A wonderful trip away . . .

Our family has had a lot going on for the last year so my husband and I decided to steal a little time for ourselves and head out to San Diego. We had a great time, rented a convertible to enjoy the gorgeous weather while driving and knocked off everything on our list. We saw all sorts of architecture, lovely terrain, flowers and trees and enjoyed fish tacos, a new treat for us. We traveled north to wine country and had a dinner cruise one evening. I even went to a quilt store and bought some fabric to bring home (sewing is always with me).


We stayed on Shelter Island very near to San Diego and on the bay so we had a lot to see. The first night we took a walk out on a pier and met up with these pelicans. They were really large.

The view from our hotel was pretty fabulous as was the constant stream of boats of every size and color. It was very impressive seeing the military vehicles go by.

San Diego is home port to the air craft carriers the Nimitz and the Ronald Reagan. I believe this is the Nimitz. These vehicles are protected so I couldn't get very close to take a picture.


We learned of a scenic ride along the coast so of course we couldn't miss that. The statue behind Walt is of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the man who in the 1500's sailed into the San Diego area from Portugal. They presented the statue to California.


The Star of India, a beautiful square rigger still used to this day and there is no engine on board.


HMS Surprise, used by Russell Crowe in the movie Master and Commander

A picture of downtown as the sun was setting and we were on the deck of a dinner cruise.

The Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island

Old Town, site of the original San Diego, before it was built on the bay. A nice change to visit here and see historical buildings and visit cute little shops.

We had a lovely vacation and did so much more and found lots of relaxing time in between. Walt and I are looking forward to more vacations for the two of us in the future.

March was a busy month and now it is gone with the wind . . .

In the middle of March we got down to Maryland for a few days to help celebrate Joy's birthday, 4 years old. I got to spend time with each child quite a bit and that is always what I need. Below are numerous pictures from our visit and a trip to Ikea. That place is so kid friendly it was an easy place to visit, starting with feeding them lunch.






We had lots of fun. I got two out of three girls in their new dresses. They are a little big but will be great this summer. Hard to photograph these girls, they are always moving.




On to Chuckie Cheese for Joy's party. I was honestly not sure I would enjoy Chuckie Cheese but the party was run so well by the employees, and all the moms and dads stay so all is very safe. I think the kids had a blast.

It was a lot of fun and then the party at home was great. Joy was so sweet opening her gifts and so appreciative. The biggest squeal came with the bicycle!









Whoops I put this picture on twice, sorry. I am leaving it, been fighting with blogger and lost the whole post once so it's staying, hehe.


We did get over to see Miss Leanora when we got home, what a cutie, she has the prettiest blue eyes which I never seem able to capture, the photos often come out with red eye. I have tried to fix them here.




The rest of this month has been filled with sewing. We are having a garage sale the first weekend in May and I thought I would attempt to sell some of my creations also. Mostly I want to get rid of clutter that has filled our house.


Pincushions in flowerpots, they wer fun to make with all the different trims I have stashed away. Now I know why I keep every little piece of ribbon and lace.


Embellished bibs from Ikea, I just love this fabric from Alexander Henry it is called Smiles Around the World. I don't think it is being made anymore, I bought it off of Ebay.

Lots of tissue cozies, once again, those scraps come in handy.

Doll quilts, practice for my attempt at free motion quilting.
Some embroidered sachets with balsam needles inside, they smell just like the Adirondacks.

And there has been a little more sewing for the grandkids. I made the cap and shirt for Jason, I have been wanting to for such a long time. I made the hat out of jeans, felt good about recycling and the denim is so soft.

The cap is the Eddie Cap from Mushroom Villagers Blog. Can't wait to try another, maybe some for the girls in something more feminine.

Last but not least a dress and bonnett for Leanora, I think I have to admit my fingers are tired.