Tomorrow morning we leave for Portland Quilt Market – a whirlwind trip in 3 days, a very expensive 3 days, I might add but we need inventory for the shop to arrive next fall and that’s what we’ll be shopping for.  I always hate to leave but always come home inspired by new quilts, books, fabrics and ideas.

Here’s what’s new on the farm – rocks and more rocks.  Actually I think I’m nearing the end and thanks to Rick, I am now driving the tractor to the rock piles, loading into the bucket and then just dumping the bucket on the rock pile – much easier!  One of my neighbors stopped me on the road and said, (his voice incredible) “do you need rocks?”  When I answered that I did, he showed me his rock pile much closer to home – thanks, Mark R.!

The AC units were installed yesterday – we could have used them on Tuesday when the temps went to 102 degrees here.  Just think, 2 weeks ago today we were closed due to 12” of snow!  This has been such a goofy spring that I don’t even have the screens on yet – I’m sure we will have no spring and cross right into summer temperatures requiring AC.

I almost hate to write this down – Telly has not been outside the fence for almost a week now.  I’ve probably jinxed her and she’ll be out today.  After cleaning the constructions debris, I still have branches and limbs that have to be picked up before we can mow the grass.

Last weekend I cleaned the haymow in the barn – this is what it looked like when I started – the tarp which covered the floor had to be carried outside, dusted and refolded for storage.  The dirt comes up from the chickens on the first floor and I mean a lot of dirt.  This is what the floor looked like under the tarp – little piles of dirt that all needed to be cleaned up.  The cobwebs going up the walls were thick and I couldn’t reach very high so it’s dusted about 8’ up the walls and then it’s cobwebs again.  When I get all the quilts hung, I’ll show you.

Here is Telly in my “new” chair – yes, it’s purple and it cost $25.00 at the thrift store.  I’m going to have it recovered when I can – but it won’t be done before the tour so look for the nice purple chair in the porch.  Ha!

Here is a quick peak at the porch – all the plants will soon move outside for the summer.  All our customers are invited on Wednesday night, July 17, from 5-9 pm for the tour.  The public is invited Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 18, 19, 20 for a self guided tour.

Don’t forget the All Iowa Shop Hop that starts May 31, camp June 4-5, International Quilt Festival in Chicago June 20-23 and then the Big Event, July 17-20.

Every year people ask me if my hen and chicks are for sale and I have to say “no”.  This is what I’ve been putting together this year – tiny little hen and chicks in vintage containers, priced from $5 – $20.  If we can get them, we’ll be selling small succulent plugs during the Big Event.  I’ll let you know.

Here’s a quick shout out to Sam in the Mother Baby Center in Minneapolis – we’re all missing you and can’t wait till Baby Lund arrives on June 1.

Until next week on the farm,

Mary