Pat Hardie - Altered Art Studio

Cottage for Sale

2011-04-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

'Tis a sad day indeed. Our boys are no longer interested in the cottage, visiting or owning it, so I've had to list it for sale. You can view all the details on my website at http://www.pathardie.com/. But just to give you a glimpse, I shall include some pictures here. FYI, it is on Walnut Island, Sand Lake near Elgin Ontario.

Diamonds for India

2010-11-08T16:44:00.001-08:00

www.SewManyPlaces.com/tours/india_1110.html

This is the web site where you can check out my itinerary. Jinny has requested that we each bring along 500 2.5" diamonds for a project entitled Colours of Rajasthan. People who know me, know full well that that is an impossible task for me. And I don't do piecing, or at least until now. However I was laid up having had a disastrous encounter with a very large spike in the foot, so I decided I could at least prepare some of the silk fabrics I've been collecting for the last 3-4 years. I use recycled fabrics in my artwork and have been collecting silk blouses and shirts purchased from my local Salvation Army where I volunteer each Tuesday afternoon. Because the silks are so thin, I thought it best to fuse interfacing to them before attempting to cut out these diamonds. I went through close to 10 bolts of fusible and as a result had a wonderful pile of fabric from which to work. So I started cutting only to discover at the 50 mark that I had cut the diamonds too large. Jinny uses the side of the diamond as a measurement and most references gave me instructions using the height. Not the same. However, since my diamonds were larger than required, I then proceeded to cut them down in size. The first photo is an unintended optical illusion of the many diamonds I cut out of differing colours.
I subsequently removed all the blues and greens which of course meant that I had fewer than the required 500.

These photos of the folded silks show a more realistic look at the real colours.

I then inspected my men's tie collection and choose some I deemed to fit with my silk diamonds. At this point I now have 500 again.

I finally remembered that I had hand dyed some cotton years ago and found more colours to suit - not shown. In the end I will take a minimum of 600 diamonds, some of which are cotton. I'm thinking that the other participants may not want to trade their cotton for silk, so now I have cottons too.

Puppies - last time

2010-11-08T16:25:00.001-08:00

I have to confess, we don't have grandchildren, so I decided a few years back that the only ammunition I had when folks would proudly display photos of their grandson or daughter, was to counter with ones of our grand-dogs.

You've heard the expression 'leapin lizards'. How about leaping puppy?
BTW, this puppy talks and let's you know how she feels. Too funny.

Seems greenery is tastier and more appealing than a stuffed toy. And yes she learned to travel through the culverts.

A momentary 'pause' in the play fighting battle.

The toy did survive intact. Sorry to say I missed a wonderful shot of Oreo playing tug-of-war with Gypsy's tail one day. Gypsy is so tolerant, almost to a fault. She didn't seem to mind when during the first few days the little one decided to eat her food; she just backed away and let her nosh until one of us put a stop to that. When Gypsy tried to pull that stunt with Leila, Leila had the smarts to give her the 'word'. Oreo now has better table manners and sits and waits while Gypsy is tended to first and then - get this, continues to wait until told she may go to her bowl.

Speaking of food, these dogs are vegetarians. Gypsy has taught Oreo many skills, among them how to pick her own tomatoes off the plants in Al's garden. The big missed photo was of Oreo, not eating the tomato although she does do that, but of her digging a hole in my freshly prepared flower area and burying a rather large tomato. I've heard of dogs burying bones, but not tomatoes.

More puppy photos

2010-11-08T16:20:00.001-08:00

You'll have to excuse the lighting and composition of these photos. With this little one you just fire away and hope to capture some of the action.

In this one I caught Oreo doing a full somersault. Gypsy doesn't seem to mind.

Like I said Oreo spends a lot of time on Gypsy's back.

Gypsy understands that her 'prey' is a puppy and treats her with unbelievable gentleness.

newest addition to our household

2010-11-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

When puppies are this young, they don't stay still for long. And everytime I got down to dog height, she took off. Who is she? Well her real name is Knightcastle Audrey's Tiffany, but we call her Oreo because she's as sweet as a cookie. I in turn have shortened her name even further, preferring to call her Reo. She's absolutely adorable, cute and cuddy. Well not so cuddly now at roughly 20 weeks or 5 months and 30+ lbs. Certainly too heavy to pick up with one hand at this stage.
She's quite the fearless critter. Here you see her trying to climb up on Gypsy (she does this regularly) while Pepper is left wondering what on earth is going on.

The following photos were taken the first week she came home at 9 weeks.

the vines finally bloom

2010-11-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

One of the great joys of my garden this year has been the vine arrangement at the front of the house. These two vines whose names escape me at the moment, have been over-wintered for at least 4 years. My efforts were finally rewarded with a spectacular profusion of blooms all summer. Lastly I'd like to show you the finished rock garden, the last big project of the season, & that borders the septic field. Previously this area was almost totally overgrown. I set Steve to the task of removing the rocks, digging out the weeds and giving the soil a good rototilling. Then I planted rocks. I'll consider what plants to add here and in the 'rockery' to the left over the winter.

the summer's landscaping projects

2010-11-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

My last post alluded to my monumental landscaping activities this past spring and summer. Tons of rock and gravel were shifted as Steve, my wonderful hired hand, and I became very physically fit. The rock garden below, our second project, was to have been next year's project, but we were on a roll. Too bad I don't have a 'before' picture to show how many wheelbarrow loads of clay type soil we moved out & dumped on the top of the riverbank with hopes of curtailing some of the erosion. The idea here was to create individual flower beds surrounded by rock and filling in the rest with rock such that you can step or climb anywhere going up or down. It's difficult to see but the size of some of these rocks is amazing, additionally amazing in that we were actually able to move them from the trailer at the front to the back and then place them. It's called leverage combined with Steve's upper body strength.

In this photo you can see the walkway leading down to the river. Each one of those stones was hauled from my favourite field and carefully placed with due consideration to the lawn tractor being able to ride over them.
Here's a closer look. The rocks don't look particularly large but I assure you individually they weigh big time.

Here's the first project of the summer. First we had to dig out the old stone rocks, remove the excess soil and then develop some sort of stepping arrangement. I found some mis-matched solid blocks for sale. Turns out they were just perfect for my purpose. The biggest problem was in anchoring the whole affair such that they didn't move. Pressure treated lumber and lag bolts did the trick. I like the look and think we succeeded admirably as the visual weight ties in nicely with the desking.

my next journey

2010-11-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

It's been such a long time since I even considered posting to my blog, started mainly as a way for friends to follow vicariously along on our adventures. These stopped last winter when my husband declared he had no wish to be dragging a 27' trailer down to the States or anywhere else for that matter despite my willingness to help drive. The trailer is now history as we sold it in early spring. Then in May a bleeding ulcer hospitalized my husband for 4 days, not normally such a big deal but for some reason it has lead to other serious health concerns. He's now somewhat stabilized and has changed GP's (now that's a story and a half), so there is nothing more I can do.

As if that weren't enough, about 3 weeks ago I managed to drive a very large spike through my right foot, thankfully missing any bone, but leaving me on crutches for 4-5days.

Throughout all of this, I considered cancelling a trip to Rajasthan, India, one I had booked quite some time ago. The good news is that I leave on Nov.11th. I go by bus to Montreal where I board an Air France flight (on the advice of son & DIL), stopping in Paris and then on to Delhi. I arrive at a terrible hour - almost midnight so won't see my bed until at least 2 in the morning. The tour company has arranged for the hotel to pick me up - thank goodness since wrestling over who has control over my luggage (local tout or me) is not a pleasant thought.

At the last minute I decided to buy a netbook computer to take with me. Very time consuming as I spent 6 hours of researching (in the end didn't get my choice but I did get an exceptionally good buy but reduced battery time), half day into Ottawa to buy, too many hours getting email set up, bookmarks, un-installing the crap these things come with... Hopefully hauling 2.7 lbs in my back pack will allow me to stay in touch with husband in case something arises. An added bonus will be that I might be able to 'blog' about the trip. No promises, mind, as who knows what wireless Internet services will be available.

If time allows between now and my departure, I shall post pictures of my summer's work - landscaping at the house. This was my 'art' work for the summer as I worked with Steve (my much appreciated and fun 'hired' hand) to build a new staircase to the back deck and re-designing some much over grown flower beds. And if you're lucky I'll post pictures as well of the latest addition to our household - a puppy named Oreo (she is such a cookie), or 'Reo for short. And I shall also go on record as having declared that the last thing we needed in this household was a puppy to look after. This 'little one' now weighs over 30lbs almost half the weight of a mature female flat coated retriever of 65 lbs. Our other FC, Leila who died suddenly in January was super-sized at a whoppin' 75lbs, larger and heavier than most males. And maybe I shall tell you a little about Gypsy's response to having become an only dog, then in June have to learn how to share her owners with this little one.

So I'll email folks about the ressurection of the blog. Hope you'll have time and the inclination to follow along with me in India. Talk to you later.

500 Art Quilts

2010-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a 'happy dance' this week. 500 Art Quilts published by Lark Books has just been released and I got my copy several days ago. If you have a chance to see the book, I'm on page 405 in full living colour with a large photo of From Town to Country, an art quilt I finished almost 2 years ago. Last year it spent 3 months touring with the PAQA-S exhibit entitled Transitions. I am still in awe of being included with so many talented fibre artists, many of whom have helped with getting this art form the acceptance it has today.

I've entered the Illuminations exhibit with my piece entitled The Wedding. Results will be posted on the PAQA-S website on Feb. 13th. I've got my fingers crossed but am not holding my breath. What will be, will be as they say.

A new venue

2009-11-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I delivered some of my 'stuff' to Dave, the owner of Homestead Gallery. south of Kemptville, Ontario. I figure he might just as well display my pieces as have them languish unseen on my walls or hidden in drawers or closets. Only time will tell if this is a successful venture. At some point he will be mounting pictures of my work on his website at http://www.homestead-gallery.com/.

Pat Hardie's AlteredART Studio: 2nd place for Room for Three

2009-10-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Pat Hardie's AlteredART Studio: 2nd place for Room for Three
http://gallery6.org/gallery.aspx

2nd place for Room for Three

2009-10-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

I recently entered my latest piece in a juried exhibit with the number 3 as a theme (this is their 3rd year of operation). Last night was the vernissage or opening with wonderful food and ambiance. All were hoping for a SRO situation, but given the very chilly weather I was glad not to be standing outside on the sidewalk as I had done in the year previous. Pictures of the event will be posted shortly on their website at
http://gallery6.org/default.aspx
Click on the button (LHS)Previous Themed Nights to view photos of the affair.
Meanwhile this is the piece that is on exhibit.

I'm to be published

2009-10-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness gracious me. One of my artquilts - From Town to Country is to be published in a new Lark Book entitled 500 Artquilts and available in 2010. I am truely thrilled to be included with the likes of Pamela Allen, Elaine Quehl, Holly Knott - the list is ever so long. It seems so long ago that I made the submission. Had really forgotten about it after reading what I thought was a statement that the book would not be published due to the economic turndown. Perhaps it was only a postponement that I read. Doesn't matter 'cause apparently it's gonna happen.

From Town to Country is currently residing in Fayetteville, NC at the third and last venue of the PAQA-S Transitions juried exhibit. It comes home sometime after Nov. 8th. I did post about that spectacular (for me) achievement back in April, but I'll post another picture of it here so you don't have to search.

#$@% Curvy Edges

2009-10-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that I tend to use only recycled fabrics and objects. In this piece I gratefully accepted some new material from two friends, Nancy - for the fringe & Frances - one of the rugs (from the Out-of-the-Box fibre art group) to help me with this piece. My difficulty with trying a B&W piece is that very few clothing items (my main source of fabric) are made from gray or grayish coloured fabric. They tend to be black or white, or if in combination, very high contrast thus creating another challenge in completing this piece.

However, this is not my difficulty at this point. I frequently use recycled zippers, either in whole or part, as embellishment. In this piece I have used whole zippers in the interior to divide the piece into three - on the right is a working zipper. I have used half zippers as the border. Before attaching the borders, I very carefully steamed the piece, measured and pinned the zippers. When they didn't lie flat, I ripped and tried again to no avail. This is not the first time I have encountered this problem. I have noticed that some fleece jackets have a less than flat front zipper, so am wondering if it is the difference in weight between fabric (in my case the quilt) and the thinner weight zipper.

Anyone got any ideas of what I can do or should have done????

Oh yes, I call this work - Room for Three and hope that the local gallery will accept it into their latest show with a theme based on the number three. The accompanying description is as follows - My world in black & white consists of a cozy chair with footrest and a fireplace that also functions as a television. When friends come to visit, my room can expand. Of course life would not be complete without a window and doorway leading to a garden.

I've been blogged again

2009-09-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

I've just had a lovely email from Lisa Quintana who checked out my Wedding House. She is very complimentary about my work, but more importantly gives loads more information about Books of Hours, etc. If this topic interests you, I suggest you drop in On Medieval Influences: Observing the Hours and Pat Hardie's work
I should say that I have just returned from a wonderful weekend in Champlain, Quebec where my oldest son and his bride just got married. Despite the fact that it's a family wedding, I still think that it was one of the nicest and most fun wedding I have ever attended putting to rest the panic that I forgot my dress at home (5.5 hours away). Louise, my friend, neighbour, French coach and fashion advisor saved the day and just in time.
Life can now return to normal.

