Quiltmom

Global quilters

2012-01-16T14:22:00.001-06:00

I have not had time to post what I have been up to lately, so I will refer you to another blog so you can see where I have been. California for a week with friends. First up was a workshop with Quiltville's Bonnie Hunter. Click on the link below and see!

http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/01/quilting-globally.html

Photos soon from the rest of our California trip.

Tetons of Wyoming

2012-01-08T18:37:00.000-06:00

We spent the holidays with our family out west. Beautiful views and a wonderful time with family. Skiing was better than other places, so we were glad for that. Unfortunately we had to come home way too soon.

Holiday

2011-12-30T18:42:00.000-06:00

This year the holidays went by way too fast. Very few photos taken. But here is one showing part of one of my first quilts, along with stars and an angel.

Shipshewana 2011

2011-11-27T17:52:00.010-06:00

Rise 'n Roll donuts. Definitely a reason to be in Shipshewana.

Silk tie blocks. What a find at Rebecca Haarer's store.

Quilters went crazy over this sweater made from sock yarn.
What a great idea!

Dear Janes enjoyed time at Lolly's and Yoder's shops.

Met up with Cj on our way to the retreat.
Wish she could have joined us in Shipshe.

One of many DJ quilts seen this week.

Pat's hug quilt.

Everyone busy working.

This fall I nearly didn't make it to Shipshewana. Very thankful to friends at a wonderful retreat. I brought handwork this year. Knitting, cross stitch and hand piecing. Stayed busy the entire week. A great time. Didn't take many photos this year, but here are a few to give you an idea of our time in Shipshe.

One picture says it all

2011-11-07T20:09:00.000-06:00

Hermione was busy warding off all the zombies. She loved it!

Quilt Show

2011-10-27T17:23:00.002-05:00

I was able to visit a local quilt show this fall. Always fun to see what others are doing. Loved taking photos of the fabrics and quilting. Gets me motivated to quilt!

Where did Fall go?

2011-10-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

Summer and Fall went by way, way too fast. Summer comes to an end at the state fair. Grandkids had a wonderful time on the rides. Me? I ate enough different foods for a day.

School began. Another summer gone.
School and work started. Where did the time go?

Fall soccer was a first for us this year.
One in traveling and one in the recreational league.
So different from the summer program. And so quick.

Twin Cities Marathon. What a great day to run.
And a personal best for Kevin.

Buffalo video

2011-09-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

Buffalo in Yellowstone National Park

2011-09-01T14:17:00.003-05:00

There were quite a few herds of buffalo this year in Yellowstone National Park. AND they were definitely not afraid of any of us!

Motorcycle trip 2011

2011-09-01T13:30:00.001-05:00

Looking at this first photograph, you may wonder a bit about our trip this year. Our annual trip out to the Tetons via South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Each year friends ask if we had another "encounter" with buffalo. But no one ever asks about our navigation of the mountainous roads. Since I am posting this, it is safe to assume that we made it home in one piece. No close encounters with the railings along the different passes, and no close encounters with the four legged friends of Yellowstone National park. Just a passenger that tries to take too many photos!

We did nearly have an issue with our gas tank though. This was the first time we road the Honda Goldwing with the Bushtec trailer across several mountain ranges. Up and down. Up and down. And nearly not all the way UP one time. Luckily we found a gas station at a resort just before we were going to have to coast all the way down! Price was nearly a dollar more per gallon, but that is better than the alternative.

We did see more wildlife this time than in the past. Many falcons and turkeys along the roadways. Luckily they new better to stay out of the middle of the road. Not so good for one lonely cow who decided it wanted to go for a walk out in the middle of Hwy 212. Traffic very sparse in that part of South Dakota, so we were able to avoid him.

Many of the mountain passes still had snow from last winter. There were even fresh ski tracks in places where those crazy ski bums chose to full fill their need for speed on snow. I was quite content sitting on my heated seat and taking in the view.

Jim was kind enough to stop at three quilt shops while on the trip. This particular shop was just east of Red Lodge Montana, out in the middle of the mountains. Husband is a retired airline pilot and collects antique cars. Wife owns a quilt shop. Seems fair.

2011 trip

2011-09-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

Jim and our Honda Goldwing pulling the Bushtec trailer.

Looking over Jim's shoulder towards Beartooth Pass before heading into Cooke City Montana.

Signs in front of our hotel in Cooke City directing us to remote locations of the globe. Fun town. Who would want to leave?

One of the many scenic stops through the mountain passes. Jim quite happy to see all the snow.

Scrabble

2011-08-22T16:54:00.000-05:00

Has anyone ever made a Scrabble quilt? I have seen quilt boards for other games like Monopoly and Life. But never Scrabble. That might be fun to try.

