Whatever have I been doing???

It has been over a week since my last post - well just one day over, and I have not accomplished much other than work, work, work. I have been working long hours - and very frustrating hours, too. We are implementing a new computer system at work, and it does get overwhelming.

So, what have I done to relieve the stress???

Saturday, my quilt club met at my house and I gave a lesson on back basting applique using the A Tisket A Tasket blocks. We had a great time. I fixed a lunch of Tortilini Pasta Salad and Peach Cobbler. Yum!

That evening my daughter has us over for a hotdog cookout and some BIG news - I am going to be a grandma again in November!! Woohoooo.

Sunday was church, then over to see my folks and then back home to start working on my friendship blocks for April. Here's a little peek at what I am working on, and yes it is applique, back basted applique to be exact.

Monday was a fun day!!! I took the day off work to attend a workshop being sponsored by my local guild. Cindy Blackberg was our guest speaker for the meeting on Monday night, and the workshop I attended was on hand quilting. I am not sure you can see much in this picture, but I actually made some improvement on my stitches. Cindy taught us how to quilt sideways and using a spoon underneath to keep from sticking your finger. I still have a ways to go, but felt encouraged after the workshop that I can learn to handquilt with little even stitches. Cindy's quilts and stitches are amazing.

The rest of the week was pretty humdrum - to work, home, bed, to work, home, bed. I dare not complain though, as I am thankful to have a good job that I enjoy. Thursday night after work a friend (Darlene R) and I went to Mary Jo's to get fabric for the May club project. Now that was fun.

After work today, my husband and I packed an overnight bag and headed for Bishopville, SC. Our goal is to relax, have some fun and spend tomorrow roaming around seeing what we can see. Specifically we hope to see the Pearl Fryer Topiary Gardens - more on that tomorrow.