Baskets, Mittens, Paintings, Quilts, Rugs

Variety makes for an interesting retreat! A group of friends from a Milwaukee school district - some retired, some not.....enjoyed another fun weekend along with some friends from Whitewater and Kenosha. Come to think of it - it was a very RARE weekend because everyone was from Wisconsin!

A look at quilting through the bottom of a wine glass. (with some scrumptious berries)

Another fine use for strips of fabric!

I am thrilled that more folks are spending time around the fireplace this year. Some bring hand projects, some just enjoy the moment! It is soooooo relaxing!!

This basket was made by a guest - last year. This year she was making new things!

Mittens and quilty things.

This is art influenced by quilters...........a painting !

and an artist taking a break.

First time quilter - I think she's got 'it'!

Last Weekends Retreat Attendees

I loved this pin cushion.......I've got it on my list to make...

Ok, back to quilting stuff......

The past weekend was a blast with many first time retreaters.

Some were scrappers, some counted cross stitch, some just chillin out, and of course the rest quilters.

But there was so much going on at any given moment. Sitting by the fire, popping popcorn the old fashion way, playing cards, tasting wine from a very tall bottle.

and a few projects that caught my eye.......

A New HOPE is coming!

It is not often I share polical views in public, but one just can not dismiss this historical, larger than life event we are about to become part of.

We all remember what we were doing when Kennedy was shot. What we were doing when the space shuttle blew up. And sadly what we were doing when the planes flew into the towers. So take your place in history and set the stage for Tuesday noon. Gather with those you hold dearest to you and witness the spectacular event of the United States of America unfolding like a rosebud opening for the first time.

Can't you feel it? It is Hope. Such a powerful feeling in this gloom and doom decade. Just a few more hours of darkness into the shining HOPE !

I dusted off a shoebox of my kid's memorabilia I found in a cupboard put away long ago. In it was this political button. It says, "I'm Proud to be an American" and I am wearing it today, tomorrow, and who knows? For HOPE in me was buried long ago, and I think it is once again, coming to the surface. IT is weak and will need lots of nurturing but I am putting all my hope in this man's hands.

He is my god here on this sad and abused earth. I am counting on him to pull us up out of this mess we're in and unite us to help one another. For when we begin helping others, then and only then, will we be able to help ourselves. My faith is strong. The song that a friend shared seen here, reaffirms in me, that I am not alone. Many feel the way I do.

And I will be watching this country quench it's thirst Tuesday at noon. Quench it's thirst with something so powerful, no one else can give. We Americans don't need stimulous checks to renew our faith and get this country off on the right foot.......we will receive the biggest gift in our pockets this Tuesday at noon!

The gift of HOPE!

God Bless America !!