Joan's Jargon

Closing down Blog

2011-04-11T12:25:00.001-04:00

I have decided to close down this blog due to health issues. I am no longer able to do many things I've done in the past. I hope you have enjoyed visiting with me as much as I did with all of you. Blessings to all of you.

Signs of Spring

2011-02-27T11:20:00.005-05:00

Ah yes - Signs of Spring are appearing every day. This morning I spotted a beautiful red cardinal in our back yard. The snow is gone and springs of green grass are showing more and more. We've had quite a bit of rain and the ground is saturated - and more rain predicted later today. I'm glad I don't have kids playing outside these days!

Chet had the riding mower out with his little trailer attached and spent an afternoon picking up twigs and small branches that came down in a recent wind storm. He was so pleased to be out riding and 'doing things.'

I've managed to keep as busy as I can and want to be. I still tire easily and end up taking a daily nap! I've been battling a slight flu bug the past week and am hoping it soon will be gone. I just don't like tummy aches and headaches! I did get busy at the sewing machine a few hours this past week. No pictures to show yet. Perhaps next week I'll have a few blocks done. I am making the parts now for the different segments in each block. The quilt is a large size but I'm not sure I'll have a large one in the end - it's kind of boring right now!

I went into the picture archives and found a few quilts I'd not posted pictures of before. Most are now out of the house - given to kids and grand kids and some were donated for fund raiser items.

Shown below is Majestic Mountains - a pattern from http://quiltville.com. It is not finished in this picture, I did add a border and had it quilted. Truthfully, I don't know if this quilt is here in the house or if I've given it away. (Pathetic soul, right?)

The piece below is in Mitch & Di's house in Wisconsin - she had a red sofa in the finished basement and I thought this went well with it - I don't remember how big it is but it is a good size wall hanging.

Next quilt is a multi-fabric 9 Patch with snowball blocks - I think my niece has this one but I'm not sure. A second one using this pattern but with yellow borders was given to a daughter in law who needed a baby gift. Not sure who she gave it to tho.

The wall hanging below was done in creams and ecru's, 6" blocks and donated to Relay For Life fundraiser. It was on display at school and one of the teachers had the winning raffle ticket.

The patriotic wall hanging below was also donated to Relay For Life as a fundraiser - the gal who managed the Bookstore had the winner raffle ticket for it. It hangs in her office at school.

I made a second patriotic wall hanging similar to the one above and donated it to church as a fundraiser for their annual chili supper and bazaar. The gal who had the winning raffle ticket wasn't too pleased with it - am thinking she gave it to one of her children. I hope the person who has it is happy with it.

Someone is in the kitchen rattling pots and pans and I think it's a sign to me! Till next week be safe and healthy and warm.

Sewing Again - Just a bit tho!

2011-02-13T11:40:00.003-05:00

The snow is melting slowly and the back yard has a few broken branches and twigs scattered around it. Chet looks out the windows and licks his lips - I know he's chomping at the bit to get the riding mower out and clean up the yard! I know I'll have to ask the little boy next door to help him with the pick up because Chet's 'bending' ability has decreased considerably! Poor guy.

My bending ability is pretty good - it's getting up that's a challenge for me! Ah - old age has crept up on both of us. I did have good news after my last scan and blood tests - I am in remission and don't have to see a doctor till mid March. I'm still battling with radiation burns and the horrible itching of new skin growing back. I won't even mention my hair loss! Gaining weight is a battle, too - and I'm eating often. I am convinced it's as difficult to gain weight as it is to lose it! The ladies from church and another church in town have been bringing over meals - one on Wednesday night and the other on Sunday mornings. I have been cooking but these extra meals sure do help make things a bit easier on me. I'm stronger day by day and yesterday we ventured out to the bank, drug store, grocery store and Staples. I had a good long nap when we got home!

My fabric stash hasn't decreased too much the past few months. I did make two new sofa pillow covers. I found a Log Cabin block and made another, added backing and put the pillows inside. The covers are a bit too big but makes it easier to take pillow form in and out - am hoping the covers will shrink a bit after their first run through the washer and dryer. Photos below.

Picture below is of the small quilt I started a while ago - it was begging to be finished so I found matching/coordinating fabrics and finished it this morning. This will be a donation quilt.

Being house bound for the past five or six months has given me a lot of time to surf the Internet - I see so many pretty quilts and imagine them done up in fabric from my stash. . . so many quilts, so much fabric and so little energy!

This week I need to reply to Christmas cards and letters - am just now getting around to opening and reading them. And my lovely Southern Belle granddaughter, Anna Grace, had her 11th birthday last week. I did call her and we chatted a bit but I haven't sent her a card yet - that's top of the list this week!

Time to grab some lunch - Chet is shaking pots and pans! Have a good week, stay warm and well.

Posting Late - Good Excuse

2011-01-31T10:29:00.001-05:00

I have a good excuse for posting late. Usually I post on Sunday morning but yesterday I took a grocery list and headed to the store! My first time out of the house (other than to the mailbox) since Dec. 21st. And I've not driven my car since the week before Thanksgiving! I managed to get the groceries and stop at the drug store for a few things. Chet was waiting with the door open - not sure if he was waiting for food or me! I was quite tired and took advantage of my nap by extending it a bit!

We are expecting ice/rain overnight! They even predicted power outages - hope it doesn't happen as we are total electric! Good thing I have a stack of quilts to help keep us warm.

Picture below is Chet with his Colts throw - a gift from Tracy and family. Anna Grace has been waiting to see this!

I have been keeping busy doing one of my favorite things. After digging through my stash I found enough fabric to put borders on the Wabash County Brick Wall quilt. Both border fabrics were used as backings for other quilts and there was quite a bit left over! (I love leftovers - be it fabric or food)! So this quilt is ready to go to the long arm quilter gal in Rushville. It measures approximately 45 x 55".

This little goodie just had to be made! ! I saw a photo of a doll quilt in one of Kathleen Tracy books. (Kathleen hosts a Yahoo group called Small Quilt Talks. Visit her at her blog: http://sentimentalquilter.blogspot.com) The half-square-triangles are leftovers from another quilt - we call them bonus triangles. It measures 13"x 16" - or there abouts - and I even hand quilted it - not a lot tho!

Till next week - stay well and warm.

Must Not Complain

2011-01-22T11:17:00.002-05:00

Oh this snow and cold is getting to me. I've not been further than the end of the driveway to set out trash and recycling bins, pick up the mail and newspaper. Someone just came to the door, I opened it and the cold was sharp! (Poor guy is looking for tree trimming jobs. I told him to check back in Spring and he told me that was not the time to trim trees! Oh well!)

Nate and Mark brought in a supply of groceries so the 'larder is loaded' for a while and there is no need for us to go out on the snow covered streets. Mitch calls weekly to check in with us and we don't dare complain of our snow and cold - Green Bay always is colder and snowier! No sympathy from him! Tracy tells us it's cold in Mississippi when it's 65; at least she doesn't have to shovel snow down there! And she gets no sympathy from us!

I've been back at my sewing machine a couple of mornings this week. I finished putting together the brick wall quilt top - center portion of the quilt, this morning. Feels good to use up some of the left over fabrics from the bigger quilt. I did have to go into the stash and cut more but it was a pleasure to dig through the fabrics and find coordinates. Now I need to see if I have enough of something to put a border or two on this quilt. Right now it measures about 36 x 44" and adding borders will make it a nice throw size. Picture below.

I'd not used my camera since Thanksgiving and found this picture - Anna Grace, Mitch and Jonathan - I don't remember who's teaching who and I don't know what game they are playing - but it is a nice picture, isn't it?

Thanks for stopping by - stay well and warm.

Sunny Sunday

2011-01-16T09:59:00.001-05:00

Another week has passed and I'm proud to announce that I've been back at the sewing machine. I decided it was time to try and use up fabric from my stash. I did a "Brick Wall of Wabash County" quilt almost a year ago (March 7, 2010 post) and there were a lot of left over rectangles so I started laying them out and cut more from my stash. It was to be a small quilt but it seems to be growing in size and I imagine it will be a lap robe or sofa throw size. We'll see just how far the rectangles that I have cut will go. Hopefully I'll have a picture to show next week. (I tried to copy and paste it but it wouldn't work!)

Chet is sad because of the Colts losing the football game last week - I think he's cheering on the Packers now. He's not gone out often because of the cold and snow. Mitch and Chet have been chatting after the football games. "A bonding opportunity" is what Mitch calls the phone calls!

Nate, Deanie and Mark are off to an ABATE get together this weekend, expect them back some time today. I know they told me where they were going - but I forgot! And that's okay - cuz I'm old!

Tracy celebrated a birthday on the 13th. Visited with her for quite a while one morning - her doctor/boss was out of town so she had some free time to chat.

Till next week - stay safe, warm and well.