Summer in pictures

2011-08-20T22:25:00.000-05:00

Even though the purpose for this blog was craft related, I decided early on that it would also document our family. Many family members and close friends look towards this blog to keep up to date on our activity.

After multiple attempts trying to download photos from a new camera, I finally got it to work. Over the next several days, I will post images. Best part of our lives. Family and friends.

More Summer

2011-08-20T22:09:00.002-05:00

Great ice cream in Stillwater Minnesota with Aunt Carrie. A must!

Feed my starving children. Filling food bags with Girl Scouts.

Ice cream with great grandparents after soccer tourney. Thanks!!!

Out for a stroll with great grandma.

Cousins training for triathlons. Good going!!!

Summer, summer and more summer

2011-08-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

Our golf prodigy.

Ice cream again. This time in Excelsior. Yum!

Kayaking on Minnetonka.

More Inspiration

2011-08-11T20:36:00.001-05:00

Stained glass windows are always a wonderful source of inspiration for quilters, and vice versa.

Love these windows made by a local artist.

Inspiration

2011-08-07T14:03:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been someplace and come across a design you want to make into a quilt? This summer I toured the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Saw these amazing tiles in part of the clinic.

Tried to take a few photos with my cellphone. Inspiration for a quilt? Someday? Hope so.

My find!

2011-08-03T21:59:00.001-05:00

Each year our local guild has a picnic in July. Great time, wonderful food, and for the past several years, a auction of UFOs. Everyone brings their projects that they no longer want. Those that will never be finished. Those that no longer have a home. Those that we are frustrated with. Most end up with a new home, after a lively few minutes of bidding.

This year I gave my unfinished jacket to the cause. Homespuns and stars. Many pieces quilted. But it has sat in my sewing room for nearly 15 years, and I finally realized it would never be finished. So off to the auction it went.

During our picnic we have a chance to look over the tables full of UFOs. Eye those that we think could have a new home. Decide which one is that special project that we would finish. I helped during the auction, showing the wonderful projects. Some I wouldn't look at twice. Others I couldn't believe were even in the auction.

One of those was a group of blue and white blocks, along with a border print. I knew I had to bring it home. And after some nervous bidding, they did come home with me. Little did I realize that I didn't have any blue and white fabrics to add to the blocks. So during the Minnesota Shop Hop, I located a few fabrics to add to the blocks. Can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Summer garden

2011-07-20T22:17:00.000-05:00

How many of you have a perennial garden? How many of you know where every single plant is located? Know which are weeds? Know where you can plant new plants?

I thought I knew. But when those plants started to come up, I began to question whether or not they were perennials or weeds. Tried taking photos and making a drawn map. Will that help for next year? Hope so.

July 4th

2011-07-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

Our day at Groveland Assembly Grounds begins with the flag raising. This year the local VFW post presented the colors. Minnetonka High School quartet sang. A wonderful way to begin the day.

It was followed by the neighborhood parade. This year's theme was "Big Screen, Little Screen and everything in between!" So we did just that. Dressed as screens. Everyone had a grand time.

Then it was time for the races. Categories for every age from toddlers to adults. Always a big deal for the kids. Everything from running, three legged races, shoe flipping, and the egg toss.

More races

2011-07-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

Kevin and Lucas running the men's race around the lakeshore.

John and Haley running the wheelbarrow race.

Three legged racing by Haley with Kevin, and Lucas with Rasmus.

Summertime at the lake

2011-07-12T22:10:00.000-05:00

July 4th festivities last for several days at Groveland Assembly Grounds. This year I was lucky to have relatives from Denmark here for a visit. On July 3rd, we sat down by the lake, sang songs, and ate s'mores. A wonderful evening for all.

New pillows

2011-07-06T22:12:00.000-05:00

I made a quilt for my parents using oriental fabrics. My mom asked me to make pillow covers to go with the quilt. Luckily I had a bag of the red fabrics used in the quilt. All precut into strips for the different blocks.

I decided there was no need to make the same blocks over again for the pillows. You wouldn't be able to notice them. I think they will look wonderful with the quilt.

South Dakota quilt

2011-06-27T21:17:00.003-05:00

I have tried to make a quilt for each one of my nieces and nephews when they get married. I am behind on several of the quilts, as I had five to make in less than two years. Very frustrating for me, as I truly don't like giving belated gifts. Two of those five quilts have been delivered. Two more are ready to be quilted. Last one is in the piecing process. These wedding occurred in 2007 to 2009. Do they still remember that a quilt is coming? I hope so.

