At Year's End

I can't think of a better way to close out 2012 than with a trip home.  It was certainly no secret that I was spending my first Christmas home in 18 years.  I was so busy before I left that I just didn't have time to post about it. 

Penny is probably having the time of her life this week at the spa.  She was real clingy when we arrived, but when I opened the door and she heard dogs playing, she took off running.  I checked her in and watched her for a few minutes before leaving.  She was cavorting and running and kissing every dog she saw.  So much for being clingy - she didn't even look back at me as I walked out the door!  Gotta love a happy dog!

This small town where my brother and sister-in-law live is so unique.  It's (to steal a word often used down here) tee-niney!  There's a Winn-Dixie and several smaller country type markets, so finding food items is not a problem.  There's a Wal-Mart, a small shoe store, a couple of gift type stores, and lots of places to eat.  There are a lot of small businesses catering to the farming industry, John Deere, etc., and there's a hospital.  The next larger town is only about 30 miles, so a once-a-week shopping excursion could easily be planned.  And there are two even larger towns 50 miles away; again, very doable.

I've written many times about the old homes and oak trees here, so I won't repeat that.  I would love to take the walking tour of the historical district.  We attended Christmas Eve Mass in a stunning church.  The stained glass is remarkable.  The church will celebrate its 100 year anniversary in 2013.  I need to read up on the history of Church of the Assumption, but I think I was told the church was built by a local to honor the Holy Mother Mary for blessings received.  A really beautiful structure.   Right across the street is an equally beautiful Methodist church, and I'm sure there are others in the area.  It will be fun getting to know this small town when I retire here.

It's going to be difficult going back to work on Wednesday.  The traffic alone is a good reason to retire!  I so look forward to gardening, quilting, and all the other things that seem to take the back burner to work.  But work, as they say,  is the means to an end!

I wish for everyone a healthy and happy New Year.  My goals are etched in stone!

Just a reminder that I post annually.  Take a few stitches on New Year's Day because ...

... what you do on New Year's Day, you do for the rest of the year!

Happy New Year!

Final Mini Give-Away Winner

Penny did her job this morning like a good girl!  She stuck her head in the bag without a treat enticement, pulled out a slip of paper, and stood there politely while I took it from her!  Yes, she got a treat for cooperating so nicely!  In fact, she had two treats since she seldom cooperates nicely!

I heart my dog!

Without further blabbering, the winner of a $50 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop is ....

ERICA of Happy Fabric blog!

Congrats, Erica!  Send me an email and I'll get it  purchased and sent off to you by email!  And be sure to let us know what buttons you poked!!

I'm going to be pretty busy for the next week or so, so might not blog again until after Christmas.  My camera isn't working right, so unless I fight the crowds to get another one, any post by me during that period will be pictureless!  Just like this one!  :)

Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed the mini give-aways.  They were fun for me.  If you liked them, we can have more in the new year.  Now that we know there will be a new year!  (Think Mayan calendar here!)

I'm freezing.  Need to go dig out a sweater.  I mean, whodathunk I'd have to wear a sweater a few days before Christmas!!

Thanks for leaving a comment.  Wish I could give a gift cert to everyone!

Final Christmas Mini Give-Away

The last give-away for 2012! 

In the spirit of Christmas, in your comment tell us the most exciting gift you're GIVING this year!

Mine is easy.  I made two quilts for gifts.  Lots of time and love went in those.  Still stitching the binding on the second one, but I can do it!!

A drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop will be held on Friday about midday.  Penny insists on doing it then.  She wants the winner to be able to poke some buttons and buy a gift for herself (or himself)  this Christmas!  She's sweet like that!!

I hope everyone has enjoyed the mini give-aways.  Perhaps the new year will see more of those!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, I had to laugh at myself.  This morning I typed  "Final Mini Christmas Give-Away."  Nothing "mini" about Christmas.  Switched around the post title to read better!!! 

Third Mini Give-Away Winner

I worked late tonight, then stopped to get something to eat.  Geez, it's cold here!  It's forty something - and WET!  That always makes it seem colder!

Anyway, I've eaten, quickly walked Penny, and convinced her to pull a name out of the bag!  It's silly to do that instead of random number generator, but it's fun to watch her stick her head in sniffing around for treats! 

The name she pulled out of the bag tonight is ........

Janet of A Hugs Delight. 

Congrats, Janet.  Send me an email and I'll get these off to you tomorrow.  Oh, and I hope your kitties aren't offended that a dog pulled your name!! :)

In the morning I'll post the final give-away before Christmas.  It'll be a short turn-around on this one, so stay tuned!!

Another Mini Give-Away

Since the last two mini give-aways were patterns, Penny suggested we throw a little fabric in the mix.

Here are two charm packs of Simplicity by 3 Sisters for Moda.

I love these soft colors.  I'm thinking they might work well in one of the Snibbles patterns or maybe ... well, there are tons of possibilities!

After Christmas I plan on getting back on track with my Short Lister projects.  I squared up two quilts today and will attach the bindings tomorrow.  Then I can sit and enjoy the stitching, my favorite part of making a quilt.  I have three quilts to bind!

I've been thinking a lot about things I'd like to learn to do in the new year.  Every year I say I'm going to do this or that, and make goals, lists, etc., but next year I'm going to keep it simple and focus on learning something new. 

So in the new year I want to learn to hand quilt.  I've tried it a time or two, but mostly that was when my shoulder was all screwed up and before I had the replacement hardware installed.  Now there's really no excuse not to just do it!  One or two small projects will probably be on the agenda to learn on before moving to a large project.  Anyone with me?

Leave a comment about some quilting technique you'd like to learn to do in the new year.  Maybe it's something simple that you've just never taken the time to sit down and figure out.  Maybe it will be learning to work with wool.  Or perhaps learning needleturn applique.  I know everyone has something they'd like to learn!

We'll pick a winner on Tuesday, 12/18/12, when I get home from work.  Be sure to leave contact information in your comment if it's not linked to your blog.

There will be one more quickie give-away before Christmas, and it might be a good one!  At least that's what Penny whispered to me tonight!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOTE:  I just finished sewing on three bindings!!  Lots of hand stitching to do this week!

Pattern Winner!

Well, this morning's post was a bust.  I managed to get Penny to grab a slip of paper out of the bag by dropping a doggy treat in there.  Then I managed to get the paper away from her before she ate it.  Then I took a picture of it and got that ready to post.  Then my internet went out again.  It was off last night and teased me for a bit this morning, but went kaput when I needed it most.

So I'll have to do this the old-fashioned way ... with no pictures! 

The winner of the Raining Cats & Dogs in Redwork by Anne Sutton of Bunnyhill Designs is .....

DARLENE!

Congrats!  Email me with your snail mail address and I'll get it off to you tomorrow!

Thanks, everyone, for leaving a comment to enter.   I'll get another give-away up in the next day or two.

Second Christmas Give-Away

Organizing has its benefits!

