Putting your shirt on backwards

Today, August 29, 2011, I am writing this post from southeast Arizona. If anyone has ever been to southeast Arizona in August you will agree that August is not the prime month to be visiting this area. Remember all those times people told you the southwest has "dry" heat and 100 degrees feels much cooler? Not so during the summer monsoon season which brings daily  heavy afternoon/evening rains and with it high humidity and BUGS.  I probably could go on for pages about the bugs: chiggers, wasps, mosquitoes, and my most unfavoured noseeums. Every part of my flesh is covered with the swollen itching remains of bites from these little pests.

Last evening after a full day of sweating and bites I took a late night bath. Anxious to get fully dressed before the feeding frenzy restarted I quickly pulled on my shirt and to my house mate's delight, dressed myself with a shirt that was on backwards. Once the laughter and giggles dies down I began to think about how inattentive I was in dressing and wondered what other things I did that lacked full attention.

As a long time resident of central Pennsylvania, sometimes I barely notice the beauty of the state. Working on the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails has made me stop and take notice of the surroundings. The colors of the rolling farm lands are a beautiful palate of greens, browns, and yellows. Places like Hunters Valley (home of the first PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails square) has a view of the Susquehanna River that is stunning. On the drive from Hunters Valley Winery to the Tuscarora Forest to see the Magdalean Trail Rug there is an enclave of Amish residents with road side farm stands and (on Fridays) an Amish bakery with the most delicious, still warm donuts, cookies and breads.

This fall when the colors of central Pennsylvania are at their most fabulous take a day off and follow the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. Even if you have lived in central Pennsylvania your entire life, take the tour, open your eyes and ears and nose and pay attention.

August 15, 2011

It goes without saying that mid-August is a time of change. In central Pennsylvania, in the evenings, sweaters an/or jackets are sometimes donned, leaves begin to change, school buses return to the roads once again, crisp apples appear and thoughts turn to winterizing, indoor activities, and shorter daylight. For residents and visitors alike fall, in central Pennsylvania is "THE" place to be.

Following the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails you  travel through forests and farmlands, in fall, all ablaze with vibrant reds, purples, oranges, greens and yellows. Amish hay bales are collected in the field and stacked looking like a real-life Van Gogh painting. Farmers Markets and road side stands are full of vine ripened tomatoes, squashes, pumpkins, pears and apples. Wineries are busy harvesting their grapes and pressing them into delicious red and white wines. Last year I was lucky enough to stop by Hunters Valley Winery on a day they were hand pressing their red wine.

This year if you are local or visiting take some time out to go look at some of the pieces of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. Our newest square which will be installed in the next few weeks at Heirloom Cabinetry in Mifflintown has one of the prettiest views of farm land and rolling hills.

And send photos of your travels along the PA Quilt (and Rug)Trails. We would love to re-post your photos!

Send to 

Administrator@paquilttrails.org 

We will post as many photos as possible.

August 9, 2011

The hardest part of writing a blog is keeping secrets. I know that sounds terrible and perhaps you feel betrayed by my dishonesty but first let me explain.

This past week I discussed the very good possibility, with two separate entities, the sponsorship of two new quilt squares. This very exciting news for the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails, one that I am quite anxious to share. However........I have learned through the process of administering the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails that negotiations usually need to reach a certain stage until announcements are made. Situations change, not always for the worse,  but pre-mature announcements tend to be confusing.

Six days ago I lost my dog, Sophie (Lady Sophia of Cambria). She was young and her death was a total surprise. I have spent the better part of the week blaming myself for not seeing her illness and doubting my ability to be a good pet owner. But as the week progressed I Googled a bit, reflected our life together and found I probably have the ability to be a good dog (or cat) Mom. In only six days my grief is closer to the joy I had being my constant companion for the five short years she was here.

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.  ~Author Unknown

So the best I can do for this blog is whisper in your ear via  the Internet that most possibly, there are two new quilt squares negotiations in the works. Will announce confirmations as soon as possible.

Don't forget to check out PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails website for news and updates.

<paquilttrails.org>>

If you, your family or group would be interested in sponsoring a quilt square please contact:

Sharon Lee 

adminstration@paquilttrails.org 

or call Community Partnerships RC&D/ PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails 

717-248-4901 ext 326

WELCOME HOME Square

 

Photo by Rick Brandt

This week I put out a press release looking for  sponsor and or site for a quilt square honoring men and women who have or are serving our country.

As a parent of a twenty-one year old (twenty-two in nine days), I have watched a steady stream of her peers graduate high school, then enlist in a branch of the armed forces. Central Pennsylvania residents have a deep connection to our present and past military.

The average recruit comes from a community that is slightly less densely populated than average for the United States. There is some under-representation of youth from most urban areas of our country in the enlisted ranks. The enlisted Army recruit population is skewed more toward rural and suburban areas than is the total population of 17-24 year old youth in the United States." 1

Pennsylvania is one of the states with the highest recruitments.

1 http://www.2k.army.mil/faqs.htm#state

If you, your family or group would like to participate as a sponsor, painter, or site contact 

Sharon Lee at:

 administrator@paquilttrails.org

77-248-4901 ext 326