Borders all round I say

2009-09-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

Two strategies are available as a last ditch effort to save a piece. Well OK, three if you include filing in the recycle bin. In this case I was happy with the original composition so cropping was not the answer. I had two difficulties with these pieces.

First, both had the dreaded wavey edges. Adding an envelope on the back with foam core inserted certainly solved that problem, but did nothing to address the second problem & what I call their 'lack of presence' when hung on the wall. They looked small and puney.

Adding a heavy weight denim canvas border solved this aspect in my eyes. Only a couched outline of crochet cotton was added to Village Square. However, le Shopping got several additions: additional beige zippers were added to the original composition before the denim border. When playing with the 'what if I added a tie border' I discovered that I liked the unintentional curve of the tie around the top RH corner. The tie tips were intriquing too. This is one tie I didn't rip apart.

I've included the 'before' as well as 'after' photos. Hard to tell what they look like hanging on the wall of course. And if you're really observant, you'll notice that the first photo has some of the embroidery pinned on and not stitched. Also missing other elements. Guess I knew that it would never please me as it was 'cause it appears I never took another picture when all the stitching was done.

Pierre Cardin meets Folkart

2009-08-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Another exercise from Pamela Allen's class. This one was to extend the 'story' of a very small image printed on fabric. I chose this funny lady with pursed lips. Unfortunately I don't know her origins. If you know who she is or who painted her, I would love to hear from you.
The composition came together quite quickly. I also learned first hand how an 'arbitrary artistic element' can cinch the deal so to speak. I completed the big hand raw edge applique on an impromptu trip to New York City with my friend, Robin, getting quite enthused about the choices of embroidery floss colours I had on hand. When I got home, I determined that again a tie would be the finishing touch, hence, Pierre Cardin in the title. This piece has been machine quilted & thread painted on a double layer of batting and stretched over a wood frame. I quite like this effect. It is a small piece (10"x12"), so the 'frame' helps it stand out from the wall giving it some 'presence'. In fact it is now on display on the livingroom wall. That's high praise from me.

I had so much fun with this 'exercise' that I want to search out more of these folkart images to play with. Perhaps a series is forthcoming.

Sound Wave - a line exercise

2009-08-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

This piece was started in Pamela Allen's workshop this summer at Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario. She gave each of us a piece of fabric and were told to complete the pattern. The fabric piece could not be cut and I believe it was to be no more than 1/3 of the final piece.

The piece given to me looked more like a fish skeleton. Can you find it? I began happily building around it only to discover that I was telling a story and not building upon an already established pattern. This is my second attempt which happened rather quickly for me as I spend way too much time cogitating in most instances. It was displayed on the wall during our critique session and basically was a finished composition. BTW - all fabrics are recyled, the binding is a gorgeous, pure wool from a woman's skirt.

Seaside Hotels

2009-08-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here's another piece that I just recently finished although it was started quite some time ago; the inspiration dates even longer ago than that.

I was playing with my serger and a bucket of scraps. In particular I was exposing the wrong side of the seam and stitching for effect. After a bit the manufactured fabric began to look like very tall buildings. The next image that popped into my mind was one of our travelling along the Gulf coast with me trying to catch a glimpse of the ocean. Only from time to time was that possible due to the number of buildings along the shore and that blocked the view.

It's obvious that the viewer in this case is not in a car, but perhaps in one of those cruise ships moored off-shore. Perhaps this is what they might see from their deck-side chair.

The Wedding House

2009-08-23T10:55:00.001-07:00

The inspiration for this piece is again a14th-15th century illuminated manuscript, specifically the Tres Riches Heures of the Duke of Berry. The three photos that appear on one side of the house come from this book of hours. I chose January, the season of gift-giving and Colin's birth month; April, the engagement of the Duke's grand-daughter, and May, le joli moi de mai as Lucie is French and May is her birth month. These images are inkjet printed on aluminum foil. A total of 7 men's ties were used for the exterior walls, roof and rooftop railing. Various found embroideries, jewellery, chain & coins from a belly dancer costume, buttons, couched gold cord, painted bamboo skewers, rhinestones, & metal coverall fittings adorn the house along with free motion quilting. The house is supported by 4 plastic thread spools covered with copper metallic embroidery floss and button feet. The roof top railing hides the opening slot through which cards and envelopes can be 'posted' at my son's wedding reception. This house can also be displayed as a wall hanging due to the hidden zippers at each corner.

The Wedding Quilt

2009-08-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

What with my oldest son's upcoming wedding, I have been inspired to actually do something with three of the six figures won at a silent auction 3 years ago. Mary, Mary (of 'quite contrary' fame) has been on and off my design board too many times and as a result is currently confined to the closet. The muse just wasn't working or Mary, Mary was just being - well, contrary.

However, when I connected my son with the figure I call the Laird because my son borrowed the full kilt regalia to wear to his MBA graduation party, it seemed that the Laird may very well have proposed. Of course, we're still not sure to whom as you will notice in the finished piece. Which one is the bride? Perhaps she is both.

All fabrics are recycled. In its previous life the background fabric was a woman's jacket which I've pieced using big hand raw edge applique and then free motion quilted. Various found appliques, embroideries and a distorted version of the real church drawn with the sewing machine and coloured with crayons and Shiva Paintstiks create the wedding scene. The border trim was given to me and hand-dyed twice to get the right shade. I was thrilled to see that only the background and not the brown embroidery changed colour leaving the lovely pattern visible.

I see this piece as a contemporary version of 14th-15th century illuminated manuscript tradition. These wonderful paintings in book form often repeat similar elements with rich design & colour, but all the while depicting everyday events. Notice the contrast between elements - the country church with the richer cathedral-style one, velvet-like fabric with the aluminum foil of the church spires, the plainess of the fencing and detail of the figures. I'm sure there are other details that reflect the 'book of hours' look.

For more about illuminated manuscripts & another piece inspired by them, please refer to the Wedding House post.

Wedding artwork

2009-08-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

My son (the one getting married) & his bride-to-be asked me back in May - 'Have you any idea of what Anne, the ring bearer, might use that is NOT a cushion'? 'But of course' I said. 'Look at these little boxes, one of which I made for my neighbour's granddaughter. Son picked out the tie he liked from among the over 1000 I have and the deed was done. After all I've had more than enough practice in making fabric boxes. In this case we decided on a hinged lid and ribbon holding the top closed just in case Anne might trip while walking down the aisle.

In my next post I'll tell you about their second request.

I've been blogged

2009-08-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Today I got an email from my friend and fellow artist, Pamela Allen, saying that a former student of hers visited the Transitions exhibit in its second (of three) venue (Cary, NC) and has posted pictures of both our pieces as well as others.Check out photos of the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, a lovely old restored hotel & what Jeanne McBrayer has to sayhttp://allthingsquilty.blogspot.com/2009/08/all-things-quilty-field-trip.htmlA few folks have mentioned that I haven't posted anything on my blog for some months. So very true, but soon to be rectified. I shall be posting pictures of my latest creations inspired by medieval-gothic illuminated manuscripts (or book of hours as they are also called) and also by my oldest son's upcoming wedding.Stay tuned while I try to remember how to assemble the description & pictures in some sort of cohesive order. Oh yes, one has to do everything in the opposite direction. Maybe if I had a website it might be easier, but I don't so ....

ARTQUILTtransitions

2009-04-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that I submitted an entry to my first-ever juried art show. Well golly-gee-whiz, Town and Country made the cut and will be on display in 3 different venues until November in North Carolina compliments of PAQA-South.
For more information about this group, please go to http://www.artquiltersouth.org/

You can see some of the award winners as posted on the following blogs.
Best of Show (Cathy York's Doors Across Austin) at http://www.aquamoonartquilts.blogspot.com/

Karen Fridy has a few pictures in her Apr. 19th posting.
http://designerstitches.blogspot.com/
You'll have to scroll about half way down (watch the screen scroll bar on the right) to catch a glimpse of the wonderful exhibit space and Karen's piece along side Nancy Cooks' Seed Play series. If you look closely behind the camera in the second picture of Deborah being interviewed, there are two pieces hung one over the other and just barely visible. Mine is the bottom one.

http://annflaherty.wordpress.com/
Scroll down to her Nov.1 entry to see Ann's Focus & Montag's Legacy, based on an MRI of her brain.

http://fiberartoptions.blogspot.com/ . This website represents 5 fibre artists. The April 21st entry shows pictures of the View's Choice winner, Nancy Cook's Seed Play series. The Member's Choice winner, Deborah Langsam's entry Under the Watchful Eye of Charlotte was chosen as the image for this exhibit's postcard.

Finally, to see the other Canadian accepted into this Transitions show, Woman Waiting 1 by Pamela Allen is posted in her Feb. 17th entry at - http://pamelartnews.blogspot.com/

And now for some close-ups and backside views of my entry.

Freeform knitting/crochet

2009-03-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

After all the disasters I thought you might like to hear about my next experiment - 'scrumbling' aka freeform knitting/crochet. To see some wonderful examples of this artform, go to http://yarnoverpullthrough.typepad.com/yarn_over_pull_through/free_form_crochet/

I can't imagine a better way to use up all the leftovers from knitting/crochet projects. Only I don't knit. Well, OK I do but never seem to finish whatever I start. So I too have some yarn, in fact a goodly quantity and especially since I bought 4 garbage bags full at the Salvation Army last fall. This is mostly mohair and not the easiest stuff to work with particularly if you're not very adept like me. Anyway, I followed the instructions for a few fragments as given in Jenny Dowde's Freeform Knitting and Crochet. Aside: Yes I know it does seem a bit odd that I bought a book on how to not follow patterns.

Last night I spent several hours stiching the bits together. That was easy, but then one has to take care of all the ends from changing yarns so often. Now that's a pain. But now the question is - what to do with this piece? I could use some suggestions.

End of story

2009-03-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like to know that we are now safely home. Unfortunately disasters awaited us, 3 of them and all in one day.
After travelling of course there are many loads of laundry to be done. Cut to the chase - after about 4 loads (front loader so not that much water) and the drains were making funny sounds. Fortunately there was no overflow inside the house, but I flipped the breaker in the main fuse panel to shut off the sewage pump just in case and laid down many towels in front of toilets and shower. Frozen pipe between septic tank and filter bed. Wearing coveralls and big rubber gloves I thread the hose which is connected to the hot water tank into the offending pipe to begin the defronst de-ice process. While the plumber was assisting Al outside, Leila upchucked the lining of her stomach necessitating a trip to the vet and hence to doggie hospital where she stayed for 3 days. Don't know what she ate, but there has been a bit of an outbreak in the dog population with similar symptoms. She is now home and fine. Our last bit of bad luck was Al slipping on the ice covering the lawn. The next day I finally persuade him to have his wrist x-rayed. Soft tissue damage only - elevate and ice the wrist is the advice.
So now it is Tuesday, many days after our return and I think all is well. Well almost as I await my SAS postcard to tell me my winning quilt has been received in North Carolina which was the reason we returned home over a week early. I really don't want to imagine what would have happened if we had returned on schedule - septic system better or worse?
March break here has been absolutely fabulous if we can overlook those minor inconveniences of not being able to shower or wash dishes or... The ice is almost completely gone from the river and I predict that for the first time in almost 20 years we will be able to cross the lake to our cottage on Easter weekend. I'm going. Anyone want to help put the docks in?

Natchez Trace

2009-03-24T14:32:00.001-07:00

Our last campsite after driving Natchez Trace.

I saw these creations along the shoreline of the lake. The hole is over the width of a thumb and at least a foot deep. No insects were around, so I have no idea, perhaps a wasp.

Natchez Trace

"The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail used by animals and people that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River, through Alabama, to salt licks in today's central Tennessee. "

"The heaviest use of the Old Trace was from 1800 to about 1825 by men, known as "Kaintucks," who floated down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and returned north on foot. But the stories of the Old Trace reach far beyond the early 1800s. They include Mound Builders, Natchez, Choctaw, and Chickasaw Indians, preachers, bandits, slaves, soldiers, settlers, and even Meriwether Lewis."

I kept seeing these bright spots in the pine trees and finally in the Mississippi Craft Centre parking lot I got to see them up close.

The tourist information centre is quite lovely. I love this shot of the women's washroom. The closest stall appears to be really leaning. I'm sure it is not, but then ...

The building is quite lovely complete with gas lights.

Then out came this woman wearing the wildest green & white striped pants I had ever seen. I chatted with her and asked questions about her outfit. She was very informative although the information had no meaning to me at the time. When I asked if I might take a picture I was told that it was against county regulations. As I only wanted a picture of the pants, I asked if a rear photo would be allowed. Can you imagine my surprise when I read what was on the back of their tops!!!!

Our patient dogs.

