city patterns

Last weekend the husband and I jetted off to NYC for the weekend (I know - aren't we glamorous). It was a quick trip to visit friends, take pictures of friends and see some of the city. I had been there for less than a day earlier this year for work, but really we haven't been in four years.

Last time, it was a whirlwind tourist trip and a surprise engagement trip (for me...B planned one heck of a surprise). This time is was more laid back and my feet didn't hurt nearly as much.

I spent a lot of time looking at patterns - inspiration for new quilts.

I'm in love with the highline - new park built on old elevated rail lines. Beautiful detailing for the architecture nerds in the group. Lush green surroundings and fun public space for all. And I'm totally going to make a quilt inspired by the rails.

 

These two were at the Cloisters. Another lush garden place, but also really old buildings and roads. I love those three curves coming together and the fence above. Thinking about quilting patterns and blocks!

geography fail

So - I can't believe I'm about to share this with you. But I'm a believer in full disclosure, and just bought a mug with a quote about excelling at foolish acts, so I need to share this with you.

While in the Black Hills we started playing the license plate game on a drive through Custer State Park. (Which is a beautiful drive - when you aren't cross-eyed looking at license plates) (no really - you should go - there are buffalo and hairpin turns). B had mentioned he played back when he was a kid and had a 'bingo' sheet with all the states. We didn't plan ahead, so I wanted to make sure to write all the states down, so we would remember at the end of the day. Which turned into sitting at the campfire that night and drawing out a United States map from memory. Obviously not a good memory:

All I have to say is 'I'm sorry'. A big apology to California and Nevada, Nebraska, Michigan, Kansas and Arkansas (I forgot you both in the initial round and had to squeeze you in), and the entire eastern quarter of the country.

I also have to legally mention that my husband was not involved in the drawing in any way. He may have found my missing states and helped with borders, but did not participate in the execution.

The good news, after checking the internet for a few missed plates - I think we got all but four. Main, Delaware, West Virginia, and Rhode Island. Hawaii was a great find as we were enjoying cocktails at an outdoor patio - I had to say thank you to that couple. They made our day.

One last note - if anyone can tell me which license plate has a pink branchy-looking thing on it, you will make my day.

our trip in pictures

Lots of nature, rocks, sights and picture taking. I'm trying to get all the photos combined, edited and sent off for printing right away - these are too perty to sit in the computer for too long. I'll probably have more (plus my favorite attraction of all) later on in the week. Hope your Monday is sunny!