Catch Up Time

It's been a little crazy around here again! I've been busy getting ready for the annual Channel 8 fundraising auction, which was a blast, as usual. The photo above is a view of our behind the scenes TV set. We had a great time and raised some money for our station, so all is grand. The hotel, along with Rich and F&B Manager Lisa, offered a wine and food pairing again this year, a private 7 course dinner for 8 people, and it was the high seller at the auction for $1300! Very nice!

Below, my friend Judi makes beautiful quilts for the fundraising efforts of all the local nonprofits (that's also her "manly hibernation quilt" hanging behind the couch on the auction set). In addition to that, she makes "comfort quilts" for people going through times of stress, whether it's a illness, a death in the family, or any number of other reasons someone might need some extra TLC. She sent a sweet quilt to Emery when she was recovering from her treatment. So the local museum decided that Judi should be honored with her own exhibit and many of her quilts were gathered up for the display. The opening was held the other night and we had a lovely time browsing and chatting.

Judi


Tammy admiring a quilt


Next up was bunco night at my house last night. My awesome husband spent his whole day off making food for us. Here's his Latin Cobb Salad, which was a huge hit, especially the grilled shrimp.


Andrea and Juliette

We also had a citrus/fennel/herb salad, and many other delicious items not shown here. Everyone loves bunco at my house but, alas, I don't think it's necessarily because of me. LOL

Sonia
Debbie and Sharon

Erin, Pipa, me, Melanie, and Tammy

Tonya and Lori

As Melanie commented, we look pretty happy and healthy for four months into a six month winter! We're supposed to do the Polar Bear Run *Walk* today but it's drizzly and rainy and chilly so I am probably going to wimp out. I know, I should be more motivated, but I have so much I need to do that I will gladly skip this one!

My ESL/GED class has turned into mostly a GED class and my students are great--I really enjoy them and don't (too much) mind the early hours. I really did not anticipate how many hours it would take outside of class to prepare and stay organized, though! They are all at different places and we can work on some things together, but I also feel like everyone needs some individual attention, which is hard to come by.

I'm plodding along in swimming; I missed last week because of the auction and showed up yesterday to be reminded that next week is our last class. How can that be? I still don't know what I am doing! Well, I am better than I was, but I could probably use several more months of lessons! :)

I was doing great on my 750 words a day till I got home late from the auction (yes, I am blaming the auction for any of my failures) and the internet was down. OH NO. I had signed up for the February challenge, which means I am now on the WALL OF SHAME for pledging to write every day and then failing to do so. It's all in fun, but I had a 53 day streak going and hated to lose it. SO I am taking a little break and thought I might start back on March 1, but that didn't happen.

What's going on in your little corner of the world?

Catching up from the Land of the Fast Internet

I've been MIA for a little while--lots going on! On the 3rd, it was my turn to host Bunco and, as always, a big night of fun. These gals are a blast!

Lou Anne and Andrea

Erin, Lori and Sonia

Alyssa, Juliette, Tammy and DJ

Lovely shortcake trios by Rich

Hilary and Melanie

I can't even remember everything that's been occupying our time. We did make some more jam--this time salmonberry-pomegranate and salmonberry-citrus-rose. So good! Remember those scones I made a few weeks ago? Well...there were some in the freezer, so guess what we've been doing? I think we've both gained a few pounds back. But it may be worth it. :)

We've both been really busy at work. I know I keep saying that lately! I worked feverishly all day on Wednesday and then flew out on the 7:30 PM plane to Anchorage. It was a little windy and I was very nervous about flying. I sure have had my flying issues lately. I started to think we would not go at all but we left about 8 PM with no problems whatsoever--guess I need to relax about the whole thing. I'm in Anchorage for a development conference with people from many of the other public radio stations in Alaska. It's been very informative, especially for someone who does not come from a sales and marketing background. I've enjoyed meeting my colleagues from around the state and networking with them. The conference ends tomorrow at noon and then I will be hanging around waiting for my 1 AM (Sunday) flight to Seattle and on to Dallas. Can't wait to see the kids and grandkids!