Long Time

It feels like I've been away from my blog for forever, though it's been only since late July. Well, that's was a long time ago, wasn't it? 

We were in Kansas City visiting family. 

Hogan traveled with us, though we were very aware that it's more challenging for him to spend 18 hours in the car. Most of our stops along the way were for his benefit. 

Seven year-old Aesa with Hogan

We enjoyed lots of play time with the two boys - Aesa age 7, and Tay age 8. We took them to Urban Air where they played dodge ball on trampolines, for hours!

There was also miniature golfing at Smiley's.

We also went to Tay's indoor soccer practice; made two visits to the community swimming pool; and hung out with granddaughter Celina when she wasn't working. She and I spent several hours playing ukuleles and singing!

I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked, but then, it's difficult to catch this family when they're not on the move.

Aesa and Tay

I was glad to receive this picture this morning. It's the first day of school for the boys who are beginning second grade and third grade. Their mom said this is the first time there were no tears... for her!

L: Aesa, second grade
R: Tay, third grade

While in KC, I was thrilled to share a good chat over coffee with my friend, Carla, who I met in 2009 through our blogs. Whenever we meet up, we continue to find things to chat about, as though we'd been talking the day before. Isn't that the way it is with another quilter?

During the long hours of seat time in the car, I worked on my LindaNova EPP project. Six more of these hexagon units are done. When I finish the last five of these units, I'll be attaching them to the growing medallion center. Yep, I have lots of handwork ahead. By the way, based on comments on my last post, and Instagram, I'm staying with Bottom Line thread for piecing, running the thread through a block of Thread Heaven, and tying a small knot at the eye of the needle (to prevent slipping). 

While in Kansas City I spent time with my Dad. I accompanied him through a cataract procedure, and follow-up appointment. And I spent an evening with my sister. We ate at Vitality Bowl, a smoothie-bowl restaurant in Leawood (the only one in Kansas) that was recommended to me by granddaughter Celina. I had their Dragon Bowl; my sister had the Green Bowl. So good!

When I returned home, I was keen to make my own smoothie bowl, and have now done so several times. I began following the Instagram hashtag #smoothiebowl, and have found great inspiration for making different combos.

The first bowl I made was this. The smoothie part was frozen banana (peel the banana and break it into pieces before freezing); frozen strawberries; peanut butter; and almond milk, blended in a blender. Toppings were homemade granola (recipe courtesy of my above-pictured friend, Carla); banana, flax seed meal; chia seeds; and a dollop of creamy Jif peanut butter.

The next smoothie bowls I made were blended in a food processor. I prefer the food processor because the smoothie part is a little bit coarser.

This smoothie was green because it included spinach! Other ingredients were frozen fresh pineapple; frozen banana; and almond milk. Toppings were bananas; granola; blueberries; chia seeds; sliced almonds; and strawberries.

Yesterday's bowl was also made in a food processor. It combined plain Greek yogurt; frozen fresh blueberries; frozen bananas; flax seed meal; hemp seeds; and almond milk. Topping were strawberries; sliced almonds; chia seeds; granola; and a dollop of creamy Jif peanut butter.

Like me, you may ask, "Why a smoothie bowl, rather than a smoothie?" I've decided it's because the bowl makes me eat with a spoon. I'm eating rather than drinking. The act of chewing makes me feel like I'm enjoying something substantial. I feel full after one of these. You can tell I'm enjoying this new food treat! I encourage you to give it a try.

Yesterday I demonstrated "No Tails Binding: Mitered Corners by Machine" to fellow members of Big Cypress Quilters. (Link to my online tutorial is here. Or, if you're a member of the MQG, you can view my webinar here.) The demo yesterday was the first time I'd touched my sewing machine in two weeks!

Today though I'll be back in my sewing room, working with these three prints from Fabric.com. 

These fabrics will become six more window valances for Amazing Grace's Early Learning Center. The state of Florida finally gave it's last approvals, certifications, and licenses for the center to officially open on September 10. I expect the windows to be decorated before opening day! Linda