Stepping Back Into Home.

So this happened while I was away.

Evidently Zoey thought she could make friends with neighboring animals (We are not even sure it was a dog??) and came home with her tail between her legs and a plethora of hide-piercing bites requiring a visit to the emergency vet.

On a weekend night.  As it always happens.

And poor hubster Dave was left to deal with that late evening drive to the emergency vet in Boone - an hour away - because I was in Iceland.

Zoey wants to be friends with everyone and everything, and doesn't realize that other animals don't feel the same about her.

Truth be told, as a human I've been in that same position with other humans, so I get it!

At any rate...they had to put her under and stitch up multiple wounds and was sent home groggy wearing the ever humiliating cone of shame along with 10 days of antibiotics and pain pills.

By the time I returned home the cone was off...and should she return to licking, she is now forced to wear a doggy onesie to keep her from licking.  So far so good.

You know how it is said that no matter how wonderful travel is, it is always even more wonderful to return home? Well, yeah.

Stitches will come out soon. Life will return to normal, but the wandering of our property is being severely monitored (she is still grounded!) and we hope she has learned her lesson.

After being gone 10 days - there is a bit of catching up to do around here with other things that happened while I was gone.  Like this:

Almost done!

The landscaping that hubster Dave and son Jeff have been working so hard on is paying off.

This looks so great!

The only thing left is the finishing round of topper stones.

I'm so happy with this!

It was a great way to repurpose the pavers from the wall that was taken out by Hurricane Helene.

And I honestly like this better.

There are more pavers that will be used to outline other areas in the yard.

Before the sprinkles could set in yesterday, I arrived at the inn to see some bush shaping happening in the front yard.

The closest one by the steps has not been done yet - we could only get so far before things got really drippy.

It's looking so much better!

This is the biggest one -

And Tula Tallulah Lou was happy to supervise -

This also happened in the studio:

I got the top together before leaving for Iceland.
The quilting is now finished....binding is up next!
I've decided to call this one Open Window because of the large on-point diamonds.  Be watching for this one to release as a PDF pattern this fall.
My next focus?  Getting our Leader & Ender challenge ready for July!  That's coming up rapidly and I think you are going to like that one.
And for those looking for more Iceland content:

One of our wonderful Iceland experiences was spending the afternoon relaxing at the renowned Blue Lagoon for a serene experience soaking in the rejuvenating mineral rich waters.

Amazing!

The Blue Lagoon is a world-famous geothermal spa in Iceland, renowned for its milky blue, mineral-rich waters and stunning volcanic surroundings.

 

Here we are, walking toward the entrance!

It's located on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is a popular destination for both relaxation and rejuvenation. 

The lagoon's waters are naturally heated by underground volcanic activity and are said to have therapeutic benefits for the skin. 

The Blue Lagoon was named one of National Geographic's 25 wonders of the world in 2012.

 
It was a great day to relax and restore after several days of touring! We loved it!

Update: My September trip to Switzerland, Germany and France for the European Patchwork meeting is now full. I am so excited!

There are still some spots available  for our Bavaria/Austria Christmas markets tour happening right after Thanksgiving.

Our amazing upcoming trip to Morocco in January is also nearly full - if you are on the fence about joining us, now is the time to act before these trips are sold out!

Click HERE to read up on all of my upcoming tours. I can't wait for you to join us as we explore the world together.

We are still looking into what we want to do for December 2026, and are in the beginning stages of planning for 2027. We are floating the idea of some special river cruises through Europe.  I'm so excited over the possibilities of this kind of travel with you.

Today?  Irene's Sewciologists checked in yesterday afternoon.  The weather looks promising and I have several anxious to get out on some road hikes, and since it's summer those will now happen in the morning before lunch.  I'm hoping that rain showers will hold off until we are back, if there will be any.

And of course - this happened yesterday:

The Fireweed PDF pattern is currently 25% off in the Quiltville Store - no coupon needed. It's an automatic discount good through 6/30/25.

Scrappy nine patches are surrounded by triangles in red and purple inspired by the Fireweed flowers of an Alaskan Summer. Use your favorite fabrics  - off the bolt or recycled from shirts. Piecing options, full color photos and graphics and many tips for easy piecing pleasure included.

Quilt Size: 76’’ X 90’’

Did you enter the gift away On That Post?

I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Fireweed PDF pattern from me and a Facets of Red fabric roll from  Cotton to Quilts.

Yes, they have many more cotton rolls available - be sure to check out their adorable neutral rolls!

We will draw for our two winners on Saturday, 6/28/25.

Good luck, everyone!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

It's times like this when uncertainty can cause creativity to be paralyzed.

Stalled out projects, no energy to continue, no idea what to do.

⁣

Just begin anywhere. Your muse will catch up with you. Let the stitches heal your heart.

Have a terrific Thursday, everyone -