Qiviut Quest: Combing the musk ox

When we lived in Brevig Mission, Alaska,  

a village 70 miles north of Nome on the Bering Sea, 

we often took a ride on our ATV to scope out the musk ox herd.

They are interesting animals--always fun to watch.

Some run off.

Some seem oblivious.

Some are curious.

They also proved very good to eat.  

Yes, we did eat them. 

Our friends were kind enough to share their harvest.

Not only did they give us meat, but they also gave us two musk ox hides.

We had the hides tanned, and, now that we have time, 

we have been busy combing out the qiviut.

Qiviut is the soft undercoat of the musk ox. 

It is a fiber prized by spinners.

Qiviut

Combing the hide to get the raw fiber, the qiviut.

Just beginning the combing.

 Once spun, qiviut makes the softest and warmest yarn available.

I do not spin, so I sell the raw fiber.  

I do knit and love

to work with the qiviut yarn.

A hat I made made from musk ox yarn that I bought.

More projects.

We also plan to sell one of the hides.

The hide (about 5'x6') after combing.

Some of the guard hairs on this hide are 24 inches long and of reddish hue--BEAUTIFUL !!

An Eagle Harbor 4th of July

Celebrating the 4th of July in Eagle Harbor is always a lot of fun. 

Nearly everyone in the village turns out for the festivities: 

parade, various field events, 

hot dogs, pie eating contest, canoe races and tug-of-war. 

This year we were very lucky to have our three grandsons with us

to help us celebrate.

To begin the day, a couple members of the Eagle Harbor Fire Department 

drive around in the truck to make sure everyone is "rising and shining."

The boys were already awake and waiting!!

Eagle Harbor's Version of Wake-Up Service

The kids get dressed for the parade: a march around the town--a jeep with an honored resident at the front, followed by over 100 kids, and finally the fire truck bringing up the rear.  

Nothing fancy but lots of fun!!

The Berry Picker, the Demolition Expert and the Fisherman

Parading for the Judges

Every kid who marches is judged to be "best of" something

and wins a prize of a crisp, new $5 bill.

.

The Berry Best

The Best Yellow Hard Hat (but hates pictures)

The Best Long Fishing Pole

Once the parade is over, kids can enter the contests or play at the playground.  

Our grandsons decided that playing with the neat stuff at the playground 

was more fun than waiting around to toss a frisbee.

David Masters the Excavator

     

Having Fun in the Sandbox

Excavating!!

Getting a Better View

Gavin Will Make It to the Top!!

Finally, FOOD!!!

Everyone enjoys hot dogs!!

Grant Enjoys Some Refreshments

Tastes Pretty Good!

Yum!

After lunch, the boys had to check out the old mining equipment in the park.

 A Boy's Dream: Lots of Things to Push and Pull

Why Won't It Move??

This is Very Heavy!

The boys decided that swimming was next on the agenda, 

especially since no one needed a rest (no one asked the grandparents!!).

Cooling Off  in Lake Superior 

Splashing Is  a Good Thing

Drying Off

 After the beach, we had time to eat dinner and take a little spin

 to check out some bumpy roads before we watched the fireworks.

David stayed awake for the entire show 

while Gavin and Grant pooped out

before the finale.  

Welcome to the World, Savannah!!

  We arrived in Georgia on May 23.  

Our mission was to be here in time to watch our three grandsons 

while our daughter Chelsea and her husband Patrick 

went to the hospital to deliver their fourth child. 

Her due date was June 5, 

but since she has never been pregnant until her due date,

Chelsea thought we should arrive early.  

We arrived early; but the baby, 

whose gender remained a surprise despite two ultrasounds, 

decided to tarry. 

Chelsea, who usually delivers a day or two after 39 weeks, 

arrived at  her due date, 

but instead of going to the hospital, 

she spent the day shopping 

and the evening enjoying a dinner date with her husband.

Chelsea, 40 weeks pregnant

                We find ways to pass the time while we wait for the "expected one."

The boys build trains with Daddy.

The boys dance with Gamma.

Grant plays in the puddles.

Chelsea rests up in the sumo chair for the labor to come--eventually!!

Finally, the time comes for Chelsea and Patrick to go to the hospital,

 and the three boys wait anxiously for news about a new sibling.

Chelsea bides her time in the hospital.

Gavin, Grant and David wait for baby updates.

At 1:19 p.m. we receive the message, "Savannah is here."  

I get the news!!

Our three grandsons now have a sister!!  

Savannah Kimberley Marshall was born at 1:09 in the afternoon.  

She weighs 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measures 20 inches.  

It appears her hair is brownish--at the moment.

Savannah Kimberly Marshall is here!!

Happy Mommy with her daughter.

Peek-a-boo, Savannah!!

Proud Daddy with his daughter.

Grandma and Grandpa get the OK to bring the Marshall Crew
to the hospital to meet Marshall#4.
The boys (and their grandparents!!) are very excited
to meet Savannah.

Savannah meets her brother, Grant. 

Savannah meets her brother, Gavin.

Savannah meets her oldest brother, David.

Grandma meets her granddaughter!!

Grandpa meets his granddaughter!!

The Marshall family is one HAPPY FAMILY!!!

Dad Patrick with Grant, Gavin, David with Savannah, and Mom Chelsea

We love you 

Savannah Kimberley Marshall!!

You are a precious little bundle!!!

A Day with the Marshalls

We are spending some time in Georgia 

with our daughter, our son-in-law 

and our three grandsons (ages 4, 3 and 1) .  

Our 4th grandchild is due at any moment, so we are all waiting. 

Patiently.  

While we wait, we have fun. 

David and his dad started the day off with a fishing pole.

Grant amuses Bapa.

David drives around.

Patrick and his boys fit the rocket launcher to the Jeep.

Gavin drives around.

Patrick and his boys paint the helicopter he has made for the them.

Water fight!!

David takes a break.

Grant watches the action.

Quit Asking!! I am only 39 weeks and 4 days.
(But check out the reading material)

Jack the Cat finds a resting place
 in a Cutie box (trying to tell us something?) on the office shelf.

 There is really never a dull moment--and we love it!!!