I'm Back - I Think

2011-01-08T11:42:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted - have been dealing with health issues the past three months but I think I'm on the road to being myself again. I'm not sure if this is good or bad! We'll see - right? :)

Our holidays were spent with family and friends. They brought in the food and we enjoyed a lot of the traditional dishes. The sons have been doing our grocery shopping - not their favorite thing to do and we certainly appreciate them doing it. There is a long list on the table now and Chet keeps coming up with things to add to it. He does enjoy eating.

We had snow but it all melted when we had temps in the 50's. Yesterday we had a couple of inches of fresh snow - looks so pretty out there but it's cold and windy. Our wonderful neighbor shoveled our driveway sometime this morning.

No sewing here since October except for the final block of the month block - I thought it was finished but someone pointed out to me that there was a mistake in it - so I took it apart and redid it. I've been too exhausted and shaky to use the rotary cutter and ruler. The other day I did pull out a kit and fondle the fabrics but I put them back in the cabinet.

I dreamed I turned on my sewing machine and it made odd noises, spit sparks and moaned and groaned. I woke up after that dream! I haven't turned it on to check it out!

Chet is ready for the Colts game tonight - wearing his Colts shirt, a gift from Mark and has his Colts throw, a gift from Tracy, on the sofa. I will have to sneak a picture to post next week.

Perhaps I'll have some other pictures for the next post - something quilty. Till then, be warm, happy and healthy.

A Few Pictures

2010-11-28T18:56:00.004-05:00

I'm home alone tonight - first time in ages! I've had my bath and am dressed in new navy plaid flannel pajamas with lace trim! Mark and Chet are at the Colts football game tonight. It doesn't start till 8:30 so it will be late when they get home. Mark will probably stay over night and go to work from here in the morning. Mark is so patient and good with his father, takes a special person to tackle some of the projects he takes on with him!

Posting just a few pictures from our Thanksgiving Day with family and friends. Tracy, Jon and Anna Grace arrived about 1:00 a.m. They drove straight through from Mississippi - Jon is a licensed driver now and did about half the driving so they were able to do it in one shot. Mitch arrived about 1:00 p.m. Nate deep fried a turkey (shown in photo below) and Mark and his friend Brittany, made a beautiful ham. Tracy brought cornbread dressing and it was very tasty. Tia made a cheesy potato dish. I cooked cranberries (twice). And we had many veggies, rolls and the usual dishes. Mitch brought Wisconsin sausage and cheeses - oh so good!

Anna Grace 'sharing' her Stained Glass Windows quilt with Nate, Jon and Tracy. She fell in love with this quilt before it was finished - now the quilt is in Mississippi!

The guys: Mark, Nate, Jon, Mitch, Chet and J.D.

The Gals - Tracy, me, Tia, Anna, Kim (JD's friend), Brittany and Tori.

We had a lovely weekend and enjoyed being together! Tracy and family left at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and drove half way and spent the night at a hotel. They arrived home about 11:30 today. Mitch's flight left at 7:00 p.m. and he got home about midnight. I'm sure they happy to be in their own beds, too.

That's it for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Stay well and warm.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-21T09:59:00.003-05:00

I imagine everyone is writing menus, grocery lists and looking forward to a big day with family and friends later this week. We are having a house full with our children and friends coming. Nate will deep fry a turkey and Mark is doing a ham. Tracy is doing Mississippi corn bread dressing and Mitch is bringing Wisconsin Brats. And of course we'll have all the usual side dishes and trimmings. The kids will do most of the cooking this year because my treatments leave me zapped! The Michigan Granddaughters spent a few hours with me yesterday going through cabinets, cleaning the refrigerator and stove and etc. It's nice and sparkling clean in the kitchen now. I could have kept them for a few more hours to hit a few more rooms but didn't want to scare them off for good.

Am proud to announce I finished block #12 for the Rocky Mountain Sampler quilt a group of gals have been working on this year. I've not laid the blocks out together to see how the completed top will look. This block is a bit 'blah' - think it's because I didn't use a red and I did in all the other blocks. The block looks a tad off kilter but a good spray of starch and a hot, heavy iron should fix it up. . . the power of persuasion!

Photos below are parts of my fabric stash - I think it's time to go through the stash and 'share' with other quilters. I've not been able to do as many donation quilts this year as planned but do have a few to give to our local Cheer Fund for Christmas baskets.

This picture is just the top half of a big cabinet I had built to house my stash. I also store books, magazines and an assortment of other goodies in it. Perhaps next week I will show a picture of my quilt books - and that's frightening, too. Oh well, I've enjoyed every book and magazine; and every piece of fabric that has come into this house.

Too Tired To Post - A Bit Of Sewing

2010-11-14T10:44:00.003-05:00

Yes, I was too tired to do a post last week - and I see several of you visited the blog and checked up on me. I continue to deal with health issues and will for a while to come. Thanks to those of you who sent well wishes, thoughts and prayers my way. I really do appreciate it.

We've had some lovely weather - in the 70's a couple of days last week and that was a treat. The family has been keeping in touch and most of them will be here Thanksgiving weekend. Be a treat to see them all together again. Mark is taking Chet to a Colts football game that weekend and Chet is all fired up and ready to go.

Belated Happy Birthday wishes to sister Ellen and brother Wally - and anyone I may have missed. . . I do have b'day cards for you - right in front of me now!

I haven't had too much energy but did do a bit of sewing this past week. Block #11 for the Rocky Mountain Sampler is now complete and shown below.

This morning I pulled fabrics and cut for block #12 - the final block for the sampler. Pieces are laid out and ready to be sewn together. It took 2 1/2 hours to sew up block #11 and this one has more pieces so imagine it will take a bit longer to stitch together. This is just the center section, know as Card Tricks and finished, it will measure 6" - can you see the pattern?

The blocks finish at 12" each so it will be a nice throw size. I do have to find border fabrics to finish it off. Picture below is showing the cut pieces for the outside of the block. I hope it's a pretty quilt as I've just not been too fired up about this quilt. I think the idea of having the fabric, directions and etc. laying around for such a long time is just not my style! Not that I'm neat and tidy; perhaps it's that I'm not a patient person.
Till next time - be safe and warm.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T18:04:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone
I was feeling bad because I had no pictures to post and not a lot to say. But as the Trick and Treaters began ringing the doorbell the 'light went on' in my head and I decided to take pictures of some of the kids. We had lots of bees, ballerinas, mummies and even a dog with pink fairy wings and a matching purse. I bought a couple of big bags of candy a few weeks ago and stashed them away. This morning the man in the house got out our big bowl and the bags of candy - it appears we have a mouse or two in the house that really like candy. There is just enough left to fill the bowl - - amazing, I never saw a candy wrapper around tho! Oh well - guess he enjoyed it more than the kids. I'm estimating we've had at least 50 kids out here and still another two hours to go. My front light will be turned off at 7:00 unless the candy is gone before then.

Till next week - be safe.

Busy Weekend

2010-10-24T09:43:00.002-04:00

Hi Family and Friends,

Not only are we enjoying lovely fall color and temperatures, we are enjoying seeing our sons and one of our grandsons. Mitch and JD arrived Friday night, Nate and Deanie also came over to visit. I've not been up till 11:00 for a long, long time.

I put JD in charge of pictures, telling him I need some for my blog. I hope to get a picture of the three sons together - just didn't think of it on Saturday. The first picture is his car, he just recently bought it.

And this neat truck is Mark's - also a recent purchase.

We needed to replace the commode in the small bathroom so the 'boys' went shopping and installed this gem for us. It's one of the higher ones - makes it easier for old-timers to get up from. Here's Mark and Mitch setting it up and then the throne in it's royal position. (They tell me it works fine - I've not tried it.)

Haven't done any sewing all week so nothing to show off or brag about. But I will get back to it soon - have a quilt waiting for it's final border.

That's it for this week - thanks for stopping by.

This & That

2010-10-17T11:30:00.002-04:00

We are enjoying fall temperatures and a lot of color with the leaves changing. I'd like to see the lovely colors for a longer time though!

I am still dealing with health issues - treatment will be decided on this week. Thanks for all the good wishes, prayers and cards. The local sons have been doing a lot for us and we sure appreciate that. The out-of-state kids have been calling regularly as have other family members. Mitch is planning to come for the weekend.

I decided it was time to take some pictures of what I've been working on the past few weeks. I did finish the Waving Flag. Picture below is Block # 10 for the Rocky Mountain Sampler. It is a pretty block and went together fairly easy. In fact, I think it's the prettiest block of the bunch!

This is the equilateral quilt top I've had in the works for almost two months now. I added left over batiks from the pyramids inside the top, as borders. I plan to add a solid black outer border - fabric is in the washer right now. May be my 'after my nap' project today!

I have a large collection of batik and hand dyed fabrics I'd like to do in something special and have spent time looking through my books. The book shown below is full of ideas but nothing really grabs me right now. New York Beauty keeps wandering into my mind! Or maybe the Drunkards Path blocks. . . .

Till next time - take care everyone.

Welcome October

2010-10-03T11:09:00.002-04:00

Friends and relatives - I am dealing with some health issues and will not be posting as often as usual. But if I do manage to sew something worth bragging about, I will!

