My friend Felicia from Blue Earth, MN, and her husband Bill traveled to our area today to take a couple of garden tours.
We went into Connie’s gardens after we left here, hurrying all the while because we were under a thunderstorm warning.
We looked at my plants and then stepped inside the shop so Bill and Felicia could meet the kitten.
Reed joined us, too, and brought his 4-H quilt to show them.
He has done a super job on it!
By the time we arrived at Connie’s house, Felicia had talked Bill into taking the kitten. Sadly I have two sisters coming tomorrow night to see him and if they don’t take him, I’ll be calling Felicia and will even deliver him to her house.
We took in Connie’s sewing room while we were there and so handy – I love looking around her room. She’s got more interesting “piles” of stuff than I do.
On to Central Gardens in Clear Lake, raining all the way. We went to our lunch spot where I had made reservations in hopes that the rain would end. They couldn’t find our reservation at Lady Bug and they were full because nobody could eat outside due to the rain. It was pouring so hard we had to wait to get across the parking lot to our cars! Bennigans was very close so we went there where I had the best fish and chips I’ve ever had anywhere!
Back to Central Gardens where the rain had let up to sprinkles and we decided to look around with umbrellas.
It was downright chilly when we were there and even though it wasn’t a pretty day, we had such a nice time! Felicia brought us plants for our yard and we are going to send her Civil War fabrics for her paper pieced sampler quilt.
Central Gardens is not to be missed if you are in Clear Lake and love gardens – they have done such a nice job!
And now for my miscellaneous collection of photos.
Deb Renken gathered 3 friends who all made Bullseye blocks which were quartered and distributed among the 4 making a true scrap quilt with no duplicate blocks!
Rita Scott’s mystery quilt and backing. Honestly my memory has failed me and there was an interesting premise to this mystery but I can’t remember and can’t find the email. Maybe she’ll tell us in the comments.
Reed’s next project – look at this neat organization!
I have a leader/ender project I’m going to work on during my Dirty Dozen. I will tell you about it tomorrow. Plus I have two needlework/quilt books to give away – also for tomorrow. I’ve been on the move this week – I can’t wait to stay home!
We played “name that hosta” and Felicia won! She knew the name of everything – hostas, perennials, shrubs, trees, annuals – all of it! We asked if she was a Master Gardener and she said no but she has a great start.
What a nice day w friends and plants ..and REED
Reed is such an amazing young man!! His quilt is beautiful!
Mary, Rita S here on the Mystery Quilt. Our guild had a program for a Mystery Quilt. You were given the fabric requirements and each month you were given instructions as to what you needed to do. First was the flying geese, then added the pieces to those to make the bear paw block. Next was the log cabin blocks. Sew these together as you wish, settings were up to the individual. Add borders. I also decided to piece the back as my goal was not to buy any more fabric for this quilt. So I dug into my stash. We will show our tops at our July meeting. Quilting will come later…..
Rita Scott – thanks so much! I think it’s an innovative mystery game!
Reed your quilt is so nice , if you haven’t won a ribbon yet I’m sure you will .
Love to see what you are working on .
What a lovely visit with Felicia and Bill despite the rain! So nice when friends visit.
Reed’s 4-H quilt is beautiful! From the looks of his organization the next one will be too.
And it looks like the kitten will have no worries finding a loving home.
Thanks for a very enjoyable post.
Reed’s quilt is a masterpiece!! I hope he is super proud of the work he has done and what he has learned and created. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Gorgeous gardens!! I love hostas—wish we had more of them here in Colorado!!
Thanks for the great post and lovely pictures. Reed’s quilt is outstanding and is winner in every way!
Hi Mary! Love that little kitten! Reed has done a fabulous job on that log cabin quilt!! His piecing looks very precise as does his binding. You’ve taught him well! You both deserve congratulations. His next quilt looks like it’s going to be much larger than the log cabin. I love the colors he’s using. Is it for his Mom or sister? Does he have his very own sewing machine or does he use one of yours?
All the various gardens you’ve shown us are gorgeous. Mine, not so much! Lol!
Reed – you did a wonderful job on your log cabin quilt! And what a great choice of fabric for your next project.
The gardens look lovely, too bad the weather wasn’t a bit better. We got quite a bit of rain today too and it got so dark that the street lights came on. I am quilting a baby quilt – finally. Time to get it done!
Sherry Whalen – is the quilt for Philip?
Embarrassingly no, it is for Audrey. I have had the top done for a while, but just didn’t know exactly how I wanted to quilt it. I am almost done, I’m not sure I like what I did but – it will be done. We’ve been so busy with outside stuff that I really kinda lost my quilting (the actual sit down and get the top quilted) mojo and haven’t done any since probably January. Good news for Phillip though, I think I have an idea for his quilt!
Sherry Whalen – haha! Didn’t mean to embarrass you — Phillip will have to get in line – ha! Are you flooding this morning? Rochester looked bad and it’s the big Rochesterfest weekend! Too bad.
