The Maytag washing machines
2005/06/30
The continuing story of the Amish
There is so much to see and do as we travel the country side.. No it's not always quilt related and that is where the blog is great to share the experience...Yesterdays visit to Shipshewana was just wonderful.... We found a small quilt shop out on a lonely country road... Obviously it was accessible by buggy but it seems so isolated out there amidst the corn fields. As you walk in the shop you are aware of the darkness... of course if it's a dull day as it was yesterday it's even darker without electricity. Two gals are at the counter speaking in hushed tones in a dialect indiscernible to me as an "English". A small boy in plain clothes and a large black hat clings to his mothers legs and stares at me with interest and shyness. The store stocks the black socks and stockings worn by men, women and children.... Straw hats, boots, plain fabric and biblical toys fill the shelves and it feels a little as if we are transported back in time... The gal behind the counter enters our conversation and we talk of weather, quilting and children's holidays... The young woman and her son leave in their buggy and we take some time to catch up with them on the road. Della insisted we visit an Amish run grocery shop... It was wonderful, as we left we had a hand written "specials" list in our bag...Frozen Chicken leg quarters... 10 lb 39 cents lb. 3 dozen eggs $1.00 Multigrain bread 69c. You can purchase every manner of seasoning in bulk, there are pie mixes to die for and delicious home made bread. It was a great experience...In the evening we passed by a large gathering of buggies and decided to investigate... It may have been a wedding, or just a formal gathering, but there were about 40 buggies parked in the field... the tethered horses stamping their feet to deter flies. We got permission to photograph the buggies and received smiles and waves from the folks gathered... Our day ended very late... but what memories... Today was quieter. Mary, Kathy and I joined Jim on a walk around the town of Winemac. Jim turned 75 today and he enjoyed squiring 3 women around his town... "these are Della's Aussie friends" he says....
The air was hot at 8.30, the moisture languished in the air giving a misty glow to the environment. We walked through a park... as usual, I was slower covering the area than the others. I like to touch the trees, watch the Canadian geese swimming in the Tippeecanoo River who appeared suspended in the fast flowing water. I photographed bright orange lilies and purple daisies framed by huge trees whose canopies reached 50/60 feet. We visited my favorite antique shop and I got the bargain of the year... 20 art books from the 1950's in mint condition.... with 20 loose color prints in each book.... for $20 the lot. So now to another milestone and the shock of my Children and Husband. I donned a black helmet and joined Della's son Joe on his big green Harley Davidson. The air was warm and we drove through the countryside enjoying the beauty of the countryside. To my son Matty and avid motor bike fan... I loved the feeling and freedom, but I don't think I will take it up on my return home. The day finished with a birthday tea for friends serenaded by a faded crooner who thought it was cool to wear garish jewelry, a white sports coat and no socks....!!!!!! Now to prepare for Chicago tomorrow... I think we will sample the taste of Chicago and visit the Museum... I haven't told you of the fantastic quilt shop I found full of the most wonderful quilts.... That will have to wait for another day.
"Two men look out through the same bars; one sees the mud, and one the stars." Frederick Langbridge
The air was hot at 8.30, the moisture languished in the air giving a misty glow to the environment. We walked through a park... as usual, I was slower covering the area than the others. I like to touch the trees, watch the Canadian geese swimming in the Tippeecanoo River who appeared suspended in the fast flowing water. I photographed bright orange lilies and purple daisies framed by huge trees whose canopies reached 50/60 feet. We visited my favorite antique shop and I got the bargain of the year... 20 art books from the 1950's in mint condition.... with 20 loose color prints in each book.... for $20 the lot. So now to another milestone and the shock of my Children and Husband. I donned a black helmet and joined Della's son Joe on his big green Harley Davidson. The air was warm and we drove through the countryside enjoying the beauty of the countryside. To my son Matty and avid motor bike fan... I loved the feeling and freedom, but I don't think I will take it up on my return home. The day finished with a birthday tea for friends serenaded by a faded crooner who thought it was cool to wear garish jewelry, a white sports coat and no socks....!!!!!! Now to prepare for Chicago tomorrow... I think we will sample the taste of Chicago and visit the Museum... I haven't told you of the fantastic quilt shop I found full of the most wonderful quilts.... That will have to wait for another day.
"Two men look out through the same bars; one sees the mud, and one the stars." Frederick Langbridge
2005/06/29
Our Amish experience
The Amish, called "The Plain People" or Old Order Amish, originated in Switzerland about l525. They came from a division of the Mennonites or Anabaptists (Re-baptizers). They opposed the union of church and state and infant baptism. They baptized people only as adults at about age l8. Adult baptism was a crime in the l6th century. Therefore, the Amish come from an impressive list of martyrs. They were put in sacks and thrown into rivers in Europe. There are no Amish left in Europe; The Amish were saved from extinction by William Penn who granted a haven from religious persecution in America. Since early colonial days the Amish have lived in the United States preserving their distinctive culture, dress, language and religion in peace and prosperity.
I have been fascinated by the Amish since I was a small child. With the wisdom of adulthood I now realize why. I have Anabaptist relatives on my Mother and Fathers side of the family and a little research has kindled my interest...
In Shipshewana and Napanee in the Northern part of Indiana there is a very large Amish and Mennonite community and today we took off early to visit the area.
The fields are green and dotted with huge white houses and barns. Horses in the yard indicate that the houses are Amish. Little girls in pale pink, blue or green dresses play in the yard and their brothers inevitably wear home made denim strapped trousers of a plain design and a colored shirt... The bowl haircuts are quaint, but don't appear to be done with the finesse of a barber and while it's quaint as a child... it looks a little odd on an adult male....I caught sight of white enamel Maytag ringer washing machines in the back yards and the black buggies with their red reflector triangle command your eye in any scene.
This community is very different from the Amish I have visited in Long Prairie Minnesota.
This week there is a huge auction and flea market... the small town of Shipshewana is positively jumping... row after row of white tents plie their goods for all to share.. the flea market was really interesting and the auction begins tomorrow at 8.00 am with 15 auctioneers working at the same time... can you imagine.... We found a beautiful quilt which is going up for auction.... it has been registered with the Indiana Quilt Register and was made into 1846... Just gorgeous... It has never been washed and is in super condition...!!!!
I photographed everything that moved and had a wonderful time wandering in the sun.
