Girls' Day at the Museum of Play

 For Kiara's birthday, I gave her a certificate good for one day of doing whatever she chose.  (I should probably have specified an upper limit, but she's nine, so maybe a trip to Paris wouldn't occur to her)  She chose to go to the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester.

We had been there about a year ago with her whole family and she's been whining to go back ever since.   I enjoyed my first trip, so was happy it wasn't something outrageous like the trampoline park (where she would be on her own as I doubt that is recommended for people my age)!

Her favorite part is the Butterfly Garden, which I think is also my favorite part.

 In addition to the butterflies, there are glorious flowers to enjoy!












Back out in the museum, we ventured into the land of the Berenstain Bears, where we found-

 
 No fabric there, though.  Ma Berenstain apparently sells her quilts. 













Kiara is a very good salesperson!

Upstairs in the toy hall of fame, I found this display amusing.  There are at least three dolls in there I played with when I was her age!

We played a toy trivia game, where once again I felt very  old, since I can remember when nerf was new.  I didn't think there were still dinosaurs around, though.

 (the answer is 1970)

This display would come in handy when I get dressed in the morning!  (some of you may recognize this ensemble!)

 This was cool- a video wall where you could be part of the scenery. When you clap your hands, your picture shows up in one of the bubbles!

After I took this picture I saw the sign saying no climbing. oops.

This room kind of made me nauseous, but it was fun! Easy to lose your balance, but the walls have that gymnasium padding!

We had a very good (and exhausting for me!) day.  I hope her next wish is just as good! (The certificate is good for one wish a year, so I'll be interested to see if she hangs on to the certificate)

We did it!  The majority (and some of the minority who have been paying attention, no doubt) banded together and showed those greedy, ego-maniacal  bastards we won't be fooled!  It's what I've been saying for years- if enough people want a thing, it happens.  Make your voice heard!

I am grateful for:
Lots of Gramma/ Oma time this week.
Cooler weather, especially the nights.
Macaroni and cheese
Not being bored at work anymore.
My shy foster baby was adopted quickly!

Speed Bumps Ahead

My schedule is about to undergo a major reconstruction due to a job change.  Still part-time and still at the college, but in a different- busier- department with hopefully a kinder boss.

So- not that I have set any records for maintaining my blog, but it will probably take a while to get used to the new "normal".  Today's post is an example.  I haven't done a lot of work in the sewing room lately, so it's a short one.  I shared last time the upcoming artcgirlz project, and my little series.  We ended up canceling the meeting because- well, summer.  But I did get them minimally quilted, and gathered a box of supplies to take along and share with the girls (girlz?) when we discussed embellishments.
Here is the current status of the project, with some of the embellishments I may use. 

The ones in the top of the picture are layered with a backing; the other one is just batting.  I'm also testing which way works better when you embellish.  I contacted Kathryn Schmidt to ask her about this, and her answer was "It depends".  She suggested figuring out where you're going first.  I have no idea where I'm going.  But I'll get there.

I got several emails last week asking me to call my senator about the healthcare bill.  I know my senators' positions are against, but called anyway and thanked them for their hard work and encouraging them to continue to work for us.  A pat on the back never hurts.

I am grateful for:
It didn't rain in last night.
How happy Jonathan always is to see me (I'm his favorite playmate, I guess)
It's almost over.
Time with a few friends at guild.
Sleeping better last night- for a change.

Mini vacation again

Thanks to the fourth of July holiday coming on a Tuesday - which is usually my Monday- I had a five day weekend last week. Due to very temperate weather, I was able to spend a great deal of time in the gardens. But I did get some sewing time in!


This is another crib sized donation quilt I've been working on off and on for a while.  I pieced the star points as "leaders and enders". This was made using a picture I saw somewhere on the internet.  I don't know where so I can't give credit.  The quilt in the picture didn't have a border.  I'm not sure about that, though. 












A member of my online group challenged us all to create a donation quilt using the disappearing four patch.  You don't have to look closely to see I cut some a bit differently from the others.  This will have three borders- two narrow and one wider, to follow the rest of the quilt.  I might even do the same piecing on the corners if I'm feeling fancy.










The ArtCGirlz are doing a sort of group project where we create a small series of pieces using a shape or color or theme, then play with embellishing them.  My theme is circles, using some drawings I made inspired by the wild dill weed I see by the side of the road.  (I didn't take this picture)

These are where I am starting.  It will be fun to see where it goes from here.
















I also finished this crocheted "amiguri" cat, from a pattern called Kattis, available for free at ravelry.com. 

No, I don't know what it's for.  I saw it and wanted to make it, plus I had yarn left from the "Miffy" bunny rabbit.












I read an article the other day about how recycling is costing money, which is very wrong, when you stop to think about it.  But the problem is the WAY we recycle in the US.  It has all been done more or less on a voluntary basis for 40 years.  But the Europeans have a better way- to no one's surprise!
They have  "Take Back Laws"- where manufacturers have to reclaim packaging and materials.  Why don't we do it in the US?  Because the businesses that would have to spend the money to change the way they DO business would rather spend the money ensuring they never have to!  Even the e-waste laws don't really force them to do it themselves, which is why some poorer nations are drowning in our mercury laden waste.  It's shameful!  We can, and we must do better!

I am grateful for:
A cooler summer where I can tolerate being outside.
A nice quiet transition time.
Fresh fruit.
My husband is not a picky eater.
When a plan comes together.