This pattern is Raining Cats & Dogs in Redwork by Anne Sutton of Bunnyhill Designs.  Here's the link to her site with a better picture of the pattern.

I love this pattern.  So much that I bought two of them!  Hey, you can't say I don't do my best to help the economy, right?

Just leave a comment about what you'd like Santa to leave under your tree this Christmas.  That wouldn't be hard for me.  I want to go somewhere really neat and special for the holidays.  A plane ticket, please, Santa!!

Penny will do this drawing on Wednesday 12-12-12 in the morning - hopefully.  If Penny sleeps in that day, we'll do it in the afternoon.  Either way, it'll be on the 12s!

I have a 7:00 hair appointment this morning.  Thought it would get me up and moving on a weekend when I have a ton of things to do.  We'll see how that works out for me!

Good luck, everyone.  I like the little give-aways.  Might do more of those this year if you all agree with me that they're quick and fun.

Carrie Nelson and the Red Cross

Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Company is reducing her quilt stash - for a very worthy cause!

Carrie decided that she could help the Red Cross aid the victims of Superstorm Sandy by auctioning off five quilts.  All proceeds go to the Red Cross.

If you'd like to bid on and possibly obtain one (or more) of Carrie's quilts, please visit her blog.  You'll find all the details and pictures of these gorgeous quilts.

Thank you, Carrie, for your generosity.

And, yes, I have placed my bid(s).  I would love to add a Miss Rosie quilt to my teeny collection of quilts by designers!  It would be in VERY good company!

It's Sew Emma Pattern Winner

Yes, it's four thirty something a.m. and I'm awake.  Didn't sleep well last night.  Well, I was sleeping well until the phone rang ...... I was still asleep when I talked to them.  After going downstairs for a bit, I felt I should call them back.  :)

Anyway, thanks for entering in the drawing for the Patchwork Forest pattern by It's Sew Emma.  I had to let the random generator do its thing this morning.  Penny is still snoring, and I thought I could pick a name by just reading through them.  That didn't work because I wanted everyone to win and I only had one pattern!

The winner is Cathy of Blueberry Patch. 

Congrats, Cathy.  Please email me and I'll get the pattern off to you ASAP.  I know you won't make it for this Christmas - although you're accomplishing a whole bunch lately - but maybe we can both make ours next year!

How's It Going?

It's been busy busy here this week, but not an iota of quilting going on.  (insert frowny face here)  I hope the other Short Listers are getting more done than I am!

Saturday I got up bright and early, got laundry going, unloaded the dishwasher, and loaded boxes in the car.

These are all going in the mail.  Unfortunately, by the time I got the rest of the errands done, my mailing place was closed.  I'll call today to see if they're open.

By the way, I love those Fat Quarter Shop boxes!  I have been stockpiling them so I wouldn't have to look for boxes this month!  They're sturdy, easy to tape shut -- but the best part is when they arrive on my doorstep, they have the most luscious fabric in them!!

Speaking of FQS, did everyone take advantage of their h-u-g-e sale last week!  I did!  I looked around for a whole day until I decided what to get.  Kits are appealing to me right now since so much of my fabric has been temporarily tubbed up.

I try to make at least one Christmas quilt a year, and I fell in love with the It's Sew Emma pattern, Patchwork Forest.  This one will be fun and easy to do, which translates into maybe I'll get it finished by Christmas 2013!!

Isn't it adorable?!!

I also picked up another It's Sew Emma pattern, Color Wheel. 

I love the It's Sew Emma patterns.  These are patterns designed by Kimberly and her staff at FQS and they're all wonderful.  I love them so much that I joined the club!  The patterns are tested multiple times before they're published, so I feel very secure in chopping up fabric using their recipes!  Color Wheel happens to be a free pattern that Kimberly has offered.  I always forget to check out the free pattern section!!

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought I would have small give-aways at least once a week for the next three weeks.  Today is the Patchwork Forest pattern.  I already had one and then got another one in the kit.  So if you're interested in this pattern, leave a comment saying you'd like to be in the drawing.  Penny will pick a winner on Thursday morning, 12/6. 

Speaking of Penny - she's barely speaking to me now.  A trip to the vet yesterday for a shot, a bath and a manicure.  She wouldn't even look at me when they brought her out.  The little snot!! When we got home, I realized that the Christmas bandana they had tied around her neck was bothering her, but she wouldn't come to me to remove it.  I let her stew on that for a while, just ignored her.  It took about an hour!  Once that was off, she was a little happier but is still copping an attitude! 

I need to remind her that Santa is making his list of who is naughty and nice!!

Looking Back

Here is my post from December 15, 2010.

You guessed it ..........

I didn't do a single blasted one of them.

(sigh)

Enough for Today

Today was a really nice day.  Leisurely sewed and accomplished quite a bit.

I pooped out for tonight.  Just the bottom sashing row and borders to go. 

I didn't cut enough of the sashings, so I'll do that tomorrow.

All in all, I'd say this was a pretty productive holiday weekend.  But the best part of it was I really had a good time.  You know what?  I could really get into this quilting thing!  :)

Saturday Sewing

I didn't get as far along today as I had hoped because my back was hurting too badly - and because these blocks were taking longer than I had anticipated.

I had to square up each of the half square triangles.  They were just a sliver too big.  I hate doing that but it's a necessary evil, especially when I'm working with precuts, in this case, a Jelly Roll.  Those pinked edges give me fits.  Apparently I don't always line up the very edge of the fabric, but instead leave a smidgeon of the pinked edge peeking out.  Anyway, that took over an hour and is what started my backing hurting.  Sitting too long without getting up to walk around.

Once those were done, I assembled eight or ten beans and then decided to call it a day.  Then it took me a while to get all my gear back in the car.  It was all worth it, though, because I had fun sewing with this wonderful group of ladies.

I came home and stretched out prone for a while and my back relaxed.  Then I fell asleep.  It's now 2:04 a.m. and I'm raring to go.  I think I'll assemble a few more beans and then head back upstairs.

Tomorrow (or is it today?) I'll finish making the beans and start sashing them while laundry is going.

I've totally enjoyed these four days off.  I usually wish I had done other things on long weekends, but this time I did exactly what I wanted to do.  And you know what?  I feel rested and ready to make the big push to Christmas!

For those who will ask, the pattern is String Beans by Loft Creations and the fabric is Reunion by Sweetwater.

I'm a Tired Puppy!

Eleven hours of sewing will do that to a gal!

I finished the Roman Holiday "easy" quilt.  I put that in quotes because it took most of the day to assemble that blasted thing.  Don't know why I thought it would go quickly.  Anyway, I left it with Ginger to be quilted, so I guess this one is a done deal.  Until it's time to do the binding.  I like to do bindings, so I look forward to that part.

And wouldn't you know that after carefully laying out the rows, I still got them turned around.  Oh, well, c'est la vie.  It stays as it lays.

