Bea wanted to be an octopus for Halloween again. Last time she was a pink octopus in 2015 and this summer she tried to wear that costume but it was too small. It wasn’t too hard for me to make another octopus – I just had to find a big bowl to go under the fabric. Here she is at the pumpkin farm this weekend. I only wish we could see her smile.
Claire is going to be a scary dark character from Harry Potter – we’re still working on it.
I started my Flower Shop quilt in May and now it’s finished. I quilted wavy lines and used Carolyn Friedlander Doe fabric for the backing. I think it has a 1970’s bedspread vibe. I love how it goes with the color of the wood on my bed. It’s so very happy.
I twisted Claire’s arm to help me do a little quilt photo shoot so here it is:
I mixed it up an did chocolate roll out cookies. I love how the frosting pops! I used this recipe from Bake at 350.
Well I mentioned that Prague was big and it was busy. I had no idea it would be so overrun by sightseers and groups of stag-do men. The famous Charles bridge seemed to be covered – shoulder to shoulder people – all the time.
One of our first stops was The Museum of Communism. After that all I could think about was the contrast between the communist time and the opulent architecture that is everywhere. I guess I didn’t realize that Prague was such a big power going way back in time. And then I was struck at how the communist occupation was a short time but it had a huge impact. Probably naive thoughts, but it’s the stuff that went through my head as we walked around.
So here’s Brian with a gas mask at The Museum of Communism. Yikes.
And then we went to a place where you can paint an enamel cup and then they put it in the oven (800˚C) and it’s ready to take home in just a few minutes.
Time for a bunch of pretty architecture pictures. Prague seems to have a lot of interesting architecture to look at. From Gothic to Baroque to Art Nouveau – and brutalism (which we didn’t really see in the city center).
I learned that the informal name for the Czech Republic is Czechia. Although maybe that is debatable?
On our second day we went for a boat ride on the Vltava River and learned some of the older history of the city.
Prague was a fun place to visit for a few days. We ate lots of delicious baked goods and I had some great goulash. The weather was amazing – even hot. I’d love to go back with just Brian. I’d enjoy eating out and maybe let Brian take me to an opera. I think our family is getting older and we need a vacation with less architecture appreciation and more adventure. But I don’t want to sound negative. I’m so grateful we got to see Prague and all it’s fall beauty!
We got back from Prague late last night. What a pretty city! Much bigger and much busier than I thought it would be! We walked and walked and saw all the sights. I think the best part of a little vacation like this is just getting out of our routine and spending time together.
Prague’s sidewalks are covered in small cobblestones. There are different colors and different patterns but there are small cobblestones all over.
I can’t help myself.
This is my favorite:
We’re well into October and the weather is definitely shifting. From moment to moment and from day to day. I find myself looking out the window wondering what the sky will do next. I’ve been going for walks in the morning most days – trying to enjoy the nice Fall weather. And it’s become the season when I want to hug a mug of hot tea every afternoon. Plus, the Christmas merch has just appeared in our grocery store – there’s no Halloween to get in the way of the winter holidays bearing down on us.
Here’s Bea at her kayaking class – I tried to get a picture of her in the kayak but she’s always playing in the water by the time I pick her up. She has this after school kayaking class at the place where her Aunt Kim went to school as a girl. It’s a lovely old building right on Lake Zurich. I think of Kim when I go there and it’s sort of a cool connection. Also, the school is really close to the Lindt factory so the air is usually filled with a strong scent of chocolate. Nice.
The girls’ Fall holiday has snuck up on me – they are off for a week and a half starting next Monday! We are going to go to Prague for a few days. I convinced Brian to go to a Northern city instead of Barcelona. I’m hoping we enjoy it as much as we enjoyed last year’s trip to Copenhagen. Stay tuned for lots of photos.
I hope this week finds you feeling well and enjoying some lovely fall days.
I finished my first punch needle project! Punch needle is really easy and it moves along quickly. I think I could really get into this craft and into buying pretty colors of yarn. I watched lots of great video tutorials from punch needle guru Amy Oxford. I’m still not sure my fabric is the right stuff but it’s all I can get my hands on. So I’m pleased with my first project!
I should probably get back to quilting my quilt before I rush out and buy more yarn. I’m half way done.
And here’s Claire with her friend at another Chilbi. So much bumper car riding!!!
Laowai 