Lovely Surprises, and a Disappearing Log Cabin

 From my daughter ...

 ...and a BIRTHDAY SURPRISE from a BUNCH of quilty friends ... (goodness, you'd think I could have arranged this collection of gifts in a more attractive setting).  There are even homemade food items in that amazing group of gifts which includes yards of fabric!  What a lovely and surprising day I had.  I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.  8-)))  

Playing with Disappearing Log Cabin blocks.  

My final choice - because I didn't want to make more blocks  and end up with yet another huge quilt!   OK, I bet some of you are thinking of trying this one.  I got my instructions from that clever gal Suze, at Revelation Quilts.

It's my Birthday!, Visit with Colorado Family, Snake Skins, Machine Quilting

 I had a birthday - I'm still alive and kicking!

I made a quick trip to Denver area to visit my brother David, and his wife Mary.  What a delightful pair they are!  This is a quilt I made for them some time ago.  Mary wanted it in the photo!  8-)

 My brother, the engineer - note the pocket!  Me, having a good visit, looking like my mother.

Their backyard, all full of trees, soil, plants, berms, a hole that was going to be a lake, green things (usually green, if not too dry) and his Solar System that provides INCOME, not a bill!  Rocky Mountains in background, a stunning view.  This used to be out in the boonies, not now.

 That's Mary, retired art teacher.  I wish they lived closer to us. 

 Yes, that's Birthday me, Elaine Adair.

 Bull Snake skins - yikes, I kept watching for the LIVE snakes, maybe in the trees?

Back home again in Nebraska, and I can concentrate on machine quilting my long-delayed project, a Quiltville design called Tumalo Trails.  I renamed it "Cowboy Up" because it looks so "outdoors, friendly, western".  I saw this free MQ design on the Internet by Christina Cameli, called Bear Claws.  Works for me, on this very busy, big quilt.  Only two blocks a day is the goal  -- my shoulders and neck feel it!

 The back.