I thought the String Beans fabric was already cut out, but found that I still needed to make a ton of subcuts.  So I got those done, and started making the half square triangles.  Made half of those.

I left my machine at the shop and I'll go back tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.  Not staying the whole day, but I'd at least like to get the beans put together. I can do the sashings next weekend.

I say that with certainty because I'm on a sewing roll here!

It was a fun day.  The ladies were all so nice.  We laughed a lot, ordered in lunch, laughed some more .... I need to do this more often!

Sewing Day

I'm heading over to Ginger's in a bit to sew all day.  At least, I hope I can make it all day!

The projects I'm taking to work on:

* Gail's grandmother's quilt.  I hope to get this squared and pinned to quilt.

* A Christmassy log cabin made out of Roman Holiday fabrics by 3 Sisters.  I found the project yesterday with the last log pinned on all the blocks but not stitched.  So I did that and pressed all the blocks.  Just need to assemble them.  There are no borders, so this will be an easy finish.

*  The String Bean quilt which was previously sorted and cut.  This one ought to be quick and easy, too.  I'm looking for quick and easy now to feel a sense of progress and to get the sewing momentum going.

I'm hoping in the new year to sew a bit at night during the week.  I get home late and I'm so tired by the time I walk the dog and fix something to eat.  But I think it will do me tons of good to sit at the sewing machine for half an hour or so.  Sometimes I feel as though I've lost the edge on creativity.

I want it back!!!!!!!

Baby Steps

It felt good to turn on the Bernina, even if was just to make and attach this binding!

This is so funny - well, for those who know me really well it's funny.  I was stressing and searching and stressing and searching trying to find the binding fabric.  I literally looked in every nook and cranny in my sewing room.  I was about to fold this away for another day when the light bulb went off.  Good grief, Vicky, just go up to the stash room and look in the Minick & Simpson section!  Sure enough, there was major yardage of this fabric up there!

The stash room -- who'da thunk it?!!

I have Gail's grandmother's quilt ready to square and pin at the quilt shop tomorrow.  I've gone as far as I can go on it here at home.

The other two projects on the short list will have to wait until tomorrow.  Since I've tackled two of my projects, I want to do something fun. 

Heading back in the sewing room to root around for some fabric to cut up and sew back together.

Yeah, that sounds like fun!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wishing for everyone a wonderful day!

I'll be in the sewing room if anyone needs me!

Hopefully there will be pictures before the weekend is over!

A Bunny Hill Day

Yesterday was a happy one!  I received two packages brimming with Bunny Hill stuff!

On the doorstep was a package from the Fat Quarter Shop.  Oh, good grief, what buttons did I poke in the middle of the night?  I had totally forgotten about this luscious block of the month!

Pumpkinville has arrived!

Anne Sutton's BOMs sell out quickly, so I'd suggest signing up now for this beauty!

I'll be starting this after the first of the year.  I love pumpkins.  I would decorate year-round in them if I could.  This will be great to display in my "dream" house someday!  Someday ......

Then there was a box in the mailbox.  Uh oh!

Anne had talked about the Karisma marking pencils on her blog a while back.  She sold out before I could get one, but she promptly reordered.  I can't wait to try these out.  Went ahead and got all of the colored leads, as well as the fabric eraser.  I'll do a review on them after using the marker.

I also ordered a small wool kit to make a Snow Pocket.  This will be so cute hanging on the Christmas tree with a gift tucked inside.  Several of these will probably be made.

It's raining here.  Maybe we are having a preview to our annual ten minutes of winter!

Short Listers -- there are two links at the top of my sidebar.  A couple of folks don't have blogs, but their names are still listed.  Carolyn had a great idea.  She's going to add a project to her list when she finishes one.  That way she'll always have a current to-do list instead of the UFO cache like I have.  (sigh)   I'm going to follow her lead and do likewise.  My list won't always contain huge projects.  Sometimes it'll be to do a repair like Carolyn is showing.  If those kinds of things are listed, they'll more than likely get done!

If anyone else wants to join in the Short Listers, let me know and your name will be added.  2013 is going to be a year of accomplishments for a lot of us!

Anything else?

Nope, that's all I can think of at 6:30 in the morning. 

Except for Penny's gentle snoring and the rain splattering on the roof, it's quiet and peaceful here.  This is my favorite time of day.  It's just starting to brighten a bit outside, and the promise of the day is here.  I plan to finish up organizing the sewing room over this weekend.  After all, next week means four uninterrupted days of sewing!!

I can't wait!!!

The Short List

Okay, here's the deal.

I was chatting with Carolyn over at Lakeside Quilting the other day after I did the last blog post.  She said she had some things she wanted/needed to finish up, and I replied using my Mom's wise words .... "Let's hold hands and do it together!"

I might or might not have been serious when I said that.  You know how it is .... or maybe she didn't hear the sarcasm bouncing around in my mostly empty head!  :)  :)  :)

Hopping forward to today, she emailed me and said she had blogged her short list, and where in the heck was mine?   Uhhh.......

Carolyn, you snookered me into this - but I'm going to just do it!!! 

Now I can't say that I'll get all these done by the end of the year what with two holidays between now and then, but I'm going to vow to get these done by the end of January!  Or at least done to the point they go to the quilter.

There, I've said it!

Here goes!

1.  Gail's grandmother's quilt - pin, quilt and bind.  This one will take the longest so it's first.

2.  The pinwheel quilt - borders maybe, backing pieced and binding made.

3.  Prairie Paisley - enlarge the backing and make the binding.

4.  Bind three quilts.  Two are at the quilter, and the third one is just sitting here.  They're all small.

I have a fifth one that I'm undecided about, so I won't list it for now.  It involves taking off three borders and reattaching them.  Borders are my least fun part of the quilt.  No, wait, it's piecing the back.  Borders, backing, borders, backing.  I can't decide!

I told Carolyn that I get bored when I get to a certain point in the quilt process, but I need to start pushing through to get them finished.

My prize for finishing the four items listed will be to start a new quilt, or go into the UFO cache and choose one that is at least halfway done.  (Bet you thought I was going to say I'd go shopping!!!!)

Cache ...it sounds nicer than saying the UFO pile, doesn't it?  "Cache" is officially defined as "a hiding place esp. for concealing and preserving provisions or implements; a secure place of storage; a quilter's UFO pile."  Just kidding on that last part - I think!

Anyone else want to join?  We can all hold hands and do it together.  It won't hurt so badly that way!

Veteran's Day

After watching the wonderful video that Brenda Riddle posted on her blog, I've been very reflective today.  As average citizens, there is no way we can ever thank those who have served and are serving except to tell them every chance we get how grateful we are for their service, and to also thank their families.

Been making great progress in my sewing room.  No, not sewing, but getting things moved and tubbed.   I want to spend the whole Thanksgiving holiday sewing, or cutting or binding, but definitely quilting in some form or fashion.

