I Like Thursday 53
Here I am, dropping in with my I Like Thursday 53 post for you today, sharing a few things I’ve enjoyed throughout the week. I’m joining in with LeeAnna of Not Afraid of Color, and the rest of the gang who joins in with I Like Thursday posts each week. You can find the full list over at Not Afraid of Color.
The photo above is the sunrise last Saturday morning. There is nothing prettier than a beautiful sunrise or sunset, don’t you agree? We were heading out on our way to Mason City, Iowa to help our daughter pack and clean for her move back here with us. While you are reading this post, we’ll be loading the truck!
Mason City is a small city just across the Minnesota border. However, it has some hidden secrets. Well, not really hidden, especially when you visit the city.
In the early 1900s, J.E.E. Markley chose Frank Lloyd Wright as architect for the new bank and hotel. You can read more about Wright’s influence on this city right here. I enjoyed seeing this art work on these buildings as we walked through the downtown area.
This is the Park Inn Hotel, now on the register of national places. Even from across the street, you can see the FLW design.
I enjoyed seeing the designs on the window and brickwork of the hotel. It reminded me of the Frank Lloyd Wright quilt I made years ago. You can see that quilt right here.
After walking through the downtown area, we drove around the surrounding neighborhoods. There are eight homes built in the prairie school design, and I enjoyed seeing them.
The other notable person honored in Mason City is Robert Meredith Willson. If you know your musicals, you may recognize him for writing The Music Man, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and Here’s Love.
Mason City is home to Music Man Square, which houses a full size replicated streetscape of The Music Man. You can read about it, and take a little tour right here. Someday I’d like to return when the Square is open and visit .
After the busy weekend, I’ve enjoyed quiet nights while stitching binding on a quilt. This is a sneak peek at the quilt you’ll see tomorrow. It’s a cute one!
The Weekly Wilbs
Lest you think that Wilbs spends all of his time lately asleep on the blanket, here’s an action shot. He is energetically attacking the sock bandit who was invading our bedroom. One can never be too sure about those socks!
I Like Thursday 53 marks my fourth post for the week – phew! But there’s more to come! Stop back tomorrow to see my finish for the week – I’m excited to share this one with you! Sunday is the reveal of my challenge quilt, so be sure to take a peek at that post, too!
Wendy
24 Comments
marissthequilter
You have been busy!
karenfae
always exhausting helping with a move but best to get it done before winter right! love the paintings on the side of the building
Cindy Pieters
Ahh always nice to see Wilbs.
Nancy Bekedam
Love the FLW history!
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy! Dang it – week #53. That means last time was your one-year anniversary! How cool is that?! Know you’re firmly into the start of your second year. It has become a habit now, I’m sure. LOVE Frank Lloyd Wright – we have tons of his work in my hometown with Johnson Wax and oodles of homes. I love his linear lines and that style of architecture. And The Music Man!!! I adore that movie/show. We will definitely have to add Mason City to our bucket list to visit the Square when things return to normal. So glad your girl is moving home for now. You’ll love that! {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
rl2b2017
Ooops – forgot about Wilbs! He is adorable! Keep an eye on those socks, buddy. You just never know when they’ll gang up and revolt.
nanamickie
LOL @ Wilbs! Great visit to Mason City–thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to see your quilt!
Helen
There’s something so beautiful and almost unreal about a yellow sky.
Sandra Walker
Wilbur and Rufus are cut from the same cloth when it comes to socks…sigh. Sunsets and sunrises never fail to bring awe, do they? I love the FLW designs and artwork. A quilt inspired by his art is on my bucket list for one day.
catpatches
What a nice little outing. I love that kind of stuff. There is a wonderful mural paintedon a wall in a town nearby. The building is nothing special, but I love the mural.
Judy B
You are so right about sunrises and sunsets, my phone camera just doesn’t do them justice. Interesting info about Mason City, Iowa! Hope you got the move all done. Such a huge job! Anxious to see your finish tomorrow.
laemperatrizgmailcom
Oh wow! Those building murals or decorations are just gorgeous. I love the geometry and colors. Thank you so much for sharing them!! And Wilbs is adorable with the sock. So glad he’s there protecting you all! Have a good week!
Sally
Those murals are great. Love the windows, too. The Music Man! What fun. Ah… binding is so soothing. Wilbur is cute as always!
Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
I didn’t know about Frank Lloyd Wright’s connection to Mason City – that’s really interesting! Mike is a big FLW fan, and is always reading about him and looking at his buildings. It’s a good thing Wilbur is there to protect you! Hope all went smoothly with Molly’s move.
quiltinggail
Love the art work on a couple of those buildings! Looks like a quilt … or a quilt in progress!
And Wilbur … at least now, you don’t need to wonder where those missing socks go! 🙂
Kathleen McCormick
Love the FLW tour of the town….seems like an interesting place to visit to see some fun sites. Music man, Trouble in River City also a lot of fun. Wilbur, as always, is delightful. Hope all is going well with the move!
Sue H
I enjoy seeing the art of FLW and Wilbs is adorbs! Did you know today is National Cat Day? Perfect picture for today!
Quilting is in my Blood
That FLW quilt you made is AMAZING!!! I liked the architectural FLW pics in this post as well as the sunrise and of course Wilbur showing the sock who is boss! I really enjoy your I Like Thursday posts, but I don’t see me joining the party at least until I retire in three years. I gotta snag as much sewing time as possible!!!
Carol Andrews
Such a beautiful sunrise and I love the architecture of FLW in Mason City. It would be worth the trip to see the architectural designs and Music City Square.love wilbs sock play 😉
lapaylor
wilbur is adorable! I put a video of cats with babies today, I watch it to feel love. LOVE the architecture and the mini tour, thanks for that. I’ve never been there. Can’t wait to see your offering for the hop. Orange sunrise/sunsets… yes. Did you see Quilt patches has an orange kitchenaid?
Rochelle Summers
Beautiful photographs of the FLW influence and the art. The sunrise/set is also wonderful. Wonderful to be able to help out an offspring but it is work and you have already been busy this week. And Wilbs!! I thought you had given him some catnip to wake him up.
thedarlingdogwood
That building artwork is beautiful! I thought of the Music Man as soon as I saw Mason City 🙂
Cheree Hull
Wilbs is just too cute! Enjoyed the architecture pics! We have a Frank Lloyd Wright home here and I have always wanted to take a tour, esp during the holidays when it’s all decorated up. Not sure it’ll be open this year? Son-in-law is an architect and very “up” on his work. We’re also very familiar with the Music Man, know all the songs etc.–one of hub’s favs. Thanks for sharing that info!
Colette
Thanks for sharing the pictures of the buildings. No wonder it is such a cool place to visit. Music Man square looks interesting too. Went and checked out your quilt. Just WOW! Wilbs keeping the house visit from invading socks!