Little Florida Beach, LA – aka Little Paradise!

A group of us had a “pre-festival” retreat at a friends beach house.  She actually has two beach houses so several of us were able to join in the fun.  Most importantly “mom” was able to arrive early from Utah to join us!  “Mom” comes to Houston every year for Quilt Festival and we train all year long just to keep up with her!  There were 9 of us in attendance for the retreat, we all sewed together in one room and the tables were arranged so we all had a view of the gulf.  For meals we took turns, Janet’s husband had sent a brisket for us and it was fabulous.  Marilynn made a sinful cheesecake.  I was in charge of baked potatoes and the goodies for those, as you know I am not really a cook so this was right up my alley!

Quilts are however up my alley and so I offered to bring a little trunk show with me – I brought a variety of quilts to share.

I love retreats because we get to see so many projects being worked on and we quite often get to see these projects get finished during that time.  I also love to be able to share tips and tricks I have learned from so many expert quilters over the years!  Someone once told me I was really smart – I corrected them and explained that I “hang” out with really smart people and regurgitate everything they tell me!

Here are a few photos from our short time in paradise!

Qamp Qathi
Qamp Qathi
One of the beach houses
One of the beach houses
A walk on the beach for sunset
A walk on the beach for sunset
This little guy actually walked with us
This little guy actually walked with us
down.....
down…..
down......
down……
and she's out!  Can you hear the sizzle?
and she’s out! Can you hear the sizzle?
Old things and nature
Old things and nature
A perfect imprint
A perfect imprint
Rise and Shine!
Rise and Shine!
Stretch to the heavens!
Stretch to the heavens!
Going to be a BEAUtiful day!
Going to be a BEAUtiful day!
The monster T-Shirt Quilt!
The monster T-Shirt Quilt!

There is a story behind the making of this t-shirt quilt….  We did not have room in the house we were sewing in to properly measure the borders so she and I would hike down the stairs of the sewing house and up the stairs to the other house to measure and pin the borders.  I am a stickler about borders so each border required a trip.  We made at least 4 trips just for borders but we also had to make extra trips because we would forget things – pins, ruler, rotary cutter, mat etc.  There are a lot of steps at the beach!

Hamming for the camera while I test the timer!
Hamming for the camera while I test the timer!
The Happy Qampers!
The Happy Qampers!

May you find your “Little Paradise” today!

Ring Day – September 20, 2013

My friend’s daughter is a student at Texas A&M.  Me being from Utah really do not totally understand what that means – but I am learning!  Being a student at A&M is learning about tradition and sticking together through thick and thin.  I was invited to be part of this tradition when Ms. Madison got her A&M ring.  Now to preface this story you must realize we have been in a drought for going on 3 years.  But of course on this day it POURED!  We had spent the night before at my friends home in Round Top, TX – we had many of the provisions for the after ring ceremony party with us so we needed to get to College Station early – needless to say we got wet.  Then on the drive over we dried out, time to unload, we got wet and so on and so on.  This was our mode all day long, we just get dry and it would be time to get out and do something else!

Our sweet little ring recipient could not help herself, she kept apologizing for bringing us all out in the rain!  To know Maddie is to love Maddie!

Maddie’s beau, Kale had determined we could park in one of the parking terraces on campus and then ride the shuttle to the ring ceremony.  We all arrive at the parking terrace, we all load up on the bus and we wait!  We are running late for our designated time slot – poor Maddie is beside herself – so what do you do – you sing “The Wheels on Bus” and that lightens the mood.  We finally arrive at our destination via the scenic route (thank you Donna for your history lesson of A&M – I LOVED IT!).

We run to the building, we do our best to make our way through the crowd, we reach the room where they are handing out the rings – Maddie signs for hers – they tell Daddy to put it on her finger and it is OVER!  Then we realize that was IT! and most of our group has not caught up with us yet.  We have the 6 year old, but him momma does not know that – I can only imagine what was going through her mind.  As it dawns on Maddie that this truly was IT – that most of our crew did not get to be part of this history and tradition, but since most Kale’s family is from A&M they know the drill.   Finally, we are reunited with our group and the celebration can begin – we have survived a very wet A&M ring ceremony.