There were products of every description. The amish parked their buggies as we parked our cars... I could glimse young gals resting after a long day having show and tell in their buggies waiting for the adult driver... it was so picturesque.
For four hours I just wandered, and took in the environment and then I braved the traffic and walked across the road to Yoders quilt store....
You have to see this place to believe it...it was extremely busy with what seemed like a dozen or more assistants and thousands of bolts of fabric on display. We English mixed equally with our Amish quilting sisters... while the men sat out on the benches outside and inevitably fell asleep in the 90 deg temps...
That's not all we did today, but I hope it gives you a word picture of out Amish experience.
"I can hardly wish you anything better than seriously considering what you do with your time. Using time well is the greatest wisdom and work of life." -William Penn.
I have been fascinated by the Amish since I was a small child. With the wisdom of adulthood I now realize why. I have Anabaptist relatives on my Mother and Fathers side of the family and a little research has kindled my interest...
In Shipshewana and Napanee in the Northern part of Indiana there is a very large Amish and Mennonite community and today we took off early to visit the area.
The fields are green and dotted with huge white houses and barns. Horses in the yard indicate that the houses are Amish. Little girls in pale pink, blue or green dresses play in the yard and their brothers inevitably wear home made denim strapped trousers of a plain design and a colored shirt... The bowl haircuts are quaint, but don't appear to be done with the finesse of a barber and while it's quaint as a child... it looks a little odd on an adult male....I caught sight of white enamel Maytag ringer washing machines in the back yards and the black buggies with their red reflector triangle command your eye in any scene.
This community is very different from the Amish I have visited in Long Prairie Minnesota.
This week there is a huge auction and flea market... the small town of Shipshewana is positively jumping... row after row of white tents plie their goods for all to share.. the flea market was really interesting and the auction begins tomorrow at 8.00 am with 15 auctioneers working at the same time... can you imagine.... We found a beautiful quilt which is going up for auction.... it has been registered with the Indiana Quilt Register and was made into 1846... Just gorgeous... It has never been washed and is in super condition...!!!!
I photographed everything that moved and had a wonderful time wandering in the sun.
There were products of every description. The amish parked their buggies as we parked our cars... I could glimse young gals resting after a long day having show and tell in their buggies waiting for the adult driver... it was so picturesque.
For four hours I just wandered, and took in the environment and then I braved the traffic and walked across the road to Yoders quilt store....
You have to see this place to believe it...it was extremely busy with what seemed like a dozen or more assistants and thousands of bolts of fabric on display. We English mixed equally with our Amish quilting sisters... while the men sat out on the benches outside and inevitably fell asleep in the 90 deg temps...
That's not all we did today, but I hope it gives you a word picture of out Amish experience.
"I can hardly wish you anything better than seriously considering what you do with your time. Using time well is the greatest wisdom and work of life." -William Penn.
2005/06/28
Winamac
The last day of a retreat is always tinged with a degree of sadness... The machines are packed and suddenly the room is empty. The chatter has ceased and the room becomes quiet....I'm usually still jumping and it takes a day or so to relax. However... a noisy dinner with friends and a little wine helped the relaxation process. Classes are finished for a few weeks... so I'm not going through the actions of taking class, but the ideas and the planning never cease.
On Monday about 15 of us met once again for a final lunch. Nancy hosted us at her house by the lake....It's a quilters dream. Her studio was once a bar and she tells me it was even a hideout for the Mafia.... The huge sign that displays the name of her establishment was once host to a full size flashing dancing girl... Now it has the outline of a crow.....!!! and is a quilting establishment.. (and you thought I was wacky) Fields of flowering wildflowers frame the lake and the sun shone brilliantly. The gals put on a super lunch of salads and pound cake washed down with strawberry lemonade and then introduced us to the intracies of fabric dying... whoop I whipped mine up in a few minutes.... "No" the gal said.. you have to wet it after you paint it....
"Sorry, I want mine just as it is".... so that's the way it stayed.....
More hugs, farewells, photos and not looking back and we were on our way to Winamac Indiana.
OK so we had to stop for an icecream just a few miles down the road... but it was worth it... Pecan maple...... !!!!
It took us 6 hours of driving time and an hour out for dinner at "Cracker Barrel." This restaurant has to be seen to be believed... It serves food like Grandma would make... And the gift store sets your heart a flutter.... I was sitting on the rocking chair out the front waiting for my friends... when this African American gent went by...he had the most amazing boots.... grey snakeskin... suddenly I heard myself engage him in conversation... "Love your boots".... so we visited for a few minutes and those wonderful boots wandered off.... One of these days I'm going
to get myself into strife....We arrived in Winamac as it grew dark and for some time we drove through waist high flat cornfields that were dancing with fireflies... it was magic..... Now for tomorrow...
"Sometimes I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe. "
On Monday about 15 of us met once again for a final lunch. Nancy hosted us at her house by the lake....It's a quilters dream. Her studio was once a bar and she tells me it was even a hideout for the Mafia.... The huge sign that displays the name of her establishment was once host to a full size flashing dancing girl... Now it has the outline of a crow.....!!! and is a quilting establishment.. (and you thought I was wacky) Fields of flowering wildflowers frame the lake and the sun shone brilliantly. The gals put on a super lunch of salads and pound cake washed down with strawberry lemonade and then introduced us to the intracies of fabric dying... whoop I whipped mine up in a few minutes.... "No" the gal said.. you have to wet it after you paint it....
"Sorry, I want mine just as it is".... so that's the way it stayed.....
More hugs, farewells, photos and not looking back and we were on our way to Winamac Indiana.
OK so we had to stop for an icecream just a few miles down the road... but it was worth it... Pecan maple...... !!!!
It took us 6 hours of driving time and an hour out for dinner at "Cracker Barrel." This restaurant has to be seen to be believed... It serves food like Grandma would make... And the gift store sets your heart a flutter.... I was sitting on the rocking chair out the front waiting for my friends... when this African American gent went by...he had the most amazing boots.... grey snakeskin... suddenly I heard myself engage him in conversation... "Love your boots".... so we visited for a few minutes and those wonderful boots wandered off.... One of these days I'm going
to get myself into strife....We arrived in Winamac as it grew dark and for some time we drove through waist high flat cornfields that were dancing with fireflies... it was magic..... Now for tomorrow...