I probably spent over an hour in the Mississippi Craft Centre that now represents artisans, crafters, artists from over 19 states. They are housed in an architectually designed building that incorporates a gallery, large gift shop as well as studios for working artists. While chatting with the woman manning the shop, I met Rhonda Blasingame of Jackson MS. She just happens to subscribe to Quilt Art, an Internet artquilter forum. More amazingly she actually knew me from my postings. She made my day by giving me a quick 'show 'n tell' of her pieces. Check her out at artofquilts.blogspot.com

The display in the main hall was beautifully done. I took some pictures (with permission). I hope you enjoy some of the pieces as much as I did.

This is a hooked rug from inside the shop. Who cannot smile upon seeing these kitties. I'm now wishing I had bought it.

Mar 9 - Vicksburg, Mississippi

2009-03-09T18:50:00.001-07:00

Bridge over the Mississippi, overlooking the Ameristar Casino

Vicksburg National Military Park

"The National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. The city’s surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, LA, split the South, giving undisputed control of the Mississippi River to the North. Over 1,330 monuments, a restored Union gunboat, and National Cemetery mark the 16-mile tour road."

http://www.nps.gov/vick/

Illinois Pantheon - dedicated in 1906

"Stone Mountain (GA) granite forms the base and stairway. Above the base is Georgia white marble. There are forty-seven steps in the long stairway, one for each day of the Siege of Vicksburg. Modeled after the Roman Pantheon, the monument has sixty unique bronze tablets lining its interior walls, naming all 36,325 Illinois soldiers who participated in the Vicksburg Campaign. The monument stands sixty-two feet in height, and originally cost $194,423.92, paid by the state of Illinois."

For the last several days of our travels we saw many of these trees in bloom.

Ground covers

Who else, but Ulysses

"145 of the largest and heaviest cast iron tablets and markers (such as the one shown here), which were then melted down and used in the construction of military supplies and equipment [during WWII]"

USS Cairo (pronounced cay-row), pictures of which I managed to delete

Go here http://www.nps.gov/archive/vick/cairo/cairoent.htm to learn all about this ship and its role during the Civil War as well as its amazing discovery in the river and the subsequent raising.

There are over 1300 memorials, markers & plaques. Surprisingly not all states are represented.

Union soldiers are buried here - over 17,000, making this the largest in the States.

Vicksburg, the city sits on the Mississippio river.

This particular casino has a very nice RV campground with bus service to the casino. Apparently one gets a complimentary breakfast.

The downtown area is being refurbished. I love the ironwork balcony railings.

Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of The Attic Gallery and my only stop in town.

http://atticgallery.blogspot.com/

"Attic owner, Lesley Silver, has operated this treasure trove for close to 30 years & is one of Mississippi's foremost experts on folk art" - Marlo Carter Kirkpatrick - Off The Beaten Path - 2001. An absolutely amazing find. If I had know about this place, I would have saved my gift dollars.

Little did I know that I would visit yet another wonderful place along the Natchez Trace.

A ten minute drive outside the city is Margaret's grocery store, a most amazing assemblage of trailers, block walls. The story is that the Rev. promised his loved one that he would create a wonderful retreat. The drive back was most interesting as we followed a school bus discharging its passengers, some of whom walked to little more than a hovel for a home. At times it seemed that every 10th building was a church.

March 8th, Sunday - Louisiana to MIssissippi

2009-03-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Louisiana, America’s wetland for sure. Woke up at 6:30 feeling very damp. Outside everything is dripping. Daylight saving is now in effect. We’re on the road by 7am – fastest yet. As we leave, I realize that we were in the less desireable section of the park. I vow to be more assertive and ask for better. And pay more attention to the ratings in Woodalls.
The fog lifts slowly to a clear sunny day. I10 has been paved with a layer of asphalt over the concrete. No more lump-d-dumps, very smooth. Two years ago the drive was painful.
Lake Charles. The city’s skyline is dominated by the petro-chemical industry. The usual bungalows are sitting on cement slabs, some with bars on windows and doors, mobile home parks and water catchment areas. We’re in alligator country. First big up-scale casino, Coushatta, where the parking lot is crowded with cars and stretch limos at 10am. Are they gambling or sleeping? The railway line continues to follow us north up #165 to Alexandria. South bound lanes of the divided highway are closed. Road construction is another big employer.
Forest Hill, roughly 25 miles south of Alexandria is nursery country with
over a hundred retail & wholesale container plant businesses. Spring is definitely here; azalea & camilia are in full bloom as well as magnolia. Roadside grasses are green and full of wildflowers – mostly white at this point.
As we travel north the price of gasoline is slowly creeping upward from the lowest of $1.57 in Mercedes to an average closing in on $2.00. One station still advertises $3.25. OK I admit it is closed, but is a good reminder of where we were not that long ago.
Our campground for the next 2 nights is River Town, just a few miles south of Vicksburg. The office is closed with an accompanying sign saying ‘full’. Upon further investigation the camp manager shows us a sheaf of registrations to arrive soon. Gasline construction crews have to stay somewhere. She then allows that this is her first day on the job and we can have the only site available, a back-in near the road. I figure she has yet to figure out what is available and what is not as there must be over 15 unoccupied sites at the moment. A hand coloured chart or Excel would help.

Sat. March 7th- TX to Louisiana

2009-03-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

No pictures today as we drove, and drove, and drove, the journey being mostly uneventful. Saw an interesting way to backfill railway ties though. Following #77 up through the King Ranch the State is building what looks like a new line. Railway ties are concrete and roughly 12" apart. Should be a smooth ride for sure. Anyway a giant backhoe was perched on top and straddling two railway box cars Guess there were about 20 of these cars filled with gravel. Apparently at one end was the ramp to get it up there.
The next most interesting sight was an egret rookery seen while speeding by on the highway. I figure there were at least a hundred of the birds sitting around the pond.
Just when I was congratulating myself on sticking with #59 going straight through the heart of Houston, we encountered a sign - I10 closed at 610 (the beltway around Houston). Tons of vehicles were getting off to take the 610 south and then east. Now I know why. Figure we lost an hour there with the detour.
Our day started at 7:30 and finished at 5:30 with only stops for gas. Now that's hoofing it for sure. We are now just over the state line in Louisiana, near a town called Vinton, about 23 miles west of Lake Charles. V RV Park is the name and while I don't recommend it (Woodall's gives it no rating and says it is remodeling although we don't know what), it is good enough for one night. And of course the wireless works or I wouldn't be posting this. I'll take a picture of our site tomorrow.
The dogs finally got a bit of a run with the bike on a gravel road. Not great with my skinny tires, but it worked just the same. Dogs are a bit hyper of course after 8 hours, so who can blame them.

Catch of the day

2009-03-06T14:50:00.001-08:00

Rendez-vous with a Red Head. Of course I mean a parrot, the red-crowned parrot, of which there are several flocks that hang out in Weslaco. Our campground is actually in Mercedes, east of there. No matter, as soon as I got the pamphlet on where in Weslaco to go to see them, I heard them 5 min after getting home one afternoon. They are loud for sure. At 12-13" these birds can be seen flying in masses like clouds and then landing in a tree or two. These fellows were seen in the morning having announced their presence loud and clear, a kind of cleeoo, cleeoo then ahk-ahk-ahk.

The last 'catch of the day' on our last day here in Llano Grande Lake Park was of course to be seen at the dog park. This pond was first conceived as a reservoir for irrigating the orange groves that surround this park. After a petition from the campers, the owner agreed to turn it into a dog park. It is probably the best you can get in that respect. The whippets were not real swimmers although one of them would actually go into the water. Everyone knows each dog by name, but not necessarily the owner's.

Of course Gypsy and Leila gave the whippets a run for their money on ground. Gypsy was surprisingly fast by comparison, but more agile in trapping the ball. When we returned to the camper I hosed them down just in case and then parked them in their X-pens to dry off.

Hitching up the car and trailer went surprisingly well - a record if I were still to be keeping track. Sure hope we can manoeuvre off this cement pad in the morning. I am proposing an angle thereby avoiding the drag on the skids (metal bars that hit the ground first thereby protecting the main frame of the trailer). The concrete bears evidence of our push up the slope to park the trailer 2 weeks ago.

Tomorrow we are off, headed for Vicksburg but of course it is more than one day's journey so who knows where we will land for the night.

Until the next post,

The biggest rig in the park

2009-03-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

Al says he is putting in a bid on this one - VBG

I haven't mentioned the fact that we will be leaving here on Saturday to start our way home. The reason? One of my quilts made it into a juried show in North Carolina. As I never dreamed that I would succeed with my first ever juried entry, I had made no plans for shipping, etc. Unfortunately it has to arrive before March 20th, so home we must go a week earlier than planned.

Oh yes if you would like to see the 'winning' quilt, go to http://www.merrickvilleartists.com/portfolios/pat/html/pat-port.htm

scroll down to the last row. It's the first one on the left hand side. If you click on the image, it will enlarge and give you details as to materials & technique. The quilt will be returned the end of August after the second exhibition, so it will be on view during the Merrickville Artists' Studio Tour, last weekend of Sept., first one in Oct. That is, of course, if it doesn't get sold.

Thurs. March 5th - Pepe's on the Rio Grande

2009-03-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

Today we lunched at Pepe's on the Rio Grande River. Our friend, Brian, who has been wintering here for many years suggested we go. He claims that on one of his visits, he actually saw what he describes as a 'floater', a Mexican crossing over.
The place is about a 40 min drive from our trailer site and just outside of Mission, Texas.

It's not a very impressive place but it is well situated. You'll notice the thatched roof. The dining area is open to the elements on 2.5 sides.

This is the underside of the thatched roof.

One of a few cactii on the shore of the Rio.

Here's Al waiting for his beer.

Just before we left the live entertainment started. I was not unhappy to leave as continued exposure to the bass would have driven me nuts.

The river going south

More cactii

Of course the Rio Grande River is the border between Mexico and the States, so it wasn't a surprise to see a border patrol boat go by.

A cruise boat

Wed. Mar.4th - South Padre Island

2009-03-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the beach on South Padre Island via public access #6. This is our second visit, but this time someone was there to collect the $3 daily use fee. The dogs were hysterical and unbelievably gullible as I threw the only thing available - heavy shells, usually oyster.

Gypsy goes to the right

followed by Leila

Check out Gypsy's ears at full tilt

And again going left

Have you ever seen an 8-legged dog?

This cedar? came in with the tide. I thought it looked like a vicious bird with it's mouth wide open and tongue hanging out.

The last hurricane did some damage on the island. Sand is being moved from the bay side of the road (north) to the Gulf side. Restoring the sand dunes is a big operation in two sections of the only road. The island is roughly 1.5 miles wide. Two large sections are up for sale if you're interested.

Construction of the building on the right was stopped when authorities discovered that something was wrong. Owners are apparently trying to decide what to do: tear it down or pump concrete into the foundation to stop the tilting. Reminds me of the Harry Belafonte song - 'house built on a weak foundation...'

Possible hurricane damage where the facade is missing.

It's not apparent that the building is leaning no matter the angle.

Kiteboarding on the bay side of the island.

This fellow had just come in, then a kiteboarding lesson truck arrived. I asked how difficult it is to learn compared to windsurfing and was told that the learning curve is much faster and so is the ride.

Three gulls

On our way back from the beach we stopped here. There are 5 species of sea turtles in this part of the world, of which they have four. The leatherback is apparently at UBC's research centre.

These turtles are endangered for a variety of reasons - boat props, partially ingesting ballons, plastic bags, etc. Their brain is the size of a pea and they have no peripheral vision so are easily captured or injured. Their jaw muscles are amazingly big. Mainly juveniles are rescued as they can weigh up to several tons in adulthood. Many have damaged or amputated flippers.

The two nose holes are used to pump water out of its mouth when it scoops up food from the sea water. I did not succeed in getting a picture of that process. This turtle is missing his/her left front flipper.

However, I did manage to get a shot of one grabbing onto a leaf of romaine lettuce.

Progresso, Tues. March 4th

2009-03-04T06:21:00.001-08:00

Progresso, Mexico is but a 10 min drive from our 'home' away from home. I honestly don't remember if the price for parking 2 years ago was the same or only $1. Whatever the price, I love the consequence they impose if you don't pay.

Practically the first thing you see upon entering the shopping street is this sign advising of dental prices and other services.

The first obligatory stop is the very first store, take a sharp turn to your right and there is the bar where custom demands that you purchase your favourite libation. In this case there is no choice other than a frozen margarita which is served up in a styrofoam cup complete with napkin to wrap around & soak up the excess as well as a long bendy straw. Your drink goes everywhere with you while you browse in this or any other store.

These cars are leaving Mexico. Photo is taken from the Mexican side of the International Bridge, but the same line-up continues well into the town. It's definitely not worth taking your car across the border. And besides it's only a 5 min walk across the Rio Grande. I was 'caught' taking pictures from the bridge in Laredo and 'invited' to delete them despite the lack on any signs to that effect. So no pictures of the Rio which is not all that pretty anyway - muddy brown and not very impressive at this location.

Some of the colourful displays - various ceramic fruit and pots strung together with jute.

Then of course the wonderful pottery in a variety of shapes and sizes.

If you look closely you can see Al sporting his new leather hat. I bought a blue one 2 years ago. I expect he will wear his more often than I do. I keep saying that I need a horse to complete my outfit.

