Day 8 Class on fusible flowers at Houston

Day 8 Class on “Fabulous Fusible Fabric Flowers” With Melinda Bula

The day began, as it would appear all days here will begin, with an early morning noisy neighbour waking up at 5 am! GRRRRRRR. 

Deb and I got up, had breakfast, I made my lunch and we left at 7:15. We had to pick up our badges and programme for an 8 am start. Well that’s what mine said last week. Not so apparently. Changed to 9 am start. So I was first at the room, took down the chairs and waited for the next person to come. There were a few who turned up an hour early? Not to worry, I chatted to the other ladies outside the room after grabbing a front row seat so I didn’t end up with a stiff neck from turning.

Class started at 9. Melinda Bula was leading the class. Good presenter, interesting technique, but the room was like an oven I took my t-shirt off very quickly before the class started. We worked until 12. Stopped for a 2 hour lunch break, during which time I took out my materials and ironed the backing on each piece and cut out in preparation for the next part of the class. This meant that my basic flower shape was finished within the class time and now I “just” have to finish all the very fine details and quilt it! (Many more hours will be needed to complete it) Lots of intricate cutting skills and layering. A very enjoyable class. Deb had a full day on long arm quilting skills.

Aiming for this 

I couldn’t get Deb on the phone during the day or after classes until she rang me as she was coming out of the centre. Apparently the phone reception inside is notoriously poor? .We walked back to the hotel via the grocery shop. By this time it was 6:30 and time to make dinner. This hotel has no serving dishes so I used the plastic container that used to have the spinach as a salad bowl and we used a take away coffee cup as a container for the salmon. Another nice simple dinner. Dishes and typing soon after. Finally almost caught up, but it is 11 pm. The best part is the next few days are much less busy but we are both pessimistic about getting any sleep in tomorrow.

My flower at the end of class with lots more to do

Day 7 Houston to La Grange bus tour

A bad start to the day. The next door neighbours getting up at  AM!!!!! The only good news was that it meant I could catch up on typing and posting for the day before.
We had an early start to the day anyway, but not that early. We had to catch the bus up at the Hilton at 7:30. We made it in plenty of time and joined a range of other ladies on a very large bus. Deb and I sat separately - window seat each. Lovely tour guide and great driver.

We drove through some lovely country side and learned about Houston/ Texas. Not too much data or  useless information. We did learn that Houston is surrounded by major rivers. The recent floods were mostly a result of releasing dam water through areas, which have been allowed to be developed, despite being prone to flooding in the past? It is a port and has many bayous, which accounts for the smell. Alligators are an issue! There are some not so safe places to go. Great public transport, a fantastic huge hospital system. The transfer of Texas to America was the biggest land transfer ever. (Don't mention it to the Mexicans who are still upset) They grow cotton, hay, sorghum, corn, wheat, rice, soybeans, peanuts and pecans, oil and cattle. Houston is the fourth biggest city in America. When we were driving we crossed over several of the major rivers. Mostly bigger than the Murray. No hills to be seen in any direction, mostly flat or slightly undulating. Lots of grass in every direction. And so many huge trucks on highway 10 hauling a variety of goods. The highways were in great condition.

We stopped at three quilt shops during the day. Each had something to offer, but I was very retrained with thoughts of luggage restrictions of upcoming flights. People might have to drive long distances but they are certainly well catered for. My most favourite one was the La Grange Quilted Skeins. Heaven: fabric and wool for knitting! 
We visited the La Grange Quilt Museum. No photos allowed for the main exhibition.The secondary exhibition by Susan Shie (reminiscent of Mambo designs) was fabulous. So much to see in each quilt and photo permission by the artist.

We had a delicious lunch at "Celebrations". The cook was a lovely lady, great food. I got such a surprise when the man serving the drinks looked so similar to my brother Kevin. I wandered around the town and even had a chance to get my glasses fixed at the optician- free! Deb got a bargain quilt at a second hand shop.
On the return trip we stopped at a painted church, -  heavily decorated inside. Clouds were gathering in the late afternoon sky. On the return, we passed by Buc-ee's, the largest petrol station in the world. Buses can't stop there. There are rows and rows of pumps and the inside is just as famous. 
The bus driver took us through some of the suburbs affected by the floods. The water marks have to be seen to be believed and all the parks are covered in a thick layer of sand. On the way to LA Grange we passed by a huge paddock covered in hundreds of water damaged cars- don't buy a car from Texas in the future.

