Three Pines ... Snowy, Peaceful, Enchanting

I seem to be one of the lucky few who loves winter and does not find it depressing. This is my favorite kind of day - snowy and calm with fat flakes drifting down and a quiet sense of peace in the air. I trekked out to the mailbox and took my camera to capture the beauty. The three Ponderosa Pines that stand just south of our house look like they are huddling against the cold. If trees can have a sense of gratitude, they are thankful that Mother Nature is providing  this always welcome snow today. Coloradoans are fond of saying, "We need the moisture." So we always welcome a snowy winter and spring. I hope we get a few more inches before the day is over.

In the meantime, I have everything I need ... a cozy fire, a good book, a cup of tea and a picture window!

Hand Quilting

Quilt guild met Wednesday evening. The program was a "round robin" of mini-classes including my hand quilting class. Like planning for any class, it took time, research, and organization. I put together a hand-out which included a list and description of tools and supplies, step by step instructions for successful hand quilting, and a list of resources. I made small quilt "sandwiches" for each student to practice the technique. I also brought a wide variety of needles, threads, frames, marking tools, thimbles and other quilting necessities for the students to see and handle. I had a lot of positive feedback and felt the class went well.

Each quilter has her own unique technique and each quilter has her favorite tools and supplies. My favorites include:

needles - Clover Gold Eye size 12 betweens

thread - YLI 100% cotton hand quilting thread

hoop - 14 inch round quilting (not embroidery) hoop  and, for some projects, I use a small square PVC pipe frame

batting - my favorites, depending on the item being quilted, are Hobbs wool batting, Hobbs               Thermore polyester batting, and Warm & White cotton batting.

thimble - my Roxanne silver thimble is my favorite quilting tool - I love it!
   

I love to quilt by hand and find it is calming, relaxing, and therapeutic. For me, it's Zen.

Successful Year for Trail Ridge Quilters

Judy and Jeanne (Trail Ridge Quilters) present check to Jill and Karen of
Estes Park Medical Center Foundation

Members of Trail Ridge Quilters were thrilled to have made over $12,000 for Estes Park Medical Center in 2014. We presented a check to Jill and Karen of the EPMC Foundation at our regular Tuesday meeting. The monies will fund equipment in several of the med center's departments.

Below are a few photos of Trail Ridge Quilters at work on quilted projects for 2015. These women have become some of my best friends and, in addition to working to benefit the med center, we have a good time together.

Turning Seventy

tiled ceiling at Dushanbe Tea House

Yesterday I celebrated my 70th birthday in a splendid low-key way with my wonderful husband. It began with opening a few gifts from loved ones. Later we drove to Boulder where we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Dushanbe Tea House. We did a little shopping then drove home where I had birthday cards in the mail box. Many family members and friends called or emailed happy birthday messages. I went to bed feeling grateful and loved.

lovely statuary centerpiece

Christmas 2014 - Lovely Memories

The grandchildren at the ice skating pond in downtown Estes Park

Chris, K.C., Virgil, and Jenny enjoying hot beverages 

With Christmas 2014 a sweet memory, I'm back to my life as usual. The Christmas decorations have been packed away for another year and the house is back to normal after hosting ten extra family members for a few days. During that time we talked, ate, played games, watched movies, went skating, and enjoyed each other's company.

The girls

Oh Joy!  Granddaughters in the kitchen.

Below are photos of Mom's 93rd birthday celebration.