At the end of the day we joined some Canadians (John & Mariette) from London, ON for drinks. Their name and location was passed on to us by the Avery's, home neighbours who are presently in Arizona. (No photos as I don't publish pictures of other people or their vehicles.) You will have to imagine the laughter when Leila's tail swept the low table holding Al's wine glass which of course was not empty. As a consequence, he is off to the laundromat this morning. Well OK there was another reason - Gypsy left a grass upchuck on two of the trailer mats. Right now the dogs are patiently waiting outside in the pens for their morning run alongside the bike which I ride. Today they may be a little more energetic; yesterday apparently Gypsy discovered the cache of dog biscuits 'carefully' hidden behind the swivel chair. When discovered, there were only 5 left! Al 'punished' them by alloting only half their normal breakfast rations. These puppies sure keep us busy.

Tire Shopping

2009-03-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

On our way back from McAllen & the ROPA outlets, Al decided to check out tire prices. More interesting to my mind is the store display so I entertained myself taking pictures while he got the lowdown. Seems they have only 3 of the wanted tires. Price looks good though.

ROPA - used clothing market Monday, Mar 2nd

2009-03-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

While in conversation with another quilter I was told about an area where one can buy used clothing. Since I haven't had my thrift shop visit this trip, we are off to try and find this place which we do, but only by accident. It's not far from the McAllen Airport, about 30 min west of Mercedes. Just north of the 83 highway, Al points out the location of a massive Sunday flea market probably 15 times the size of the one we visited on Sunday.

This area features many, many wholesalers of baled clothing. Finally we chance upon Warehouse Kingdom, a very large outlet-mall type of place with a very low occupancy rate. As I was told only the buildings were yellow and green, this seems to be the place I was looking for.

Along with bales of used clothing, individual items can be picked out and bought by the pound - from .50 to $1. It becomes increasingly obvious to me that this is the district where flea market sellers purchase their wares, not all of which are used. Some of the outlets are liquidators. The air hockey game has a price tag of $50.

Sunday Flea Market (Mar 1st)

2009-03-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

Dog run & pond

2009-03-03T08:31:00.001-08:00

Llano Grande boasts a wonderful dog run complete with very large pond & fountain. Gypsy and Leila were so excited on their first visit that it took forever to do the tour around. The second visit was met with less enthusiasm, but on the third we encountered Molly and her owner who had a tennis ball. They had a gret time competing for its possession. Sad to say Molly was not that competitive and left the chore of retrieving to Gypsy or Leila.

The great Texas Smoker Cook-off (Feb.28)

2009-03-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

Just a few miles east of here, we found the annual smoker cook-off complete with a few children's rides and steering roping contest. Here you see some of the steers used.

Spanish-speaking cowhands use battery-powered electric prods to move the steers into the chute.

Smokers come in all size & shapes. This is a popular 'hobby' with folks and they take their work seriously. One competition can cost $100 to enter with their work beginning early Sat. morning around 6:30. Chicken, brisket & ribs are smoked. Then there is cowboy bread (flat & very good) along with the usual beans, all cooked on outdoor equipment which can be low tech or high tech, but all using wood (normally mesquite, but also oak) and/or charcoal.

There has to be one group called Lone Star, after all it is Texas.

For many this is a family even with everyone chipping in.

Of course the competition requires judges who are all volunteers. This group is judging the top 30 out of 100 rib entries.

All entries are boxed and labelled.

I asked these men to explain how they were deciding which of the ribs got entered and which not. The man on the right was surprised that I did not mind a bit of char on the rib. Appearance does count as well as flavour, tenderness, etc.

This is the crew designated to pick up the garbage. A few minutes earlier they had just lifted the plastic bag out of the oil drum and of course it broke. Missed that shot, but here they are cleaning up the mess. The fair grounds were surprisingly clean with most people using the trash cans.

A typical schedule of when items are ready for tasting. Entrance to the park cost $5 per car no matter the number of people; no charge for tasting.

The cooking time can be very long especially if the brisket is large, so these folks kept busy on the computer in the downtime.

The open fire in the front is where they burn larger pieces of wood. When almost down to coals they are shovelled into the burner part of the main piece of equipment to produce the smoke which is then drafted into the pit. Food is therefore indirectly cooked, thus the lengthy cooking times.

I asked these two if I could take a photo after Al commented (jokingly of course) that pizza was also being made. Inside the precious box is their cowboy bread. I declared it a beauty and gave them my blue ticket. Individual competitors collect them and some sort of award is given to the team with the most.

There was very little for sale - two different rides for the children and Funnel Cakes. The baking powder dough is put into a funnel and dripped into a deep fat fryer. End result is round with a bubbly-like top which is then sprinkled with icing sugar. I would have bought one, but they are huge. I liken these to beaver tails sold on the Canal during skating season. I've also heard them called elephant ears.

No fair is complete without live entertainment.

A closer look at the construction of these smokers

This one is for sale - $2000 I think.

Like I said earlier, smokers come in all sizes.

with just as many different vehicles to haul them around.

Mostly people arrive at the fair in cars and trucks, but motorcycles are popular too. I missed the shot of their owner/drivers, equally well decked out.

our private pool

2009-03-02T07:18:00.001-08:00

Al decided to follw me over to my 'private' pool, one that is virtually unused by anyone else. He caught the evening sky quite nicely.
The temperature of the hot tub is maintained at a very warm 103 degrees, the swimming pool at 86. The clubhouse is a former residence acquired, I guess, when the land was bought back in 2002. Lovely home which has been refurbished and now has ceramic floors throughout, white leather furniture, big screen TV lovely kitchen & bathroom complete with tub. The bedroom is now a library with sole bookcase. BTW this resort is one of at least 2 owned by a Canadian no less; the other, not far away, is even more upscale (a former motel/hotel complex complete with restaurant).
To see more of our resort, go to http://www.llanogranderesort.com/ The aerial map shows a beige area near the top, obviously taken before this area was developed. This is where we are - lot #3014. Our friend, Brian, tells us that Bobby Clark of NHL fame is here on Lago Vista drive. We drove past and his place shows much evidence of having been completely re-done.

Sat. Feb. 21st - travelling the Rio Grande

2009-03-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we found room at the local state park to stay overnight. Today we are on our way to Weslaco/Mercedes TX via the highway along the Rio Grande. Scenery is less than spectacular as the land is flat, flat, flat. Along the way though are some pretty wildflowers.

The white flower and the berries or ??? are on the same tree. I wonder what it is.

I want to visit the great dam constructed on the Rio Grande only to find that one must cross the border to do so. This is as far as we go as going further means the very short distance and doing a U-turn would cost us all our food.

Our campsite overlooking the lake.

Friday, Feb. 20th - Laredo

2009-03-02T06:12:00.001-08:00

Today we will visit Neuveo Laredo, Mexico. Hope I've spelt the name correctly. This orange flower is just one of many that line the road in the state park where we are staying.

This buggy driver will take you anywhere. The main street is not as crowded as the one in Progresso (near Weslaco & Mercedes TX) will be. In fact shop keepers tell me that business is very slow. When I mention that our park host told us that coming to Neuevo Laredo was safe, just leave before 6pm, the shopkeeper was not surprised. In fact many of the shops on the second level of the market are closed. One of the best boutiques (as described by Moon's travel guide) is a 3 storey dept store. Wonderful selection of Mexican designer clothing, jewellery, pottery, hand blown glass & furniture. While the book described the prices as being 'boutique', I didn't find them all that bad considering the quality and what I might pay in Canada.

Al declines my offer to wait for him while he has his tooth inspected.

Our dentist did an emergency filling for him just before we left. And a few days ago another small piece came off. 'Doesn't hurt' he says. Very fortunate for him.

Is there a clock tower in the world that doesn't attract pigeons?

The main street of Neuevo Laredo, Mexico is receiving a face-lift. As you can see painters works with virtually no safety harnesses, etc.

If you have a tooth ache, there are plenty of dentists to choose from. Other popular services include eye exams, hair cuts, foot/back massage, manicures, pedicures... the list is long.

Wed. Feb 18th

2009-03-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

If you find that there are discrepancies amongst dates and listings - you're probably correct. I am posting events well after the fact, but trying to put them in the right order. Remember, that with a blog, the most current posting always goes to the top of the list; the same is true for the content. As a consequence I have to remember to do last things first, if that makes any sense to you.
Two different wildflowers growing by the side of the road

Along our way today we encountered this Mission Ride complete with outriders to direct the traffic flow. I believe the parade of chuck wagons was part of a fund raiser for the local school authority.

I found the park to be quite pretty despite it's proximity to the Valero Oil Refinery. Our host said the noise was very low today compared to others days. No alligators at this time of the year as it is still too cold for them to be out and about. They would need to eat and apparently they cannot properly digest food at these temperatures. We quite enjoyed the warmth and the sun. The park provided a bit of unexpected entertainment as two cows or steers had broken loose through a hole in the fence. The brown one was not in the least disturbed by our presence and before returning to the river bank she approached to check us out. She was a beautiful specimen, very clean with an outstanding coat or hide.

Thurs. Feb. 19th

2009-03-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

View of the oil refinery using the trailer door as a frame.

Tuesday, Feb 17th

2009-03-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Sorry to say I have no idea of where we were in our travels, but I discovered that I had taken these pictures. I suspect they were on a bush outside the tourist info office.

Laptop problems

2009-02-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Today is Tuesday and I'm laptopping you from a friend's home in Weslaco. My laptop is in Ottawa undergoing a stress test on its new motherboard. I'm told if the machine is still happy tomorrow morning they will ship it to me - 2 days guaranteed. Well I'm not so certain about the 2 days, but think I should have the machine back by Monday.
After all it's not the end of the world as we managed to travel quite successfully in the past without access to the Internet. In fact paper maps work great. Al does miss reading his Globe & Mail. And I must confess that I'm sorry to have let down my fellow travellers.
'Tis hot here in Weslaco. Wind is such that we've had to retract the awning. Dogs are living in airconidtioned splendidor while we are visiting. No pets are allowed in this park. We are presently staying at the Llana Grande, about 5 min from the Mexican border in a wonderful campsite - overflow area where manufactured homes will be put someday. The lots either side of us are empty meaning the dogs have lots of room to run, roll and chase sticks. And I have a pool, hottub etc. almost totally at my personal disposal just steps away.
Hope to post lots of pictures when the laptop has returned.
Oh yes, I can't seem to access my email for some unknown reason and I'm not inclined to troubleshoot. Replies will come, just not today.

Monday the 16th

2009-02-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Monday, Feb16th, 3 degrees C
A leisurely start today. And I get to have a homemade capuccino, always a good thing. We were cosy warm last night under our down comforter. Well OK it was a bit nippy on the nose. Dogs are happy in the trailer. Unfortunately now that we are on the road again, Gypsy is panting.
We stop off for gas in Nacognoches - $1.879. Free wireless is not to be had. The laptop continues to shut down unexpectedly at an ever increasing rate, rendering it almost useless for navigation and communication. Thank goodness the cell phone is functioning properly.
I forgot to wish everyone a ‘happy family day’. Now why would that be of any importance to me who is in Texas? Well I just called Carman to get the phone number for Eurocom, the manufacturer of my laptop. There 1-877 number doesn’t work here in the States. Anyway I have the number but of course they’re busy celebrating this holiday and won’t be open until tomorrow. Another stroke of bad luck.
I'm sitting at the main corner of Coldspring, opposite Elaine's where we just had a wonderful lunch. I'm using their wireless to post this quickly. Pictures to follow on another day

Feb.15th

2009-02-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Sunday the 15th, 3C and hazy
Gas now advertised at $1.75/gal.

Grocery shopping at 8am. Where? Where else - WalMart Super Center, Al’s favourite store in the US. Prices of fresh produce and vegetables are certainly higher than back home. Today is Sunday meaning you can’t buy beer or wine in Arkansas. No matter, it’s only 150 miles to the Texas state line. We’re stocking up as tonight will be our first in the RV.
No post to the blog as the laptop is acting up, shutting down unexpectedly (power supply or the 12v converter) or the screen messes up (video card). I’ve ruled out the former; nothing I can do to ‘test’ the latter. Something is perhaps overheating. My patience is waning for sure.
Gypsy’s panting in the back. Have no idea what is upsetting her. Until today she’s been a happy camper so to speak.
From the highway Al spots a campground advertising propane, so we detour to fill up. I learn that the seedpods I collected earlier at a rest stop are from the sweet gum tree, one of the first to leaf out. If you look closely, you can see the large buds that will soon produce very large leaves.
Just a few miles north of Hope I spot a long hillside covered in daffodils. It is not unusual to see clumps of them in the ditches. Shortly after a very large highway sign announcing that this is the birthplace of Bill Clinton.
We stop for lunch at a local smokehouse, rated #1 barbeque in Arkansas and featured on the Food channel. Al has a burger; I order a half chicken with 2 sides only I don’t know what sides are. Silly me. Anyway I get turnip greens (very yummy, but probably canned) and corn bread that is not so yummy. BTW Gypsy & Leila disagree. Forgot to take a photo.
As we approach the state line, I notice that there are two Texarcana’s, one in Arkansas, another in Texas. The state has some interesting place names incorporating the letters ‘ark’ such as Arkadelphia. This county is also dry, but a few yards into the next one on F.M. 3129 & just outside the city limits pop. 52 (that’s what the sign said) is a liquor store. Interestingly enough it seems to be closed; the grocery store however is doing a great business.
Today’s National Public Radio offering – a book called ‘Manifold Destiny, A Guide to Cooking on Your Car’s Engine’. I kid you not. Just remember to double tin foil wrap.
Today’s journey ends at www.campingfriend.com/twinoaksrvpark 5 min north of Nacogdoches, advertised as the oldest town in Texas. The Texas info centre suggested this as an interim stop. I have no idea of what the web site says, but suffice it to say that it is a very small campground (would you believe ~12 sites) in the middle of a horse farm complete with pond. No fish apparently, but I did count over 20 turtles. We spoke with the owner who would gladly give us a horse or two. Several years ago they would sell for over $2,000, but now he can’t even give them away. Apparently the food bill is mounting, but at least the horses are aging so not so many babies.

