Serging 101....next Sewing 101

Thanks to my calling as the Relief Society Enrichment counselor, I have become involved in our ward's humanitarian efforts.  Marilyn Hyer convinced me that I could make a receiving blanket in ten minutes using a serger and I believed her!  So about two months ago, I went online and ordered a serger.  Marilyn gave me a crash course and I have officially completed serging around the outside of 17 flannel receiving blankets.  The first few I did definitely had "beginner" written all around the edges.  But to my amazement, I am actually getting the hang of it.  Knowing that I still need to sew a square in the middle of the blankets to keep the fabric from shifting, I purchased a sewing machine from a garage sale just up the street from my parents.  The machine was still in the original cardboard box with all the packing and the owner said she had used it only a couple times.  So far, I have figured out how to thread it and wind the bobbin. Who would have ever guessed that I would take up sewing.    

Practically in Our Backyard

After all the airlines miles we have logged in over the past three years, Kelly and I decided it was time to visit a natural wonder that is practically in our backyard.  Yes, I am embarrassed to admit, it was my first time to walk the Trail of 100 Giants.  Wendy Adams joined us for the day.  Politics was the topic of discussion on the hour long drive to and from the trail, so Wendy may be regretting joining us after all.  I am happy to report that the weather was a cool 53.    The trail was almost completely accessible but a little off-roading provided for better photo opportunities.  The grove of Giant Sequoias was an awe-inspiring sight.   On the way back we stopped for lunch as the Kern River Brewing Company in Kernville.  I have to admit the food was pretty lousy, the fresh brewed root beer wasn't palatable, but the company was great!   Thanks Wendy for being such a great friend!