Up, Up and Away

We have a granddaughter who is studying in Florence, Italy this semester so we took advantage of that and went to visit her, taking her mom and dad along with us.  We had such a nice time and finished the trip off with a couple of days in Lucerne, Switzerland. 

Although we have visited Florence before, we never tire of the beautiful sights and food found there.

Ponte Vecchio bridge in center of photo.

View of the Ponte Vecchio

The Duomo in Florence

Italy has some gorgeous leather and there were so many beautiful and unique purses.  This one made me think of Soma who does such lovely photography and has a terrific Wandering Camera post on her blog HERE.

Some sights from the Mercato Centrale.

One of the days we traveled by train to Venice and spent time touring the city and enjoying the sights. 

Lucerne is another city that we have visited in the past.  It is such a gorgeous city and one of our favorite places.  The weather was incredible while we were there so we were able to enjoy walking the city and spending time sitting by the lake.  It's a bit early for the flowers on Chapel Bridge, but it is beautiful anyway.

The bridge was built in the 1300s.  Although there was a fire that destroyed 80+ of the 118 paintings on the inside of the bridge, the remaining paintings are beautifully maintained.

As are the paintings on the buildings throughout the Old Town. 

Lake Lucerne with the snowy Alps as a backdrop.

The Dying Lion Monument

These look like wild primrose growing in the lawns.

The top of Mt. Pilatus

While in Lucerne I had the best time meeting up and visiting with a long time blogging friend of mine.  Linds, of Rocking Chair Reflections blog and IG Linds56, happened to be visiting her sister in the area.  She lives in middle England and we have been blogging friends for over ten years.  We sat out by Lake Lucerne and chatted away, having the best time.  It was so nice to meet in real life.

Adjusting to the time since we returned home has allowed some VERY EARLY morning stitching.  What else does one do when they are up at 3 a.m.?  Thank goodness that the sewing studio is on the other side of the house.  More Bloom blocks can be seen on Cheryl's BLOG.  

Can it be Spring?

We've enjoyed a wee warm up for the last few days and I am actually believing that spring may finally be just around the corner for us.

As well as warmer weather, the Peeps are in the stores.  I don't know what happened to the rest of them.  lol

Spring, as usual, means the grandkid's school auction.  That means it was time to make a new 18" doll uniform.  This year I did the skort version instead of the jumper.  Most of the girls now wear the skorts.

We had four little ones while their parents were out of town so there was lots of creative time going on around here.  This little guy was fascinated with counted cross stitch.  He made a lovely tree ornament which I forgot to photograph before he took it home. 

There was make believe time too.  The sweet face of a princess....

I was hoping to get two flowers done this week for the Bloom SAL, but that did not happen.  One will have to do.  Five down and fifteen to go by September.  You can see more at Cheryll's blog HERE.

These fun bee blocks for our Gridster Bee are flying off to Marsha  (IG quilterinmotion).  I'm looking forward to seeing these come together in a quilt. 

These hanging kitchen towels are off to Arizona for Sara as a part of our Sewing with Friends group.  We are doing the hanging towels for each other this year. 

 I had to capture this picture of Rudy on this cushion as it reminded me of Toby doing the same thing when he was just a pup. 

Is it Spring Yet?

Well ..... it's hardly spring in our area yet.  I hope it is doing better in your areas.  More rain is expected this weekend and an even stronger storm is rolling in next week.  I'm so ready for warm temperatures and sunshine.  Will March be "in like a lion and out like a lamb?"

The first of the month means it is time for the Minis and More Parade.  Michele and Sherri come up with great ideas each month and February was all about pincushions.  I decided to make some patriotic pincushions. I have been wanting to have a little bowl of pincushions on the sofa table for some time now.  I thought it would be fun to change them out for the seasons.  The bowl is made by Char at Cloth Stitched.  I'm sure these will probably be used as bean bags when the kids are here.

It's also time for the next block in the Bloom SAL.  You can read all about it HERE.  I was hoping to get two blocks done this time, but maybe it will happen next time.

We celebrated my mom's 96th birthday this week.

The days have been a bit busy as we added to our household.  This sweet little guy has come to stay and we are back into puppy training again.  Toby has made quick friends with Rudy.

They play hard and then they sleep just as hard.