Sat. Feb.14th

2009-02-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Feb.14th & Valentine’s Day, 7:45am
Weather – pretty much the same as yesterday only warmer at 8-11 Celsius
Gas report – lowest we’ve seen so far at $1.77/gal
Despite yesterday’s marathon, according to S&T we start out 200 miles behind schedule.
This stretch of I65 continues to show the results of the ice storm that occurred in this region one week ago. Uprooted trees, split trunks, tree tops, large limbs, branches of all sizes hang over the guard rails covering the shoulder of the road such that the right highway lane barely misses the fallen debris. Our motel parking lot had 4 large tree removal rigs so the cleanup must be in progress.
Today has been largely uneventful compared to the previous ones. No breakdowns, bent or broken anything. Even some good news. I finally finished ripping the FMQ stitching from across the bottom of my latest artquilt. I’m thinking of hand quilting that section since I have no machine. I will have to buy thread and also some batting as would like that section to be more trapunto-like.
We’ll finish the day in Little Rock, Arkansas. At the moment it is 5:37 and we have about 30 more miles to go. When we entered Tennessee, the clock moved back one hour so today will be almost as long as the previous ones in ‘real’ time. Have but 3 pictures, none of which is particularly artistic or …

Friday the 13th aka day 2

2009-02-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

Friday, the 13th, 7:30am
Gas report: $1.96 -- $1.87 -- $1.989
Weather: Brisk wind, 0 degrees, sunny with clear skies. Heavy cloud cover at 9:12. By noon the sun is peaking through & raising the temp. to 5 degrees Celsius.
Ironic that today is the 13th and not yesterday. We’re travelling alongside Lake Erie on I90 in Cleveland on a 4-laner. Like other big American cities we’ve passed through, it has a large stadium, airport and massive marina with an equivalent population of gulls flying overhead, all downtown.
I71 south, halfway between 80 and 271 in Brunswick, Ohio, we pull off and into a garden centre parking lot. We have a sway problem. After a long telephone conversation with a Hensley technician, we identify the culprit – a bent sway bar. The local autobody shop saves the day in under one hour. Bending the bar tube didn’t work as that created a flat spot so they cut it and welded on another piece of pipe. And magically the master lock on the trailer door now functions. Go figure.
What do you call it when the sky is darkened by a zillion smallish black birds? They break into two, one each side of the 6-lane highway. Then another slightly smaller group which settles in the eastern field. A Lodi discount mall complete with train rides – much, much bigger scale than my father’s setup. A sign warning that firewood and ash tree transport is prohibited beyond this point.
Breakfast never happened as each place we attempted had no parking for us. At 12 we finally suceed with Cracker Barrel, a chain we’ve eaten ate. Despite the hour, this restaurant has a very big crowd and serves up excellent buttermilk pancakes with real butter and maple syrup.
Dog report: Seems Leila adapts better to change, inhaling her meals with the usual speed; Gypsy is a wee bit clingy and hyper and not so enthusiastic about her food. Both need a good run and of course that’s not going to happen for a bit. As always they have the complete back of the Ford (seats are down), 2 toys each and of course 2 beds.
Cincinnati – big city, home to the Reds & Paul Brown stadium next to another slightly smaller one and arena all overlooking the Ohio River. Surprisingly traffic was nothing like what we experience in Ottawa at the same time of day.
We plan to stop east of Louisville at a Red Roof Inn close to the ring road. If I have the patience, I will address the problem of not being able to send mail. It’s just a toggle switch setting, but of course I can’t remember in what menu. Maybe this time I’ll have the smarts to write it down.
Well guess what, the best laid plans … Seems there is a state agricultural fair happening in Louisville and there is not a motel room to be had. So much for my 5:00pm plan which is now an 8:00pm plan ‘cause it took that long to drive to Elizabethtown. Well at least we didn’t have to continue on to … who cares at this point. And I have to add that this motel is the shabbiest I’ve ever stayed in.

First Day on the Road - a sorry tale

2009-02-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

Day 1 – Feb.12
Departure – 7:30am
Weather – 4 degrees C, fog, light rain, 25mm rain predicted with flood warning
Gas report – $0.799/litre -- $2.11/gal. -- $1.96 -- $1.91 -- $1.87
9:30am is our first stop at the Salmon Run Mall in Syracuse. Looks to be a shoppers’ paradise. The only other time I’ve seen such shiney floors was the first day of school. This place is not only immaculate, but also massive. It’s also a popular place for people to do their morning walk exercise. I get a Subway breakfast bagel while Al gets the replacement SIM card for the cell phone. Good move as it turns out. After filling the gas tank (2.11 per gal.), we’re on our way by 10:00am
Back on I-81 south the weather worsens – real rain occasionally verging on sleet accompanied by gusty headwinds of up to 50mph. We’re gonna lose bigtime in the gas mileage department. Al has already started playing with the radio – on, then off, then finally settling in on NPR with the Diane Rheme(sp?) show. The environment is the hot topic.
Well it’s now 3:39. Are we there yet? Are we having fun? The former is self-evident; the latter is debatable. Let me review our progress. According to S&T (short for MS Streets & Trips, our computer mapping system), we are 250 miles short of our day’s goal despite having started out 1.5 hrs ahead of schedule. Now why would that be? First we have never been able to keep up to this sytem’s schedule. But an unscheduled stop of 45 minutes doesn’t help either. Oh did I say where? Just five miles short of the next gas station on I90, a toll road no less. Joe Benson’s Towing service to the rescue. Moral of the story: don’t let your CAA membership lapse (we didn’t or it would have cost ~$65); OK I admit it - a cell phone is helpful; listen to & obey (the operative part of this statement) your car’s early warning system re: low fuel (we won’t go into who consciously drove by the gas station – VBG).
5:25pm. We’re down to the last 10 miles and headed for a Days Inn in Ohio. Price includes free Internet so that’s good although I don’t have much to post and certainly no pictures.
Now why ever would I think that this would be the end of the day. Our first question is always ‘do you accept dogs?’ Since they wanted $10 per dog and the only room was a smoker, we declined and drove on. The next intersection with I90 offered 3 possibilities. The first wanted $15/dog and the second $20/dog. So much for Pennsylvania. On we drove to exit 193 (by now we are in Ohio) and a Red Roof Inn, Al’s ultra favourite. Yes they accept dogs and when I went down to the office to inquire about Internet charges I was given a freebie. Should I tell you what time we checked in? Why not! Can you believe 8:30pm. There were some intervening events all to do with the hitch, sharp turns & a certain parking lot, but I’ll let Al have the pleasure of telling that portion of the story personally.
Nightie, night.

FALSE START

2009-02-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

We're still here at home! due to a dental emergency. We are so lucky to have a good friend for our dentist who will start her day earlier than expected just for us. I stayed home and updated the blog with pictures from Cancun, yesterday's chore that didn't get done. Only took three hours!!! Holy moly! why ever so long? I'll leave that to your imagination, but suffice it to say that although a blog is an on-line diary, it takes longer to create than any journal I might have kept in my younger days.

When that was finished I had some free time. What to do? The answer was obvious as I had not had time to stitch the piece pictured. No photos here; instead I put the finished 9"x10" quiltlette? on the scanner.

You might be wondering what it is - content, technique, etc.

In creating my t-shirt fabric (pictured & described in a previous post), the serger's cutter left me with many bits and pieces of fabric in addition to thread clippings, all of which I saved. I sprinkled them on top of acrylic?? batting and topped it off (just like cake icing) with my neighbour's (Louise) donation of used dryer sheets. She 'makes' the best ones. Not certain why or how as she claims that she just buys Bounce in quantity. Anyway her dryer sheets come to me all sparkly unlike others which are more opaque and dull, but also torn in half as she is clever and knows that that is all that is required for one load of laundry. This of course creates a delimma for me in creating larger pieces.

If you look closely you can see the straight line stitching which I did to tack down the dryer sheets. Then I started what is known as free motion stitching, i.e. feed dogs are down with me, not the machine, moving the fabric.
I was never any good at doodling and this is the same type of process only using a machine so I don't think my friend, Elaine, will be too impressed with my technique or patterning. "No I didn't practice doodling first as I was told". I decided to make use of the straight line divisions to create grids; of course my resolve to create different but distinct patterns in each section faltered very quickly (as it usually does).
When I finished machine stitching, I then proceeded to minutely trim the edges to remove the backing and expose individual bits. What you see here is both front and back.
Unfortunately a tiny portion of t-shirt fabric bits was not covered by the dryer sheet and it captured my attention. And that was definitely not my intention. No problem I said as I started to 'scrape' off parts of the dryer sheet using the tips of a pair of manicure scissors to expose more fabric. As I did this, I realized that I was also creating more texture as I released the tension and allowed the fabric to pop out. I kinda like that effect.
Hopefully the next post will be about our journey south - first stop being Watertown to get a new SIM card telephone number for the cell phone. With that in place we are truely on our way.
Stay tuned for more. That is if you are still awake after wading through all of the above.

CANCUN

2009-02-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

This wonderful arrangement of flowers greets you in the reception lobby of The Royal Cancun, a 5-star hotel. The main lobby has a soaring ceiling and contains over-sized furniture including armless chesterfields for two that make you look like a doll by comparison. Beyond that is the lobby bar. There are no doors at the entrance, but the bar is protected from the winds by massive glass sliding doors.

Above the flowers is this stained glass roof.

A similar stained glass roof covers what is known as the motor lobby.

Gulf side of The Royal hotel. Our room was way over to the left on the 7th floor.

Taken from the beach of our sister hotel.

Our balcony featured a hammock done up in a most intriguing knot.

Three views from our 7th floor balcony:

To the right, west

Straight ahead and south

To the left and east. In the bottom left hand corner you can see yet another swimming pool. Residents on the first floor can step out onto their balcony and go down several stairs to sit on their personal water level lounge chairs. This side of the hotel features many canopied beds complete with curtains.

These 2 photos were taken from the 7th floor open hallway just outside our room. On the first weekend, we could view the massive outdoor TV broadcasting the Superbowl game.

Same perspective showing the interior lagune and more resorts on the far side.

This is our room with king size bed. The glass in the head board is actually a window allowing a view of the ocean while showering in the bathroom behind.

The wedding pavillion is to the left. It is also used for 7:30am yoga classes.

All food is beautifully presented, the major effect being one of tall sculptures. Lettuce wound into a spiral and stood inside a cherry tomato was my favourite. These enchaladas feature chocolate in the sauce which I identified not by taste but by sight. Of course any Mexican dish features the traditional guacamole sauce. Many dishes had a sprig of rosemary for decoration.

[ASIDE: You may be wondering where the picture is. I managed to delete it while trying to remove excess space between pictures. I have yet to figure out how to place a picture in the middle of a blog entry as any inserted pictures automatically go to the top of the blog. So if there is anyone out there who can tell me the secret - other than deleting all that comes above, placing the picture and then recreating the deleted text & photos - I would appreciate hearing from you.]

Can you believe that this is the beach washroom?

Photo taken from our balcony on the 7th floor. We ate Pelicano's frequently for lunch or breakfast. You can see the life guard stand where the daily life guard rarely sat; instead he patrolled along both sides of the breakwater beach. His whistle was used to good effect in catching a swimmer's attention when s/he was considered too far from shore.

This is Raphael, the hotel's playordomo as indicated by the sign on his cart. He provided sun tan lotion, reading materials and eye glass cleaning amongst other things. Also featured are my travelling companions.

The oceanside of the 8 storey hotel features these wonderful welded steel sculptures including a waterfall backdrop.

Looking out to the ocean, this part of the pool ended at a wall overlooking the ocean.

To the left you can see a pavillion used for weddings and early morning yoga classes.

Gulf ocean waves are relentless so Mother Nature is constantly being improved upon. Sand is dug from the water's edge, put into a bucket and then carried to a location further up the beach where it is dumped and then raked.

Each day 4 men dressed in wet suits created this setup to help restore the sand beach. One man was the designated 'diver' who used a very long hose line connected to a compressor and his regulator to allow him the required underwater time to make the final connections.

