Goofin' Off Around Leavenworth and Found a Hidden Mickey

I mentioned in my last post that I didn't think I would be able to get much done on my projects because we had a busy weekend last weekend.  Well, I was right (of course).  But we had such a great time, so it was well worth it.  I'll get around to all of that in a minute.  But first, the promised project updates for all my quilting and stitching friends.

I did manage to get the first borders cut out for the Captain America quilt.  I went ahead and attached the first border to the right side of the quilt to see if I was going to like it, and I do.  It's a little difficult to see in the picture but should be much more visible once I've attached all the borders.

First Set of Borders Cut Out

Border Added to Right Side of Captain America Quilt 

I finished another section on the Mickey and Pirate Friends cross stitch.  You can see the edge of Goofy's face beginning to appear.

Mickey and Pirate Friends - 06/28/2017

I promised a number of my readers a picture of what the finished Mickey and Pirate Friends would look like.  You can see the artwork it is based off of down below.  I bought the pattern on Etsy.  Mr. Goofin' Off picked out the piece he wanted me to work on after I finished my Tinkerbell piece.  It will go very well in our family room when it is finished (in about 10 years).

Mickey and Pirate Friends

Last Saturday, we took my parents to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie.  I won't give any spoilers (because I was scolded on Facebook when I did), but we really enjoyed a certain cameo appearance.  The movie was a lot of fun the whole way through.  The humor may be a little crude if you're sensitive to that sort of thing.  I especially liked the way this movie brought the story line full circle from the first movie.  It has set things up for a new set of movies or a nice finish to the first set.  We'll see what Disney decides to do.

At the Movie Theater

On Sunday, Mr. Goofin' Off and I decided to head to Leavenworth, Washington.  It's a little Bavarian town nestled in the Cascade Mountains.  It was a warm day, so we tended to stay indoors.  Here is a picture of the main street going through the shopping and restaurant strip.

Main Strip of Leavenworth with the Cascade Mountains in the Background

In good traffic, it's about a two-hour drive to get to Leavenworth from our house.  So our first stop after we parked was to get some lunch as we were hungry from the drive.  We ate lunch at King Ludwig's Restaurant.  It was pretty quiet in there.  Occasionally when we've eaten there, there has been live German entertainment.  It kind of reminds me of the Biergarten at Epcot in Florida. I had the Jaegerschnitzel and Mr. Goofin' Off had the Rouladen.  I'd say my lunch was good but not outstanding.

Jaegerschnitzel at King Ludwig's in Leavenworth

We spent the next two hours browsing through the shops.  Some of the shops are very well themed...such as the Nutcracker store.  Other shops just sell cheap little dollar-store type of items.  You never know what you're going to find.  We see more and more wine shops added every trip.  This particular trip called for a stop at the Taffy Shop where they have dozens of different types of taffy...including flavor options such as chicken and waffles.  You can pick your own assortment and pay by the pound.  Mr. Goofin' Off got himself a pound.  I was more interested in this shop.  

One of the Jim Shore Disney Figurine Displays

Thomas Kinkade Disney Artwork for Sale

I honestly don't remember the name of the shop that sells all of these fun Disney things, but it is a must stop for me every time we go.  Can you guess why?  They have other fun collectibles there, but the Disney things are the ones that always catch my eye.  We have spent some money here over the years...just sayin'.  We did manage to control our pocketbook this time around and didn't spend any money there.

As we were getting ready to leave I noticed this sign hanging up outside the tea shop.  

Cup and Kettle in Leavenworth, Washington

Am I the only one who sees a hidden Mickey here?  It took Mr. Goofin' Off a minute to spot it.  I know I have a few Disney fans among my readers.  I want to know do you see hidden Mickey's all the time, too?  Or is it just me?  And do you see this hidden Mickey?  

Thanks for popping on over.  I hope you've enjoyed this post.  Do you have any favorite day trips you take?  What do you like to day when you get the chance for a quick getaway...the beach, the mountains, shopping?  Let me know down below.

Linking Up With:  Needle and Thread Thursday, Can I Get a Whoop, Whoop

Goofin' Off Around the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival and Weekly Updates

How does one, who has a brown thumb, manage to create lovely Disney-inspired topiaries?  One doesn't.  One simply heads to Florida during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.  We have been able to attend this festival to celebrate my birthday for the past five years or so. Thankfully, our timeshare makes it all possible and affordable for us.  And, of course, how could I not snap a picture of this little pixie for my blog when all my projects right now are inspired by her?  

Before I get too ahead of myself with all the flowers and stuff, I'll go ahead and post a few updates on my projects.  The projects have been slow going as of late since my dad was in the hospital for two weeks and is just starting his second week at a rehab center.  The long visits to the hospital have tapered off, and we are just visiting every other day or so for now.  I'm starting to feel like things are getting back to "normal" [knocking on wood].  

Here are a couple of pictures of the Tinkerbell quilt.  The top is completed.  The pictures show what it looks like with both the first border and then the second border added.  It's nice to be done with this one.  

And just in case you didn't think this post was heavy enough with Tink, here is where I am at with the cross stitch piece.  Only two more sections to go before it's finished, too.  I am so excited.  

Now for a quick review and highlight photos for the 2017 Flower & Garden Festival.  What we loved:  

• Free "Garden Rocks Concert Series".  While we were there, Jon Secada, Dennis DeYoung of STYX, and The Pointer Sisters all gave live concerts.  These concerts are included in the cost of your admission.  The only concert I could convince my hubby to attend was with Dennis DeYoung.  Yes, we were welcomed to the grand illusion.  This was one of hubby's favorite bands in his teen years.  

Dennis DeYoung:  The Music of Styx

• The "Butterflies on the Go" walk through area.  Lots of beautiful butterflies flying around.  

• The "Outdoor Kitchens" kiosks with lots of great food.  There were 15 kiosks this year, and I think we tried something at each one of them.  Hmm...maybe I'll have to a blog entry with all my foodie pictures.  

Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue

• Beautiful Disney-inspired topiaries.  There were three new topiaries this year.  Here are some of my favorites this year...actually, they're all my favorites.  

Bambi, Thumper, and Flower

Andrea, Lance, and Figment

The Fab Five:  

Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy

Donald and Pluto

Goofy and His Bestie

Peter Pan Keeping an Eye On Things From Above

I've got so many more pictures to show.  But I'm thinking I'll save them for another time and post. Thanks for hanging in for as long as you have.  Until the next update...