It's been sunny... mostly. But warm? Uh... not exactly.
While Rosie's been enjoying the couch and a Mom with a soft-touch when it comes to dispensing treats, I've been in Brandon, Naples and Dade City, Florida.
The locals are pretty nice. I wouldn't have minded meeting a nice, single man in Naples ~ I saw no less than seven Bentleys in the few hours I was there though I confess that I didn't spend too much time with this fellow.
He's one of the "residents" at the Pioneer Museum in Dade City ~ more on that in a moment.
I've been visiting with the lovely ladies of the Piecemakers Guild in Brandon, Florida. I'm sorry I didn't get any pictures of the church where we held class but I was too busy having fun with Judy, Claudia, Corky, Michelle, Nancy and everyone else who was there. They're the kind of Guild that gives quilt guilds a really good reputation.
From Brandon, I went to Quilts on Plum Lane in Dade City to drop off quilts and check in with Donna.
Dade City ~ across the street from Quilts on Plum Lane.
The shop really is as friendly as the sign says.
I also got to have lunch with Carol ~ the lovely lady who used to own The Good Home Quilt Co. in Orlando. She's retired now but wait... you know all about Carol!
I met Carol at my very first Quilt Market in Houston and she was always one of my favorite people to see at Market. Aside from being a fellow-dog-person, she's just a really nice lady. We talked about quilting, dogs, blogs, fabric, Market and all sorts of stuff. I still miss seeing Carol at Market but I'm glad she's enjoying retirement, having time to spend with grandkids and quilt! Maybe I will convince her to just come to Market one day just to visit.
Rosie wishes she would visit too. Rosie's never met Carol but I know she loves her... and Howie and Zach.
On Wednesday, I went to Naples, Florida to pester Polly Minick! Lucky Laurie, she was stuck in Michigan.
Actually, poor Polly. Really sweet, patient Polly.
I got SO lost trying to find Waterside ~ the place we were going to meet.
Can I make a suggestion to the powers-that-be in Florida? Considering all the winter visitors and tourists, it might be nice if there was at least one street sign SOMEWHERE that mentioned that US 41 and Tamiami Trail are one-in-the-same. I suspected it was... and I eventually figured it out. But in the meantime, I got all turned around. A lovely man at the Third Fifth Bank in Naples saved me before I wound up in Key West. He gave me perfect directions on how to get where I needed to be.
Polly and I enjoyed a lovely glass of wine and visited, then headed to Sea Salt for dinner. Wow! Laurie picked the restaurant ~ it's one of her favorites. I can see why ~ everything about the place is wonderful. Thank you!
As for pictures, all I can say is this... we were so busy talking that we forgot all about it.
After fun and visiting, I had to go back to "work" on Thursday ~ which meant heading back to Dade City for my class on Friday and Saturday. To have enough space for everyone, the class is actually being held in the Pioneer Florida Museum just a few blocks from the shop.
I don't know if any of these nice ladies will be back today.
They spent all day making half-triangle squares and flying geese. Lots and lots of half-triangle squares and flying geese.
Today, they get to make a block.
I'm such a tyrant.
<g>
I'm headed home tomorrow ~ Sunday. I miss Rosie. I miss Mom. I am hoping for some warmer weather too. Though it will also be back to work as the covers for Tagalong will be done this week. And the covers for the quilt we're making in Dade City.
It's called Three Barns.
The answers are 600, 180 and 1,981.
Do you think anybody will be back today?
Oh well. Just me and the alligator. I'll let you know how that goes.
Love your Three Barns quilt! Guess I missed something .... don't know what the answers 600, 180 and 1,981 refer to?
Posted by: Nancy E | February 13, 2010 at 06:18 AM
Oh yes they will be back! Wish I could have gone to the class. Can you BELIEVE the rain we got on Friday? If it had not been so cold the alligators might have been swimming down the streets ;-) Enjoy the rest of your time in Sunshine State. Oh, and can you take the cold weather back with you??
Posted by: Jocelyn | February 13, 2010 at 06:32 AM
That quilt is *$#@&% STUNNING!
Wow.
Posted by: Laurie | February 13, 2010 at 06:36 AM
Beautiful Beautiful quilt...
Posted by: Dianne | February 13, 2010 at 07:11 AM
It sure was fun to get a chance to visit on Tuesday...wish I could have done the class...and yes I would have come back for another day! Have a safe trip home! Howie and Zack hope the Rosie is happy with their little Valentine treat...LOL!
Posted by: Carol | February 13, 2010 at 08:20 AM
I'll be back - atleast to your blog..LOL
Posted by: Cindy Carlson | February 13, 2010 at 09:40 AM
Ahhh. Of course they will be back. Three Barns is beautiful. You have them hooked at this point! Sounds like a lovely trip!
Posted by: Nicole | February 13, 2010 at 10:04 AM
LOVE LOVE LOVE that quilt!!! Lucky ladies to be making it! Is it any particular line of fabric or mainly from your 'historical collection'? :)
Posted by: Marsha | February 13, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Love the quilt. I would like to find out where to get the pattern. I love 1/2 squares & flying geese. So bring it on!!!!!!
Posted by: Claudia | February 13, 2010 at 01:38 PM
Gorgeous quilt! Really 1981?! Yikes. ;-) But a good yikes~ I love stars! ;-)
Posted by: call me crazy | February 13, 2010 at 04:29 PM
I love all your quilt patterns but this one is really tops! Can't wait until it's available. This one goes to the top of the list!!!
~Joyce in MI
Posted by: Joyce | February 13, 2010 at 04:55 PM
600 half square triangles, 181 flying geese and 1981 pieces in the quilt maybe? Obviously, a lot of work, but worth it all. We quilters are gluttons for punishment. By the way, what is sun??? Do enjoy your trip! I'm looking forward to all those new patterns.
Posted by: Carol | February 13, 2010 at 04:57 PM
When will this pattern be available? I think it's one of your best.
Posted by: Mary | February 14, 2010 at 04:18 AM
it is late 70's here in san diego. suppose to be azlmost 80 on monday.
kim from san diego
Posted by: kim | February 14, 2010 at 04:47 AM
Wow - that quilt Three Barns is amazing! I can't wait to read the story behind the quilt when I buy the pattern. I don't see just "three" of anything! Glad you had fun in Florida despite the less than ideal weather. I'm sure Rosie and Mom will be thrilled to have you home!
Posted by: Lisa D. | February 14, 2010 at 09:09 AM
Well, OF COURSE we were ALL back on Saturday. And guess what? Some of us just continued to make flying geese and half square triangles. Others made blocks and they were awesome!! I'm looking forward to completing Three Barns and getting 'Emma's Legacy' and making it for my Great-Granddaughter, Emma!!
Posted by: Sara Ross | February 15, 2010 at 06:37 AM
oh you are SO mean! Making them do the 3 Barns. Mine goes to the quilter next month. I finally finished it the week after Christmas. I worked on nothing else (no other projects at all) from the end of August until the last week of December. You are such a meanie.. but the finished product is fabulous! thanks, Carrie! See you next time you come to KS.
Posted by: Karla Anderson | February 15, 2010 at 02:25 PM
You know we here in Florida are wondering where the warmer weather is as well. We've had more continuous cold temps than I can remember in a really long time...and I was born here, and I'm old.
patsy FL
Posted by: Patsy | February 15, 2010 at 04:28 PM
Sounds like you are having a great time.
I love the Three Barns quilt. Especially the colors. Is it one of yours?
Posted by: Helen | February 16, 2010 at 09:36 AM