Shouldn’t you be stitching? Harrumph! Barbara Elmore asks me on Facebook… well I will be soon enough! Today! Today!

I started out Sunday morning checking out what new and wonderful things showed up in the shop since I was there last and shot some better pictures. It is really like being in thread heaven in the shop. This will come in handy when we take our little road trips to the shop during class when Tony tells you ooh you need this thread or no try this one!

Aviva was the local featured artist Sunday & Monday. I absolutely loved these canvases! Very Eclectic.

I checked out the bookstore and of course I had to buy just 1 book. It is on Japanese beading and it is written all in Japanese. No I can’t read it, but there are wonderfully illustrated directions that I should be able to follow. Well at least I hope so!

As I walked the halls, classes were just about starting and this is Sharon G’s room. Her students get to design their canvas, paint it and then stitch it! She was gracious enough to invite me in for a look see.

This is what the halls look like! All quiet now as classes have started.

Today is another day of playing tourist! I was on a mission and that was to walk down to Independence Hall and to see the Liberty Bell. Hard Rock Cafe is right across the street from the hotel, so this was my first “touristy” picture of the morning.

It was only about 7-8 blocks from the hotel and a pleasant early morning walk. I didn’t expect to see the bell enclosed, but I guess the elements would age it more and not so gracefully.  The Liberty Bell was quite popular this morning.

Just beautiful buildings and I am so totally mesmerized by the masonry work that I see. I keep thinking needlepoint stitches! I could have stayed here for hours taking absolutely everything in, but…

All too soon it was time to head back to the hotel as it was baseball time! A quick cab ride to Citizens Bank Ballpark with Nancy. It is always nicer to have company.

The bell was even at the ballpark!

When the home team hits a home run, the bell rings and moves back and forth. Too cool! It was a great game and loved visiting another ball park as I continue to check them all off on my bucket list.

Game over and it is time to head back to the hotel to shower and get ready for the opening banquet. This is the official start of seminar as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of ANG.

Dessert was set at the table as we sat down. Does that mean that we should start with that first? The table favors were over the top with a program, pen, scissors in the case and a chocolate bar.

It only made sense to have a Hershey Bar being in Pennsylvania…but read the ingredients! Too clever.

The ribbons have mostly been awarded and the ribbon gods did not smile favorably on me this year. As Dinny, a judge and a mentor tells me “you enter to show everybody what you can create with your needle and thread…you don’t enter to win a ribbon” and “you enter to share your work” It will just make me work hard and stitch with less cat hair for next year!

Time for class! and until next time…keep on stitching