Desert in Bloom (Benson, AZ)

We are settled in the Escapees Saguaro SKP Co-op in Benson, AZ for the next couple of weeks.  Our timing was perfect for viewing many cacti in bloom.

I have been going for a walk every morning and can't stop myself from taking photos.  I have noticed that I look forward to my walks between the blue sky, the views of the valley below us, the different textures of plants, and colorful flowers....as long as I get out in the early morning's cooler temps.  By the afternoon, I am not so enthused.

I actually have a sore neck from trying to look at everything during my morning walks.  So much to see between the wildlife and the park settings.

Chollo

Almost every plant in the common areas has a name tag.  I really appreciate the park's volunteer gardeners spending the extra time to tag each plant.  

Prickly Pear

It certainly makes it easier for guests to learn the different kinds of cactus along with other desert plants.  A lot of repetition.  That is dedication!

Yellow Bird of Paradise

I turned the photos below into a collage so I could share more photos of the park.  We are on two waiting lists for a site.  One in the northwest and one in the southwest.  Our plans are to take a permanent site after our travel days are over. 

our temporary site with a view

It has not been an easy decision between Sutherlin, OR and Benson, AZ.  So, many pros and cons for both and neither is winning more pros than the other!  Besides the better winter weather, I love the Casitas built on each site.  Each one made unique by the site's lease holder.  Below are views of some of the different style Casitas from the road.  The bottom left photo shows the space behind the sites with more plants.

The next collage shows the fountain and garden near the Club House along with more blooming cacti.  The lower left photo is a back view of our coach between two sites.

Granted this area is hot and dry.  Water shortage is also a problem, but I still love the desert, the colors, the dry air, and the birds....so many different birds. Okay, so the House Sparrow below is more common, but I have seen roadrunners, quails, and others that I could not identify.

And yet, I love the northwest area as well.  We could become snowbirds and summer in OR with winters in AZ.  Hmmm, I'm glad I don't have to decide today, but I know that day is coming soon.

On The Cutting Board

Four quilts done!  Here are some quick photos of each one.  I will need to find a better spot to take photos for my Etsy shop.  The fabric collection in Cosmos quilt had me wondering what I was thinking.  It sat in the closet for quite a long time because I thought the collection was too dark for a child's quilt with so many browns and sage greens.  With a little yellow, a flash of red, and white background added to the mix and...Ta-Da!  I do believe Cosmos, the Star Puppy looks quite cheerful. 

Cosmos The Star Puppy

The Giraffe quilt is done!  The blocks were easy to do and the giraffes look quite cute, but I'm pretty sure I will not be making this quilt any time soon.

Giraffe quilt

Peek-a-boo Bears - done!  I love the way this one came out.  The scraps really pull the whole quilt together.

Peek-a-boo Bear

The last one is the Zoo panel that I have renamed Hippo and Friends.  I plan to give this one to a children's charity group since this fabric was given to me by a friend.

Hippo and Friends

That's it for now.  I have more quilt tops needing appliqué work.  I hope to have some more to show you in my next post.
Happy Quilting!

Progress Report (Sutherlin, OR)

Time for a progress report!

Peek-a-boo!  I see you!

Dan saw his doctor last week and received good news.  His foot is healing on its own and he will not need surgery.  His next appointment is in another six weeks.  In the meantime, Dan will start putting weight on his foot, walking without the boot and finally without the crutches.  Yeah!  😁👍

Hitch and Dan enjoying some sun

It feels like Spring has come early to Oregon. We spent a couple of afternoons outdoors enjoying the sun.  Even Max came outside to soak up some sun.  Hitch keeps himself entertained by getting tangled in our chairs.  This time he found that it was more fun to tangle his leash around Dan's crutches.  

Hitch

Max had his own entertainment with the turkeys.  For being such a nervous cat, he was quite brave by facing the big guys and following them around.  I had to keep calling him back and shooing away the turkeys.  They seemed just as curious about him.  Maybe they thought he would lead them to food?

Dusty managed to stay out of sight whenever I had my camera out.  I'll get him next time!

On The Cutting Board

Since we are here for another six weeks, I decided to get a few quilt tops done and save the quilting for summer.  The Peek-a-boo Bear at the top of the post has been my latest project.  I have made this quilt twice before.  The pattern is from Quiltmaker Magazine May/June 96 issue.  The appliqued bears are so cute!

When I saw the cloud fabric, I knew then that I had to make this quilt again using scraps for the sashing.  Little did I know what a headache this quilt would cause me!  I am not a big fan of quilt blocks on point.  I love the way they look.  I just don't like making them.  Because the blocks are on point, it is hard for me to visualize placing the pieces.

The first mistake I made was buying the cloud fabric that was directional.  I had to do a lot of fussy cutting.  I could not have the clouds going different directions, right?  The side triangles and corners were a bigger challenge.  I managed to mess up a few of them before I got the correct cut and all the clouds going the same direction.

Then I ran out of the white with stars for the sashing, but luck was with me.  I dug through my stash and I found some scraps of white fabric with hearts by the same designer.  I had just enough to finish the quilt.  Whew!

 Next, keeping track of the triangle squares position in the quilt turned into quite a challenge.  Since I don't have a design wall, I often use the floor or the bed depending on where the cats are sleeping.....of course.  I had figured out the direction of all the sashing, but managed to turn a few around a couple of times between moving from the floor to the sewing machine.  Yes, I had pinned them and no, I don't know how I managed to mix up them up.  Just a wee bit frustrating.😖

After several rip-its and a couple of days of time out, I finally got the quilt top assembled.  All I need to do is add a border before quilting!  Next time....if there is a next time, I am using a non-directional background!  The sashing.....well, I haven't figured that one out for next time.

I finished another block for the A to Zzzzz Snowman quilt.  This is another UFO I would like to finish before the end of the year.  I know I am probably trying to take on too many projects, but it keeps me happy and busy.

 Recently, I was reading one of my blogging friend's post about her quilt charity.  She is donating quilts to patients who pass away in the hospital.  Kat's only request for donations are for blocks that she sews together, quilts, and binds.  She also delivers the quilts to the hospital.  This month's request was for a 10.5 inch scrappy string blocks on a fabric foundation with no color restrictions.  I decided it was time to clean out my ever-growing scrap piles and made 12 blocks.  If you are interested in sending Kat some blocks, please click here to see what she is asking for in block donations for this month.

Would you believe those blocks barely put a dent in my scrap pile?  I have gone from two 2-gallon ziplock bags to six bags!  I save everything.  Strips leftover from quilt backings, small scraps from the mug rugs, and even the leftover bindings end up in the bags.   I really need to spend some time putting together more scrap quilts.  I better get back to the cutting board if I want to see that pile disappear!
Happy Quilting!