Pony Express from Princeton to Earlville

This morning reminded just how much I miss my horse, Rojo, and the companionship we shared on many a trail.

The Pony Express mail service was re-enacted this morning by many gentlemen of the Illinois Valley Horsemen's Association.  The horsemen prepared in a parking lot adjacent to the to Princeton Post Office this morning. 



 

The Pony Express riders arrived through the parking lot and rode up the sidewalk a short distance to be welcomed by the postmaster.  

 

 



The mailbag was handed off by postmaster and well wishes for a safe journey.

The horsemen jay-walked their horses across to the grassy knoll.  Many children and curious onlookers had to take a double look to see two horseback riders riding through town, stopping traffic.


The rules of the Pony Express were read to the riders, and they were all sworn in.
Mayor Cain spoke a few words of gratification to Earlville, the Pony Express Riders, Joni Hunt (Princeton Bureau of Tourism) and our community for the spirit of cooperation and celebration.  This ride was the beginning of the 150th Celebration of Earlville.  My friends, Mary and Scott Wallis, met me at the Post Office this morning and we took many pictures.  Then we followed the riders through town.

As the riders reached the town's edge, they were followed by a traffic controlling pick-up and a police or sheriff's car.  It was a beautiful scene, watching the horses canter along the field edge.  The pull on my heart was strong.  Just a few years ago, this something I would have trusted Rojo and I to complete.

Mary, Scott and I headed to the next stop in Dover, IL.  We passed the trailers on the road where the next rider was preparing for the mailbag hand off.  Each rider would travel approximately 2 miles before a hand off.

Rider arriving in Dover, IL.

 

Below the hand-off of the mailbag.

 

 

 

 The riders took time at each mail stop to talk with the small crowd gathered.  Bandannas were handed out to the kids with Earlville's 150th Celebration logo printed on them.  Some children asked questions about the horses and riders.  Mostly curious how horses respond to riders and interest in the horse's shoes. 

This hand-off process will happen throughout today until the final riders arrive in Earlville at approximately 6pm for the opening ceremonies of the celebration.

Happy Trails to the Pony Express riders of the 150th Celebration of Earlville!

Handi Quilter Success

I have two Handi Quilter longarms both with Pro-Stitchers, HQ Sixteen and the Avante 18.

I have had great success with both machines.  The HQ Sixteen is for sale and the common question buyers ask, "has it been serviced?"  The answer had been no until yesterday.  I decided to take it up to Rockford to Quilter's Haven.  Brian, the service tech, did a wonderful job making some minor adjustments and cleaning the machine.  Brought it home and  put it back on the table with the help of my husband.  It glides like it on glass!

Loaded a charity quilt this morning and wha..laa....it runs beautifully.

Thank you to Lisa Barnes, Handi Quilter District Manger, for being at my beck n' call.  I have also used Handi Quilters' 800 number for support.  Now I would recommend Quilter's Haven also for assistance and tech support.  (I also took advantage of a little retail therapy at Quilter's Haven while waiting for the machine.)

I love Omni or Quilter's Choice thread.  So I came home with three new colors: bright red, purple, and polished pewter.

Yours in quilting,
Terry

Mauve Irises in Bloom

Here are the beautiful mauve and lavender irises that I mentioned in my post last week.  They are always a little slower to open than the golden/yellow ones.  There is a little pride in these irises as they were transplanted from my grandparents' yard.  Each year I used to have Aaron, my son, sit on the deck steps by these flowers and take his picture.  He is now 22 and don't think he would appreciate posing.

Today there was no rain.  WooHoo!  It threatened to rain and we had a fine mist a few times but no rain.  Here's what Skye thinks of rain.  Bored with rain.

Hope you had a great weekend.

Yours in quilting,
Terry