Hand Knit Washcloths

My 85 year old Mom has been quite busy this winter making up new washcloths for Patti's Potions Natural Soaps, Ltd.

They are always perfectly made with a variety of new and interesting patterns.

I buy her the yarn and she is makes what ever her heart desires. Sometimes it's for us here in the studio and sometimes just for family and friends.

The knitting keeps her fingers nimble and keeps her out of mischief on most days.

Thanks Mom for your great washcloths and your contribution to a greener environment.

Maui Sunset

While I am missing a great chick trip skiing with my dear friends, this is what I have to look forward to each evening when in Maui.

This is the view from our ocean front condo on Kihei Beach in South Maui.

No, we don't own this lovely place. We discovered it on the internet a few years back. A simple search led us to this place.

We dreamed of going to Hawaii and friends who have been there consistently said that Maui is the best! The price was very reasonable off season. It seemed to good to be true so we were a bit skeptical but what the heck! Take a chance right? It is beautiful and perfect for us.

We enjoy six miles of great walking beach right out our back door. This is not a high tourist traffic area but more of a local place near Kihei Town. Yes there certainly some top dollar accommodations on the island that are gorgeous, yet we prefer the beauty and quiet of our little bit of paradise.

Apres Ski

Of course there is nothing quite as lovely as soaking in the hot tub after a day of skiing.

My nephew Chris has been a regular on our ski trips. He is our token male and just loves all the attention he gets from his pseudo aunties. This picture of him and his mom Brigid was taken about three years ago at our condo in Breckenridge. I think he was about three years old when he was introduced to skiing and is now quite accomplished as an almost teenager. He leaves us in the powder as he sails across the snow with boards attached as an extension to his feet. You would swear he was born with skis!

You can choose to gripe about winter or you can embrace what nature offers with some enhancements from man to tame the mountains.

When my dear friends get back they will regale me with stories of how they conquered the mountain this year and of course make me miserable looking at the great pictures of the time I didn't go!

Colorado Chick Trip

Skiing in Colorado is a great break from every day ho hum life.

I've been going with a fabulous group of women for many years. I've had to miss a couple of trip and always regret not going but sometimes it just cannot be helped. Life can get in the way.

I have two fabulous sisters who live there and are able to get us great deals on both lift tickets and ski rentals. My dear friend Mary always organizes the trip and gets us great airfares and fantastic condos.

The top picture is a bit of Apres ski at the chalet at the base of the mountain. Cocktails are always appreciated after a lovely day frolicking in the snow. We have so much fun together.

The middle picture was taken at mid-mountain at Copper. The guys and gals must have had a blast building the monster who eats skiers for breakfast.

And finally, can you beat the view from the top?? It is inspiring to say the least.

Our women come from all walks of life and from all parts of the country. Ellen the wench as we call her comes from Tennessee and works in the nuclear field. Mary is from Wisconsin and is a real estate developer. Cindy now lives in WI and is formerly from MN and is a RN. Brigid and Angel, my sisters from CO work in the environmental industry. Debbie is from WI and recently sold her barber shop business to become an independent hair dresser without all the hassles of being a business owner. Kim is a sales rep in WI. Heather is formerly from Las Vegas and now lives in MN and works in construction management for green buildings.

Our group changes every year as new friends join us.

I'm really missing them this year.

Only in Wisconsin

A very dear friend of mine, Scott from Arkansas sent me this picture recently. It was taken up in Eagle River, WI by a fellow sky diver.

It really made me laugh as my brother Michael lives in that area. His daughter started a garden nursery there and one of the things she had to learn was which plants do NOT attract deer and will survive their foraging.

It would appear that this guy is quite friendly and would like to know some of the domestic critters just a bit better.

Happy New Year

Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year!