New Quilted Table Runner

On Thursday, I took another class at the quilt store in Moab. This is the table runner we made. I got it finished yesterday. The five squares are done by a process called paper piecing. This was my first attempt. (Actually my second, but I couldn't do it the first time for Dad's John Deer quilt so my dear friend Annette did them for me.) I'm really proud of my accomplishment this time. There are nine pieces to the square.
It's really hard to photograph the table runner on the table. As you see, I'm standing on a chair and you can see my toes. But I wanted the entire runner in the picture. At the class, I got the five squares done and the white triangles. (Spent from 10-4 there.) Then I came home and added the two borders, got it quilted and then the binding done yesterday. Rick really liked this one and the colors are perfect for the dining room.

Here is a close up of the squares. I used 8 different fabrics for them. Then I changed the sequence in each square. Since the squares had 9 pieces, I used the same fabric for numbers 1 and 9.

Wednesday evening I also had a class. We did the October Button Up quilt. I'm still working on it so will post as soon as I get done.

Also, on Oct 18th, the Castle Valley Gourd Festival is being held and a neighbor has asked me to do a quilt for it. She even brought me a drawing of an idea. So, I'm going to attempt it. Talked to Crystal at the quilt store and she gave me some great suggestions and is willing to help me all she can. When it's done, I'll post it. It is for their silent auction.

Ashley & Nathan Come For A Visit

Ashley & Nathan came up to spend a few days with us. Be sure to check out Ashley's blog for more information.

Rick took Nathan "jeepin" and broke the rear U-joint. Thankfully other people were on Hell's Revenge at the time and helped pull them out. Rick only had front wheel drive until he and Nathan got it fixed. Then he took Ashley and Nathan up Onion Creek and Fins & Things.
On Tuesday, we all went rafting on the Colorado River. We took the all day trip and really had a great time. Trying to shoot pictures from a moving raft is not easy! We stopped for lunch at the Red Cliff Lodge. They do barbeque hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken. Salads, chips, fruit and cookies along with water, ice tea or lemonade. We enjoyed it. Then back on the river.
Took this shot of Ashley just after we started. She later shed her sweater.
And here is Nathan. Can you tell he is enjoying himself?

He even decided to take a dip in the river. Getting back into the raft was a tricky operation. But he juumped in a couple of times.

We all got wet several times, but the worst rapids are only a class 2 on the portions we were on. No one fell overboard and our guide was a real character. So all in all, we had a really pleasant and fun time. Can't wait to do this again!

What To Do When You Can't Sleep

Yesterday morning I woke up very early and could not get back to sleep. So I peeked outside and it looked like there could be a nice sunrise. I took the Jeep and went on a Jeep trail over to an area between Castle Rock and Adobe Mesa. As it turned out the sunrise for the most part was a dud, but there were a few moments where it was nice.

This first picture is clouds over Adobe Mesa shortly before sunrise.
This one is of Castle Rock just as the sun was hitting the top of the rock.
I tried taking a couple of pictures using the flash to add light to the plant in the foreground. I was laying down to take this picture.
Another picture using the flash to add light to the juniper in the foreground.
The sun came out long enough for me to get this picture of Castle Rock and the Rectory.

And You Thought Jeeps Were Just for Having FUN...

As you can see, they are much more. Rick was planting along the outer edge of the lawn when this sagebrush got in his way. So out comes the Jeep and the winch.
He wrapped the winch around the sagebrush and...
Started up the winch.
It really only took a few seconds for this brush to be history.

Here lies the dead sagebrush. This was the second and larger bush to go. That winch can sure come in handy. Now, back to planting.