I got to sew a little bit today and made 2 blocks. This first one is for last months block that we were to use autumn colors. I just didn't get it done in time; so I'll give it to the winner a little late.

This month we are to use the colors of black and tan.

After leaving the Redwoods we headed north to Oregon.

As we drove up Interstate Highway 5, I thought about Dorcas Smucker at Life in the Shoe. I remembered reading in one of her writings that they lived in the big farmhouse not far from Intstate 5. And she told about all the thousands of people that travel that highway and yet so few of them know of the Smuckers. I'm a big fan of hers; so I so badly wanted to call her and tell her we are going to go flying past their house. Would she hang a white sheet in the tree so that I would know we were passing the correct house. So, I called. And she answered. And we chatted a little. And no, they don't live in that house any more. But we would be welcome to stop in where they live now. How hospitable can you get? She, described the old house for me and I snapped pictures as we drove on by.

 And then we came to the Harrisburg exit; so I was pretty sure I had the correct house.

On the outskirts of Portland, OR we stopped in to see my first cousin Yvonne married to John Cherry. She and one of their daughters, Jodie fixed a nice lunch for us. Their place was graced with cherry decor.

Our time spent with them was way too short and I would have enjoyed seeing the rest of the family.

Years ago I found these pre-printed flower blocks at our local TWL store for a little bit of nothing. They were printed off grain but by cutting them out and reframing them, you'd never know. I designed and machine pieced the top and gave it to the Magnolia Sewing Circle who helped quilt it. They in turn donated it to the Magnolia School Benefit Auction in 2001. It was bought by Paul & Vada Shirk.

Paul's used it and some of their children took it with them to Bible School for their bunks. Then, just recently I noticed it was up for sale again at our School Auction. Oh, I had some sentimental attachments to that quilt. I was so glad when the auctioneer cried "sold" to #11. Now I can enjoy the quilt again.

This little fellow also attended the EAA meeting.

He makes my heart melt.

I attended the local chapter of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assoc.) at Joel & Sheila's one Saturday.

It's like a quilting bee or quilt lecture, only it has to do with airplanes instead of quilts.

Just for fun these pilots judged the landings of other pilots as they came in. Their numbers don't quite match up. 1,7,3,4,3. And one fellow had a -3 on the back side of his card. OOOhhhh, I wouldn't have wanted to be in that plane that landed!!!!

Joel grilled hamburgers and Paul Spurgon cooked corn for lunch.

They had a neat way of buttering the corn. They filled a coffee perculator about 3/4 full with water and then added a pound of butter. The butter melted and came to the top of the water. Then they used a tongs to dip each ear of corn into the perculator and it came out all buttery ready for salt and eating.

Here's Paul Spurgeon serving up the corn.

Here's the quilt I made for the Benefit Auction called

"Moonlit Garden Trellis."

It measures 108" X 108" and was hand quilted by Ruth R. H.

Yesterday I went to Hattiesburg with 3 other ladies to enjoy the Pine Belt Quilt Show. This Baltilmore Album quilt "Hearts & Flowers" by Norma Grissom won best of show in the large category.

I entered the quilt I made for Quinten & Evie's wedding called "Feathered Stars in Blue." It took a prize for Hand Quilting Artistry - Wall Quilt. Ruth did an excellent job hand quilting if for me so the prize went to her. I am tickled pink for her. Here I am with Mary Nell, the sponsor, in front of the quilt.

Judy Spiers won Best of Show - Wall Quilt and calls her quilt “Baskets in Black and White."

Here's the Judge’s Choice  “Dancin’ Geese” by Ann Fox.

I sat in the lecture/trunk show by Flavin Glover. She has made many unique quilts using the "log cabin" quilt block.

You may have to look twice to find the "log cabin" block in this quilt.

They had a challenge on "Miss Hattie's Hats" and this quilt took the grand prize in that challenge. It was made by Jo-Ann Evans.

If you think you have seen this quilt before you probably saw one very similar. It looks so much like the one posted on Polly's site that Merle & Inez made. Diantha Stafford made this quilt using a kit from Jackie Robinson.

Our Possum Town Quilters were very well represented. Here's Judy Stokes beside her "Afternoon Tea" quilt and my "Heatwole Challenge."

Here's Sharon Hedrick's "Madame Butterfly" that took a 2nd place ribbon.

I was so surprized that my "Wheels" won an honorable mention ribbon.

Here's Miriam, Paul's sister that met us in Hattiesburg, and Elmina.

There were lot's of other beautiful and lovely quilts and it was a great show. Visit Pine Belt Quilter's blog for a complete list of the winners.

Happy 50th Birthday to my dear Honey Bun. He was quite cute as a youngster.

My life is fuller because of him.

The Virginia Quilt Museum is hosting an exhibit of "Five Generations of Mennonite Quilts." There are a few of my quilts in the exhibit. If you can see your way, I'd encourage you to make a stop there in Harrisonburg, VA, the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The exhibit will run through Dec. 22.

Check out my sister Polly's site and my niece Jennifer's site for some pictures of the exhibit.

I was fascinated with the light pole signs in the town of Willits, CA.

The redwood trees were awesome. They are simply huge. Paul looks so tiny down there at the base.

This particular tree they call "Chandelier Tree." It is 315 feet high with a 21 foot diameter in Leggett, CA.

Amy drove the van through and said the mirror scraped a little on one side.

Paul was impressed with the length and diameter of these trees.

And a parting shot looking out over the Pacific.