Back in the saddle

The Millie is humming again and I am proud of myself for getting the software figured out this far! In my start back to work, I quilted Quilts of Valor that needed to be done for upcoming  ceremonies. There were four to do, and all are finished and ready to go to the binding person. One needs to be trimmed, so I will show you that one next time out.

I'm not sure why the quilter made this one sideways, but I think it's pretty anyway.  I think I would have done it vertically so the user could enjoy the pattern while using it.

The backing was also on the horizontal, so it was meant to be this way. The center fabric is really nice. 

I used my go-to panto, Simply Stars

Number two is this crazy quilt pattern of patriotic fabrics.

I used Simply Stars on this one, as well.

The backing is pieced with two starry fabrics, so the panto was perfect for the project.

Number three is this panel quilt. The panel has a Native American chief, so I thought I would change it up a bit and use a different pattern for the quilting.

This panto is called Woven Wind and I thought it would compliment the graphics on the front.

A sky blue fabric on the back completed the quilt.

A large portion of Sunday was spent re-sewing blocks from the commission quilt so they would fit together. The 16 blocks ranged in size from 16 inches square, to 17 1/2 inches square! I think there were two people making the blocks because of the difference in the seam allowance sizes. Some had the standard quarter inch, but many had a really skinny, about eigth inch, seam. Some points had to be sacrificed, but I think it's coming along nicely. I'm going over the mountain to fabric shops on Thursday with my girlfriends, so I'll be on the hunt for a larger print for the final border to compliment the quilt. The whole thing is from a late 1970s kit, so I may have to get creative with a complimentary fabric!

One more border, then I'll be on to the quilting!

Mr Wazoo is keen to get in the walking he is supposed to be doing as part of his rehab, so we have decided to fit walks into our day as often as we can. Sunday we went to Meeks Park and tried out the simplest trail. It was a gloriously lovely day so we enjoyed both the hike and the outdoor exercise stations as the far end. Despite the downed branches and puddles from the storm the night before, there were other walkers and runners taking a turn in the park's beauty.

Saturday night, we had severe weather and a tornado warning! Mr W, Molly and I spent some quality time in the studio waiting for it to pass. The wind howled and the sheets of rain battered the house, but there was no major damage to our little corner of Georgia.

At Meeks Park the next day, we stopped at the map to choose the trail to take. Mr Wazoo wasn't keen to climb any steep paths, so we stayed on the trail that follows the creek around the park.

The water was high and the sound of it rushing along was really soothing.

Nobody kayaking today!

You can see how high the water has been in the past by looking at the other bank. They have had some doozies of floods over the years!

Mr Wazoo enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

On the return trip to the car park, I snapped this picture from the bridge over Butternut Creek.

Yesterday, our walk was squeezed in between rainfalls, so we stayed close to home. No matter which direction you take from the house you will be climbing a big hill. We chose the downhill for the trek away from the house, and the harder uphill slog for the return trip. We didn't go too far, but it was certainly a hard workout for the recovering patient!

At the bottom of the hill, this is the view across the gap to Epp mountain. 

Mr W after the walk up the hill. That's our driveway behind him. The final insult of the walk is the climb up the drive to the house!

Here is a nice picture of the house from the street...

...And from halfway up to the house.

I spied something bright orange-red in the garden in front of the house and went to investigate. These gross looking mushrooms were the culprits. My Plant Snap app says it is called Elegant Stinkhorn. An oxymoronic name for a yucky looking plant! Most of them were laid over or broken by the earlier rain. Still, I think I would pass them over as a food source!