Still working on new items for the Flaherty show. I have new wall hangings completed, new pins (actually completed a couple of months ago but misplaced until now), and I have 3 runners and 2 sets of placemats ready for layering and quilting. My creative time and energy have been divided between my business and the business of running the United Maine Craftsmen organization. Our administrator position was a victim of the pandemic and it has fallen to the Board of Directors to carry on. I am on the Membership and Jury committee and we have been busy with outreach to former members, responding to inquiries from potential members, and keeping records straight. At times it's an all-consuming task but when I'm feeling overwhelmed I put it away and retreat to the studio. We are holding elections this year at Flaherty and I have agreed to run for vice president. We'll see how that works out!

I'm currently watching CNN and their coverage of that gazillionaire's space trip. I'm not sure how I feel about this. One the one hand, yes, science is great but on the other, I have a hard time believing that common folk like me will ever be able to afford these trips. And this particular person's idea of moving manufacturing to outer space to save the earth's atmosphere has me wondering what happens if we pollute space like we've polluted this planet? Won't that change the entire deal?

First Show in the Record Books

 So the first post-pandemic show is in the history book. The new canopy performed like the professional it was billed to be, even in some stiff breezes on Sunday. Of course, we had staked it down through the footpads and added an extra outrigger stake on each corner. There was some swaying but nothing to be alarmed about. Still, I have ordered some stabilizer bars for added security and in hopes they can function as additional display space and eliminate the need for the large, unwieldy black A-frame display I've been using for runners. Fingers crossed on that! I also think I have a solution for the drooping lap quilt display in the canopy - just need to go get the materials and have D. do a bit of woodworking to make it functional.

 The crowds were fairly well-behaved although at one point I had far too many people in my booth for my comfort. Fortunately they dispersed quickly. A few adults and children wearing masks but I knw there were unvaccinated children without, just by their ages. Sales were strong on Saturday -lots of hangings! Not so much on Sunday but that's the norm. Still, it was worth the trips. And I'm really looking forward to the Flaherty Show in about a month. I'm working on new hangings and will do more balsam trivets and pins and a few runners and placemats before. I'll have 2 solid days with no other responsibilities next week when D. is off to play golf in NH. 

 The hot weather that moved in over last weekend finally left on Thursday, leaving some destruction in Belgrade Lakes. Mostly trees down but apparently a real mess. It's been cool and rainy since but today is clear. Great sleeping weather and I've been playing catch up. 

 The SDNY finally yielded indictments to the Trump organization and its CFO this week. All relating to payroll tax fraud. These are not free perks, you jerks! They are taxable income and the fact that there is a second "smoking" spreadsheet only supports that. And having your leader claiming ignorance about the laws in a campaign-style rally over the weekend does not help the case.

 And the condo that partially collapsed in FL is now completely collapsed in a control demo last night. Makes it safer for the search and rescue forces and the neighborhood. There was some concern about pets who might have been left behind but they apparently scanned with thermal imaging and found nothing. Still over 120 missing souls. And another building evacuated as dangerous after inspection.

 Racing is marking time until the Saratoga and DelMar meets begin in a couple of weeks. Not surprised by the news that Charlatan, one of Baffert's poster horses, has been retired. And several of his have been transferred to other trainers and begun racing again. The CHRB did not do the sport any favors by timing their meetings and decisions to benefit him.