We arrived back in town just as the sun was setting at 7 pm. We left just as it was rising. We walked to the Embassy Suites hotel to meet Deb's friend Jess, had a drink then walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Great enchiladas- almost as good as Mexico. Another late night back to the hotel passing by several homeless men asleep in the streets. Shower, washed our clothes and then I started downloading photos. But the internet wouldn't connect? Even so another late night. 

Almost back while the sun was setting

Day 6 LA to Houston

Day 6 LA to Houston

Problematic sleep last night after getting to bed at 10:30 but up at 5 AM this morning. 

Quickly up, dressed, locked the case, breakfast, made sandwiches and out of there just before 6 am.

Great run to airport in 37 minutes, despite fog as we got closer to the city. My bag was over weight by 2 lbs- over full flight. So out came the 2 fruit cakes and perfect. Deb‘s bag got snagged again. She had forgotten a bottle of water. Easily solved. Not like the man in front who had a box of cat food, which had to have each tin checked! Luckily we checked in when we did because there wasn’t a lot of time to spare. We had to catch a bus to terminal 52 and wait.BUT we didn’t have a seat allocation and it was an overbooked flight. (Big baseball game in Houston.) They were offering $400 if you would wait till the 1:30 flight. At the last minute Deb and I got seat allocations and then it was off to catch the next bus to the plane. We finally took off at 8:45. Good flight to Houston with minimal turbulence and a free cup of very hot tea. No GF snacks. A full flight, so the over head lockers were full up too and my bag got squashed under the seat in front. Not helping my loaf of bread- now a loaf of crumbs. Both Deb and I were sewing on the trip, but most on board were sleeping? With the time difference we landed at 1:42 new time, so luckily we each had our own sandwich.

After collecting bags we went out the front and I used my Uber app for the first time. Sure enough our car arrived in 6 minutes and was $31 compared to $56 for a taxi! Nice driver from East Africa who had only heard the terror stories about Australian snakes and other nasty things. Clean car but he definitely needed a wheel alignment.

Arrived at our hotel “Club Quarters” just before 3 pm, but our room was not ready, so we sat in the foyer and had a lovely cup of tea while we waited. We were pleasantly surprised with our room. A good size. We were pre warned re one queen bed and one sofa bed. Great facilities in the kitchen area with a few minor issues- like no plug for the sink? So we used a small peanut container. Convection oven, which we finally worked out how to use, two burner hotplates, full fridge, dishwasher, sink.  Bathroom was good too, except the hot /cold message was completely reversed in reality? No exhaust fan- nice “sauna like” atmosphere. Think the maid needs to take a bit more care in dusting, but it was basically clean and well presented. Great facilities here at the hotel. A huge laundry with washers and driers and laundry powder, fitness room. We had to ring down and get a man to come up and show us how to pull out the sofa bed. (My bed for the week.) Comfy and fully made up already. No safe?

We unpacked and I found that my bag had been TSA checked- note inside the wrapping of the jam jar? Deb's bag had been checked too. We went via the George Brown Convention Centre to see how long it would take to walk. There is a light rail right outside our hotel straight to the centre. The town was filled with people going to the HUGE baseball match just up the road. It was a perfect evening to take photos with so many buildings reflecting the shadows of other buildings. We went around a big block to the nearest supermarket, which had many quick meals, it didn’t really have much basic food. We got a few veggies, some fruit and things for dinner tonight.

We walked up to Main St to try to get to the CVS- but it had closed. A few homeless up there, but mostly tourists. Back to the hotel and made dinner. Both of us needed to wash our hair after dinner, then it was download and diary time! Deb had a chat with Lester. Lovely to hear that Melbourne is having a cold weather snap.

Another day/ a different city. Tomorrow: another early start to catch the bus at 7:30 for a trip to La Grange quilt museum. 

Day 5 Day of the Dead

Day 5 Day of the Dead celebrations

Woke at 6 so I packed my bag ready for tomorrow. Luckily some things will stay behind and I can pick them up on the way back. Most of the food items will be gone by the end of the Houston section.

After breakfast I did a load of washing and drying then sewed up Teagan’s costume for Halloween. It needed to be adjusted, so I was able to find and use Susan’s sewing machine.