I tubbed up a bunch of things that are of interest to me right now.  On top is the utility quilt made by my sister-in-law's grandmother.  I will get that pinned this week as I want to get it grid quilted during the holidays. 

I unearthed a top that I need to make a decision on.  The top was finished in February of 2009.  I stopped at that point because I couldn't decide whether I needed to add an extra border so that it drops correctly on my tall mattress.  I'm going to make that decision this month so it can head off to the quilter.  This will look great in my "dream" home!  :) :)  Just need to retire so I can do that deal!

The Prairie Paisley top also needs to go to the quilter.   I mispieced the backing for it and it's not quite big enough.  I need to drag it out and figure out an easy fix for that.  I already have a bedroom envisioned with this quilt!  :)  :)

I remember Penny being such a BIG HELP while I was assembling the top!  Wow, it's hard to remember her that tiny!   The little snot!

New Year's Resolution --  yep, I've already decided that one!  It won't be too difficult, I don't think, to accomplish. 

I'm going to completely finish a top, including backing and making the binding, before I move onto something else.  No more half-made projects sitting around here.  Of course, my to-be-quilted pile will grow exponentially but that's okay.  I'll just pile those up in the glow from the light at the end of the tunnel!  Now, I'm sure my readers are going to have to remind me of this from time to time!  You have my permission to do so.  In fact, type your admonitions in ALL CAPS to grab my attention!

It's cold here, 37 degrees to be exact.  So much for the Southern California sunshine factor!

A Smile Today

You know how sometimes you wonder if anyone actually reads your blog?  I honestly don't write for who might read it -- well, except for the give-aways -- but just to document things going on in my little world.  However, every once in a while someone makes a comment or asks a question and it's just easier to show than try to explain in writing.

Back on January 13, 2009, I received an email from a quilter in Europe asking me to explain what I meant when I said I twirled seams.  I tried to write an explanation, and then thought, "What the heck. I'll just show her."  I posted it that day.  A few people commented, and then I didn't give it another thought.

Well, today I was reading through the Design Wall Monday posts on Judy's Patchwork Times blog.  When I clicked on Cherie in St. Louis' blog, imagine my surprise!  She linked back to that 2009 tutorial I did on twirling seams!

Thanks, Cherie, for mentioning the tutorial in your blog post today.  That made me smile!

And made me a little sad, too, because my hands are almost four years more wrinkled than they were in that post...............

Drawing Winner

Sorry I didn't get the name drawn last night.  When I got home, I realized I had a splitting headache and went to bed.

The winner of the $100 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop is:

Kathryn who said...

 

I'm a Julie Herman fan, and recently bought her book Skip the Borders. I'd buy some fabric to make one or more quilts from that book, and then get her Hex and More ruler and try some of her patterns using that tool. Thanks for the giveaway, and for having an interesting blog to read. I follow you via Google reader.

Kathryn, please contact me so that we can arrange for your prize!   Have fun shopping!!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and told us about what you'd get.  It was fun looking at all of your choices!

We'll do one more drawing of some kind before year's end.  Penny liked having a bag full of slips with names to rummage through!

My Blogging History

I started LA Quilter in the early part of 2006.  Reading back occasionally through those posts is like a walk down memory lane. 

There's been sadness and joy through this time, a small portion of which I've shared here.  I lost my sweet Daisy three years ago, my wonderful boss two years ago, and Penny came bouncing and yipping into my life.  I've been home to visit my brother and sister-in-law several times, taken a few other memorable trips, worried myself sick about a loved one going through an illness, and worked my fingers to the bone.  Sometimes I've been a prolific quilter, sometimes not.  In short, I've lived a normal life with the normal ups and downs that we all experience.

However, one of the total joys has been getting to know bloggers from around the world.  Okay, maybe I don't "know" you, but I feel like I do.  There's nothing better than to sit down at the computer to find an email from a blogger just checking in or wanting to share some exciting news!

I realized yesterday that one more post and I'll have accomplished 1111 blog posts!!  That's six plus years of blogging, an average of 185 blog posts a year!  And here you thought I had nothing to say!!

Well, you were wrong!  I do have something to say here, and I hope everyone who is reading this pays close attention!

This is my 1111th post and there's going to be a drawing!!!!!!!

And it's going to be a good one!  One blogger who leaves a comment will win a $100 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop!  (Kathie, thanks.  I fixed the link!)

I was going to say your comment had to be about how wonderful it has been reading every single one of the 1111 posts, but then I figured that feeble attempt at humor would totally irritate those who do not enjoy reading my blog!  (Is it just me, or does anyone else find it humorous that even though someone may not enjoy reading a blog, they still read it?)

Anyway, those of you who happen to be followers, even when I don't post anything for weeks at a time, should leave a comment about what you will purchase from the Fat Quarter Shop if you win this drawing.  Maybe it's been something for which you've been searching, or maybe it's something that you just saw this week on the posts from Market now in progress!  How about a bolt of background or a solid that would work nicely with your stash?   Or how about a ton of new patterns?  Or a ton of fabric from the sale section?  Or a kit that you've been pining after?  There's an awful lot to choose from at the Fat Quarter Shop!!  The winner will have $100 to spend, and we want to know how you'd spend it!

The drawing will be held Friday, November 2nd, at whatever time I get home that night.  If I stop by to visit with Jane, it might be a little later, so be patient.

It'll be a totally random drawing!  Groveling is not necessary!   :)  :)  So head on over to the Fat Quarter Shop and start putting your lists together!  I'll leave the light on for you!!!

Lazy Days

That's what Penny thinks about our life lately!

I might ..... just might ..... be getting back a bit into the swing of things here.  I mean, I actually opened two boxes from the Fat Quarter Shop that were just languishing in the foyer.

I know, I know, more fabric in, more to move out.  I've hardly purchased anything for the past few months.  The requirement for a purchase now is (1) it's something for which I've been searching for a while or (2) it's for a quilt intended for someone in particular.  No more spec buying!   Both of these boxes met the criteria.

For the longest time I've been searching for a Civil War background with tiny red "things."  I found several but they just weren't right for one reason or another.  I've been carrying around several swatches in the hopes that I'd run across the perfect fabric. 

While meandering through the new fabrics at the Fat Quarter Shop one day at lunch, there it was!  This is from the Somerset Shirtings collection.  Since I didn't know quite how much I needed, although I thought it would be around ten yards for the front and back, I ordered a bolt.  Mark that one off my list!  I want to make a Civil War style Christmas quilt using a very old Judie Rothermel line.

Then I saw this .....

There's a special young lady in my life I've been thinking about a lot lately.  I thought this would be perfect for her.

I love the Flower Girl pattern by Thimble Blossoms.  I have been watching a lot of bloggers making this quilt, and, well, you know how that is!  Anyway, when the kit popped up at the Fat Quarter Shop, I went ahead and poked the button.  You know how that is!  This one is going to be fun to make!  At the time the backing fabric wasn't in yet.  I hope I remembered to order that.

