February 13, 2010 was one of those rare, glorious days in the winter when the sun reminds us that there is hope for warm weather, the wind takes a day off, and the snow, for a change, falls in the southern part of the country. It was that day that I ventured to Great Cranberry Island to have a sewing adventure with the Ladies of the Ladies Aid Society.
A generous benefactor provided funds for a Ladies Aid Building dubbed "The Barn." Leftover funds were used to purchase three Pfaff machines and sewing supplies for the Barn so that the Ladies could continue their winter work for the Summer Fair in grand style. I was invited to The Barn to instruct a class to help them get used to their new machines. (Generally, when giving the "sew and go" lessons for new owners, I require them to come to me, so this was a sacrificial exception for me to go to them.)
I drove to Northeast Harbor to catch the mail boat over. (I photographed this license plate on the way down the dock – a nice piece of trivia for us to learn.) It was an uneventful ride, but on the way out, I enjoyed the company of Sous (another Pfaff owner from the smaller island) and the vibrant scenery on this clear, crisp day.
Mary Wallace, my hostess with the mostest, met me at the dock. From the dock, we could see her "summer home" by the boat yard. We got into a red pickup that belonged to someone other than her (I assume she had permission to use it, but heck, this was Cranberry, - as long as it gets returned unharmed). She chauffeured me 
around to take in some of the sights. The navigating that day was a bit difficult since Blair was trimming trees and leaving piles of branches all over the island. However, it kept us from racing in that red truck that belonged to someone else. Mary pointed out many homes of folks I know, many homes of folks I don't know, and many homes of folks I would like to get to know so that they could invite me to come stay with them. I got out and took a few pictures of 
places I don't remember the names of. I did enjoy the chat with the sheep, but they 
were a bit skiddish themselves.
We arrived at the Community Building (which I have used for our Lobster Cruises before) where a group of ladies were waiting with our lunch. We had tea and crudities and soup and cornbread and for dessert, very "melt in your mouth" cookies that Barbara had made.
The Barn sits behind and to the right of the Community Building. So, after our meal, we went there to sew. What a delightful room: lots of windows, light wood floors and walls, large draws with supplies, and ample tables. The kits were all cut, so sewing them up was a snap. (Well, maybe a rip or two also). We made it all the way to the binding before Mary had to run me back down to catch the 4:15 boat back to Northeast Harbor.
It was a most delightful day and hope that I will be called a back!
P.S. The wall quilts will be for sale at the Cranberry Island Ladies Aid Summer Sale!
