Home of the Brave Project Demonstration

Saturday was a busy day. Before we went to the beach, we headed down to Eugene for the Lane County Pioneer Quilt Show. It is held at the Lane County Historical Museum where there are many wonderful displays of antiques. Here is a Model A that Phil took a liking to.

During the show, they had numerous demonstrations throughout the week. The HOB demo was the third section of how we can help our military from when they are deployed, those who are injured, and of course, the comfort quilts to moms who have lost soldiers. This is Ginger, she is in charge of getting small quilts to soldiers so that when they are deployed, they have a loved quilt to get them through their tours. Each quilt has a log cabin block in the four corners - a memory of the home that they will return to.

Robin shared the Quilts of Valor -- quilts that are made for soldiers who have been injured. The two on the far right are some that she has long armed quilted and sent on to soldiers - about 20,000 thus far.

This is my display of quilts going to moms who have lost soldiers. We have a display board of our Fallen Heroes and the status of each of their quilts.

I shared with them how to make the quilts from the same pattern of the Civil War quilts that were given to soldiers in the field. The dimensions are the same as their cot size - 84" by 48".

Here I am explaining the label that we put on the quilt.

I then shared a few other finished tops and quilts that I had, just to let them know that they are scrappy, can be the same and all signed by the Governor of Oregon. Our presentations were well received and we have more people who are willing to help us make these quilts to share with soldiers and families. I also had a mom there who had a son in Italy, had been on three tours of duty thus far and her daughter-in-law had been medically discharged. She was very grateful for us being there and needed to talk a bit about her son. That is when we do the most good - we listen and then give her a much needed hug - just to let her know we understand and care.

Clamming again at the Beach

Bill and Becky invited us up to the Beach to clam again - probably for the last time until October. Here Bill and Phil are getting ready.

The last time we went, we didn't do well. So, Phil and I are serious this time. We are gonna get those clams if we have to stay out all day!!Bill is ready. Clamming gear is simple, a good pair of boots, a clam gun and net to put them in.
This is called the "Get the water out of your boot" dance. I was digging for the clam when the wave came up a little too high. I didn't want to let go - can't let the water or clam beat me. So, I got a little - ok, a lot -- of water in my boot. Burr that is cold the second time around.

Here are the guys in action.

A very successful day. We all got our limit - 15 clams each.
Now comes the work - cleaning the clams.
When done, we ground them up to make fritters, soup, etc. yumm, yumm

On Sunday afternoon, we went into historical Oysterville for a little change of scenery. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom. A beautiful site.

There is a neat little church there, separated pews for women and men and a side area which was probably for the servants. Here Phil is giving us his preachin'

Becky has some beautiful flowers that are just blooming around the house. These were Calla lilies near the dining room window.

Time to say goodbye. Can't forget to give Penny a hug as well. She is a nice dog - was fun sharing the beach house and walks with her.
Til next time. Bye for now.