Take care and be good to yourself!

Happy Birthday, J.D.

2010-09-26T11:00:00.003-04:00

Short posting today - not much to say and I'm lazy, too. We have been without rain for a long time and we need it badly. Fields are catching fire when combines go in to harvest. At least the beans in the field that butts up to our property have been picked for several weeks now.

I've been lazy in the sewing department, too. Today I hope to finish hand stitching the binding to the back of the waving flag I'm doing for Mitch. Only have 2 sides to go and it will be done. Picture of the flag is in last weeks post.

Have a pot of chicken noodle soup on the stove - smells good.

Our grandson, Nate's son, has a birthday today - forget which one!

Till next week - stay well and take care.

Autumn Leaves Mantle Cover - This + That

2010-09-19T09:09:00.005-04:00

Good Sunday Morning! Kind of dreary looking out there this morning, some talk of rain but it sounds very 'iffy'. We do need rain, yards are brownish, flowers are fading and dropping off.

Chet got so disgusted with his Topsy Turvey tomato gadget that he cut the vines off. Never did see even a blossom on it! My potted plant produced a few small and tasteless tomato's and I think he disposed of that, too! He gets out the riding mower and trailer and rides around the yard, looking for downed branches, papers or litter that may have blown onto our yard - he does this at least three times a week. Guess it's the male urge to drive something!

Nothing special going on here - kids must be fine - haven't heard from them! A good sign, I guess. I did speak with Mark briefly - he was getting for a party on the beach on Saturday night.

Picture below is the Waving Flag I'm working on for Mitch. It is ready for quilting but I'm having a senior moment and can't remember how I quilted the other two I made.

First day of Fall is officially Wednesday. So this morning I decided to change fireplace mantel scarves. Pictured below is the stack of quilts and wall hangings, baby and doll quilts, I had to go through to find it.

After a few minutes of searching and telling myself how ashamed I should be of having a mess like this, it showed up. So I did a quick decorating job and fixed up the mantle. I love fall and this will stay on till Thanksgiving time when I'll hunt for the C'mas scarf. Just noticed one of the candles is leaning! Oh well!

Till next week - take care.

This and That

2010-09-12T12:18:00.003-04:00

Chet is humming while making himself a sandwich- he's getting ready for the Colts game which begins in about half an hour! He can get so wrapped up in football!

We've enjoyed fall like temperatures this week and managed to get a lot done - usual errands and dentist appts. Thursday I went to the Block of the Month meeting in Rushville. Chet went to a nearby casino with the people across the street - I think he did win a bit this time - he's got 'the look' on his face when I ask!

This week will be busy, too. Quilt Guild meeting Monday, Annual check ups, blood work and the 'girls' will have their picture taken, too.

I had computer problems and my 'guru' spent a couple of hours here this morning and it looks like he was able to fix the problem.

Have no idea how the kids are. I did remember to send birthday cards to Amanda and Paul and will send to J.D. and Jonathan we they come closer. And of course we remember our baby sister Karen who's birthday was on the 10th - we hope she's enjoying her angel wings!

I have managed to sew just a bit - am working on a wall hanging for Mitch. Name of the pattern is "Let It Wave" by Becky and Me - site is at (if interested). http://BeckyandMe.com I have the two strip sets made and hope to get back to it soon.

Time to find something for my lunch - have a good week.

Welcome Fall Temperatures!

2010-09-05T11:20:00.003-04:00

We've had a week of cooler temps and it is just wonderful. Leaves aren't turning yet but it won't be long; the beans and corn are drying and will soon be harvested, too. I even cooked a pot of vegetable beef soup this week!

To celebrate Fall I took the Summer nap quilt off my bed and dug out my favorite quilt - Fallen Leaves, made a couple of years ago! I found myself 'reading' the quilt instead of snuggling under it and napping. This is truly a multi-fabric quilt! Picture below.

Close up of a block.

Back of quilt.

I am slowly getting the binding handsewn to the back of a quilt - seems like the quilt is really big but it isn't! Am hoping to finish it up this week and have a picture next week.

We have spent the week trying to get the house and yard in shape - an impossible dream, I think! Haven't chatted with the kids this week - heard Nate & Deanie were going on an extended bike ride and Mark was going to the river (near Cincinnati) and visit (party) with friends.

Till next week - bye now and thanks for stopping in.

Our Wisconsin-Michigan Trip

2010-08-30T08:47:00.006-04:00

Hi family and friends - it's always fun to take a trip but it's good to be back in your own home again. Mark (bless his heart) had time off coming so decided to take 'the old folks' for a ride. And it was a long ride but enjoyable. Pictures are of family, friends and scenery!

Milwaukee skyline at sunset.

Chicago skyline - Sears Tower.

Diane's parents, Peter and Sally and Chet and myself. We visited with them on Saturday - lovely weather in the Upper Peninsula!

Ludington Yacht Harbor in Escanaba, Michigan. When we lived there we were just a couple of blocks from the harbor and park.

Chet, Mitch, myself and Paul

Chet, Amanda, myself and Mark.

Amanda was off to college - classes don't begin till next week but she's on the tennis team and team members have to be there two weeks early for practice. We met her and a friend for lunch on our way home on Sunday.

Lovely trip - thanks to Mark for doing all the driving. (FYI - my 16 year old car got 29.? miles per gallon!)

Have a good week.

Rocky Mountain Sampler Block #9

2010-08-23T08:07:00.003-04:00

I bit the bullet and made the 9th block for the Rocky Mountain Sampler. Only 3 more to go!

Have a good day!

This & That Father - Son Project

2010-08-21T20:44:00.004-04:00

Starting another week - and close to starting another new month. I decided to blog just a bit earlier this week. Really nothing exciting or eventful happening here.

Tuesday I took the car out for a wash, filled up the tank and had the oil changed. The fellas doing the oil change told me the AC pump was leaking ( I didn't even know the AC had a pump) so I spoke with Mark and he knows of a fellow near me that works on cars "on the side" and this scares me. I can be without a car for a day or two, but working "on the side" doesn't appeal to me. So first thing Monday I'll have to find someone to check it out. We still plan to run up to see Mitch, Diane and Paul (Amanda is off to school - on the tennis team and they go early.) I also hope to take a ride on the go-cart pictured below.

Mitch's father-in-law was/is a collector. This go-cart was found in his barn and Mitch and Paul decided to see if it'd work. He said they had to unstick the valves off they went. The engine is a 1949 /Wisconsin 6hp. (For some reason I couldn't make the photo larger - sorry!.

And a close up of Paul.

Have done a bit of sewing - nothing worth taking pictures of tho. I did have a nice visit with Sister Ellen a day or two ago - she'd been off to the Senior Center - making donation quilts and items for their boutique. She's such a perky thing!

Signing off for this week - Paul Newman movies marathon and The Sting is on right now. Have a cool and safe weekend.

So Lazy and So Confused

2010-08-15T20:45:00.003-04:00

Many people won't admit to forgetting something or being confused, etc. Since I'm not one of them, I will bear my latest here.

The football game wasn't last week - it was today. Have no idea who won tho.

I've been numbering the blocks for the Rocky Mountain Sampler wrong for quite a while. I think we are doing 9 now - but don't quote me on that. Usually I start on the block within a day or two of getting the pattern but I've not looked at it since we met on Thursday. But I have a good excuse.

I picked up a quilt from my longarm quilter gal and it's gorgeous. She does such great work. This is a black, white, red and gray quilt. I've made the binding but haven't had energy to stitch it on and finish it up.

I'm blogging late today just because I'm lazy; have no pictures to post either. My sister Amy called to see if we were alright and we chatted for quite a while. Hopefully next week I'll have pictures and more to chat about. The post may be late because we are planning a quick out of state trip.

Till next week - take care.

Football and Toes.

2010-08-08T09:52:00.003-04:00

Hi Family and Friends,

We have had a quiet week, a few days cool enough to turn off the AC but I see Chet has turned it on again today. I guess it's to have a comfortable room while he roots for the Colts vs. 49ers football game today. J.D. is a 49ers fan and am sure he'll be glued to a TV too - he's in Bloomington, finishing up a couple of summer classes. Chet has a few snacks ready to go so he'll be happy.

The Peyton Manning Fat Head board is still in the TV room.

I did not manage to stitch an inch this week but hope to do a bit of sewing today. I am having a hard time getting excited about sewing and quilting lately. But am sure the mojo will return with cooler weather. So no new quilt photos today.

I did take some 'me time' and go have a manicure and a pedicure - as you can see from my picture, I choose an autumn color for my toes. I enjoyed the procedures until the gal turned on the vibrating chair. Almost jumped out of the chair - being a short person the rolling balls in the chair hit me in wrong spots. I didn't tip her - she nipped my toes in three places and drew blood. She never even said she was sorry and tried to hide it. Oh well, my toes do look nice! Don't you think so.

Till next week, thanks for stopping by and have a good week.

