Activity in my Studio!!

Whooo hooooo! I've completed the drawings for the sign language chart for "Tall Giraffe." So I've cleaned up that area of my little studio and am shifting gears now to return to the quilts that are underway for "Red, White and Blue." My sewing machine is now in place and the iron is plugged in. The basket of fabrics above are those that I brought north -- for the anticipated fun. I got all my little fat quarters and remnants unpacked this afternoon, refolded and organized. Now all I need is a direction to start moving. One way or another, I intend to get underway tomorrow.

Fireworks!! Camera Issues?

O.K. So we all know I'm not a photographer. I know absolutely NOTHING about cameras either. I took these pictures last night at the festive conclusion of the picture perfect day at our marina. We were guests of our neighbors, Fred and Susan, and had an incredible view from the deck of their cruiser, "Just Ducky."

So what happened? I was using my digital camera and had it turned on the "fireworks" setting. Don't get me wrong, I think these are intriguing images, but they don't exactly look like what we were seeing in the sky. These sorta look like time-lapse?? Or a colony of squids. Or something viewed under a microscope. Or exotic molds in the refrigerator. Hmmmm. If anyone can shed some insight, please leave me a comment on your theory. Thanks.

Winners: Graceland Giggles

This is my personal choice for the boat with the most happy-going-on. These kids 'performed' for hours once the judging got started, until the sun set so that the fireworks could get underway. Choreography: outstanding. Costumes: too cute. Enthusiasm: contagious. Elvis popcorn: appreciated. Family fun: priceless. Reminds me of my bumper sticker that says: "I embarrass my off-spring."

Amphicar -- Aqua-car

Lookie here! It's a car. It's a boat. It's amazing! This is one of the few remaining, fully operational amphicars known. You should have heard the cheers when it drove right into the water and swam across the marina for the crowds!! We were walking down the hill on Main Street, (from On Deck headed toward the pier) at the end of the day and the proud owners were driving up the hill, having had enough fun. My camera wasn't quick enough to get a pic of the front grill/hull. We were laughing so hard to see it from that angle! Good 'ol Yankee ingenuity in action!!

Woodies @ the Beach!!

Look at all the Woodies lining our beach! What incredible craftsmanship for their day, and what a loving tribute to keep them gleaming and in good repair all these decades later. Wow. Sister Bay day is always on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and is a tribute to all things fantastic.

How fortunate that all my flights were efficient and that I was able to make it back for the blue sky, afternoon festivities taking place a block from our place. Whoooo hoooo. Let's hear it for "Midwest Connect." They are the airlines that are best known for serving their signature freshly baked (during the flight) ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies. Gotta love the midwest.

I realize that I neglected to take any pictures of the Lions Club boatbuilding tent for children..... it's a madcap, beehive of activity, where the kids get to create their own vessels from precut wood. Standing room only. Awesome creativity. Next year.

Cinci: "All Together Now"

Look at these joyous early childhood teachers from Clermont County!! What an exuberant burst of energy. We sang. We danced. We laughed. We learned. The first picture shows the sign language motion 'together' as in 'Everybody, all together now.' Even after the 4,586th time I've lead this song of mine -- I'm still smiling. It's contagious. Just ask this crew. Also captured are some good 'bops' for that jazzy song/dance of mine..... and last but not least, the dancing feet during my Scottish brig, 'Higgeldy Biggeldy.' [Notice how capably these feet are crossing the midline!!] I forgot to have anyone take a picture of me. Dog gone it. Insert sad face.... today I was premiering my new polka dot tights from my Napa Valley trip and believe me, they are memorable. Note to self: next time. Something to look forward to.

SQUEEEEEZE da BABEEEEZZZ

So as much as I LOVE our northern PLAYground, coming home for a whirlwind has it's unique perks, too!!! Look who picked me up from the airport! Sarah drove my three pips. Wonder boy got to see some up close and personal airplanes -- taking off and landing. I just can't believe everything that the darlings are doing, since I've been gone for three weeks. AMAZING. McK is rolling over like a ballarina. Trev is as big as a truck and has hilariously discovered his tongue. WB put all 25 pegs into the big, oversize pegboard like he was taking a college entrance exam. SOOOO much fun!! Then I went over and had a brainstorm session around some new tunes that are rolling around in my head. The car is packed and filled with gas.... Cinci here I come!!