This is the Schmidt Family in Alaska, Signing Off!

.....Well, not signing off completely. We still have year to go, after all! This is just our last blog post coming to you from the great state of Alaska. This time next week we'll be somewhere in central Canada heading to our next destination (cowboy country!). If we have internet access I'll try to post a little update to let you know we're all alive and well and made it back down the Alcan.

Leaving Alaska will be bittersweet for us. On one hand, we're ready to explore a new region and discover new things. On the other hand, we love Alaska. It's beautiful, the people are kind, and there's no shortage of things to learn about. I'm sure we could be here for the next ten years and still not satisfy our curiosity! For now we're happy to have had this experience and to have gained a better understanding of "the real Alaska." As we prepare to leave, my youngest son and I are scheduled to camp out this weekend with a local Cub Scout pack. It's a great way to spend my birthday and complete this leg of the trip, I think.

As of Wednesday, school has officially started for the Schmidt kids. It's an adjustment for them, as the older two have been in the public school system their whole lives. It's been hard to see the pictures of their friends in line for the bus, knowing the timetable of how the school works and what everyone is probably doing at any given time. There's a feeling of "missing out" even while their friends are cheering them on and are telling them that they wish they were on this adventure too. We went through this last year when our youngest was homeschooled for the first time. It takes time to "deschool" but we'll all find our new learning rhythm eventually. They're all motivated to stay on top of their basic studies (math and languages), so that has made the transition easier so far. Most of what they'll be learning for science, history, geography, etc. will come naturally over our travels. We've been discussing what else they'd like to study this year. So far I have two votes for Spanish and one for French, and the older two want to learn about computer animation, which is all possible with our flexible schedule.

As for our explorations, last weekend we drove down the Kenai Peninsula to Homer and drove through Anchor Point, which is the westernmost point on the U.S. roads system. There are other roads in the western parts of Alaska but you have to fly or sail to get to them first. So that makes two checks on our "Must Visit Places" list-The northernmost and westernmost points. Hooray!

Here are some fun facts you might enjoy. Alaska is the most extreme state because:

1. It's the northernmost, westernmost and easternmost state because the last few islands in the Aleutian chain cross the International Date Line.
2. It boasts the highest elevation point- Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) at 20,320 feet.
3. The top ten tallest mountains in the U.S. are located here.
4. It's home to the most remote location in the U.S., Ipnavik River, which is located 120 miles from the nearest sign of civilization.
5. Alaska is home to the largest number of volcanoes in the U.S.
6. The biggest earthquake recorded in North America was the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 at a whopping magnitude 9.2 for four minutes. You can still see the effects of it today! It liquefied land, petrifying trees. They actually stand in the same place today where they stood then, like sticks in the ground.
7. The coldest winters have been recorded in Alaska because of it's proximity to the North Pole.
8. Alaska is home to the most glaciers in the inhabited world.
9. Alaska is the largest state.
10. Alaska has more coastline that any other state.

Pretty amazing, right?! Here's a glacial view from Homer that's also amazing.

When we arrived in Homer, we had a wonderful view of the Spit. It was smaller than I thought it would be, but then again I'd never seen a spit before so I don't know what I was expecting. You can find the definition of a spit here. This particular one is large enough that boardwalks have been built on it and you can visit stores and restaurants. There are even apartments at the end, although I don't know if I'd want to live there in the event of a Tsunami.... Regardless, the view of Kachemak Bay is fantastic!

This is a view of the spit. See that little line snaking out in the middle of the water?

Here's a view of some of the buildings on the spit as seen from the tide pools during low tide.

You access the majority of the buildings via boardwalk.

We made sure to stop and pay our respects at the Seafarer's Memorial.

If you're a fan of the show "Deadliest Catch," then you'll recognize the boat "Saga." It was docked at the marina while we were there. Elliot Neese, former captain, is from Homer.

Another TV family from Homer that you might recognize are the Kilcher's from "Alaska: The Last Frontier." Their daughter is singer, Jewel. We drove by their homestead too.

The view of Kachemak Bay and the glaciers over it are glorious! There's no guesswork why the homesteaders who settled there chose to stay!

