TCQC quitls at Back Porch in Pacific Grove 05-10-19

Here are pictures I took at Back Porch Fabrics in Pacific Grove, CA, just before we took the quilts down.  All the tables were moved to the middle and all the merchandise put under the tables or in another room.  It is a big job preparing for the quilts, hanging them, and taking them down when the exhibit is over.  Only to clear things out to hang the next exhibit.  Gail Abeloe, shop owner, and her long time employee Jeanne Mills do a great job getting interesting quilts for their customers to enjoy.  It is always a good experience in that shop, my favorite of all time! 

Top, Left to right:  Missing Constance - Del Thomas,California    Liberty - Kathleen McCabe, California    World Quilters - Cynthia St Charles    Sweet Charlie, the Chocolate Lab - Kay Laboda, California    Pink Purses in Rome - Joan Sowada, Wyoming  
Looking to the Future - Chris Hansen   
Center:  Lady with a Mug -  Bodil Gardner, Denmark
Bottom, Left to right:  Four quilts by Olga Norris of England;  New Hat, The Crow's Story, Coffee Futures, Red Hen
How Could You Leave Us? Ruth Powers, Kansas    Nice Catch - Pamela Allen, Canada
Jane Goodall - Mary Pal , Canada    Don't Piss Off The Fairies - Ruth Powers, Kansas 

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Learning I don't know about computers 09-01-09

Nothing like a lesson from a 'pro' to teach one how much they don't know about computers! I've never seen a screen as large as hers on a home computer, but already I have been told it isn't anything unusual. I think her process of putting up two newsletter pages side-by-side when she is working on her newsletter(s) is a great idea, so this is next on my list of things to buy. My little Fujitsu laptop in the bottom left won't even show one page at 100%! She also explained about files and how to move them around and sort things into them - amazing!!

But what I covet the most is a son who is knowledgeable about computers and is very helpful when Jeanne has a question or a problem. Now, why didn't I think of that forty years ago?

Jeanne waiting for me to settle down again. She might be resting her eyes from the computer, saying a little prayer like, "Give me strength", or perhaps she just needs a little nap. What a wonderfully kind person she is, I know I will never be able to thank her adequately.

Jeanne takes quilters on tours to both France, where she lived for sometime, and Japan, where she is knowledgeable about quilting and quilters. Wish I could go on the Japan tour that is scheduled for the first of November, but I think my health might be a problem. But maybe you can go, check the website at:

http://www.jeannemillstours.com/

Back in wonderful Pacific Grove 08-31-09

I drove I-5 up to San Juan Bautista yesterday (Sunday), it is about 5-1/2 hours and the traffic was light. Lots of cotton fields in bloom and many browning almond trees - from the drought and inability to tap into anymore water from the aqueduct. Sad.

This afternoon I drove into Pacific Grove for a lesson on Microsoft Publisher from Jeanne Mills. I imagine she was shocked at how much I don't know about my computer. I just learn what I can figure out or what someone explains to me. I find the computer instruction books very frustrating, especially those without a glossary. So, I resort to what kids do and just start clicking, saying "Now, what does this little box do?" Eventually I find an answer to my question - not necessarily the easiest way to do something, but just a way that works. In appreciation for all the time she has given me I took her to dinner at Passionfish. Yummy!

Naturally, my first stop was at Back Porch Fabrics - just to say hello. Well, I did snap up several fabrics that the bolts were almost empty, because I knew that the Empty Spools students would be in later. This is the view from the street in front of the shop (which is on the right side of the picture) looking out to Monterey Bay - it isn't a gorgeous view, but one that is very familiar and means I am THERE. I don't know why but going to PGrove is like being home to me.

This little Cooper was parked in front of me. Guess the driver really enjoys it. Or perhaps he puts his vanity plate on every car he owns. I do.

But I noticed the little sign in the back window. The only thing I can think of is an association with the signs in side view mirrors, warning that things are closer than they appear.

I did go to the evening presentation at Empty Spools - four of the teachers gave a ten minute presentation, either with actual quilts or with a Power Point program. It is always interesting to hear new teachers talk about what they teach and to catch up with what is current with teachers that come annually. Four more teachers will talk tonight and the final four on Thursday.

I couldn't post this last night because the satellite connection was not working. Sorry. Del

Workshop & Dinner 02-28-09

We drove to Monterey this morning for Sylvia's "Small Towns" workshop - Sylvia as teacher, Mary and Del as students (2 out of 20). It was a fun workshop and a great bunch of quilt making ladies. I didn't take pictures but have been promised some copies of pictures taken by another student in the workshop. I'll post some when/if I receive them. And maybe tomorrow I will be able to post a picture of what I did today.

After the workshop Mary and I went to dinner with Gail Abeloe and Jeanne Mills at the Red House - and sitting at the next table were Sylvia, Ruth McDowell and Sue Broenkow! Hugs all around and then we went to our separate tables.

Mary, Gail and I ordered the Blue Cheese Souffle, which is just too delicious for words, and Jeanne ordered the fantastic spinach salad with chicken. Above is an image of the outside of the souffle. The field greens that surround it are lightly dressed and accompanied by very thinly sliced pickled pears. There should have also been candied pecans but somehow they were left off this time.

This is the inside of the souffle showing the chunks of blue cheese.

I haven't had a Latte since I left home on Wednesday, so this one was extra tasty.

Jeanne had the spinach salad with chicken on the top.

We contemplated dessert because they were serving ollalieberry pie - and theirs is undoubtedly the best in the world. However, we were all satiated and decided to come back another evening just for pie and the special hand churned vanilla ice cream.

Doesn't it look delicious? It really is!