Did I mention May is a very busy month???

 But I didn't think I'd wait this long!!  Sorry.

Mother's Day Weekend, I sent DH down to Eureka to play golf!  I had some serious quilting to do to finish some projects for the Quilt Show and the Country Store.  And he brought back on Mother's Day our favorite pizza from Ferndale!!  Win! Win!

Mother's Day was a nice day and I headed for Lone Ranch Beach - wonderful low tide AND someone made a labyrinth on the beach!!  I've walked labryinths before and have seen them on the beach.  But this was the first time I walked a beach labyrinth.  It was lovely.  I was going to post online to tell everyone to get out there.  But by the time I walked it and headed up to the car.  The wind was erasing it.  But here are some pictures.  Wonderful, isn't it!?

I wish I knew who made it - it was wonderful, but the 'signature', was one of the first things to blow away!

The Brookings outdoor pool has opened and I'm aiming to go to aerobics 4 out of the 6 classes.  So far, so good!!  I went 5 times the first week, 3 times the week we went to Portland - so it's averaged out this far!

DH had a bowling tournament in Portland area.  And we hadn't been up to see the gang since fall!!!  So we warned them we were coming and off we went.  Our first stop was University of Oregon where PK is a freshman.  We got there just in time to take a quick tour and have pizza for lunch together.  We warned her she would have to guide us back to our car - we had no idea where we were on the map!  They were setting up for an event and there was a very calm Llama - picture opp!

Then on to Portland.  M was playing Ultimate Frisbie - a combo of soccer; football and frisbees.  Fun to watch even in the freezing drizzle!

Our Maid of Honor from 53 years ago(!) lives in Portland area and we quickly made a Friday Lunch date to meet at our favorite restaurant - Oswego Grill.  We had a great time catching up.  And cussing and discussing politics and grandkids!

Saturday started the Bowling Tournament and I stayed home with DD.  Their house is on the market so there was lots to do, then leave with Groot (dog) and go to the office, Target, Quilt Store, and lunch from Panera Bread!  Lots of catching up and figuring out stuff!  Pizza for dinner that night.

West Linn Prom was Saturday night.  M (HS junior)  and his 12 man posse got dressed up and went to dinner at Olive Garden then back home.  DD told him he would be going to the prom next year!!  I managed to get a selfie with him on his way out.

                                 

Sunday was second day of bowling tournament and I went to watch.  It was a little hard to get packed and out of the house at 6:30 AM.  But we did it without waking anyone up!!  And when bowling was over for our team, we skedaddled out the door and down I-5.  Stopping for Arby's for lunch.  Home before dark and all is well!

Tomorrow is the big start!  Although I made 4 dozen Oatmeal, cranberry, white chocolate cookies that we split between the Quilt Show Cookie table (we're know for the good cookies for a $1 a bag!) and the poker game Rick is going to.  

We turn in quilts tomorrow afternoon and at 4 pm we start working on the show space and hanging the quilts.  We tried to dig up more help - neighbors, TaiChi group ... After the show is hung, we have a free pizza party with quilters bring salads / desserts.  THAT got their attention, we'll see if they show up!!

Then we'll be working the show - everyone asks us what's all in the Azalea Festival - don't ask us!  We never get out of the elementary school where the Quilt Show is.  It's a lot of 'little town' fun!  I'll report next week! 

May the Fourth Be With You!! Raise your hand if you love Star Wars!

May the Fourth Be With You!!

Raise your hand if you love Star Wars!

 Both my hands are raised - I'm a fan!!

Don't you Love this free graphic!!

Today you get a preview of my quilts entered in the Azalea Festival Quilt Show.  Coming up quickly!  Memorial Day weekend is E-A-R-L-Y this year.  The show is May 23 and 24.

LO (Lake Oswego) Runner

18 x 50

Years ago I saw this table runner in downtown Lake Oswego.  It wasn't for sale, but they were nice enough to let me take a picture.  Then the hard part began - figuring out the dimensions and making instructions.  But years later - Ta-Da!!  And it looks great on my green table!

Oh, Baby!!

39 x 46

I could not resist this baby panel.  So bright and fun.  Then GW, a good quilting friend, gave me some bright orphan blocks to use.  They electrified the quilt as a border.  Sweet Dreams!!  

Poppies on the Coast - April Challenge

15 x 19

I grew up in Nebraska.  When we retired to Oregon, we drove over a hill and acres of poppies were blooming!  It looked radio-active!!  Wowzer!  We love living on the coast, houses built up in the Hills, wildlife strolling around and the sound of the Ocean always our backdrop.

