KnittingPathsOfLife

Thursday, May 15, 2008

A SMALL PART OF A WONDERFUL JOURNEY

In April, I started a journey with a beautiful sunset from the plane window. I had an interesting start to the trip with delays on the runways at two airports. One almost caused me to miss the flight. At last, I was on the way.
After making the flight, this was one of the early morning views. The clouds were just breathtaking.

Holland of course! This windmill was in a town we visited while George was with us. He only decided to stay for ten days. We visited the cottage when he was there, and went to a castle in the North

Skipping ahead, one of the nights after Hazel, Angela and Joni arrived, the quilt group got together and we had show and tell of quilts Heidi taught them to make. They get a pattern and then choose their own way of making the quilt. This is an example of how different they look. On the right is Heidi and the one she did.

When they had one of their quilt shows, Heidi had a theme of the Underground Railroad. She made up a girl who went on the path of freedom. This is her quilt from that theme. The quilt told the people if they were safe to go on the way. Heidi read her story that night so the stitching ladies could hear it. I was able to attend both of the quilt shows and they were both wonderful.

One of the ladies, Jacomina, along with her husband, made these beautiful puddings. They looked to good to cut and eat, but we did of course. Jacomina and her husband also gave us tickets for a tour boat through Amersfoort. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed it.
That night, we had wonderful dutch pancakes too. That was the day the ladies arrived. All of the quilt group brought traditional Dutch food, and we all ate some of each and were very full.
Thanks to all of them for treating us to a Dutch experience.
Well, here we are! Angela, Me, Heidi, Joni and Hazel in that order. I feel we all made friends and it was a wonderful week. Heidi did a great organized schedule, of course, she used to be a travel agent. She so knows Holland, you would think she was born there. This was taken at a castle we visited also. I took 148 pictures, but needless to say, they can't all appear at once. Holland stayed beautiful weather the entire time we were there. I had a wonderful month in Holland and now I am home and happy to be waiting for Kristy, Haali and Mitchell to arrive tomorrow.
I want to thank all of the Dutch ladies who gave me wonderful gifts and of course our small group of stitchers pictured above. We all exchanged gifts.






13 comments:

BittersweetPunkin said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful time...I enjoyed popping in on the two of you during your visit! Welcome back!!
hugs,
Robin

Mary said...

Welcome back Nancy! I just wrote Heidi saying I thought you'd be leaving soon, but wasn't sure of the day. Glad to know you arrived home safely and that you had such a great time.

Loved the photos of you all having such fun together - and so glad the weather was good for your adventures around Holland.

Have fun now with Kristen and the children - tell her I've been thinking about her and praying that Mitch will stay safe.
Hugs - glad you're home.
Mary.

Nancy said...

Nancy, it sounds like you had such a memorable time! Beautiful clouds, beautiful windmill, beautiful quilts, delicious looking pudding, and wonderful friends! Thanks for sharing this picture. I had seen a photo of everyone before except for Hazel. She is a dear lady, and now I can put her face with her name. I'm so glad everyone had such a magical time. Welcome back!

Teresa said...

What a wonderful trip! I am glad you had a safe journey. The pictures are beautiful. Your daughter is so special, I am sure she is a reflection of you. It is a joy to read both yours and Heidi's blog. Welcome home.

Hugs
Teresa

Heidi said...

It is hard to believe the time together has come and gone! Now you are back home unpacking all your treasures along with a little surprise. I am telling you those beavers just crept in the suitcases themselves because I did not put them there. LOL! And I told you the weather would change and it did. The temperatures have dropped to 18C instead of 28C and we are getting some longed for rain. Dagi is back to his old self, following me around the house and screaming constantly for attention. :)

Hope Ditty and the kids arrive safely today.

Love and hugs ~
Heidi

Carolien said...

Hello Nancy,

I am glad you had a safe flight back home. Thank you for sharing your pictures and stories, that was such fun to read and see!
I wish you some happy days with Haali and the others.

Big hug, Carolien

Solstitches said...

Welcome back Nancy.
It sounds as though you have had the most wonderful time in Holland.
I really enjoyed the picture show and look forward to seeing more.

Roberta said...

Hi Nancy and Welcome home. Have been waiting with baited breath to hear and see all about your trip and meeting the ladies from the internet group.

Looks like a great time was had by all.

Roberta

Anonymous said...

Hello Nancy
Your family will be happy to have you save home again. It was nice to meet you (again) and the other ladys. The "Dutch Evening" was a great success and the presents too!
Thanks for all and maybe next time we will have more time for a visit.
hugs, Elly

Linda said...

You had a wonderful trip! I so enjoyed seeing so many of the sights, delicious foods your friends and oh those beautiful quilts. Wonderful memories for you, that will last forever. Hugs, Linda

angelasweby said...

Nancy,
Seeing your gorgeous photos brought back so many wonderful memories. Now, if ever i feel down, I shall just turn the pages of your blog back and remember the wonderful time we all had together.

The evening with the quilting group was superb. Their quilts and the stories each design told was, in many ways, so poignant and moving. Everyone had soul searched and created a quilt of truly personal experiences and sweet memories.

The delicious spread they prepared for us was a sincere expression of warmth and affection and their little gifts a delight to receive; my whole case smelled of lavender when I opened it. Oh, just looking at those puddings again brings back the whole evening - that yummy home made fruity sauce...hmmm!.

I loved the photo of us outside that winderful manor house. What a great trip that was :>)
Apologies for this long comment!!
Hugs, Angela

Amy Marie said...

Looks like a wonderful trip. So glad you are home safe. I'm planning on seeing you this week!

Brigitte said...

What a wonderful trip you had, Nancy. Meeting friends, visiting another country, Dutch treats and quilt and stitch show and tell - that sounds like paradise. Thanks for the wonderful photos. I'm so happy for you all.

Britt