Susan had an appointment downtown, so she left us to it. The task took until 11, so there was no time for a quick trip down to AT&T to check on my phone. We were concerned that it was still reading International Roaming. However once Susan returned, we left Oscar and Troy behind and went via the phone shop- all good and he fixed a minor connection issue. From here it was up to the bank where I had a major problem with my ATM card. It could NOT withdraw cash. We tried two machines. Fortunately the bank was open on a Saturday, so I was able to withdraw cash from my cash card! Something to talk to the bank about when I return home!!!

This bank needs to have a visa code on any card that withdraws from the ATM?

Money in my bag we set off for Hollywood Cemetery along with many other people. A slow start then a good run. We parked in a local school grounds for $20 for the day (school fundraising) then walked a few blocks to the cemetery. Fascinating seeing all the dressed up people. The Day of the Dead is not Halloween. It is a time to remember all those who have died and to celebrate their life. And boy do they celebrate! I took many photos. The altars were so colourful, many costumes, entertainment, food etc and walking through the graveyards of the rich and famous and sometimes of the unknown. Sort of sad that some had HUGE monuments while others barely a little stone/ cross. Art displays were everywhere all on a theme of the dead.

We ate our lunch watching the entertainment. Altogether we spent many hours there, because there was so much to see. At the end of our time Susan and Teagan had their faces painted- beautiful creations by both artists. Then we walked back to the car park about 4:30. By now the streets were filled to overflowing with cars. The event lasts until midnight. They were announcing they the expected night crowd was 40,000. Possibly known by the pre-sales of the tickets.

Traffic coming back was heavier and the trip was slower. Susan took us via Hollywood so Deb could see some of the sights, then we used secondary roads to get back as the freeway was very slow. We stopped at Ralphs for salad, chicken, fresh bread for dinner. Deb and I quickly prepared dinner and we all sat down and ate it, washed the dishes/ watched TV. Once again time to type up today’s news and download all the photos. Hopefully an earlier night tonight because we have an early start to catch our flight at 8:15 am.

Day 4 My American birthday!

Day 4 LA and an American birthday

Woke up at 7. Teagan had made me a lovely card for my birthday and Troy sang happy birthday. I walked with Teagan and Susan down to the school and then back to have breakfast.

We left about 9:30 for a trip to Downtown LA. Susan drove the scenic route to show Deb the lovely parks and gardens close to LA. We paid for parking downtown and walked across to Olvera St and the Mexican “Day of the Dead” stalls.

All the colour reminded me so much of Susan and Oscar’s wedding celebrations. Then onto Union Station, which has restored its amazing Art Deco interior. We drove to through the Arts area with the most incredible art graffiti on many of the walls. Past Skid Row where the homeless of LA have tents on the footpaths, past The BROAD and around the streets to get a general view of some the new and old buildings in LA.

We parked again intending to have lunch at Clifton’s, only to find it closed for a function! So we walked further to The Ace Hotel-another lovely Art Deco building complete with a gorgeous roof terrace and great views of the city. Downstairs to have a light lunch where I had my first birthday candle of the day. On our way back to the car we stopped at a random shop (Gentle Monster)  selling sunglasses which had an incredible art installation inside. It was a theme of “harvest” The artists were Jung Uk Yung and Miso Ababa.

Incredible doesn’t seem adequate to describe the intricate workings of the “machines.”

After lunch we drove home for a short stop, where I downloaded this morning’s photos, before taking Troy and Teagan with us to the Odyssey Restaurant, which has lovely night views of the valley. A beautiful meal. Unfortunately Oscar had to work so he missed out.  When we had eaten and taken some photos we drove to Joanne’s, where Deb and I were overwhelmed by the huge range of fabric and every other craft. I am looking for a particular cutter but couldn’t find it here. I did however find gorgeous colours in open ended zips. We only had half an hour before closing time so there wasn’t a lot of time to cruise. More like a fast rush, but we saw most of the stock. The nearby Walmart was enormous, lots of last minute Halloween shoppers. Susan bought an enormous bag of lollies for the Trick or Treaters. She drove us back via Newhall which has undergone an upgrade. Back home at 10pm to start the diary. Oscar came home early because of a breakdown in the equipment at work. I downloaded the rest of today’s photos and typed up the news.

It was a great day. One to remember

Day 3 LA October 26

 My Australian birthday

A wonderful night’s sleep because it was much cooler. Mind you I did go to bed late and made sure I drank a strong brew of sleepy tea before retiring. A long early morning conversation with Sarah and the kids. Lucky me.

