Fall

The days are definitely shorter and darker.  From the weather channel it sounds like it has been an early winter for many across the states.  This morning I was out wandering in the gardens and noticed several plants that are very un-fallish.  I have a couple of iris that are typically spring bloomers showing their pretty colors this autumn.

I am looking forward to next year's bloom as I have added a few more to the plantings.  Alice was digging up some of her plants and asked me if I would like some.  I look forward to seeing them come to life and bring fond thoughts as I remember her each year.

As well the roses are putting out what will probably be their last flush of blooms before I prune them next month. 

The bougainvillea is also gorgeous along the fence right now.  These are definitely great drought plants as the less water they get, the more they bloom.

Halloween was exceptionally quiet this year.  I doubt that we even had ten trick or treaters and half of those were a bit old to be out.  There is just something about handing out candy to kids with beard stubbles that does not make my day!!!  We always have our children and grandchildren over for soup and chili dogs before they head off to a few of the neighbors who know them.  It's tough to get a picture of all of them as everyone is too excited about getting out or eating their stash. 

I received my ALQS6 swap mini quilt in the mail this week.  It came from Misha (no blog) in Washington state.  I absolutely love it.  The colors are fantastic and her work is just spectacular.  The irregular shape is so wonderful.  I wish she had a blog so we could all follow her.

Also in the mail I received a package from Jill of some great novelty prints and some selvages.  Slowly, but surely I am getting enough selvages for a good selvage project.  There are so many wonderful things to be done with them and I am excited about giving them a go.

I had picked up a kit at the last guild meeting and finished it up this week so I can return it this week.  It is all flannel and so soft.  Some little one will love it.

As well I had a Christmas panel from Timeless Treasures that I made into a lap quilt for the Christmas season.  I will donate this one to the grandchildren's school for their auction later this month.

The week has flown by again and it is hard to imagine that we are already into November.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas is right behind.  Do we all have a million projects left to finish before then??????

In a Fog

I have literally felt like I was in a fog for the last few days.  Somehow I managed to contract that nasty stuff that was going around.  Ugh!  I finally dragged myself to the doctor and was relieved that it was something that could be treated with an antibiotic rather than stay the course until it left my body.  I am actually feeling human again as the song in Beauty and the Beast goes.

So....my last post was from the sunny beaches of the Florida Keys?  Well, this post is about a giant contrast.  As many of you know, each year we take a family vacation to the Sierras for some snow fun.  Is it any wonder my body revolted from the temperature extremes?



Looking good!

Plenty of snow this year.

We rent the same condos each year and everyone does their own thing.  Some are skiers, some love snowboarding and others just enjoy sledding.  It's a wonderful time for hanging out with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.  

I can never tire of the view from our condo.

Cousin love.



The girls!



Snow fun.



Growing up too fast.

The techy guys.

Everyone loves a baby.

Snow goggles???  Are you serious?

Hanging out before dinner.

Whew...what a ride!

Happy birthday to Mr. P!

Before skiing.

You want me to wear this too?????

My turn!!!

On top of the world.

That was one deep hole.

The girls performing a skit for everyone.

Grandma time.

Time for lots of games too.  Bananagrams and Mah Jongg were the biggest hits.

Today I have been busy sewing away.  I had promised two of the girls dresses for the school family dance this weekend and have not felt like sewing them until today.  

I was a part of the ALQS5 swap this year and my partner's mini quilt arrived.  It is just gorgeous and I have a special place in my studio for it.  I wish she had a blog because her work is spectacular and I would love to follow what else she is doing.  My mini is making it's way to England so I can't show any pictures of it yet.  

This is so much prettier in person.

It looks like we are in for a little more rain for the next week.  I just want it to be out of here by next Wednesday as my cousin and his wife are coming for a visit from Iowa.  I am sure they would love to have some nice weather to warm them up.  Keep your fingers and toes crossed for them!!!