Monday, August 25, 2008

Making a List, Checking it Twice...

When preparing to travel,
lay out all your clothes and all your money.
Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
~ Susan Heller

I mentioned a few posts back that I had planned to make a leaf block, using up the fabrics in my stash. I wanted to do something scrappy in Autumn colors, which I gravitate toward and so have lots of extra fabric pieces. Each block will be unique, but I'm using only my reds, browns, greens, etc. so the over-all look will say FALL. The lovely green fabric of the appliquéd stem will also make up the sashing around each block. As you can probably see, the stem is still pinned in place. This may be as far as I get on this piece before we leave for Alaska this weekend.

THIS WEEKEND.

EGAD!

We're in major countdown mode this week, which means making lists, starting to lay out items that we want to take along, etc. We'll be gone for two weeks, so there's a lot to take with us. We're flying into Anchorage, renting a car, and spending the full two weeks on the Kenai Peninsula. We'll take a marine wildlife day cruise on Prince William Sound, another day cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park... we'll spend four days in Homer, visiting both museums and tide pools. Hubby will fish for halibut while I fish for quilt fabric! If we're not too late in the season, we'll see whales in Cook Inlet while we fish for salmon, outside the town of Kenai. We'll end our trip back at Anchorage.

I've always teased my husband about his analytical mind, but I have to admit that I'm very grateful right now for his way of thinking. He's an engineer and has a calm, orderly way of thinking through what needs to be done. I would likely get to Anchorage and realize I'd forgotten to pack the camera charger or all my underwear, or something! But we make a good team: he'll remember the maps, which will get us around; I'll remember the music for the car, which will make the journey pleasant.

And speaking of pleasant... see the house in the photo below, overlooking Katchemak Bay?

That's where we'll be staying for those four nights in Homer. Ahhhh... you can probably see why this trip is all I can think about these days!


Until next time...



23 comments:

jillytacy said...

Pattie,
The quilt block is beautiful! And your destination looks gorgeous and peaceful! I hope you have a great trip!
I love that you and your husband balance each other out. That's how my husband and I are our strengths and weaknesses compliment each other so we make a god team!

Nonnas News said...

I love the quilt blog! Have a wonderful and safe trip! Its looks like a beautiful place!

Anonymous said...

Hi Pattie, I found your blog through your comment on Alicia's blog. I am a quilter too, 50-somethng (okay, 53) and a weight watcher (of sorts). I like your blog. And I love the trip to Alaska that you have planned. How did you ever find such a neat place to stay in?

Love the quilt block.

I'll be checking back on your blog!

ptg said...

Have a wonderful trip - it looks so amazingly peaceful. :o)

Deborah said...

Ahhh, I am so excited for you and a little jealous. Your vacation sounds so wonderful and relaxing. And the little house WOW!

Lists are the only way to go when you are going to be gone that long, unless you are a millionaire and can afford to purchase everything you forgot.

grammy said...

Binoculars...don't forget those. Wow! You could see forever from where that house is. Last year I forgot to bring pillows when we went camping. I hate sleeping without a pillow. You sound very organized. Can't wait for whale pics.

MargieAnne said...

What an amazing place to stay.

Love your quilt block. The whole quilt will be wonderful.

Blessings.

Kathy said...

Showed your picture where you'll be staying to my husband and he began drooling!!! You are going to have such an awesome time!

Lora said...

Make sure you take pictures on your trip! Especially of that awesome little house overlooking the water!

Felicia said...

That quilt block is beautiful. I cant even thread the needle lol. My Gram used to make the most beautiful quilts. I have almost all of them. They are one of my best memories of her.

Anways have a wonderful trip! Looks heavenly.

*huggles*
=0)

Needled Mom said...

Oh, Pattie, you are going to have so much fun. It all sounds so wonderful. My sister just returned from Homer last week and said the weather was perfect.

I love the scrappy quilt block. It will make for a wonderful quilt.

Have fun preparing this week and take time to just relax. :) xoxo

RunningNan said...

If I don't make it back here before you leave, I hope you have a wonderful time!!!!!!!

The quilt looks awesome!

Wendy said...

Your trip sounds amazing! I hope you have a wonderful time.

new*me said...

I want to go on the trip too ;) You are such a talented fun person. I bet hubby would be proud to go anywhere with you!

Hootin Anni said...

Lovely quilt block! I too love the colors of Autumn...this project of yours is going to be so super!

And yes...I can see just WHY you're doing a countdown for your Alaskan trip!!! Staying where you're going to stay would have me all hyped and excited too. Just imagine the sun glow on the water, the peace and serenity of the area....ahhhhhhhhhhh!! A piece of heaven.

If I don't 'see' you before you leave, you make sure your trip is all you wish it to be! Have fun, and return home to blogland safe and sound!!

Journo June aka MamaBear said...

The trip destination looks incredible! Can't blame you for only thinking of that. And I just LOVE the quilt block.
Path to Health

Chubby Chick said...

Wow! The quilt block is beautiful! And could there even BE a better location for a vacation??? lol

I hope you have a great time! Will you be able to blog while away?

Diana Swallow said...

I love the quilt!! Have a safe trip, it looks gorgeous!

Kelli said...

Your quilt block is gorgeous, Pattie! I love all those colors, too. I hope you have a wonderful and fun time on your trip. I can't wait to hear all about it!
~Kelli

JC said...

You and hubby will have a most wonderful time. I love where you will be staying. Take plenty of pictures so I can dream about going. Grace and blessings to you.

JC said...

OH I forgot. I love the quilt square.

Karen said...

Hi Pattie ~ I just know you are having a fabulous time in Alaska...you lucky person! Hope you take loads of pictures to post here.

The quilt block is gorgeous...I'd like to make this one as I have lots of fall fabrics; fall is my favorite season!

Debi said...

Awesome scrappy quilt block, and I just love the fall colors. I am inviting you to participate in a Fall into Fall Quilters Blog giveaway that I am hosting. Come on over and check it out.