Happy Birthday to....

Heather, my favorite sister-in-law! Ok, she's my only SIL---but she's the best...and I really really mean that!

I was searching the web last night and found a really cute cake and since Heather has a way with cakes and decorating them, I thought she would get a laugh out of this one...a Barbie Mud Wrestling Cake....

But wait, there's more...a special Birthday greeting from a Star Wars character--approved by Patrick too...

A Happy Birthday you will have Heather!

And because I'm a wee bit older and closer to 40 than she is, I can get away with this cartoon

Hope you had an excellent birthday Heather and I will see you on Saturday :)

I still got it...I think

I haven't scrapped in forever---or so it seems. I thought maybe the ol' paper crafting mojo decided to hibernate. I was feeling inspired last night and managed to squeak out 2 ATCs--one for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas. Actually the Christmas one isn't quite done--it needs a little "something"...

I used Cosmo Cricket Get Happy Number 9 paper, a DCWV sticker, MM letter stickers, spoke-shaped sequins, sand paper for distressing and a little inking. Since I have made two ATCs (okay almost two, LOL), I should probably make an ATC for every month and display them. Anyhoo, It's not much, but it's a start. I really need to carve out time and commit to making stuff, KWIM?!

In other news, my crampons came in mail on Saturday. They look similar to this pair, but the base is black and the straps are hot pink/khaki colored. Kind of an odd color combo, but it beats having to pay full price. Now I need to learn and practice how to properly strap them before I actually use them b/c I don't want to look like a mambi-pambi when that day comes!

Bring it on!

The snow and ice, that is....I hope I didn't just jinx myself, LOL! Our Kahtoola Microspikes came in today from REI. Not that I enjoy icy conditions, but hopefully these little buggers will make winter hiking a bit easier. We've heard good things about them so we're looking forward to the time we can use them. The crampons that Brian won off an e-bay auction for me--for less than half price--should arrive next week. Crampons are like microspikes on steroids. They are from what I hear, a piece of equipment that you might only need a few times while winter hiking especially when you're going up icy slides. But those times you do need them, you'll be thankful you have them. In a weird sort of way, I am excited...now I'll be able to keep up with the big boys and Siobhan :) .....

We conquered Cook Mtn

We drove to Ticonderoga this morning with our friend, Pam, to hike Cook Mtn. It was a short hike--only 3.5 miles round trip...not too bad but the leaves made it a little hazardous as they covered rocks and roots (I think the next time we hike, I will bring a leaf blower so I can see where the [bleep] I'm stepping). It was about 25 degrees when we left the trailhead and mostly sunny. By the time we reached the summit, the wind picked up--maybe 15 mph--making it feel like 13 degree. Not good for the fingers, especially when you're not moving. I ended up doubling up on fleece gloves which didn't help much. Fortunately, the trailmaster, aka Brian, had some hot-hands in his big backpacking "bag-o-tricks". We walked over to a nearby overlook to see the most northern end of Lake George. On our way home, we drove to the Roger's Rock Camp Ground to see Roger's Rock of course! Brian has already hiked it and says that it is steep. Really steep. And that boys and girls was today's adventure.

From the northeast lookout, the most northern end of Lake George and the village of Ticonderoga

Joining the blog-wagon!

Testing testing... here is my first attempt at blogging.