Lachie using mum's phone

Some of Therese's cranes

After breakfast and doing a load of washing, we drove to the home of Susan’s friend Therese for a wonderful few hours of sharing stories and ideas. We also shared some delicious tea and fruit “salad” among some of Therese’s multi-talented creative projects. I felt very much at home and she was so welcoming.

From here we drove home for lunch. While Susan settled down for more work (she was still working at Therese’s- amazing technology) 

Deb and I walked down the street to the shops for more retail therapy and to pick up a few things for the evening meal. Although not as hot as yesterday, the reflected glare from the concrete was fierce at times. We were in and out of shops = in and out of air conditioners. Lots more to see and a few things to buy. Deb loved the outlets and it was easy to just wander through looking at some amazing bargains.

Deb and I laughed so much at this 

I had inquired about a new SIM card for America as the man in the Telstra shop at home had advised and when told they only last for 30 days had to wait until today to get one and have it activated. However when it was installed I saw that there was a message from Telstra. Not sure how when it wasn’t activated prior to this? And what a surprise… I had accrued a $500 debt in the last 3 days on my mobile phone? Not sure how that happens if you have never asked them to activate International Roaming so tonight I have written them an email re this issue. We “may be in discussions” upon my return.

Deb and I came home just as the sun was setting. Susan and Teagan were at school for a science night. The boys were relaxing, so Deb and I folded clothes until Susan’s return. Dinner was homemade Tacos- delicious. Dishes and while the others settled down to watch TV I searched a long time for a way to contact Telstra by email- Found it!!!!!! And wrote to them about today’s “issue”( Of course I can’t contact them by phone because I now have a new SIM. ) and I am guaranteed that they will reply to my enquiry within 5 days. Good luck with that, because by then I’m not sure what the internet will be like in Houston.

A fast download of not many photos today and then a quick write up of not much news. It was lovely to get messages from friends re my Australian birthday, but we are celebrating here tomorrow. 

Another cool night – wonderful.

Day 2 LA

I need to start by saying that I'd forgotten most of yesterday afternoon's activities when I wrote the blog.

This one combined Halloween and Christmas?

When the kids came home we drove down to the shops to see the incredible Halloween creations for sale! Very realistic and very scary. But in one shop were the scariest for Halloween and most beautiful Christmas decorations.
Last night was not a good sleeping night because of the heat, but I eventually slept. Another hot day today of 37C.
After breakfast Deb and I walked down to some of the local shops to buy some groceries. We browsed through several shops checking out clothes, shoes and household items.

Finally we went home for a very late lunch after stopping for a cup of tea at Mc Donald's. A sandwich for lunch and then we went outside to sew in the lovely late warm afternoon. 
Dinner was leftover Chinese from last night. Just as delicious.
Another late night after an issue with the computer trying to import every photo on the card not just today's! All solved thankfully. 

Not too many men in Australia would be buying this one

      

Day 1 Melbourne to LA

A very busy preparation time before this flight. The list to achieve the day before was extensive.

I had to work my way through

A late night before the alarm woke me up for a slightly earlier morning. Heather R arrived after picking up Deb on the way. We had a great run, to the airport.
At the airport the lady checking us moved our seats, so we had a spare seat between. It was a good flight with only one short turbulent section. We flew on the "Paul McGinness" a co founder of Qantas. It was an older plane that probably needs refurbishment sometime in the future. The GF meals were atypical but at least they arrived and the snack hamburger was lovely.

No real sleep so we were awake for 24 hours until a quick cat nap a while ago.
It is hot and windy here. Our pilot took great delight and telling us it was going to be 41 C  today in LA/ 102 F. We were certainly glad we had a change of clothes before we left the airport. 

For those who are not on FB, we have already had hopefully the only "issue" of our trip. 

I had notification that our hotel accommodation- booked a year ago- was cancelled on Sunday. One week before we were due to walk through the foyer into a town fully booked with other sewers and quilters and now apparently a big baseball game. Luckily an emergency call to Susan solved the problem and we now have other accommodation. Not quite what we had initially, but it is a place to stay. Talking to Oscar, who is currently employed by FEMA, it appears that Houston is still having massive issues trying to solve the flood emergency and the associated housing issue. So we are really lucky that we are not camping on the green.