Easy Peasy Crochet Scarf

I wanted to make something special for my good friend Jeanne for Christmas. We are both originally from sunny Southern California and this Pacific Northwest winter weather chills us a bit, so I thought a crochet scarf would be perfect. You see, I'm a beginner even though my mom is an expert. Some things run in the family, some take a little longer and more work.

I found this pattern for a single crochet scarf at the Lion Brand Yarn website. They called it a Wedding Favor Scarf. I call it an Easy Peasy Crochet Scarf. Here are the directions.

Easy Peasy Crochet Scarf

ch(s) = chain(s)
sc = single crochet

SCARF

Ch 121
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across - 12o sc at the end of this row.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, sc in each sc across
Rows 3-14: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.
Add fringe if desired.

I chose to use Lion Brand Homespun in Fiesta colour. It made a beautiful, nubby, multicoloured scarf. The yarn is twisted with a tight thread holding the twists in place. On the down side, I found it very difficult to use and hard to pick up the back loops without splitting the yarn. On the up side, it hides a multitude of errors. Not a bad thing for a beginner like me.

Do you have any patterns to suggest for a beginner like me? My hook is itching to get started again. -- Margy

Winter Warmth

When it's cold and wet outside ...

Bro likes to soak up a bit of winter warmth in front of the blazing wood stove up at the cabin.

Did you know that Bro is famous? He plays a staring role in all of Wayne's Coastal BC Stories books. On more than one occasion, John (Bro's pet parent--but don't let him hear I called him that!) has been approached by someone saying, "Isn't that Bro? Then you must be John." Even though John is a very private person, I think he likes having a famous dog in the family. -- Margy

High Flying Skies Over Bellingham

As a follow-up to my post yesterday about flying, I am sharing some sky shots from our airplane 997.

Squalicum Harbor, the Bellingham home to many private and working boats ...

and snow-capped Mt. Baker in the distant background.

Come "slip the surly bonds of earth" with me. -- Margy

The Annual Inspection

What do you do when the skies are gray, and the weather isn't tempting for a flight? Schedule an annual inspection for your airplane. Being on a winter cycle isn't a bad thing for us here in the Pacific Northwest.

Every airplane is required to have an annual inspection, and the aircraft's manufacturer has a maintenance manual that spells out what must be included. A certified aircraft mechanic and/or facility does the work. Here in Bellingham, John Ring, owner of Whatcom Territory Aero Service, and his chief mechanic Joe take care of things for us.

Aircraft owners can do some items in preparation for the annual inspection or assist along the way. But for us, we develop a "squawk list" to let the mechanic know about problems we are experiencing in addition to the airworthiness directives for inspections, parts replacement and components that have reached their end of life.

There are two exceptions to an annual inspection. The first is for aircraft used to carry persons for hire or flight instruction. They are required to have a more frequent inspection every 100 hours of engine time. The other exception is a progressive inspection that results in a total inspection of the airplane within a calendar year.

Flying is a very safe activity when all flight safety and maintenance precautions are taken. Wayne maintains very detailed records for 997 to make sure we are ready to go when good weather finally arrives. -- Margy

Squalicum Harbor

On Bellingham's waterfront you'll find a bustling mixed use marina at Squalicum Harbor. On one side there are hundreds of private power and sailboats lined up waiting for a Pacific Northwest boating adventure. Seems like very few get out except in the most warm summer months. Too bad.

On the other side, you'll find a large working marina filled with fishing and large sea-going boats. That is my favourite side to explore. There are several docks you can stroll to talk to fishermen and see them working on board.

On shore you can walk through the net storage area to see all of the working equipment waiting for the next open fishing season.

While you are there stop for a brew and a bite to eat at Nicki's Bella Marina overlooking the guest boat moorage area or the Web Locker Restaurant for a tasty lunch.

There are two parks in the area as well. Zuanich Point Park is a great place to stop as you wander through the marina. It is a local spot for kite flying and also offers paths for jogging and roller-blading, picnic tables, a children's play area, water access and wonderful sunset views. A more primitive park is Squalicum Beach Park (see my December 4 post) before Marine Drive turns up the hill. You have to pass through an industrial area, but at the end there is a dirt parking lot that leads to a sandy/rocky shoreline. At low tide you can walk all the way to the start of the Bay to Baker Trail. But don't get caught when the water comes in. Both parks are open from dawn to dusk. -- Margy

Everyone's a Food Critic

Chopped on the Food Network had an unexpected judge this last week.

The four contestants were preparing holiday appetizers, entrees and desserts under the watchful eye of our cat Stick Tail.

Stick Tail wasn't inspired by the cranberries, but thought the turkey dishes had some promise. Though he thought salmon would have been a better holiday meal choice. -- Margy

Sunset at Squalicum Beach

When I went to Squalicum Harbor last week, I stopped by Squalicum Beach to watch the sun set.

This little park in Bellingham Washington is tucked away in an industrial area, but is well known with off-leash dog walkers.

At low tide, you can hike along the shore for a long ways.

Or just sit on a driftwood log to enjoy the peace and calm as the waves lap at the shore. -- Margy

Clouds Over Powell Lake

Our Bellingham skies have been gray and misty this week so I reached back in my archives of Powell Lake photos. I love clouds and Powell Lake is a great place to find some beautiful examples. Here's the view looking south through First Narrows with the glacial eroded Bunster Hills in the distance.

Storm clouds are brewing to the north. Lenticulars like this big guy mean winds and turbulence.

On a calm day there are clouds above and clouds below.

Wish I was there for real. -- Margy