Quilt of Valor

70 x 90

We love supporting our Veterans and wrapping them in their quilt.  Patti and I met a veteran while at Gold Beach retreat.  He saved my toast from the toaster!!  He was wearing a military cap.  We got to talking. "Would you like a Quilt of Valor?"  We came home and got to work.  We made a quilt for him.  Our first time working with a panel - mixed feelings!!  This quilt will be presented at the ceremony during the Quilt Show.

If you are in our area; our Quilts of Valor Presentation will take place on Sunday, May 24.  Elementary School on Easy Street!  2 pm.  Please join us!!

ModSquad Improv

27 x 34

In 2021 our ModSquad group played with "Improv" for months.  Then it went into time out for years.  When I showed the group the top, they asked what I was going to do with it, I answered, "Don't know - maybe a dog blanket?"  Well, the group had strong opinions ... and it was NOT going to be a dog blanket.  I do love it - but All that work, and I'm still working on getting that lower left corner to quit sneaking in.

Graduation Celebration (final name to be thought up!)

68 x 90

My eyes and hands are racing to see which one will keep me from quilting first.  I have 5 Grandkids, one in college, the youngest in 3rd grade.  Our oldest granddaughter graduated last year and got her quilt.  From now on, I'm making two graduation quilts a year to stockpile.  Everyone will get one, even if I can't actually quilt by the time they graduate.  This design is inspired by StashLab booklet.

So - your preview is over ... and I'm mostly ready for the show (early!)  And our Brookings Outdoor Pool opens tomorrow!!  Can't wait!  Water aerobics start at 8:15!!  Be there or be square!

ARRGH! I wrote a blog addition yesterday – and it’s gone!! ARRGH!

Let’s see if I can remember what I posted. (73 years old – it’s not guaranteed!)

Well, we’re in the busy months – Memorial Day is early this year … So our show is earlier. I’m entering 6 projects: A QOV that will hang and then be presented to a Veteran we met in February in Gold Beach. My second GK graduation quilt. A baby quilt. A table runner.

Patti and I chaired the guild’s “April Challenge”. The theme was “Life on the Coast”. You could talk about your life; the wildlife; the activities around us. I pictured “rush hour traffic” caused by Elk on the highway!! But no one took me up on that!

We had 12 entries and they were all very well thought out! Impressive! And of course, all of them will be in the show. Here’s a preview:

 

I’ve been walking Sportshaven Beach and the loop into the commercial harbor a few times a week. Earlier this year I posted the Sea Lions down there. But walking today, I realized I haven’t highlighted Sportshaven. There is a sculpture at the entrance to parking for the beach.

And my favorite part of a small town – Harbor provides a bin of sand toys at each beach ramp. I’m not sure who is more excited – the kids or the parents of the kids!!

Here’s a picture: from the left – ocean, beach, ramp, driftwood, sidewalk, doggie bag station, bin of sand toys and parking lot!

Today DH and I walked into Harris Beach.  One of our favorite beaches for years.  BUT they decided to charge $10 for cars parking.  We live across 101 about a 1/2 mile from the main entrance.  Luckily our street joins the way to walk in from another (secret) entrance!

I hate trying to cross 101 - people be crazy!  So I only go with DH - who holds my hand and tells me when to run!!!  We walked thru the park to our favorite bench overlooking the ocean.  We sat for a while thinking of memories of Harris Beach days.

The Weather has been trading back and forth between Late Spring and Wowzer Winter!!

 We've gone from no rain to a Lot (but still not enough).  I've been finishing details on the 6 items I'm entering in the Memorial Day Weekend Quilt show.  It's part of the Azalea Festival here in Brookings.  

Everyone else always asks what's all going on at the festival - well, we have no idea - we're always at the quilt show!!  But one year I was in the pre-parade!!  Yep, the floats were lining up and I turned the corner and there I was - in their pre-parade!  I waved  a Queenly wave and moved out as fast as I could!!  Gotta love small towns!

As they say:  No one has to use their turn signals - everyone knows where you're going!!

I'm also busy adding some more years of memories to my Quilt Journal.  I'm working with 2020 and boy-o-boy, what a mess!  A lot was being worked on in 2020; but my records are a little scrambled ... not really sure the dates are when they were finished - but I'm pretty sure the same 'quilt' wasn't finished in two different years.  

