AIRLINE DRAMA

Getting up at 4:30 AM to travel should be the most exciting part of one's day.....NOT.  Upon final descent in Ft. Myers we were suddenly diverted to Tampa.  The nose gear of this private Lear jet collapsed during landing and was blocking the runway, thus closing the airport for 3 hours.  Fortunately, no one was hurt.  

Our plane didn't have enough fuel to continue to circle so we made a side trip to Tampa for refueling and to wait for the airport to reopen.  I finally arrived in Ft. Myers about 3 hrs. late and more drama to share about traveling!

Cool idea.....my hotel provided packaged sanitizers......I used it for my phone and TV remote!!

I was upgraded to a mini suite.....couch/chair and happily, a king size bed with 5  pillows!  This is pitiful,  it only took me 10 mins. to destroy the lovely appearance of the room as I unloaded my 3 suitcases and book boxes, in a rush to prepare for the evening lecture.

The Ft. Myers Quilters were such a receptive and engaging group....it was certainly fun to share my work with their members.  I'm Pooped....need to sign off and get to bed. Thanks for being here!

MOTHER NATURE!

I guess all my crowing about how nice the weather was, caused Mother Nature to send a little reminder.....yup, she's in charge. 

The temperature dipped down to just below freezing last night, enough to allow a little dusting of snow to accumulate. 

This cold spell was predicted, and since it's expected to last through Monday night, we ('the husband') brought in all our plants.  Most are in our garage, but it's no real sacrifice giving up the laundry room too, because it smelled wonderful this morning!

As luck would have it, I'll escape some of the chill because I'm headed to Florida before the crack 0'dawn tomorrow.  I'll be presenting a lecture in the evening to the SW Florida Quilters Guild, followed by 2 days of workshops.  Next, the Naples Quilters Guild will host me for a few days before I head back home next Sunday.  With 4 classes, I'm sure to have examples to post.....so, I'll be talking to you again shortly.

COMMENTS TO BLOG

Faithful readers....sadly, I had to remove the comment section from this blog.  Apparently the pfishing/spam snakes of this cyber world have nothing better to do than try to lure internet users to their sites....which of course are nothing but trash.

Recently, I've had a slew of comments posted which, when clicked, will download things you don't want to your computer.  Monitoring the posted comments has become too time consuming.  SO.....if you really, really want to connect with me - OR leave comments....feel free to use the link provided.   AND....please know, I love hearing from all of you!!

If one of my posts becomes a hot subject with lots of comments, I'll post them directly to the blog for everyone to see, and will keep your email address private.  

CONTINUED.....

.....CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY....

My friend Dort is a quilter and in some respects....lives a pioneer life.  Her home was built in 1880, and of course many updates have been made since then.  She got an indoor bathroom in the late 1970's!  

They have some space heaters, but the main heat source comes from this wood stove.

After lunch on Dort's deck, we unveiled our show and tell.  Lynn (on the right) shared a quilt that will be selling at one of the venues she works with.

Dort has her own studio which is above her husband's work shop in a stand alone building.  It's compact and jammed with supplies.  She's working on a vest made from upholstery fabrics.

The next time I even 'think' about complaining that there's not enough room in my studio.....I'll bonk myself on my head.  Dort's manages to do the most amazing machine stitching in this small space!

Next, we took a hike to the end of her property, into a neighbor's acreage where we all gawked at a really, really old log cabin.  Note the draw bridge....it spans between the door and stone steps....over an area which must have a small stream at times.  I wonder what the impact of that water must be on the cabin?  Look at the size of these logs....seriously, they are at least 16-20" wide.

Now, this is truly pioneer living.  I think I'd be forever constipated if this relic was in my world.

The property also had a fish pond....and of course we had to investigate.

Connie found this box turtle....after the photo session.....it was placed back where it was found.....headed in the same direction.  Apparently that's key....though none of us knew if this was folk lore or not.   

I'm finally settling in here.....experiencing different lifestyles and a new environment and best of all with new good friends.

FUN WITH FRIENDS

Today, members of our small bee -  PTA (Piecing, Talking, & Applique) met at Dort Lee's home......(look for her quilt juried into Paducah).  Her property is amazing.....52 acres completely off the beaten path.  Driving on a gravel road, (path??) you have to ford a creek to access this hidden area.

