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Fall Wrap-Up

Monday, October 21, 2013
Much as I hate to see the vibrant colors, invigorating air and doses of sunshine on the shoulders come to an end, it is also fun to pull out last year's scarves, cowls and shawls in anticipation of wrapping up for cozy days and nights of crocheting.

Paisley Cowl-2013


Seven paisleys were languishing in the "deal-with-this-later" pile when the President of my CGOA chapter offered up a UFO Challenge. I didn't win the $50.00 drawing, but I got a new cowl finished!
To "wrap up" news of my autumn activities, all I can say is it has been quite hectic.
Capitol Building, Des Moines, IA: birthplace of our eldest
Riverwalk in Des Moines: clear skies, crisp air!
Quilt Study Center, Lincoln, NE
Visiting Alan's sister, Alice: tractor museum

Chicken wire gown: art museum campus of U of NE
Detail
Promoting my book, blogging more often and an array of guest bloggers has kept me on my toes. I have been particularly thrilled and grateful to my guest bloggers who have done a bang-up job of sharing their interests and passions coupled with skilled writing. If you haven't already read their stories, here are some direct links to their posts:
Kathryn Vercillo, Marie Segares, Jude Butterworth, Kristen Stoltzfus, Bonnie Meltzer,  and Gabli Musings.

I have more guest bloggers lined up and they have interesting and inspiring topics to share with you. If you would like to be a guest blogger, just check in with me with your ideas and we can plan a topic and schedule a date.

Visiting fun fests, Octoberfests,
 apple fests and visiting museums. galleries and restaurants with friends has been the fun part of getting to know our new neighborhood.
O'Shaunessy's Brew House for an afternoon brew.
Always a thrill to stumble upon yarn-bombing during our walks!

Let's not forget the visit from Jack Blumenthal of Lion Brand to our CGOA chapter. He gave a wonderful video presentation about his company which has existed for over 100 years! Spiced with Jack's humor and tales of yarn, it was a fun evening which culminated with his gift of goody bags for everyone!

Jack Blumenthal of Lion Brand with Gwen

Now that the temperatures are dropping we must either wrap up the 15 year old ficus tree and jade plant or bring them in and hope we can find space to keep them over the winter!

Always so special are the weekends when the grand-kids come to visit; er uh, and the kids too! Chloe really enjoys talking to Jack now that he is speaking in full sentences! I love their hilarious little conversations! Here are some highlights of this past weekend:

Nicole, Chloe, Jack
"Whaa? No dogs allowed? I can't believe it!"

So much fun climbing!
The thrill of a drinking fountain!

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