Anyway, that's about it from my neck of the woods.  I went to a very nice dinner last night at the Raymond Alf Museum of Paleontology.  That was fun.  If any of you live in the area, you really should take your children there.  You'll like it, too!

There's a christening at noon to attend.  Must get a move on here.  So much for my lazy day! 

A Wasted Weekend

Well, it was wasted as far as technology goes at the Quilting Condo!

We had a loss of internet service in our area this weekend.  What a disappointment!  I had several things I needed to research, as well as some work to do. There's only so much I could do without a good connection to the internet.  Yes, I used the iPad as much as I could but I've decided it's really just for fun and not for doing serious projects........

Since I don't have a TV downstairs yet, I spend a lot of time upstairs doing a whole lot of nothing.  I piddled around doing a little organizing but my heart just wasn't in it. So I took a lot of naps.  Penny was happy when I curled up on the floor next to her.  We both fell asleep.  Of course, she didn't have a bit of a problem getting up, but for me, it was kind of funny trying to get up off the floor with a stiff back and tangled in a quilt. 

Internet is back up this morning, and I hope to get the TV connected tonight.  No, my cable provider won't come out.  I have to call them and they'll walk me through programming the remote.  That should prove to be interesting.  We'll see how that goes!

I'm Pooped!

Well, the kitchen is all put back together.  I threw away so much stuff.  The cabinets are still full but they're not stuffed like they were before.  Now on to the next stage of this renovation.  Don't know when that will be but I'd best start getting ready for it.

I bought a new TV for downstairs, and I'll call the service provider this week to come hook it up for me.  Don't tell me I can do that myself!  I can't!  I don't even want to think about doing it!  I did, though, manage to figure out how to hook up the new house phones.  :)

This week was so difficult.  It seems that everything went out at the office -- phones, voice mail, computer server, production software ...... I was glad to see the week end.  I just hope next week everything is back to normal.

Normal. 

I've missed that!

I Am SO Smart!

Really, I am.  I amaze myself sometimes!

I turned the TV on downstairs last week and no sound.  It's an older TV so I figured sooner or later I'd have to replace it.  Except I keep forgetting to pick up a new one.

So the other night I thought I'd watch "Jeopardy."  Forgot that it was broken as I kept trying to turn up the volume. 

But that didn't deter me.  I watched "Jeopardy" ..... with no sound. 

You know what?

I got every single answer right!!!

Finally!

They just finished installing my new appliances.  I'm so excited.  I'm "fixing" to start loading up the cabinets again.  I'm sure glad I waited because they had to remove a couple of cabinet doors, and were banging around so much that I'm sure something would have been broken.

I need to clean the fronts of the appliances.  There was some stainless steel cleaner that came with the units. I'm hoping water works okay because I know I'll forget to pick up that stuff when I go to the market.

Off to finish tackling laundry .... it has accumulated! 

Next weekend I should have a clear path to my sewing machine!  Hooray!!

Catching Up

I seem to be in La-La-Land these past two plus weeks.  Tubs of kitchen things have taken over the living room, dining room, and elsewhere in the Quilting Condo.

The kitchen is finished except the new stainless steel appliances haven't been installed.  Hopefully that will be next week.  They stuck the old ones back in, but I think I'm going to wait to load up the cabinets again until it's completely done.  I'd hate for anything to get broken while they're banging away in there.

While this is not something I would have chosen, at least everything is new and fresh.

I always joked and said the perfect house was one with no kitchen.  Well, I've changed my mind about that now!  Geez, you can't even brew a cup of tea when it's all gutted!  And Penny was all discombobulated with her red bowls in the downstairs bathroom.  She just stood in the kitchen where they should have been and whined for two days!  Okay, I never said she was real smart!  Anyway, she found her way to her food and all is now well in her world!

I went to the St. Michael's Abbey Gala last night.  It was not held at the Mission this year, but at the Montage Laguna Beach hotel.  Oh, my, that place was gorgeous!  The reception and silent auction were out on the grounds overlooking the Pacific.  Such a beautiful view, but it was warm and humid out there.  I was really happy when they rang the chimes for dinner.  Oh, the hotel is dog friendly.  It would be a good get-away for Penny and me at some point in the future!  I'd love to see her playing in the sand and surf.  She's such a weenie!

There was a wooden Nativity that I wanted last year but realized I'd be bidding against my boss .... cooler heads prevailed!  There was another one this year and I was lucky enough to get it.  

 

 

 

I didn't realize that there was also a metal Merry Christmas as part of the auction item.  That will look great on the mantle at Christmastime.  The best part, it was all for a good cause! 

 

I tried to take a picture in the back of the limo on the way home, but the "disco" lights didn't photo very well!!  Of course, it might have had something to do with those cute blue drinks that they kept handing to me.  I swear, they tasted like a blueberry Slurpy.  Of course, when I mentioned to someone that my nose was numb, it was pointed out to me that I had consumed a couple of blueberry martinis!   Yikes!   Oh, well, I had a GREAT time!  I was even dancing!  And I bet you thought I was just a little old quilting lady sitting at home night after night with her trusty dog!  ROFLOL.

 

I'm going to start loading up the pantry today.  It shouldn't take too long because I threw away most of what was in there.  It seems I had quite a stash of canned goods that had expired.  Me?  Stash?  Naw............

 

Might work on attaching a binding today if I get the pantry loaded.  Why that caveat, you ask?  Well, the pantry stuff is on the floor in the sewing room blocking the way to my machine. 

 

 Honest to Pete, it's always something!

So Much for Sewing!

I had every intention of sewing for the rest of this month, but life apparently has intervened.

The renovations I anticipated back in May will begin on the 24th.  I have to clear out every cabinet, drawer and one of the two pantries in my kitchen.  I worked on it a little yesterday, but need to get serious today.  The hardest part is the pantry and the spice cabinet.  Lots of purging!  Once those are done, it's just a matter of boxing up the pots and pans, dishes, etc.  I can easily do that on the Saturday before if I have some help lifting on the boxes.

My kitchen will be out of commission for that whole week.  It's not too much of an inconvenience for me.  I'll just take my Keurig upstairs!  Take-out will be definitely be on the menu!  Paper plates, plastic knives and forks .... yep, I can do it!

Penny will be going nuts during this time.  I'll have to kennel her every day while the workers are here.  Maybe I'll take her kennel upstairs.  She'll still hear the commotion but won't be able to see them.  I have a feeling she'll be real skittish when I get home each night.  In the old days of the company I would have brought her to work with me.  Don't think I can do that now.

We'll work it out.  Penny and I are quite adept at making the impossible work.  As long as we can get hugs in every day, the rest is a piece of cake!

Baby Backings -- Done!!

For Pete's sake, why in the world did I procratinate so much on these?  It was one seam on each of them!

Oh, well, they're done!

Now on to Gail's grandmother's quilt top.  I have one seam left on the top and then piece the backing on it.  I'm going to grid quilt it myself, so I'll have to wait until I can get to the quilt shop to use their table to pin. 

