San Diego May 2015 - Day 4

Friday May 8

Going home today, catching a train at noon. But I got a little sewing done before leaving the hotel.

Block created some time ago. I decided to try to make a few more that were similar.

Right - pieced strips leftover from a previous retreat, good starting points

Bottom - new strip set, pretty similar

Strip set cut. See, no markings on the ruler. Just aim and cut, no measuring necessary for these techniques.

Two new lower strips, cousins to the top strip

Bottom left - new strip made in the same fashion

Right - the new block will be similar to the older block on the left

Collection of strips to make new blocks

Here are the pieces I made during the retreat. The blocks on the right remind me of some of the works of the artist Piet Mondrian.

I have a fascination for seagulls. These gathering of gulls reminds me of old men who meet and shoot the breeze.

Packed up to go. Sewing machine, tools, fabric, clothes, etc., all fit into the suitcase and shopping bag.

It's raining, I have to catch a bus, and I don't have an umbrella. Sigh.

Downtown San Diego. Checked my bag at the train station, then walked a block to Matisse Bistro, a French cafe in America Plaza Trolley Station. It's been a tradition to eat here on my last morning before leaving San Diego. French food, French decor and most of the staff speak French. What a lovely way for this Francophile to end a trip.

Inside the cafe

French toast (made from croissants) with strawberries, and a cafe au lait. Delicious.

Almost time to head back to the train station and the rain is really coming down.

Santa Fe Train Depot, in service for 100 years.

If you choose your seat carefully on the Pacific Surfliner, you can see views like this. Gorgeous!

Waiting Room at Union Station, Los Angeles. You've probably seen this room in movies, television and commercials.

Bus ride to Bakersfield, then back on the train to my home town. I had a wonderful trip. I don't know when I'll go back to San Diego, but hopefully it won't be too long,.It's a great place to visit.

Debbie