Winter of The Lion, The Quilt, and The Snowmen (Patagonia, AZ)

The Saga of Our Mountain Lion Continues
We have not seen our lion since Thanksgiving, but on 4 December, two lions together were spotted at Patagonia Lake State Park 6 miles south of us.  The creek on the preserve dumps into that lake with ranches in between. It is unknown if these 2 cats were siblings, mother and offspring, or mates.  Hmm, maybe ours went for a visit.

Apparently in other areas of the nation a few cats are also near humanity.

 On 6 December at 5:15 pm, a lion was in the backyard of a house 1 mile north of us on the outer edge of Patagonia.  The caller's wife saw the lion checking out their rabbits.  She banged on the window and the lion left.  So, now we are wondering - are there two or three full-grown mountain lions living here.

The hills are dry, so the deer, javelina, lions, and other critters are staying near the water source and food supply.  I have a feeling there will be more sightings before we leave here.

Motion sensor activated wildlife camera shot across the creek, 
about 100 - 150 yards from the motor home.  

The Giving Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini
When I finished this book, I felt sad and depressed.  I did not get my usual warm-fuzzy feeling from listening to each newcomer's life story sprinkled with moments of quilting.  I feel like Jennifer has lost her quilting muse.  Instead of quilting, I got Jennifer's views on our bad economy, uninformed government/taxpayers, and misguided social values.  I agree with some of her opinions, but that is not why I bought this book.

According to part of the description from Amazon:  featuring not only well-loved characters but also intriguing newcomers, The Giving Quilt will remind us all: Giving from the heart blesses the giver as much as the recipient, and while giving may not always be easy, it is always worthwhile.

I thought there would be at least one quilter sharing a Project Linus experience as a donor or as a founder for their region or even as a receiver.  Instead, each quilter mulled over their own problems - a little too lengthy at times.  What about the problems of the "giving quilt" receivers?  Where were their stories?   Am I wrong to think a child battling a life-threatening illness has bigger problems than a woman in a guild battling a member's bad attitude and short funding the guild?

I bought this book to enjoy some special moments with quilters and making quilts for children in need.  I was very disappointed.  My suggestion is that you read some of the reviews - good and bad before you decide to buy " The Giving Quilt".

On the Cutting Board
While listening to "The Giving Quilt", I have been keeping myself busy with different quilt projects.  My latest quilt project has been layered and pinned.  I will sew this one on the machine.  I am hoping to have a couple of quilts ready for Project Linus by the time I leave here.

I recently discovered that the Project Linus website has a list of drop-off locations as well as contact and chapter information.  I found several drop-off locations in Tucson.

This is a mini quilt or wall hanging by Nancy Halvorsen.  I just love her designs!  This is one of those projects that I hate to finish because I am enjoying the process as well as the outcome.  I think I am going to add some fringe to the scarfs....and maybe a little puff ball to the end of the pink hat.  Oh!  and hand-stitch quilting!  That'll take a little more time.

I wonder what it is about making snowmen that I find so enchanting.  I know I don't like being in the snow to make a real snowman.  Brrr!

Happy Quilting!