Hey, I'm on a roll here!!  :)

Must Sew This Weekend

Must!  I procrastinated last weekend on those two backings.  Now I can't do anything else until those are done.  I need to get in there and just do it!

Darlene inspired me to finish up my Designer Mystery from 2008.  This was a wonderful BOM offered by the Fat Quarter Shop.  All of my blocks have been made.  In fact, they were made each month as they came in.  Why have I not set the blocks?  Procrastinating again?  I will admit something here .... I love making all the blocks for a quilt, and hate setting them.  LOL.  Not much of a quilter, am I?  But this is my next project - after the backings!

I'm so cramped in here trying to sew.  It might have something to do with tubs of fabric sitting around needing to be put away.  I can't lift on them now.  I don't want to take a chance on undoing my back surgery.  So I'll just have to walk around them for a few weeks more, or until I can get a strong back over here to help me.  (sigh)

But I keep thinking about having a wonderful studio when I retire.  I think this would make an adorable studio, don't you?  (sigh)

I seem to be doing a lot of (sigh)'g lately.  But it is fun to think about the time when I don't have to go to work every day.

(sigh)

The Long Weekend

I am so looking forward to this long weekend.  Sewing is definitely on the agenda!

I have to piece the backing on the Park Lane quilt by Bunnyhill Designs  Then I have to put the final borders and piece the backing on the bright baby quilt.  Those are up first.  The last quilt on my must-do-immediately list involves layering and pinning.  I'll do that at some point this weekend.

I pulled out a large queen top that I made two or three years ago from a Moda kit.  I put it aside trying to decide whether it needs a border.  I'll lay it on my bed today to check the drop on it.  I have a feeling it'll need one.  Hope I can find the border and backing fabric!

I'm real eager to dive into my French General fabrics.  I recently saw this bedroom and I'm totally inspired now!  

 

 

 

This was a summer quilt - no batting.  What I immediately noticed was that the background for this quilt is tan.  I probably wouldn't have used it with the snowy-white linens, but it works perfectly.  I need to get over being so matchy with everything!

 

Hopefully some progress reports this long weekend. 

 

 



Back to the Real World

I felt like I've been in the Twilight Zone for the past week!

Being in a small town really makes you notice people, places and things.  I think the whole town shuts down between 12:00 and 1:00 during the week.  It's very slow paced. 

It's a very beautiful town with lots of plantation style homes, real plantations, beautiful moss-covered oak trees, and very nice people.  I can see why my brother chose to live there.  At one point I saw six cars at a red light in the downtown area.  That, I think, was during the noon hour, a very busy time!

Everything about the trip was wonderful.  We celebrated a couple of birthdays.  I was able to hold and feed my little great nephew.  He's so beautiful.  We ate tons of seafood!  It rained several times while I was there and the humidity was awful.  My hair was curly and I gave up trying to get it straight.  Something I'll have to get used to!  But I think that's a very small price to pay! 

I think I was called "Miss Vicky" about 4,217 times!  If I called somewhere to get information about something, giving my full name wasn't as effective as saying my full name followed by my brother's name and that I was his sister!  LOL.  It's who you know, not what you know!

It really is such a charming area.  I didn't want to leave!!

But poor Penny ...... I pick her up today.  To add insult to injury, she'll get a bath before she comes home!  I'm hoping that she'll be so glad to see me that it won't matter all she's had to endure for the past week!

I'm hoping!

The Long Week has Ended

And it was especially long because I'm going home tomorrow!!  The days positively dragged!

Penny was all sweet and lovey-dovey having finally gotten over three trips to the vet in just a few weeks.  Imagine her surprise when I dropped her off again today.  She was probably thinking, "What have I done now?!!"  She'll be in good hands while I'm gone, but it'll take a week after I get back before she wants to love on me again.

I'm so excited about seeing my family.  It's been two years.  The newest member, Wyatt, was born today, 8 lbs, 13 ozs, and a head full of blond hair.  Yes, he takes after me!!  :)  :)

The quilt didn't make it to the quilter, but I'll get that done first thing when I get back.  I hope he doesn't mind his old aunt being a little late.  Nah, he won't mind!

I'm going to be looking at properties while I'm down there.  Must start thinking about where I'll retire.  That is, after all, creeping closer and closer.  The top thing on the list of must-haves - a studio!  I want to be a dottering old lady just quilting away in my retirement years!  So my schedule is full of realty appointments, birthdays, and sight-seeing plans.

Tomorrow I'll be eating good food, listening to folks who talk right, and *enjoying* the humidity.

It absolutely does not get any better than that! 

A Week in August

I didn't like this past week.  Not at all. 

It's hot.  It's dusty.  It's crowded.  It's So Cal.  What did I expect?

Penny made two trips to the vet this week.  She's had an upset tummy ... both ends were overworking if you know what I mean.  Wednesday she spent the day there, came home with tons of medicine, and didn't like me very much when I picked her up.  Things were okay but not normal on Thursday, and then Friday morning she started all over again.  Back to the vet to spend the night.  I picked her up Saturday afternoon and was told by my favorite vet that she'll be fine in a day or two.  He can't find anything wrong.  Of course, when he mentioned the gastro problems might be caused by stress, I about fell over laughing.  If this dog were any less stressed, she'd fall asleep while walking.  Anyway, it'll all end well but it sure is scary when your baby is sick.



I know she's not feeling good.  She actually stayed still for a picture.

I sewed a bit this week.  I'm laughing now because I'm trying not to show this quilt until it's gifted, but the photo of the back doesn't leave much to the imagination!  These fabrics are really hard for me to work with, so I'm going to push through and get the borders on and the backing pieced, and get both of the baby quilts off to the quilter this week. 

Then there's only one more thing to finish before I can get back to my projects.  There are tons of new things I want to make, a couple of UFOs really calling to me, and a BOM or two needing progress.  All things I want to work on. 

I see a busy remainder of the year for LA Quilter.

Oh, I'm going home next weekend for a visit.  More about that later.

I can't wait!!!!!!!

Sewing Weekend

Yep, you're on the right blog.  There's sewing going on around here! 

You'll just have to take my word for it, though, as my new computer and camera are still  not talking.  I'll try to get the whiz guys out again this week - fourth trip - to figure it out.  FIXED!! 

I finished up the Park Lane baby quilt.  Just need to piece the backing and get it off to the quilter.  I want to do a bias binding on this but I don't think I've ever done one before.  I watched a video on continuous bias binding and I'm going to give it a whirl.  But that can wait until the quilt is back from the quilter.

And I cut the second baby quilt out - or almost have it cut.  I'll finish that up here in short order.  It also calls for a bias binding.  See?  This dog is not too old to learn new tricks!  I want to get this quilt pieced this week and off to be quilted, too.

Then I can get back to my regularly scheduled ...... wait, I've hardly sewn in two years, so I guess there's no regularly scheduled anything! 

