Microwave Mania

My microwave finally went ka-plooie (technical term) about 2 months ago. It had been repaired at least 20 years ago and I know it was at least 30 years old. Rather than repair it again (and where do you get a Montgomery Ward microwave repaired, anyway??) I searched for a new microwave that would fit the cabinet space. Easy, right? Wrong!

There were plenty of models that fit the space. It was just that my space was too big for the current models. Width wise, they fit pretty well. It was top to bottom where I had way too much space for today's smaller models.

No problem, just get a trim kit. But even the trim kits were too small for the space.

Eventually, after ordering and returning a microwave and trim kit, reordering a different model and getting a trim kit that was too wide for the cabinet, and reordering the correct trim kit, I finally had all the pieces.

I was still a little bit stymied so called a friend whose husband had retired from the cabinet making business. I thought he would have some ideas about how to get it installed correctly. Dick was wonderfully helpful in getting a base built up so the trim kit would fit correctly. After some difficulties matching up screw holes and getting the microwave leveled, it's finally done.

While I was able to reheat my tea on the stove and cook soup in a pan, it is so much more convenient to use a microwave.

Yeah!

Margaret

Kentuckiana Gathering in Columbus...Indiana!

The Kentuckiana Longarm Group met at my house this afternoon. It was a small gathering and we welcomed several new attendees. Here, Lois, Becky and Donna are enjoying the treats prepared for the meeting. Carol and Kim are likewise helping themselves to the goodies. We love to have munchies when we gather, don't we?

We really did gather to talk about quilting tips and techniques. The primary topic for the afternoon was crosshatch quilting. I had done some research on the different types of crosshatch rulers available. As we neared the end of the demo, I realized I had purchased some of DeLoa Jones' Boomerang rulers, developed specifically for crosshatching. I've GOT to get more organized!

As I worked through the demo, I used one of Renae Haddadin's Arc templates. You can also use a variety of templates from other vendors or even oval templates. That would give an interesting curvature in a larger space.

As a part of the gathering, we also do a Show and Tell with both completed quilts and quilts on which we need ideas. Where was I with my camera then??? Congratulations to all who had quilts win ribbons at fairs and other shows. Kathi did bring her wholecloth quilt (ribbon winner at the Bartholomew County Fair) and Rosemary brought her applique quilt that won a ribbon in the Brown County show. Vivian's quilt won a ribbon at the Jefferson County Fair. She had shown the quilt to the group a few meetings ago so didn't bring it again. Congrats to all.

Cheers!

Margaret

Fireworks on the Fourth

While at MQS this year, the friends I stay with mentioned they had never been to Washington, D.C. Having grown up just outside of D.C., this is a city I love to visit. We planned the trip so we could experience the fireworks while standing on the National Mall. They started this tradition after I moved from the area and it's been on my bucket list for a long time.

We headed for the Mall early in the day. There were lots of things going on - the Fourth of July Parade with several bands from across the country. Here are the balloon holders preparing for their walk down Constitution Avenue. The semi on the left has the helium tanks they used to inflate the balloons - heavy duty tanks.

The Smithsonian's Folklife Festival was in progress on the Mall between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. We spent some time enjoying the various music tents, sampled some of the ethnic foods, and walked through the display areas. And look at the sewing machine being used to create some wall hangings in the Malawi booth! No electrical power here - this was a treadle machine. There were several other countries who displayed their crafts, including some beautiful scarves made from lambs wool. They were luxurious to touch.

Cheryl and John - looking somewhat hot. It was in the low 90's but the humidity was high. We had planned it so that we spent time in the Air and Space Museum, viewing the movie "To Fly!" I remember seeing that movie shortly after the museum opened. It's still a fun movie to watch in the IMAX theater. The museum has lots of wonderful exhibits and we took our time strolling through them, delaying our return to the outside as long as possible.

We found a spot to sit along a reflecting pool and this manhole cover was right at Cheryl's feet. Despite the dirt clogging some of the veins, it is a graceful design and would work well in a circular block, don't you think?

Finally it was time for the fireworks. This is one of the better pictures I took. Although you can see them well in person, pictures tended to show lots of smoke. It took me a minute to realize that the blue screen in the lower right is a movie camera another couple was using. When I asked them to take a picture of us (didn't turn out too well), we got to talking. They are from northwestern Nebraska, near Gering, NE, where Judy Woodworth, one of my favorite quilting teachers, lives.

During the week, we also toured Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Gettysburg. The museums at all three of these places have been recently updated and are tremendous. Even if you've been before, they are worth a return visit. The 34 star flag was on display at Gettysburg. While my father pointed out that there were probably flags with the number of stars ranging from 13 to 50 through the years, I don't recall ever seeing a 34 star flag. I love the graceful way the stars are positioned on the field of blue.

It was a wonderful trip - lots of walking, lots of talking while walking, and lots of visiting important sites in our country's history.

Cheers!

Margaret