HEY GANG, I'm back!!! THANK-YOU!!! All of you!!!! Yes, I was on vacation! Just spent 4 wonderful days on the island on Mille Lacs with friends, what a relaxing way to spend my birthday :) Read, walked, played cards and cribbage, ate great food, listened to great music (Fleetwood Mac included!), drank some good wine (ok, lots), and hugged the dogs,(and tossed lots of sticks). Went from 90, hot and great swimming, to 63 on Sat so we could have a fire in the fireplace(45 at night). Doesn't get much better than that....... And I learned a new recipe....instead of S'mores.... Double Stuff Mint Oreos--twist a cookie apart, toast 1 marshmallow--place it between the 2 halves...squish... :) :) :) :) Thanks again for all the warm wishes! Sarah

I've rec'd lots! of blocks this week! They are all so pretty, & just what I was thinking - thank you :) Rec'd so far from: Kristene, Kitty, Eileen, Jackie, Jayne, Melissa, Tara I'm happy to hear that you've all enjoyed making this particular block. Sometimes it's hard to choose one, but this one is fun, simple w/out being boring, & could be made in so many different fabrics for a completely different look. Imagine it in batiks! Or how about all black & white? So geometric - & I might be tempted to throw in ONE red block - just for quirkiness' sake! lol Hmm...getting psyched here. ~Cindy

oh, you'll love it! very different than where there's lots of green grass and tons of trees. I'm sure you've looked at pics of the area tho. I grew up in the Midwest. one trip out here and i was hooked! just love it. I sold the house, packed up stuff, kids and dogs and moved west! I'd love seeing pics of it as it is today. If I ever win the lottery, I'll hire someone to drive me up there and spend a day or 2. you're sure welcome - and you should have good weather. will still be nice here - and even cooler up there. nice for hiking and driving around looking at places. Check online ahead of time and see what the coming week's weather is. don't forget your camera!

Chisue - I love your motto! GO and DO and LIVE as you always have. I would have gone to Austin if the timing were better. But next April is on my calendar. Mtn -it's still a quirky old ship and it seems whenever we have a reservation for 8 or more we end up at the Captain's table which is beneath that fish and skylight. The food is fine, not spectacular but with 3 little ones under the age of 6 it works well. The place is very casual and if they become restless we can take a little tour and look out the windows and watch ships passing by on the river.