the one where it's almost spring
Monday, February 24, 2014
the one about my friday afternoon
Friday, February 21, 2014Aside from wanting a good workout, I also wanted to take my camera out for a spin. Papa Lo gave it to me for Christmas along with four different lenses. I wanted to try out a different lens from the one I shot with in Goblin Valley. It was a perfect hike and I got some good shots. I'm still figuring out some of the nuances and tricks, but so far so good :)
the one about my first sewing project
Monday, February 17, 2014The process was super super simple. Here's what you need:
-Pillow insert (you can really use any size)
-Fabric
-Thread
-Measuring tape
Measure the width and height of the pillow. Mine was a 16" square pillow. Cut out your front panel with a 1/4" allowance. For the back panel you're going to create a pocket that you can slip your pillow into. I cut out my fabric so it was 3/4 the height of my pillow, again allowing 1/4" for a seam. My two back panels were 12 1/2" tall and 16 1/2" wide.
After you cut out your pieces it's pretty easy going. I ironed my pieces to make sure they were nice and flat. I started with my back panels. I folded down the top portion about an inch, ironed in a crease, and put in two seams, about 1/4" apart. The second seam was just for decoration. I did the same thing on the other back panel. Now it's time to sew the front and back together. Put the three pieces together so the patterned sides are facing each other and put in a seam 1/4" in from the edge of the fabric. After you've stitched around the entire perimeter simply turn your pillow inside out and slip your insert in!
the one where i hiked for days
Sunday, February 16, 2014We woke up pretty early since it is a three-and-a-half hour drive. We wanted to have most of the day for hiking. Next to Goblin Valley, there is another trailhead that has both a six mile and an eight mile loop. We decided to start with this trail before heading into the state park. we wanted to do the six mile loop so we would have enough time to do the other park.
This is where our journey gets, uh, interesting. The first part of our hike was wonderful! The slot canyon was amazing. We stumbled over rocks and up ledges, trudged through sand, and dodged twigs, rocks, and little gifts from animals. The trail wasn't marked very well so it sometimes felt like we wandering in the wilderness Old Testament style. At one point we found a map. This was the worst map I have ever seen. First, it was topographical. You needed a degree in topography to read this thing. Second, the trail was barely marked on it. It was almost impossible to tell what was a trail and what was not. We chose to keep heading straight instead of turning due east. We didn't want to do another slot canyon, so we decided to take the tail around the mountain.
We walked, and walked, and walked. At this point, we hadn't seen another living soul in hours. I was beginning to get a little worried. We hadn't packed in lunch since we were only planning on taking the six mile loop. Katie had put on her pedometer and we had already gone about 8 miles. Around every turn we just found more canyon and no parking lot. Two of us climbed to the top of the mountain to scout out the trail. At a complete loss of what to do, we decided to say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father which way to go. We all felt strongly that we should return to the sign and take the other slot canyon.
It was late in the day and I was worried that we weren't going to make it back to the parking lot before we lost the light. We decided to keep a steady pace until we got out of the canyon. I was pretty tired by now and I was starting to feel it in my legs. I felt like I had just gotten a hip replacement. We walked briskly for the next two and a half hours or so. It took us about an hour to get back to the 'map' and onto the right trail.
Eventually we made it to the parking lot. I have never been so excited to see people! Once we realized that we were safe, we all sort of deflated and gave in to our exhaustion. After we checked Katie's pedometer, we realized that we had walked 18 miles.
18 miles!
That's the better part of a marathon, people! On the drive back we stopped in Price to fill up on gas and get some caffeine. There was a collective groan as we got out of the car. I did not think I was going to make it into the gas station. My whole body was achey and my feet were utterly destroyed. It was an adventure to say the least. My body is still in revolt, but I'm recovering slowly and steadily. I never want to get lost again; I do not recommend it.
the one about the westing game
Sunday, February 9, 2014Even though I had read it before, I couldn't remember it all so I tore through it; I'm talking like 48 hours here, people. The way the author puts the whole story together and absolutely draws you in is amazing! I couldn't do anything else while I read this book. I slowly pieced together the clues and guessed right (does it count if I've read it before?....maybe)! One of the best books I've read in a long time. Super fast read; pick it up!
Beware to all who dare play the Westing Game.....
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