"Sometimes I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe. "
2005/06/26
Back on the road.
I'm a perfectionist. At times I'm at conflict with myself. I strive for the ultimate in my work and at other times I take life a little too casually...I loose patience with the minor things in life that others take so seriously... Listening to the news this morning caused me to muse on the fact as I packed my bags once again.
Packing is an art. Everything has a place in the cases.... but before I complete the packing I have to charge the cameras, the ipod and the cell phone..check under the beds for lost shoes or stray clothes.
The retreat is over and now time for a break. I look forward to the break, once again in conflict... I love being with my friends but I love my work equally... I am itching to get on with my projects....
We have a re-union today with the folk who came on my tour to Australia. They have made wonderful memory quilts depicting the tour... Over the past few days we have reminisced and laughed at many of the incidences... Now they want to return again. Most of us are taking a cruise to the Bahamas in January... We have 80 attendees and as it's a quilting cruise I will be sharing the teaching with the wonderful Sue Nichols... I've been privy to the preparations this week and it's going to be a grand tour.....!!!!
"Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have any film."
Packing is an art. Everything has a place in the cases.... but before I complete the packing I have to charge the cameras, the ipod and the cell phone..check under the beds for lost shoes or stray clothes.
The retreat is over and now time for a break. I look forward to the break, once again in conflict... I love being with my friends but I love my work equally... I am itching to get on with my projects....
We have a re-union today with the folk who came on my tour to Australia. They have made wonderful memory quilts depicting the tour... Over the past few days we have reminisced and laughed at many of the incidences... Now they want to return again. Most of us are taking a cruise to the Bahamas in January... We have 80 attendees and as it's a quilting cruise I will be sharing the teaching with the wonderful Sue Nichols... I've been privy to the preparations this week and it's going to be a grand tour.....!!!!
"Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have any film."
2005/06/24
Just plain basics....
The washing is done... The nails need doing, I've attended to contracts and business on the internet, written to the family in tears, organized airfares to venues in Australia and made changes to plans in the USA...
Now I'm ready to teach for the day....
It's so important to have space and time to yourself when you are teaching and traveling. My hotel room is my home, my sanctuary, my office. However, I never seem to spend enough time there...
What a great couple of days we have had... It's really hard to describe how much I enjoy coming to the Ice House. The gals here are the epitome of the idea of the quality of life in quilting... as one gal said yesterday "it's cheap therapy", and talking of therapy...These gals do it right... They have an on site massuese... appointments are made in half hour increments and the gals pop off for a massage at their allotted time.... Fantastic..
Some of my gals were in the room at 8.00 am and didn't finish till midnight... That's what I call determination...
The quilts looked wonderful, it was a relaxed and rewarding class. After a re-union dinner hosted by Dear friend Jill we returned to class and watched two more episodes of the Vicar of Dibley... So I've added some new genres to my role as Tutor, I add DJ because we have selected music in class and Movie presenter... I set up the digital projector and we have full size movies in the evening.
Talking of the re-union, my friends who came on my tour to Australia have flown in from all over the USA to meet and relive our wonderful trip to Australia last year.... it's just darn exciting.
"It's not me who is dancing too fast
It's the violins that play too slowly."
- Marie Duplessis, nineteenth-century socialite
Now I'm ready to teach for the day....
It's so important to have space and time to yourself when you are teaching and traveling. My hotel room is my home, my sanctuary, my office. However, I never seem to spend enough time there...
What a great couple of days we have had... It's really hard to describe how much I enjoy coming to the Ice House. The gals here are the epitome of the idea of the quality of life in quilting... as one gal said yesterday "it's cheap therapy", and talking of therapy...These gals do it right... They have an on site massuese... appointments are made in half hour increments and the gals pop off for a massage at their allotted time.... Fantastic..
Some of my gals were in the room at 8.00 am and didn't finish till midnight... That's what I call determination...
The quilts looked wonderful, it was a relaxed and rewarding class. After a re-union dinner hosted by Dear friend Jill we returned to class and watched two more episodes of the Vicar of Dibley... So I've added some new genres to my role as Tutor, I add DJ because we have selected music in class and Movie presenter... I set up the digital projector and we have full size movies in the evening.
Talking of the re-union, my friends who came on my tour to Australia have flown in from all over the USA to meet and relive our wonderful trip to Australia last year.... it's just darn exciting.
"It's not me who is dancing too fast
It's the violins that play too slowly."
- Marie Duplessis, nineteenth-century socialite
2005/06/23
Ice House Retreat.
I'm doing what I do best. What I feel most comfortable with. After two weeks traveling I'm back teaching and I've had a great day today....
We are now in Grayling Michigan. Last night we began our retreat with a reception. Good food, great company and a chat with friends... I told a few stories... Mary and Kathy talked about their quilts and I gave a presentation accompanied by a digeridoo and flamenco guitar...(as you do) The local gals displayed their latest round robin quilts. I was really impressed, they have all worked very hard and the quilts are gorgeous. Long chats to friends and family back home finished the day. We are living on site and after a day of Teaching today I ended up teaching in my jamas (the same sleep shorts I left the label in) and entertaining the gals with videos on the big screen. I introduced them to the Vicar of Dibley. The gals have worked through the day and it's now 11.00 pm so I've decided to call it a day.
If you see a photo on the web of a teacher in her pajamas blowing up a 4ft rubber roo in an indescribable place.... It's not me. Honest.
I have put up some new photos on http://community.webshots.com/user/caljin
"He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."
St. Basil, Greek religious leader:
We are now in Grayling Michigan. Last night we began our retreat with a reception. Good food, great company and a chat with friends... I told a few stories... Mary and Kathy talked about their quilts and I gave a presentation accompanied by a digeridoo and flamenco guitar...(as you do) The local gals displayed their latest round robin quilts. I was really impressed, they have all worked very hard and the quilts are gorgeous. Long chats to friends and family back home finished the day. We are living on site and after a day of Teaching today I ended up teaching in my jamas (the same sleep shorts I left the label in) and entertaining the gals with videos on the big screen. I introduced them to the Vicar of Dibley. The gals have worked through the day and it's now 11.00 pm so I've decided to call it a day.
If you see a photo on the web of a teacher in her pajamas blowing up a 4ft rubber roo in an indescribable place.... It's not me. Honest.
