Road Trip To Antique City

A road trip to Walnut, Iowa. A prime city to find antiques... Actually it ended up being a fun day to share with my friend Brenda. We had a beautiful sunshine day and began searching through the many stores the town had to offer. I do believe, we both had high hopes of finding wonderful vignettes of fun bargain treasures. We saw many many treasures, but prices were a bit high for our tastes. We did spend a time sitting in antique chairs going through a great collection of quaint old postcards. We both brought a few of these home. I also found a great antique school book that we will both enjoy and two beautiful handkerchiefs.

We enjoyed delicious sandwiches on fresh baked bread at a street front bakery. Then a few more visits into stores and back on the road. One pit stop was made at another quaint Iowa town. It claims status to have hosted Bonnie & Clyde in the days of bank robberies. Oh my!

Thanks to Brenda, the day was not a total disappointment because, being with a dear friend always brings joy to the heart.

Balloon Ride Engagement

A grand summer ride for a dear nephew and his girlfriend. Brad always loves adventure and lots of outdoor activities in his life. He has a very dear friend and companion for a bit who shares lots of those adventures. In fact last year, they did the Ragbrai trip together. But this year college and jobs got in the way, but during Ragbrai week... he chose to take Danna for a balloon ride. He then proposed high in the sky over a lake. She definitely said, YES, I will continue our journey of adventures with you by my side!
Congratulations Brad & Danna!!!

Team Jorts

Today was the final day for the riders as they dipped their bikes in the Mississippi River. They will all be returning to jobs and homes far from Iowa. The Bethlehem church was a fun stopping place for many on Thursday Morning. This picture was taken by Des Moines Register...

The collage is my favorite Team. Team Jorts! {Pic my me} They traveled to my cabin and spent the night of rest in the countryside not far from Bethlehem. My son Stephen and friends were in this fun team of riders. They enjoyed showers and jerseys washed and supper and breakfast with us. DH and I enjoyed hearing all the stories and adventures, they had to share. They were having so much joy and even with a few soreness in muscles, they were ready to continue and take in all the fun and sights left of the week. Kari Hendren told me, she did not remember all the beautiful wild flowers of Iowa. She admitted, she did not appreciate them while growing up among them. Some of others commented, they never seen the stars so bright as they were at the cabin!

I hear, they are already making plans for Team Jorts next year gathering on the roads of Iowa.

By the way, they explained Jorts means... Jeans cut off too short and made into Jorts!

So with the jerseys that resemble tuxedos on the ride, in the evening, you find them sporting their Jorts...

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!