One of the major problems goes back to 'learning curve' on the new laptop.  Moving picture files seems to want to strip the photo from the info - like date!!  And I didn't discover that until I'd moved a few years over to the new.  It's driving me crazy-er.

Those of you who have Netflix - 'The Last Word' movie with Shirley McClaine is on.  Made in 2017, you may have seen it.  But, it's worth watching it again - the music is fabulous!  Just what we need !!

Sorry no pictures this time ... I'll double up next time!!  If I can find some on the new computer!!!

It’s a beautiful morning on the beach!

 The tide was -.1 and the weather is calm at 54 degrees, the skies are blue with  patchy clouds.  We even saw a group of 9 pelicans fly by.  I’m happy to say, the star fish are coming back; there were even loads of sea anoemes!  Welcome back, Spring!

AND the creek was low enough to get across to walk the ‘other’ side!  It’s been since last summer /fall that we were able to cross.  We walked and inspected for over an hour - the perfect morning.

Here’s what we found!

Starfish!

Sea Anoemes!

After crossing the creek, our favorite look-out had 40 more feet of beach!!

Doesn't it look like a castle?

Rick inspecting new areas to explore

Someone drew this guy with a stick on the beach!  Make me smile

My favorite part of the beach - we can find lots of heart rocks there!

What an awesome morning to explore!!

Happy Easter to all.

Favorite Beaches in "Our Neighborhood"

 I know I share many many pictures of our favorite beaches on the Oregon Coast.  It's an addiction!!  Both walking the beaches and posting pictures.

I'm working on living healthier - and I've started walking MORE.  I have a Fitness app on my iphone.  Not too excited about it!  I don't have my phone with me 24-7.  And especially not in the pool during water aerobics.  And sometimes when I 'walk the hill' in our neighborhood - I forget to bring the darn phone!  So I don't have any idea how far I'm walking, etc.  But I can feel the difference.

I walk our 'hill' - our house is about in the middle of it!  I walk up to the top circle and down to the bottom of the sidewalk close to Hwy 101.  Usually twice each time I go out.

I walk Lone Ranch Beach.  I know you recognize those 2 sea stacks out in the ocean.

I walk a mile (just guessing) route around the Library neighborhood.  It's nice and flat!!

I walk the Commercial Port, walking the 'U' twice, especially if the Sea Lions are there!  See last post!!

Yesterday I had a hair appt in town.  So after that I walked the closest beach:  Chetco Point.  It's been years since I walked it.  And not much looked familiar!  But all of it looked gorgeous.

Taken from the top of the Point

Always fun to try to place which buildings you're looking at!

After you hike to the top of the Point, you HAVE to go down to the beach.

There's even a picnic area on the first overlook as you enter the park.  Before you even have to walk up hills!!

Then - the day was so-o gorgeous, I parked my car at Patti's; used the new walkers' signal across Hwy 101.  And walked the path to Harris Beach Park.  The news said that Whale Watching Week was starting, I wanted to see if anyone was there yet!  (They weren't)  Maybe this weekend?

This was taken on the path below Hwy 101 connecting the Walkers' Light to Harris Beach Park.  There is something magical about walking / biking paths - a new view, less danger from cars beside you, and even the sound is muted!  

But I haven't only been walking - I've FINALLY updated the gallery wall in our 'Great Room'.  This is the 30s quilt that my church made and raffled to pay off the mortgage on the church!  Boy, those were the days!  Everyone had to pay .25 to have their name on it.  My Grandma on my mom's side just signed her married name on a border.  Mrs. W. H. Grant.  But my dad's Grandma bought a whole fan!!  They were well off!!!  My Grandma on Dad's side won the quilt back in the 1960's and eventually gave it to me.

My DH loves the colors, so when I let him decide which quilt should be up this spring - he picked this one (over the Nautical theme!)  It's an odd size and when I hang it vertically there are rows of fans behind the cubbies.  So - I cut a 'sleeve' off an old sheet.  The length of the quilt is 104"!!  And hanging it horizontally still cut off a border and 1/2 a row of fans.  But I like it this way - don't have to find anything that has to kind-of match.  Although, I wish the cable connections don't have to be RIGHT THERE!!  But that's the best for reception!!  

They're back and so are we!!

 I walked the Port yesterday and guess what!  The Sea Lions are back at the Port!  Although it seems they have found at least one way to conquer the 'wavy men'.  There were no Sea Lions on the Coast Guard pier, but a couple of dozen on the closest pier.  I know they are a menace in the Port  But I just can't help cheering up when I see/hear them.  The 23 second video with the sounds won't load :(  But, trust me it was the Hallelujah Chorus back in action!!

