Toss 'Em In

The day started with a 'kamikaze' run to weed my old garden, then clean up to get to Quilting by the Lake, organize and set the classroom, then dinner and lecture. After driving home, a bit of hunting for missing items we'll need -- glue sticks, table risers, duct tape and containers. All tossed in the rolling suitcase. 

 

Travel

Headlines around the country relate long lines at security gates for American flyers. I had no problem with flights, with the exception of lousy seat mates, but that's the luck of the draw. I'm landed, in the washing clothes phase, and now repacking for Australia in a couple of weeks. Lots to do ahead of that. 
 

Thank You for a Wonderful Year

Many have been in my classes over the years. This group shot (and just a few groups at that) was made to give you an idea of the wonderful people I've worked with in 2025, but it doesn't show the creative work they have done. It's an amazing gift to spend time working with you. A happy year ahead to all!
 

Lack of Beauty to Share

The last three days I saw a magical part of this country -- where Massachusetts and Connecticut dip into New York. My time near Mt. Kisco and the Northern Star Quilt Guild was so pleasant, the drive home spectacular, but my only picture is from a stop at Great Barrington Galleries to hunt antiques. Sorry!
 

Ahead of the Game

Those suitcases don't get zipped until the morning -- usually -- but it's such a big trip that I couldn't sleep without them being at the ready tomorrow. I've got a 1/4 of the space for my clothes, the rest are quilts that will be in the gallery they've set for me at the Festival of Quilts. If you are there, find me!

 

Travel Gods

My early departure from Santa Fe to the airport of Albuquerque was not enough to make time for the next two flights to get me back home to Rochester, so a diversion to Philadelphia (above) took me to visit family. My next opportunity will be Monday for getting back home. Then back to my list!
 

New Travel Sidekick

My big silver case has traveled its last carousel ride. It's been replaced! I've outfitted the new roly poly with red tape polkas. I may have to go bolder as the ambient light in baggage is not good. I'll spray paint when the weather warms.
 

Can't Outdo the Backdrop

 

A last look back as I scroll the images from the past week and a half. Alaska is so spectacular, one is always and immediately humbled at one's surroundings. So, at home, as I get groceries, take out the trash, unpack the cases, I'm terrible happy to have returned, and also grateful to have been away..

Home At Last

I hopped this Saturday morning at 6:00, and unlocked my door at home Sunday at 6:00 in the evening. The day and a half was a bit of trains, planes, and automobiles, but all is here, including the to wayward bags. I'm home for a good stretch now. And gearing up for summer workshops. 
 

Somewhere Above

It takes a day of travel to have a week of fun. I'll set up the classroom Sunday, greet the gang, and can't wait to print again Monday. We're promised a tour this week, my favorite museum. See you in Santa Fe!
 

While Waiting

I saw this outside the gate while waiting for my Denver to Chicago flight yesterday. Heck, what is going on? These folks we just outside the gate door, a stones throw from the luggage trucks below. Such a strange scene, vast land in the back. Complete with gas fire pit, by the way. What next? 
 

You Know Juneau?

I've never traveled to Juneau, but today visitors came who live there! Well, one is from Rochester, but it counts that he was born in Sitka. We had way too much to talk about in the world of contemporary quilts, and someday really must sit down and talk more. Let's hope that I can visit Juneau in return.

Lest You Think

Should you think I lead that glorious life of travel to exotic places, I want you to take in my latest "sleepover" in the Detroit Airport. Delayed flight means my connection goes out the next day. So, here's a view, spooky for sure, of the way to the tunnel to access the B Concourse. I slept elsewhere, eeeek. 

The Undiscerning Traveler

It must be that my level of fantastic is low. I am able to love any landscape regardless of how thrilling or important it is. So, the bus ride from Reno to Tahoe's retreat where I'll be teaching can be as exciting as all get out. Just the texture of the pines, the grit of the earth, the color of the sage brush. It's swell.
 

The Beauty Around

Though I've returned home, I want to remember the Carolinas. The small hikes to see the landscape was a wonderful treat. I managed to find birds -- the snakebird, the oyster catcher, the least bittern -- just some that's almost made me a birder! Thank you for having me to part of this world.
 

Creepy

Enring my room, I saw the TV was already on with a "welcome PAT" message as a screen saver. Let's see how much they watch me. Starting tomorrow with a class at Pro Chem, one of my favorite places. 
 

Packin It Up for Schweinfurth

Suitcase not for clothes but silkscreens, fun foam, soda-soaked fabric, Styrofoam, scrapers, string, putty knives, box cutters, tyvek, and some printed fabric. There's buckets, print stuff, and some pool noodles. If my life was writing, I'd replace this with a slick laptop and cup of coffee.

Checking tthte Flight Plan

Before the plane was the ferry, then a meeting of Contemporary Quilt Art Association in Seattle (a pleasant surprise item on the agenda) then lunch across from Seattle's "running of the bulls" and check in to drop luggage. Then the plane. What a day!

Not in Kansas

The waters were calm as we walked along the river walk in Bradenton. I've another day tomorrow to see the sights before a full week class. I've left my 9 degrees and now peeling my sweater for the 80 degrees on my walk.

Packin It In

Most of my day was spent typing class proposals, hours of it, and not so glamorous. So, I'll spare you that graphic, and instead leave you with what I've got blocking the door. Tomorrow's journey to Ohio, with hopes that this wicked wind dies down by morning.