This was a day of firsts: Rosie’s first class, my first venture to the surrounding blocks to try to get oriented and visits to the bookstore, shop, and Reading Terminal Market. The bookshop has everything from needlework books of ALL kinds to children’s books to mysteries based on some form of needlework. (I thought I’d copy down some authors for the newsletter editor.). I made a list of my favorite needlework books. I did not buy yet; I figure if some are soldout, my wallet is safer! I did find some charts that I liked at the shop and drooled over the enormous selection of threads. In my search of the neighborhood I found a 7Eleven that carried hard boiled eggs for Rosie’s breakfast–none in the Reading Terminal Market, I asked all over. I found the recommended restaurant from our conversation last night at the open stitching where we went tonight–Caribou Cafe. I found friendly stitchers at the open stitching area again. Stitchers are so friendly!

This afternoon Heidi arrived, checked in, went to her room and came out of the shop an hour later with her hands full! She is one fast shopper! I am sure you have read about the excitement Rosie and I saw while at the First Timers’ Reception. What a hoot! Only in a big city! The three of us went out for a good dinner tonight and are getting ready for a good day tomorrow.

Hi, Everyone —

Sue C and I attended the first timer’s reception tonight.  The ANG officers and area reps did speed dating at each table to tell us about the seminar and their particular responsibilities.  Also, my name was pulled out of a bag and I won a door prize!  By far, the highlight of the event was a spectacular naked biking parade!  We were on a mezzanine and had front row seats to this annual Philadelphia event!  I don’t think I can post the video on the blog — sorry!

Naked Bike Parade in Philadelphia

My class called “Asian Collage” with Debbie Steihler started this morning.  It’s been a lot of fun and the stitches are unique and interesting.  Lots of influence by Jane Zimmerman.  Sue Rossi — I met Sue Wardrep and Toni Goetzman — they are both in the Asian Collage class with me.  Very nice ladies!

You probably saw the photo of Sue and I scouring the Reading Terminal Market for our lunch.  We had yummy sandwiches from an Italian deli and wonderful tea from a booth that specialized in scores of types of tea,

After the first timer’s banquet we met Heidi and went to dinner at a restaurant that some of our seminar colleagues had recommended called Cariboo Cafe.  It was about a four block walk from the hotel and was an interesting mix of mostly French cafe cuisine.  (I had steak tartare — one of my favorites!)

After I send this post out into cyberspace, I may try to tie off a few of my “tails” from today’s project before I hit the sack.

These are very busy days — I haven’t even found time to visit the store or exhibits.

Looking forward to seeing more NJNA members soon!

Cheers!  Rosie

Wow, I am here and ever so happy to be here.  Thanks to Sue  C. , who babysat my luggage while I found a parking spot for my car, I was able to check in without any mishaps.  After unpacking I immediately hit registration and the needlepoint store to pick up the necessary items I needed for my class tomorrow, and a few extra goodies.  Once situated, I met Sue and Rosie to go to dinner.  We went to a wonderful spot, the Carabou Club, for a delicious dinner, but more importantly terrific company and conversation about stitching and bigger issues.  I know I am in a city because I was completely oblivious to the naked bicyclists streaming by the hotel.  I have yet to understand what their cause was, freedom of some sort.

Hi, Everyone —

Sue C and I arrived in Philadelphia around 5:00 PM and before we even settled into our room, we hit the ANG registration booth.  Lots of goodies.  We have decided that we need to make a one page schedule because there are so many activities going on this week — I swear that there is something every night.

So after reading our program cover to cover, we settled in to our room.  I think we’ll be very cozy here for the week!

It turns out that there are quite a few restaurants in the area.  The Reading Terminal Market was closed, so we didn’t get a chance to scope that out yet.  We decided to go to The Melting Pot for dinner — it was literally just across the street.

After dinner, we scoped out the meeting floors and stumbled upon a group in the open stitching area (it’s open 24 hours in case someone has trouble sleeping!).  What fun!  Jo Ippolito Christensen was sitting with folks from Syracuse, NY; San Diego, CA; Easton, PA; and Mendham, NJ.  Someone immediately knew Mendham as “Where Mrs. Stitches is!”  They thought I was lucky to live within walking distance — some of these women have to drive an hour for stitching supplies.

Good night all!

Cheers — Rosie