Kelleigh's Retreat Packing List

Hopefully you have had time to view the slide show from my recent retreat. Hopefully you are trying to get one together for your group ! If so, here is a list to help you pack. My friend Kelleigh, yes, the one in the slide show, came up with this and I have found it very helpful. Thanks, Kell!

• Pins
• Needles (hand work)
• Sewing machine needles
• Spray Starch
• Archival pen
• Canned Air
• Pencil
• Lint Roller
• Calculator
• Thread Stand
• Rotary Cutter(s)
• Wrist Pin Cushion
• Rotary Blades
• Notepad
• Document Stand (for patterns)
• Container for Gadgets
• Thread
• Scissors
• Bobbins
• Retractable Measuring Tape
• Travel Mat
• Portable Folding Table
• Travel Iron
• Sewing Machine
• Kits and/or Fabric
• Sewing Machine Extension Table
• Patterns
• Ott Lite
• Rulers

Music CD's/IPOD, pillow, cell phone charger, camera, drinks, food, magazines, gum, house shoes.

Slideshow

I hope you guys enjoy the slide show of our retreat. Two of the attendees managed to escape my camera lens so I don't have a photo of everyone. We had a wonderful time and I hope that you will take any opportunity you have to get away with those who share your passion.

What's For Dinner?

Meatballs with Orzo and Zucchini, that's what! I got this wonderful recipe from my friend Jenny, who puts June Cleaver, Donna Reed and Martha Stewart to shame! This is a great after work, one pan meal and it is pretty healthy,too.

You will need:
1 package frozen meatballs, I use the turkey ones
1 14.5 oz. can beef broth
1 cup uncooked Orzo pasta
1 14.5 oz. can chunky tomatoes with olive oil, garlic and spices, undrained
1 medium zucchini, cut into bite size pieces

Place the frozen meatballs and the beef broth in a skillet and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12 minutes, until orzo is tender. Stir in tomatoes and zucchini and cook about 5 minutes until zucchini is tender. Makes 4 servings.

Returning from Retreat

Hello, again! I arrived home this afternoon from 5 days of quilting and other fun things in Rockport, Texas. I am beat, but I wanted to at least share the info about the local quilt shop and the place that we stay. The shop is called Golden Needles and their website is http://quiltscapes.com. We stay at The Retreat House and it is , by far, the best retreat facility that I have been to. Check it out for yourself! http://theretreathouse.com/
Stay tuned for a slide show of all our projects!

A Wonderful Thing...

They are finally here! These are the kits that I received from the "Quilts for Kids" program. Downy fabric softener is working to raise funds for this project with their "Touch of Comfort" program. If you buy Downy with the "Touch of Comfort" label, they will make a donation to support the program. "Quilts for Kids" provides free quilt kits to anyone who wants one (or 5, in my case!). They send them to you, you complete them and return them and they will be distributed to children in hospitals across the nation. Here's the link: http://www.quiltsforkids.org/volunteer/. Stay tuned for a pic of the pieced tops!

Quote of the Week

"I still find each day too short for all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see."
-John Burroughs