I have put up some new photos on http://community.webshots.com/user/caljin
"He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."
St. Basil, Greek religious leader:
2005/06/22
The road to the heart is the ear
What is it about the United States that makes me feel so at home? Is it the gal at the local dime store that says... "The Aussie is back" or is it catching up with the latest news of friends and their families...? Is it the children of my friends who welcome me with a warm hug and genuine affection."? Little Cody who is excited that I'm visiting again... I've watched him grow up and he's almost as tall as I am?
Maybe it's the fact that Long Prairie and it's surrounds are as familiar to me as my own home suburb. At home in Australia, I'm very protective of this US culture I share...I have been offered the confidence of the American Quilting community and I embrace their psyche
Thursday I was excited to take Kathy and Mary to Grubers Quilt Store. One of the largest quilt stores in the State.. Maybe even the USA. It's mind blowing... Kathy thought it was a bit overwhelming...
We visited St Bens in St Cloud and were privy to a wonderful display of birch bark products and demonstration of the artistry of the Native Americans...
We finished the day at with dinner at yet another lake side restaurant with family friends...I asked the elderly Aunt if she would like to see my tattoo... Bless her heart, she didn't know where to look...but was very interested when I showed her my tattooed eye liner.
Saturday we visited the Mille Lacs Indian Museum Let me tell you the GPS works well if you put in the correct address.!! So we did a bit of back roading....
The Hub was the choice for our dinner...I have to go there at least once every trip...There is country music and people come from miles around to join with friends in their love of country music and a little twirl around the dance floor. It's evident they are having a wonderful time....I must have been really tired.. I tried out my new sleep shorts... Cute... Comfortable... However, when I went to change the next morning, I realized that I had slept with the large tags still in place.... They were still comfy though.
Friday was the time to leave Long Prairie. I always feel sad leaving my friends... but we took off at the designated time... it was a clear sunny day. An hour and a half later we pulled into the outlet mall. The clouds began to gather and suddenly day almost became night. The clouds gathered and bunched alarmingly... then vented their wrath....The wind blew the rain horizontal... thank goodness we were in the coffee shop. However, our time deadline was coming alarmingly close. The rain eased and we dashed for the car. But we were actually following the storm into Minneapolis.
Driving through roadwork in almost a tornado is a very intersecting experience... But with three of us watching the road... We made it.!!!
I have learnt not to take the weather for granted here in the USA... well Minnesota at least.
A short flight to Traverse City finds us now in the upper area of Michigan.
"The road to the heart is the ear" - Voltaire never a truer word has been spoken. As a Child, Mother, Wife, Teacher and Friend I have had an uncanny sense of personal right. On tour ones senses become honed and I add to my experiences in every situation. !!!!!! I meet thousands of folk on my travels... I take the gift seriously.
Maybe it's the fact that Long Prairie and it's surrounds are as familiar to me as my own home suburb. At home in Australia, I'm very protective of this US culture I share...I have been offered the confidence of the American Quilting community and I embrace their psyche
Thursday I was excited to take Kathy and Mary to Grubers Quilt Store. One of the largest quilt stores in the State.. Maybe even the USA. It's mind blowing... Kathy thought it was a bit overwhelming...
We visited St Bens in St Cloud and were privy to a wonderful display of birch bark products and demonstration of the artistry of the Native Americans...
We finished the day at with dinner at yet another lake side restaurant with family friends...I asked the elderly Aunt if she would like to see my tattoo... Bless her heart, she didn't know where to look...but was very interested when I showed her my tattooed eye liner.
Saturday we visited the Mille Lacs Indian Museum Let me tell you the GPS works well if you put in the correct address.!! So we did a bit of back roading....
The Hub was the choice for our dinner...I have to go there at least once every trip...There is country music and people come from miles around to join with friends in their love of country music and a little twirl around the dance floor. It's evident they are having a wonderful time....I must have been really tired.. I tried out my new sleep shorts... Cute... Comfortable... However, when I went to change the next morning, I realized that I had slept with the large tags still in place.... They were still comfy though.
Friday was the time to leave Long Prairie. I always feel sad leaving my friends... but we took off at the designated time... it was a clear sunny day. An hour and a half later we pulled into the outlet mall. The clouds began to gather and suddenly day almost became night. The clouds gathered and bunched alarmingly... then vented their wrath....The wind blew the rain horizontal... thank goodness we were in the coffee shop. However, our time deadline was coming alarmingly close. The rain eased and we dashed for the car. But we were actually following the storm into Minneapolis.
Driving through roadwork in almost a tornado is a very intersecting experience... But with three of us watching the road... We made it.!!!
I have learnt not to take the weather for granted here in the USA... well Minnesota at least.
A short flight to Traverse City finds us now in the upper area of Michigan.
"The road to the heart is the ear" - Voltaire never a truer word has been spoken. As a Child, Mother, Wife, Teacher and Friend I have had an uncanny sense of personal right. On tour ones senses become honed and I add to my experiences in every situation. !!!!!! I meet thousands of folk on my travels... I take the gift seriously.
2005/06/19
The Loons
I'm sitting alone in the gazebo surrounded by a small forest of incredibly green trees. This morning I have watched squirrels, blue jays rabbits and a myriad of small birds that have visited the bird feeder. In contrast, the TV is telling me about the disasters that have occurred over the past 12 hours shattering my ideal world.
The past few days have bought a few surprises.
On Thursday we traveled to the city of Osakis which is some 20 miles from Long Prairie and borders the south end of Lake Osakis,1567 people reside there, however in summer the population swells due to recreation around the lake. It's just beautiful. However, we're not spending time at the lake... but at "Just like grandma's" 4 houses decorated beautifully house a range of gifts and goodies. They have a reputation for ladies lunches and wonderful salads.!!!!!
We ended our day with dinner at the Rock Tavern overlooking Birch Lake. We could hear the loons calling and saw one off in the distance...however, Joan's son Tim took us out on his boat and we had a close and personal visit with a loon family. Mother had two small babies on her back and the father was fishing. He dived deep and came up with a small fish and ploughed through the water to feed the babes right there on their Mum's back... I took some great photos of the event. Talk about on Golden Pond. The evening finished with a visit to Sauk Centre where a Country Fest was in progress. 100's of cars and buses lined the streets.... I've never seen so many RV's (recreational vehicles.) We drove right through the gates and attempted to get into the carpark under the guise of a car full of "Mothers"... that didn't work they wanted $35 to park. OK how much does it cost to go in.....$75 per person....
