Happy Trails Workshop and NYC

Well we have had a full couple of weeks.  Just over a week ago we hosted our 3rd Happy Trails Workshop and Frank Bielec did a wonderful job being the instructor.  If you want to have a class where you learn a lot of different things and have your days filled with laughter then you  need to attend one of his workshops!!!

This time Frank made wooden faces of a Santa and Snowman and we punched and hooked our hats and bodies.  We added stick arms and legs and lots of fun accessories.  We took this photo on the 2nd day of the workshop.  By the 3rd day many of the ladies were on to the ornaments.  Frank is so generous he brings you about 12 different patterns and then he draws each person their own rug pattern on linen or monks cloth for a one of a kind pattern just for you. 

We ate, laughed and made our projects. 

The gals were busy on the first day getting all their patterns drawn on and picking out wool and yarn to get started.

 

Danny built me this wonderful light box that also has a big covered board that goes on top for steaming rugs.  It was great for the ladies to be able to use it for drawing off their patterns.

 

 

Frank always has a story to tell or handy tips for making things.

 

Pati Jane is one of a kind.  She is the most generous and helpful friend a gal could have.  She worked non-stop on helping me with preparing the food and the cleanup.  We even found some time to make a couple of projects, too!

I caught Frank off guard here drawing one of the ladies their own pattern.

 

 

Veronica and Teresa always brighten up the room!

 

 

My mom and sister Jane.  Jane was busy running between the workshop and picking up kids from school but she did manage to get her projects done.

 

My sister ~ in ~ law Karen finished up her projects and was on to the ornaments.

 

 

We even had a big 50th birthday dinner for Danny....

 

After the workshop ended we left last Monday for NYC.  We close down our business and all of our employees take a weeks vacation.  Danny and I enjoyed the sites of NYC and took a tour over to Liberty Island to see this magnificent lady.  We saw two Broadway shows Wicked which is my favorite and also the Lion King which was wonderful.  We ate too much pizza and hot dogs but walked a total of 58 miles so hopefully we didn't gain too many pounds. 

I must say I'm THRILLED to be home where it is quiet and I can see for miles....like Dorothy said "There is no place like home" and I totally agree!

Happy Trails.....Ginger

 

October Days

Have we ever been busy....Where to even begin.  Birthdays and a big anniversary.   First Danny's folks celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary...now that is a lot of years!

Sloan turned 5 on the 9th.  Goodness he is growing up too fast.  He is in full time Pre~K and he just loves it.  I still pick him up every afternoon for his mom and dad and we spend a couple of hours together before he goes home.  By the way did you know he is Sponge Bob's biggest fan!

Our son Dan turned 29 on the 7th....now that is a hard one makes me feel like I might be climbing up the ladder just a bit! 

Danny will be 50 on October 12th....wow half a century guess I better be nice because next month I hit the same milestone :) 

There are more family birthdays this month so still lots of celebrations.

We have finally finished the majority of tiling the floor and just in time.  Frank Bielec is here and our workshop will begin on Friday.  We will be making some wonderful Christmas projects and I'll be sure and share the finishes just as soon as the workshop is over.  We have 16 students and it is always such fun.  Frank has a heart of gold and everyone leaves with a finished piece as well as lots of great memories.

I'm hoping after next week to do some catching up with all of you out in blogland.  It's been a bit crazy around here for the last month but with Autumn days here and the biggest part of repair jobs behind us I'm ready for a little rest and relaxation :)  So next week NYC here we come!!!!

Check back in a few days and see what fun projects the gals have made!

Happy Trails.....Ginger