Fast forward to 2011. With my husband's side of the family covered, or the quilts are in the process of completion, I figured I had a few years before my brother's children would marry. Not the case. My niece married this past weekend. My nephew is getting married next year. Dare I make them quilts? Will they move in line with other quilts being made? Can I break this cycle?

I decided I couldn't add another wedding quilt to the list of unfinished quilts. Instead I made myself pick a pattern that I knew could be completed soon. And I picked fabrics that read "South Dakota", where my niece and her husband live. It definitely reminds me of that region. And it was finished and delivered on their wedding day. One quilt that won't go in the line of WIPs.

Grandma's Marathon

2011-06-19T18:29:00.008-05:00

Our son Kevin has participated in Grandma's Marathon for several years. This year I decided to head up to Duluth with him and his children. We camped at a state park, which would have been wonderful if it hadn't poured for hours and hours. We ended up rising at the wee hour of 4am, and headed to the drop-off location. Raining and 48F not exactly a happy way to start a marathon. Luckily it warmed into the 50's, and the rain stopped.

Grandma's Marathon

2011-06-19T18:25:00.002-05:00

Clock time is for those that started right at the gun. Kevin's chip time was actually 4:54:08.

Minnesota Quilt Show 2011

2011-06-17T22:45:00.002-05:00

Each year after attending the Minnesota Quilt Show, I come away inspired and ready to tackle my numerous WIPS. This year was no different. Such wonderful quilts. Many very scrappy ones.

I did notice that a lot of my photos dealt with color and quilting styles. Up close, so I could see the details. I will be taking a class from Bonnie Hunter next winter and hope to use my fabrics in such a manner that my quilt will look as scrappy as these quilts were.

Minnesota Quilt Show 2011

2011-06-17T22:38:00.003-05:00

Here is one quilt from those donated to military. A lovely red, white and blue string quilt.

Recital day

2011-06-12T16:06:00.000-05:00

Recital day finally arrived. I was SO happy to see this day come. Last school year activity. After this day, summer really begins.

Lucas and Haley did a great job. Cameras were not allowed in the recital, so only photos were afterwards. One of the moms of Lucas' dance buddies made each boy a bouquet of Lego flowers. Very cute. We lucked out this year and had great weather. No worries that curls would droop, or costumes would get ruined. Day went by without any issues. Can't wait to see the DVD.

Finale Rehearsal

2011-06-10T21:39:00.000-05:00

This year Haley wanted to be in the Finale. Five extra rehearsals to learn a dance with girls ranging in age from five to eighteen. I felt like this was the first year she could do such a dance. Each student wore their dance costume from their own dance, so you can see her just right of center in her yellow and blue costume. She really enjoyed being part of the bigger group. And she was able to see how the more experienced dancers handled themselves. Overall great time.

Hillbilly Hoedown Rehearsal

2011-06-10T21:19:00.001-05:00

Not to be outdone by her little brother, Haley knew all her moves this year, and was in charge of her jazz dance, Hillbilly Hoedown. She is in the center of all three photos.

Don't know what she will decide to do next year. She is getting to the age where she needs to make choices, and no one wants to have the final say. Does she continue to take dance? What level of commitment? Or will she decide to try something else? Too many choices for someone this age. She wants to do everything, but there just aren't that many hours in the day to do that. Tap? Ballet? Jazz? What? Her instructor wants her to take more classes, but that would mean more time. We will see.

Smooth Criminal Rehearsal

2011-06-10T21:00:00.003-05:00

Lucas did a great job with the moves in a line. He's in front on the right.

In the above part of the dance, they had two lines of boys. He's the second boy from the right.

This year Lucas joined Haley and took a dance class at Tonka Dance Works. A boys only Hip Hop class. He watched his sister dance the past three years. This year he would join her in the dance recital. Needless to say, I was a bit worried that stage fright would cause him to back out at the last minute. Crossing my fingers, we went to Friday's rehearsal. The four guys followed their instructor David. Quite impressive. Rehearsal was a success. Would the recital turn out?

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-29T14:25:00.001-05:00

She 'n Me part 3

2011-05-19T15:34:00.001-05:00

2011-05-19T15:31:00.001-05:00

She 'n Me part 2

2011-05-15T21:40:00.001-05:00

Would you expect a climbing wall at a Girl Scout camp out? I didn't. But there it was, and Haley tried all five sides. Didn't make it to the top, but sure gave it her all!

She 'n Me part 1

2011-05-15T21:33:00.000-05:00

Sit-upons made. Apple crisp cooked.

