A lovely day

The weather was perfect on Sunday and I got to spend the morning in Philadelphia watching the Philadelphia Marathon. No, not running, watching. My nephew came down to run the half marathon. No, running 13 plus miles is not my idea of a good time but it was really nice to watch others on a lovely sunny day. He finished in under 2 hours and was pleased with his results. (He ran the marathon a few years ago and that day was cold and rainy. This was so much better.)

It was a very early day for both of us. I was very tired but couldn't use running as my excuse. After I watched the beginning of the race, I went in search of some breakfast. I didn't want to venture too far away from the race and lucky me, the only place to choose was The Four Seasons! After spending so much time in the last few days on my feet setting up for the Christmas Market, it was simply lovely to sit and relax and enjoy a delightful meal. Doesn't it look good?

After I finished eating, I went out to watch the end of the half marathon. There was quite an air of the event and fun to see all the runners as they finished. Most of the half marathoners look pretty happy when they finish. When Chris ran the marathon, I saw some people who looked totally beat after 26+ miles and some who looked like they could run it again.

While I was waiting I saw a few very special murals. Philadelphia has a very strong mural arts program. I believe they have more murals than any other city. I knew this but didn't realize that it extended to the trash trucks. I love this one. There were only two there but I would love to see the rest of the fleet. There are several mural tours in the city. Not sure the trucks are part of that tour!

I'm not sure if I'll be posting before Thanksgiving so I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, hopefully spending time with people you love. I'll leave you with this lovely picture from the lobby of The Four Seasons.

An interesting picture

For the past three days I have been working at the Christmas Market in Philadelphia. The market opens on Thanksgiving Day and it takes us quite a while to set up. The market is in Love Park this year and we are located right near the Love Statue. You do see lots of people having their picture taken by the statue but today was a first, for us at least. There was not white dress but there was a wedding. Only a few guests along with the couple and their minister. I would love to know the story behind this couple. Very appropriate spot for a wedding, don't you think?

As I said, we're not set up yet but this is what our tent looked like last year. You can find us and the lovely German products close to the Love statue. The market will open on Thanksgiving Day and run until Christmas Eve.

Just a few of the things in our tent. If you want more information about market, you can go to this site.
Philadelphia Christmas Village

Be sure to come visit if you are in the area.

The seasons are colliding

As I look out my window I can still see some color in the trees. Of course, the tree right outside my window is almost bare so it does really give me a good view. I love how it looks on darker days and lighter days too. The colorful trees just pop!

I think I've captured this tree before. It stands between two houses and just stands out against the siding. It still has a way to go before all its leaves are gone but if we had another hefty storm, that would probably be it.

In my house I'm really trying to follow Nordstrom's lead and keep Thanksgiving decorations up until Thanksgiving is over. At Nordstrom's they even have a sign up that they believe each holiday should have its own time. I agree but sometimes it is hard not to get a jump start on Christmas.

Tonight I went to the first night of Festival of Trees at the Pearl Buck House in Perkasie, PA. The house is absolutely beautiful with all the decorations. Each room has been decorated by a local group or organization and they have outdone themselves this year. If you live in the area you should really try to go and see for yourself. If you want more information, you can go to this link Festival of Trees at Pearl S. Buck House. It will be in place until December 31st.

The rooms in the house can't be photographed but this milk house is outside. Don't you just love the decorations that transformed the house into Santa's. And if you got close to him, he talked. I hadn't seen this but a little friend (arm in the corner) asked me if I wanted to see Santa. She was especially proud since this house was decorated by her grandfather and most of the toys inside belonged to her or her brother. It was charming.

And I thought you should have a closeup of Santa's charming face. Very appealing, don't you think?

Even though  decorations seem to be coming at us fast and furious, I think we can finally handle them as we get even closer to the official start of the holiday season. Full disclosure, I did put some holiday rugs down in the house.

Have a wonderful day!

This and That

Wow, I can't believe the last time I posted was November 2nd. I do believe I have been making up for lost time by being incredibly busy outside of the house. I couldn't drive for 5 weeks and then just gradually entered the busy world full force a few weeks ago. I haven't done any sewing since I finished the birthday quilt.

Yesterday was a chance to slow down and have tea with some friends, as you can see from the sign on the table. We went to Tilly Mint's in Souderton, PA, truly one of the loveliest little tearooms I've ever visited. Trish, the owner is so charming and the food and atmosphere are wonderful. 

Don't you love the folded napkin? I do believe having tea is one of the most civilized ways to dine. I look for tearooms whenever I travel and also in the local area.

This was the food served for the three of us. It is always presented in such a pretty manner. The sandwiches were delicious. One time, someone told me they didn't think you get enough food when you have tea. Personally, I think this is plenty. Trish always serves raisin scones because they are traditional. And very good, I might add.

I just had to share the ladybug. Every time I've been there the ladybug is one of the sandwiches.

And of course, the yummy little desserts. Sugar cookies are always a seasonal shape. Just too cute.

I'll be back soon with more news. And hopefully some sewing too. 

Pillows, we have pillows!

I'm back with the pillows tonight. Here are 11 that we had pillow forms for. There were two others but Lynn liked those so much, she bought them already. I wish you could see each pillow close up and look at the fabulous backs on them. Some have the same backing but some others were made of contrasting fabric. You know how it is when quilters gather and create!

We ran out of pillow forms but that fabulous group just kept going and made more. There are 19 more to fill and these are great too. Notice the one on the lower right. She is perfect for our gift shop with the other Asian themed items we sell there.

Here are a few more. A few that have matches. I can't wait to get these out in the store for sale. May have to buy one or two myself. And a few more Asian ladies in the picture below.

I couldn't end the post without showing a few of the sewers at work. They were just absolutely great. And I have to say thanks to Fran and Cindy for setting up the room. It was the best arrangement for group sewing.

On the table you can see some of the fabric laid out. What fun to pick and choose from some fabulous fabric.

 Peggy and Karen did lots of the cutting. It was a real assembly line.

If you peak to the left of Lynn's shoulder you can see the pillows she bought! I think they already made their way to her home. I'm sure they look great.

Who knows what we can do next!

A productive evening

We had a meeting of our Good Enough Quilters tonight and they were anything but just good enough tonight. It was an amazing time as everyone worked hard to make pillows to be sold at the Pearl S. Buck Gift Shop. We had fabric and pillow forms that were donated and with their sewing machines whirring, these ladies made magic. Cindy's sweater pictured below shows just how hard everyone was working.

I do have a few other things to share tonight so I'm going to take some time to photograph the finished pillows so you can appreciate them fully.

Drew showed us her sampler quilt that she finished. This was the one where each of us brought a block pattern  each month. Hers turned out great and we all loved the border she put on. I didn't finish mine yet but it sure gives me some ideas.

Don't you love the way she put on the label. It is just enough set right there in the corner. Another idea.

I didn't have one to share tonight but I did have a finish. Here is the birthday quilt which I finished on Sunday night and delivered on Monday. I am really pleased at the way it turned out. And happy that I had the whole thing finished in time to give it as a gift.

 Here is a closeup of the backing. While the front was fruits and vegetables, the back was baking supplies. Dan loves riding so the bikes went around the quilt in the binding.

Now, remember, tomorrow I'll be back with pictures of the pillows. I have to find the best way to display so you can see them and appreciate them. I think they exceeded all our expectations!