Winter wandering.

Today, here on the Pacific Coast, the mostly clear icy-blue sky is visible in all directions. The weak sun is reflecting on the gently rippling Grand Canal, only interrupted by the occasional diving duck. It looks like winter - it feels like winter, but 

"calendars across the Northern Hemisphere say winter will begin on Dec. 21, but for meteorologists, the start of the season happens three weeks earlier on Dec. 1. The reason behind the discrepancy is that weather experts follow what’s called meteorological seasons, while others use the astronomical calendar to signify the change. Meteorologists and climatologists break down the seasons based on when temperatures typically change, not the status of Earth’s rotation." (source) 

Well, the trails are mucky and my freezing fingers fumble trying to find a box under that infamous 'duff,' which around here consists of slimy leaves, sopping moss, and dirt. Ah, the joys of winter boxing in the PNW! Actually, I haven't traditionally boxed for a bit (not counting the sporadic planting), but have been doing more holiday-themed projects.

I decided, at the last minute, to jump into this year's Sock Swap (thanks Damselfly for hosting!) and it was a joy to send fun socks to a long-time boxer from the East Coast I recently had the pleasure of meeting - Sherlock Miles. Since we both attended the amazing Harry Potter-themed Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon event, hosted by Music Chick, I knew my choice of HP socks would be perfect! I set out to carve a couple of stamps to embellish my humble gift.

this was the transfer - yes, I am still in LOVE
with the laser ink-acetone transfer method!

aren't those socks perfect for the swap?

Another project that involved some running around was my part in the office's annual Secret Santa gift exchange. Honestly, I am kind of a 'ba-humbug' type, but it has been fun to put this together. Come to think of it - I am not sure I have ever done a Secret Santa thing before! I included candy, popcorn, an ornament, more candy, a candle, therapy dough and aromatic mist, a restaurant gift card, a Zox wristband, a coffee gift card, and a Squishmellow (not shown). Cuz, who doesn't need a Squishmellow? The one I added is a chocolate bar - so fun! My person is a Mobile Crisis Team angel and deserves to feel special - I do hope she feels the love :)

oops ... I think I exceeded the spending recommendation :(

yep, I even dug out the two holiday-themed
stamps from my stash for the tag

And finally, last weekend Obimaster and I ran away to the Oregon Coast - my favorite escape from reality. I'll drop a few pics of our rainy weekend. It was absolutely delightful; I filled my self-care 'cup' with moments of calm, gratitude, companionship, and peace. But, alas, no finding of hidden treasures. We did manage to plant one though, which is good.

our upgraded peek-a-boo view - thanks, Best Western!

Camp 18 is an old logging camp turned 
touristy restaurant constructed with some of the biggest
timbers you have ever seen in a building

they serve a decent breakfast ... and this
little guy thinks so, too

We ambled through the shops in Cannon Beach, and
I couldn't resist a snap of these glorious colors

me 'n my love - I am not sure if the masks were
more protective of the plague or the cold!

gosh, the water was so high at Cannon -
don't think I have seen it that high before

the roundabout at Seaside in winter dusk is simply magical

on the Prom

sometimes I manage the perfect snap :)

here we are sans masks
(dang reflections!)

Seaside was so moody - so good for the soul

So, how's that for a meandering winter wander? From carving to shopping, to escaping for the weekend ... I sure hope you are making the most of your winter wanderings, as well. 

Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons 

from the Pacific Northwest!

Easy DIY logbooks.

I have been meaning to post about logbooks for a bit now, and a recent thread on Facebook just nudged me into actually making it happen. Of course, there are many truly 'easy' logbooks, namely those that you simply purchase from any discount store (i.e., small spiral-bound, lined notebooks) - no assembly required! But I prefer logbooks that have more substantial pages than lined notebook paper. Plus, I have an absolute ton of printed cardstock craft paper that I have collected over the years, which makes great covers for cute little matchbook logbooks.

First I cut the cover to 6" x 2". Typically, I am making a handful in preparation for a day of letterbox planting.

Next, I like to use the higher quality copy paper from Costco (24 lb) that comes in ream-and-a-half packages. I will take five sheets and cut them into 2.5" strips lengthwise.

That gives me 3 strips. I will only need 2 strips for one matchbook logbook.

Cut those 2 strips into 2" sections - that gives you 50 pages for your logbook. More than enough!

Stack those up and set them aside for a minute. Go back to your cover and fold two creases at 3/4" and 1" measurements as shown below.

Now take your stack of pages and position them inside your cover as shown.

Then, position your logbook in the heavy duty stapler. You will only need one centered staple.

At this point I fold the cover to match the bottom of the pages and crease at the backside and then manipulate it to fold on the front. 

The bottom flap is usually a bit long to snug under the top flap, so I snip off a bit to give it a nice, easy fit.

And that's it - a little 2" x 2.5", 50-page logbook to fit most letterboxes. I will add that these provide about a 2" x 2" space on each page for finders to add their sig-stamp (or whatever). Those with larger sig-stamps would not be able to imprint their entire stamp on a page.

