Casey's Christmas in July

11 of Casey Quilters descended to the home of Helen, our hostess. I called from the driveway and said 'Am I here'? It was 8:45am. This beautiful home designed by Helen that looks like something taken out of 'House Beautiful'. The porch goes around 3 sides and beautiful greenery and flowers are everywhere. Pictures cannot really do the job. It felt like a home in the South and we should of had long flowing dresses on. A little sampling of the day follows: Also the picture in my header is on her porch.A couple of flower gardens

Here are the gals and Kay, in the center, whose home we meet in twice a month, we were doing 'show and tell'. Tables were set for our machines, iron and cutting stations at the other end. It was our Christmas in July and our aim was to work on a project and get it done before the rush comes.
This was lunch and our very gracious hostess, Helen who had worked very hard to get ready for us. There are those people who do it but then there are those who love what they do and she is one of them and made us feel very special all day, always wanting to do something for us to make us more comfortable.

Helen set this beautiful table for our final meal together.

Whenever quilters get together there is always 'show and tell'. This was the project that Barb did for the day. The cutest little purse. She had a few things left to do but colors are vibrant and cheery.

Pam, who had worked on this block fo the month for about 2 years. You cannot see the detail but it was wonderful.

This was one of the blocks of 12. The birds in the sky, the fish net and all the buttonhole stitching.

Sherry who is known for her wonderful Christmas quilts and buttonhole stitch that she puts in all of them. This is her latest. She is still working on detail. Barb on the right is the one who did the purse above.

Sue who finished her fool around quilt. It will be one of 9 hanging together as a chapter challenge in the Maine Quilt show next week.

That was our day. I got home around 7:00pm and showered and went to bed. It was the most wonderful time for all of us. Great group of gals.....nothing like friends sharing the love of quilting.

Tacoma Summer Get-Together

Today we had our summer get-together at Koleen's new studio. We always have wonderful show and tell. Here are a few. This beautiful bargello by Maggie. Of course I really like it because black and white to me is so sharp and a favorite of mine. I have never done one as it always intimidates me. We talked about having a workshop on it this Fall. Sounds good to me!

Pauline's block of the month done in a very different color scheme. But was beautiful!

Koleen who always does exquisite work. This is a delightful pattern!

Last but not least is a bag that has a new technique...It is a cut-away design done with freezer paper. Kayleen will do a demo this coming year for our group.

Close up of the bag.

Pillow Cases for Cancer patients

Today was the day that I made pillow cases for conkerrcancer. What a joy this has been!! They are to be bright and cheerful. There is nothing like making a young one smile!!

ConKerr Cancer started when Cindy Kerr’s son was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and she began making pillowcases to brighten up his hospital room and to put a smile on his face. He loved it and so she began making pillowcases for other children on the Oncology Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Their goal is to give a bright cheery pillowcase to every seriously ill child in North America by 2012. In addition, we are expanding internationally with chapters in Canada & South Africa.

You can click on link above to see more information.

Sunrise instead of rain!!

This is the first sunrise that I have seen for weeks. So I decided to take a pic in case it continues to rain for days. (smile!!)Sunrise

July 4th - The Flag

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher.
My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I'm presently in the mountains of Afganistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed.
I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those Whom I've served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield . When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,I am proud.
I will fly proudly forever.
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This was sent by a friend and it is meant to make us ponder and think of the men and women who today are fighting for our freedom. I give thanks for them and pray for them and for their familes who also make the sacrifice.