Finally a Nice Weekend!

No, this isn't our pool, but you can see it from our deck. Given the miserable, cold rainy spring we've had, it's a welcome sight to see the Hancock girls enjoying their pool.

As might be imagined, the warm, sunny weather with temperatures in the upper 70s got us thinking about planting. Here are a few of our pots--not quite finished yet, but we've made a start. Paul insisted on an angel leaf begonia. He loves begonias; I'm not so much a fan.

And here is the man with his watering can. We visited three garden centers before settling on our choices today.

This is the usual assortment of wave petunias and impatiens, but we hope to post more of our rose garden in full bloom very soon.

Quilting Friends in Iowa

For 15 years now the quilting group that I started while we lived in Belvidere has traveled to Kalona, Iowa for their annual quilt show and sale. Once we moved I haven't always been able to go, but this year Mary Magnus made the trip up with me and we had a fabulous time at our "Girls Weekend."

Here we are gathered in front of one of our favorite haunts--the Amish grocery store. This place has amazing bargains, as well as some items it would be difficult to find anywhere else. Here it appears that Sandy is consulting our itinerary for the day. We had quite a schedule to keep.

Even though we had a lot to fit into three days, the Amish were as unperturbed as ever as evidenced by the horse and buggy going by on the road next to the store. Kalona is the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi, so horses and buggies are common fare.

This wall quilt was a favorite with Mary. I like it too. There's no shortage of inspiration in Kalona.



Jan B. and Marie enjoy the sunroom, a favorite place for cold and windy, but sunny days. As you can see, the quilters knit as well as stitch.

Jan F. was our hostess for the weekend. We stayed in her wonderful new home in Kalona. Not much furniture yet, but we certainly managed to be comfortable with blow-up beds and our own linens.

Here's a photo of a beautiful pastel bear claw quilt.

Babette smiles from her sunroom perch. She and Jungah made a fabulous soup for on Saturday evening. Nothing like taking your own caterer with you. This group has it all.

And finally, here's a churn dash quilt -- a favorite, yet simple design made more interesting with the choice of colors.

Mowing in the Snow

Although you can't really see the snow flakes and sleet in this photo, trust me, they were there. After a gorgeous weather in Texas last weekend, this was a little hard to take. As you can see, Paul required a wooly hat, fleece gloves and a warm coat to do the mowing this weekend. It has been dreary and gray with intermitant snow, sleet and rain most of the weekend. Additionally, we've had a brisk breeze creating an uncomfortable wind chill, making it a good time to stay inside and drink hot tea. We're only hoping and praying the predicted freeze does not come tonight damaging all the trees and bushes that are currently flowering.

Sawyer Solving the World's Problems

Here's one of our new favorite photos of Sawyer. As you can, he seems pretty much at ease about the world in general, confident that the adults in his life will handle things so he can concentrate on the truly important things. What a life!

Did we mention that he appears to be a really good baby?

Relaxing in Austin

Austin is a city of great diversity and culture, which is also evident in its choice of restuarants. Here we are at Chuey's, a great Tex-Mex mix. Although Chuey's is very busy, the wait is made easier by margueritas on the patio. Here Gretchen Hays, Miriam and I relax and wait in the beautiful Austin weather.

SawNat's Baptism

On Sunday, April 6, the newest member of the Baker clan, Sawyer Nathaniel, was baptized at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. He is wearing the same baptismal outfit his father wore a little over 30 years ago. His sponsors are Jerry and Gretchen Hays, shown here with their son, Noah. It was a wonderful day. Sawyer smiled so much during the blessing his daddy was speaking over him that Andrew almost broke up with laughter.

The baptism was followed by a wonderful brunch in Andrew and Sarah's backyard. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, making it especially nice for all the family and friends who attended. Miriam was able to join us for the 10 hour trip to Austin while Alex bravely kept the girls for 3 days on his own.

Texas Baker - Little Sawyer and Our Visit

Here's one of the latest photos of little Sawyer, the latest edition to the Baker clan. We were able to spend nearly a week with him in Texas during Spring break. What a good baby!

There were lots of opportunities for holding and cuddling. Here's an early morning view before completion of Jennifer's hair and make-up routine.

And here's Paul with his special Sawyer hold. He offered to babysit during Sawyer's afternoon nap so Jennifer and Sarah could go shopping. Sawyer was so excited about one-on-one time with Grandpa that he woke almost immediately after the girls left and stayed away all afternoon until his mother and grandmother returned. Then he took a nap.


Here you see Paul and Jennifer with Sawyer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Unfortunately, it was a little early for most wildflowers and the day was breezy and cool. Good thing that Sawyer had that great cozy stroller to keep him cozy. He slept through most of the trip.

One of these two is former President Lyndon Baines Johnson. The other is my dear husband acting like LBJ. Can you guess which is which? They both are pointing at the Texas Whitehouse (during the LBJ presidency) just across the Palisades River near Johnson City, Texas.