Our Girl Scout group does a campout each Spring. Last year the campout was the same day as the dance recital, so we didn't make it. This year the schedule allowed us to attend. But would the weather? Rain predicted all weekend. Haley's comment was "Nana, we still need to know how to camp in the rain. What if we are out camping and it starts to rain? We should do this!" And so we did.

Egg Hunt

2011-04-28T20:17:00.000-05:00

You think at some point that the grandkids would say they were too old for an egg hunt. Since we missed the one in our neighborhood, I hid the filled eggs throughout our living room. They still had a blast hunting for them. After church they hunted for even more eggs outside our church! They are still eating the candy!!!

Nana and Papa

2011-04-26T22:12:00.000-05:00

We were lucky enough to visit with my parents over Easter. They drove up to my brother's for our niece's bridal shower. Happy we were able to be with everyone.

2011-04-20T20:04:00.001-05:00

As a substitute teacher, I visit many schools in our district, and even more offices and classrooms. This poster was on a wall in the high school. Something to think about.

Friends?

2011-04-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

Art Show

2011-04-15T21:23:00.002-05:00

Kids were so excited. Each day reminding us of the art show at school. Took us a bit of time to find their art work, but well worth the search.

Grand Targhee

2011-04-11T07:39:00.001-05:00

We have been going to Targhee for over 30 years. Some years we see the mountains. Some years they are snowed in. Most of this trip we had snow. On the final day the sun came out for a few minutes. Glad we stopped to snap this photo with my phone.

Haley changed things up a bit on the last day and swam instead of ski.

Someone made a snowman in the hallway of the ski chalet. Reminds us that winter is coming to an end.

Time to leave Targhee for another winter. Can't believe it is April. When we arrive back in Minnesota it will be springtime with blooming flowers. What a difference!

Can you guess why Jim is happy?

2011-04-10T13:05:00.001-05:00

I just saw these final photos from our ski trip. Jim and Lucas went up Dreamcatcher to the top of Fred's Mountain at Targhee. I think I would have been shaking going down the runs that Lucas and Jim took that last day. Can you guess why Jim is happy? He has his ski buddies!

She did it all!

2011-04-08T21:26:00.001-05:00

Skier, swimmer, moose sighter, and snowboarder. Haley did it all over spring break. Unfortunately we don't have any photos of the moose and it's baby. But we do have quite a few of her first attempts at snowboarding. Does she want to keep boarding? Yes! And ski too!!

Crazy Skier

2011-04-07T22:45:00.000-05:00

Jim has met his match. Lucas will follow him down almost any hill. Loves the powder and going through the trees. They were the first on the hill and the last to come in.

Springtime in Driggs

2011-04-06T15:05:00.000-05:00

We headed west for our spring break of skiing. Grandkids were very excited and looked forward to the last skiing for year. Snow fell every day, more at Targhee than at the condo. Here are a few moments caught during the days of snow in the valley.

Big Bear Mini Put

2011-04-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

Lucas, Haley, Kevin and I went to the local indoor miniature golf for a round of golf. Seeing that it is one of Lucas' most favorite pastimes, he was quite excited. He can't wait to play outside.

Beginning of the end?

2011-03-30T17:47:00.000-05:00

I am in the home stretch. Hope to finish my daughter's very belated wedding quilt soon. After finishing the center of the quilt, Celestial Puzzle from Glad Creations, I decided not to do more stars for the border. Instead I will add some solid color blocks. Can I get it done this week? Wish me luck and check in next week!

Carrie quilting at Camp Lebanon

2011-03-29T19:23:00.000-05:00

Carrie has joined me for many years at a local quilting retreat at Camp Lebanon. This weekend she worked on a throw and a table runner. Fabrics purchased different years, but definitely coordinate.

Flower Box

2011-03-26T21:19:00.002-05:00

At the retreat this weekend, several were making a nine-patch variation called Flower Box. In time for Spring? I hope so. Still snow on the ground here in Minnesota, but we are definitely thinking Spring. One gal did the quilt with silks. Lovely, but boy did it fray!!

I now have the pattern, and hope to try to use up some of my stash soon. Can you find the nine patch?

Future Quilter?

2011-03-24T14:32:00.000-05:00

This picture was drawn by a high school student. Future quilter? Maybe!

Friendship

2011-03-12T21:48:00.001-06:00

This month a dear friend moved away to pursue a career in service for others. Because she was an important part of our lives, we gave her a quilt to remember us by. We wish her happiness ,and hope this quilt gives her comfort as she and her family embrace this new challenge.

Girl Scout Cookies

2011-03-06T22:13:00.002-06:00

Why do Girl Scouts sell cookies in the middle of winter? I wonder about that some days. Luckily on this day we had no wind or snow. The girls had a great sale outside a local coffee shop.