Thankfully - we talked her out of the heels - these definitely completed the ensemble!
Thankfully – we talked her out of the heels – these definitely completed the ensemble!
A sea of umbrellas - we had to make our way through this crowd to get to the ring ceremony!  We couldn't get close enough to the big ring for Maddie to have a photo there!
A sea of umbrellas – we had to make our way through this crowd to get to the ring ceremony! We couldn’t get close enough to the big ring for Maddie to have a photo there!
A proud papa placing the A&M ring on his daughter's hand!
A proud papa placing the A&M ring on his daughter’s hand!
And their next thought will be - THIS IS IT?
And their next thought will be – THIS IS IT?
Happy Momma!  This woman always has a smile!
Happy Momma! This woman always has a smile!
Ms Maddie and Mr. Kale
Ms Maddie and Mr. Kale
Truly - the big man on campus!
Truly – the big man on campus!
Aunt Maddie!
Aunt Maddie!
The official A&M salute!
The official A&M salute!
I can here momma's laugh - and it is one of my favorite sounds!
I can here momma’s laugh – and it is one of my favorite sounds!
Maddie and Kyndal - these girls are beautiful inside and out!
Maddie and Kyndal – these girls are beautiful inside and out!
Is that Mary Poppins?  Nope - just Kale!
Is that Mary Poppins? Nope – just Kale!

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Maddie, Mom, Dad and Kale
Maddie, Mom, Dad and Kale
She is not quite sure what is going on!  But she knows who will keep her sheltered!
She is not quite sure what is going on! But she knows who will keep her sheltered!
Marilynn, Maddie and the rain drenched Me!  We survived and this is one ring ceremony we won't forget!
Marilynn, Maddie and the rain drenched Me! We survived and this is one ring ceremony we won’t forget!
Happy to be ..... well just happy!
Happy to be ….. well just happy!
I think big Sis may be a little proud of little Sis!
I think big Sis may be a little proud of little Sis!
Cute as a button!
Cute as a button!
Our umbrellas were also part of the fashion statement!
Our umbrellas were also part of the fashion statement!
Texas Cheese!
Texas Cheese!
The Ring on the A&M cake - the bakery actually had a typo on the cake - oops!
The Ring on the A&M cake – the bakery actually had a typo on the cake – oops!
Don't swallow that!
Don’t swallow that!
Tradition!
Tradition!
Moments like this is what it is all about - they met at A&M and I have a feeling they will be "BFF".
Moments like this is what it is all about – they met at A&M and I have a feeling they will be “BFF”.

Traditions are a good thing and the traditions these young people find at A&M will stay with them a lifetime – it is more than a ritual – it is a way of life for them!

Monday Musings

This past weekend was Houston’s International Quilt Festival – always an inspiring time of year.  I love seeing friends that I haven’t seen in a while and taking a couple of minutes to catch up.  The quilts juried into this show and the best of the best and several members of our guild had quilts juried in this year – I am a member of an amazing guild – Lakeview Quilters Guild of Houston, TX.

One of our members just published her second book – “Picture Piecing Traditional Quilts” by Cynthia England – I was honored to quilt a few of the quilts for her new book.  Check out her work at http://www.englanddesign.com

I also had a big birthday on Saturday – you know one of those that ends in a 0.  We celebrated with friends and family most of the weekend.  Now I get to start over at 29!

The last 50 years have been amazing – my husband and I have been married 25 of those years and we had always talked about building a home together.  We purchased property a few years back and now we are embarking on a very scary adventure – YIKES!  I relate building in the country to the children’s story “If You Give A Pig a Pancake”.  When you build in the country, you need a well, before you can get a well you need power, before you can get power you need an address, before you can get an address you need an entrance (road) to your property, before you can get a road you have to figure out where you want your structures.  At the beginning of the year we started designing our new home, once you have that design then you can figure out about where you want it on your 6+ acres, then you can orient the barn aka workshop, then you can design the road.  Good news is – we have the beginnings of a road, we have a “barn” on order and it should be completed by the end of this month!  We hope to break ground on our home the end of March 2014!  Life is good!

The hydro mulched that will be clearing our land - no burn pile when he is done - it is all mulched!
The hydro mulched that will be clearing our land – no burn pile when he is done – it is all mulched!
This large head can chop down trees and then grind them into mulch!
This large head can chop down trees and then grind them into mulch!
See how dense the undergrowth is in the background
See how dense the undergrowth is in the background
After mulching - it is very park like!
After mulching – it is very park like!

And now I would like you to meat a few of our neighbors!

This one was from spring - I loved the setting with the spring blooms
This one was from spring – I loved the setting with the spring blooms
Have you seen my horn?
Have you seen my horn?
Across the street from our property
Across the street from our property
Peek A Boo!  They were just around the corner from our property
Peek A Boo! They were just around the corner from our property
No hunting - we will live in a gated wildlife preserve
No hunting – we will live in a gated wildlife preserve

Catching Up – Have you missed me?

Well, I have a lot of catching up to do.  When last I posted I had promised to post about the fabulous concert with Peter Frampton and BB King at Red Rocks Amphitheatre  in Denver, CO.

But before I can do that I need to share the last of our site seeing with you as well!