Notice her two cows grazing in the background......which we were told will be be in their freezer soon.

Wild flowers abound everywhere.

The creek that runs through the property is enchanting....I could have sat and listened to it all day.

This is a back view of her home which was built in 1880.  The original beadboard walls and ceilings are still in place.

SORRY DEAR READERS.....AFTER TRYING FOR AN HOUR, I CAN'T GET BLOGGER TO UPLOAD ANY MORE PHOTOS....TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW......

PLAYMATES

Despite my dread of these two wheeled vehicles.....'the husband' wore me down.  I finally relented and agreed not to put up a fuss if he purchased one.  He's thrilled....our area is motorcycle heaven.  Lot's of curvy roads with beautiful scenery.

However, I refuse to go along.  Our personable mail delivery gal teases us about my fear of the road.  Recently, she set my husband up on a blind date with a fellow midwesterner who is in the process of building a home nearby who was looking for a riding partner.  The 'boys' enjoyed their first date about a week ago.

David - aka 'the husband' and his BMW

Now David has two playmates.....our new friends Lee and his wife Janet, originally from Milwaukee.  They'll be returning to their lake home in Michigan in May until their mountain home is complete when they'll come back and live here full time.  (Clearly, Janet is NOT afraid of motorcycles!)

The weather has turned warm and beautiful.  Since the leaves are still not filled out, riding is a joy because you can see forever.  Unfortunately, David's 'seat time' is on hold.....he got called for jury duty and has been serving since Monday.  He's hoping to be released at the end of the week.  I'm trying to keep myself busy in my studio....yeah!!!!

GIVING

Thank you friends for sending birthday wishes my way.....really, I am very touched!

Our darling daughter-in-law Kelly, has a family tradition where in addition to perhaps receiving gifts, they also GIVE gifts on their birthday.  In that spirit, since 'the husband' was scheduled to give blood for our community Red Cross blood drive, I got up my nerve and became a donor for the first time.  It truly can be the gift of life for someone in need.  Frankly, I don't know why I've been such a chicken about it!

As a first time donor, I received a little thank you gift packet.  This is a really nifty insulated lunch sack......but I'll bet sewing tools would fit nicely, and they'd be well protected.

A refrigerator magnet, first time donor pin, and a donation calender were also included.  I was surprised to learn that while only 5% of eligible people actually donate, it's estimated that 95% of us will need blood in our lifetime.

PLEASE consider becoming a regular donor.  Visit the American Red Cross to find a donation center or blood drive near you.

LAUGH OUT LOUD!

My brother and his wife sent me this card.....truly LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY.  So, okay, it doesn't take much...but I loved the bovine theme.

Yup, today's a big milestone birthday....where did the time go??  Happy birthday Nancy.....I know you are nearby.

SMOKEY MOUNTAINS

We've been enjoying some much needed rain today.  The moisture brought us the conditions that helped to name this area.....Smokey Mountains.  What can often appear as smoke from a fire that creeps up and out of the forested mountains, is merely low clouds.

This photo was taken off our back deck in a north eastern direction.  The mountain is approximately 4,500-5,000 feet elevation.

Here's another view, perhaps a bit more dramatic.

Two of the three mountains to our south are obscured by the misty clouds.  More rain is expected tonight, but by tomorrow the temperatures will be nearly 70 degrees.  'The husband' is already planning a ride on his motorcycle.....while I'm going to work in my studio.  Life is good here in our mountain valley! 

GRAZING BACK IN WISCONSIN

After selling one of my favorite large quilts last year, I made the decision to find new homes for many more pieces.  We don't have room to display them and since most are highly embellished, they are too difficult to travel with.   More importantly, I'd really like to have them appreciated, instead of stored in our guest room.  

A collector in the Milwaukee area, whom I've known for ages, just purchased this fun little quilt. I couldn't be happier that it's finding its way back to Wisconsin....so it can graze with whatever herd it desires.

I've mentioned often about how working with a specific theme helps to generate ideas and even new techniques for me.  A bovine theme continues to make me smile and get my brain cells bouncing.