At Home....Briefly

Back from a laughter-filled and very productive weekend in De Soto, Wisconsin. Above, a shot of crossing the Mississippi near Lansing, Iowa. On a sunny, blue-sky day, it's a scenic delight. But I recall another trip across this bridge, in sleet and snow, that had more of a panicked element to it...

Our home away from home, as always, was A Place to Sew, which is now TWO houses, both high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and the hills of Iowa beyond.


Our house, The Cottage, has lovely comfy areas for gathering, sewing, eating, and handwork. This sitting room overlooks a gorgeous view of the river and the town.


Sue busy sewing:


Sewing? I got A LOT accomplished and will be talking about that soon.

I managed to spread some economic stimulation around, shopping in no less than SIX different quilt shops in the course of the weekend. Each shop different, each specializing in a different look or aspect of quilting. We must be flexible, mustn't we??

Here, the wonderful Yellow Bird Art, in Lansing, Iowa.


A Top Ten shop a couple years back, it's well worth a stop if you're anywhere in the vicinity.





One chilly afternoon, we drove to Viroqua, Wisconsin to check out the Amish Market.


Three families had set up a display of handmade basketry, quilts, preserves, produce, and more. The baskets were beautiful and well-made, at a great price. I bought an oval sewing basket with tray.



The maker told me she has 12 children.

Viroqua itself looks worthy of a days' exploration. It had the look of ex-hippie, with intriguing shops and galleries, organic food, and interesting looking residents. We'll probably spend more time in Viroqua next time.

So there it is--a great getaway, and much needed. I feel like I'm fully recovered from the wedding and its stresses, and fully re-integrated in the world where I belong.

But first, another trip. I'll be leaving Tuesday afternoon for the annual Wisconsin Library Association Conference in Appleton. Back Friday. And yes, I'll be hitting at least one quilt shop. My car can't travel that route with out aiming itself here.