Catching Up

Time sure flies when you're having fun--so I must be ecstatic! Last week I made a quick trip to Rutland, Vermont, to lecture for the Maple Leaf Quilters. While I had high hopes that the leaves would be at peak, it was not to be. Most of the trees were bare. I had a great time with the Maple Leaf quilters--they have the coolest name badges--all based on maple leaves, of course!

The view from my window was this:

Snow! But only on the higher elevations, thank goodness! Here is the same mountain in the morning, when almost everything was shrouded in fog.

Pretty, isn't it?

On the way home, I was able to snap this:

I made a stop in Gloversville at the quilt shop and when I came out, my tires were covered by these beetles (I think they are beetles!). Almost prehistoric looking and the ground was covered with them! I'm surprised they survived the frost!

Now it has been back to work locally. Lots of classes with students eager to learn the correct way to rotary cut, machine piece and press. Next week is filled with handwork!

I went to an auction tonight and my magic did not work. I believe it was because I only waved one hand over the items as I repeated "these are mine". Pink depression glass salt and pepper shakers, a covered condiment dish and a bowl. The bidding was fierce, but I always set a limit on what I will spend and these went higher. Oh, well...there's always next time! And I did get 21 rows knitted on the foot of a sock--so all was not lost.

If you felt the earth move earlier in the week, it is because I washed all my windows and the curtains. I also had the irresistible urge to...vacuum! So I did. I try never to ignore the urge to clean as it comes infrequently.

Remember the unfortunate deer incident? $2200 in damages. My repair guy is the best--had it done in 3 days and it looks better than new. Thanks, Dave--you rock!

And, for those of you who have heard the rumors that Bud, my go-to guy for Featherweights, is retiring--the rumors are false!!!! I talked with Bud directly and he said he plans to die at 94 and they will have to pry the sewing machine from his cold dead hands!!!! So he will be fixing machines for many years to come. You can't imagine how relieved I am to know that.

Okay, I think that catches you up to date. Did you miss me?

Hugs to all,

Sharon

Retreat at O'Susannah's

A quick post tonight to let you know that there are still openings for my Retreat at O'Susannah's in Watkins Glen. Dates: October 30 and 31. Hand piecing and hand applique will rule. A chance to be with like-minded people and have lots of fun.

For more information, call Sue at 607-535-6550. The deadline for registration is Saturday, October 24. You can also visit my website at www.sharonstroud.com and look under the retreat section.

Here's what the project looks like. It was a beautiful day here in central New York--let's hope it continues for quite some time to come--like in perpetuity!

Smile like you are in your right mind!

Hugs,
Sharon

Mama Said...

there'd be days like this! On Friday, October 16, we were awakened to this:

Much too early! And the temperatures have been lower than normal. I'm still hoping for "Native American" Summer so I can finish up my outside stuff. Luckily I turned off the water to and drained the outside spigot a week ago!

Last Wednesday, I had the great good fortune to have dinner with none other than Anita and Dick Shackelford! They were passing through the area and we had a chance to catch up. If you have been keeping up with the blog contests, you know that Dick won a while ago. He really wanted a trumpet vine and this was my chance to give him not one, but two, with the strict warning that they are invasive and you really can't get them all out if you change your mind! Anita and I figured out that it had been at least two years since we've seen each other in person! Way too long!

Yesterday I was in Batavia at the Museum Quilt Guild for a lecture and a half-day Dresden Plate class. It's a wonderful guild and the members are prolific and welcoming. You can see more of my visit and their show and tell (my favorite part of going to guilds!) at www.museumquiltguild.blogspot.com. I had a great time and I think everyone else did too.

Kathi was in the class yesterday and she has been hard at work on her plates--you can see her progress and more pictures of my visit at her blog: www.pearlstreetroad.blogspot.com. An absolutely wonderful day.

Then...this is where the "days like this" saying comes in. I was about 15 miles from home when disaster struck. A four point buck was in the middle of the road, heading into the other lane (away from my side). I swerved right anyways, just in case...but he changed his mind and ran into my beloved Jeep! The front headlight is gone, the grill is broken and the driver's side front fender is severely dented. The good news? I was not hurt, and the car is drivable. State Police came and took care of the deer and did all the requisite paperwork. I continued home, with one headlight working. I did call the insurance company Saturday night, but of course have to wait until tomorrow for the adjuster and all that great stuff. It could have been much worse--and I am thankful to walk away with minimal damage (I say minimal but I'm sure it will be the national debt to fix!).

And for those of you wondering, yes, I am still working with the horses. Mostly cleaning stalls and filling water buckets. I figured out yesterday that I usually end up filling 13 five-gallon buckets and then using 6 of them to fill the stall buckets with. That necessitates lifting each five gallon pail at least waist high to pour it into the buckets in the stalls. One of the mares, Electra, is a bit skittish about my being in the stall--but after I groomed her and combed out her mane and tail with exquisite care about a week ago, she has been more accepting. There is just something about going into a barn and having the horses nicker at you that is just so special!

Guess that's about it for now. I've been busy with classes and a bit of knitting. I know I haven't said this in a few days but: Are you remembering how special you are? We are each so unique and have so many gifts. Let's make a point of celebrating them each and every day.

Hugs,

Sharon

So Proud

Last weekend I was a vendor at the Tompkins County Quilters Guild Show. The quilts were fabulous, the silent auction offerings were some of the best I've seen, and my students did me proud.

On Sunday afternoon, the awards are announced. You could hear me all over the arena as Marion Tobey was given the Nina Linton Award for best new quilter! Marion looked shell-shocked as she took the envelope! I'm jumping up and down hollering "Marion! Marion!" (I am nothing if not enthusiastic!)

Here are some pictures of Marion's quilts. The blocks are from Bea Oglesby's Wildflowers book. These are the FIRST applique blocks Marion ever did! She's a master embroiderer and took to needleturn applique like she was born to it! She also hand quilted her pieces!


A close-up of the top quilt.

And a close-up of the lower right block. Just superb! Congratulations, Marion--well deserved!

If I had been given a dollar for each time someone came up to me and said "Did you see the Dresden Plate quilt over there?" I would be rich! This is an absolutely fabulous piece by Carol Reeves. Her border fabric is what she started with and she fussy cut all the blades. AND...she hand pieced and appliqued the blades/plates and she hand quilted the piece!

Definitely a winner in my book! Congratulations, Carol, on a finished quilt, complete with label! You did good!

I am so very proud of all my students!

Hugs to all,

Sharon