Caravan Hug Quilt

2011-02-17T20:15:00.000-06:00

Over the past several years, our Caravan Quilt group has made hug quilts for our friends in time of need. This past November, we made two quilts for Shirley and Barb. Shirley's quilt was finished and presented to her in February. What a great job everyone did.

Knit bag

2011-02-12T21:29:00.000-06:00

Even though I love to quilt, I can't sew while sitting in a car. Motion and light in the car won't let me do it. But I can knit. So I keep simple knit projects for those times when sewing isn't possible. Last summer I purchased a unique ball of yarn. After three attempts, I finally arrived at a size and combination that I liked. The result was this knit bag. I love it, but have issues with it stretching. So I plan to line it with fabric, hopefully limiting the size of it.

Next knit project? Maybe a jacket. I will need something for our next road trip.

Baby Roo's quilt

2011-02-07T22:20:00.000-06:00

My niece is having a baby later this winter. I love making quilts for each one. I used a jelly roll of bright prints that was perfect. She loved the quilt. I can't wait until the little one arrives!

Pinewood Derby

2011-02-02T19:51:00.000-06:00

Lucas joined Cub Scouts this year. Many of his friends are in his den. Making a pinewood derby car was a new experience for him. Next year he wants his car to go faster. We will see.
Lego Racer did a great job, and finished all it's races.

Frog Hop

2011-01-29T19:47:00.000-06:00

Each year there is a dance for girls and their dads put on by the Girl Scouts. Don't know why it is called the Frog Hop, but it is. Haley was quite excited to attend. They danced the night away.

Retreat

2011-01-19T21:29:00.001-06:00

My fabric usually looks like this. Colorful piles of various prints. Eventually they will be sorted, cut, and stacked. If only they would sew themselves. Am I dreaming? What fun would that be?

I did continue working on DD Jen's quilt. Only two plus years late. All the center blocks were completed. On to the 100+ tiny stars. Progress was made this weekend. Yes!!!!

The view from the Long Lake Conservation Center. Even though it was cold outside, the sunshine and birds made it pleasant. We stayed warm inside while we sewed the night away.

I have always thought it would be nice to just live from one retreat to the next. There are definitely enough of them out there so you never have to go home. But how special would those retreats be if they become a daily occurrence? Probably not. Our local guild has their retreat in January, up north, in cold, snowy Minnesota. Even with the cold, we still have a wonderful time.

New Years Eve at Targhee

2011-01-04T12:04:00.000-06:00

Kiddos able to go up the mountain after the area had closed. Everyone had glow sticks and snaked down the mountain to celebrate the New Year. Fun but cold.

Christmas morning

2010-12-26T23:54:00.000-06:00

Decorated tree. Stockings hung by the fireplace. Fun and very quick morning before we headed west to go skiing.

University of Minnesota

2010-12-22T23:27:00.001-06:00

Kevin graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Civil Engineering. He has also learned that he will be a TA and continuing with his Masters at the U of M in January. We are extremely proud of him.

Kevin showed us around the engineering building prior to the ceremony. Most of the building is under ground. The kids loved the tunnels and wanted to check out the other levels. Photo was good enough for me.

3D Block Trinket Box

2010-12-14T21:54:00.001-06:00

These blocks are awesome! Making them is easy. Finishing the trinket box, that's another story. I have learned from this first one and know what adjustments I will make next time.

Quilting in Indiana

2010-11-30T23:04:00.000-06:00

Looking over all our activities during the Dear Jane retreat in Shipshewana, I felt our opportunity to quilt with the local Amish women was very special. My hand quilting skills are not the best. Sitting and speaking with one of the women was such a joy. Realized we had so much in common. She had children ranging in age from 20's to toddlers. A son of her's had moved out to Idaho, and was involved in winter activities including skiing. She had visited him, and toured Yellowstone National park. It was a enjoyable morning.

Halloween

2010-10-31T22:39:00.001-05:00

Pictures say it all. Grandkids knew exactly what they wanted to be this year. A hippie and a ghost. When you are the costume maker, it is so nice to have an "easy" year when it comes to making costumes. Luckily I didn't have to construct the robot costume. Left that up to Kevin.

Countdown to Shipshewana

2010-10-29T22:11:00.002-05:00

Two weeks from today, our quilt gathering begins. Several Caravan friends will arrive here in Minnesota for a pre-Shipshewana mini-retreat. Ten of us will have a few days to sew, chat, and relax prior to the "real" retreat in Indiana. Ten more will join us in Shipshewana for our semi-annual dose of clip clopping horses, chicken with mashed potatoes, and lots of pie!

Here are a few photos from last November's retreat. Time sure flies when you are having fun!