I also make other types of logbooks, depending on my mood or purpose. For 'rescue' logbooks to add to ailing letterboxes, I carry thinner logbooks like some of these below. I use a brochure stapler to make easy logbooks by simply folding paper and stapling into the crease. The downside to these is that you can only use a few pages (no more than 10, for sure), which gives you a logbook with 20 pages. That is adequate for a rescue logbook, I think; just enough to suffice until the owner can do proper maintenance.

brochure stapler

I add washi tape just to make them look nice :)

A comparison of the brochure-style
and the matchbook logbook

I also own a Bind-It-All that was gifted to me by a friend leaving the hobby; I mostly use these Bind-It-All notebooks for planting notes because they are small, the pages are easy to access/turn, and I can slip them into my pocket easily. Using the Bind-It-All is easy, quick, and the notebooks look nice and neat. In the photo below, I have a 2" x 3" Bind-It-All notebook next to the matchbook logbook for comparison. I do think the matchbook style takes up less room in a letterbox (although you can make them any size you prefer).

Finally, just for fun, I carved a few different sizes of logbook stamps to adorn my homemade logbooks. The largest is just under 2" across, the middle (my latest carve) is 1.5", and the smallest is under an inch across. That tiny one is intended for microboxes; I like to use film canisters with scrolls for logbooks and this little stamp is perfect.

Well, that's it - several of the different ways I create logbooks for my letterboxes. There are many, many creative ways to make logbooks, and I always admire those boxers that really shine in this area. Years ago, I dabbled in making small books with hard covers and sewing in the pages - they are super cool. But I was making them for postals knowing they were not going to be left in the wild. I would be hesitant to put a book like that out in a trail letterbox ... they just take too much effort! I have seen some logs that use the punch of a Bind-It-All or a comb binder and then, instead of inserting an Owire or a plastic comb, they lace the pages together with ribbon. This is very clever and effective, but I have not tried it yet. I also own a comb binder, but I don't find it convenient for letterboxing purposes - I don't really like how the pages turn with the plastic combs, I have found the pages tended to come out of the combs, and it is a big heavy machine to pull out to use (which is why folks like the Bind-It-All - it's small and convenient).

I hope you try your hand at creating your own logbooks for your letterboxes - I love to find handmade logs in a letterbox! Below I have added some links if you want to check out some of the items I mentioned above.

Bind-It-All (be sure to check eBay - I saw cheaper prices there!)

Bind-It-All individual package of spiral wires (the dimensions needed are 2:1 pitch, 1/2" 24 loop O-wires)

Comb Binder

Heavy Duty Stapler

Brochure Stapler

Microbox Film Canisters

Costco Printer Paper

Happy Anniversary.

Every August my beloved and I take a trip to commemorate our years together and this year was no different. We boxed and ate (!!) and boxed some more, bickered about directions, got sweaty in the summer heat, enjoyed early harvest fruit, explored new parks and roads we had never been on before, and generally had a fantastic time. And we planted as many boxes as we found. We are most fortunate, indeed. 

this letterboxer in the wild

Get a load of all those trucks!
Stuck in an I-90 backup ... oy!

wonderful summertime Leavenworth

there was a bit of smoke from nearby wildfires, but not much

my beloved trying to capture the splendor of Peshastin Pinnacles

photos just cannot do this place justice, frankly :(

the pear orchards were just about to be picked

@ Lincoln Rock State Park -
can you see his profile?

aah, summer :)

on the Columbia River

the view from our room in Leavenworth

up in historic Winthrop ...

and a Winthrop native

This last pic was snapped from the car as we explored the scenic loop around Leavenworth, Peshastin, Wenatchee, and into the small town of Plain. It was not raining; the sun was causing the rainbow in the humidity in the upper atmosphere - beautiful. The photo does not capture how vibrant this rainbow was in real life. As I was checking out the pic in my camera, Obimaster called out, "Look, quick!" Right in front of us a bear decided to run across the road! He was so surprisingly fast as he scrabbled up the gravel-dirt hill on the other side of the road that we had no time to slow down or snap a pic! We were thrilled to see a bear so close. What amazing animals! You just never know what you are going to see while out exploring :)

Upon our return, I attended the 'onboarding' for my new job. Just typing that out makes me pause and take that statement in. It has been so long. I am nervous, but hopeful. I have prepared - I have acquired the necessary wardrobe (sheesh, clothes and shoes are expensive!) and thought through the logistics of being away from home. And I have taken the time to mentally shift gears by cleaning out my office, filing away all the school leftovers, pulling out what I think I may need later, and removing a lot of clutter. Best of all, I reorganized the letterboxing side of my office - carving space and box prep can get pretty chaotic! I feel much more settled now that I have the things I need within reach. We will see how long this lasts (pics, or it didn't happen! lol!).

I'll leave you with a couple of anniversary pics and well wishes for the changing of the seasons from summer to fall ... well, almost. While astronomically speaking, the Fall Equinox 'falls' on September 22 this year (did you see what I did there? haha). However, "here in the Northern Hemisphere, "meteorological" fall (aka autumn) is defined as the months of September, October and November." As you may know, I will take all the summer I can get! This morning, as I write this, it is foggy-misty grey with a temperature of 56*, and the leaves are starting to turn. Oof.

Happy Fall, y'all!

from Team Lazy Bxrz

ps. I have been doing a bit of carving, so I will drop in a page of my carving log :)

tiny Hedwig brings me joy!