So we parked outside on the road and Mary, Kathy and I pressed our faces to the chain link fence and watched the proceedings through that... the sound was excellent... the stage was in view and we felt like errant school kids getting away with something sneaky....!!!
"He who laughs last thinks slowest."
The past few days have bought a few surprises.
On Thursday we traveled to the city of Osakis which is some 20 miles from Long Prairie and borders the south end of Lake Osakis,1567 people reside there, however in summer the population swells due to recreation around the lake. It's just beautiful. However, we're not spending time at the lake... but at "Just like grandma's" 4 houses decorated beautifully house a range of gifts and goodies. They have a reputation for ladies lunches and wonderful salads.!!!!!
We ended our day with dinner at the Rock Tavern overlooking Birch Lake. We could hear the loons calling and saw one off in the distance...however, Joan's son Tim took us out on his boat and we had a close and personal visit with a loon family. Mother had two small babies on her back and the father was fishing. He dived deep and came up with a small fish and ploughed through the water to feed the babes right there on their Mum's back... I took some great photos of the event. Talk about on Golden Pond. The evening finished with a visit to Sauk Centre where a Country Fest was in progress. 100's of cars and buses lined the streets.... I've never seen so many RV's (recreational vehicles.) We drove right through the gates and attempted to get into the carpark under the guise of a car full of "Mothers"... that didn't work they wanted $35 to park. OK how much does it cost to go in.....$75 per person....
So we parked outside on the road and Mary, Kathy and I pressed our faces to the chain link fence and watched the proceedings through that... the sound was excellent... the stage was in view and we felt like errant school kids getting away with something sneaky....!!!
"He who laughs last thinks slowest."
2005/06/18
Inspiration.
When I was a child I was always disappointed when the day was sunny and I had to be confined in school. I disliked school so much on those days. (I must admit I never really liked school at any time...)In the mid years of my life.. I now have sympathy for the Teacher who tried to keep my mind focused.
The past two days have been absolute gems. Clear blue skies, warm sunny days and certainly the days not to be wasted...
The small towns in Minnesota come to life in summer. 10,000 lakes support lake homes for many who live out of state. Towns seem to awaken and take on a new persona. Gardens are re-planted and the lawns manicured. Everything is bright green..... Yellow green, blue green and just plain green.
We can't comprehend re-planting our gardens every season. Some plants hibernate, but most need to be renewed every year. Can you imagine the ground freezing to 9ft below the ground... lakes with 3 Ft of ice.....!!!!
Yesterday we drove an hour or so to the town of Park Rapids. It's a neat little town with wonderful antique shops, cafe's, the obligatory thrift shop and of course a quilt shop. We met friends in the quilt shop and decided it was time for coffee...
Folks.... BIG is the word here.... big coffee and big cinnamon rolls. Believe me, the cinnamon roll for morning tea almost covered the plate...
2" high and covered in white icing it was a sight to behold..... It's a shame I don't eat cinnamon.... I stuck to a lemon scone.....
A visit to a friends house by the lake and an impromptu discussion on quilting.. finished the afternoon and we drove home guided by a wonderful sunset and the rising of the moon. It gets dark around 10.00 here... we left at 9.30 and then got home at 10.00. The car was packed with goodies...and the conversation flowed freely...
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
Groucho Marx
The past two days have been absolute gems. Clear blue skies, warm sunny days and certainly the days not to be wasted...
The small towns in Minnesota come to life in summer. 10,000 lakes support lake homes for many who live out of state. Towns seem to awaken and take on a new persona. Gardens are re-planted and the lawns manicured. Everything is bright green..... Yellow green, blue green and just plain green.
We can't comprehend re-planting our gardens every season. Some plants hibernate, but most need to be renewed every year. Can you imagine the ground freezing to 9ft below the ground... lakes with 3 Ft of ice.....!!!!
Yesterday we drove an hour or so to the town of Park Rapids. It's a neat little town with wonderful antique shops, cafe's, the obligatory thrift shop and of course a quilt shop. We met friends in the quilt shop and decided it was time for coffee...
Folks.... BIG is the word here.... big coffee and big cinnamon rolls. Believe me, the cinnamon roll for morning tea almost covered the plate...
2" high and covered in white icing it was a sight to behold..... It's a shame I don't eat cinnamon.... I stuck to a lemon scone.....
A visit to a friends house by the lake and an impromptu discussion on quilting.. finished the afternoon and we drove home guided by a wonderful sunset and the rising of the moon. It gets dark around 10.00 here... we left at 9.30 and then got home at 10.00. The car was packed with goodies...and the conversation flowed freely...
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
Groucho Marx
2005/06/15
Fabric addiction (addition)
Hello everyone, The past couple of days have been extremely interesting.
Kathy and I spent a day waiting for Mary. The weather was inclement and threatened rain, so I completed a little business on the computer and after a quick lunch we took off in the vehicle for Fort Snelling. This interactive historic re-creation was wonderful. People live in the fort in the manner of their ancestors... we got to talk with the Dr, who gave us some interesting tips on amputation of limbs. Mrs Snelling invited us to stay... we believe they were eating swan for dinner.... so we decided to decline her kind offer.
As we waited for Mary at the airport we were informed that dangerous storms were approaching. Several planes were taking off early.... Wouldn't you be cross if your plane left without you !!!!
As we drove off, the storms raged around us, black and menacing... I have never seen such amazing cloud formations....We sheltered in Target and had Mary shopping within half an hour after her arrival....The rest of the trip home was uneventful but we had to brave the rain and sleet.
A slow day today, but we got to watch six or seven episodes of quilting on TV and then we went to the local diner for lunch...
Now eat your heart out folk..
The local dime store is closing down... they have all their fabric out for around $2.50 a yard. It was like being a kid in a candy shop....we purchased the some of the latest fabrics at that amazing price... I think I purchased 20 meters.. We had the most wonderful show and tell when we arrived home.!!!!
I have been coming here for 10 years now. The first time I came, Joan caught some fireflies and put them in a jar by my bed.... those little critters glowed all night. It was magical. Tonight the fireflies were dancing again... so we've just captured some and I will give them to the girls to sleep by.