`

We were able to get away to Palm Springs this year.  The drive down was 2 days of rain - not fun.  We stopped in Tracy to visit my Birth Sister. It's always good to see her and catch up.  A phone call isn't as effective as a hug and a good conversation with eyes on.  Add a dinner out together and life is good.

Once we got to Palm Springs, the rain stopped, and an immediate Sherman's Deli stop relaxed us into vacation mode. Something about pastrami on rye and people watching ... starts us out right.

At 73 we don't eat as much as we used to.  I used to think my parents sharing a meal was ridiculous. Sorry, Mom, I get it now.  If we didn't share a dish, we brought home the left-overs and had it for our next meal.  And we had marvelous meals at our favorite restaurants.  Italian!  Mexican!  Jewish Deli!  

We had just one dessert the whole week!  Carrot Cake to go at Sherman's.  It lasted us 2 days.  Of course, there was a few times that we didn't want to go out, but no leftovers.  Panera Bread was just down the road from us.  Let me tell you Ladies, they have stepped up their game!!  They were always good, but the cookies and deserts were the main attraction.  

WELL, I fell in love with Harvest Chicken Salad (at least a 1/2 cup of seeds in it with poppy seed dressing) and Autumn Squash Soup.  Every time (3) we went, I got the same thing!!  Ok, I tend to eat my favorites at restaurants; and not 'explore' the rest of the menu.  We really don't eat out as much as we used to.  But, of course, this was special - we do not live within hours of a Panera!  Why chance a less stellar meal!!  Try it - you'll like it!!!

We stayed at our usual resort Westin Mission Villas and it was great! As usual.  We did live a little far from the pool.  And it was slightly uphill all the way to get to it.  I think it was at least a 6 block walk (9 large condo buildings) ... everyday and twice one day - back for the hot tub.  

There are ducks everywhere on the premises.  Signs begging you not to feed them.  This year we had them in the pool area.  Usually they just tuck their head and sleep on the deck.  BUT one day I was coming in to exercise and there they were, in my teacher voice I said,  "Ducks, no pooping in the water!" I didn't notice the group of 20-somethings on a condo balconey overlooking the pool.  Until I heard the giggles!  I bowed and waved and then got to working out.  Next time we went to enjoy the sun ... ducks under our chairs!  They make the funniest ticking noise in their throats!!  And no - we never fed them, can't say that for all the children there!

I admit I haven't been in the Crescent City pool since the beginning of December when I got sick.  Our Brookings pool is scheduled to open in April - I'm still cranky about my CC carpool switching to tai-chi days.  (The nerve!)  But I did water aerobics 7 out of 8 days - puffing up the hill to get to it ...  and guess what - I'm zooming up our neighborhood hill on our daily walks!  So, yes, a Unicorn Vacation.  Came home down a pound and can power up the hill on my walks!!

The Palm Springs area had a strange wind. First time for us during a visit.  It gusts down the mountains 40+ mph; then it's still or just a slight breeze for - maybe 30 - 60 minutes - and then here it comes again!!  I asked residents what they call it??  And they told me 'WIND' with a 'poor lady' look.  

There are lots of outdoor malls and at one we saw a door marked "High Wind Shelter".  And boy, did the wind 'trim' the palm trees!!  Leaves and pieces of bark everywhere; on the sidewalks, in the streets, some even blown into piles!!!

We watched the Palm Spring Local News every night.  I loved the weather man.  (He's gay of course!)   Pablo Alsina, good forecasts with a sense of humor.  My favorite night was before the 'warmer temps coming' in the weather.  "Get out your Madonna albums, we're going to the 80s!"  Made me giggle.  I still smile just thinking about it.

We also watched the last week of the Olympics.  I love the Olympics - the back stories, the excitement, so I was glad we got to watch the highlights every night - after dinner out!

We walked at SunnyLand - an historic home with gardens of cacti.  Next trip I think I'd like to join one of the tours - they were all sold out when we were there.  But we got to walk the gardens behind the Visitor's center.  There was a maze; and 5 gardens in that area.  Our favorites were the variety of cactus planted together.  I'll have to read up about it before our next trip.

Easing back in to our normal schedules.  Getting all caught up with what happened while we were gone.  Going to the grocery store everyday ... from not doing a complete look-see to see what we need!  We managed to walk the beach to ease back into our life!