Go Taylor!

Congratulations Taylor. This shot made the local paper for youth sports. Looks pretty good to me!

Congratulations CHELSI!

Graduation time is here again and Robert and I would like to extend our congratulations to Chelsi in Hebron, ND. We love you and wish you all the best in your future!

In the Centralia Chronicle

Rochester-Littlerock Fire Merger Touted
Cost Savings: Fire Authority Would Improve Response, Officials Say; August Vote Planned
Posted Thu, Apr 23, 2009 - 10:13 am . E-mail this article to a friend.
By Andy Campbell
acampbell@chronline.com

Voters will decide whether West Thurston County fire districts should consolidate and form a regional fire authority in August, after the districts announced their proposition this month.

If approved, Thurston County Fire Districts 1 (Grand Mound/Rochester) and 11 (Littlerock) would merge to form the authority, creating what fire officials call an efficient, cost effective fire and emergency service encompassing both districts.

District 11 Chief Robert Scott said it's not a proposition asking for more funding from voters. Instead, the authority would simply help firefighters do their jobs and save lives.

"For voters, the flexibility of the RFA legislation is attractive because it allows agencies to maintain their own identities," Scott said.

The authority would cover 168 square miles of Thurston County, and would formalize a relationship between the two districts that's already in place, Scott said.

Their plan lays out the functions of a fire authority and where the districts will spend their money. It is available for the public to see online at www.westthurstonfire.org.

If approved, the authority would consolidate resources, avoid costs, eliminate redundant functions, and improve service, all using the same tax rate voters are already paying in the area, according to the plan.

For example, instead of each fire district funding an emergency medical services director, a payroll clerk, a training officer and accounts payable, the regional fire authority would consolidate and spend the excess savings on 24-hour fire and emergency staff.

Littlerock Fire Chief Russ Kaleiwahea said both districts contacted citizen advisory groups, who saw value in the plan's efficiency.

Voters also won't have to worry about a new levy proposition until about 2014, Scott said. Even then, the tax rate probably won't increase from the $1.50 per $1,000 assessed house value voters are paying now, he said.

The authority would encompass nearly one quarter of the total Thurston County land mass and would respond to nearly 3,500 emergency calls in the first year, according to the plan. It would staff six stations in Grand Mound, Littlerock, Maytown, Michigan Hill, Rochester and Scott Lake.

All these bonuses could not be afforded if either of the districts stood alone, Scott said.

"Realizing the state of the economy, this is a proposition to improve efficiency, effectiveness and success without asking for more money," he said.

...

Andy Campbell: (360) 807-8208

Brandon Swanson, bswanson@chronline.com

Temporary Setbacks...

So, I can't take credit for this card but love the style and colors. Hope you have all had more time to enjoy this craft than I have been able to do lately and I promise I will be posting more in the near future. Please keep checking back on this site for more photos and ideas.

Spring in the Northwest

Enjoy the beauty of spring and no matter what your beliefs have a great holiday weekend!

Yikes!

Boy does time fly... Where does it go? One day I was in San Diego and now it is months later... Oh well. Check out my new obsession at Pacific Northwest Photography! This is such a cool site and focuses on photography here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It has only been in operation for a short time but membership is climbing rapidly!

Greetings from San Diego

Robert and I are enjoying our time here in SD. Escaping WA temperatures below freezing, continual rain, snow, fog and flooding is nice. We will think of you all as we sit on the beach in 82 degree weather!

Start Your Holiday Shopping Here!

Stampin' Up! holiday extravaganza event... Save tons, shop for Christmas or for yourself and create!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the beginning rush for Christmas shopping! Take time to appreciate all the joys of the holiday season and don't forget to take time for yourself as well. Thank you gabby89 for this wonderful card design!

Please Sign My Guestbook!

Holiday Promotion in Country Living Magazine

Welcome to fall and the start of another exciting holiday season. Please check out my Stampin' Up! web page for specials such as the Country Living Promotion. There are so many ideas, projects and other items for inspiration. Every year seems to get busier than the one before with more responsibilities and tasks and a desire to make each memorable in it's own way. Don't let the season slip by without taking the time to continue family traditions and give yourself a chance to relax and enjoy all you have worked to accomplish. I tend to relax by making cards, scrapbooking and enjoying the kids and dogs. Fortunately I can do this and also enjoy the company of my friends while we all get the cards made and share in the spirit of the season. Relax, enjoy and celebrate!

October has just flown by with all the preparations for the upcoming bazaar season. Just thought I would share a photo of one of the cards I "cased" from a contributor on Splitcoast Stampers. Thanks for all the thoughts and ideas!

Shane!

My little Shane all grown up! It is, once again, hard for me to believe that time flies at the rate it does. Just yesterday, it seems, Shane was just the little guy that lived next door and now, he is in his senior year of high school. I miss the little guy but really look forward to seeing the man he is to become. Robert and I did have the priviledge of taking his senior portraits and we hope he enjoys them and treasures them!

Directions for Accordian Fold Card

Several people have asked for the instructions for making this fun 3 Dimensional card so here is my attempt:

Insert:

Cut insert cardstock to 11x3 3/4 inches.
Score at 2 3/4, 5 1/2 and 8 1/4 inches.
Cut 1/4 cuts from top and bottom of insert at 1 3/8, 4 1/8, 6 7/8 and 9 5/8 inches.


Outer Frame:

Cut section one of outer frame cardstock to 9 1/2x5 3/4 inches.
Score at 6 5/8 and 9 3/8 inches.
Cut inside of section one outer frame 5 inches from outer edge leaving 1 3/8 inches of cardstock attached at top and bottom making an elongated "C" shape.
From inside of section one outer frame, cut 1/4 inch from inside top and bottom at 5 7/8 and 8 1/8 inches from outer edge.

Cut section two of outer frame cardstock to 9 3/4x5 3/4 inches.
Score at 6 3/8 and 9 5/8 inches.
Cut inside of section two outer frame 5 1/4 inches from outer edge leaving 1 3/8 inches of cardstock attached at top and bottom making an elongated "C" shape.
From inside of section two of outer frame, cut 1/4 inch from inside top and bottom at 5 7/8 and 8 1/8 inches from outer edge.


Assemble:

Match cut ends of section one and section two of the outside frame. Overlap 1/4 and adhere with double sided tape creating the outer frame enclosure. Match 1/4 inch cuts so peak and valley folds on insert and outer frame are opposite of each other and allow the card to fold flat as shown in photo.

Cut two pieces of coordinating cardstock at 5 1/2 x 5 3/4 for front and back cover, attach and decorate all sections as desired.

These directions seem very complicated :confused: but the card is easier than it sounds and is gorgeous when completed. :-D

Simply Scrappin' Pina Colada Kit

The new "In Color" line for 2008/2009 is so rich, bright and cheery and makes some absolutely popping cards and pages. Here is one idea for a fun dimensional card or mini-scrapbook. Hope you enjoy!