A Creative Whirlwind

My week at Gerry’s beautiful homestead was way too short!  Gerry (Olderrose) is not just a creative stitcher and crazy quilter, as you probably know.  She is a painter, artist extraordinaire, and a fantastic chef as well.  We had her delicious lamb stew almost every day for lunch, and I told her that if there was a way to take it on the plane, I would have!!   :-)

Gerry’s artwork in her kitchen

She had me serve as her sous chef, and as such I learned how to make a couple tasty dishes that I will be treating Bruce with this week.  And Ron (Gerry’s DH) was generous with his wines and Stilton cheese, so the dining was fit for a king!  My only regret is that I didn’t photograph the tasty dishes she prepared with such flair!

But I did get lots of photos of Morris and my dear Molly.  Molly is normally Ron’s dog, but she and I became fast friends and cuddlemates.  

Molly braves the snow to “visit” the birds

Don’t let Morris’ innocent expression (“Who, me?”) fool you!  This little guy is as mischievous as he is cute!

Antique-ing in Coeur d’Alene

Gerry treated me to a wonderful lunch in Coeur d’Alene.  Great burgers and the best apple cider I have ever tasted!  

This was the (lovely but cold!) view from our table. It was only a half hour drive to get there, but an hour and a half to get back once the big snowstorm moved in.

 Ron and Molly

As Gerry leads the way to the barn, our four-footed friends are never far behind!

Not a good photo, but it does show some of Gerry’s whimsical decorating in what was the gift shop area of the barn...

We braved the weather to visit the barn every day.  The propane heater kept us warm on all except the most frigid day.

But even when the temperatures hovered in the single digits, we managed to get a lot of “work” done!

 This is the view from Gerry’s stitching area and chair 

Grosbeaks at the feeder

The bell, wheel and barrows stand as snow-covered reminders of warmer days

We were able to spend hours and hours every day stitching, talking, laughing and generating ideas.  So many exciting things are happening in the CQ world now like the upcoming CQ Adventure in CT, Allie’s book and Pat’s magazine) that the ideas (both good and ridiculous) and conversation kept us in regular fits of laughter!

Dear Gerry and I pose for a shot as Ron graciously wielded the camera. Up until then, it was me taking a picture of Gerry or Gerry taking one of me.  What wonderful memories we made!

 Thank you, Gerry, for sharing your home and your friendship!