Packing Up My Cares and.... Sewing Supplies

It's our last day here in SWFL until mid-autumn and we're scurrying around like the proverbial headless chickens.  My sewing and blogging mojo has disappeared in the last two weeks as we've been enjoying the lovely weather and charming friends.  As always, it's hard to say goodbye but we're also eager to get on the road for our next six months of adventure.  So the freezer and refrigerator are empty, laundry is finishing up and we're seeing what we can squeeze into the car and roof top carrier.  (I can't resist the political comment....unlike the Romneys, our dogs will travel inside the car, not on top of it:-)

It's never easy to decide what patterns go back and forth.  Considering how much I love my dozen or so tried and true patterns, it's funny that I have to have so many untried ones ready just in case the urge strikes me.  
Several unfinished projects also make the trip north:

Pencil skirt that needs silk flower embellishing

A generous sewing friend taught bead weaving this month at our monthly sewing get together.  I have lost the pics of her gorgeous bracelet but here's the initial collection of beads that I started to gather for two bracelets of my own....one a crystal based bracelet and one with green/gold tones.  Packed.

And of course I couldn't resist the pattern sale at Joann's last weekend so these three patterns are heading up north....wonder if I'll even touch them in the next six months?  I wouldn't put any big money on the bet.

Before I turn off the computer and return the DVR box today, I wanted to share two wonderful selections from the world of books and movies.  I loved reading this book:

I had heard a lot of book chat about it last year but wondered how much there was to say about Rin Tin Tin?  Well, Susan Orlean has a wonderful way with words and she has much to say about America, the modern age, loneliness and redemption and ambition, dogs, dog training, movies, television and the human condition....as well as Rin Tin Tin.  I loved it.

Here's another April love:

Our movie group met last Friday for the last time this season and this was the clever, wonderfully ironic and beautiful to watch film.  If you've been married for any length of time I think you'll get a kick out of this one...and it did inspire some interesting discussion as well so you might want to rent it with friends.

Ok, a few podcasts to put on the ipod for the trip then it's goodbye to beautiful southwest Florida and hello, Maryland.  Cool weather up there, perfect for all the gardening we have to start.  Hope your journeys, near and far, are safe and easy this week.