VISITNG THE PAST

Many Midwest cities are steeped in Native American heritage......as was my hometown.  I was so surprised at the amount of information that was pertinent to my interests that was available at the historical society. 

 Can you imagine stitching with this needle.....and in person...it really was this large.

 BEADS?!?  Did someone say beads?!?

 The stunning Native American beadwork on display blew my mind......most featured very small seed beads....not the typical larger pony beads that we may all be familiar with.

Moving forward in time...this 1920's dentist office display reminded me why I HATE going to the dentist!!

ROAD AMERICA

"The husband" is quite the race car fan......sport cars mainly....sorry Nascar fans....we don't follow them.  I grew up in Wisconsin very close to one of the world's best race tracks....Road America.  I believe I've gone there once a year for nearly 50 years.

So....after driving for hours, and hours, and hours from NC.......in the RAIN....we arrive in Wisconsin, and yes....it's still raining.  So instead of dealing with a total 'wife' revolt had we gone to the race track....we spent the day in my nearby hometown.  

 The historical society had an exhibit celebrating the 60th anniversary of Road America....it's located blocks from where I lived so memories flooded back.  One was of my twin sister, who broke her leg as she tripped coming down the hill from the old water tower....just steps from this location...which was fairly remote in those days. I recall my Mom kept telling her it was a sprain....poor Nancy had to spend the whole night in pain before our parents took her to the ER for Xrays.  YUP....it was broken.....BAD..... 

The exhibit was not extensive, but for fans of Road America, it was interesting.

 Even now....race drivers are generally short and slim.......but their protection is vastly superior to this suit.

I do think that many fans go to the races to see crashes......we don't. We love to see good clean driving competition. (Though I may be reading my Kindle during much of the race). This spin out occurred right in front of where we were standing......no one was hurt...in fact, after watching the TV play back (now that we are at home)....it was totally driver error....a little oops...

For us.....Porsche fans.....the ending was THRILLING.......They placed # 1 & #2.  The #2 car actually had problems with its engine during time trials.....and had a whole new engine put in overnight.  So it had to start at the very end of the pack....very LAST car!!  On the last lap he was in third place and YEAH....ended #2. 

Would I rather be sewing....probably....but a gal has to get along with 'the husband'......grinning....... 

NOT AN ORDINARY SEWING PROJECT

So....'the husand' asked me to tackle a project for him.  It seemed simple when he described the task....ha, surprise, surprise....it didn't take the 15 minutes I thought it would.

 These are SUPER, SUPER strong magnets....that I was to sew into the top of a flag.

No problem....says me.  I set about sewing a casing at the top of the flag.

 Thinking....I'd slide each of the 8 magnets into the sleeve....and machine stitch lines on each side to hold them in place.  NOT.....I was literally laughing out loud when I plopped the flag onto the bed of my sewing machine (with 1 magnet in place)......well....smack me in the face!  Of course the magnet stuck to the machine....and couldn't be moved.  Naturally, immediately I tugged it off....worrying the magnet could affect the computer in the machine.

So....I had to stitch little pockets by hand....NOT easy as the needle kept stitching to the magnet....as did the scissors when I cut the thread.  Really, it was comic!

But......finally they were all stitched in place and the 'flag' will now be firmly secured over the auto's windshield.  One of the annual car races we attend is located in an area where the soil is particularly nasty.....this hopefully will save the windshield.

Dr. McDreamy - a new career

WHOOH....HOOO...... I guess the career change has worked out for Patrick Dempsey......his team came in 2nd in their division at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans!!!

Porsche also placed # 1 and # 2 in the overall main category.

 THEIR BACK!!!!!

ON WISCONSIN!!!!

Okay.....so I live in NC...been here for nearly 9 years (hard to believe).  There are many wonderful things I can say specifically about our location.  However, my heart is still in Wisconsin (and if the weather was more suitable for my old age.....I'd still be living there.)

With that said.......Whoop, whoop.....the Badger's did it....they ended Kentucky's winning streak on Saturday night....and are we ever proud of you "Sheboygan Sam!!".

Good luck tonight in securing the national title against Duke.....