LOL, the embarrassment is my own. The family all know I quilt on my own timeline, I own my deadlines! I am able to enjoy quilting because I sew what I want when I want.
Yes, Kasson was flooded yesterday, as were many areas around here – we got 7.5 inches in just a few hours sometime after midnight to when it quit around 6am. Our house was okay, I think the rain quit just in time before it would have caused us trouble. Our two kids in town weren’t so lucky, their sump pumps (and many others) just couldn’t keep up and both had 2-4 inches of rain water in their lower levels, so our day yesterday (and maybe today) included help with clean up. It was hard work, but both families said that others had it so much worse and were grateful that theirs was only a clean up of rain water.
Try to stay cool today!
Sherry Whalen – honestly we could not believe the pictures on the news! I can’t imagine what 7.5 inches of rain must be like! Glad you and yours fared reasonably well. What a mess it will be today in this heat! Did I see cows being swept along with the water? I could hardly look!
Yes, I saw the cows – I felt so sorry for them, they had to be so terrified. The last report I heard was that they did have 15 of them still, but I think they may have been on a bit higher ground and were able to be moved out of harms way. The water has gone down a bit but I haven’t heard anything about them this morning. I think the post that I saw that said they were all safe was false, based on that they heard that 15 were saved.
I knew Felicia would want the kitten! What a fun day!
What a fun day you all had! I can’t wait for fair time to see how Reeds wonderful quilt measures up! It sure looks like a blue ribbon to me.
I am So impressed with Reeds quilt. It is wonderful. Did he do the chicken wire quilting? It seems perfect for his quilt.
What is the big round leafed plant at Central Gardens? Is it a really different Hosta.? I thought they only had pointed leaves.
The kitten will certainly go to a good home now. Let us know of the outcome, please. He is so cute.
Sue in Oregon, that is a Ligularia, however I can’t tell what variety because is not blooming. There abfew hostas that have rounded leaves.
Reed’s quilt is wonderful and from the looks of the fabrics in his neat stacks the next one is going to be just as good. Good to know the kitten is going to have a great home somewhere. The gardens are beautiful.
Another wonderful adventure – beautiful gardens! Reed, your quilt is amazing! You have done such a wonderful job! Hopefully your little kitten will have a new home soon.
Secretly hoping Felicia gets the kitten.. her face while she’s holding it close…you know the little tad will be loved 🐾💗. Reed…. your quilt is looking good! Can’t wait to see your next project with your 30’s prints. Our gardens are growing like crazy. Lots of rain and now tropical temps! Time to go to the lake! I’m outta here.. lol
What a great way to spend time with friends, soggy weather and all.
Reed, your fair quilt is fantastic! I hope you get more than one ribbon.
Can’t wait to see what you make from the well organized color piles. 🤔
The Gardens looked nice and green with all your rain this spring. We finally got a nice rain today in our part of Oregon, sure was welcome has been a very dry spring.
Reed your Log Cabin quilt is awesome, you should get a ribbon for that one. Can’t wait to see your next one.
That little kitten will be well loved where ever he ends up
Great gardens, I don’t have a green thumb, I mostly drown everything I plant.
Reed’s Quilt is amazing. Beautiful work. I think he should win a ribbon.
I also love y’all big sewing rooms.
Mary you stay so busy, I couldn’t keep up with you.
We had rain yesterday and today here. I would sure like to have some summer before September gets here.
Bobbie – I’m with you! I’m afraid September will come long before I’m sick of summer!
Reed your quilt is so awesome!!!! What a perfect job you have done!!!!!
I love the garden in Clear Lake. Not good at all for the names of plants. But love the peaceful walk through there.
Love the Kitten….So Sweet!
Reed, your quilt is lovely….wonderful job!
Mary, I love your blog….always a bright spot in my day 🙂
You take us on the best adventures; so much fun to tour with you. Reeds’s quilt is just great, such a treasure; and his next one will be too! You’re right about his organizational skills too, I can learn a lesson. So glad to hear that kitty might 🤞🏻Have found a furrever home!
I cannot wait to open this email every morning – see hear about adventures had, those to come, and the absolutely wonderful kid Reed is!!!!!! The animals, plants, flowers, homes, it all is wonderful and this blog brightens my day – every day! I cannot believe the energy you have though – I would be in bed resting for an entire day – every other day! Such work to be done – outside, inside, and all what you do for others. I want to come live in the space that used to be the quilt shop and just hang out – what an amazing time I would have! 🙂 🙂
Thank you for continuing this blog – and taking the time to update every day. Tell Reed his quilt is absolutely gorgeous – and I also cannot wait to see what he does next! BTW – is Reed related to you? I am sure it was stated somewhere but I must have missed it.
