Training on my Statler machine

I just returned from Lori Clayton’s shop “Threads Run Through It” in Phenix, Va. Lori is my long arm deader/service/trainer for my Staler-Gammil long arm machine.  I have had my machine since August and knew the bare basics of using it. Further training was available but time wasn’t until now.

I drove about 4 hours thru the Shenandoah Valley region and on Skyline Drive famous for the mountainous and fall foliage. It was a bit early and the colors of autumn were only hinting of what is to come.  Another week or so will be beautiful there.

Lori welcomed me into her home and shop. I learned a lot about what my long arm machine can do. I am eager to apply all I learned to quilt some of my many UFO’s.  

Thoughts of 9/11

Today most of us remember the events of 9/11. I spent the day reflecting on those events of that day.  It started as a beautiful autumn day. The sun was shining and the temperature was in the 70’s. My daughter was in school and I thought I might spend some time at the second hand book store. It was early yet and the morning news shows were still on. I, like many saw the events on TV and could not believe what I was seeing.

I live just over an hour’s drive from Washington D. C. Many of the people in our area work in the D.C. area. When the next two tragedies happened the phones started ringing. The common question was is your family member there? My husband did not work at the Pentagon at that time. My husband phoned and stated he was on his way home.  An hour or so later our son-in-law phoned from Hawaii and asked what was going on.  He was on active duty and had been awaken and told to go to work.

In the aftermath of the Pentagon tragedy in the D.C. area is that everyone either knew someone or one to two people removed that were directly affected by the tragedy. Many of our school children had a class mate affected in some matter. It was an event that has changed us and in some ways brought us closer in times of difficulty in our community.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those touched by the 9/11 tragedies. God bless and keep you in his hands. 

Planning a milestone

On Sunday my family – husband, two daughters and family gathered together for lunch. This was a planning luncheon. We have a milestone event happening in October.  We are planning a party to celebrate 3 birthdays.

My husband turns 65, and my two girls each have milestone birthdays also. I do not think they want me to give the numbers away.  At this time in our lives (husband and I) are happy to wake up in the morning to be worried about our age.

Anyway we made our plans for the party. We settled on a day, style of party and food selection. Now we need to prepare our guests lists and get those save the date notice out there. Watch for pictures in October.