Scenic Kingston

A few weeks ago, we dropped our daughter off for a summer college program. For two weeks, she would study art and literature and we would try and amuse ourselves without her. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!



We decided to explore the area and try to take pictures of lighthouses*. We were hoping to take a boat ride, but the boat sank earlier this year. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried. We decided to walk along the river to see if we could catch a glimpse of the lighthouse. On our walk, we kept seeing these metal things sticking out of the ground. We were baffled as to their function until we saw this one:




I learned something new that day.



We walked for about an hour before we came upon a beach. It was hysterical to see this little patch of riverbank with sand dumped onto it. There was even a paid lifeguard. We didn't feel compelled to take off our shoes and wade in the pristine waters of the Hudson River.

I assure you that it looks prettier than it smelled.

After our walk, we went on to explore some local wineries and then met with some friends for dinner. It was a beautiful start to our two weeks of kidlessness.

*We never did see that lighthouse.

At long last.....

Quilt Pics!

My husband and I have had a bit of a vacation for the last few weeks, and it was nice. My children are both nearly grown, but it's still a treat when they both are away at the same time.

Since I don't have cable tv and sew for a living, quilting for fun while watching CSI dvds is the height of luxury for me. I wanted to spend at least one day during my mini-break indulging myself.

Here's a(nother) tablerunner for my mom. Made from leftover blocks from a chocolate quilt for a friend.

This is an old Thimbleberries Club quilt. The quilt has been done for ages, but I finally finished sewing the sleeve. It's on my wall temporarily to help me feel cooler. And to remind me to put the sleeve on the summer and falls quilts, too.

And this is a quilt I made just for me just for the 4th of July. Pieced, quilted, bound and on the bed in 13 days. Projects like this remind me that I quilt because I ENJOY IT!

*Afterthought --- After I posted, I realized that all three of these quilts were from Thimbleberries patterns. I'm not a lover of all things Thimbleberries, but they write some amazing patterns.