A Road Trip to Oregon — Janet Szabo

Last week was very busy. I have two days to breathe and recoup before I head to Albany, Oregon via Tacoma on Wednesday. Robert and Deana are staying here. Our church’s regional denominational meeting is in Albany and I am a delegate. My friends, Mike and Kathy, who live in Tacoma, are coming with me. Mike is giving a presentation on the last evening of conference about his work with the Tacoma Refugee Choir.

I was going to make a stop at Pacific Fabrics in Seattle on my way to Tacoma, but there is a soccer match at noon that day. Pacific Fabrics is only a few blocks from the stadium, so DD#2 suggested I avoid that area. I am bummed about that but I am having dinner with JC Briar when I am in Albany and she suggested a visit to two local fabric stores there. JC was the tech editor for my knitting patterns and books and I don’t get to see her very much anymore, so dinner with her will be a treat.

I am also looking forward to a long drive in the car by myself. I haven’t had one for a couple of months and I always get a bit twitchy without a road trip to clear my head.

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On Saturday morning, I was a guest of the Teakettle Quilt Guild in Columbia Falls, Montana. I gave the short version of my thread talk there. Such a welcoming group of people! I only knew a few of the members but they were all very gracious and attentive.

I did have some time yesterday afternoon to start making a Scout Tee from some of the fabric I bought in Spokane on Thursday. I am using a pale lavender chambray fabric. Purple is not usually a color I gravitate to, but this is very pretty. I just have to bind the neckline and hem it and it will be done.

Cali Fabrics just got in a shipment of deadstock fabrics and it included some black lightweight 100% wool fabric. I ordered enough to make a pair of Rose Pants for winter.

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The husband continues to work on the deck at the rental house. I helped by staining some of the trim boards on Friday afternoon. I can’t do much but I can wield a paintbrush.

After the crew poured the concrete last Tuesday to fill in the holes in the bathroom floor, the guys from church got busy framing in the new bathroom and showers. It’s looking good:

When I get back from Oregon, I have to start thinking about the bike tour that our church is hosting at the end of July. I am in charge of food for that event. We will be feeding about 75 people for four days. The new bathroom needs to be operational for that event, but it doesn’t have to be painted or completely finished.