        ON WISCONSIN                                                  GO BADGERS     

WISCONSIN BIAS

Okay.....so my Wisconsin bias is showing...... GO BADGERS!!!  GOOD LUCK TONIGHT.

Wisconsin Badger's Basketball coach Bo Ryan (L) and "Sheboygan Sam" Sam Dekker......

And while we are on the subject of Wisconsin sports.......The Green Bay Packers are now officially 'America's Team'......not a surprise to this Packer Backer.  A quarter of America roots for the 'The Pack'.  (Thank you Lynn for the heads up!)  Of course you all want to learn more....so click here.

LAST RACE OF THE YEAR - WHEW!!

While you all may have been enjoying creative stitching time, I on the other hand have endured another car race weekend.  BUT, it's the last one of the year that I will be dragged to!!

This may be more than you want to know about my weekend or car racing.....so feel free to close your browser now.

 A small payoff......Patrick Dempsey, lead actor of Grey's Anatomy - turned race car owner/driver came to the Porscheplatz (hospitality area for members of the Porsche Club of America) for a short chat.  For anyone into racing the fellow to his right is Hurly Haywood.....mucho famous driver.....who has now retired from competitive racing but is now a consultant for Team Dempsey. Yes, Dr. McDreamy is cute in person, however he is a little shrimp....as many race car drivers are.

 If you are still with me.....here's a peak at the Porsche garage.  BTW - these are temorary 'garages' put up and taken down at each race they attend.  And we quilters thought we hauled a lot of 'stuff' to our events!

...swarms of technicians surround the two factory sponsored cars.

 Road Atlanta, the host of the Petit LeMans, was PACKED with spectators..... every imaginable vehicle and some you can't imagine were there.  The majority of folks camp....tents, campers, trailers, mega motor homes and then this creative 'camper'.  We talked to some fellows who got in line 7 days early to get a number (12th in line) which allowed them early access, 4 days before the race began!  At least 'the husband' isn't that crazy!

 And another out of the box camper!

 Like I said.....the place was packed.

 There's an almost circus atmosphere....just prior to the beginning of this 10 hour endurance race....3 sky divers leaped from a plane and handed off a huge American flag from one to another.....landing on the starting grid.  I guess you needed to be there it was....awesome.

And of course there was the race.......which ended at 9:15 PM.  PS.....I don't think I've thawed out yet....it was cold....made more so by the non-stop wind.  

Now.....with a the rest of the week ahead.....I'm looking forward to sewing....

ROLEX 24 HOUR RACE - 2014

My apologies....this post isn't sewing related.....so read on....or not!

For the last 10 years 'the husband' has dragged me to Daytona, FL in January to attend the Rolex 24 hour car race.  YES....you read right.....crazy teams of 3 or 4 drivers and a host of support help compete in this race. I couldn't venture to guess the cost of having a car participate in this event....except to say....moola bucks!

Our favorite manufacturer is back this year with 2 entries....here in the garage, it often looks like a surgery suite, with tools and doctors working on their patient! (They mess around qualifying and testing the cars for several days before the actual race.)

Here 'she' is all ready to go.....pretty no???

The whole country seems to be in a deep freeze and FL was no exception. Everyone was bundled up.  Me included....seriously the first day I wore 4 layers, plus gloves, and a hat!

 Rows and rows and rows of fancy motor homes provided comfort for their owners......

....but this was how mere mortals camped....I've never seen it so crowded, tents were often only inches apart.  We, on the other hand wisely stay in a hotel!!

Some brought their couches to relax and enjoy a brew......this 'decorated' tree photo was taken on the 2nd day we attended....the day the race began. It wasn't so well balanced the day after!

 Here's a crew member taking in a few zz's about 15 hours into the race.

....AND HERE'S OUR WINNING TEAM.....The 3 drivers on the left in the 911 car won 1st place in their class on their first race.  Yeah!!!  We were lucky to hear their strategies when they made a pre-race appearance at the PCA hospitality tent where we hang out.  2 cars = 6 drivers from 6 different countries!  The 2nd car had a mechanical issue and didn't finish the race.  This isn't unusual, 67 cars started and only two thirds might finish. 

