My Book is finished!

Here is the big project I've been working on. I won't admit how long it took, but it took well over a week. Most of that time was me fussing with the paper and getting the folds just right. I love how it came out! I got the know how from Sea Lemon  on YouTube. She has some really great videos that are fun to watch.

All sewn up.

I used upholstery thread in three colors to sew the signatures together. It was soothing and the needle was dull so I couldn't hurt myself. I think that was my favorite part, although after sewing for a while my fingers were sore. 

I needed my husband to help me get it in the press (2 cutting boards with clamps) the first time. Paper can be slippery and I was afraid of popping my stitches.

Pretty ribbons!

In my usual fashion I went a bit overboard with the project. I watched the videos so many times I knew exactly where to stop it for the part I needed. I just wanted it to turn out well and not be like any other Book out there.

I love this fabric!

For the spine wrapping I chose a really pretty print. I wanted something better than an old sheet scrap to hold it together. My knowing that it's there makes me smile.

Super soft cover!

The blue leather I used to cover it was what set off this whole project. I originally got it to make power bags 10 or so years ago. I made the bags I needed then put the rest away, I had forgotten I even had it. 

Then I found it again when I was looking to re-cover my old Book. It's a 3-ring binder that I rarely use because it's hard to hold and bites me when I rearrange the pages. I wanted to breathe new life into it, or at least make peace with it. My poor husband said I should make a Book myself. That started the wheels turning and I was off!

The front paper is great!

On our anniversary weekend he took me to get the ribbons, glue and the end paper so I could finish it. He also got me the little corner caps. He's so sweet!

A little wrinkled, but that's ok.

I added a pen holder to both covers so it will always a pen when I need one. The back paper came out a bit wrinkled. I probably moved it getting it back in the press, but I think it adds character.

It opens well!

The real test was opening and shuffling the pages. The Book worked like a charm and nothing fell out. It even opens nice and flat for easy writing and reading. I was a little worried it would be stiff; I went a bit crazy with the glue.

The perfect touch of  bling.

I love the little brass corner protectors. They are pretty and functional. I want to try and emboss a swirly pattern on the cover to really finish it off. I hope it works, if not it still looks great!

It's a big Book!

I'm really proud of how it turned out, especially since this was my first time making a Book. It's around 500 leaves and is 11" x 8" x 3". It's the perfect size for recording a lot of info while still being manageable. I can comfortably hold it while standing if I want. 

I am very happy with my Book and now I need to find my ruler so I can start using it! 

This weekends adventures

On Saturday we decided to go shopping by bike and it worked out great! My husband got me this sweet cooler backpack at Home Depot so now I can carry cold stuff without the melt. The amazing thing is that it fits in all my baskets so it's multi-use. It also matches Sylvia perfectly and came with two six packs of my favorite beverage!
We also hit the Red Wing store for some leather care stuff and Safeway for ice cream and produce. I keep getting amazed by how much she can carry. When will I learn she's magic? It was so much fun that we have decided to do all of our 5 mile shopping by bike together. In that area is Safeway, Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Petsmart, and a ton of other places. I wish there were more local type places though.

It can hold 2 gallons of ice cream and 2 mini watermelons!

I love these benches by the park. They're made with old train wheels.

On Sunday we rode downtown to check out Cyclovia. It's a twice a year thing where they close some streets traffic; peds and bikes can roam around freely. It was definitely an experience! The Netherlands we are not; but I had fun. Tucson cyclists are a lot like Tucson drivers, oblivious to whats going on around them. There were a lot of sudden stops and people would just step out right in front of you with out looking. I almost ran over a lady carrying a small dog, but I missed them.

Just arriving and it's already busy.

There were thousands of bicyclists out there. I didn't know there were that many bikes in the city, and more kept arriving. In some places it was scary fun!

Lots of cruisers were there.

I loved seeing all the families out with the children. The kids seemed to have the most fun, but you had to go super slow so you didn't run over them. I'm so glad Sylvia is so stable and easy to balance!

Happy families of all types were out and about.

A lot of the tents were set up in the middle of the road so you had trouble getting by at intersections. On the plus side I learned I can rice slower than 2 miles an hour and stay upright. That's a feat! Once I got used to the flow it went smoother and was actually enjoyable. We walked the bikes a lot though.

I would love to see this every day!

There was this really cool Bull Bike. It's made of real bones and the parts of three different bikes! It's really massive. The legs are articulated and move when it's pedaled which is creepy cool.

Ghost Rider?

I think it would be scary to see that come up behind you in your mirror! It does have a nice smile though.

Smile and wave!

 It was definitely to big for me to even try to ride.

She looks so tiny next to the beast!

Towards the end of the route I found this really cool mail box. I love cool mailboxes! It's a little church!

