Friday, September 25, 2009

Home Again!

Hi friends!

We are back from our trip to Atlantic City. I won a nursing scholarship trip, and could take a trip to any continuing education conference...and I picked Atlantic City because of the conference offered (a CCRN review), and because I had never been there before...so off we went! On the way, I finished quilting this little quilt above, and put the binding on today, and I just need to hand finish that and it is done...A finish for Finn!! I like the scrappy binding.
And because I just can't leave well enough alone, I made this block. A larger version of the blocks in the Kim Diehl quilt above, but with the added circle applique in the middle. What do you think? Original? Or is there not an original block left out there? LOL!!

On the trip, we went to Cape May, in New Jersey. The beach was wonderful, and full of "Cape May Pearls", which are small tumbled stones, probably from a quartz outcropping somewhere. They are so pretty, and we collected pockets full! I am surprised that the airport security let us take all those stones through security check. Huge thanks to Pat and her friend for giving us all kinds of wonderful ideas of where to visit in New Jersey. It was gorgeous!


The Trump Taj Mahal at Atlantic City, on the boardwalk...we just peeked in to see the place and took a picture. Did not see any big winners!!



We also went to Hershey, Pennsylvania. DH has always wanted to go, funny because he does not eat any chocolate at all! (But I do)....anyway! We went to the town and enjoyed learning that because Mr Hershey did not have children, he benevolently started a school and provides education to this day via his foundation to thousands of needy children. The whole town revolves around chocolate! The above butterfly are part of a butterfly exhibit in his gardens.




And roses! Blooms galore at this time of year, and the whole garden was just gorgeous.





Had to visit chocolate world...fun!!
Remember to comment on my last post if you are interested in the giveaway...
Have a wonderful day!!
Julie






11 comments:

Amelia said...

The trip pictures - so enjoyed.

Was the trip fun? Show us a picture of the Cape May pearls...sounds interesting.

Have a great weekend!

Libby said...

Chocolate World?!?!?!? Wowza - that's my kinda place. Sounds like you had a wonderful time *s*

Pat said...

Actually, my dear, they are called "Cape May Diamonds"...and not pearls, but you are excused as you were a tourist and wouldn't be expected to know those things. The Sunset Beach area (near the sunken concrete ship is an area that has LOTS of the "diamonds").....not sure if you went to that beach or not...it's a bay beach. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip...never thought to mention Hershey as that is a bit of a ride...but it is a fun place to see...that's for sure. Lovely photos you included in this post.

*karendianne. said...

Welcome home! Love your little quilt and the butterfly photo is so sweet. I don't know why I'm here with a short comment since I'm trying to be The Kitchen Quilter. Not the right time to leave a comment but, I'm here and welcoming you home and daydreaming... dontcha know!

Feeling Well, *karendianne.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Welcome home! Looks like a fun trip! I love the Kim D mini! I've got the same book and have looked at that one many times! And your version of the block is neat! I like the circle in there. :-)

Stephanie D said...

Sounds like a great trip! Of course, anything that involves chocolate is great!

I'd never heard of Cape May pearls, or diamonds. I'm with Amelia--got a picture?

Texan said...

Looks like you had some fun ...

I like the scrappy binding too!

Colleen said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip! I love your scrappy binding for the small quilt. It is fabulous. Chocolate World - WOW!!! what a treat.

Darcie said...

Fabulous pictures, Julie! So glad that you and your husband had a wonderful time together. ;-)

LOVE that little quilt finish! Sweet.

Rose Marie said...

Sweet little quilt and I like your version of the block!

Stina Blomgren said...

Love it.. and wow.. and the large block is so super clever.. like it!!! And I loved the pink "house" ..:o)

Puffins and purples!!

I was tempted by Puffins...a squirrelly breed!!  LOL!  This fabric was shared with me, and I have been loved these bright, candy corn colors...