Lancaster, and More Hot Weather

Lancaster is one of my favorite stops in my wanderings. After looking at the photos I selected for this post, it’s actually a great explanation of why I like coming here so much.

First of all, my friends, Peg and Larry. A driveway for my Alto, along with an electric hookup, a lovely guest bedroom and bathroom (awesome shower!), libations for me (and Peg), and wonderful hospitality every single minute. I never fail to feel welcomed from the second I back into the Alto’s temporary home here.

The Lancaster area is full of big skies and open fields, and I always find something new to photograph. This was a castle of some kind, out in the middle of a big open space. I could live there.

Another reason is their grandkids, who I love to hang out with and watch them change visit after visit. I’ve known the older one (on the right) since the day after she was born, my arrival being perfectly timed that year. This visit, we went to the Lancaster Science Factory, which was indoors and air-conditioned, a fact we all appreciated on that super-hot day. Both kids climbed to the top of this amazing structure, their first time going all the way up, so there was much cheering and photo-taking to mark the occasion. (Never underestimate the drive for kids to show off to their visiting friend (me) and go higher than ever before!)

Despite the new homes and apartments and stores, Lancaster still has plenty of corn and tobacco fields. And plenty of Amish and Mennonite residents. I love the cover photo of the two Amish women on kick bikes.

This trip had a special moment (OK, it was way longer than a moment!). I finally got to meet Starla of Guided Star Quilting, the person who has assembled all my quilts. First, she visited my trailer and took tips for the van build-out they are doing in prep for their own adventures. I got to pull out all three of the quilts in the set I made for myself, and show them off. (Yes, Starla quilted all of them!)

Then it was time to walk up to Starla’s and visit her workroom. Oh, what an amazing place. Two long-arm quilting machines and this table, which is almost as big as the total flooring in my Alto. I’m so envious! And, a hanging iron at the ready. Again, envious! (And thanks so much, Starla, for letting us see where your particular brand of magic happens.)

If it’s Lancaster and Peg, there’s quilting to be done, both shopping for fabrics and learning new things. This trip, she introduced me to English Paper Piecing (EPP for those in the know). I made this little seven-piece thing as practice before moving on to the kit I bought off Amazon, which will take much longer. It’s the perfect hobby for travelers, as you can just work on a few pieces or a section at a time, and not have to pull the whole big quilt piece out every time.

All too soon (five nights), it was time to head further north and leave the air-conditioned comfort of my cushy Lancaster stop. Thanks to Peg and Larry (and Pepper, the cat who doesn’t really want me around…) for the hospitality and the easiness of hanging out with you.

Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness.

Lois L. Kaufman