Sunday, August 18 we ventured to the top of Pikes Peak – did you know the road is paved all the way to the top now?  We watched a few of the marathon runners reach the top – wow!  Hubby visited with one of the paramedics that works at the top, he found that every employee at the top of the peak is a paramedic, they work 14 hours shifts and even they are affected by the altitude.  The first half of August had been a busy month for the paramedics already with numerous critical rescues.  The main reason is that visitors stay at the top too long and they they are unable to drive down, did you know your body uses up its fluid reserves very quickly when climbing – the paramedic said we can lose up to 1l on the way up the peak.  On the way down you are stopped at the “lodge” and they check the temperature of your brakes, ours were fine, having grown up in the mountains of Utah and climbing hills in jeeps hubby is very experienced in letting the vehicle gears do the work not the brakes.  We observed 1 group of “youngsters” have their brakes checked, they were 400 degrees, they were told to park it for a while and let those brakes cool off!

The air is a little thin up here!
The air is a little thin up here!
But what a view!
But what a view!

After more adventures in the area we headed to Evergreen, CO to spend a delightful evening with my niece her new beau!  I wish we lived closer as I always enjoy my visits with my niece – she is an amazing woman!

The view from niece's deck
The view from niece’s deck
My niece and I
My niece and I
Betts and Dave
Betts and Dave
Me with Betts and Dave
Me with Betts and Dave

On Monday we visited Leadville, CO.  In the 1880’s my great-grandfather, Milton Fornia and family lived in Leadville.  One of my great aunts was married there, her name was Grace Fornia Davenport.  I don’t believe my grandmother, Cali Fornia lived there, she was born in AZ after they left CO.  It was fun to visit the Leadville Public Library and search through the Colorado Census that are not available online.  We also visited the Mines Museum in Leadville.  My husband had worked for Asarco early in his engineering career and it was interesting to ready about the contributions made to mining at the museum.  We also drove out to the former Asarco Leadville Facility, now closed.  And of course I found more “old” things to enjoy.

Old Things
Old Things
Old Things
Old Things

Tuesday we played in Golden, CO and drove around the mountains some more – soaking up the beautiful weather and views.  We visited the burial site for Buffalo Bill.  And of course a tour of the brewery – although taste testing at 10:00 am was not something I needed to do!

One of the many statues around Golden
One of the many statues around Golden
The art work along the streets of Golden was amazing
The art work along the streets of Golden was amazing
Along the waterfront park
Along the waterfront park

IMG_2128

Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Bill

And then the CONCERT – this is the 3rd time we have seen Peter Frampton in the last 4 years and I am sure it won’t be the last.  We travelled to CO this time because the great BB King was touring with Peter for a few stops and this was one of them.  BB was brought on to stage on a golf cart, they had his chair ready for him up front and once he was settled, he held court!  Inspiring his band members and then calling Peter out to jam.  While BB is not able to strum too much anymore, it was truly some of the best entertainment!  As BB finished, he tossed souvenirs to several members of the audience, honoring those in wheel chairs and a couple of very young fans – I hope they know the greatness they witnessed.  As BB strode off stage to his golf cart, he stopped to shake hands with each crew member and take a moment to thank them – a true gentleman if ever there was.

A pre-tour of the venue on Monday to get the lay of the land
A pre-tour of the venue on Monday to get the lay of the land
I can't wait for the concert!
I can’t wait for the concert!
During the day the venue is open to those real health nuts that come here to work out - I was tired just watching them!
During the day the venue is open to those real health nuts that come here to work out – I was tired just watching them!
Nature and architecture in harmony!
Nature and architecture in harmony!

IMG_2102

Tailgating Miata style with Betts and Dave
Tailgating Miata style with Betts and Dave
Lots of walking UP to get to our seats
Lots of walking UP to get to our seats
I told him to take my photo - really I just needed a breather!
I told him to take my photo – really I just needed a breather!
The stands are filling up
The stands are filling up

DSC03083

Frampton's Guitar Circus, also featured Sonny Landreth and David Hidalgo - man can those guys play!
Frampton’s Guitar Circus, also featured Sonny Landreth and David Hidalgo – man can those guys play!
The KING!
The KING!
No cameras with removable lens so the better pix are from the point and shoot aimed at the big screen.  We were only 12 rows up but focus was an issue!
No cameras with removable lens so the better pix are from the point and shoot aimed at the big screen. We were only 12 rows up but focus was an issue!
And Peter - where did those golden locks go?
And Peter – where did those golden locks go?
As we were leaving the venue, the clouds parted and we were able to see the full moon!
As we were leaving the venue, the clouds parted and we were able to see the full moon!

I had posted on my Facebook page that we attended the concert, one of my Facebook acquaintances sent me this note and also gave me permission to share.  The long and short of this post – enjoy your passions, follow your passion and SHARE your passion.  How much do we not share with our children because we think it won’t be important to them.

From Deborah!