Daily raking of yesterday's footprints provides employment for another group of local residents. Here you can see where our hotel's beach ends. Our hotel issued tan & white striped towels; our neighbours had pink and blue ones respectively.

The pick axe crew is breaking down the steep sand bank in front of our sister hotel which catered to families with young children. They had the better beach IMHO.

Two days during our stay were on the cool and windy side meaning large waves & fast moving clouds. Our hotel & the one to the east have 2 curved breakwaters to try and protect the beaches and also provide a calmer area for swimmers.

The waves hitting the rocks are quite spectacular.

I know these waves are nothing compared to those found in Hawaii, but they are pretty spectacular to me and made for great fun trying to body surf.

Bar owners are quite inventive in capturing poolside vacationers' attention.
Advertising is pulled by both boat and light airplane. We saw many in the day & hours preceeding the Superbowl game.
This sexy bikini event features 1000USD in prizes

Dady Rock (with two XX's) is having a wet body contest.

[Wednesday we went snorkelling. To start we took a local bus to the marina on the lagune side and from there a largish 2 diesel, aluminum hull boat out to the ocean. We transferred to a smaller boat which ferried us a short distance to another boat moored on the edges of a dordoned off Mexican heritage marine site.

I had borrowed Tyler's underwater 8megapixel camera so got to take pictures. I hope that Nicole, his sister, will send the pictures for posting here at a later date. I am certainly interested to see them as most of the time I felt I was shooting blind as the viewing screen was almost black underwater.]

Thursday we booked a bike trip before lunch. Pedro who hails from Mexico City was our guide despite having only started working at The Royal 4 weeks previously. Given his limited English he didn't understand the significance and reason why I took these 2 pictures.

Flying anywhere means arriving at the airport long before flight time. Hence window shopping is a popular activity.

Here you see a wonderful display of handpainted pottery.

Paper mache figurines

These figurines are all one-of-a-kind, handpainted & signed. I quite liked one of the cats (not shown), but was not inclined to purchase due to the price.

Last but not least, a sampling from Pineda Covalin, a fabulous Mexican designer's fabrics which IMHO are right up there with the likes of Hermes without the expensive price tag. I was enthralled with his silk fabric designs which, until closer inspection, appeared to be embroidered. He has developed a great product line of scarves, purses, capes, shoes, hair bows, eye glass frames, etc.

To view a fashion show of Pineda Covalin designs

http://cashak.tv/fashion-shows/scottsdale-fashion-week-pineda-covalin-2007-11-02/

To see a less frentic display

https://www.pinedacovalinaz.com/

If you would like to know/see more about the Mexican-owned resort in Cancun, please visit http://www.realresorts.com/The_Royal_Cancun/Video_Gallery/

where you can have a virtual tour showing much more of this hotel's grandeur. And FYI this place has just recently received a prestigous award, apparently a first first for Cancun.

t-shirt patchwork

2009-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

I finally finished serging together the 265, 3" x 2"to 4" patches using a dull lime green & hot pink thread. Final size is 53" by 60". I started off with 8-10 adult sized t-shirts from the Salvation Army Thrift Shop. Why ever for you might wonder? Well that's a good question. I saw a jacket made out of similar fabric and thought it might be fun to try out the technique using the serged seams as the right side. I do like the texture and the funky wobblely shapes. Now the question is whether I will actually make a jacket or just finish the outside edges and call it a lapquilt.

Whatever it will be though will not happen for at least 2 months as we're about to embark upon the first of 2 winter vacations - first to Cancun with friends and then roughly 10 days later we're off to Texas, Alabama, etc. along the Gulf shore for 4-5 weeks. I will be posting regularly once we get on the road. And yes, our two flat coat retrievers, Leila and Gypsy, will be travelling along with us.

Recycle, reuse/upcycle & avoid plastic bags!

2008-06-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

So I made these Pet Screen tote bags from fabric for which I had no use. Not really my idea of recycling, more like using up what you have. OK, OK it is sort of. Unfortunately I had to buy the Pet Screen mesh which was not cheap - roughly $10 per tote.

Grocery shopping in our household means bagging our own. By that I mean using all those cloth tote bags we've picked up over the years at conferences, etc. To make your own very, very simple ones, check out http://www.morsbags.com/

Lately I have been making aprons for my local Salvation Army thrift store from donated jeans. Each week I come home with a variety of jeans, all colours & shapes. I wash, cut them up and sew into various shapes using the seams as ties or straps, back pocket parts as bibs... Volunteers really seem to like them, especially the fact that they have a choice of style, colour and shape. Today I delivered stitched name tags to be attached to the aprons with a safety pin. KISS! Apron goes home with the volunteer for storage and washing. Every one is happily identified in a kitschy sort of way while working in the store.

Today I read about making grocery bags from t-shirts. Brilliant idea. Can't wait until next week to pick out some neat t-shirts to begin yet another experiment.
Meanwhile check out http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12435622 to see some made up. They don't look too complicated and since the t-shirting is not nearly as thick as denim, I should not be breaking as many sewing machine needles. And according to this person they are amazingly sturdy.

Pet Screen Tote bags

2008-06-13T15:21:00.001-07:00

My trip out west introduced me to the idea of making tote bags out of Pet Screen. Yess this is material designed for screen doors particularly if you have animals in the house who 'abuse' the screening material. Our late golden retriever, Josee, was quite adept at using her nose to push open the patio secreen doors (home & cottage) thereby damaging the usual screening product. Not with this stuff; it is incredibly strong and resilient. The sewing machine kinda likes it too if not too many layers.
But back to the topic. What got me interested was not the mesh, but the fact that I had been given roughly 2 FQ's of 5 different fabrics by the Kemptville Quilters' Guild. At the same time I was advised that folks would be looking forward to what I might make out of this fabric. Hours and hours and hours later I managed to have only miniscule bits left over. Oops, nothing to use for the handles In the end I used some of plastic mesh canvas ( a great find at the Salvation Army Thrift store) that folks use for needle work. Just finish the edges with a blanket stitch and be done, right. Nothing is ever that simple as I added more stitching with 3 other colours. The beadwork consists of wooden beads from my macrame days with some old white shank buttons to secure the bottom using acrylic yarn which was crocheted at the top in order to attach the beads to the border.
The first tote is the Guild's fabric. The second contains fabric I won in a draw at a quilting store in Brockville. The top border and straps are - ta dah! made out of tie fabric. If you look closely you might notice the green yarn couching and a border of 3 yarns along the top portion. I'm now working on a third tote bag using scraps of jean fabric to create the main fabric details. It's going to be a while for sure.

Coiled fabric bowls and pine baskets

2008-06-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ever since my friend Kathy in Houston told me last year she was taking a 3 hr. class to learn how to make coiled fabric bowls, I've been experimenting. I don't as a rule buy new fabric, but rely on thrift shops for fabric, usually women's blouses, skirts, dresses or men's shirts. After washing and removing seams, I cut the material into 1" strips. I loved making these bowls so much that I created a kit of supplies including a 3-panel colour brochure with instructions & photos to sell during my studio tour last fall. Since then I have purchased & recommend Linda Johansen's book -"Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Bowls.
Each of the following bowls has an interesting story in terms of the kinds of clothing that were sacrificed in the name of artful bowl-making. You would be amazed.

Elva, my first hostess, chose this soft coloured one.

Carol, my second hostess chose this purple contrasty one. When I learned that she is an active participant with the Stephen Lewis Foundation - Grandmothers helping grandmothers (Aids), I suggested that she might like to donate it for sale at one of their many fund raisers.
This is Doris' bowl. Last time she visited me she requested an oval shaped one and I actually got her to pick out the colours. She plans to use it on her bathroom counter.

This bowl was left over. I have since added some blanket stitching in orange crochet cotton around the rim as well as diagonal stitches to the bottom. I like turquoise, but not in great quantities (see entry about the 'dreaded' patchwork jacket); the added stitching helps break up the mass of colour.

Elva, the lady I mentioned above, had 3 lovely baskets displayed on her mantle. When I exclaimed how lovely and wondered how they were made, my wish was granted. Out came the supplies and the lesson began. I completed this one on the plane going home. She has declared it a fine, first effort. She very kindly gave me extra raffia & Ponderosa pine needles, so I am coiling a larger one. If you're interested in this coastal indian craft, check out
http://pinebaskets.tripod.com/knots.html

The official CHAMPIONSHIP photo

2008-05-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

Today we received the official photo taken by the show photographer. An amazing $50 for one only. Guess they have to pay for the RV and trailer they drag behind that.

Graeme, the handler, has done a superb grooming job. Gypsy looked like she had just come from the beauty parlor! I have to tell you though that today I finally let her swim in the river. Both she and Leila very much enjoy diving off the dock to retrieve sticks. She's back to being a 'dog' again. Thank goodness.

Free motion couching

2008-05-27T07:14:00.001-07:00

Free motion couching has been the current topic of discussion on the QuiltArt forum, so I decided to show my efforts in this department.

I purchased a pattern & fabric to make a patchwork jacket roughly 4 years ago. Substituted some of my own hand-dyes & other fabrics. Thus began my unhappy & reluctant journey in making what has become known as the dreaded patchwork jacket. I became quite a pro at avoiding this project as the seasonal nature of the photos will testify.
I estimate it took me at least 3 full days to cut, assemble the strips and then create the larger pieces of fabric called for in the pattern. All seams throughout the process were serged as well.
At this point I take another prolonged break as I don't like the turquoise which seems to dominate. I'm also unhappy with the patches, but ...
I find a men's fleece, v-neck sweater in a consignment shop one day. The colour seems to cut the turquoise. This is good.
At this point I am still considering changing the pattern's neckline, but keeping the set in sleeve. Perhaps couching coloured yarn will reduce the overall striped look.
Oh yes, I should mention that the pattern calls for 1/2 rows of vertical quilting which I did do and then ripped out! I won't say how many hours that took.

Here is the actual couched yarn - my first attempt. What a mess!

I try to rip out the couched yarn. Not going to happen; I give the yarn a 'hair cut' which at times leaves only the 'stitched' zigzag stitching visible. That's OK by me.
Below you see one side with no couching for comparison. I can think of nothing else, so I go ahead and do something similar on the other front. By then I am extremely tired of couching curves (somewhat painful is a good descriptor of the process). I add couched yarn to the back panel, but only stitch-in-the-ditch straight lines and only in certain areas to reduce the impact of the vertical lines. Sorry no photo.

In the end I keep the pattern's collar, chose to insert the fleece sleeves raglan style & not to include the sweater's hem at the bottom. Not obvious or probably even visible is the embroidery stitching on the raglan seams as well as the sleeve cuff area. Imagine my surprise when I realized the thread needed to be turquoise, the colour I was trying to get away from!

The tote made from leftover fabric scraps is one of the many projects I completed while diligently avoiding this project. The hem and buttons with loops are still to be sewn so I continue to avoid the dreaded ...

Introducing CH Fieldday Bohemian Rhapsody, aka, Gypsy

2008-05-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

It finally happened this weekend at Richmond, just south of Ottawa, Ontario with Graeme Burdon handling the last two points. The previous weekend's show in Hochelaga, Quebec chalked up the required 'major' win, meaning today she FINISHED!

For the last three shows she has been 'dogged' (sorry about the pun - well no I'm not really) by a wonderful black male, by name of Ethan who regularly achieves 'best in group' which then qualifies him for the 'best in show'. I'm told by his owner, Tina, that he is the #1 FC. Now that's stiff competition.

This is MY official portrait taken at home while she still sports her superb grooming style. The official one with judge & handler has been taken, but yet to be received.

Big thanks to Graeme for his skill in taming her 'do'. She cuts quite the figure, but I must admit that I do like her better with her 'teenager' sun bleached scraggily ears.

And now she can swim and play and roll in dead fish along with her best buddy, Leila. Well maybe not the 'roll in dead fish' part.

Oh BTW - my feelings about conformation showings???? "Let the games END" says it all.

returning home early

2008-05-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, for personal reasons, I have had to return home a week early. However, I have included some of my photographs in no particular order, either geographically or chronologically.
If you would like me to recommend places to visit, please leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Kelowna, BC

2008-05-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Well, guess what? My first disaster. In the drag & drop operation of images to the laptop hard drive I managed to select only the last image. So many times before I have always checked to see if all the images have transferred before reformatting the card, but tonight ... I have only one image to offer you, taken today part way down 97c. Since I don't have the others for reference, I cannot guess at the location. Too bad all way round.

FYI - we stayed at a most desireable place last night - Emerald Lodge, just outside Field, BC. Absolutely gorgeous and worth the decadent price. Wood burning fireplace in each room which is one of 4 in roughly 28 buildings scattered around one side of the lake. The lodge itself is the original. So peaceful and so quiet. No TV's or high speed wireless except in the main lodge. We were the only ones to use the outdoor hot tub (40 degrees C) before bed after sitting on our little porch overlooking the lake.

Judith's tie quilt arrived today

2008-05-08T11:01:00.001-07:00

Judith in San Diego and I 'met' when I emailed her to see a photo of her quilt. Two years & many thousands of miles later she is in the process of disposing of her family's home and making difficult decisions about what should be kept. In the process she has choosen me to be the new owner. I am honoured to receive such a lovely gift. And from a woman whom I have never met, just a casual email inquiry back in 2006. I have named the quilt after her.

