Hello!!

A month ago, we planned a trip back to North Dakota. It was the kind of trip that we didn't plan to go at all, but we had to made our way up there. We left early last Wednesday morning and the day was so gloomy here in Iowa. We thought the sky will clear out, but the weather got worsen as we headed  north. Before reach Sioux Falls it started to rain then we made a quick stop for gas and a short break. The lady at the gas station asked me, "Where are you going?" I replied, "North Dakota". She said, " Oh dear, there's a storm coming this morning". I didn't say any words back to her, but pop in the car,  QUICK! Yes, the storm wasn't pleasant at all. On I-29 north, the state of South Dakota was completed in the white out condition.  With the little one in the back of the car, I held on the tied and straighten my back, tried hard to see what's coming my way; near 2 hours later the road started to get clear. The visibility was clear about 100 miles before we reach Fargo then I sped up a little.

When we enter the state of North Dakota, it felt like going "home". We stopped by Fargo and had lunch at one of restaurants that we always dine when we go down to Fargo. S got a few treats from the store that she likes and of course, I had to stopped by Jo-Ann's and pick up some fabrics and lots spool of threads. How I miss going to fabric/ craft  stores and  shop for fabric and any fun supplies!

Of course, we had to stop by Nichole's to get authentic coffee { that would be for me} and pastries { that would be for me and S}. If you ever visit Fargo this is the Fine Pastry must go in the area. They have really awesome chocolates, too. My dear friend Meghan and her babe Savannah met us there for breakfast on our way back to Iowa on Friday; great food and great friends.. S played with little S.. Mamas were busy catch up life and so on!

After a few hours touring around Fargo. We headed back to Grand Forks; the landscape on the side of I-29 north is flat as always. It is still brown for most part of the land. You can merely see a bit of green on the tree tops. The drive was so relaxing and S sang all the way back to Grand Forks. When the car got off I-29 north. We filled the gas up and went straight ahead to 717 Northwestern Drive, where we were home for 3 years and where {quarter inch mark} was established. You know, someone has made it their home now and we saw new neighbors in and out. Our made our pause long and had wished be there still . The true is we never had time to say goodbye to the home we were before. We moved in such hurry and so many events were happening at the time, but we did this time! Farewell to our home and the city.

When we got on University Avenue, students were walking across the street without looking cars from both side as always; we somewhat miss that scene! S and I have always talked about how dangerous that is. Of course we stopped by the building that I was a student, a TA, a gallery coordinator for last three years and I actually didn't miss it that much! I was always on the run, drop S off for school, time for my own schooling, time for students, time for teaching, time for gallery tasks, oh.. time to pick up S and be a mama..

Then we passed the Columbia Bridge and slowly drove the car to S' school, which she misses so much! The school is so small and the teachers were so awesome and care about the children. I made my normal pick up S' path; park the car on the side. After the visit, off to our friend's house! It was so good to friends again! Their animals were so welcoming and good friend talks! It felt like we've never left there! Just like yesterday we were still lived there and went somewhere vacation and return. Yeah.. how bizarre!

We had many good coffee dates with our friends. I think these coffins might be too much in a short 2 days visit, but these time were really priceless for us. We drove around the city on Thursday night and decided to dine in one of S' favorite restaurant and mine as well! We over stuffed ourselves that night and had more sweets that night. We played some fun card games, Kings cross.

On our way home that Friday was a long drive! The wind was blowing against us, so it made the driving time to 9 hours instead of 8. We stopped by for gas and breaks. When we arrived Iowa was late, but a quick stop at grocery store was a must. We had some spring veggies in the cart and strawberries are in the season now, really tasty! We even had spring grill over the weekending already.

For the weekending, we took it easy! Really Easy! We slept in and slept hard! When we got up, S and I had homemade breakfast for the first time since we move back. We sat down and chat; we were chatting how should a freely Saturday be! Then, she came up a long list of books that she likes to read. I started to check off the long list of work in progress project on the table! It was probably the most awesome Saturday we have had in a long time!

Fifi's quilt; the quilt label is completed. It has a very simple message instead of the long letter. Then the quilt top has put together; seams are being press in the back and ready for quilting anytime. Backing fabric arrived last week, but it is not the kind the fabric for the quilting.  It is rather silky and a little heavy weight. I decided to saved it for something else in the future. The backing fabric is still in search, but hope in a week or two, I'll find it!

The week has busy and slow. The spring allergy is heavy affected me this year. Sinus headache comes with me every morning and it requires a cup of dark coffee and some sweet donuts to feel better. I started a new list on projects that I rarely work on in the past. I pulled out many unfinished blocks this week and slowly putting them together. The wonky stars blocks are first ones out, you can find {wonky star tutorial} that I post a while ago. Around the blocks, I added small patchwork around to make the block size a little larger! Since the blocks are used off whites and low value prints, the focal points were on the wonky stars. I though use the patchwork would give extra dynamic and create some interest factors to the block itself.

I am wowing about the {pack patch quilt along}. There are closed to 140 people in the pool and it has been amazing to see many friends returned to Flickr {Hello} and meeting new friends {Hello}. Tomorrow will be our week#3 quilt along. It is so fun to visit your blocks and read all your comments. If you are still interest, it is not too late to join the fun~

{THANK YOU so very much} for your purchase of {kin-cha-ku patchwork pattern}. It is so sweet to see your {Kin-Cha-Ku} and read your feedback in the {shop}. We really enjoy work together as studio colleagues and hope you've enjoy the pattern as much as we work on the pattern.  The shop has been slowly added more patchwork handmade items lately.  I am truly happy that you are satisfied with the handmade items that mail to you from {quarter inch mark studio} {Thank you!} !

Also, we have a semi good news to share with you that we have made our decision to stay in the Mid-West as we love the simple lifestyle here and many our dear friends are around the area. This summer will be awesome for us, fingers crossed!


xxc