Made a big pot of spaghetti yesterday.  I'm good to go for supper today. 

I talked to my brother three or four times yesterday.  We're collaborating on a "project."  Long distance.  Lots of questions and descriptions going on.  It'll be interesting to see how this turns out.  LOL.  May be months in the making but we'll get there.

Off to finish cutting and begin my sewing day!

I had forgotten how much fun this quilting thing is!

Long Beach Quilt Show

Well, Jane and I are home after a half day of walking around the Long Beach Quilt Show. 

Unfortunately, the computer guy did something yesterday to my connections here and I can't download pictures.  I'll try to tell all about our day without those, and will add them when (or if) I can get this problem sorted out.  My poor computer guy.  This will be his third trip out.

First stop, Primitive Gatherings.  I did buy a kit -- gasp! -- for a beautiful neutrals full size quilt.  The pattern is Prairie Bride and it was absolutely gorgeous!  The pattern has three sizes on it, so something for everyone.  Trust me, the picture does not do this quilt justice!

Then I went into Sandy Klop's booth and she signed her book Quilts for All Seasons for me.  She's such a sweet lady and her booth is so bright and cheery!

Then I had to rest.  Walking on concrete floors covered with a thin carpet was hard on my back so soon after surgery.  We rested often!  Jane was a trooper about that!

We found a cute pattern by Freckleberry Farms, "Anything Goes."  I don't see it on their website.  The sample they had made up was with Vintage Modern by one of our favorite designers, Camille Roskelley.  To answer questions in advance, no, I didn't get the kit -- but I did get a fat eighth bundle as that is what the pattern called for.  I'll have to hop over to the Fat Quarter Shop tonight and get the inside and outside borders before the line is all sold out!

I always seem to pick up a Crabapple Hill pattern while I'm at Long Beach, and this year was no exception.  I fell in love with the sample hanging of Snowmen A to Zzzzz.  It was really stunning.  Thought it might be a long-term project for my soon-to-be-born great nephew, something to put out at Christmastime.  One of these years.  When I get it done.  Someday.

And FINALLY ........ I had the great pleasure of hugging on Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts!   She had in the booth her book, Skip the Borders, all of her patterns and her new Hex N More ruler.  Her booth helpers were her mom, dad and boyfriend.  I hadn't met her mom and dad before and they are just as delightful as Julie!  I had met her boyfriend at Road to California, and he's even cuter than I remembered!!  Julie introduced me to them by explaining that I was the person who talked her into doing Stash Reports a couple of years ago!  Sheesh.  :)  Anyway, she was a fantastic end to our day and we headed out.  I was getting really stiff so time to call it good.

Oh, I also picked up a pair of applique scissors by Famore Cutlery.  I tested the cut and they're really sharp.  I don't see the particular pair on their website, but they're 5" two tone fine point detail scissors.  They were much more inexpensive than the applique scissors I use, and they'll sharpen them for you for a very nominal charge.  It was interesting that they had both right- and left-hand scissors.  I picked up the left-hands first and was cutting away on sample fabric until I realized I really should be using my right hand.  Did I ever tell you that I'm ambidextrous?  I forget all the time and will find myself using the wrong hand to do something!  I know, you can say it -- I'm weird!  I try to do all quiltings things with my right for consistency.

I really think tonight would be a good one to turn in early.  I felt really good walking and standing, so I think I can call the surgery a success once I build up my stamina.  For sure, there will be sweet dreams of quilts and booths floating in my head!

It was a lot of fun today.  Thank you, Jane, for going with me and walking slowly!!

Small Progress

This is such an easy quilt.  It's a good thing because I found I could only sit comfortably for a couple of hours.  At least the rows are all made and just need to be sewn together.  Hopefully I'll get that done and borders on next weekend.

Hooray!  I sewed!!

Back at it -- I think!

Between the new blogger and  the new computer, I'm totally lost here.  Can't find pictures, can't find documents.  I'm like a little puppy lost in a fog on a swampy day in the Everglades and there's an alligator nipping at my tail.........

Sounds pitiful, doesn't it?

I was planning on sewing today for the first time in months and months.  See the new charm pack in the top left corner.  That's to replace the gnawed on charms on the bottom right corner.

I heart my dog!

The past month has been an interesting one.  I went back to work thirteen days after surgery.  Man, that was way too soon!  I'm a month out now and feeling a lot better but still have a ways to go.  The good news is that I can, for the most part, sit without pain.  That means I can sit at the Bernina, or I'll try that today and see how it goes.  First I have to stand (which I can do now without pain) and finish cutting the quilt.

I walked on the beach last weekend - in the sand - in sandals - and paid the price.  I didn't walk far, but no one told me sand would be such a workout.  I grew up on the coast so I should have remembered that, but back then I was  young and foolish and a stroll in the sand was no big deal.  Trust me, do not walk in sand three weeks after back surgery!  They really should put that on the surgery instructions!

Speaking of dogs -- you know, the one that I heart so much -- she is talking to me again.  After spending three days at the vet while I was foolishly walking in the sand, and after a thorough teeth cleaning, bath, mani/pedi, shots, etc., she didn't like me very much.  She was so grateful when she saw me - notice I said "grateful" and not "happy" to see me.  She pouted a bit around me for a while when we got home.  Then I opened a cup of Jell-O and all was right in her world again.  She is on antibiotics for seven days after the teeth cleaning and she just won't take the pills.  I mean, I can get them down her, but since she's not sure she likes me any more, I thought it best to bribe help her take them by hiding them in Jell-O or cheese.  Hey, it works!

I'm off to get a haircut and hopefully get the car washed if the line isn't too long.  Then I'm home for the whole darn weekend! 

If I manage to get anything accomplished in my sewing room today, I'll be sure to post about it. 

Wow, Vicky in her sewing room! 

That's surely a bloggable moment!!!

Heading to the Beach

I'm off bright and early in the morning for two days at the beach.  I was supposed to be at a sewing retreat this week but my surgery precluded me from flying.  Still so sad about missing that!  This is kind of a consolation prize, but you know what they say .... I'd rather be quilting!

Penny will not be talking to me on Monday.  She's spending the weekend with her favorite vet and getting her teeth cleaned, etc.  Yep, I'm going to be getting the cold shoulder from her.  Or at least until I start cooking.  That usually does it!

My gratitude today:

* Feeling a LOT better.

Catching Up

I'm so far behind on everything, especially quilty things.  I was feeling kind of poorly this week, but it was my first week back at work and I fully expected that.  It was good to stretch out yesterday and not be a slave to the alarm clock.

But .... I wasted the whole day!

On July 4th I appliqued one little bitty Dutch Treat block.  It was only fitting since I started this quilt on 7/4/04.  I have 111 blocks done, 85 more to go.  I'd like to focus on this one a bit more and get almost all, if not all of the blocks done this year. 