"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." Henri Matisse
Kathy and I spent a day waiting for Mary. The weather was inclement and threatened rain, so I completed a little business on the computer and after a quick lunch we took off in the vehicle for Fort Snelling. This interactive historic re-creation was wonderful. People live in the fort in the manner of their ancestors... we got to talk with the Dr, who gave us some interesting tips on amputation of limbs. Mrs Snelling invited us to stay... we believe they were eating swan for dinner.... so we decided to decline her kind offer.
As we waited for Mary at the airport we were informed that dangerous storms were approaching. Several planes were taking off early.... Wouldn't you be cross if your plane left without you !!!!
As we drove off, the storms raged around us, black and menacing... I have never seen such amazing cloud formations....We sheltered in Target and had Mary shopping within half an hour after her arrival....The rest of the trip home was uneventful but we had to brave the rain and sleet.
A slow day today, but we got to watch six or seven episodes of quilting on TV and then we went to the local diner for lunch...
Now eat your heart out folk..
The local dime store is closing down... they have all their fabric out for around $2.50 a yard. It was like being a kid in a candy shop....we purchased the some of the latest fabrics at that amazing price... I think I purchased 20 meters.. We had the most wonderful show and tell when we arrived home.!!!!
I have been coming here for 10 years now. The first time I came, Joan caught some fireflies and put them in a jar by my bed.... those little critters glowed all night. It was magical. Tonight the fireflies were dancing again... so we've just captured some and I will give them to the girls to sleep by.
"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." Henri Matisse
2005/06/14
So what now.
Monday... the beginning of a new week and we have been on the road for a week now.
The weather in Minneapolis is warm and balmy, but the skies are heavy and have the promise of rain. I forgot to mention in the previous blog, that whilst we were waiting for the Tornado to pass by a young man, sat on the border of the car park holding his crucifix aloft as if to dare the powers that be.... it must have worked because the tornado passed us by. However, a tornado did a lot of damage quite close to us yesterday whilst we were in the Mall of America...
Mall of America. Largest Mall in the world... it is just a wonderful place to visit if you are interested in window shopping.
We watched a concert and enjoyed a great meal in between purchasing a few bargains.
In the evening we were invited to visit the home of Debbie Bowles... a US quilt teacher. The plan was to visit between 7.00 and 7.30 for desert supper and a ride on the lake... Note the word plan.
Well we left on time. With Map in hand we turned inadvertently onto the incorrect freeway and it was some 10 miles before we could get off..... Where were we..? OK our time of arrival had passed so a quick call to Debbie confirmed we had gone in the opposite direction...
A helpful assistant in Barns and Noble put us on the right track and a 13 minute trip took us 1.5 hours...
Debbie was gracious at our late arrival... and ushered us down to the lake for a calming ride on the boat.... The sun was setting, the lake was golden and we slowly glided past beautiful houses fringing the the edge....
Desert of home made rhubarb pie and icecream on the balcony was wonderful, however.. I began to sneeze with a bad case of hay fever, due to the huge cotton trees that were showering their pollen over the ground. I felt a real wally.....
We set out for home at 11.30 and made a few incorrect turns, but we finally made it after a few hiccups...
Mary arrives today and it will be another late evening. We plan to visit
Fort Snelling and then pick up Mary at the airport before traveling on to Long Prairie....
"Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool".
The weather in Minneapolis is warm and balmy, but the skies are heavy and have the promise of rain. I forgot to mention in the previous blog, that whilst we were waiting for the Tornado to pass by a young man, sat on the border of the car park holding his crucifix aloft as if to dare the powers that be.... it must have worked because the tornado passed us by. However, a tornado did a lot of damage quite close to us yesterday whilst we were in the Mall of America...
Mall of America. Largest Mall in the world... it is just a wonderful place to visit if you are interested in window shopping.
We watched a concert and enjoyed a great meal in between purchasing a few bargains.
In the evening we were invited to visit the home of Debbie Bowles... a US quilt teacher. The plan was to visit between 7.00 and 7.30 for desert supper and a ride on the lake... Note the word plan.
Well we left on time. With Map in hand we turned inadvertently onto the incorrect freeway and it was some 10 miles before we could get off..... Where were we..? OK our time of arrival had passed so a quick call to Debbie confirmed we had gone in the opposite direction...
A helpful assistant in Barns and Noble put us on the right track and a 13 minute trip took us 1.5 hours...
Debbie was gracious at our late arrival... and ushered us down to the lake for a calming ride on the boat.... The sun was setting, the lake was golden and we slowly glided past beautiful houses fringing the the edge....
Desert of home made rhubarb pie and icecream on the balcony was wonderful, however.. I began to sneeze with a bad case of hay fever, due to the huge cotton trees that were showering their pollen over the ground. I felt a real wally.....
We set out for home at 11.30 and made a few incorrect turns, but we finally made it after a few hiccups...
Mary arrives today and it will be another late evening. We plan to visit
Fort Snelling and then pick up Mary at the airport before traveling on to Long Prairie....
"Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool".
2005/06/12
Tornadoes
It's 11.00 pm. I'm sitting on a high stool in the lobby of the Marriott accessing wireless internet on my lap top and I can't help but feel a sense of unreality. This time last week I had just arrived home from Waverley. (Thanks Jo)
Abba is playing very loudly in the background to a very noisy wedding crowd who have imbibed a little too much. 3 young men have snuck into the computer room in front of me and seem to be looking at something illegal....
An Indian wedding has just finished and sari clad patrons have just left. There have been 3 delightful African American elderly citizens all dressed in white waiting here since 7.00 pm.... perhaps they have been overlooked...
Kathy and I have just returned from the Mall of America where we had dinner in a jungle cafe, with the sounds of elephants and irate monkeys resounding in our ears... every now and then a volcano explodes and drowns the entire cafe in light and noise....
We attended a lecture this morning at the Quilt Show and then packed and left in heavy fog and temperatures around 6 deg... It was freezing... all we wanted was a hot drink or soup....Some 50 miles down the road the temperature had risen to 70 and at our important stop at the outlet mall it was in the 80's so we ate icecream. Suddenly a siren began to wail... and the shop assistants ushered the patrons to the door. Loud speakers informed us of an impending tornado....We were all to assemble in a cement encased lobby/loo... The tornado was just several kms from us (in fact just where we had driven) I believe the funnel had touched down.... How exciting!!!!!
