Quilt Odyssey 2011

Quilt Odyssey Quilt Show

Hershey, PA

Worth Contemplating

"The wise man is always similar to himself."
- Sextus, the ancient Pythagorian philospher, as quoted in Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Gardening Challenges

Whew, it's hot!

                                                         

Blossom End Rot

And just what kind of rot is this??!!

                                        Zucchini pests

More pests - this time it's the Swiss chard!

Something is plauging my pumpkin vines.  :(

Insect damage - green beans

Who is chomping on my tomatoes???!!!!

That pesky rabbit just won't give up!!

If I wasn't a seasoned gardener, I would throw in the towel.  But, I refuse to give up!



Garden Glimpses

Zucchini blossom

First Ever Garlic Harvest!

I was so excited to harvest my first crop of garlic!  But, then was a bit disappointed when I saw how small the bulbs were.  I did a little research on line - I'm guessing it's because I didn't cut off the scapes when they first shot up (I didn't even know what garlic scapes were until now!). 

I was so enamored with the pods at the top of the scapes that I didn't think about the fact that the plant might be putting too much energy into the lovely scapes instead of developing the bulb underground.

I was bummed until I remembered that gardening is not just about the final product, but about the learning process.  For a gardener, there's always next year to correct mistakes and try again! 

The braided bulbs are hanging in my kitchen, eager to add flavor and nourishment to upcoming concoctions.

Today's Yummies

Spring Greens with Beets & Goat Cheese

Red Potato Steak Fries

Potato Harvest

Traveling

Yo-Yo'ing Across the Country

While my sister drove us from Colorado to Oregon and back, I occupied myself with one of my favorite past times - making fabric yo-yo's, while glancing out the window at the beautiful scenery.   Renee was kind enough to suggest that we take a picture of me (a.k.a. her crazy sister) and my precious yo-yo's in front of the famous Sisters Mountains, in Sisters, Oregon.  Does it get any better than this?!!

I even left a yo-yo behind as a "trail marker" for the next quilter who stops to take a picture at this scenic spot.

(OK, now it's official - I am the crazy quilting sister!)

:)

Worth Contemplating

"The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it. "
- John Ruskin, as quoted by Jennifer Keltner, editor of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine during her talk at the Quilters' Picnic in the Park, Sisters, OR this evening.

Update, 9/11/11
Also qutoed by Matthew Benson in Organic Gardening magazine, August/September 2011.  :)

Oregon Coast

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Local Oregon cherries - yum!!!