As to its history, Judith writes:
I had a friend here who ran a collectibles shop and really had the eye for good and unusual stuff. I bought it from him years ago ... because I loved the 40's style ties, and the color matching of blue and maroon. I probably am nostalgic for that period as my father had three brothers, and there are wonderful photos of the four of them in the early and middle thirties, wearing suits with vests and ties.

I haven't figured out as yet how many ties went into this top. Each one is featured several times so I imagine the whole tie was used. It is backed with very fine muslin and all handstitched. What a wonderful sampler of men's tie fashion of the day.

Getting ready to leave for Calgary

2008-05-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

The dreaded patchwork jacket is almost complete - only the hem and buttons to go, complete with matching handbag. Yesterday I finished several coiled fabric bowls to take with me as hostess gifts.
I'm off to Calgary tomorrow, May 9th. My friend, Doris, and I will be driving through the Rockies to Vancouver, ferry across to the Island and to our final destination of Parksville where we will dogsit for 2 weeks. Doing so means I miss the quilt show at the RA Centre in Ottawa, Mother's Day AND seeing my youngest son, Sean, who is driving home from CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick for a week's leave.
Stay tuned for more on my latest adventure.

Puff, the Magic Dragon

2008-05-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

It just occured to me that QA list members who indicated an interest in my journey west might like to see my latest quilt. Puff, the Magic Dragon is the second in my Crazy House series. The label on the back describes the materials, processes & inspiration

The road home

2008-03-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

Tues. Mar 11

Lovely day. Too bad we’re leaving. As I’m giving Leila her good morning pet, I discover a tick. Gypsy had one 2 days ago which gets us to wondering if these carry lyme disease like the ones in Connecticut. Having no rubbing alcohol we use Tequilla as disinfectant.
We’re travelling north on #501 to catch up with I-95. Cell phone rings for the second time in 2 days. First call was from our oldest son wishing his father a happy birthday. Today’s is our neighbour asking if we have a spare key hidden somewhere as the cleaning lady has locked herself out. Nope, is the answer.
I persuade Al to pull into a big box mall – another Ross store (very inexpensive bedding), but it doesn’t open for another 20 minutes. After lunch I drive for roughly 4 hours.
Skip to the end of a very long and somewhat boring day. We’ve stopped at a Days Inn on the outskirts of Waynesboro, Virginia, not too distant from the junction of 64 & I-81 north. We could possibly be home tomorrow, somewhat late; but then again maybe not.
Sorry no photos today.

last day

2008-03-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

Monday March 10th
Last day/night in the trailer in Huntington Beach State Park.
We head into town and have a nice breakfast at the Internet café while getting the mail and posting the last blog. Error message after error message means uploading each picture individually probably takes ½ hr. From there we visit Brookgreen Garden for a brief time, and then repair to the campsite where leaving preparations must begin.
As we cross the causeway I notice the Arctic swans are on this side of the wetland. As well the local alligator is in place – right next to his sign. Winterizing the trailer, hooking up the trailer and last but not least, big shampoos for the dogs to remove the salt water and maybe some of the sand are what need to be done.

Brookgreen Gardens

2008-03-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March-09-08

No disasters today – at least before breakfast. It is rather chilly. Electric heater is working its little heart out while I am buried underneath an afghan and a feather duvet. Just my nose is a little cold.
I take the dogs for a walk on the beach. Lots & lots of people cause me concern about letting the dogs loose, but I do so anyway. A glorious walk; no one is afraid or apparently concerned about these crazy flatcoats racing into the water to capture waves or … Chatted amicably with a couple from Charlestown and then two young South Africans who are attending university here.
Daylight savings has us an hour later, but we manage to arrive at Brookgreen Gardens round about noon. That’s after visiting the Latte Internet café where we do the honourable thing – go inside, purchase cappuccino’s and settle in to send/receive mail and read the Globe & Mail.
At the garden I vote for the statuary garden as it is a rare occasion that I get to see so much outdoors. It is a wonderful garden – acres of it and far too much to really do it justice in one 4 hr. session. We concentrate on the sculptures. I do really, really like Anna Huntington’s rendition of Don Quioxte, but not so much her other work. The acres of garden is ‘littered’ with all manner of sculptures by accomplished artists.
We return to the trailer and not long after Al is sailing out to greet – what else, another flatcoat owner from Penn state. Ridley is a lovely 2 yr old, still intact, male. Leila likes him Al is now lecturing me on procedures for tomorrow – winterizing the trailer etc. I volunteered to go and get the dessert (it’s his birthday! and a milestone one too), but no, it seems my presence is required.

Huntington Beach State Park day 1

2008-03-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

Sat. March 8

Well I didn’t think it had rained all that much last night, but obviously it did as the canopy broke. Long story, so I won’t dwell on it. Just add it to the growning repair list.
We take the dogs for a walk on the beach. The snow, I mean sand is blowing in gusts; I cover my camera with a plastic bag on the return trip upwind. Dogs have a grand time in the waves, Leila standing out in the waves waiting for me to throw a stick. There is almost nothing on this section of the beach except sand of course.
At noon we take the 40 min. guided tour of Atalaya, the name of the Moorish style castle built by Anna & Archer Huntington back in the 1930’s as a winter residence. Their’s is an interesting story: she a reknown sculptress and he a wealthy philanthropist who endowed museums, designed gardens, wrote poetry and did Spanish to English translations. Anna, who suffered from TB, earned $50,000 a year from her sculptures. The building is quite stark, concrete and brick built at the time right next to the ocean. Nowadays there is considerable beach in front of it. 75 windows are covered with decorative grillwork, each costing $500. Archer paid to have a hydro line strung from Georgetown, 20 miles away. A telephone line connected them to the local exchange; a house phone system connected their living quarters to the staff; hot running water was available in 4 bathrooms, a large shower with 7 shower heads, … Perhaps I can find a web source for you to read more about this interesting couple who had no children.

Travelling to Huntington State Park

2008-03-08T11:27:00.001-08:00

Friday. Mar7th
On the road to Huntington Beach State Park
The heavens open up just shortly after we get on the road. Good timing and good day to be driving. Severe weather warning is being broadcast for some regions. We’re on our way to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens & Drayton Hall, southwest of Charleston. Our visit may be shorter than planned if the weather doesn’t improve. And the weather does not; it gets worse. And worse yet, we have a wee accident involving the admission sign/toll booth to the Gardens. Sign got knocked down (about 2 ft. wider than the building). We also make brief contact with the roof overhang and the trailer gutters which now appear to be somewhat compressed. I seems that contact with their sign is not an unusual happening and we’re told not to worry. The bottom of the sign ways that a ‘rain check’ will be issued in the event of rain. We are given instructions on how/where to do a u-turn in the gardens. As we do so, I notice this long white ???. Upon closer look it turns out to be the tail of a rather elegant bird. Inside the wooden structure are 3 more birds – peacocks. What a pity that the weather is not conducive to walking the gardens or seeing the main house, Drayton Hall. This place is worth a visit, roughly 4 hours to see it all. Basic admission is $15 per adult, add on $7 each to see the House, the Audubon Swamp, Nature Train, Nature Boat tours or $35 for an all-inclusive admission.
Back on the road (#526 east) we drive north around Charleston, passing over 2 bridges (Cooper & Wando Rivers) giving us a view of container ship docking on the right and some plant on the right belching out steam/smoke further adding to visibility problems.
Next roadmap event is Francis Marion National Forest as we follow along #17N. As I look closer I begin to wonder about gas. Not wishing to have a repeat performance of the St. George Island leg of our trip, we wisely do a u-turn on the divided highway to visit what looks like the last station (Sewee Outpost) before Georgetown some 50 miles away.
Georgetown – home to International Paper (massive plant) and also a steel mill.
After setting up camp we drive into town to find a wireless source, just happens to be one at the Lattee ??? shop across the street from the Salvation Army Thrift store. Al gets the mail not having to enter the coffee shop and I buy a tie (my first fish tie) and a gargantuan jean skirt – probably a complete circle. From there we do the tour into Mrytle Beach, but the weather has not improved so we don’t stop anywhere. Just opposite the state park is Brookgreen Gardens which may prove to be a substitute for missing the Magnolia Gardens, all of which is still owned by the Huntington Foundation but leased to the State.

Hilton Head

2008-03-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Wed., Mar.-5-08
Hiltonhead
Yesterday the weather report was right and wrong – right in that the rain started precisely at 4pm, wrong re: severity.
We start today walking the beach at the campground and then at the lighthouse so we can let the dogs loose. I spy another crab cage washed up on the shore due to yesterday’s storm, this one containing 5 blue crabs and one other variety. I drag the cage out into the surf, undo the bungie cord holding the door and then push and prod them back to freedom all the while under close dog supervision. My good deed of the day. Next stop is Hilton Head Island which means re-tracing part of Monday’s route & #278. This busy divided boulevard is lined with upscale, golf club communities - steep-roofed brick housing, elaborate landscaping, fencing & water features.
Suffice it to say that neither of us were impressed with this place - too many gated communities, private property, boring with a capital B as Al describes it. Lots of tourists on foot, bicycle & car and many big homes with gardeners. As mothers have said for decades, 'if you can't say anything good, don't' and so I will leave it at that.

last day on Hunting Island

2008-03-07T05:14:00.001-08:00

Thurs. Mar 6
Today, our last on Hunting Island, is dedicated to relaxing. In the morning we take a long walk up the beach toward the lighthouse with the dogs running free. Gypsy has enough energy for both and does a great job goading Leila into big-time action. Gyspy does enjoy sticking her head into the water in search of treasures. We bring back two very happy, but soggy/sandy dogs.For lunch we try out the local crab shack; what a disappointment. The crab cakes I had last year in Alabama still win the prize. Afterward we do the marsh boardwalk where we see an otter?, mud crabs & two interesting lizards. We continue the drive to the fishing pier where it is clear dogs are not welcome in addition to a sign that says welcome to Fripp Island – security gate ½ mile. We turn around; two gated communities in one day – spare me.

Hunting Island Lighthouse

2008-03-05T07:52:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, March-04-08
6:30am – Al is out on the beach with the dogs. They return very soggy and wet. I don’t arise until 8:30 whereupon Al falls asleep on the sofa.
10:20 am First stop of the day is the island’s lighthouse which I scale – all 175 steps taking pictures up and down the spiral staircase (don’t they look like eyes?) and finally at the top where, if you look closely at the picture, Al and dogs are visible in the shot. We take a quick peak at the beach and decide to return since we will be here for 3 more days. We head off to Lady’s Island in search of a laundromat – past the Publix (groceries) on the right, the Shell station on the left and in a very small mall, voila. While Al does the laundry I stroll through the antique mall, but not for long as I am hastened out to reply to emails. Al has managed to connect to Linksys, an unsecured wireless network. I, of course, am suitably diverted and answer emails while consuming the lunch Al has prepared. He has put the carrots in a ziplock bag along with some dill pickles – a new combo for the carrots at least.
On our way back to the campsite I request that we stop at several shops selling what I hope to be local stuff. Not so! I find some rather pretty Christmas tree decorations, enammeled fish, etc. Unfortunately all is made in China.
At the campsite Al is anxious to plan and book the remainder of our trip, so I get to walk the beach. Pictures are included. In the end yet another big storm has been downgraded. How do I know that? Of course we have the antenna for the TV which produces beaucoup snow on the screen. However, we are now well familiar with what to do when severe weather warnings occur.

My fascination with the spiral staircase? If you look carefully you might imagine an eye where the railing represents eye lashes.

Driving to - Hunting Island State Park

2008-03-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Monday, March-03-08

Four young deer see us off under sunny skies, $3.19 gasoline and 16C. I hope we don’t take too many mosquistoes with us. Our destination today is Hunting Island State Park on the Atlantic Ocean. According to MS Streets & Trips, this is a 5 hr drive, but past experience equates thiss closer to 6.5 hours.
Heading north on 441 to Homerville, we see fields of peanut bushes. Or least we guess as getting Al to stop the car for a closer look is … Then blueberries, to which Al wants to know where the power lines are since that’s where they usually grow. A convoy of 10 dumptrucks overtake us at great speed. As we turn right onto 83, we encounter another prison work crew, a not uncommon sight in the US.
We’re following a major railway line: engine repair depot, 2 frieght trains in the last hour which cause me to wonder the why’s of 2 locomotives, one of which is facing backward. Giant billboard in Screven ‘invites’ trucks to go elsewhere. We just happen to be following one that honks his horn for no other apparent reason. Then we encounter road-widening construction, or should I say, destruction.
Lots of flowering trees in these small communities– white, pale & darker pink flowers, trees beginning to leaf out – some red some almost yellow, and of course loads of azalias mostly in the form of hedges,
Jesup appears to be a one-industry town – Rayonier, a very large, industrial plant, produces one horrible, cough-sputtering smell from the smoke stacks. We stop to get groceries at – where else, a Walmart Superstore.
Walthourville is a strip town (like many others) alongside the highway & railroad line. For the most part housing is pre-fab with mobile home parks dominating the landscape, each one containing identical units. A surprising number of Japanese restaurants and then one big billboard asking if we want to support Japan by buying a Toyota, etc.
We’re parked outside a Travelodge and opposite Camping World in Pooler, Georgia. While I eat my sandwich lunch, I’m posting to the blog – text at least. The last state park had cable TV no less. I’d rather have WiFi myself.

