I don’t think it really matters where you live, you can never be sure what the weather is going to do? I have learnt to allow time for delays when I make my traveling arrangements… which does mean I sometimes get the chance to explore before I actually go to work.
Nancy picked me up from the hotel on Thursday morning ready for an early lunch and then we went to visit the Polk Museum of Art where the quilts of Lauren Austin are currently on display.
This is Yemeni and her Osprey.
Here’s the accompanying artist’s statement,
and here’s a detail…
The quilts will be on display through March 12th. There’s more information on the museum website. The museum is definitely worth a visit, even after the quilts are gone.
And then, just because we could, we went to a quilt shop! 
I bought a yard of fabric and a charm pack… I have a plan 🙂
Time to work. The Ladies of the Lake were ready to start their meeting at 6.30 pm. Business first, and then lots of show and tell. I wasn’t in the best seat to take pictures but here’s a few.
Somebody is going to be very happy with this bear quilt made using a pattern by Sew Fresh Quilts!
How about this turkey?
A pretty mix of piecing and appliqué…
And a sample for an upcoming quilt-as-you-go block of the month program.
There was a good crowd in attendance and everyone smiled for the camera before we turned the lights down for Lessons Learned While Quilting..
Looking left,
and right.
I had been warned we needed to be out of the door by nine and the clock chimed as we closed the door behind us… I aim to please!
We were back in the building twelve hours later to set up for some Walking Foot Quilting fun.
I was able to share one student’s sewing machine for my demos which gave her a front row seat for her stitching…
I think everyone went home with some new ideas to get their tops finished into quilts.
My flight home wasn’t until the evening on Saturday so Nancy and I enjoyed another day out in the Florida sunshine.
We went to the newly opened Bonnet Springs Park. With 168 acres to explore, we managed to stroll for a couple of miles around and about!
But then lunch. This swan was outside the entrance to the Terrace Grille.
The swan is the official logo of the city of Lakeland. You can read about their royal history here.
There are lots of murals around town. Some lovely magnolias,
And this swan I snapped as we wandered around the shops.
I had noticed the Staghorn ferns when we were at the park and Nancy told me about the one her mother-in- law grew that now lives at in her yard. We took a closer look before I left town. I’m not sure my picture really does it justice.
It is a very large and very healthy specimen. Not something you could grow outside in Illinois!
Guild member Cate drove me back to the airport in Tampa in plenty of time for my evening flight. I enjoyed my favorite seat, a silly movie and a glass of wine on the two hours and a bit journey…
It has been a busy few weeks but now I’m home for a while… or am I?
I’m done with work travels but I do have a few trips planned. Time to see some family… and in-between times there are a few other activities planned. I’ll keep you posted!
Catherine, it’s the winter solstice, a time for resting, and gathering strength for the spring. don’t wear yourself out, but of course have fun.