Progress in Shipshewana

My focus this week, besides spending time with friends, was to work on Jen's quilt. Many ooohs and aaaaahs this week. Progress is being made, but still a lot more to do.

Nighty night!

We were able to get into the large conference room today. And everyone has arrived safe and sound. This morning we spent a little time out in town. Tonight we took some time to relax in the hot tub. No photos today. Sorry.

I did make huge strides on Jen's quilt. All log cabin blocks are done, and I expect the center of the quilt to be finished tomorrow, depending on how much time we actually spend sewing. Want to get a good portion of the center sewn together in time for tomorrow night's Show and Tell. Motivation? Yes.

Nearly 1am here. Time for bed. Photos tomorrow.

Amish time

Just returned from Tiffany's in Topeka for dinner. A large group of Amish couples came in behind us. As we left, I noticed hats on top of the shelves. Buggies outside.

We drove the back roads to the Farmstead Inn and found their flowers in full bloom. Time to sew........

Shipshewana in the Springtime

Perfect day in Shipshewana. Sun is shining. Temperature near 70F. Have already visited Yoder's, Lolly's, Das Essenhaus, and the Rise 'n Roll Bakery, along with many other stops in between.

Nice to relax and see the town without all the summer tourist traffic. Time to unpack, put our feet up and enjoy the sunshine!

Wall Drug

Final stop was Wall Drug. No where else to eat in town, so we had a burger there. And saw a few of the sites, including this buffalo.

The Rock Heads

We decide to drive home via Jackson Wyoming and South Dakota. Hum..... might we stop at Mt. Rushmore, I asked. After a bit of persuasion, Jim agreed.

We spent Thursday night in Custer South Dakota, and visited the "Rock Heads" on a chilly Friday morning.

Definitely worth it

Their facial expressions say it all. Definitely worth the time. Can't wait for next year!

Skiing the Ghee!

This is the third time our grandkids have skied Targhee. Both were able to ski the lower mountain without assistance. They also both ventured up on Dreamcatcher and Blackfoot chairs to ski Chief Joseph Bowl, the ridge, and Wild Turkey. At the end of the trip, neither wanted to come home. That's a nice feeling.

Fun times!

Besides skiing, we ventured into the hot tub and pool. Had an Easter egg hunt in the condo. Visited Jackson Hole and the information center. And some wonderful meals at the Branding Iron Grill at Targhee. Delicious!

Heading west

Of course we had to stop and see the Prairie dogs. Not many made an appearance, but they sure were noisy when we got close to them!

Targhee, here we come!

We are heading out to Grand Targhee for our Spring ski trip. Don't know what skiing we will have, or how long we will be there. All I know is tomorrow we head west. Skiing equipment and sewing supplies are packed. Photos to follow.

Busy times

No photos with this post. Just nothing exciting to photograph right now. Looking outside, most of our snow is gone, which means Spring is just around the corner. Some days we have been in the 60's, and this morning we were back in the 20's. That's what you get in Minnesota. So our flowers have decided to wait a bit before popping their shoots through the soil.

This past weekend I was able to get out with some friends to visit a few quilt shops. Rarely do I go anymore, for obvious reasons. I don't need any more fabric! But the opportunity to visit a small quilt show was enough to persuade me. I love seeing what others are doing. Gets my creative juices or sewing juices moving!

Working nearly full-time leaves little sewing time, especially with a family. I now understand why there are very few young married with children quilters. When would you quilt? I try to do something quilt related each day, even if only for 15 minutes. I was able to get some star points cut this weekend. Now to sew them.

Weekend can not get here too soon!!!

Giants Ridge

What a nice change. Warm temps over 63F in northern Minnesota. Mash potatoes for snow. What can you expect when it is that warm. Skied a few runs, met some neat people, and had some unique food. Here are a few pictures. Chicken wrap and onion rings (not greasy!) at the ski area. Then some great Mexican food at a local restaurant in Virginia Minnesota.

I brought sewing with me, but ended up skiing instead. Focusing on the sewing and my frame setup this week when I am not working. Sunshine in Minnesota today. Supposed to get up to 60F today. Will all the snow be gone? How about flowers? Doubt the flowers will pop out yet, but they should be here soon.

Springtime

Just around the corner, Spring. Actually has been knocking at our door on and off for a few weeks. Went skiing a week ago on March 5th, when the kids didn't have school. It was so nice to be out in the sunshine still skiing. This weekend Jim and I are heading north to Giants Ridge. Jim is teaching a clinic, so I am driving up with him to keep him company and have a mini-vacation. Supposed to rain. Hopefully it won't.

Next week my hope is to finish assembling my Hinterberg frame. Can't wait to get quilting again! It has been nearly a year since I took down my other frame.

Fast forward

In the past year I have sold my one quilting frame, purchased another and had knee replacement surgery. Unfortunately the new frame arrived just prior to the surgery, so didn't get assembled right away. Then the school year started, and therefore work for me too.

Finally realized that I must prioritize what needed to be done and focus on it. I am now to the point of setting up my frame. It is the Hinterberg Summit frame. Comes with wonderful directions, but you still have to put the frame together. So here is stage one. Hopefully by next weekend it will be set up and ready for quilting again. Cross your fingers!