Corn Festival

Today, Rich and I went to Wilmington, Ohio's Corn Festival. The food is really good so Weight Watchers is not going to go so well this week. Pulled pork sandwiches, fresh made french fries, apple dumplings with ice cream, sweet tea - oh my! They have a animal petting area for the little kids but I always have to visit and pet the pony, piglets, baby ducks, goats, calf and bunnies. One barn is filled with antique dealers, one with crafts and one with flea market items. Then there's the building with a quilt show. Today I got to see quilts layered off of a bed while each was explained. Very nice. My favorite quilt was an applique quilt of chickens.

We ended the afternoon watching the tractor parade. There are tractors winning tractor pulls that are older than I am.

We said goodbye to Adam and Lauren on Thursday. It was sad to see them go but we're still happy for them. They spent Friday night at my sister's house in Denver so, they were making very good time.

Two finishes

I finished the sewing bag/bucket item on Thursday. I almost can't believe I did it. I hope my swap partner likes it. Monday is Labor Day celebrated in the United States. The Post Office will be closed so, I won't be able to mail it until Tuesday. I can only show teaser photos according to the rules of the swap but once my swap partner recieves it, I can show a full photo.

My other finish is the Sunflower SAL (stitch along) bookmark. A freebie from the designers at Workbasket. The Yahoo Group 'For the Love of Stitching' used this pattern for the month of August. It turned out pretty nice. I may use it as a small hanging instead of hiding it in a book.

hint: (click on a photo to get a larger view)

Tea, Farewell and Beer

On August 23rd, the Queen City Sampler Guild had an all day stitch in and an afternoon tea. There were lots of guild members in attendance and some shared samplers and smalls that they've completed. Our members do exquisite needlework. We had a general meeting and discussed the upcoming board elections, programs/classes and an exciting quilt raffle project with stitched celtic hearts and alphabet. The afternoon tea was a nice break for our stitching fingers.

That evening, we went to Adam's going away party. Adam is moving to California. He's following his heart - Lauren. His friends and family will miss him. We wish him and Lauren only the best and hope they fulfill their dreams.

This was our entertainment on Sunday. Rich and I went to the Germainia Society's Octoberfest where we met Lauren's parents and Adam and Lauren. It was a very hot day so we mainly stayed in the Klubhaus (air conditioning) and enjoyed beer, a saurbraten dinner, cream puff or strudel and beer. It was a delightful, busy weekend.

Indian Lake Weekend

Our good friends, the Uebels, invited us for a summer weekend at their cottage on Indian Lake in Ohio. The Herdemans were invited also. We've been friends for quite a while. We had the most relaxing weekend we've had all summer with good food, good friends, drinks, an afternoon on the lake, a moonlight ride on the lake and more drinks, playing guitars, conversation, walks, bike rides, sleep. A wonderful time was had by all. The Uebels are wonderful hosts - thank you.

My Gift from Tracey

I had a package in the mail yesterday and thought it was a book I ordered so I delayed opening it 'til last. Surprise! It was my gift from Tracey in CT. Quilting In Connecticut She had a contest for her 200th blog so I left a comment and won. The candle is Jasmine. Reminds me of my soap making days. I had a tiny soap making business for 10 years and used lots of fragrance oils. The flower scents were the most popular. I digress. Tracey lives near the town where PEZ is made and she said she always includes one in her packages. Evan just got his first PEZ from his Uncle Adam last weekend. So, Evan will get the Winnie the Pooh. This one has candy. The quilted table topper was hand made by Tracey. Isn't it pretty and fall-like. I just love it. I like everything! Thank you Tracey.

(click on the picture for a bigger view)

My son is 30!!!

How'd that happen? Ryan, our oldest son, turned 30 yesterday. That just doesn't seem possible. Time keeps going faster and faster. We had a nice steak dinner with fresh green beans and sweet potatoes. Brownies were his 'cake' request. Evan helped him celebrate and even drew his picture.

August visit

Another weekend has come and gone. Where is the summer going? We had a nice visit with our niece, her husband and two children. Adam, Dana and Evan came over too. The little people had a wonderful time playing together in the sand and our big back yard. Lasagna had been a big hit in May when they were here the last time so we went with what works. Lasagna, corn on the cob, garlic bread and vanilla ice cream with fresh cut peaches on top for dessert. The little people had mini ice cream sandwiches. The weather cooperated with low humidity so it was enjoyable to be outside most of the time.

Sunday, Rich and I went for a small bike ride in Mariemont. It reminded us of riding bikes on Lake Shore drive in Erie - where the big stately houses are. Very quiet and pristine. Wish I would have remembered my camera. Later Adam and his girlfriend, Lauren came for dinner. We enjoyed fresh fruit wrapped in prosciutto with a sweet wine and then salmon, corn on the cob, grilled eggplant and new red potatoes. A lovely dinner with a lovely young couple. Their picture is from Thanksgiving time.

A busy weekend. This stitching was done in a small downtime Sat. afternoon. It's a SAL Sunflower bookmark.