  • But … let me tell you briefly an amazingly cool thing that happened.

    My youngest son (19 at the time) was in the Beaumont / Galveston area in Fall of 2008 doing hurricane cleanup from the huge hit of Hurricane Ike. He was sad because being there for a few months was taking him away from his newborn daughter (born in Sept a few days before the hurricane hit) and wife. He didn’t have the time off to even come home to see them nor the money to be going back and forth. He even missed Autumn’s first Halloween (not that she noticed – lol).

    One day he was sitting at a table by himself for lunch. An elderly man asked if he could sit with him. Of course. They sat there together visiting. Over the course of the lunch the man found out that Justin was away from home and family to do this work. Justin showed him photos of Heather and Autumn. They talked about family, told stories, and laughed. Finally Justin told the man he had to get going back to work and thanked him for the visit. The kind man thanked Justin for all he was doing and all he was sacrificing to help a community that wasn’t even his home and asked Justin if he could buy his lunch for him. How sweet!

    After Justin left, the men that he was working with were all around him asking him questions, but the gist of it was Wow! Don’t you know who that was? What did y’all talk about?

    Justin called me after work that day and asked me if I knew who B.B. King was. Yes, here is the point that I hang my head in shame. Parent fail. What? My own child doesn’t know who B.B. King is???

    Then he told me that he B.B. King bought him lunch that day and told me the story. He never told Justin that he was famous. Just introduced himself and enjoyed lunch with my son.

    How cool is that???  What a fabulous, humble, kind man.

  • And my comment…
    WOW – I had to get out a tissue! On stage this is exactly how BB is too! Can I share your story on my blog? I this story really is a testament to who BB really is.

SO – Share your passions!

Garden of the Gods and a Phantom Canyon

Day 2 in Colorado was a Saturday – we started our day off by heading to Colorado Springs and “Garden of the Gods”.  A most accurate name to be sure – it was amazing…..

With a sunrise like this you just know it is going to be a great day.  This was taken off the hotel balcony in the middle of Lakewood, CO
With a sunrise like this you just know it is going to be a great day. This was taken off the hotel balcony in the middle of Lakewood, CO
An iphone panarama of Garden of the Gods
An iphone panarama of Garden of the Gods
One of the greeters at the visitors center
Look who was our greeter at the visitors center
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
If he had on his scout uniform we would call him "Russell"
If he had on his scout uniform we would call him “Russell”
Thank you for the very generous gift!
Thank you for the very generous gift!
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Hey we were  both there!
Hey we were both there!
While I was taking photos of the family with their camera - hubby was taking photos of them with our camera
While I was taking photos of the family with their camera – hubby was taking photos of them with our camera
Dee - climb higher - No THANKS!
Dee – climb higher – No THANKS!
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
What you can't here is my hubby encouraging this young mind to see how far they could go back in that crevice - but also telling her to be mindful of the snakes!
What you can’t hear is my hubby encouraging these young minds (there is a boy behind the little girl) to see how far they could go back in that crevice – but also telling them to be mindful of the snakes!
My Soul Mate!
My Soul Mate!
Stopping to enjoy the endless view
Stopping to enjoy the endless view
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Balancing Rock at Garden of the Gods - google this and learn the history of this scenic spot
Balancing Rock at Garden of the Gods – google this and learn the history of this scenic spot

While at the visitors center I saw the information for the Royal Gorge – so we headed that direction – only to find out that a fire in June had wiped out the park – however the bridge was saved.  The park was mostly closed, but they had built an access road that would allow visitors to at least see the bridge – the gnats were just down right awful when we got out (clue number one would’ve been that the park ranger had been sitting in his car with a beekeepers helmet on, the car was not running – it was just how he was escaping these gnats).  Hubby told me to “get your picture” and let’s get away from these bugs.  So here is the bridge – we will be back when it opens again in the future and we thank all the fire fighters across the US that are fighting horrific fires this year, saving lives, homes and national treasures.

Bridge at the Royal Gorge
Bridge at the Royal Gorge

From here we headed back to Canon City for sustenance, we chose Michaels it was a delight then we were off to visit the Abbey and check out the winery!

Statues at the winery
Statues at the winery

Now when you are on vacation it is common place to take a different route home than the one you arrived by – I am the co-pilot and I saw a road Hwy 67 aka Phantom Canyon Road would take us right back to Denver.  Well this is where the asphalt ends and you are now following the Narrow Gauge Railway that hauled gold down from Cripple Creek and neighboring towns.  This road was narrow (duh) and a had the washboard effect at times but all and all a trip well worth the effort.  Just in case you are not inclined to make the trip yourself I took a few photos to share (imagine that!)