Just a short distance up the road we came to a halt.... there had been an accident and the road was closed... we inched for an hour or more and we were eventually diverted around the accident....
Well the party is getting rough out here... I've had enough excitement for the day.... Kathy and I have also been disagreeing about driving so it's time to call it a day...She also thinks my green shoes are yellow and I won't have it... so all those folk in Waverley who saw them will be called as witnesses for the prosecution....
"Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don't have film."
Abba is playing very loudly in the background to a very noisy wedding crowd who have imbibed a little too much. 3 young men have snuck into the computer room in front of me and seem to be looking at something illegal....
An Indian wedding has just finished and sari clad patrons have just left. There have been 3 delightful African American elderly citizens all dressed in white waiting here since 7.00 pm.... perhaps they have been overlooked...
Kathy and I have just returned from the Mall of America where we had dinner in a jungle cafe, with the sounds of elephants and irate monkeys resounding in our ears... every now and then a volcano explodes and drowns the entire cafe in light and noise....
We attended a lecture this morning at the Quilt Show and then packed and left in heavy fog and temperatures around 6 deg... It was freezing... all we wanted was a hot drink or soup....Some 50 miles down the road the temperature had risen to 70 and at our important stop at the outlet mall it was in the 80's so we ate icecream. Suddenly a siren began to wail... and the shop assistants ushered the patrons to the door. Loud speakers informed us of an impending tornado....We were all to assemble in a cement encased lobby/loo... The tornado was just several kms from us (in fact just where we had driven) I believe the funnel had touched down.... How exciting!!!!!
Just a short distance up the road we came to a halt.... there had been an accident and the road was closed... we inched for an hour or more and we were eventually diverted around the accident....
Well the party is getting rough out here... I've had enough excitement for the day.... Kathy and I have also been disagreeing about driving so it's time to call it a day...She also thinks my green shoes are yellow and I won't have it... so all those folk in Waverley who saw them will be called as witnesses for the prosecution....
"Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don't have film."
2005/06/10
Minnesota Quilt Show.
Duluth is an historic city situated on the Southern shore of Lake Superior.
The history of Europeans in the area actually started in the 1630s with the first voyageurs to visit the area. Prior to this Duluth was the land of the Sioux.
This week it is the venue for the Annual Minnesota Quilt Show.
The day dawned misty and dull, but by 10 am the sun had broken through the clouds and we ventured to the quilt show.
You can walk almost all over the city of Duluth without going outside... there are skywalks joining all the buildings and it gives one the impression that the weather is rather inclement here at times.... Inclement is an understatement I believe.!!!
I have been given the statistics that the show is the 3rd largest in the US... don't quote me on that, but I will say the quality of the quilts on show were equal to any I have seen. I believe there were over 100 Judged quilts. I'm in awe of some of the work displayed... I do wish I could show you the photos I have taken... but it would be professionally incorrect of me to show you other peoples quilts without their permission.
So I will try to paint a word picture.
There are 100's of gals staying in our hotel which is adjacent to the convention centre. There's a continuous stream of people walking back and forth across the walkway. Purposeful steps, bags in hand, cute clothes, smiles and chatter. Friendships are obvious and camaraderie seems to be a prerequisite.
Two stadiums of vendors and quilts can entertain a fledgling quilter for an entire day or so....I have wonderful memories of Duluth, I won my first award here some 10 years ago...I won my first Best of Show here 2 years ago and now I'm just plain visiting.
There are dozens of good quality classes and lectures offered and I have just returned from an entertaining dinner attended by a thousand or more participants...
Why do we enjoy a quilt convention? Is is the creations of others that stimulate our senses?
I personally love to examine other quilts... I take numerous photos of each quilt... and continue the excitement for many months after the event... I like to think that we share a passion without question. I saw one of the quilts exhibited in a class some years ago.... now it is completed and I feel a companion sense after seeing the quilt take shape...
I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of the creative process of the maker...but it sure is wonderful to see the finished article.
Duluth is an interesting place... the buildings around the port have been refurbished
and host corridors of interesting antique malls, restaurants and clothing stores...
We walked for several hours today just taking in the ambiance of downtown Duluth...
I will put up more photos on webshots
"Choose to feel good and your actions become more effective. Choose to feel good and you'll see opportunities that you otherwise would have missed."
The history of Europeans in the area actually started in the 1630s with the first voyageurs to visit the area. Prior to this Duluth was the land of the Sioux.
This week it is the venue for the Annual Minnesota Quilt Show.
The day dawned misty and dull, but by 10 am the sun had broken through the clouds and we ventured to the quilt show.
You can walk almost all over the city of Duluth without going outside... there are skywalks joining all the buildings and it gives one the impression that the weather is rather inclement here at times.... Inclement is an understatement I believe.!!!
I have been given the statistics that the show is the 3rd largest in the US... don't quote me on that, but I will say the quality of the quilts on show were equal to any I have seen. I believe there were over 100 Judged quilts. I'm in awe of some of the work displayed... I do wish I could show you the photos I have taken... but it would be professionally incorrect of me to show you other peoples quilts without their permission.
So I will try to paint a word picture.
There are 100's of gals staying in our hotel which is adjacent to the convention centre. There's a continuous stream of people walking back and forth across the walkway. Purposeful steps, bags in hand, cute clothes, smiles and chatter. Friendships are obvious and camaraderie seems to be a prerequisite.
Two stadiums of vendors and quilts can entertain a fledgling quilter for an entire day or so....I have wonderful memories of Duluth, I won my first award here some 10 years ago...I won my first Best of Show here 2 years ago and now I'm just plain visiting.
There are dozens of good quality classes and lectures offered and I have just returned from an entertaining dinner attended by a thousand or more participants...
Why do we enjoy a quilt convention? Is is the creations of others that stimulate our senses?
I personally love to examine other quilts... I take numerous photos of each quilt... and continue the excitement for many months after the event... I like to think that we share a passion without question. I saw one of the quilts exhibited in a class some years ago.... now it is completed and I feel a companion sense after seeing the quilt take shape...
I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of the creative process of the maker...but it sure is wonderful to see the finished article.
