Tender Mercies

For some unknown reason, Fall has decided to stay for a long time here in Interior Alaska, and I am not complaining about it. Instead, I am falling in love with some fall activities like pumpkin carving and applesauce making!   Pumpkin Carving I've never been a huge fan of Halloween, but carving pumpkins brings the little kid out in me, and I enjoy reaching my hand into the squishy, slimy pumpkin and pulling out all of its guts. I like carving funny faces and enjoying the company of good friends while doing so.  Usually I take forever  to decide what to carve, but this year, I settled on a simple Frankenstein design in about 5 minutes! Go me!! Usually I use the pumpkins for puree later, but this year it has been so warm, that the squirrels got to them before I could. Oh well! I guess I am just going to have to go get some pie pumpkins instead.   Cute, right?!  The best "instant" candle for jack-o-lanterns is a cell phone! Genius. This one won for cutest p

I haven't ever taken a week-long trip alone, but I recently took an 8-day trip to the Seattle/Tacoma area to attend the Northwest Pacific Regional Championships with one of my skaters.  I really wanted to be able to travel with my husband, but I really had to go alone and be a big girl. It ended up being a huge blessing, because aside from coaching my skater, I had a lot of free time where I could focus on taking time for myself. The competition was a success, and I learned a lot. I also enjoyed staying with my friend who I met in Fairbanks and exploring the cities around me. Enjoy the pictures! Day 1: The Seattle Washington Temple So grateful to have friends who go to the temple with me! Maybe I am not so good at taking self pictures! Day 2: Renton, WA I took advantage of the sunny & warm weather and got out every day for a long walk. How beautiful it was! More awesome glass art! Day 3: Tacoma, WA I loved the blown glass near the Museum of G