Noxubee Wildlife Refuge.... didn't see any aligators though!!

This past weekend I was up to my eyeballs in quilts to quilt....but the Professor decided to take me away for a quick day trip to the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge. Having lived in South Africa, I must admit...seeing the odd deer or armadillo isn't usually exciting.... and we did see those on the drive into the refuge. But I was pleasantly surprised at the beauty of this place...and it is only a few miles from our town. It had lots of info at the Visitor center...including ideal times to see Egrets and cranes.... and where the Aligators hang out ...usually. It was very interesting. So I am wondering what else is around here that I don't know about. Instead of hankering after that long trip to Yosemite...maybe I better explore my back yard..... before we get moved away from here. We will definitely go back there again.... I really would like to see some Gators... and see how they compare to African crocodiles.... which we did see many times while looking for animals in the Game Parks of South Africa. One reason..... I can not understand anyone wanting to "walk" or camp near the rivers there.... I mean.... crocs can swim.... so who knows where they might end up???? The Professor did a good thing for me.... he got me to take a break from the wonderful quilts I had the privilege of finishing this past week. I have to share Toni Brenker's from Pennsylvania , it is from a Quiltville. com pattern, the Old TObacco Road Quilt.... really a lovely quilt. She is a wonderful piecer, and superb at color combinations! I just wish the quilting would show up more, as it really finished up nicely. Then this next one... is one of my regular girls...I seem to love her color combinations.... this Bargello turned out beautiful. So far.... every color combo, I like better

than her last one. Last, I have to share this stunner .... hand appliqued by one of the girls in my guild.... she does divine hand work. This is certainly no exception! It was lots of fun to plan for. I tried to do echo quilting for the first time. It was a lot harder than I realized...and

this picture doesn't do her beautiful quilt justice. But it is a beauty. A massive quilt, king sized . But such a pleasure to do for her. I am winding down with a few more quilts this week...before we make a quick trip to see my 13 brothers and sisters and mom. Can't wait to see them all. Happy sewing!!!

A very sad day indeed........

Well it was a sad day here at the homestead. In preparing to go on a quick visit to see my mom, we decided to take down the redneck pool.... The professor had to get into the pool to unplug the valve inside the pool. Then after getting out.... he had to dawn his lovely kilt towel.... a special pressie from friends in the UK.

Doesn't he look....Scottish???? I finished up a lovely quilt ....and even tried "McTavishing" or at least my perversion of it. The photos don't show well, but it is pretty in person. I am delivering it tomorrow..... I have also finished another quilt to be sent off...but can't share it...until she has seen it first. Hope you have a great day.... I am off to see a spectacular trunk show tomorrow.... more pics to follow.

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The 4th, more redneck pool shots...and family fun.

Well, Happy Belated 4th to everyone. We had all the kids and the grands..and what fun. We even enjoyed phone calls from our special Italian exchange student, Francesco. It was fun hearing from our UK buddies and texts from South Africa. It really is a smaller world we live in. June and July saw many family members birthdays...so we had to have cake...and a cookie cake...er...well ....lets just say the kids "really got into it!" And leave it at that.

Now the redneck Pool was a huge hit. All of the kids and babies loved it! Even most of the grownups made a dip or two. The Princess and Wee One, had their own little paddling pool...but seemed to enjoy being in the big pool too. While we had the kids all here...we went through some of the many stored things of our grown up kids...and DS2 found some of his swimming medals.... Michael Phelps.... probably looked like this after the last Olympics... the kids were sure impressed with the medals... and now they are no longer at my house....more room for fabric!

Since it was the fourth of July... we had sparklers and glow sticks.... I even found these very cool glow stick balls that the dads put together quick quick. And because I don't want anyone to get in trouble...but a certain Aunt and Uncle.... set off some pretty awesome fireworks.... and sparklers and charcoal snakes. We ate and grilled and sat out on the deck every night until quite late. The fireflies were fun for the kids to try and catch. WE even managed a couple of games of horse shoes! It is the best 4th I have had in years. And all thanks to my family. I did manage to do a few quilts... this week after all the company left

The pictures don't do them justice...but they were both lovely quilts. I also completed a sweet baby quilt for one of these gals..but the photo is way out of focus... I have that affect on many things. Hope you all had a great weekend. I am off to a visit a new quilt group... tomorrow.... new to me...hope they show some pretty things.