Friday, June 27th 2008 21:02:25 By Jackie Comments June 27 - Ruins of Pompeii Today has been absolutely FABULOUS! It's also been what my hubby, Jery, calls a 'Triple H' day -- hot, humid, and hazy. So hazy in fact that I could only barely see Vesuvius and the camera didn't pick it up at all. In the shade of the ruins there was sometimes a breeze. They ARE amazing -- and had a surprising amount of original artwork . . . . . Such devastation . . . . AND the on-going dig keeps uncovering more.

12:33:12 By Jackie Comments June 27 - Positano This charming village is on the Amalfi Coast, and indeed built on the hill just as it appears. Buildings on the 'hill' side of the roads have the rock of the mountain as their back wall! The temperatures are fierce -- and humidity is beyond ridiculous. The people are lovely -- amazing in this heat!! We waded into the sea -- the 'sand' is actually rock, and it's dark grey - - just like the hills.

Thursday, June 26th 2008 16:51:15 By Jackie Comments June 26 - Roma and onward I'm enjoying Italy with some friends for a few days. After arriving on Monday, we walked around the center and ended at Trevi Fountain in the early evening. Talk about PACKED with people!! Nothing at all like the scene from Three Coins in the Fountain where they are almost alone at that lovely place! On Tuesday we caught a bus that took us first to the Colisseum and then on to Vatican City --- more specifically to see the Sistine Chapel. It's absolutely incredibly beautiful. Wednesday was a drive day -- we picked up wheels and headed toward the coast, which we followed for a while. Then on to Positano on the Amalfi Coast, where I'm writing this post. Possibly I'll have a photo from here later . . . .

Saturday, June 21st 2008 20:34:41 By Jackie Comments June 21 - Heading Out! We're taking my Dad home from the Care Center today! It's the longest day of the year -- and I'm certain he's going to be ONE HAPPY FELLA !! Mother is also really excited. They'll have help at night for a while -- until he proves he can get around safely alone - - and to give Mother a bit of relief. We'll also stay there tonight, and in the morning, I'm heading off to Italy with some friends. It's been difficult to go ahead with these plans - not knowing what my Dad is going to be like -- and my dear hubby has stepped in to cover for me. Assuming I can find wireless access - - -I'll try to post a photo or two while gone. Although, if you don't hear from me, just assume we're enjoying all the local pasta and vino.

Sunday, June 15th 2008 19:40:44 By Jackie Comments June 15 - Dad's Day The Quilt Retreats in Lakeside were truly a GRAND TIME. We had lots of laughs, and fellowship, as well as terrific quilting experiences. This is a small (22") quilt that's heading to book and exhibit as a fund raiser to provide quilts for wounded troops and families of our fallen heroes. Mine is titled Soldier's Star, and is based on the same design as Faux Feathered Star, featured in the just released Love of Quilting. It's Father's Day. Jery & I will take Mother & Daddy 'out to dinner' at the hospital cafeteria this evening. It's wheel chair-able from Daddy's Care Center. He's getting stronger, though still having considerable trouble with his memory, a problem caused by the meds. As long as he can remember to always call for help, and doesn't try something that will injure himself - - - he'll hopefully go home in another week or two. We're mighty Thankful. Mother is truly tired of the Care Center --- after her month there in Jan, and now his two months plus . . .

Thursday, June 5th 2008 19:39:07 By Jackie Comments June 5 - Off to Retreats The first of the Montana Retreats begins this afternoon, so I'm heading out shortly. Always LOVE this special time with wonderful quilters. I'm stopping in Kalispell to visit my folks. Daddy is improving slowly, but he's still having a terrible time with confusion which was caused by the surgery and meds. So, we're needing to get him stronger FAST before he gets hurt! The Poinsettia fabric HAS ARRIVED, and the past several days have been cutting and shipping orders. GEE! It's pretty! And - yesterday - June 4th - was Jery & My 25th anniversary. He's a wonderful hubby, and I'm fortunate to have found him!