Leapin’ Leopards!

Would you just look at this big guy??

I am slowly going through the 3,000 photos and videos I took while in Kenya – I would love to thank those who said “Put the camera on SPORT mode and take burst shots!” because they were so right.  The animals are moving, the vehicles are moving – people are jostling around to get the best vantage point for their own photos, the safari vehicles were rocking.  There is no way in heck to use a tripod and special settings.  Just burst shot and go and hope you get something good.

Or wonderful – just look at his eyes! The tufts of fur in his ears – the individual hairs on his belly fur.  And that gorgeous grain of dead tree wood – magnificent.

I am so glad that I didn’t just go to Africa with only a cell phone.  I can hardly wait to take my Canon SX70HS to Germany in a few weeks.  With a bigger memory card.  Because I intend to take ALL the photos!

Oh my goodness!

When we first spotted him, he was down on this lower burl of the tree…but as so many vehicles crept closer – he decided that wasn’t far enough to safety and up he went – right up the tree to a higher branch.

Now that doesn’t look quite comfortable??

If I can’t see you, you can’t see me!

Click to Play:

And did you see the rainbow?

It couldn’t have been more perfect.

Unless you are the Leopard – Up a tree.

“I’m going to close my eyes and count to 3 and you will all be gone!”

And this is where we left him to his own devices.

I’m sure that tree is a favorite location for spotting what just might become dinner on ground level.

This was so majestic – to see this in nature.  I really don’t think I would be happy to see a Leopard caged up in a zoo ever again. 

Africa changes you – for the better!

Dear time change. Thanks for making 6:00 p.m. feel like midnight!

We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get things ready, and every day new things are happening.  Quilts are being hung on walls, other decor things are putting finishing touches here and there making things more homey.

Last night’s job just before this photo was taken was a two person job  - mattress wrestling to get the zipper mattress covers on all the mattresses to protect from allergens, dust mites, and other creepy crawlies.  A necessary job.  And while I am in Indiana (I fly out tomorrow!) The Hubster is washing all of the sheets with fragrance free, everything free detergent so sheet sets will be ready for beds before retreaters arrive Black Friday! 

I’ll be bringing many more of my own quilts up here for beds.  Vintage quilts will be a second quilt, and folded at the end of the bed for display, and to use on top if nights are chilly.  I’ve also got woven cotton blankets for women of a certain age who sleep hot and only need that and a sheet! LOL!

Things still to obtain – luggage racks, wall mounted reading lights, power strips for near each bed for chargers, personal fans or Cpap machines – There is still coming ALL of the time.

Click to Play:

The quilting quarters is nearly there - complete with Ikea Jansjo Lights!

Design walls are up, I just need 6 BIG power strip things - one for each set of tables.

I’m a bit concerned about table vibration, but these should be sturdier than the plastic hollow core folding tables.  I went with these because I HATE a bouncy table when I am travel-sewing.  I’ve got some of that rubber waffle –textured shelf liner and may cut a piece for under everyone’s machines.

What kind of things do YOU find helpful with machine/table vibration on retreat? 

The cutting tables still need to be assembled – that will happen soon, and I’m planning on a couple more big board ironing stations, but those may not be ready by Black Friday.  Regular ironing boards may have to do.

These arrived yesterday!

One for each fridge!

And I know there will still be more that needs to come – I’m sure there will be things I will have completely overlooked.  And that is what test retreats are for, right?

Not ALL the painting of trim and doors will have been completed either – but we’ve got the winter to keep working on that.  This is just FORM AND FUNCTION retreat.  Are retreaters warm enough.  Are the beds comfy?  Is the temperature in the sewing/dining/kitchen and den comfortable.

Does the power stay on with 12 machines and irons?

Is there sufficient hot water for showers and washing dishes and cooking?

The new hot water heater installation should be completed on Wednesday.  The 500 gallon tank will also be installed.  The Mitsubishi split unit for the garage/shop is due to be completed today – so progress, progress, progress!

Binding is on -

I’ll be stitching this on my way to Shipshewana!

We’ve got 50 quilters joining me on retreat!  4 days of workshops and a lecture.  Bring on the quilty fun – I’m ready!  I’m so excited to be spending this last teaching weekend of 2019 surrounded by my quilt tribe.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Just give. Living without giving equals an empty life.

There are so many opportunities to give each and every day.

And it can be as simple as giving a smile to a stranger, or listening when someone needs an ear and a shoulder.

Have a wonderful Tuesday, everyone – I am Winston Salem bound this afternoon for tomorrow morning’s flight OUT!