I have a couple of errands to run this morning as soon as the world wakes up, and then I plan on cutting out the Park Lane quilt by Bunnyhill Designs.  Or I'll cut as much as I can of it.  No, no, I'll get the whole thing cut out.  I think I'll be able to sit for short stretches to get the top made.  I'm behind schedule on my baby quilts!

(I need a new computer.  I'll get that ordered up next week, too.  I'm tired of fighting this one.  I can't see but half of the Blogger dashboard, so I have no clue how this post is going to look!)

Hanging in Here

It's been a week since surgery - already? - and I'm hanging in here.  I'm still walking like a really old lady, more than I usually am, but things seem to be progressing nicely.

I keep thinking of all the things I need to do, wishing I weren't wasting time off at home, but I guess I'm not really wasting time.  I'm getting well, and that's the most important thing.

Tomorrow I start seriously attacking mounds of paperwork and magazines.  Hey, I know that doesn't sound like much but it's about all I can handle at this point.  I'm good for about an hour and then I crash.  I'm thinking of this as "work hardening."  Won't be able to lay down after an hour's worth of work when I get back there.

I'm so impatient.  I really want to be at full throttle now ......... (sigh) patience is NOT one of my virtues!

Deadline's Looming

I thought I'd get everything done this weekend, but that didn't happen. All I can say about that is c'est la vie! Work tomorrow and then back surgery Tuesday morning. Things will just have to wait until I can get to them. Will be checking all your blogs later next week. Take some stitches for me, will ya?

Testing paragraphs

Testing testing testing.

testing testing testing.

Testing testing testing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aha!!!  I figured out the paragraphs.

When you click new post, there are two buttons at the top left corner.  One says "Compose" and one says "HTML."  Click on the "Compose" button and all will be well in your world!!

Thank you very much!!  :)

It's All Penny's Fault

Seriously! I pulled out this quilt to start cutting in spurts as my back would allow. It's Bunnyhill Designs' Park Lane pattern. Starting separating the charm pack out - and walked away for a couple of minutes and thought it was perfectly safe where I had it. Nope .......... Penny REALLY likes Lily & Will! One square was not there. Yep, you guessed it. She threw it up a little later. The Fat Quarter Shop was sold out of the charm packs, but thankfully Bunnyhill still had some. Guess I'll cut everything else and wait for it to arrive. One step forward, two back. The story of my life!! Question: Can anyone tell me why the new blogger won't let me have paragraphs? Everything jumbles together. Thanks.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Even those of us with only four-legged babies get to celebrate!

Of course, most Mommy's have animals that will cooperate for photos. But, no, Penny is "special"! Seventeen shots and this was the only one not blurry. I love you Penny Poop. I'm glad you adopted me!

A Reminder

Just wanted to remind everyone to check your bank accounts often. I checked mine today and found three days' worth of fraudulent charges to my account. The bank was very nice and immediately credited back the amount that was fraudulent. They've cancelled my ATM card and will be issuing a new one. What a hassle! I'm still limping around. I was off most of last week because I couldn't sit and could barely walk. It's better this week but still have a long way to go. I did postpone the surgery scheduled for next week. It was too soon. I need to wrap my head around this before proceeding. The good news in all of this is that I finally caved in and hired a cleaning service. They start tomorrow. Boy, do they have their work cut out! I'll have them in weekly. That should free up some time for sewing - as soon as I can sit long enough to do that. It's always something.

Answers

After a long doctor's appointment yesterday, I have answers on the horrible back pain I've been having. I thought it was a simple (although painful) case of sciatica. Well, it seems I more than likely have two herniated discs. I say "more than likely," because that's what the doctor thinks from the plain x-rays he took yesterday. I have an MRI this morning. I'm dreading laying on the table for an hour and a half, but he needs to see exactly what's going on in there. I may be getting an injection on Thursday based on the MRI results. My doctor doesn't have much of a sense of humor. I told him yesterday I needed to have an "ectomy" or "otomy" of something to relieve the pain........ no smile, nothing. This guy needs to lighten up!

Testing, testing

Testing out the new format. If you never hear from me again, this is why!

Still Sick

I relapsed big time. And I've been coughing so much that I developed a horrendous pain in my ribcage. I was absolutely certain I had broken a rib. Hurts to sit up; hurts to lay down; hurts to breathe.

Well, after x-rays yesterday I was told nothing is broken. I have a touch of pleurisy. Man, talk about painful.

Anyway, that's why I haven't been posting.

I promised myself to do better but it is what it is.

This weekend I have help to move some tubs of fabric and a few other things into off-site storage. I desperately need to do that before the work starts around here. It'll be good to get this task off my plate.

Will be back soon. Promise.

Simple Pleasures

This morning Jill asked me if I was recovered from vacation yet. My short answer -- no! I wish I were back in Yosemite. The splendor of our first national park has me, frankly, mind-boggled.

I've seen lots of California poppies in flower beds and landscaping around the cities, but I had never seen them growing wild. Someone told me that the blooming season is just starting, but I was able to capture a snapshot traveling through the Tejon Pass. My first thought seeing the color spilling down the hills was "liquid gold."



What a beautiful state I live in. I've made a late New Year's resolution to see more of it before it's time to leave!

But on to the purpose of this post......

I was looking for a small box to mail something to a friend. With all the cleaning out I've been doing, I'm short on boxes.

But Kimberly to the rescue!

When this box arrived this week, I thought, "Darn, I wanted one of those smaller ones that she mails in." I finally opened the big box this morning and, VOILA!, the exact box I needed was inside!!!



I snagged the Love Letters kit on sale, and it was packaged in the smaller box. The fabric on top of the box is the backing set. I love this quilt. I meant to order it when it came out, but I'm glad I forgot!! LOL.

The perfect box -- a simple pleasure!!

Back to Reality

What a reality check this morning. It took me an hour and a half to drive 19 miles to work!

I'd rather be back in Yosemite!!












On the way home, the first town out of the park on Highway 41 was Oakhurst CA. We were just contemplating stopping at Starbucks when I suddenly whipped my head around and yelled, "A quilt shop!!" My friend who was driving slammed on the breaks and did a wheelie!! And she's not even a quilter!! LOL.

We went back to the shop and it wasn't open! Oh, no!! The good news is that it would be open in ten more minutes. So off to Starbucks, and then back to Bear Paw Quilts & More. They're located right on Highway 41. You can't miss the shop!



The owner is Donna Henning and her shop is adorable! There were lots of gorgeous samples hanging, and lots of kits and inspiration! Yes, I indulged! So? I mean, a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do!

Donna posed for a picture!



I would encourage anyone who is traveling up that way -- and you really should! -- to stop at Bear Paw Quilts! Trust me, you won't leave empty-handed!

Donna, thank you for being so gracious and warm! I plan on making Yosemite an annual trip, and I'll definitely be stopping by to say hello and indulge a bit more! I'm just sorry I didn't get a kit with a bear on it to commemorate my visit. Next year for sure!!