Day 2 - Stephen C. Foster State Park

2008-03-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Mar.2
In the morning I return to the boardwalk without dogs. Roughly 150 photos later I have a few good shots for my collection – mostly reflections & water lilies.The afternoon is occupied with exploring the swamp in a rented flat-bottom aluminum boat with 6 hp 4-stroke engine. I find the setup excessively noisy except when the motor is in neutral. Despite this we see dozens and dozens of alligators snoozing on logs and on top of peat beds in addition to turkey vultures and turtles, but no snakes of which there are some 36 varieties in the swamp including 4 poisonous ones.

Day 1 in the Okefenokee Swamp

2008-03-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Mar.1
In the morning we take the guided boat tour of the Swamp. Good idea as it gives us ‘courage’ to rent a boat tomorrow for further explorations. We learn a bit of the history and see alligators, egrets, turtles, and loads of cyrpress knees – small rounded formations around a cypress that stand about 6-8 inches above the water. Apparently no one is absolutely sure of their purpose, speculating that they represent some sort of stability for the tree; for sure they are not little trees. I find them absolutely fascinating, looking more like mini statuettes, gorgeous texture and colours.
In the afternoon we walk the dogs on the mile long, 4’ high elevated boardwalk. No alligators here, but lots of water lilies and turtles.That evening we attend what is supposed to be a video about alligators only the overhead projection system doesn’t talk to the ??? After rebooting the sytem 4-5 times, our guide launches into the script for a very, very old slide show about the formation of the swamp and the Lee family who homesteaded there in the late 1800’s raising 14 children.

On the road to Okefenokee Swamp

2008-03-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Friday, February-29-08
What a glorious sunshiny Sadie Hawkins Leap Day. Ultra-easy hitchup late yesterday on a level concrete pad. Best time yet – roughly 15 min if you count raising feet, etc. This morning – a minor panic earlier as the Ford’s binder was missing, possibly left at the dealer’s on Monday. Pat to the rescue; found under the rear seat. No biggie, it only contained the insurance & vehicle registrations. Al commiserates with me as we pass 3 re-sale shops that are not open at this hour.
We’re following #98W, 331N alongside Elgin Air Force Base, 10W going north of Tallahassee, 14N to Madison, NE on #90/6 /41/441 through a portion of Okefenokee Swamp to Stephen C Foster State Park.
After breakfast at – where else, The Waffle House, we pull into the next rest stop to walk the dogs. A very prominent sign warns that the area is patrolled at night by armed security. I just noticed that this 4-lane divided highway which is very straight and very boring is lined on both sides with 10ft wire fencing, perhaps as an animal control measure.
Speaking of which, we suddenly encounter a scotty dog being chased by a car madly reversing along the shoulder of the road. Two other cars are pulled over in front. As I wonder out loud how a dog has gotten loose, we come into view of a tractor trailer which has slewed into the median. Then just a brief glimpse of a white car well into the trees on the far side.
I'm actually posting this while sitting outside a Travelodge in Pooler, just north of Savannah while on our way to Hunting Island State Park. I'm using their free WiFi legally as I have just watched the advertisement required for access. Meanwhile Al is back in the trailer making us sandwiches. I shall continue to add the daily entries and if time return to add some pictures of Stephen C. Foster State Park where we spent 3 lovely days.

end of last day in Destin

2008-02-28T15:42:00.001-08:00

Gypsy fan club alert - she is eating!!! just about all of her food. What do you think? Was she protesting the trip, not being able to go to dog shows, what?

Can you guess what this carcass is? Email me your answer. Ok. How about these ducks in the endangered species habitat?

I want one of each of these chairs. Well maybe not the pink since I already own two of them.

Jelly fish in full plumage

Plain jelly fish.
The bridge between Fort Walton Beach and Destin.

My sponge & shell collection so far. Not certain how many, if any, of the sponges will come home. I gave them the BIG bleach today and left them in the sun. Only one just smells of bleach, i.e, the rest really stink. I'm rather proud of the giant horseshoe crab, at least I think that's what it is, found on the beach at Tybee Island, outside Savannah. S/he gets special treatment and safe passage in the dishpan.

A few snails, I think, but I liked the pattern created by the receding tide.

Darn! I forget what this fish is. Couple a fisher people I chatted with knew what it is, but could not identify the jelly fish. These photos were taken near the bridge (earlier photo) and on land owned by Elgin Airforce base.

Last day in Destin

2008-02-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

Abandoned housing awaiting final destruction.

Some sort of berries - last two, that intrigued me.

Me in front of the camper wearing the wonderful jean jacket (now officially complete) with Japanese applique, the fixings for which were sent to me by my friend, Annie, in California.
Remainder of a sand castle construction. The bubbling in the water appeared to be coming from underground.

Sea oats in the sand; they are actively planted to help control the erosion and protect sand dunes.
I just checked the 'layout' re: text and pictures and for the most part they coincide. Lucky, so I am not going to try to have the following text appear at the top.
Haven't posted in the last few days since the sights were unremarkable. Destin has gorgeous beaches & water (called the Emerald Coast), but I find them boring to walk as there is very little stuff brought in by the tide which is probably why they are so popular. Water temp is much like our cottage in the spring. I would describe this place as a shopping mecca, but since I'm not really a shopper, it hasn't the appeal of other places we've visited thus far. That's not to say that I/we haven't shopped. Goodwill purchases: a gorgeous black beaded & sequined evening top, a size 2XX jean jumper (now in pieces) and a neat pair of pants with beadwork, but by the time I finished removing the hems, stitch by stitch, I then had to repair the damage of dropped beads. All done now and ready to be made into a tote with denim lining. Al wants to go look at the Kitchenaid mixer appliance we saw yesterday - all gorgeous colours, refurbished but still gleaming. I need some bleach to soak the sponges I found at Alligator Point as the aroma is ripening nicely behind the trailer.
Tomorrow we push off for Stephen Foster state park in Georgia, west entrance to the Okefeenokee wildlife refuge.
Oh yes, just so you aren't too jealous about being in winter, the temperature the last two days has been a wee bit cold - high 40's, requiring the duvet for sleeping and use of the electric heater in the evenings. And gas prices are funning $3.15 a gallon.

Destin, Florida, the Emeral Coast

2008-02-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

Many hotels, rentals have private access staircases.

The trailer is ours.

Panama City beach pier with wannabe surfer

Our walk in the morning going eastward.

Travelling to Destin RV Resort

2008-02-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

Friday, Feb.22
Wonderful fog this morning at 18C. Great day to take pictures only we’re leaving. While Al takes care of garbage & dumping duties, I find some white flowers growing on a rose-like vine. On our way out of the park I spot some very tall, perhaps thistle in bloom. Absolutely stunning in the fog. Of course we don’t stop. However I insist on ‘borrowing’ WiFi from The Subway to post yesterday on the blog. If the pictures don’t follow any order, well rack that up against the pressure I’m under with the driver of this actually stays up on his board so I can get a picture.vehicle asking ‘are you done yet? Are you done yet? You probably get the idea that I was quite entranced with what I believe are rosemary flowers.
We’re following the coastline on #98 west. Port St. Joe provides a brief respite from the dense fog. Some lovely homes & beach. Mexico Beach as befits its name looks more like a tourist/vacation town. The Forgotten Coastline continues to provide miles and miles of beautiful white sand beaches.
#98 passes through the middle of Tyndall Air Force, until now just a name on the map. It goes for miles with parking lots full of cars, a very impressive main entrance and well kept housing.
We check out the local Ford dealer in Panama City to see if we can get an oil change. No such luck; 3 cars waiting and it’s lunchtime. We head for #98 alt which runs along the beach, stopping at Bay County Pier Pavillon where parking is free. Someone is feeding the sea gulls and someone else is going surfing. Lots of good breakers but it’s going to be a while before this fellow actually stands up and stays up. Lots of skyscraper hotels along the shore as we continue our journey west into very quickly darkening skies.
Speaking of rain, this area sure got hit yesterday flooding some major roads. And now it’s producing more again. We arrive at Destin RV Resort. Oh my! An immaculately landscaped grouping of 36 trailer sites on concrete & interlocking tiles, each site with precisely trenched gardens of azalea, palms, grasses, ... complete with terrazo table & benches for outdoor dining. The question is - how will the dogs manage in such a manicured situation.

http://www.destinrvresort.com/ to read more about this place.

last day in St. George

2008-02-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 21
Yup! The weatherman was right. Very overcast and feeling like rain; temperature is 15C. We’re off to Aligator Point as I said. #98 and then hang a right at 370 going to Bald State Park & Lighthouse Point. We find the perfect public access as described by a fellow beach walker yesterday. Lots of shells and sponges, even better no signs re: dogs. I take just one picture down the shoreline before we leave with very, very wet, but not really smelly dogs despite both of them having rolled in unknown substances.
About 5 min. down the road, the heavens open up. We stop for lunch at the Tinbucto (correct spelling) resturant where I have oyster chowder; and yes they are local.
Back home I take another walk behind our trailer to visit these wonderful orchid-like flowers. Several attempts later I have a few photos I am pleased with. Then I take a last hike to the ocean where a park volunteer is fishing in vain. From him I learn how to find oysters and hear about when a 5` shark encircled a friend of his while fishing in waders on the bay side. As the story goes, his friend cut loose his fish catch and made a run for it never to return to fishing in waders again. Should one should swim on the Gulf side? to which he replies that he has caught several sand sharks, but nothing to worry.
We end the day with a 30 minute session of hooking up the trailer. The difficulty this time is that when the car is backed up to the requisite 18`` in order to “observe the angle`` the front wheels are still on the pavement. Toward the end of this process our neighbour who now drives a bus (former owner of 2 Airstreams) approaches to help. Fortunately by then we have it all in hand. He is anxious to share his RV towing experiences, including not one, but two Airstreams. I’ll quit at this in the vein of ‘you had to be there to appreciate the story’. PS After items such as the canopy etc. are taken care of in prep for an early departure, we settle into the trailer to enjoy shrimp & dip with the local news before dinner. Yet another weather advisory. Seems any TV channel can be pre-empted to deliver the latest weather warning - Franklin County, that’s us. We step into action and collapse the dog pens and store various carpets etc. It’s now well past the time this storm should have hit. We have seen only 3 lightning streaks. It would appear to be yet another false alarm for us anyway.

Pat Hardie - Altered Art Studio

Cottage for Sale

Diamonds for India

Puppies - last time

More puppy photos

newest addition to our household

the vines finally bloom

the summer's landscaping projects

my next journey

500 Art Quilts

A new venue

Pat Hardie's AlteredART Studio: 2nd place for Room for Three

2nd place for Room for Three

I'm to be published

#$@% Curvy Edges

I've been blogged again

Borders all round I say

Pierre Cardin meets Folkart

Sound Wave - a line exercise

Seaside Hotels

The Wedding House

The Wedding Quilt

Wedding artwork

I've been blogged

ARTQUILT*transitions*

Freeform knitting/crochet

End of story

Natchez Trace

Mar 9 - Vicksburg, Mississippi

March 8th, Sunday - Louisiana to MIssissippi

Sat. March 7th- TX to Louisiana

Catch of the day

The biggest rig in the park

Thurs. March 5th - Pepe's on the Rio Grande

Wed. Mar.4th - South Padre Island

Progresso, Tues. March 4th

Tire Shopping

ROPA - used clothing market Monday, Mar 2nd

Sunday Flea Market (Mar 1st)

Dog run & pond

The great Texas Smoker Cook-off (Feb.28)

our private pool

Sat. Feb. 21st - travelling the Rio Grande

Friday, Feb. 20th - Laredo

Wed. Feb 18th

Thurs. Feb. 19th

Tuesday, Feb 17th

Laptop problems

Monday the 16th

Feb.15th

Sat. Feb.14th

Friday the 13th aka day 2

First Day on the Road - a sorry tale

FALSE START

CANCUN

t-shirt patchwork

Recycle, reuse/upcycle & avoid plastic bags!

Pet Screen Tote bags

Coiled fabric bowls and pine baskets

The official CHAMPIONSHIP photo

Free motion couching

Introducing CH Fieldday Bohemian Rhapsody, aka, Gypsy

returning home early

Kelowna, BC

Judith's tie quilt arrived today

Getting ready to leave for Calgary

Puff, the Magic Dragon

The road home

last day

Brookgreen Gardens

Huntington Beach State Park day 1

Travelling to Huntington State Park

Hilton Head

last day on Hunting Island

Hunting Island Lighthouse

Driving to - Hunting Island State Park

Day 2 - Stephen C. Foster State Park

Day 1 in the Okefenokee Swamp

On the road to Okefenokee Swamp

end of last day in Destin

ARTQUILTtransitions