Watch how the geological layers change in this canyon
Watch how the geological layers change in this canyon
A River Runs Through It
A River Runs Through It
Imagine railcars coming through that tunnel
Imagine rail cars coming through that tunnel
Not an original trestle - very pretty though....
Not an original trestle – very pretty though….
I know I know - if you've seen one rock you've seen them all - sorry I just don't agree!
I know I know – if you’ve seen one rock you’ve seen them all – sorry I just don’t agree!
A little history
A little history
The view from a top that trestle
The view from a top that trestle
We just drove through that - it was very narrow
We just drove through that – it was very narrow
Wonder how skinny the road gets up ahead
Wonder how skinny the road gets up ahead
Yep - more rocks!
Yep – more rocks!
THE EDGE!  That is really a long way down!
THE EDGE! That is really a long way down!
Did you guess correctly?  Yep - more rocks!
Did you guess correctly? Yep – more rocks!
I like old things - cool barn
I like old things – cool barn
How many winters has it seen?
How many winters has it seen?
Maybe we should take from building instruction from this builder
Maybe we should take from building instruction from this builder

IMG_1989

And then there is the new construction - up on the highest hill - if you got it - flaunt it!  This was a beautiful structure!
And then there is the new construction – up on the highest hill – if you got it – flaunt it! This was a beautiful structure!
I live at 11' above sea level now!
I live at 11′ above sea level!
If you live in the sky this must be your address
If you live in the sky this must be your address
The road in
The road in
Did I say I love old things?  And mining structures sing to my heart.  On my dads 16th birthday (1922) he went to work in the mines in Park City so maybe it is inherited .....
Did I say I love old things? And mining structures sing to my heart. On my dads 16th birthday (1922) he went to work in the mines in Park City so maybe it is inherited …..
Structures like this are everywhere in Colorado
Structures like this are everywhere in Colorado
A little more history lesson for you
A little more history lesson for you
History 101
History 101
Old things
Old things
When the Keep Out sign isn't enough use chain link
When the Keep Out sign isn’t enough use chain link
I want one in my yard!
I want one in my yard!
Actual vehicle traveling along the byway
Actual vehicle traveling along the byway
Cripple Creek was having a bike rally to honor Veterans
Cripple Creek was having a bike rally to honor Veterans
Just a few bikes
Just a few bikes
A few more bikes
A few more bikes
And some more
And some more
Pretty!
Pretty!
What is not to love?
What is not to love?
This needs flowers planted in it!
This needs flowers planted in it!
Squeek.....
Squeak…..
A weed grows.....
A weed grows…..
Enough said!
Enough said!

Say what you will about mining – but we all require it.  We ride bikes, we drive cars, we heat our homes…..  Yes over the last 200 years we have learned how to do it better, safer, cleaner and that is a good thing.

This blog post is from one of our days in Colorado – I look back and wonder how we survived this trip, we still have Pikes Peak, a great visit with my niece and her leading man, Leadville (where my great-grandfather lived in the 1880’s) and THE CONCERT to cover!

Stay tuned!

Oh Colorado – You Did NOT Disappoint!

Well we didn’t have enough going on this year (just kidding) so we added another trip.  Hubby is a guitar collector and “player” and had mentioned a few months a god that he would love to see BB King while BB is still performing – then Peter Frampton posted on his page that he would be touring with BB this year so we anxiously awaited the schedule and found that Colorado would be the perfect fit.  Hubby had 2 free airline tickets from his employer to celebrate his 10 year anniversary and I would be able to visit my niece in Evergreen.  So August 16th (a Friday) found us flying our way to Colorado, upon arriving we realized other than the concert on Tuesday and dinner with my niece on Sunday we had no real plans.

Hmmmm what to do…….

We had arrived about 8:30 am so we had all day (we had to get up at 4:30 am for our rendezvous with the plane!).  After picking up our Avis car – (I love Avis Preferred!) – I took the little map Avis gives us and start scouting.  Vail looked like a great first stop – so we headed west on I-70.  Here are a few photos from our first day….

