Joys of Wildlife in Summer

What a blessing to share life with these creatures.

So unique and beautiful in God's wonder of creation.

A day to be amazed and thankful...

Iowa State Fair

A final week of trying to squeeze all of summer's finest moments. The weather has been a bit rainy, but beautiful just the same...

We spent a day driving to the capital to partake of Iowa's great attractions!

We actually drove to the Capital Building, parked, then caught the bus to the fairgrounds.

Walking to the bus stop, I became distracted with the beautiful sights and monuments at my State's Capital.

Will have to share that at a later time.

but on to the Fair...

Where else can you see Iowans gather together, in wonder, of many food stands. In fact 45 different foods on a stick! I heard snicker on a stick was great~ did not find it, good deal for me.

Another great wonder of the fair was Schultz's Peanut ,all done in Butter.

{1st 2 pics are comments of the Iowa State Fair website.}

We ran into my eldest granddaughter and her close friend Jared. They had plans of enjoying the tractor pull. So after a quick visit they were off on their own fun.

I found my way to the Textile competitions. Many~ Many quilts but sadly, there does not seem to be many Crazy Quilters in Iowa. I saw a couple of very small projects by a Marty Martin.

a little sweet purse and very small pillow. Beautiful work , I cheered her on, to create more for next year.

Loved seeing the cultural building as well. Photography was great, but I thought my dear friend Brenda from http://www.simplepleasures-bb.blogspot.com/ had photos, that would of challenged them.

Many Iowans artist were found at this fun building. I enjoyed them t all.

The man who paints the big rock at Adair county was there also. The Freedom Rock. He was painting a rock inside this area. Every year, {since 1999 and he was only 19 years old} he paints a new painting of our soldiers fighting for freedom along the highway 25 to Greenfield.http://www.thefreedomrock.com/

So many wonderful things to see, but~~~

The walking was quite enjoyable, but found, we were both ready to head back to our bus stop and return to the Capital.

Paris Box

Sharing my crazy quilted box. It was my first attempt at covering a box. I must admit the gluing part was a bit tedious. I enjoyed all the stitching of course.
Omaha Retreat with Lisa Caryl was the artist for this idea. The techniques learned, and many of the supplies were from her. She had much to offer with her wonderful ability to teach and share.
Some of the techniques that were new to me, that I placed on this box were...
the sequin flower
origami flowers
basket charm filled with beads
The box itself... I do not believed I would of tried without all her tips.
It was fun seeing the different members in the class arrangements with her many trims and beads she gave us that day. Including the box and fabric trims.
Hope more of you out there, share your boxes, when they are completed.
Thanks Lisa... It was fun.

Book Club Fun Nite

I was not disappointed by looking forward to this evening. Brenda was well prepared with touches and welcome everywhere. It invited us back to the 1950's and remembering Grace Kelly and family times in St. Louis.

Her chosen book,"Penny" was a hit and received great reviews from all members.

We enjoyed Basil pesto, pasta with heirloom tomatoes on her lovely deck among all her Basil plants. Then we returned indoors to discuss the book and enjoy a delicious dessert with blueberry topping. Please blog recipes-- Brenda.

Everything was just perfect.

Bonus all members were able to attend! So I had to snap a group shot in front of fireplace.

Got to love those evenings out to book club. As always such a treat!

Tall Corn Fields

Iowa corn is growing and growing.... I couldn't resist sharing this great Iowa Cornfield/Ragbrai shot of that team Jorts. It is from my son's photos. It speaks of all the fields those bikers rode by & by. The corn is definitely getting taller.
Work weekend is over and tired i find myself. I am managing to do some stitching from that front porch. As always it renews my spirit.
So looking forward to tomorrow, as it will be Book Club night at my friend Brenda. I can hardly wait to see her vignette. I know Brenda will be inspired from her book choice. "Penny" Also I know the food will be wonderful as well.