 Unfortunately, there was a very bad crash involving 2 cars just as the sun was setting, (average speed is something like 170 mph) both drivers were badly injured but miraculously survived.   

Final report....Dr. McDreamy's (Patrick Dempsy of Grey's Anatomy) - another Porsche sponsored car, finished 22nd in his class.  They too had mechanical issues and some driver error problems too.   Yes, he's as cute in person as on TV....but quite the little shrimp. 

HOLDING OUR BREATH

Not to worry....I'm still here......all is well....just taking a short break from blogging.  BUT...I really do thank those of you who were concerned enough about my lack of daily posting to email me!!!  It's much appreciated!

Packer lovers are beginning their nail biting, breath holding as time draws closer to tomorrows big game..... Packers vs Bears ....winner to claim the division title and move onto the playoffs.

 In preparation, Sooty had to try on her Packer jersey.  Though she isn't thrilled with the fit!

However....our biggest weapon.....Hip Hip Hooray.....Aaron Rodgers is BACK....but we lost the golden god, Clay Matthews to a thumb injury.....  

Will the Pack be back???  We sure hope so....and darn it, of course it's not on TV here in NC......so we'll be straining to hear every word of the play by play on the internet.....while we munch on our cheese curds.

WHY YOU AREN'T SEEING MORE FIBER!

Really.....I will get back in the studio soon.....

 It's just that lately, there have been so many other activities on my schedule.  We have recommitted ourselves to make more of an effort to explore our surroundings. Western North Carolina is a mecca for outdoor lovers. The famous Appalachian Trail runs through our state and part of that trail passes through the Pisgah National Forest, which is right in our backyard. 

 We hiked Max Patch, which is often called the "Jewel Of The Appalachian Trail."  Click here for some amazing photos and learn more details here.  The vistas are breathtaking as it sits about 4,200 feet elevation. At this time of the year, on a weekday, it's fairly deserted which I appreciate. 

 Sooty, our black lab, took the lead on our hike.

The white blaze marks on the wood stakes indicates that you are on the Appalachian Trail.  Someone kindly provided these carved pumpkins for all to enjoy.

I have one more adventure on my calendar.....then I'll get back to work.

ANOTHER RACE WEEKEND

Frankly, I don't know why I'm bothering to blog about my weekend at Road Atlanta.......it's most likely as boring for you to read as it was for me to experience.  Well, it wasn't totally awful but Saturday's weather was awful. Even with 4 layers I was still freezing in the cold and on/off rain.  For anyone who is a car race fan, you may know why this was such a big deal.  It was the final, forever, race of the American LeMans Series which is merging with the Grand Am Series.  Okay, enuff of the back story....click delete or close now if you wish, or read on for a peek at what this world is all about.

 Luckily, we are members of a car club that has a hospitality tent, with parking...a big deal at these huge events.  They do a great job of have tech talks and personalities who share strategies and insights.  This is team Falken....who ended up coming in 1st place in their class.....Yeah!!

 Friday was a beautiful day.....nice to stroll the rows and rows of vendors and team outdoor 'garages'.

 As I mentioned, Sat. was cold with on/off rain...it didn't take long for one of the cars to spin out into the gravel right in front of where we were huddled in the hospitality tent.

 One aspect kept me amused.....I swear there was hardly a sq. foot on this huge race track facility that wasn't filled.  Creative camping, no??

 Bumper to bumper tents.....

 And this is just a tiny snippet view of how the upper crust 'camp"!

No track can come close in quality to the food at Road America in Wisconsin...but then perhaps I'm biased.....but we are now in the South and folks here love their BBQ......

 We found a nice cafe for dinner on Friday night that had this creative, almost patchwork, wine cork wall covering. The race on Sat. is 10 hours long, ending about 10:00 PM.  Ya, I know....10 hours...just think how much sewing could be done in 10 hours! The above BBQ stand provided our dinner....no nice cozy cafe for me Saturday night.

The 2013 season of attending races is over for us, but 'the husband' is already looking forward to the Rolex 24 Hour Race in January.  Yup, I did say 24 hours!!  I cringe at the thought already...but thankfully we do not stay all night....the whining on my part would be unbearable.

Thanks for reading this....and for what I know is your pity......