Harper would've liked this place!  We really enjoyed it too!  Sat outside enjoying the beautiful area and a fabulous Bloody Mary and did I mentioned the "truffle" french fries were excellent!
Harper would’ve liked this place! We really enjoyed it too! Sat outside enjoying the beautiful area and a fabulous Bloody Mary and did I mentioned the “truffle” french fries were excellent!
We thoroughly enjoyed walking around Vail - so much to see and NO HUMIDITY!
We thoroughly enjoyed walking around Vail – so much to see and NO HUMIDITY!
Feels so European
Feels so European
Love how the sweet potatoe vine shines in this hanging basket
Love how the sweet potato vine shines in this hanging basket
Amazing sculptures
Amazing sculptures
Stairs are everywhere - should've had an UP bracelet for this trip!
Stairs are everywhere – should’ve had an UP bracelet for this trip!
Hubby liked the bear sculpture
Hubby liked the bear sculpture
You can almost here the thunder of the horse running
You can almost here the thunder of the horse running
Love the architecture
Love the architecture
This is the back of the Stop sign - it's all about the details!
This is the back of the Stop sign – it’s all about the details!
I love roof lines
I love roof lines
So much detail in this sculpture
So much detail in this sculpture
had to take a couple shots of this one
had to take a couple of shots of this one
And the flowers
And the flowers
Love mountain flowers
Love mountain flowers
A creek in the middle of the resort - I bet that water is shivery cold!
A creek in the middle of the resort – I bet that water is shivery cold!
Did I mention the artwork?
Did I mention the artwork?
More architecture to love
More architecture to love
Yep - more stairs!
Yep – more stairs!
This is a cloud bench in a playground with wind chimes to catch the lower breezes
This is a cloud bench in a playground with wind chimes to catch the lower breezes
Where am I again?
Where am I again?
Rows of mountains as far as the eye can see
Rows of mountains as far as the eye can see
Interesting "fence"
Interesting “fence”
Heading back towards Denver
Heading back towards Denver
Natures Wonders
Natures Wonders
A weed in the middle of a parking lot - it's the little things in life!
A weed in the middle of a parking lot – it’s the little things in life!

Dinner that evening was a little Cuban Place I found when I googled – “where to eat in Lakewood, CO”  We almost didn’t get there because the Iphone GPS did not quite know where it was – however the reviews had said it was a little tiny place in a strip mall so we kept looking and we are so happy we found “Frijoles” Cuban Restaurant.  This is the place the locals eat, while there may not be many tables, they stayed full and lots of people were in/out for take-out.  The atmosphere was almost like eating in “grandmas kitchen”.  I highly recommend you try Frijoles in Lakewood, CO, but you might want to wait a few days as they were expecting the birth of a new grandchild and planned to close for a few days to enjoy the big event!

More from Colorado later – now it is time to QUILT!

25 Years – The Celebration!

We tied the knot on Leap Year Day – 1988 so I guess it is really a 4 1/4 anniversary – right?  Anyway I found it a good enough reason to celebrate and surprised him with a couple nights stay at one of our favorite Park City spots – The Washington School Hotel formerly known as the Washington School Inn B&B.  When we started dating back in ’86 Mr. Green was in training to become an air traffic controller, not an ideal job for a man that does not make quick decisions – he is so much an engineer!  Anyway when we were married some of the wonderful folks he had gone through ATC training with gave us a certificate to stay at the Washington School Inn. We love to find B&B’s when possible and have stayed in several over the years, however our favorite is still WSI and with the updates done about 2 years ago it is OVER THE TOP!  I have truly never experienced customer service like we had at the Washington School Hotel.  The staff was fabulous and I think they are almost mind readers – that is how attentive they are!  Yes it was a SPLURGE – but I would do it again in a heartbeat.  They say you regret the things you DON’T do – I can say I don’t have any regrets on this trip!  Our fabulous friends also met us (they flew in from San Antonio).  The night I met my wonderful husband he was on a date with one of these beautiful women and she and I have a most wonderful friendship – we were thrilled they were able to join us for our celebration.

When we arrive at WSH our bags were taken to our room – when we stepped in the room I had 25 red roses waiting for me (did you know florists do not like to sell 25 roses – they want to sell in even dozens, Mr. Green was persistent though!)  There was also a bottle of very nice champagne (procured by the hotel staff).  On our last evening I was delighted to find Raspberries Dipped in White Chocolate – a treat we had over 20 years ago in Park City.  The staff at WSH contacted Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, they were not willing to prepare these even if the hotel brought them the raspberries, well the hotel went the extra mile, they were able to purchase the white chocolate from RMCF and then they had the hotel chef prepare my wonderful surprise!  See what I mean about the customer service!

Oh I don’t think I mentioned – I was already going to be in Salt Lake and it was also the Park City Arts Festival – one of my favorite things to do!  And while I do not miss the snow in Utah I do miss those mountains!

The first evening we dined at Chimayo – FABULOUS!  On Saturday while we were walking the festival we were also checking menus and decided on The River Horse (because they had truffle mac and cheese) and dinner here was AMAZING!  Do you have a favorite spot in Park City?  I would love to hear about it!

Here are a few photos from our celebration – I hope you enjoy!

The Old Mill in Holladay, UT - what a great old building - I sure wish it could be restored!
The Old Mill in Holladay, UT – what a great old building – I sure wish it could be restored!

