More from the Porch Time

My time off is over... :{ now back to my work schedule.
Prayers to all getting ready to travel and begin riding the great bike ride across Iowa! "Ragbrai" To the many Iowa towns, get ready... here they come by the many thousands!!
Great and safe weekend to everyone.

Summer Views from my Porch

Mid July has been one of the best from my front porch. So much enjoyment from sitting on those comfy wicker furniture. My last few days before returning to the work routine... The Hummingbirds are busy and I have been watching and observing them, enjoying the many flowers around me. The stitching and books are definitely made better by the sounds, warm breezes, and sights around me.

Crazy Quilt Retreat

Returned from the Retreat at Omaha with my fellow stitching sister. It is as always ,a wonderful exploring experience and great time networking with many others with similar passions.

Many shared some of their completed work and technique with each other. In the above pictures is some of the awesome work being done.

Each day was filled with classes from a Textile artist whom we choose. They all were so gifted and so very giving to share tips and ideas to help us develop our talents.

My chosen class was Lisa Caryl, Mary Anne Griffin, and lastly Jay Rich. It really was hard to pick, which one, as there were great interesting classes each day of different categories.
I learned how to make a crazy quilt covered box with special added embellishments with Lisa.
A day of many , many fun embellishments from Mary Anne, and lastly Resist fabric dyeing from Jay. Our evening were filled activities as well. A prom dress swap designed by Mona and Kate and buddies. Everyone brings a prom dress and lays out on many tables and everyone cuts away at pieces of fabric they would love to have in our stashes. Also a fiber exchange is done, with everyone share a fiber with all the attendees. so our tote bags went this night with many wonderful treasures.
One evening was spent with many other artist, giving mini classes of quickly learned techiques.

Another evening was spent with the big silent and live auction. Many great blocks made into quilts and other projects along with supplies were available. These came from around the world and sent to Kate and Mona, who placed them lovely into small quilts for the auction. These two wonderful ladies along with all those who contributed helped raise, Much funds for breast cancer research. We also had special items auctioned for and from Dee of Holland. We sadly lost her to breast cancer, last August, after attending the retreat in Omaha.
You were deeply missed Dee.
My blessings also to Nancy Kirk for this wonderful joyful retreat. She always put so much work into making it a success. We all looked, so forward to sharing and enjoying each year. Nancy announced, she is stepping down from organizing but, there were so many happy to volunteer, to take over the Retreat. It will continue!!! Many plans are already in place.
I did meet many new and old friends and enjoyed my time sharing with them all.
Best of all sharing with my {sil} Barb. It has become a special time for us to share our passion and sisterhood together.

The Celebration

Family fun day, no rain or dark clouds seem to slowed us down. The water slide set- up had a few draw backs though, like the water pump would not quite get the water from the pond to the slide... But the youngsters ended up in the water anyway. Everyone brought such delicious food. Some killer cupcakes from Kristin & Kealah. So many wonderful salads. So many options. Layered patriotic dessert from Lori... yum... Turtle brownies from Andrea. Rebecca brought chocolate chip cookies & Rice Krispies bars that were gone before the fireworks.

We found it bit chilly, but all found sweatshirts and blankets and watched the show by Jared, Chris, & Brad. We were missing a few guests, due to the weather we believed... and other commitments. Especially missed Granny & Gramps, Stephen & Rachel! But all and all a great turn out for the celebration. We so enjoyed newcomers to the celebration, Jamie's parents Lori & Kevin , Chase, Tia, Doug. Loved having them share our event. Our game tournaments found darkness as the play-offs were being completed. But still had 2 champions, before off to see the fireworks display. Then back to the porch for homemade banana ice cream . Got to love those special holidays shared with family and friends!

Happy 4TH of July

A rainy morning beginning, but promises for Sunshine and family fun and games to be celebrated.
Have a safe and cherished holiday.

Mom's Stitching

A wedding gift from grandma for my daughter and her dear husband. The blessed hummingbird, whom spends so much energy in flight is a special symbol to those who marvel in their strength. Our family have found it to be an encouragement to our lives. Everyone finds joy in seeing this marvelous bird. I have seen my mother talk to them, when they fly by her head, as she enjoys the outdoors. If she is standing by the window, they seem to stop by and hover as if to say, Hello. Tdogg, how is your day going?!
When Rebecca announced her engagement, my mother set her thoughts on the picture, she would create as a wedding gift. My mother loves the art of cross stitching and takes great pride in her work. Many of her grandchildren have received her cherished gifts.
No surprise what her special picture was...
Great job, Mom!

Flower girl