Back Home from the Cruise

This is what was waiting for us as we arrove home from our Bahama cruise. This beautiful tall oak at the very edge of the property was struck by lightening sometime during the five days we were gone. If you look closely you can see where it was struck in the middle and where the base shattered. You can see the scorched earth where the lightening went through the tree and into the ground. (We also lost a GFI circuit in the garage and the refrigerator and the freezer went out.)

So sad to think about losing this beautiful tree but at least it wasn't the house. Big T says he thinks it is gone but we'll wait awhile to be sure before we do anything. (Not really sure whether this tree is on our property or the neighbors - it actually straddles the property line.)

The cruise was good (seas calm and weather was hot). For the first time, it was a pleasant experience. Loved the time with family and doing absolutely nothing. I could feel the rocking of the ship in the theater and so stayed away from the shows, etc. But the rest was manageable.

I finished my hand quilting project just as we docked back in Charleston. I finally decided to use the opportunity to polish my hand quilting with a 'rose window' pattern. If I can find the camera tomorrow I will post a photo.

Hugs - Marie

What to Do?

Less than 6 days till we leave on a cruise - 5 nights to the Bahama's and back. We just decided yesterday to join M and family. It will be the first cruise for all of us. I am already worrying about what to take. No, not clothes - that's the simple part - shorts, sun dresses, sandals, and swimsuit. I'm worrying about what to take to do while on the cruise. Something fun, easy and doesn't take up much room. OK, here are my choices - maybe all three.

1. Work on assembling the hexagons that are cut out


2. Baste my corner scrappy cuts for my 'flower fields' mini-quilt


3. Add the decorative hand stitches and texture to my Mr. St. Helen's interpretation
   
   

Oh yeah, get this! M and the Dude both got e-readers for Mother's Day and Graduation. Grandma has to take the old fashioned book with her on the cruise. Something is not right with this picture. I may have to find a deck chair on a different part of the ship. I plan to plant myself and do absolutely nothing unless I want to do it. I can hardly wait!! Big T is worried that they only have 8 meals a day.

The cooler weather feels good but it is still too humid to open the house. The Dude says the pool is freezing today; hard to imagine when it was so warm a day or so ago. I'll take this weather any day.

Hugs - Marie