Blog du Wren

Snow Fun At All

I grew up in a place where snow wasn't a foregone conclusion every winter. In fact, I remember very few winters where there was enough snow to get out and play, sled, build snowmen, etc. Because of this, when I find myself in a situation where there is good snow on the ground. I feel like I have to get out and enjoy it.

Such is the case here in Colorado. There was a fresh blanket of snow awaiting me when I stepped off the plane coupled with single degree temperatures. The temperature has since risen enough to make for outdoor activities being reasonable. On a walk through Denver the other day, I couldn't help but stop and do a little snow construction. Not as good as that igloo on Garcelon Field back in the day*, but pretty fun.

The only downside of the whole thing was the inability to feel my fingers for a good while. Oh well. Totally worth it.

Monday January 3 2011

File under: travel, USA

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FC 127 - Kung Pao

Very much in the same vein as the recent Economics of Knitting post, this comic was inspired by how cheap things can be* despite how much goes into them.

The idea actually came from a friend while we chatted over a piece of pie for breakfast*, although, of course, he wasn't thinking of it in terms of a comic, just as one of those thing in life that is kind of amazing/funny.

Anyhoo, I'm on kind of a tight schedule getting this comic out the door and it ended up missing some random parts (like an actual chicken, for example) so you might have to use your imagination. But hopefully it will inspire not only to make you chuckle, but also to stop and think next time you are at the store and be filled with appreciation for the amazement that surrounds you.

Friday December 31 2010

File under: comic

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Bela the Tripod Dog

What happens when you take an awesome dog and are forced to have her leg removed due to cancer? You end up with an equally awesome dog that just has to hop around a bit more.

My brother's dog is, hands down, the best dog in the world. Now, even only being at 3/4 strength, she still pretty much kicks ass. It's only been 3 or so weeks since the surgery and she's almost back to her old self. She wags and whimpers when she meets a friend, she does great on walks, and when her strength is fully back up, I'm sure she'll be just as keen on hiking as ever.

It was super nice to have her around the house for a couple days over the holidays. It also served as a nice reminder that attitude is so important when overcoming adversity. All the TLC she receives from everyone that sees her doesn't hurt either, though.

Tuesday December 28 2010

File under: misc

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Happy Christmas From Our Family to Yours

Merry Christmas from our family to yours

Saturday December 25 2010

File under: holidays

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FC 126 - The Blame Game

I was listening to the news on NPR this week, as I am wont to do every now and again, and I heard a report of the Senate debating some bill or another. In my mind, I stripped away the fancy terminology they used and the fact that they were speaking on a national forum, and this comic emerged. And no, the Senate bill was not about cereal.

It really astounds me that which we call politics. It is almost as if it is just a fancy term for the blame game. Yes, yes, I know lots of good comes from politics, but it is sometimes hard to remember that when all you hear on the news is a Democrat blaming the Republicans and vice versa. Jeez, I should have totally colored these boys shirts blue and red, to further the point. When it comes time to put this comic in a book, I'll be sure and do that.

Speaking of a book of comics....*

Friday December 24 2010

File under: comic

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The Economics of Knitting

This evening, while having a stitch & bitch with and Kris to get a jump on all those handmade Christmas gifts I hope to give this year, I started to think about the economics of knitting.

I am, by no means, a fast knitter*, but I get the job done. I've never timed myself on a project, but I have a pretty good idea of how long it takes me to knit, say, a hat*. I'd guess it takes me between 10 and 15 hours (depending upon how interesting the t.v. show that I am watching happens to be).

If I were to pay myself minimum wage*, I would have to charge between $85 and $130 for a hat, plus materials (probably about $10-$20 in yarn). That's a darn* expensive hat. It's a good thing I do it for the other reasons knitting is good instead of to save money.

Anyway, these economics of knitting are worth keeping in mind when you receive that misshapen sweater from Grams or an ill-fitting stocking cap from a good-intentioned friend. No matter how hideous it might look, at least try it on because someone put a lot of work into it. In fact, that 3 armed turtle neck sweater might be worth $6500.

Sunday December 19 2010

File under: holidays, misc

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FC 125 - Ice Cream

I feel like I am back in college. I waited until 10:00pm the night before the assignment was due, with no idea of the topic, and I still managed to get it finished, even in time to get to bed at a reasonable hour*. Who says procrastination is a bad thing?

For some reason, I decided to make it hard for myself and make this last minute comic a 4-panel comic, which is kind of like drawing 4 comics in one. Hopefully all that last minute work will put a smile on your face this Friday. Perhaps not "A" work, but hopefully I can at least pull off a "C+". I swear I won't put it off until the last minute next time...

Friday December 17 2010

File under: comic

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Pfeffernusse

Anyone that's been through the Studer/Schultz household during the holidays knows what pfeffernusse are. These little round hard cookies are possibly the best holiday tradition we have going. Kind of like gingerbread with a hint of anise, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without them.

Each family has their own recipe for pfeffernusse* so even if you had them somewhere else, you haven't had ours. Our family's recipe came from Germany with my great-grandmother and was translated into English by her daughter. While my mother doesn't exactly follow that traditional recipe*, there can't possibly be a better version on earth.

So if you are in Anacortes over the next couple weeks, stop by and grab a handful. But if this is your first taste, let me share a warning: just like Lay's potato chips, you can't just eat one. You'll be hooked and the other 11 months of the year will become a cruel cruel waiting game. Take it from me.

Sunday December 12 2010

File under: holidays, food

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FC 124 - Bust Out the Champagne

This comic didn't turn out exactly how I wanted. I couldn't get the blurb just right. I am, however, proud of my laboring Egyptians. I was almost tempted to do the people in the style of old Egyptian art, because not only would it be funny, but it would be easier to draw. If I lived in the time of Egyptian artists, I would be their Picasso!*

The guy not pulling the giant block is partially inspired by my time as a stone mason. We had a piece of wonderfully shaped driftwood that fit perfectly over your shoulders with buckets tied to either side. We used it to carry materials into sites where a wheel barrow couldn't go. We called it the Yoke of Depression*. Believe it or not, I sometimes find myself missing the Yoke of Depression.

Thursday December 9 2010

File under: comic

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Quarry Warehouse Slab Pour

We [finally] poured a slab for the warehouse out at the quarry. Of course, if by "we poured" I mean a dozen or more wonderful friends came to help out while I juggled tools and held a baby. Good times. Hopefully I'll have a post about putting up the warehouse in just a couple weeks!

Wednesday December 8 2010

File under: quarry

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