What a beautiful chandelier
What a beautiful chandelier
Street Art on a parking terrace
Street Art on a parking terrace
They really were not in to posing!
They really were not in to posing!
Friday evening the vendors were setting up
Friday evening the vendors were setting up
I think they will also be back to WSH!
I think they will also be back to WSH!
Harper also made the trip from San Antonio to celebrate with us - she loved Park City too!
Harper also made the trip from San Antonio to celebrate with us – she loved Park City too!
The path from the lower entrance up to the pool
The path from the lower entrance up to the pool
I love mountain flowers
I love mountain flowers
Flowers along the way
Flowers along the way
A beautiful weed!
A beautiful weed!

Another Wilt – This time in Salt Lake City – Elaine’s Quilt Block

At the end of July I had the wonderful opportunity to return home to Salt Lake City to teach some Judy Niemeyer classes.  I had stopped by Elaine’s Quilt Block in December of 2012 (and purchased University of Utah fabric) and met the owner, Ione.  She said she would be very interested in having me come teach.  As I worked through my scheduled it just happened that I was flying through Salt Lake on my way Montana for a weeklong retreat with Judy Niemeyer.  So – I just extended my stop over on the way home to include a few days teaching and then playing (more on the playing in an upcoming post; stay-tuned).

Day 1 we had a beginning paper piecing class and made Hoffman Crackers.  Days 2-4 were Quilting Til We Wilted and when we start to wilt they would feed us – FABULOUS FOOD – and then Ione would make daily Starbuck’s runs so we could sew and sew and sew.  Pattern for our Wilt was Bali Wedding Star and there are some beautiful ones in the making.

Just in case you missed out on the fun in July – it looks like I will be coming back in February 2014.  If you have a Judy Niemeyer pattern you would like to make be sure to let the shop know as they are in the process of selecting which workshop(s) will be offered.

I hope you enjoy these photos from my workshops at Elaine’s Quilt Block

Beginning paper-piecing - Hoffman Crackers was the pattern of choice!
Beginning paper-piecing – Hoffman Crackers was the pattern of choice!
Adding a goose
Adding a goose
Love those swirling geese
Love those swirling geese
Marilyn is using a common background and sashing her geese
Marilyn is using a common background and sashing her geese
Nicole made hers out of a Moda Smores jelly roll - PS her quilt is ALL DONE - she added sashings and a piano key border!
Nicole made hers out of a Moda Smores jelly roll – PS her quilt is ALL DONE – she added sashings and a piano key border!
Bobbie made good use of the coloring page in the pattern - she has a plan and knows how to execute it
Bobbie made good use of the coloring page in the pattern – she has a plan and knows how to execute it
Bobbie's quilt is going to be stunning
Bobbie’s quilt is going to be stunning
These beautiful strips are from Artisan Batiks - they are going to make beautiful arcs
These beautiful strips are from Artisan Batiks – they are going to make beautiful arcs
My beautiful niece Nicole - she came to the beginning paper piecing class and stayed for the Quilt Til You Wilt
My beautiful niece Nicole – she came to the beginning paper piecing class and stayed for the Quilt Til You Wilt
Nicole is trimming her arcs
Nicole is trimming her arcs
Marilyn is being careful, has her klutz glove on and she is cutting all of those A/B arcs
Marilyn is being careful, has her klutz glove on and she is cutting all of those A/B arcs
Marilyn made good use of a shaded fabric and the creative grid rulers designed by Judy Niemeyer - no piecing in her arcs
Marilyn made good use of a shaded fabric and the creative grid rulers designed by Judy Niemeyer – no piecing in her arcs
Ann is using Hoffman Bali Pops for her arcs - aren't they scrumptious?
Ann is using Hoffman Bali Pops for her arcs – aren’t they scrumptious?
Gaye's 2nd Bali Wedding Star is "Shades of Grey" with  teal stars!
Gaye’s 2nd Bali Wedding Star is “Shades of Grey” with teal stars!
Gaye's has already made one of these quilts - isn't it beautiful - Asian fabrics
Gaye’s has already made one of these quilts – isn’t it beautiful – Asian fabrics
A little closer....
A little closer….
A close-up of the star.  I have seen her design for the quilting - it will be a SHOW STOPPER!
A close-up of the star. I have seen her design for the quilting – it will be a SHOW STOPPER!
Yippee!  LuAnn made a melon!
Yippee! LuAnn made a melon!
They are all working so hard!
They are all working so hard!
Strip piecing the arcs
Strip piecing the arcs
Diane really made lunch as pretty as it was yummy!
Diane really made lunch as pretty as it was yummy!
Presentation Presentation Presentation
Presentation Presentation Presentation
One of the 2 longarms at the shop made a great lunch buffet
One of the 2 longarms at the shop made a great lunch buffet
Kale Salad - it was very good
Kale Salad – it was very good
Another scrumptious salad
Another scrumptious salad
And this strawberry shortcake had HOMEMADE whip cream!
And this strawberry shortcake had HOMEMADE whip cream!
Sunrise over the mountains before I left to teach one morning
Sunrise over the mountains before I left to teach one morning
You can just barely see the mountain
You can just barely see the mountain

No I haven’t Wilted!!!!

