So much to do and so little time! This week kicks off the 6 week racing season in Saratoga New York, probably one of the most beautiful tracks in the US  for horse racing. Years ago when I lived here it was only for 21 days in the month of August when the town would be mesmerized by these horses, the jockey’s colorful silks and all the people that would flock in for the races. It was a treat for us as kids to go once a year and I would make a little $2 bet, not based on the best horse, but by the name of the horse! Sometimes I did great and sometimes not so great.

My sister and I continue to work on the fabric stash. I think that we now have everything sorted, folded and ready to go back in the storage bins. We have red bins for Christmas fabrics, orange for Halloween, purple for spring time and so on. These are just a few of my favorite fabrics!

or this one!

or how about this one? I love Miss Hiss! can’t you see her on a needlepoint canvas?

My trip to the Joyful Quilter which is my sisters favorite shop, was quite interesting. “Quilt Camp” was going on which I learned is just like one of our needlepoint retreats with a cute name… except that these ladies will sew till midnight! are they out of their minds or what? Quilters use the acronym “UFO’s” as needlepointers do, but I  heard a new one! “PIGS” which is Projects in Grocery Sacs. I can honestly say I have allot of projects in bags, but can’t think of any in grocery sacs. I learned what a design wall is, which is a wall covered with batting and the quilts are layed out on the wall to check for design flaws, symmetry and flow. Brilliant!

The day at Caroga Lake was a delight and learned that there is quite a bit of history up there. I guess it was quite the summer destination years ago to get away from the heat in the city with cool breezes and scenery beyond expectations. The summer home of our dear friends was built in 1920 and just oozed with charm!

Those are glider chairs! and there is also a glider couch and what a trip down memory lane as I sat in the chair and remembered summers on the porch from long ago.

The heat and humidity came steamrolling in yesterday, but we stayed inside in cool comfort of the air conditioned house and keeping busy with the fabrics. I have done little to no stitching while I have been here, but will soon be making up for lost time! I head home in a few days. I am sure that the airport will be bustling with activity as I arrive as Comic Con will have started. It is the best economic boon for our city and you can absolutely get in the most amazing people watching in by being near the Convention Center!

How could I forget that opening day at Del Mar for their racing season is tomorrow? Del Mar, California that is!

I miss the feline children and hopefully they didn’t leave me too many surprises for when I get home. I am anxious to see them! and until next time…keep on stitching.