Ah - Fall is closer!

2010-08-01T09:47:00.003-04:00

Hi Family & Friends
I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler temperatures we're experiencing the past few days. We turned the AC's off and opened doors and windows. Unfortunately, the heat will return sometime this week.
Report on the young man who had the diving accident last week. Mark went up to see him and found that he is paralyzed but couldn't find out if it's complete paralysis. The fella's mom had been there but he just missed her; a cousin and his girlfriend were there but didn't have a lot of information to pass on. There were two vertebra completely out of line and they were fused. He is on a 'backboard' and when Mark was there he was 'face down'. Mark left for a bit to see if he could find the mom but she was no where to be found. He went back to the room and the fella had been turned, face up. He is on a respirator and couldn't talk and he could not acknowledge Mark. So Mark will go and visit him sometime this week.
Haven't been in touch with the other three 'children'. Am wondering if Nate came back from the Bikers Boogie - maybe he ran away? (Just kidding.) Imagine everyone is okay or we'd have heard something!
Friend Pat called and asked if I wanted to go for a ride in the country - she's writing a column on a church celebrating it's 175th anniversary. So we took off looking for the church, she had good directions and we found it without a problem.

We didn't see any wild animals but thought there might be stills or meth labs in some of those old barns!

On our way back we stopped at the Westport Covered Bridge. It's been restored since I last saw it on a school trip with Tracy and her class. And that was a long time ago!

I finally got back to doing a bit of sewing. The C'mas Log Cabin quilt got it's binding. It is not a pretty quilt! I ran it through the washer and dryer this morning, thinking it might look a bit better - but it didn't. The quilt is folded in fourths in the picture - it measures something in the vicinity of 60 x 70". Like I always say "it will keep someone warm."

Time to go - must write checks to pay bills. Thanks for stopping by and have a good week.

Family Visit - Block #7 Finished

2010-07-25T11:21:00.004-04:00

Son Mitch spent a few days with us last weekend. We enjoyed having him here after not seeing him for about a year. He seems to have to be busy most of the time and found a lot of things to do around the house. Father and Son pictured below.

Son Nate hasn't check in for a week or so - he's probably still recuperating from the Bikers Boogie - he spent about ten days there, setting up and taking down stands and so forth and am sure he enjoyed the middle part of the week - play days. It was beastly hot all the while.

Mark spent a couple of days at the Boogie and then went sailing with a friend for a day. Mark is a hero. (Course I've always known that.) Yesterday he was at the beach and noticed a young man preparing to dive off the raft. There is to be no diving as the water is quite shallow in that area. The young man didn't hear Mark yelling at him and dove in. Mark arrived just as he surfaced - face down. So Mark turned him over; the fella said he couldn't feel his arms or legs and his back hurt. So Mark held him up, hands propping the neck until a helicopter arrived from Indianapolis. (About half an hour.) It was a first visit to the lake for this fella and his friends so they obviously didn't notice the No Diving sign. Mark gave the fellas friend his cell phone number and asked to be kept updated. Later he heard from one of them and learned he had two broken vertebra, close to his neck and it was/is possible he may be paralyzed. I imagine Mark will be making a trip to see him in a week or two.

Tracy called yesterday - to wish her dad a Happy B'day. The big day was the 23rd but he accepts calls anytime! Tracy and Anna were getting ready to go for a run - well, Tracy will run and Anna was setting up a lemonade stand!

Photo below is block #7 of the Rocky Mountain Sampler, Block of the Month quilt I'm working on. I usually don't like to drag out a quilt this long but over half done now so I'll grin and bear it.

All fabrics are from my stash - and I am seeing a bit of reduction in the stash!

Time to sign off and find something for lunch. Have a good week and thanks for stopping by.

Out of State Visotors

2010-07-18T09:50:00.004-04:00

Hi from rainy Indiana. We can use the rain so I'm not going to complain about the weather. (But it has been awfully hot, t00!) Tracy and Anna Grace left on Sunday morning and they had plans to visit a cave or two on the way home; they arrived back in Hattiesburg about 12:30 on Monday. They did have a bit of excitement on the way home. They stopped for gas and suddenly many sirens were blaring, they counted 22 State Police, Sheriff cars and local police cars roaring down the highway - it appears they were on a very high speed chase. They were all headed in the direction Tracy had just come from! Guess they had an angel on their shoulders.

On Sunday evening Palmer, Lois, Becky and Aaron arrived. We had our supper and visited for a bit and Becky and Aaron left for Lafayette, they had an appointment to visit Purdue Monday morning and a visit to Butler, in Indianapolis that afternoon. Palmer and Lois stayed here and we ate, visited, ate, took a ride and ate some more! We even managed to take short naps! Mark came at 4:00 and we took them to Indianapolis to meet up with Becky & Aaron. We had our dinner at a cute restaurant - food would have been good but it was cold! Oh well, we did our best. The onion rings were perfect! We said our good byes and took off in opposite directions. They got back to Michigan at about 11:00 and we got home by 6:00. Nate didn't get to see them because he's at the Bikers Boogie since last Saturday. Mark was packing up to go on Wednesday. He had plans to go sailing today and will be back in town tomorrow.

Mitch arrived Friday afternoon and it's great to see him - it's been a year since we last saw him. He is such a handy man - the header lining in my car was coming loose and he fixed that. Also having trouble with the trim on the trunk of my car and he figured out a way to fix that, too. We also have two wasps nests and he found a spray to kill the wasps and will take down their little 'home'! He's gone to church this morning with Chet and Paul (transportation provider).

Below are a couple of pictures of the Arizona/Michigan visitors.

The group - aren't we just the smilingest people you've seen in a long time? LOL

Nope - no sewing since Anna Grace was here and made her pillow! Haven't "stitched an inch" in a while - but projects are waiting to be finished and more ideas are popping into my head!

That's it for now - stay well!

Tracy & Anna's Visit

2010-07-11T14:48:00.006-04:00

No pictures last week - well I'm bombarding you with them this week! Tracy and Anna arrived here on Wednesday, late afternoon. Nate stopped by in the morning and visited with them.

Anna had to get her 'sewing with Grandma Joan' session in so she made a pillow using quilt blocks I'd made as a sample a few weeks ago.

We had to go play a round of miniature golf and have some delicious ice cream at the Sweet Shop.
Josh, a neighbor, Anna & Tracy in the far ground.

Friday afternoon we went out to Mark's and spent the afternoon on the beach at Lake Santee.

The fellow to the left is playing a kettle drum (I think that's what they're called.) And some brave people did the Limbo!

Mark doing the Limbo. They moved too fast for me to get good pictures!

Tracy, Anna and Mark swimming behind the pontoon.

One of Mark's friends has a water slide so Mark took us over there and he and Anna had a couple of quick slides!

Swimming back to the pontoon after the water slide venture.

Tia was also there but missed her in pictures - friends of her's were there and she was off with them from time to time.

JD was here for the weekend, he was 'best man' for a friends wedding.

Saturday night JD, Nate & Deanie, Tracy & Anna went to the fair. She came home with a gold fish which is traveling back to Mississippi with them today.

We are expecting Palmer & Lois, Becky & Aaron any time now. Becky & Aaron will be visiting Purdue and Butler colleges.

Mitch is planning to come Friday and stay will Monday. Be great to see him again!

Nate & Deanie are out of town till a week from Monday - attending the Bikers Boogie! And that's all I'll say about the Boogie!

Till next week - stay well and cool. Thanks for stopping by.

Happy July 4th

2010-07-04T11:23:00.002-04:00

We are having a quiet day at home. The City had fireworks last night and we could hear them, loud and clear. Mark had a party at his house yesterday with out-of-state visitors, J.D. and three friends are here and of course all his 'lake friends'. We opted to stay put and enjoy the peace and quiet! Yes, our ages are showing! Hopefully J.D. and friends and the out-of-state visitors will stop in for a bit but doubt they will.

We are getting ready for Tracy and Anna's visit and hopefully Jon will come along this year. He had plans to go to Destin, FL. and I noticed on the weather map this morning that there is oil in that area! Tracy will get here the 7th and stay till the 11th. We are also hoping to be able to meet with Palmer & Lois, here from Arizona, (brother and sister in law) who are visiting their families in Michigan. We are to the stages in our lives that we need drivers - we met halfway last summer and had a lovely visit. At this point we don't know their plans and my drivers are in mid-air right now.

Nate is heading south to a bikers boogie and will be gone about ten days. Mark was hoping to make it for a day or two.

Not a lot of sewing this week so no pictures! I did manage to sew up the remaining rows on the black/white triangles quilt and will have to set the rows together the week after next. It will be a piddly task - all those points! Oh - what was I thinking when I started that!

Chet's home from church and looking for food so it's time to sign off for today. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good week!

Where did June go?

2010-06-27T10:39:00.003-04:00

Greetings Everyone. Here we are at the end of June already! I don't know where the time goes - it seems I got more accomplished when I was working. Truthfully, I don't care how much is accomplished and I'd rather be here doing nothing than working!

