Toyko Subway Quilt

Okay, the next time I blithely agree to participating in a group quilting assembly, I will find out what is involved before saying yes! Here are the first 5 of 25 blocks. Each block consists of 64 2 inch squares! Yikes. Each square is different and as you may be able to see will look like a subway map with each line having its own color. I have given myself the improbable dead line of July 25th. That means producing 1 block every 2 days. Hope I can do it! I have to admit that I think it looks pretty cool.

First Flan

Seriously, what was I thinking when I told my dinner company to name their dessert? Flan was the order, and although I have never made it, I'm thinking: it is just custard, my mother made it and she never could make a pie, it has to be easy. Wrong. Then there are about a billion recipes for it out there, and it took me forever to decide which one. Those of you who have done this before know that the first step is making the caramel sugar that goes on the bottom of the pan but eventually ends up on the top. That proved to be a problem. Batch #1 burned, and batch #2 stuck to the pan and hardened before I could spread it. For batch #3 I went to a different recipe and it boiled for a half hour before I realized it was not going to caramelize so it got thrown out. Batch #4 was back to the original recipe but using more of the ingredients. That got into the bottom of the pan. The custard part wasn't so hard and the dessert is cooling in the refrige as we speak. I am hoping that my company arrives soon because I am eyeing the liquor cabinet and definitely ready for a restorative beverage!

First Wool Project

Who would have realized how much work goes into hand appliqued wool pieces. If I had known I may not have signed up for the Sue Spargo block of the month which I am going to start right away. Last night at midnight I finished embroidering the legs and beaks on the birds. Today I passed up the day lily show because I was so anxious to sew the backing on this baby and have the project finished. Yeah! Jessi thought I should bead it, but I'm thinking it will destroy its very folksy quality. Well, it was a good learning piece and now I am aware of the pitfalls to avoid on my next project.

The Fence

Take a good look at this picture. Is it a fence? Is it a moat? Are the bars to trap alligators? This is the fence that through our government's well thought out wisdom is being constructed along the border of Mexico and the United States! This photo was taken out the truck window as we drove onto the "Mexican side" of the fence. However, we were still in Texas as the border is really the Rio Grande which was many miles further on. Now the fence is tall and strong, but there are many openings through which to pass. In one picture you can see a tire laying by the opening. It was explained to me that the border patrol drags this tire behind their vehicles so they can inspect for footprints. I'll post the rest of the pictures on my Flickr site. Draw your own conclusions.

Is It True?

EW has informed me that no creative person has pets! Well, I am wondering if that is true.

Laredo

This weekend's getaway was to Laredo. What a shame that the drug war prevents people from walking across the bridge to Neuvo Laredo. We toasted to the Dos Laredos that are no more. However, I would definitely recommend La Posada for its old world charm and tasty cuisine. And of course if you are in the need of Mexican pottery or metal work, this is the place. My friend, Jennifer, and I were in heaven combing through the various shops in hopes of hidden treasures. I must admit that I never did find the coveted pig planter to match the one I already have. "Quiero un puerco grande para los flores."

The Hideout on the Horseshoe

Here are two images from last weekend's getaway to the Guadalupe River. Although overcast and a bit cold, it was peaceful and relaxing. One of the highlights was finding a bonanza of limestone which was carted home for a building project.