It's all metal!

All in all it was a great weekend filled with fun and new experiences. I can't wait to see what next weekend will be like; we're going to the bike swap meet! 

I hope you all had a great weekend too!

My roses are blooming!

My love rose is blooming! It only has a couple of blossoms so far but there are tons of buds showing up.
My husband got my this bush for our first dating anniversary in 1999 and this bush is one of two I haven't killed yet. Every time it blooms it sends a warm fuzzy through me that it, and we, are still around.

Spring is here!

It glows with love.

Into the desert

I took my husband to the desert I found when I got lost the other day. He thought it was great and I'm thinking we might take a picnic next time. I really like going for rides with him and I'm glad he's enjoying them too.
I think his bike looks naked with no baskets or a kickstand. He likes it that way though so any hauling will be done by Sylvia. I think they look good together, different yet complementary. It's a lot like us.

Sylvia looks skeptical about touching the tree.

The weather was perfect, nice and cloudy. We don't get many days like that here and I cherish every one. I hope it rains soon so we can go splash in the puddles together.

On the way home we saw this cool bridge. I know there's a bike lane on it, but there's also a ton of traffic. Maybe on day we'll ride on it instead of under it. It was a good ride.

Awesome bridge over the bike path.

West end of the trail

My husband and I went on a fun ride together all the way to the west end of the bike path. It was the first time in years that we have ridden together and he said it was fun. We are definitely going out together again. I can't wait until they expand it and it goes further! I was proud of how my three speed and I could keep up with him! Of course he stayed behind me for most of it.

End of the road... For now.

Our goal was to go and get him a taller stem from B.I.C.A.S. but they were closed and wouldn't be open for hours.

It's a neat place that has all sorts of random bike stuff. Maybe next time we can get it. 

Let me in!

On the way home we found a mysterious door down a flight of steps. I love the bright orange paint and it really set my imagination off! I wonder where it leads...

The door to ?

Birthday Weekend Day 2, Part 1!

Woke up on Saturday in a hotel room in Sierra Vista and it felt strange. No one was yelling at the door to be fed and no one tripped me on the way to the potty. I even slept in until 6! After breakfast we got our gear for the day and headed out.

Saw this beauty on the wall right outside the door. 

I turned around and saw a hawk eating something on a post. It saw me and flew off carrying its prize. I barely got the pic!

We had a full day planned and the first stop was Ramsey Canyon. It's famous among bird watchers for its hummingbirds. I didn't see any, but there were a ton of lizards and really neat trees. It was a long hike for me, but I had my trusty stick and never fell! If you're ever in the area I'd definitely recommend going. I want to go back when it's cooler.

There was about 6 people in our guided group. Our guides were great and I learned a lot from them.

This robin is pulling up grass to make a nest.

Huge spiny lizard that had no fear.

There looks like a lot of trees but the path is clear.

Little frog taking a nap. It ate the spiders dinner.

A nice old cabin from the 1920's. We weren't allowed to go in. The guide said that the original family still has reunions there every few years. some of them are in their 90's and remember living in the cabin. I want to be there for that and learn their

 stories

This is the family's original cabin. It was built around 1908 and they quickly outgrew it. I wasn't allowed in there either. I'd love to live there in the quiet. I even had cell service so it would be perfect.

This guy is the size of the palm of my hand and looks like he's made of metal. He moves fast though.

He likes his picture taken. He came back when we backed up.

Ear shaped formation.

Baby got back!

I don't think you can ever escape cactus completely in AZ.

After about 3 hours I was done and we headed back to the car. On the way there we saw this beauty. It's as soft as it looks and as long as my palm. I can't find a match on the net, but I'll keep looking. I only petted the head with the tip of my pinkie. It didn't seem to mind and didn't even move. I got to pet something!

A Trip Up The Hill

My husband and I went up to Saguaro National Monument during the last new moon so he and his friend could take photos of the stars. I took my camera too and had a great time. My photos are nowhere near as good as his, but I think they came out ok. My camera takes better sunsets in my opinion.

Mine

Mine again.

Guess!

His from a different day. Only one he could find to compete.

Nice silhouette. 

I liked the shots I got of car lights.

My star shot, I can see a few stars here.

A Walk With The Husband

I really love going on walks with my husband. He likes to stop and take pictures almost as much as I do. We may not get far, but we always find something neat. On a recent walk we saw some interesting yard decor.

A head with beads on it like a crown. She looks peaceful.

New growth on some prickly pears.

This house has built in trespass deterrent.

I couldn't tell if the spine is real or not, but the skulls are.

Big rusty pig. 

Nothing better than exploring the other side of the street for finding new things to see. I never ride over there, but I may have to start. It's great that adventures can be found right in your own neighborhood and you don't have to go far to sight-see!