I did chat with some of our kids during the week. A classmate of Nate's was killed in an auto accident, on a country road. He was coming home from work about 12:30 a.m. A 17 year old decided to 'blow the stop sign'! That poor kid will have a load to carry for the rest of his life.

We are getting letters - yes - snail mail letters - from Anna Grace who is at a camp and is forced to write! She asked for Nate & Mark's addresses - am wondering if she will really write them!

Sunday afternoon we 'motored' out to Mark's and spent the afternoon with him and friends from the lake. We were on the pontoon boat and that is an enjoyable ride. We docked on the beach and it seems there were 30 to 40 people off and on that boat. Cooked hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill and lots of other good foods were brought by friends. It was hot out but being on the water it was a bit cooler and there was a nice breeze.

Tuesday a friend and I went to see Patricia Knoechel - sister of Eleanor Burns, the 'noted' quilter. We guessed there were about 50 people there. Patricia makes the quilts her sister designs but uses her favorite colors - purples. lavenders and greens!

Wednesday I had an eye doctor appt. - the cataract surgeon - oh, he's such a nice man and very handsome, too. Makes doctor visits a pleasure! (And I don't have to take my clothes off).

Thursday two quilting friends and I went to a shop the one gal had never been to before. I did find a ruler and a book I'd been looking for.

Friday I spent a lot of time and money at the grocery store. The cabinets and refrigerator were about empty - and Chet was sighing a lot, too! ! !

Saturday was a pajama day and I sewed all morning. I'd cut the pieces for the quilt during the week (when I had the energy) and began sewing. I managed to make seven rows and I've been at the machine again this morning. I'll need a total of 14 rows. This will not be a quick quilt which means it will not be a big quilt. I'm using the fabrics from the online swap (black on white and white on black) and have added a few batiks for a dash of color. I'm wishing now I'd have used reds instead. Equal Lateral Triangles are used and they are small so it's very time consuming. I know I won't be making another of these! Picture below.

Time to find something for lunch. Have a good and safe week.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T10:13:00.004-04:00

I hope all the "dad's" out there are having a good day! We are going out to Mark's this afternoon and will have a cookout on the beach - traveling by pontoon. Possible rain later this afternoon, so hope we don't get too wet! Predicted high is 87 and that's just not cup of tea at all - I'm a 75* gal. Nate came over and installed my window AC early last week and it sure makes a big difference with my sleeping and eating!

Chatted with Tracy for about an hour last week. Anna is at camp and I think Tracy is/was lonesome! She is planning a quick visit here July 7 to 11th. And Palmer & Lois will be in Michigan June 30 to July 13. Hopefully we can connect for a visit this time. Nate is planning his Bikers Boogie in the southern part of the state in mid July, they will take their motor home and be gone for about 12 days.

Thursday my block of the month group met in Rushville - assignment is block #7 (out of 12). Most of us seem to be struggling with the blocks for this quilt! I had a goof and noticed it two days before our meeting so managed to fix it quickly. And would you believe I made the same mistake on this block! It's corrected now - picture below.

That's it for this week. Stay well and cool.

Summer Struck

2010-06-13T10:14:00.008-04:00

Yes, the hot weather and humidity have hit and I'm wilted. Today I will call one of my dear sons and ask them to put the AC unit in my bedroom. We've had a lot of rain and water standing in the field out back. Our neighbor's garden looks like it could take over their backyard and ours, too. They are on vacation and should be back this week. I've been watching their tomato plants and if a red one should appear while they're gone, I'll be a good neighbor and go get it!

Haven't been in contact with our kids, tried to call Mississippi twice yesterday and no answer. I know Anna Grace is at a summer camp in Louisana for a month (I think).

Last week I posted a picture of a block - here's the completed quilt. Front and back. Another stash buster piece!

Since I finished a quilt from scraps I figured it was only fair to start thinking of a new quilt. And after using such bright colors, I got out a stack of about 12 fat quarters (18x20") and a few scraps from the first 'blended quilt' and thought I'd like to do another. The first blended quilt is now in Louisiana - tried to copy and paste the picture but it just would not work for me. But if you check out the Saturday, July 12, 2008 post and scroll about half way down and you can see it there. It's a kind of Shabby Chic style! The picture below is the collection I have. It will be a while before I find a pattern - maybe stars - any other suggestions?

Time to get busy here - thanks for visiting and have a good week.

Greetings from The Windy City

2010-06-06T09:51:00.004-04:00

No, I'm not in Chicago! It's right here in Greensburg, IN. We are fortunate not to have been in the tornado path, it was North of Indianapolis. I've not looked out back to see if we have tree branches down and don't plan to for a while!

We have spent the week running - just errands and usual stuff. We did have an email from Mitch - I followed a car similar to the one he had during the last months of college. It was white and had a red door and a blue door and a blue hood! I did take pictures of it with my cell phone but alas, I did not do something right so no picture to remind him! I guess I should not be around electronic gadgets!

Didn't sew an inch all week so yesterday I vowed today I'd do something. My scrap basket had some bright fabrics peeking out and begging to have something done with them. So I pawed through the basket and found a dozen blocks made a few years ago and this morning they were stitched up quickly. Nice to find blocks already pieced! The picture is below - looks rumpled cause it's on my chenille bedspread.

While digging in the scraps I pulled more bright fabrics and decided to do a small quilt using them up. Name of the block is "Sweet Sixteen". The pattern calls for larger rectangles ( 3 1/2 by 6 1/2) but I cut them at 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 ". . . . daintier size for a baby quilt. I know I'll have to cut more fabrics than I pulled so it should be an interesting quilt. Not sure of the size - we'll have to see how far the scraps go. Photo below.

Back to the sewing machine. Thanks for stopping by and have a good week.

Big Weekend - Bricks & Stepping Stones - Test Blocks

2010-05-30T09:16:00.004-04:00

No celebrating here this weekend but TV is all about the big Indy 500. Glad I'm not a fan - would hate to wait in line and battle thousands of people.

Mark and a friend of his, took Chet to "Carboration Day" on Wednesday. They were able to rent a golf cart so it was easier for Chet to get around and enjoy the day. They left town about 9:30 and got home about 5:30. They all had a great time - tired and a bit sunburned tho!

Mark had a 'gathering' last evening. He deep fried two turkeys and put out an open invitation. We didn't go - sometimes the people get a bit rowdy and I'm just not into that anymore. I'm hoping he had a bit of turkey left and will ask us out for leftovers! (I even have a can of cranberries.)

We had breakfast with Nate one morning this week. After we ate he came over to use the computer for some things at work. JD bought a car - sight unseen - and Nate was adding it to his insurance, getting it registered and all that monkey business one has to go through to make it legal!

I forgot to mention last week that Mitch had an opportunity to visit with his Aunt Donalean - she and a friend took a Mystery Trip and ended up in Green Bay. Mitch & Diane visited Wednesday night and took pictures; Mitch stopped Thursday afternoon and took her some Schneider promotion items (mugs and maybe a hat). Thursday evening he took Mandy and they stopped at Lambau Field gift shop and picked up a jersey for her. She's a Bears fan but her husband is a Packer fan! Think she changed teams ? ? ? ?

Haven't been in touch with that Mississippi gal for a couple of weeks. Must try to give her a call sometime today.

Chet saw a commercial for the Topsy Turvey tomato planter and wanted to try it out so we picked one up and also got tomato plants. Our plants are so puny, it's pathetic. The neighbor's are gorgeous.

I did manage to get a bit of sewing in this past week. I finished a quilt top using the black and white strips a group of us from the Fabric Stash Chat room. It's a Quiltville.com pattern - Bricks and Stepping Stones (3rd one I've made using that pattern.) I tossed it on the TV room floor and took the picture so it looks a bit rumpled! Pictures below.

And a close up below.

There are still quite a bit of strips left from the swap so I spent time looking for a pattern to use up the rest of the fabric. The block shown below is an experimental block. I don't think I'll make anymore and will look further for another pattern.

While I was paging through magazines I ran across a striking block and did up a couple of them. I just used green fabric which was left over from another strip swap a while ago. Like the block but very fussy sewing I'd use a large variety of fabrics but I don't think I want to make 32 of them.

Laundry is finished so must sign off for now. Have a good week.

May - Month of Birthdays

2010-05-23T10:03:00.003-04:00

We have had quite a few birthday wishes to send out. Mine on the 1st, friend on the 9th, Mitch, nephew Chuck and another friend on the 17th and daughter-in-law Diane, on the 22nd. I'm glad I'm not the only one getting older!

We've had quite a bit of rain this month, too. The puddles in the field that butts up to our yard, are finally gone. We've had a cardinal visiting us a couple of times a day, comes right up on the patio. Such a pretty bird!

And of course Chet has been mowing - a bit more than necessary, I think. But it keeps him busy.

