July 2002 ~ Regionals, Niagara Falls, soccer, heat, 4th of July, fireworks, beach, lightning, heat, sun, energy, Nationals, soccer, red hot summer. This was a busy month which began in Niagara Falls for the Regional Soccer tournament – we won! It was a very hot weekend. Home to celebrate the 4th with fireworks in Poolesville. A special 4th in light of 9/11. Then off to the beach. When we arrived at the shore there was this magnificent thunderstorm with sky to ocean lightning bolts that glowed pink and blue. I’d never seen anything like it and was in awe of the power of Mother Nature. A lazy week with the whole family present. It was bittersweet too, because Sara will be leaving for the Peace Corps in another month. Back home to soccer ~National Finals this time. It wasn’t our year, but then again, how many 1st year teams make it that far! I immediately thought a lightning bolt would be a symbol for this month – and the colors came easy. It was fun to use reverse appliqué again. I love the fact that these Journal quilts have gone from monochromatic to hot, hot, hot with color.