Iowa visit

2010-10-22T23:05:00.002-05:00

I have a tendency to make quick decisions. When a friend offered a piece of furniture to us, I found it a new home with DD Jennifer in Iowa. Hum....... friend wants the hutch out of her house on Tuesday.......it is now in my van.......do I really want to take it OUT of my van and put it in the garage? Heck no. Hum........have a few days off of school........why don't we just keep it in the van and head down to Iowa for a brief visit? I can't work, as school isn't in session. Grandkids are out of school too. Seemed to make sense.

So I packed the van and tried to get out of the Twin Cities before rush hour. Didn't happen. And since winter hasn't arrived yet, we still have construction zones in Minnesota and Iowa. Fast forward six hours, 300 miles, and we arrived in Grinnell Iowa, tired, but happy to be there.

Hutch looks great in their house. Grandkids were excited to visit Jen and her husband. I got to relax and enjoy my son-in-law's great cooking. Didn't realize they were also on Fall Break. Next day, Jennifer did a photo shoot with the grandkids. You really should check out her pictures at www.jenniferweinmanphotography.com. There is a link in the right column of my blog. Awesome photos! And then there was my feeble attempt at photographing the grandkids, like below. Hey, some of us have it, some of us don't.

Two days later, we were back on the road. I stopped and took one photo of the grandkids by some gorgeous grass on the Grinnell College campus. Then we headed north on backroads through Iowa. Stopped at a neat quilt shop in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Grandkids enjoyed the break. I enjoyed the shop. Eventually we arrived back home, in time for weekend activities and another week of work. Short, quick mini-vacation. Very glad I decided to go.

Chaska Area Quilt Show

2010-10-01T23:00:00.002-05:00

Shirley Prindle's Civil War quilt from Kaye England's pattern

Pat Jensen's hilarious Hawaiian shirt quilt

Toby Nelson's amazing applique quilt

My Glad Creations' Nifty Nine Patch quilt

Every two years our local guild holds their quilt show. There were many wonderful quilts exhibited. My favorites included those by Toby Nelson, Shirley Prindle, and Pat Jensen. Of course I had to include the batik quilt I made for John and Carrie. And finally one of our challenge quilts. Yes you are seeing double and triple. Many made blocks. Mine are still in a bag. What setting will I chose? Love both of them.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-09-26T22:48:00.000-05:00

My brother and his wife, along with Jim and I drove down to Illinois to surprise my dad for his 81st birthday. Boy did we surprise him! Enjoyed a quick two day visit at their new home. My brother had 30 years of 8mm films converted to DVDs. Some of which I had never seen. Can't wait to view all of them.

School again

2010-09-12T20:40:00.000-05:00

Every year the summer seems to disappear so quickly. This year was no different. With many trips and adventures in July and August, no wonder why school crept up on us!

Minnesota State Fair

2010-09-07T14:11:00.004-05:00

Every few years I try to get to the fair. I love looking through the Creative Activities building. Beautiful quilts, knitting, stained glass, woodworking. Love it all. Motivation for me to start working on projects again.

This year Kevin, Haley, Lucas and I decided to go to the state fair on a "cold" day. We hoped people would stay away. Not the case. Quite a crowd! We still had a wonderful time. Ate a variety of foods and enjoyed many exhibits including the Lego Mindstorm robotic one.

Next year we will need to pick a nice, sunny day.

Quilts on the Lawn

2010-08-29T09:10:00.003-05:00

A week ago I was lucky enough to see the outdoor quilt show in Bozeman. Margo Krager of Reproduction Fabrics Inc posted the show to her email list, which I am a part of. Seeing that the show was near our motorcycle trip, Jim was kind enough to head north to Bozeman our last day. After a great steak dinner in town, and a great night's sleep at a small local hotel, we headed to Reproduction Fabrics Inc in the morning before the show. Jim dropped me off at the show, which had perfect weather for an outdoor event. I took many photos. Here is a sampling of the quilts from the show. Many more photos on my Webshots site.

Images

2010-08-23T22:10:00.004-05:00

Throughout our ten day trip west on the motorcycle, I had a lot of time to see the country from the back of the bike. Difficult to sleep, so kept my eyes open and took in all the sights. I have posted many photos on my webshots page, so please go take a look.

I decided to go through the last few days worth of photos and grab a few images . Beautiful sunsets, quilt shops we passed, flowers in full bloom, horseback riding across hills we normally ski on. And of course all the quirky signs! It was a great week. Glad to be home, but can't wait to do it again.