Checked in with the kids and all seem to be keeping busy and out of trouble! Monday a friend and I drove to Shelbyville to a quilt shop - she was looking for a special ruler and they didn't have it. But we did have a great omelet at Grandma's Kitchen! It rained on us - all day!
On Tuesday I had to do a 'sick girl run' - Tia has a terrible cold and was miserable so I picked her up and brought her home with me. Mark came to pick her up when he got off work at 4:00. I had him do a couple of quick projects here before I left him leave. . . oh, I did make Minnesota Hot dish for him!

Stayed put at home on Wednesday. Thursday I had my hair done and one ear re-pierced! Yes, the holes were not aligned! Friday a friend and I went to a flea market in neighboring town. A former quilt shop owner had a booth there and we had to check it out. I did buy some 'fat quarters'. No special plans for them but I do pet them from time to time. (Picture below.)

Below is a picture of the 6th block for the Rocky Mountain Sampler Quilt. This is a "block of the month" so it's getting kind of dragged out. 12 blocks total - so we're halfway through with the blocks.

Chet is taking a friend and myself out to lunch today (his idea, not mine.) We are going to the Iron Skillet - really a truck stop. They always have good food there and a fantastic buffet.

So time to sign up and finish dressing. Thanks for stopping by and have a good week

Late Post or Early Post ! !

2010-05-15T19:45:00.001-04:00

The past two weeks have been a bit up in the air! I did have a nice Mother's Day - local kids were going to take us out to eat but Nate got called in to work early so he and Deanie stopped in for a visit. We picked up JD and met Mark and Tia out at the Brau Haus on The Beach restaurant. Mark arrived on his pontoon with another couple. We had a nice visit and the food would have been great had it been hot! Tracy called and we chatted for about an hour.

Our weather has been quite wet and strong winds, too. I fought a flu bug for about four days - I didn't even get to Quilt Guild on Monday - so you know I was really sick! On Thursday I did make it to Rushville for our monthly 'block of the month' meeting. Had a nice lunch afterward and came home and napped. The bug sure tired me out! Think I'm back to my normal self now.

Today I messed in my sewing corner and got the block of the month block finished - it's about 1/8" too small but I'm not telling anyone!

I found a 'confetti' quilt online and thought I had to give it a try. I called a halt to it after four rows. I need to sew the rows together and add borders. Photo below.

A group of gals (12) from the morning fabric-stash chat site are in the process of doing a strip swap. We are exchanging black/white and white/black fabrics. I can't decide on a pattern - I waiver! Photo below is a sampling of the strips I have so far.

This picture is the fabrics I bought to use with black/white strips. Colors are soft gray and a mottled red. (The green is my 'design wall' - a plastic table cloth)

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the warmer temps. Have a good week and thanks for stopping by.

No Post

2010-05-10T06:43:00.001-04:00

Hi All - I'm fighting a bug and will post when I get to feeling better. Take care and have a good week.

Trying Pictures Again

2010-05-03T10:53:00.003-04:00

I don't give up easily! Took pictures again this morning - bright - sun shining for the first time in days.

First photo is two pillow cases - made these from a tutorial online called "sausage" method. Using this method means there are no raw edges inside the pillow cases.

This second snapshot is the bouquet of flowers from Nate & Family. Aren't the polka dots perky? The Amish girl/lady is a piece my sister Amy made in a ceramics class a few years ago!

This bouquet is from Mitch and family - poor shot but you get the idea. The base is metallic gray and then the silver embossing makes it so classy! Mitch called last night and we had a nice visit.

And last but not least - the Bricks & Stepping stones (Pattern from Quiltville.com). A group of gals from the chat room exchanged green strips of fabrics and this is how I used mine. At first I didn't care for it but the quilting sure made it come alive.

This picture shows it laying lengthwise but only half of it.

Have a good week!

UGLY Day - Ugly Mood

2010-05-02T13:23:00.003-04:00

Honestly this rain has just been more than necessary - coming down now in a steady fall. Puddles in the field at the edge of our yard and will probably be in our yard soon. Guess I'm just grumpy today.

I took pictures of the two lovely flower bouquets I got from Nate and Mitch and their families - too dark. Took pictures of the two pillowcases I made this week, using a 'new to me' method - Sausage Method (no raw edges exposed) and also took a picture of the Greens Swap Strippy quilt I made. All pictures too dark and couldn't find the correct edit button to make them lighter!

I did have a nice birthday, flowers from Nate and Mitch, an early morning call from Anna Grace & Tracy (they were on their way to Gulfport, MS where Anna's soccer team was in State Finals. Haven't heard the outcome yet.) Went to brunch with a friend and had good food and company! Sister Amy called and we chatted for about an hour; many b'day wishes via e-cards and Facebook. Even a card from our former daughter in law (her b'day is today). I will call her and meet for lunch one day this week!

Tuesday three gals from quilt guild and I went to a quilt show and shop and out to lunch. Nice day out - but did get home in time for my nap!

Nothing planned for this week - except maybe fuss with camera and pictures - might even be dry enough to take pictures out of doors.

Hope your all well and thanks for stopping by. . . . sorry I'm crabby today!

Rocky Mountain Block #5

2010-04-25T10:52:00.001-04:00

Ah ha - here it is - just had to do a seperate post, I guess. Oh, I have so much to learn!

Enjoy

Cute Couple

2010-04-25T10:12:00.005-04:00

I'll begin the blog today with a cute couple - Tia and Matt - North Decatur HS Prom. They stopped in before the festivities began. Tia did wear heels to the prom - she had fancy flip flops on for this photo shoot! Brought back some memories!

My Computer Guru came to rescue me yesterday. He managed to fix the laptop here but had to take the desktop with him - it's got serious problems and he suspected the hard drive may have crashed. Alas and alack! I struggle with the laptop but keep plugging away!

Lots of rain the past week and more to come this week. I think we're as soaked as can be right now. Chet putters around the yard on his riding mower with the little trailer attached - brings a smile to my face! Nate and Mark are working long hard hours and realize they are fortunate to have a job. Mitch is preparing for a triathlon in mid May. Spoke with Tracy yesterday morning and all is well there - she is quite a bit south of the city that was devastated by the tornado later in the day.

I've not had a lot of time to sew this past week but did pick up two quilts from my long arm quilter gal. They are waiting to have the bindings hand stitched to the backs of them. For some strange reason I'm not able to load a picture of it - maybe next week! So - 5 down and 7 to go till it gets put together.

Thanks for stopping by - have a good week.

Sad Sunday

2010-04-18T11:23:00.002-04:00

I cannot do a post today since my desktop computer is taking a rest! Am calling my Guru to set up a date to work on it! All pictures are on that computer so can't get to them now but will have some to share. Have a good week. . . bye now.

Rocky Mountain - Block #4 - - Mandy & Friend

2010-04-11T10:40:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! Sun is shining here today and we are to have temps in the low 70's. Guess it's time to stash away my sweat suits for the season! I did manage to clean part of my closet and took several bags to Good Will and pitched a couple of bags, too. Feels good to be able to see what's in my closet now. Problem is the lower half of the closet - shoes - shoes and more shoes. I go shoe less in the house and keep a pair of slip into Easy Spirit shoes near the door. It is time to treat myself to a new pair - SOON! Also need a spring jacket. Problem is I hate to shop!

Just a few minutes ago I did a terrible thing - I called my Granddaughter Mandy to see if I could use a photo from her Facebook page on my blog - the poor girl was sound asleep. I should have known better to call a college student at 9:30 in the morning. She did give me permission to use it - but wonder if she'll remember speaking to me - I imagine she's sleeping soundly again by now! Mandy is on the right, other gal is a friend - said they went to a semi-formal dance - wonder if they went shoeless! Lovely gals, aren't they!

I heard from Mitch, Mandy's dad, via email. I sent a Happy Anniversary greeting and he replied with "I'm on the road" - so I guess he's out drumming up business for the company.

Also chatted with Tracy, Anna Grace was with her father so didn't get to speak with her. She's plugging along, just like the rest of us. Tried calling Nate but no answer there. We suspect he's out on his Harley quite a bit now that the temps have come up a bit.

We've manage to keep busy with usual routine this past week. I did have to make an emergency run to pick up Tia from school and take her home - flu bug. She's getting ready to go to the Prom, too. I picked up groceries on Friday and asked for help to the car - checkout gal gave me a baby green orchid - I guess I looked pathetic and she felt sorry for me! (I hurt like the dickens and could barely walk!)

Chet's doing his yard work like a real trooper! The yard does look nice and the bushes we put in last summer are coming to life. I will have to assist him with the trimming!

The Rocky Mountain Sampler quilt group met this week - we were 'assigned' two blocks for this month - shown below is #4. No - that's not a Swastika - it's a pinwheel! I have fabrics cut and ready to sew #5 - hopefully today.

We were given a challenge at this meeting and I think we'll have a ball with it. It's not mandatory but most gals play along! We drew three paint chips from a bag - no peeking - and are to make something, anything we choose to do using these colors. I drew Wisteria, Lilac and a soft Sage Green. Below are the fabrics I've pulled from my stash - I have no idea what I'll make! These are batiks; the one on the top has shades of greens through out it so I guess I'll be doing some 'fussy cutting'!

