Our Economy is Strong?/NQA Quilt Show X

I could see the full moon in the light blue sky this morning as I drove to work. It was smack center in the sky as I headed west. It looked like a crepe paper prop, quite out of place. The sun was out today and summer seems to have returned for perhaps one last hurrah. The results of the rain from the last several days can be heard in the drone of the lawn mowers this evening. Things are drying out and the cooler temperatures in the evening are signaling that summer is ending. I got my hair cut this evening and almost fell asleep in the chair. It was very relaxing.


Things at our office have been busy. Our agency regulates insurance companies, banks, credit unions, mortgage companies and security dealers. Needless to say, they are all in the news lately and it isn't good news. The other day there was a gaggle of new mortgage company examiners pulling their rolling briefcases down the entry hallway and into the office. It looked and sounded like a swarm of bees ready to attack. Worried consumers have been calling for reassurance that things will be okay. Others who have serious problems are seeking our help. It is difficult at times to hear the sad and desperate situations that need our help. Occasionally we perform a miracle and get showered with thanks, more often, there is little we can do to change the situation. The happenings in the banking and mortgage industries of late lead me to realize that things are not getting better they are continuing to fester. The tunnel is very long and there isn't any light to be seen any time soon.

I'm not too worried yet but my mortgage company is on the verge of bankruptcy, the financial advisor firm I use is being purchased by a bank, and the totals in my retirement accounts are dwindling. Wall Street is merely having a clearance sale but not too many people feel like shopping right now.

When times are tough like this, we all need something positive to focus on and to keep us busy. Quilting does it for me. I have been in the mood to get some quilting projects completed. My quilt room is currently stuffed with piles of fabric and projects. Hopefully I will make a dent in my stash in the coming months. I will keep you updated on my progress.

Here are the final pictures from the NQA 2007 Quilt Show:
Ole!
Love the colors and design work on this one.
Up close.
Purple and pink.
Nice border piecing.
Very beautiful applique. I just love the background piece work.
Up close. The pieced background is subtle but so soft and beautiful.

Wonderful Autumnal design.
Wood block look.
Wow, great thread work on this one.
That almost Christmas look.
Laurel Burch fabric, wonderful design.

Up close.
Very cool tomato quilt. The piecing and design is wonderful.
Up close.
Again.
Noah's Ark.

I had to make sure that kitties were included. There they are.
This just looks busy in this picture.
Up close, it is really busy.
I took this picture purely for the appliqued work on the corners. Very nice.
An award winner in orange.

A sampler of sorts.
Up close, love the orange.
Nice setting for house blocks.
Safari.
Up close. I thought my nephew,Sam, would like this quilt since his bedroom is decorated in the safari theme.

My Mom is improving and doing exercises with her arm. That is good news.