WOW! – I have been so busy these past few weeks.  It will take me a few posts to catch up – but catch up I will do!

Prior to leaving for Montana we had another fun filled Quilt Til You Wilt (Almost 40 hours of sewing over 3 days) at Pinwheels and Posies http://www.pinwheelsandposies.com  I taught the Mariners Compass Quilt  and had some fabulous students.  The class was not full so we also opened it up for previous Mariner’s Compass Students to come work on their quilts.  It was so wonderful for those beginning the quilt to see the progress made by previous students.  Of course Peggy made sure we were well fed, including those fabulous cakes from “Nothing Bundt Cake”, chocolate covered strawberries and lots of nourishing food

Here are a few photos that you might enjoy…

Several of the students are working on the kit using Judy's original fabrics from Hoffman
Several of the students are working on the kit using Judy’s original fabrics from Hoffman
Millie's center
Millie’s center
Millie's quilt is coming along nicely
Millie’s quilt is coming along nicely
Oh Look Millie almost has a wedge
Oh Look Millie almost has a wedge
I love the colors in Sharon's quilt
I love the colors in Sharon’s quilt
Sari has been working on her quilt for her niece
Sari has been working on her quilt for her niece
And the last seam is done - oh but wait she now adding the expansion border!
And the last seam is done – oh but wait she now adding the expansion border!
Did someone say sustenance!
Did someone say sustenance!
Can't go wrong with Gio's
Can’t go wrong with Gio’s
Yes - a very fun group indeed!
Yes – a very fun group indeed!

Quilts Quilts Quilts!

This morning I slept in – the sun was already over the mountain.  We had a lot of entertainment last night and so the pillow was very welcoming.  I would love to share some of the entertainment, but what happens at a Quiltworx Retreat – stays at a Quiltworx Retreat!  (Well at least it won’t be printed here!)  We also had a very important history lesson – we all now know why George Washington chopped down the cherry tree!

Breakfast yesterday - they removed the calories for us!
Breakfast yesterday – they removed the calories for us!
These nectarines were soooo juicy!
These nectarines were soooo juicy!
Pieces and parts
Pieces and parts
Judy demo's removing the paper!
Judy demo’s removing the paper!
Oh - so that is how you pin that unit!
Oh – so that is how you pin that unit!
The master demos sewing tips and tricks
The master demos sewing tips and tricks
Peggy was the first one to get a wedge together - she was so excited!  (PS - this was the one Judy used as her demo)
Peggy was the first one to get a wedge together – she was so excited! (PS – this was the one Judy used as her demo)
Marking the S Curve on the feathered star queen size
Marking the S Curve on the feathered star queen size
Pinning the S Curve
Pinning the S Curve
Sewing the S curve
Sewing the S curve
Ginny is going to BACK AWAY from the quilt!
Ginny is going to BACK AWAY from the quilt!
This describes Ginny's quilt!
This describes Ginny’s quilt!
WOW!  Ginny - we love your Captain's Wheel!
WOW! Ginny – we love your Captain’s Wheel!
Back Door Quilt Shoppe's new Mariner's Compass - Lauren is form Billings, MT
Back Door Quilt Shoppe’s new Mariner’s Compass – Lauren is form Billings, MT
And here it is with the ropes added!
And here it is with the ropes added!
Cozy Quilts from Ontario, Canada is making this beautiful Mariner's Compass - I wish you could see the prints on the batiks in her sails.
Cozy Quilts from Ontario, Canada is making this beautiful Mariner’s Compass – I wish you could see the prints on the batiks in her sails.
Quilting from the Heart in Camrose, Canada has me lusting after the Kaufman Radiance Silks!
Quilting from the Heart in Camrose, Canada has me lusting after the Kaufman Radiance Silks!
Carol from Batiks Etcetera is working very hard - I just love her autumn colors
Carol from Batiks Etcetera is working very hard – I just love her autumn colors
Sally has made so much progress - I love the purples, greens and blues
Sally has made so much progress – I love the purples, greens and blues
When they figured out how to work the A/C, Ardelle had to creative to stay warm!
When they figured out how to work the A/C, Ardelle had to creative to stay warm!
I really haven't been doing much so I have borrowed Judy's table runners so you can see what the finished quilt will look like!
I really haven’t been doing much so I have borrowed Judy’s table runners so you can see what the finished quilt will look like!
Pinwheels and Posies sample is simple elegance at its best!  The quilters back home are going to love this one!
Pinwheels and Posies sample is simple elegance at its best! The quilters back home are going to love this one!