Thanks for stopping by - have a good week.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T11:04:00.001-04:00

We hope everyone is having an enjoyable day. Sun is shining but it is a little chilly out. We are home bound today - by choice! Of course we will try to contact the out of state kids and their families.

Chet is watching the History Channel - Story of the Garden of Eden. Interesting of how different people can have so many different views.

Quiet week - just my style. Finally had our taxes figured, usual grocery run and on Thursday we picked up KFC and headed out to Mark's house. He was going to give me a roll of quilt batting but we both forgot about it! He was getting his pontoon ready to launch, hopefully that night!

Show below is the Hour Glass quilt, with it's borders and quilted. Ready for the donation stack! the picture I posted last Sunday was a bit blurred - hope this one is better. (I ran it through the washer and dryer to get the 'aged' look)

Picture below is a group of blocks I 'found' so I put them together this morning. Photo is so dark and doesn't do the colors justice. (I really thought I'd edited it but guess I need to try again.) It measures 25 x 32" now and I do plan to add borders as soon as I find something suitable! This will be a donation quilt, too.

Have a good day - and week, too. Till next week, thanks for stopping by.

Sidney and Cole Happy Easter

2010-03-30T17:37:00.001-04:00

Meet Sidney and Cole - they are the children of the gal who figures my taxes. I gave her these folders about this time last year and she gave them for Easter Gifts. She tells me they enjoy them and she's had to replace the tablets a couple of times now. She sent a photo last year to use on my blog but it never came through, so we tried it again. Her son has been checking my blog - looking for his picture. So - here you are kiddos - Happy Easter - enjoy your Easter Egg Hunt at your Grandparents and the lovely meal, too.

Hour Glass Quilt - Bunnies and Cabbages

2010-03-28T09:15:00.001-04:00

Hi Family and Friends - from rainy Greensburg. Weather man tells us we are to have nicer weather the rest of the week! Lawns are 'greening up' and some flowers are poking through the soggy ground. I finally took my snowman collection and the holiday mantle cover off the fireplace. . . brought out the pastel baskets cover and put a few Spring things out. The picture below was taken with the treasures on the floor - too dark to take pictures on the mantle. The rabbits were a gift from my nephew's wife, Janice in Texas. The ceramic cabbage salt and pepper shakers I made in a class many years ago. Aren't they precious!

We've had a lazy week and I spent a lot of time in my sewing corner! I was looking for something and started checking my containers and found some Snail's Trail quilt blocks, they only needed the last round of triangles sewn on, so I cut light and dark fabrics to finish them up. Worked on ten blocks and discovered I'd done something wrong - so removed 40 triangles and laid them out and took a good look at them. It finally dawned on me that I'd sewn the last round of triangles on wrong. And imagined that's why they ended up in that container and got tucked away - out of sight - out of mind, I guess. Well then I ended up with a stack of triangles and decided to make Hour Glass blocks and stitched up the quilt below. Right now it measures 28 x 36 and I hope to find border fabric today.

Have a safe week - till next time - Bye!

Spring has Sprung - - Friendship Star Quilt

2010-03-21T10:41:00.001-04:00

Yes, our snow is gone, trees and lawn are 'greening up' and the lawn has been fertilized. Chet boarded his riding mower with the little trailer attached and picked up limbs that had fallen through the winter. A few robins have made an appearance!

Wednesday we went with Mark to pick up Tia, she went to Michigan for a few days while on Spring break. A three hour drive (one way) to Auburn, IN - this is about half way from her home in Michigan. She was glad to be back here and has continued her break with a party and a bon fire at Mark's house. Mark is working on his pontoon and hoping to put it in the water in a few weeks.

JD was here for a few hours on Friday, he's on Spring break, too. He hurried back to Bloomington to see a special person there. He was a big winner at a nearby casino and was thrilled; he is looking to buy a car now and he really does need one. Chatted for a bit with Nate yesterday, he is still working six days a week but down to 8 hour shifts now.

The two out of state children seem to be occupied with many things involving their children - I check on them via Facebook. I kind of feel like Marie Roberts spying on her kids - but that's the way it is!

We had to replace our phones so I went shopping and found what we needed/wanted. After installing them there was static and it was bad. I broke down and read the instruction manual and learned I needed a DSL Filter! Made several calls around town and found out that we got the filters along with the Internet kit. After digging in boxes I found the gadget and installed it - we are now static free! We checked in with Chet's sister in Arizona and it was nice for both of us to be able to talk/listen at the same time.

Being passionate about sewing, most of you know I have to sew something everyday! During the past week I made this little Friendship Star doll size quilt. All fabrics from stash, of course! And I'm proud to announce that it ended up being the size of the dimensions in the pattern! This is rare for me!

Must sign off for this week - hope everyone is well and has a good week. Till next time, bye for now.

Short Post - Rocky Mountain Sampler Blocks

2010-03-14T11:11:00.001-04:00

We are having a very dreary day in Greensburg this morning. Rain has been sporadic the past three or four days. Temps are above freezing so our snow is washed away. I did venture out to Quilt Guild on Monday and enjoyed all the ladies. We are having a block swap in the group and it is always the high light of the meetings. I think it could be classified as a Chinese Fire Drill. The group started with 7 or 8 members and now we've grown to over 20 members. Our car needed attention so I took it for an oil change and wash - and it rained the next day! I should have known better, eh? We did some other errands and went out to eat. There is a lot of street repair going on and it's a challenge to turn into the businesses you need to get to.

Family is doing alright - or we'd have heard from them! (grinning here). Mark did call and we made plans for this week to pick up Tia half-way between here and her home in Michigan. She's on Spring Break this week, her sister came to spend a couple of days here visiting friends, going back to Michigan today for a few days. It's a long ride but it gives us an opportunity to spend time with Mark and Chet enjoys the ride! Other than that I plan a quiet week.

On Thursday a friend and I met for brunch, then headed to Rushville for our Rocky Mountain Sampler quilt lecture/demo. We did two blocks this month because snow kept us from having a February meeting. We are given patterns and instructions each month for one block. Pictured below are the two blocks I finished this week. (January block shown in older post).

The block below is a tad smaller than it should be - however with the persuasion of spray starch and a heavy iron, it will fit in the quilt!

I plan to play in the sewing area today - Nancy Zieman had a guest on her show last week and I was taken by the methods she was using. Maybe there will be a photo next week - and maybe not!

Till next week, take care and thanks for stopping by.

Site Correction

2010-03-07T10:28:00.005-05:00

To see the variations of the 9 patch blocks, ry this site and see if it will work for you - if not, do a 'search' for it.

http://quiltingpassion.com/blocks/pieced/ninepatchvariation/index.html

This and That 9 and 4 Patch Blocks

2010-03-07T10:10:00.006-05:00

This week passed quickly and right now I can't remember what happened around here - it must have been fairly boring! Our snow is almost all gone; there are remnants along the edge of the driveway and the bottom half of a snowman in our backyard! We have a lot of branches in the backyard - Chet will love getting on the riding mower and picking them up. Our temps are going up slowly and possibly rain most of the week!

Thursday a friend and I went to Bloomington, IN to the quilt show. It was a big show with about 225 quilts on display. Many vendors with booths there but I did not buy a thing - not even a spool of thread! The quilts were awesome and most of them were machine quilted. Beautiful work!

My sewing machine was humming all week. The Brick Wall of Wabash County top is now finished - and I love it. It was a lot of work but well worth it. It's ready to go to the longarm quilter when we go to Rushville on Thursday. I'm taking at least two quilts to her - not sure I want to take the Log Cabin I made a while ago using C'mas fabrics. It's kind of a nightmare! Photo below - folded to show a fourth of the quilt.

After finishing the Brick Wall quilt top there was a lot of fabric leftovers so I played. I'd heard so much about the Disappearing 9 Patch so decided to give it a try. Using different size blocks, I made three sizes. Quilts using this block can be seen at: quiltingpassion.com
This site shows variations of the layouts.

Then I found another interesting block on the Internet using 4 Patch blocks, sliced them up and rearranged them. Directions for this block can be seen at: http://sewwonderful.blogspot.com Check the Feb. 3, 2010 post. My photo below.

Thanks for stopping by - have a good week.

Surprise In My Mailbox!

2010-02-28T09:57:00.001-05:00

The mailman usually delivers only bills and catalogs to our house but this week he left a 'squishy' envelope! Look at the lovely quilt block my Granddaughter Anna Grace sent to me. She did such a lovely job of matching all seam lines - click on the picture and you can see for yourself! Oh - Anna Grace turned 10 on the 6th of this month! I made a mistake by taking the picture on the back of a small quilt and it's too red! ( I don't remember how to edit pictures anymore - lost my favorite software when computer crashed.) I plan to do something special with this block - anyone have any suggestions?

