(A note to those looking for Judy Laquidara’s last Quilt for an Hour quilt, her link is “Judy L — Patchwork Times”, to the right.  You can see my rendition of her quilt by clicking on my Quilt for an Hour blog entries (lower right).  Judy does remove her directions shortly after the QFAH is completed, so watch for her next challenge!  Glad to have you visit.  Stop by any time!)

Retirement is wonderful — it totally changes your view of Mondays.  This week is a pretty open slate for me, which is a treat.  I have two customer quilts I want to get done this week (maybe three, if I’m ambitious).  The only things on the calendar are fun things.  Tonight is our once-a-month guild meeting.  It’s our summer party (with a cowgirl theme), so we’ll be having a potluck dinner.  Fortunately I have a pair of boots to wear, and of course jeans, and — yee-haw! 

It’s been nine years since my dad passed away, and I still think of him every day.  So Father’s Day was a little nostalgic.  It still feels like he’s here, and I could call him up and…then I remember I can’t.  I don’t think that will ever change.  So I’m drinking an extra cup of coffee to you, Dad.  (He was Norwegian, and LOVED his coffee!  Me too.)  And a tip of the mug to any of you who are missing your dad, especially this time of year.

We are being re-roofed today.  Our entire townhouse development had hail damage to our roofs last fall, so a huge roofing crew is here.  They do the tear-off and re-roofing in one day. four twin-homes at a time!  We woke up before 7:00 to the pitter-patter of workmen’s little feet.  It’s very noisy, and this is before there’s any nailing going on.  A good day to sew!

And speaking of sewing, I’m working on the first quilt I’ve taken in from a gentleman.  He does wonderful work.  He’s in our guild, so I’ve seen a number of his quilts, and they are distinctive from what we women tend to do.  His patterns and colors are more bold, and he will do colors I wouldn’t think to do (he did one memorable quilt totally in shades of green), but his quilts ALWAYS draw oohs and aahs.  This one is very scrappy black, white, and some red.  I’ll post a picture if/when I get his permission tonight.  So I’m heading downstairs, I’ll put on my wireless headphones (a MUST if you’re a longarmer), and get to work.  I won’t hear the roofers at all!  Enjoy this fabulous day.  Even if you’re at work.

–Sue