New project

I am partnering with Bear Creek Quilting for my retirement quilt project! I'm very excited about it. I submitted an original design and they sent me the fabrics to make it. Once it is finished it will be a tutorial on their website.
So here are the beautiful fabrics they gave me for the project....

I'm using the solid Kona cottons for the wonky stars, a different color for each star. The retirement blocks will be dispersed in the cream background blocks. The teal square fabric will be the backing with the stripe for the binding. So many of my co-workers were stars in their own rights for their knowledge and accomplishments, so I thought using stars was appropriate for this project. Excited to get started on this!
Use the link above to view Bear Creek's website. Their motto is "for the love of quilting." I sure you'll find some great things there.

Home again, home again

it is so good to be home! Like last visit I caught a terrible cold while I was in Edinburgh. However, this time it was much worse. I am always one of those folks who say to wait out a cold, 7-10 days. Today is day seven and I was miserable. I won't gross you out with the green details. It was time to go to a physician. Amazing what one dose of a Z pack can do!
I tend to stay a bit dehydrated and flying always makes that worse. On top of the cold yuck, last night's sleep evaded me with horrible foot cramps. I've read it is due to a magnesium dificiency. I got up and took a magnesium pill. Ate some salty crackers and drank water. Still horrible. I was desperate.

This works. At 2:30 this morning I ended up putting about a half to 3/4 cup of Epsom salts in a bucket of warm water and soaked my feet in it for about five minutes. No more cramps the rest of the night.
My daughter in law is a great cook. I came home with a few more of her recipes. I made British scones today. I decided to add some dried blueberries to mine, but I think the original recipe served with clotted cream and jam is the best.

It should say bake at 430 degrees.

...so good to be home.

Craigmillar Castle

We braved the strong winds today and ventured out to see the Craigmillar castle ruins. It was built around the 15th century and owned by the Preston family.

When the bus let us off, we hiked to the ruins via this field.

Emma was such a little trooper riding on Daddy's or Momma's back all day.

 

 

Below is the P shaped original pond (Preston).

 

It is a great castle ruin to see. Electricity illuminates the various areas and there are signs that let you know which rooms were used for what activities.

 

Skirt Sports news

I wanted to mention that as my friend or family member You can get a 20% discount on any products you want to order from Skirt Sports. Just use the code SSAMB20SE to get your discount. I believe it works on all items, even those on sale.

 

The Meadows

We went to The Meadows for just a bit today, then mostly hung around the flat. Emma enjoyed the swing and getting to run around.

 

Late life runner is back

I'm opening back up the running blog. If you are interested in running check it out at www.lateliferunner.blogspot.com I applied and have been selected to be a Skirt Sports Ambassador! I absolutely love my Skirt Sports running skirts so I thought I need to help them get the word out.

If you run or do any physical activities take a look at their products at www.skirtsports.com. They have great stuff! I was able to get in a good run for today here in Scotland. On cold runs I wear my solid black running skirt (no attached shorts) over my leggings. It is called the Sweet Skirt and is on sale right now. If you are after a bit more modesty or just some added femininity for leggings, it is perfect.

 

 

 

Stirling Castle

Today we made a trip by train out to Stirling to see the castle and the William Wallace memorial.

Fun on the train....

The view from the castle was fabulous.

We had a very theatrical Scottish tour guide.

Then we went to the William Wallace memorial. Emma and I didn't take the 245 steps up to the top like her momma and daddy. It was a beautiful view from where we waited.

I think I am going to have to watch Braveheart again when I get home.

 

Visit to Edinburgh

I arrived after a really long day/night. It is beautiful in Edinburgh right now. The flowers are starting to bloom, the sun was shining. Hope the weather this week is as pretty as it was today. Here is a little glimpse into my first day here. Of course my focus is on the little one.

 

I brought Katie little baby hair rubberbands that she can't get out.

The Royal Mile.

St. Giles Cathedral

John Knox was buried in the kirkyard which later become a parking lot,

We saw a wedding at St. Giles.

...with all the men in kilts, and of course, a bag piper.

The city really is a beautiful place this time of year.

 

What I wore Wednesday

...love my converse!!

 

Busy day

No sewing or quilting today but lots of other stuff going on. Got in a run....

Did lots of to-do's around the house...wash car, change light bulbs, fix door handle, laundry, ordered a wedding gift. Getting ready for another trip to see my favorite little girl....they have had some awesome adventures lately. The visited Durham, England for a week and found a portion of Hadrian's wall. I think it dates back to 122 A.D.

I've been trying to pack up all the things I am bringing them....books, a baby doll, sing-a-long DVD's, some outfits for Emma, jeans for Elijah, a pair of cool converse for Katie....the color is poolside.

I even bought myself a pair. I wore converse when I was in high school (70's) and loved them. Never too old for converse all-stars! Mine are periwinkle.

 

 

 

Quilt Guild Friday

I joined a quilt guild last month and today was my second meeting to attend. I am so impressed with this group. I signed up for a contemporary art quilt workshop with Pat Pauly as the instructor. Evidently she is world renown for her work. I am on the wait list so I won't get in unless about five people have to cancel. Below are a couple of the samples she sent for the guild to show.

 

The Big Leaf below is the class I'd like to attend.

I also started messing with small scrap pieces. I'd like to make a modern baby quilt like the nine block bright birch trees by Crazy Mom Quilts. I noticed she has the pattern for sale in Connecting Threads. I'd like to try my own version.

There are so many opportunities to learn new things, meet new people, and support worthy causes, being associated with a guild. Are you in a quilting guild?

I got in a great run yesterday at my favorite trail. 5.24 miles. Yeah for spring and warmer weather!