I visited your store when it was open – probably 4-5 times and still have some kits I purchased that I haven’t completed yet. But today is my last day of actual paid work – after 49.5 years work as admin support in Minneapolis Public Schools – and my to do list is super long. But I am determined as I love quilting and all that goes with it!
Again – THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Elaine K-T – you deserve to retire after almost 50 years of working! Retirement is wonderful – I slept till 8:30 this morning after our big day yesterday – a big week actually! I’ll bet you’ve got a long list but don’t start for a few days or a week – just breathe and enjoy!
Reed is not related to me. He lives close to me and goes to my church and I feel so fortunate that he wants to hang out with me.
Thanks for all the nice words about this blog – it renews my faith in people and as I’ve said before – we are more alike than different.
Mary, I’m going to order the DVD and book for the rugs. I ordered frames from you a long, long time ago.
I’ve got scraps in every nook and cranny that would be great for rugs.
Your garden photos are beautiful. I hope to take a Master Gardener class the next time it’s offered. I know
nothing about making flowers grow!
Janet – if you love flowers you should take the class. I am not a Master Gardener but I love to look at gardens. My yard is very shady and I can barely grow a hosta! All that shade keeps our house cooler but it’s not good for gardening.
I hope you join us making a rug.
Reed – the chicken wire quilting on your log cabin quilt was an excellent choice.
Fun to see my friends Felicia and Bill in so many photos.
Jan Shaffer – Reed suggested chicken wire for the quilting and I said it would be a difficult hand guided pattern. When we went to see Sue we discovered she went computerized so the chicken wire pattern was HIS! He was so tickled! We had a fun day with Felicia and Bill – she really knows her plants. Are you making that miniature paper pieced sampler, too? Her blocks are fabulous but I hate paper piecing. See you soon!
As always so loved your blog….but Reed is so talented n his quilt it is beautiful!!!! Great job Reed!!!! Keep uy your wonderful work!!💙💙💙💙💙
Reed, your quilt is fabulous!!! Thank you for sharing with us!!!
A wonderful collection of hostas. I have a lot right now but they are desert for the deer so last year they came in and mowed them down to the ground. First time that happened so have my fingers crossed they won’t return this year. The quilt Reed made is a winner for sure.
Martha Engstler- Bill and Felicia say the same thing about the deer loving hostas. They’re very hard on gardens!
I’m glad the rain didn’t stop the garden tours. Great views and lunch with friends! What a lovely day. Please tell Reed his quilt is outstanding. I love the border on Deb R’s Bullseye.Thanks for taking us along for the day. 🙂
Gardens are beautiful, makes me green with envy..the gardening gene skipped me. But must say I have kept peace lily house plants alive & they are thriving, one has 9 blooms on it right now & other 5. My succulents seem to be doing alright. Even the sweet potato I stuck in a glass of water in kitchen window is growing.
Real estate agent just called & said seller of acreage will have a counter offer for me by Monday, be interesting to see what it is.
Going into vet office at 2 to see if Ms Maci will eat, I feel lost without her. Will keep you posted.
Reed’s quilt is wonderful. Kudo’s to you both. Quilt two looks like it will be a winner also. Reed, I wish I were as organized as you . What design/patten are you using?
Chores aren’t going to do themselves..have a great day.
Mary, the entire blog post was lovely. being a widow, the picture i appreciated the most was the one of Felicia and her husband taking a picture of Reed …. and you? it made my heart sing to see the two of them working together to figure out the camera function. why? God only knows~
Reed, seriously, i wish he was my nephew or cousin, or next door neighbor! he is such an amazing young man. his parents need to be over the top proud of him. and you as his mentor….this child is set for a balanced life.
some want success for their children. i want balance and happiness, though it has taken me 60 years to learn this~ HA
djb
Mary, Jan Shaffer called me a star today for being in your blog. Next thing people will want my autograph :-D. Ha, ha. We had a lot of fun seeing Connie’s gardens and your succulents and seeing your fabric stash, now Bill knows that I don’t have as much as he thinks I do. If anybody is ever in Clear Lake you must go and see the garden is really beautiful and is still a work in progress. Reed is so polite and so at ease with adults, not all young people are like that. Yes, his quilt is beautiful and I can wait to see the next one. Thank you Mary, Connie and Reed for a fun day.
Sue in Oregon, the round leaf plant is a Ligularia and yes, there a few hostas with rounded leaves.
I love reading your blog and waking up to your email is so fun…Reed is such a surprise with his quilting. Totally awesome. Been a fan of you and Connie from many years ago. So good to have you back . Connies gardens are to die for😳
Thanks gorgeous all your time blogging.
Not sure how that gorgeous word got in there?
I love hearing about your adventures! Love that Reed is always included! He must be fine young man!
Great job on your quilt Reed! How old was Reed when he started to sew? I would love it if our grandson learned how to sew/quilt!
The quilt that Reed made is amazing! I can’t wait to see his next project…