Where does the time go?

It's time for an update.

As usual life can get pretty busy.

Plus I have been keeping myself busy.

Helps keep my out of trouble.

All is good.

I have completed a couple of quilt tops and gotten the backs ready 

for quilting.

We will be starting out on a trip on Tuesday.

My friend and quilter, Wendy, lives in Florida.  We have arranged 

that I will drop off the quilts while we are down there.

Not in a hurry for them.  They will get back to me at some point.

You know how it is, just can't leave a lot undone.

This quilt is ready to be quilted.
A friend of mine made all the Hawaiian applique blocks.
She had made two sets with the thought of giving one of them away.
I was the lucky one to receive them.
I just had to add the yellow around the blocks and this colorful
Hawaiian fabric.

This adult and a juvenile Eagle were along the Fox River.
We have had a lot of sightings of Eagles this year.
One day someone wrote they had seen 15 at one time.
I am always impressed and amazed when I get to see them.

Remember I wrote in my last post that I was working on a basket quilt.
Well the top got done.  I am excited about this one.  As usual I enlarged the over all
quilt size.  This one is a large lap, or a child's  small.
I like to make blocks until I have had enough. What has
made this one nice is all the half square triangles were already made.
Makes the blocks go together much faster.
I think this one will look real sweet when quilted.

Went out to my favorite spot to watch the birds.
This is a Red-bellied Woodpecker.
He has some suet in his beak.

Don't you just love seeing Cardinals?
We have two pair that have been coming to my feeders.
I hope we have young this year.

We took a drive down to Starved Rock, in Ottawa a week ago.
Saw these Sandhill Cranes just hanging out by the road.

This Eagle was very cooperative.
As we got closer to him. he seemed to be ready to pose
He was on a branch in a tree that was not far from the road.
One of the closest shots I have ever gotten.
Those claws look so powerful.

Charlie seems to know we are getting ready to go away.
Think the suitcase was a clue?
Both kitties love to help by jumping into the suitcases.
There is a cruise on the horizon.
I have a special birthday coming up and decided I wanted to celebrate it
on a cruise.  I picked  out several and told Ron to pick one.
(See they were all on my Birthday or just after it.)
Going on the Eurodam to the Western Caribbean on Sunday,
Valentine's Day.
We also thought it would be fun to drive and do some visiting
along the way.  There are family and friends in Atlanta and in
a couple cities in Florida. After the cruise is over, we will drive back to the
west side of Florida for a couple of days before starting home.
If I had my way I would stay down there for a a couple more weeks.
Warm is good!!  Ron is not one that likes to stay away from home for long
periods of time.  We are retired!
Have to start small and work on up.

Worked on a few Valentine cards.

Made a few fabric boxes.

Not pictured, but going with me to finish are 11 more.
Once you get started, you can't stop.
There are a couple more out of Valentine fabric.  Pulled out some Easter and
Saint Patrick's fabric. Always like handwork when I am traveling.

I have been packing with relaxing in mind.  I love to do handwork, so have a variety
of things to play with.  Also, have several new books to read.
We have a couple days at sea, so there are always  a few good places to curl up
and read.  I am so ready for some warmth and relaxation.
It has not been a hard winter.  Just not a lot of sun and damp cold.
Time to warm up with the anticipation of Spring.

I am hoping to keep on writing while I am gone.
Stay tuned.

Mary