Ash Creek Nativities - Alaska Creche Prototypes - Walrus

Brought some air dry clay with me to work on prototypes for the Ash Creek Nativities Alaskan creche that has been floating around in my head since last year when I was in Anchorage...
We're staying in a house near the head of Kachemak Bay until mid-May.  The house happens to be FULL of charming animal folk art...I'm trying this guy out as my version of  walrus...amazing how small their heads really are compared to that big lumpy body.  Love the whiskers!

Homesteading in Homer, AK

We're settled in our new rental house....out towards the head of Kachemak Bay.  Has a woodstove, but it seems a little finicky.  After burning wood in the winter for 20 years in Oregon and the woodstove on my folks ranch in New River, it just seems like it should be easier than this. 

Had snow today and it was cold in a.m.  Real cold.  Keeping a wary eye on the moose munching in the bushes I went out for something to use as kindling.  I would give alot for my cord of pinon in Prescott.  Can't really tell if they firewood is green, the chimney maybe needs to be cleaned, or what would help. 

Actually locating the fireplace tools would help...:)

 

A photo of "kindling"...first time I've used a potato masher & spatula to tend a fire....