Our first Week at Mammoth Lakes
TFQQS Summer 2012 Update!
As for this summer's plans, I know we said we were planning to stay home and grow our garden -- however -- somehow we knew deep down that we couldn't, and shouldn't sit still too long! Our call to wander came just recently as the owner of a lakefront resort in Mammoth Lakes, California called us to ask if we'd consider working there this summer. To make a long story short, we're off on another work camping adventure and we're very excited!
We'll be traveling to Lake Mary at Mammoth Lakes, California this month to begin work at the Crystal Crag Lodge (http://www.crystalcrag.com/) to work with two other couples. As the web site says:
Crystal Crag Lodge was originally built in 1927. Nestled among the trees right alongside beautiful Lake Mary at an elevation of 9000 feet are the 23 cabins of Crystal Crag Lodge, a most exceptional place. Since the 1920’s our guests have been coming back year after year to enjoy our breathtaking beauty, crystal clear air and water, amazing wilderness scenery, countless hiking and biking trails, some of the best trout fishing in the Eastern Sierra, and the relaxing and friendly atmosphere of Crystal Crag Lodge. Our rustic cabins are fully-equipped, including fireplaces with firewood, decks with barbecues, kitchens with utensils and dishes, and bedrooms and bathrooms stocked with towels and linens. Many cabins have incredible views of the lake and the mountains, and of course our staff of friendly hosts will meet all your needs.
So, rather than working at a compground, we'll be working at a resort with cabins, though we will be staying on site in our fifth-wheel.
Here's a picture of Lake Mary:
and here's one from the dock of the lodge:
We'll be returning to the studio to work on our quilts along with your long arm quilting projects, embroidery labels and sewing machines on or about October 15th so mark your calendars now! We're also planning to have a new fabric line or two available at that time! And as always, if you have questions about your machines, long arm quilting or would like to just say hi, give us a call on our cell phone at (208) 599-5939.
We'll keep you posted of our progress as we begin this latest chapter of adventure!
Take care and we'll see you all soon!
Tom and Diana
Trip to Gooding/Wendell
Tuesday Trip to Gooding/Wendell
The Fat Quarter Quilt Studio Progress Report!
Diana now has dedicated temporary space for her long-arm and it is up and running so let us know as well if you need quilting... she should be caught up and ready for new quilts withing the week (or so).
Here's a view from the inside showing the attic crawl space being installed. Our roll of batting will eventually hang from the ceiling and recess into this space up above so we can simply lower it on a pulley system when someone needs batting!
Will the roofing never end?! Don't be fooled by the smile... I'm actually gritting my teeth! I will spare you the photos where I was layed out face first trying to keep from sliding off the pitch of the roof by making contact with as much body surface as possible, thus increasing friction, all-the-while trying to hold shingles and drive nails!
Which finally brings us to the here and now! The roof is on, the nice victorian era door which has been sitting in the back of the garage waiting all these years for a purpose is finally installed, and the windows are in. It's all sealed up and ready for siding! Isabel came up with the design for the door overhang, suspended by chain from above as not to require 2 big support posts right in front of the door. Nice work Isabel! Notice our night dropped Mexican Fighting Rooster in the foreground along with one of our Buff Orpington Ladies inspecting the work and wondering when we will finally start cleaning up their foraging area.
Now that it's weatherproof, sealed up and secure, we're starting to move some furniture items in to create more space in the house. Next on the list is wiring, insulation and drywall!
In the mean time, let us know if there is something you need. With some of the furniture moving, we are now able to find most everything that was hidden for a few weeks!
One last note to leave you with this week. We had gone back and forth regarding the embroidery machine, but in the end we decided to keep it so we can continue to use it for projects! This being said, let us know if you decide you need embroidered quilt labels or other embroidery projects!
You are all in our prayers last week, this week, and next!
Hope to see you somewhere soon. Until then,
It's off to the hardware store -- again!
Tom and Diana
We are back home
Race Weekend!!!
Hi All,
The fun at the race track started to peak as the weekend approached! But first, we take a few minutes out to enjoy the strip! Here's Isabel at her favorite gaming spot inside Circus Circus: The quarter pusher!
After just a few minutes she amassed over 1,000 tickets!
Which she quickly cashed in for this bling!! A nice tiger hat/mitten combo and a gumball machine.
Luckily, she remembered to pay the "Mom Tax" by treating Mom to a mountain of Tootsie Rolls paid for with her leftover tickets.
Is this a content kid, or what? A bunch of new toys, an ICEE, and a pretzel!
and just across the way, mom makes another quick 20-bucks by playing her new favorite slot machine. I don't know how she does it, but every time she sits down at a machine she makes money! SO far, she's paying our way!
We stepped out onto the strip to watch the NASCAR Hauler Parade
The parade was great and lasted about 20-30 minutes while every hauler passed by an blew their horns. Here's the highlight of the night:
Go Jimmie!
And Speaking of, we figured our first stop on Sunday should be to check in with the crew in the garage to make sure the car would be ready
Meanwhile, Isabel was meeting with Ms Sprint
and she was trying to meet with Danica. Unfortunately this was as close as she would get this weekend
She also had a chance to get a close look at what she says will be her car someday! The Dodge Challenger.
Back to the garage to check in with the competition. Here's a picture of the NASCAR haulers and all of Carl's gear. Not sure why he left his tires and stuff here...
and back in Jimmie's garage, Junior has come over to discuss race strategy with Jimmie and Chad.
Roaming around the garage area, we saw this mechanic really getting into his work!
Sunday finally arrived so Isabel and I climbed on top of the RV to get the ultimate NASCAR view from the infield!
The field is lining up in turn 3!
Fast forward toward the end of the race--Isabel and I head to the winner's circle. Since it's the Kobalt 400, she gets a complimentary foam rubber hammer!
and soon after, the winner of the weekend, Tony Stewart pulled in and climbed out
Here's his car, back at the garage after the celebration.
All in all, it was another awesome NASCAR weekend.
I just wish this picture would have been of Jimmie or Carl since that's who we put money on at the casino!
Luckily for Isabel, this wasn't the end of the excitement! Stay tuned for details of our surprise side trips following Las Vegas!
New Camping Spot and the Calm Before the Storm!
Hi All,
We moved to our final camping spot Sunday Afternoon in the infield this year. Here's Diana checking out the neighbors and Isabel supervising move-in.
Here's our new across the street neighbors. Notice that this picture was taken Monday mid-day as the Sprint Cup trucks started to arrive from Phoenix.
Here's the view from our backyard down the backstretch toward turn 2
A few of the die-hard fans started arriving today at Noon on the dot, as soon as the gates opened.
Even the gulls are fighting for a good spot!
During our morning walk, I couldn't help but realize we were enjoying the calm before the storm. Here's a view of turn 4.
Most of the Nationwide Series Haulers arrived Sunday.
We took a chance to head downtown to the Venetian for a stroll around our old stomping grounds (of sorts).
Isabel enjoyed a Limon Cello gellato in the mall!
and a quick mention that we are feeling slightly guilty for leaving Sadie at home during this trip, but we're glad that we did now because we know she wouldn't have enjoyed the infield experience. I was looking back at a few pictures of her and found one of her early puppy sleeping poses.
Here's a picture of her at the house from just a few weeks ago. I have a feeling she's probably doing the same thing right now since we're gone.
More Updates to come...
Las Vegas!
