More from Houston

We have had a couple of days just resting......we are thinking of the horror of hurricane Sandy still and are aware that so many are without power so we can't communicate. But life goes on here........ Larry did the laundry today (what a guy!),  and he had a good chill out day (away from me!).....so I had a day to myself where I walked and walked the quilt show floor. It is wonderful bumping into quilters from around the world and especially Australia...our accent does really stands out!

Before those stories - here is a little of yesterday walking the streets of Houston.........

 The hotel staff had suggested we go to the Chase Tower to get a bird's eye view of Houston. Up 60 stories and here was what I saw...........

 Larry waited for me down there somewhere!

 A little more back on the ground...........

 And then we came across the Chase Bank building and what a hidden art deco gem............

 The tram which is called a train here, travels through these fountains in the city centre.......

 Back at the hotel we are greeted with treats and all the staff are wearing ribbons....makes you feel very important being a quilter in this town - I wonder if it should say "quilters" rather than "quilts" though!

 I think these cookies are rabbits and the home made lemonade is delicious.......

So back to the quilt show. Some more Aussie talent - Ming Hsu from home who won Best of Show in Sydney last June.............

 And here is Mariya Water's entry which has won 1st place in the Miniature category. You might remember Mariya for her beautiful "Renaissance Revival" quilt which won Best of Show in Paducah 3 years ago........congratulations on this one Mariya.......

 And here is your ribbon Elizabeth....well done!

Another Eileen Campbell quilt........

Back to the other views of the show today. There were many school groups learning about quilting which was wonderful to see..........

 Here they are sitting around a quilting frame learning to hand quilt..........

And also learning about what makes an award winning quilt.............

Sherry Reynolds sharing her Best of Show quilt..........

And how cool is this? A lounge with a TV and recliners for the boys!!

The girls from Lilly Pilly Designs custom made me my own necklace.........

 And then I heard an Aussie accent and just had to say Hi! Turns out these girls are from Western Australia and they had come with a photo of their dear friend Cheryl who is going through chemo treatment....Hi Cheryl and sorry you couldn't be here XX

I finally got to meet Denice who I have been emailing for many years from Common Threads Quilting....so good to finally meet you at market Denice!

Tonight we caught up with one of the US girls Jill who joined us with some of her friends on the first William Morris Tour last month. On the way to the restaurant the photos were delightful as the sun was setting on the city.........

 We were treated to a feast at a Japanese restaurant and who should be sitting at the other end of our table!!! The staff seat you where there are vacancies - strangers or not -and who should be at our allotted table....... Mr and Mrs Holland from home! Pam is a past Houston Best of Show winner and spends much of her time overseas teaching and filming which she is doing here at the show. We were entertained around the table and Pam's face says it all........

 And then it was obviously time to leave as they plonked this in front of us for the next diners............

 Thank-you Jill for your generosity - it was a night to remember xx

 Once again a pleasant walk back to the hotel on a beautiful balmy evening. See you for more tomorrow xx