We loved the drive and made sure to stop by Two Sisters Bakery for breakfast. Believe me, it was worth every calorie!

We had lunch at "Little Mermaid", a small mermaid-themed restaurant with delicious local fare. I had the beet salad and the kids loved their pizza. My husband ordered tuna poke and finished every bite. The Alaskan food scene is pretty fantastic if you know where to look. If you're ever in the 49th State, be sure to consult Edible Alaska.

And now our final blog farewell to Alaska: It was our privilege to share some time with you. Thank you for your generous hospitality and big personality! We'll never forget it.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week, or two if you don't hear from me before we get to our next destination!

- Jen

Renters and Quilts

We've found a renter! That means that we'll be leaving in 77 days no matter what. I had mixed feelings about showing our home. On one hand, it meant that we had to drop everything and let strangers walk through our house. Our sanctuary. They had the opportunity to criticize and comment on the home we love. They had access to our personal space and possessions. It's a bit of a vulnerable spot to be in. On the other hand, our whole family had to work together to make the house consistantly spotless and show-ready. It was really nice to enjoy it at it's best, with everyone pitching in to keep it that way.  Now that it's spoken for, we're back to "Whose day is it to do the dishes?" Oy!

I've been on Craigslist this week, selling all kinds of things that we don't need anymore. I love how it makes space in our home and also puts money in our pockets for things we might need or want on the trip. Our oldest son has a few items he's selling because wants to buy a certain laptop to help him with movie-making. He's a pretty responsible kid (proud mom!) and I have no doubts that he'll reach his goal. I love watching his process when making a big decision. He does extensive research on the item he wants and then looks for all the options to get it. Which brand and model are best? Does he want a new computer or would it be just as good to buy a refurbished one? Who should he buy it from? Is it really worth the money? Oh, if only we all (myself included) were that discerning about what we spent our money on! I only pray that he continues to use such wisdom in all his life choices.

We pick up our trailer at the end of the month and I'm just itching to get my hands on it to make it "ours". Like I said, we'll be packing only the bare minimum, but there are personal touches we can add to make it more comfortable (and fun!). I bought some trailer fabric to make pillowcases. It's the little things, people.... ;-) It's flannel and so soft!

Next week I'll show you the completed bathroom project. My husband has the before pics on his phone and I want to make sure you can really see the transformation. All we have to do now is add the hardware to the cabinets, which will be done this weekend. Instead, I'll show you pictures of the quilt tops that were finished this week. I'll be dropping them off at the quilter in a few minutes, which leaves only one more to finish before we go!! Hooray!!

This quilt is for my new nephew. I bought the plaid homespun blocks at my guild's annual show this year. I've been a member for several years and the members are seriously talented- like international show winners talented. Sometimes little orphan blocks end up in the boutique. Who am I to say no when they are calling my name? So, they came home with me and this is what I did with them. I think he'll like it. Plaid is always so homey. Plus, it works as great camouflage in case of baby "accidents".

I added some Moda graphic prints as borders. Dots make everything more fun!

This Alexander Henry print has been "maturing to perfection" in my stash, as Nan from Pots and Pins www.potsandpins.com would say. I love these cowboys! They're perfect for the back. I'm a big fan of Alexander Henry and their novelty prints.

This top is for the daughter of a dear friend. When her oldest was just a baby, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. It was a really hard time for their family and she walked through it all while pregnant. I made a quilt for her son during the hardest days to add what little comfort I could. I'm thrilled to say that he's healed and going strong today! In his honor, I'll encourage you all to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets. If this little guy can go through what he did, then we can handle a little bit of discomfort now and then. You might just save a life like his!

Now that that chapter is over, I thought it high time his little sister received her own quilt. Rainbows are so joyful, don't you think? This pattern is called "Tangled Tracks" by Kristin Gassaway for Connecting Threads. It was fun to put together. I see days of picnics on the lawn, blanket forts, super hero capes, and many other activities ahead for this little quilt! I'm so thankful that they're now able to enjoy the fun days- together. <3

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

- Jen