Duluth is an interesting place... the buildings around the port have been refurbished
and host corridors of interesting antique malls, restaurants and clothing stores...
We walked for several hours today just taking in the ambiance of downtown Duluth...
I will put up more photos on webshots
"Choose to feel good and your actions become more effective. Choose to feel good and you'll see opportunities that you otherwise would have missed."
2005/06/09
Day of Contrast.
Oh I forgot to tell you of my foray into TV News....We did a story last week just before I went to Melbourne.. The local news staff arrived at the shed and we spent a few hours filming and chatting... I was quite pleased with the results...!!!and it sure was an interesting experience.
Back to the US
I'm traveling with my buddy Kathy. We are members of the S&B Quilt Group. Next week we will be joined by Mary.
Our first step on arrival was to pick up our car.... a brand new blue people mover, a Chrysler something. OK, so I put in my GPS and somehow the maps I used last year had disappeared so we had to wing it out of the airport... I'm choofed we did really well and we found out accommodation with just one or two wrong turns. Mary will bring all the software for an update.
Sleep evaded us so we took off for the Mall of America. You should see this place, it's the biggest Mall in the world. I love it, and of course the sales are on folk.!!!
http://www.mallofamerica.com/
Finally we could sleep. Not even the huge storm which produced flood watches and tornado like characteristics...woke us....I woke at four to hear the windows hissing... then promptly fell back to sleep!!!!
Another visit to the mall this morning produced some interesting bargains and then we took off for Duluth
It's about a 2 hour drive and after a few stops to shop we made it at about 6.00 pm. The temperature dropped 40 degrees and we arrived in heavy fog wind.
Tomorrow we observe the Minnesota Quilt Show and we will keep you up to date on the proceedings.
Some of us have great runways already built for us,
so if you have one,
take off.
If you don't Grab a shovel and build one.
Back to the US
I'm traveling with my buddy Kathy. We are members of the S&B Quilt Group. Next week we will be joined by Mary.
Our first step on arrival was to pick up our car.... a brand new blue people mover, a Chrysler something. OK, so I put in my GPS and somehow the maps I used last year had disappeared so we had to wing it out of the airport... I'm choofed we did really well and we found out accommodation with just one or two wrong turns. Mary will bring all the software for an update.
Sleep evaded us so we took off for the Mall of America. You should see this place, it's the biggest Mall in the world. I love it, and of course the sales are on folk.!!!
http://www.mallofamerica.com/
Finally we could sleep. Not even the huge storm which produced flood watches and tornado like characteristics...woke us....I woke at four to hear the windows hissing... then promptly fell back to sleep!!!!
Another visit to the mall this morning produced some interesting bargains and then we took off for Duluth
It's about a 2 hour drive and after a few stops to shop we made it at about 6.00 pm. The temperature dropped 40 degrees and we arrived in heavy fog wind.
Tomorrow we observe the Minnesota Quilt Show and we will keep you up to date on the proceedings.
Some of us have great runways already built for us,
so if you have one,
take off.
If you don't Grab a shovel and build one.
Back on line......
Whew, it's been a while, sorry folk..... I've been running on all cylinders since I arrived home from the USA. Now here I am back again.
This time I'll have a break and relax a little.!!!!!!
In the time I was home I completed a couple of projects for a quilt magazine and fabric company. Visited Sydney and gave a lecture and classes to the Australian Quilt History List. What a great bunch of gals...Sent my quilts to the Paducah Quilt Museum for three months ...eeek..Taught portraits and Landscapes to the gals at the SA quilt Guild for 3 days, another super class.
Last weekend I flew over to Waverley and taught at their symposium and gave the after dinner talk... Or should I say ramble... flew home and then caught the plane on Tuesday to spend 33 hours traveling to Minneapolis.
I had an interesting trip from LA to Chicago. 4 hours flying. The gal next to me arrived and spent ages on the floor of the plane securing her bag under her seat.... Closer inspection showed she had arrived with her moggie... all wrapped up in a rug and secured in a bag... The cat slept all the way....Unfortunately the gal went troppo... poor thing she had an anxiety attack... she tried to stifle her yells by placing her hand over her mouth, then cried into her lap and held onto my leg.... it was real exciting. Thankfully she popped a lot of Valium and I patted her arm.... for on and off for 4 hours.
We arrived in Chicago early (thankfully) but had to wait on the tarmac for 3/4 hour in a plane jam. We just made it to our next flight and I loaded up with starbucks and a trip to the loo and we took off for our next flight.... Honeys, there was still a plane jam, 35 planes in a line, waiting and waiting... We took off an hour late but at least my neighbor just went to sleep.
Now to relax.....
Goals are dreams with a deadline.
-Dottie Walters, entrepreneur, writer, and inspirational speaker
This time I'll have a break and relax a little.!!!!!!
In the time I was home I completed a couple of projects for a quilt magazine and fabric company. Visited Sydney and gave a lecture and classes to the Australian Quilt History List. What a great bunch of gals...Sent my quilts to the Paducah Quilt Museum for three months ...eeek..Taught portraits and Landscapes to the gals at the SA quilt Guild for 3 days, another super class.
Last weekend I flew over to Waverley and taught at their symposium and gave the after dinner talk... Or should I say ramble... flew home and then caught the plane on Tuesday to spend 33 hours traveling to Minneapolis.
I had an interesting trip from LA to Chicago. 4 hours flying. The gal next to me arrived and spent ages on the floor of the plane securing her bag under her seat.... Closer inspection showed she had arrived with her moggie... all wrapped up in a rug and secured in a bag... The cat slept all the way....Unfortunately the gal went troppo... poor thing she had an anxiety attack... she tried to stifle her yells by placing her hand over her mouth, then cried into her lap and held onto my leg.... it was real exciting. Thankfully she popped a lot of Valium and I patted her arm.... for on and off for 4 hours.
We arrived in Chicago early (thankfully) but had to wait on the tarmac for 3/4 hour in a plane jam. We just made it to our next flight and I loaded up with starbucks and a trip to the loo and we took off for our next flight.... Honeys, there was still a plane jam, 35 planes in a line, waiting and waiting... We took off an hour late but at least my neighbor just went to sleep.
Now to relax.....
Goals are dreams with a deadline.
-Dottie Walters, entrepreneur, writer, and inspirational speaker
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