Quirky signs

2010-08-23T21:23:00.000-05:00

Sheridan to Cooke City

2010-08-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

Today we drove from Sheridan Wyoming to Cooke City Montana. Anyone familiar with this part of the country, you have to go over or around the mountains to get to most towns. After checking out of our hotel in Sheridan, we headed into town to fill up with gas. On our way out we drove by The Quilters Fix. Sunday morning, so definitely not open. Jim was sorry to hear that.

Rest of the day was spent on windy roads over different mountain passes. Temperatures ranged from 30F to 70F. And that is without the windchill factored in!

Tonight we are resting in Cooke City, which is at the NE end of Yellowstone. Relaxing and enjoying the ability to walk instead of sitting on the motorcycle. Time for dinner. Then will try to download all the photos from the REAL camera. Here are two from my iPhone.

Mystery fabric

2010-08-14T22:15:00.001-05:00

Again, this is nothing special. Just a batik I bought years ago. And then I went and used it in my one daughter's wedding quilt. The other daughter asked if it could be in her's too. Didn't have any more, so the search began about 3 1/2 years ago. I have carried a swatch of it with me to every quilt shop I stop in. And here out in the middle of nowhere, I find it! (Sorry about the photo. Not the best.)

Happy quilter!

2010-08-14T21:26:00.000-05:00

Happiness is driving across country on a motorcycle with your husband, stopping in a small Wyoming town at a quilt shop, and finding the piece of fabric that you have been searching for for nearly four years!

Tiny, tiny blocks

2010-08-05T07:23:00.000-05:00

Anyone want to join me and make this miniature quilt?
Each nine patch is only 1 1/2", so each little square is 1/2" finished. Can't wait!

Blue Plate Diner

2010-08-04T22:09:00.003-05:00

During our visit in Salt Lake City area, we decided to eat lunch at the Blue Plate Diner. This diner was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.

I had reuben soup and fried ravioli with marinara sauce. Yum!!!!!

Definitely a diner I will visit again when in Salt Lake City.
Now to find more diners from Triple "D" that we can visit!

Road to Utah

2010-08-01T21:52:00.002-05:00

Earlier this summer, a dear quilting friend invited many of us to her home in Utah for a retreat. We are having a great trip, with many sights along the way. It has been filled with many interesting road names. A few extremely slow construction zones, and some very curious prairie dogs. All in all, it has been wonderful so far. More to come!

Goodbye Mount Prospect

2010-07-21T12:50:00.001-05:00

Officially my parents have moved 2 1/2 miles NW of their home of 46 years. They no longer live in Mt. Prospect, now residing in Arlington Heights. It is difficult to get used to a new address and a new telephone number. THAT hasn't changed for as long as I can remember.

I had to take a few last pictures. My bedroom, which is bare down to the wood again, and Door County rocks along side the garage, which have found a new home in my Minnesota garden.

I am hoping my parents will love their new home and be able to enjoy the activities that are offered there.

Afternoon games

2010-07-14T11:39:00.001-05:00

Not to be outdone by his big sister, Lucas had a great afternoon at the tournament, and scored his first soccer goal. I didn't get a picture of the actual goal being scored, but did get the kick and the celebration that followed.

Tonka Blast

2010-07-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

Soccer season over for another year. Each year there is a tournament after the regular game schedule. Luckily the weather cooperated this year. We also lucked out, and grandkids games did not overlap. Girls' teams played in the morning, boys' in the afternoon.

Coach Jim talking to the girls about strategies.

Trying to take away the ball and SCORE!!!!

Watching sis play.

More groovy photos

2010-07-04T13:10:00.004-05:00

At the request of some friends, I have added the last few photos from the parade yesterday. Hoping to get one photo of the entire group on stage from someone in the audience. Then will post that one too.

Color me Groovy

2010-07-03T23:07:00.005-05:00

Our daughter Jen and her hubby happily joined us in the parade.

Lucas didn't want his picture taken, but smiled his toothless grin once while carrying the sign.

My better half in his garb.

A perfect smile.

Can't believe I walked around the neighborhood looking like that!

The reason for our craziness

2010-07-03T21:26:00.001-05:00

As mentioned in yesterday's post, this year's theme was based on one of our more colorful residents. His family chose to have a parade of shoes this year. Here is a sampling of Warren's more colorful loafers.

Tie dye

2010-07-02T10:27:00.001-05:00

Each year our neighborhood has a July 4th parade with a theme. This year's theme was "Color me Groveland". One of our colorful members was remembered this year. He would dress in very colorful clothing. It was not unusual to find him in a kelly green sport coat, green golf shirt, green plaid slacks with a green leather belt, with a pair of green leather loafers. Like I said, a very colorful man.

