Our recent trip to Waikiki.  We really love to vacation in this calming and relaxing place.  We had a really nice condo with nice views.  We were in the penthouse of the Imperial of Waikiki.  Loved it.

 

Our visit is never complete without a trip to Duke's located in the Outrigger Waikiki.

Holy Cross 8th grade graduation. There were 23 students who have spent the last eight years together.  This is a great group of young adults who will be testing their wings in high school.  Many of them moving on schools near and a little further away.  Ocean, my grandson is in the second row on the right.  A Mass was held in the moring followed by a beautiful brunch.  Graduation ceremonies were in the evening followed by a reception.

 Ocean and one of his best friends Ryan along with Father Joe--all smiles.  


Ocean and my granddaughter Michaela.  Michaela goes on to high school as well. 
There was a very moving speech given by a representative from St Francis High School.  They  gave  out two scholarships.  One was a book scholarship to help a deserving student.  Another was a scholarship in the thousands to help with tuition for a someone that the school thought would be an wonderful and productive asset to St Francis.  We were so proud-----Ocean received both scholarships.  He really wanted to go to St Francis and now it is a reality for him.  He is truly a very kind and sweet young man.  He was shocked-and still a little dazed.

We love all our grandchildren and are so proud of all of them. To all the grandparents and graduates the best to all of you. 

For some strange reason I have been locked out of my old email.  I have not been receiving anything for just to let all of you know my new eamil address is frenchcupboard1@pacbell.net.  For those of you who may not have received a email back--sorry.

I started working on a set of pillows.  this is the first of several.  Using some of my very old fabric, along with some new.  It measure around 14" x 14".   I  am really very fond of black and cream--just need to get into making some bright colors.
I'm off to look for some bright colorful fabric for my next challenge.

This is the next in the Alice in Wonderland--Machine embroidered.  I am still trying to decide what I will do with them when finished.  If you have any ideas let me know.  Have a Happy Easter.

Picture of Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge taken in Northern Ireland.  I think it is Antrim, Ireland.
Did not go across--this but thought it made a fantastic picture to add to our slide show.

Started working on a new project, not sure where it will take me but I found this material in my stash and decided to machine embroider on it.  I think I'll do a wacky Alice in Wonderland theme.  Fabric is cotton with a billiant feel and glow.  I'll work on the Queen of hearts next.

I took this picture while on tour in Belfast, Ireland.  I just realized that on April 15, 2012 will mark the 100th year of the of the Titantic's tragic sinking..  As the picture remarks this was the last port of call for this ship.  On April 14, 1912 the ship struck an iceberg shortly before midnight.  2 hours and 40 minues later the ship was gone.  All the generations that never happened, something to think about.

Just had to put this on my blog.
Hand felted doll by Christine Benjamin.  For sale at Catus Gallery, Los Angeles

Going through some pictures and found this on taken in Dublin, Ireland.  Windows and doors can be interesting. 

It's been a rough couple of months.  My brother-in-law is very ill and we are all praying for his recovery. 
I have spent some time straightening up my sewing and work area.  I have  started a new project and will be trying to get back to posting on my blog more.  Hope all of you are staying well and getting ready for Spring!!  I know I am.

So much fun looking through some travel pictures.  I thought I'd share a couple more before moving on.  Above the Spanish Steps and a view of Rome. 

It's been a while since my last post.  Time just seems to get away and I have no idea where it goes.  I was looking through a few more travel pictures and remembering how lucky I am to have traveled to so many wonderful and exciting places.  These picture were taken while traveling through Italy.  Assisi, Italy was such a peaceful and beautiful place.  I thought I'd share a little of the village.

Picture of the small craft show my friend Linda and I did last week end, along with othere local artists.  We donated some  of the proceeds to our local marine lab here in Santa Cruz.  

It has been a while since I have posted.  We went to Waikiki for a little rest and relaxation.  We really enjoyed the warms sun and tropical breezes.  Good food and lots of walking back and forth to the beach.  We were there during the APEC(Asian Pacifice Economic Council), had 21 dignitaries visiting, hosted by President Obama.  Tight security, lots of road closures while they traveled back and forth to meetings but all in all we weren't effected.  As always we had a very restful vacation.  Shortly after getting back I got a cold and needed some down time to restore my energy.

Thanksgiving was here, I cooked the turkey and prepared our feast.  Now getting ready for the Christmas season----Another year almost at the end.

 Diamond Head ,  Rainbows, Waikiki Beach

Cold Brew at Yardhouse, Dinner at Duke's. 

Beautiful sunset on Waikiki beach.

A few more photos.

Amazing how old these temples have held up in time.  Almost unreal.

 I thought I share some pictures taken last year on our tour.  We were so fortunite to have been able to go before all the chaos that happened earlier this year.  I aften think about our tour guide and how is doing. We had such fun and met such nice people from all over the world.  We spent a lot of time on the river boat floating down the Nile.  Up early and out to see the temples before it got really hot.  Very relaxing-time for afternoon tea and a nap.  Hope you enjoy.

I was looking through some pictures taken in France several years ago and ran across these.  Taken two days before Halloween during our Country Roads of France tour. 

Decorations are out, I'm officially ready for fall.  Today is really warm--yesterday it was cold and we had liquid sunshine.  What a differenc a day makes.  This is typical fall weather for Santa Cruz, so I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.  Not looking forward to winter, the older I get the colder is seems.  Everyone enjoy your week
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Thanks everyone for the comments on my fabulous fabric.  The quilt is officially in the beginning stages.  I cut out and put together my first 58 squares.

New fabric, for new quilt.  This fabric feels like satin to the touch, but 100% cotton.  Just love the black and cream.  It was so hard to cut into this fabric. It took me hours to decide how I was going to use it.  Finally have a quilt game plan.   I have finished my first 29 31/2" squares.