runners, small zippered fabric bags, potholdders, and Pam's beautiful crocheted snowflake ornaments. It was a fun event and unlike the Blueberry Festival the Faire was indoors so there were no weather worries. Interestingly, Pat shared something in common with fellow crafters next to her. On the left, knitted hats and scarves were made and sold by friends name Pam and Pat... on the right, the handmade jewelry designer was Ivy Rose... friendly Faire neighbors with names in common!
We do not have any bear stories to tell this year (for which we are thankful), but in October it was weather that became headline news in Ketchikan. We had hurricane force wind and rain storms come through several times, causing power outages over many days. Linemen were flown in from outside regions to help restore things back to normal. Tree cutters were also in big demand in delaing with the many trees that ended up leaning across power lines and falling across roads. We now have our own generator for future emergencies. Power outages are not uncommon in our community but October's weather created longer and more serious outages than usual.
In spite of a very busy summer and fall at the Coast Guard base Chris has been working hard on honing his pastel painting skills in his free time. He plans to evenually make prints and sell them at a couple of local art gallery stores, and hopefully he'll be able to have an art show sometime in the future. Most of all he just wants to enjoy and grow in the art of creating art!
Happy New Year!
The Son of God became a man to
enable men to become the sons of God.
- C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)