Each family in our neighborhood tries to come up with their own "take" on the theme. I decided to tie dye t-shirts. Did I realize it would take me nearly a week to do it? No.

Nearly 30 years ago I did learn to dye wool using koolaid products. That was fun. About 20 years ago I ventured into marbling fabrics. I looked online, and found a great site with great directions. Check them out at: http://www.madebyhippies.com/howtotiedye/

Here are photos from this past week. A drawn out process with amazing results.

More Zoo- Guess what is in the first photo?

2010-06-25T09:49:00.005-05:00

Can you guess what is in the first photo? Everyone that walked by this exhibit thought it was floating plants, until they started moving!! Sea horses. Pretty cool.

Minnesota Zoo

2010-06-25T09:44:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a perfect day to visit the zoo. Weekday, so not as crowded. Warm but not humid. We took in the butterfly exhibit, bird show, and checked out the underwater exhibits. Such vivid colors. Would love to incorporate all of them in a quilt some day.

Father's Day at Stanton

2010-06-21T10:35:00.002-05:00

Able to meet up with GGrandfather Jim at the Father's Day Fly In at Stanton. Always fun for kiddos and adults to see all the airplanes.

Lionsgate Academy bike ride

2010-06-19T21:25:00.002-05:00

Jim offered to sponsor a motorcycle ride for Lionsgate Academy in Crystal. We had never been on a ride with this many bikes. Not what we usually do. Didn't count how many bikes there were, but I would estimate close to 100. We are new to the Harley scene, and definitely not used to riding in such close quarters or stopping at so many bars along the way. I did try to take photos a few times, even over my shoulder looking behind us. Sometimes they were great shots, sometimes not so great. But with digital, it doesn't matter. Keep the good, delete the bad!

For those that want to know which bike is ours, it is to the right of the lady walking in front of all the bikes. Dark blue one. And in another photo you can see Jim in the middle of the photo by the bike. We are getting ready to leave from the bar where we stopped for lunch. Overall a great time driving from Castle Rock near Northfield, across into Wisconsin and Pepin, back up the river and west through Hastings, returning to Castle Rock for dinner, raffle and fun.

Minnesota Quilt Show

2010-06-18T21:10:00.001-05:00

Spent the day viewing some wonderful quilts and checking out the vendors. Always inspiring. Two of my favorite quilts were our guild's 2010 raffle quilt and an antique quilt called French Star. Our guild quilt won in the Group category!

Last day of school

2010-06-10T16:25:00.002-05:00

Last year we had 90F temps for the last day of school. This year the opposite. Cold and rainy.

Dance Recital time

2010-06-05T22:42:00.001-05:00

Dance recitals are always fun. This one was no different. Only wish the weather had cooperated. Luckily the rain storm didn't affect the show or straighten the hair!

Visiting hometown

2010-05-25T22:03:00.001-05:00

In April and May, I returned home to help my parents get ready for their move after 46 years. While there, I photographed the house on Owen Street where we lived until I was eight years old. The building where my grandfather owned a Danish bakery back in the 1920's. Luckily that building is still standing amidst all the new construction. And finally the home I have known for a majority of my life. Even took photos of the wood doorway where my brother and I marked our growth over the years. The oak tree that made it through so many storms. And the Beatles mural in the basement that my girlfriend Janice designed and painted back in high school What fond memories.

High five!

2010-05-21T22:43:00.005-05:00

Just found out that our son made the Dean's list at the U of M. One step closer to his engineering degree. Great work, Kevin!!

Proud

2010-05-07T16:36:00.003-05:00

Several weeks ago, I noticed the AP Scholars banners hanging at our high school. I had never seen them before. Then realized that the oldest one was from my daughter's class. Don't know if any of our children realize how proud we are of their accomplishments. Even though I had no one to share it with, I was smiling from ear to ear, and had to take a photo. Her name is in the middle right under AP Scholars.

Busy life

2010-04-28T14:33:00.001-05:00

April went by way, way too fast. Spent a weekend with DD Jen and visited my parents in Illinois. Purpose of trip was to assist them in sorting through 46+ years of things. They are looking at moving, and need to push forward with the cleaning. Just glad to be able to help.

Hopefully more photos and something exciting on my blog in the near future.

Shipshewana best

2010-04-22T19:12:00.004-05:00

I have been home from Shipshewana for a while. Been busy with family and work. But had to post the best of my Shipshewana photos. Cj and her hugs quilt. Chatting with Rebecca. Nicole's t-shirt quilt. Barb's lovely doll. LuAnn's lovely knitting (I must do that some day!) Vicki enjoying Val's hand dyed fabrics.

If you want to see more, go to my Webshots page to see photos from the Show and Tell.