The cold temperatures have kept us close to home. I did brave the elements and met Mark for lunch on Thursday and did a few errands while I was out. I check Facebook to see what is happening with the rest of the family.

Because we were housebound I had the sewing machine humming away every morning for a couple of hours! (I could have done some cleaning but decided sewing was more important!) In the photo below you'll see the center of the quilt. Today I hope to trim off the points from the edges, then add a 2" border, make 122 Flying Geese blocks and add them and the grand finale will be another 2" border. I sure would like to get it finished this week but we'll see how it works out! The fabrics for this quilt were in a kit, I did have to do the cutting myself! Pattern is Brick Wall of Wabash County by Sew Unique Creations. I did go into my stash and get a few reds, a green, a gold and navy. Felt it needed a bit more spark!

And a close up below.

I made a pot of chicken noodle soup yesterday and we'll have leftovers today so I can sit and stitch again!

Thanks for stopping by. Till next week, take care and stay warm.

The Angels Came - - - Little Quilt

2010-02-21T09:18:00.001-05:00

Yes, yesterday the angels came and took a wonderful man with them. My brother-in-law Lavern passed away after a long struggle with a rare type of cancer. The photo below is Lavern and my sister Amy seated, and three of their four children. Anna Grace, one of my granddaughters attends a parochial school, she asked for prayers for "Uncle Squeeker" every day. I spoke with her Friday night and she told me she was to play her first soccer game of the season on Saturday morning - I said "score a goal for Uncle Squeeker". . . she called me at noon on Saturday and said she scored a goal for him! It was a rough job, but she got it done. Bless her little heart. Amazing how she became attached to him through her mother - we calculated Anna had seen him only once when she was about two years old. Prayers and hugs to Amy and the family.

We're doing alright for people our age - mobility is a bit of a problem. Hate getting so slow when there is so much to do and so many places to go! We've stayed close to home - a lot of unpredictable weather. Rain is predicted today and hopefully it will wash away the dirty snow and slush!

Nate stopped in one morning - well, actually I had to call him. Chet fell trying to get out of his recliner and I just couldn't get him up by myself. Fortunately Nate was close by and rescued his father! No, Chet didn't get hurt but I think he was a bit stiff for a day or two.

Nate is a member of the ABATE group (yeah, the motorcycle gang) and they had a fund raiser for Haiti. Members were posted at busy intersections and streets in town and they collected about $1500.00. The weather was horrible but they stuck it out. The group is working with a church in Elwood, IN. The church has missionaries in Haiti. Good for them!

The other kids checked in and all is well with them. Mitch said they went to their lake home in northern Michigan and there wasn't enough snow there to take out the snowmobiles!

From my sewing corner: I wanted to sew something but not a big project so I made this Bear's Paw quilt; it measures about 20" square. The pattern is from Prairie Children and Their Quilts by Kathy Tracey. I even hand quilted the piece! Haven't hand quilted in ages so the stitches are a tad bigger - but then I tell myself, it's suppose to look like a child made it - and I am almost in my second childhood so I consider it a precious piece! (How's that for an explanation?)

Thanks for stopping by and have a good week.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:28:00.001-05:00

Did you all get a box of candy and a mushy card from your spouse and kids? I bought a package of York Peppermint Patties and that's my treat!

More snow this past week and more predicted for late tonight! Ah - I'm not a big fan of Spring, but it would be a welcome site. Schools have had so many 'snow days' they will be in classes till mid June! Of course they are giving up days between now and the end of the school year! I ventured out to the mailbox each day, on Monday I bit the bullet and picked up a friend and we went to quilt guild. Friday I needed to go get refills of my meds and picked up a few groceries! The main streets were fairly cleared of snow but the side streets were snow packed and slippery. Stuck close to home and it looks like it will be the same next week.

Quilt Guild was a bit different this month. Each of us brought in a project we didn't know how to handle - each person had individual attention and hopefully their problem was solved, or at least had several suggestions as to how it could be handled. I took in a stack of 6" Churn Dash blocks, left over from a project I did for a friend many years ago - based on an antique quilt. I made the quilt top for her and she had it quilted by a group of "church ladies" in Muncie, IN. I put the blocks together using a different layout and now am debating adding borders or not. Photo below. (oops - forgot to rotate it).

Close up of blocks. Just a side story - when friend took her quilt top to the church ladies, she visited with them for a while. She asked how many ladies came to quilt. The answer was: Oh, whoever can come, comes. Sometimes someone is sick, sometimes they are visiting family, and sometimes they just die and don't come anymore!

And that's life - right? Have a good week and stay warm and well.

Snow - Bricks & Stepping Stones - Green Strip Swap

2010-02-07T09:30:00.002-05:00

Winter paid us another visit! Snow started Friday around noon and it just kept coming and coming. Today we have sunshine and the temps are in the teens. More snow is predicted to be coming our way Monday night! I spent Friday out at Mark's house, keeping an eye on Tia who is having some health issues. The snow came down heavily and I had to brush about 5" off my car - even had to use the rear window defroster! The drive usually takes 20 to 25 minutes but it took me 6 minutes less than an hour to get home. I rolled through every stop sign for fear I'd not be able to move again, if I stopped! There was a lot of traffic on the road so if I'd have gone into the ditch I'd have been rescued fairly soon. My speed was 20 MPH unless I was going down a hill and it went up to 30 MPH. It was a frightening drive back to town. I packed an extra outfit if I was stranded overnight.

Ah yes - Super Bowl Sunday! Chet can't wait for the time to pass! A friend and I had planned to go to a nearby quilt shop and take advantage of the sales but the shop owner postponed the sale because of the snow. I will be content to keep sewing. . more on that later in the post.

Yesterday Anna Grace celebrated her 10th birthday. We called last evening and she was so bubbly! She assured Grandpa Chet she'd be rooting for the Colts today! Unfortunately her mother is a Saints fan.

I also packed up my trusty little Featherweight Sewing machine (made in 1946) and took along the Green Swap Strips project. I managed to sew 116 four patch blocks to 116 rectangles. That machine is a real gem and makes perfect 1/4" seams!

Pictured below shows half of the quilt, without it's borders - hope to add them today. The borders will be a 2" wide light cream and then a 3" brown - using the fabrics that are in the four patch blocks.

A close up look - Bricks and Stepping Stones - pattern is from Quiltville.com This a generous lap robe size so will have it quilted by my longarm quilter gal.

Next photo is a 24" square quilt, mainly plaid fabrics. It is ready to be quilted, too. I'm sure it has a name but I don't know what it is! This began as another project and It was just not to my liking so I started taking the blocks apart and came up with this!

That's it for today - am going to make a pot of chili and Minnesota Hotdish! (Or goulash as people sometimes call it!)

Thanks for stopping by, have a good week.

New Month Ahead!

2010-01-31T11:14:00.002-05:00

Good Morning from brisk Indiana! The sun is shining brightly but it's only in the teens this morning! Except for a few weekly errands we have stayed close to home this past week. I've made a pot of chili and a pot of chicken noodle soup this week - very comforting on these cold days. Chet ventured out to the mailbox yesterday, I think it was his first time out in a week! The week can't go fast enough for him - Super Bowl next Sunday!

We keep tabs on the kids and grandkids by spying on them through Facebook. I didn't think I'd care for it but it's good for a laugh now and then!

I will spend Super Bowl Sunday at a big sale at my favorite quilt shop. I really do need a few things! It's always jovial there - and the gals may be wear blue wigs!

I've kept busy in my sewing corner this week. Pictured below is the Carolina Lily wall quilt. I was so tempted to hand quilt it but knew it would not get done in the near future. I used a portion of a traditional quilt stencil in the four corners and then just stitch 1/4" from the flowers and stems.

My guild is doing a 'half-square triangle' swap, each month we do a different color. I spent a couple of days making them for the entire year - we swapped blue/cream in January. Big job - but it's done! I hope they don't call me an over achiever!

And the next photo is also a swap - from the fabric stash room gals. We exchanged light, medium and dark green, 3 1/2" wide strips - total of 10 strips. Seven of us took part - so we got a big variety of greens and not a single repeat (except for the gal who sent 5 darks and 5 lights of same fabrics - we forgave her). We are each using a different pattern - the picture shows my strips cut into correct lengths - I am waiting for brown fabric to arrive - should be here sometime this week. I will be making Bricks and Corner Stones - from Quiltville.com.

Our next swap will be in July and we've decided to do black with white and white with black fabrics. Ten gals have signed up for this swap but we will be exchanging three or four strips this time.

I've spent the morning cutting my scraps into 3 1/2" and 2 1/2" squares - yes, I feel another multi fabric quilt coming on!

Time to find some lunch - I eat early because I'm a breakfast skipper! Have a good week and thanks for stopping by to visit!

Picture didn't upload first time!

2010-01-24T09:18:00.002-05:00

Another picture didn't load - this is the Block of the Month which I intended to add to the first post today. . . fussy little thing, isn't it?There are 48 pieces in this block!

Football & Rainy Sunday

2010-01-24T09:10:00.001-05:00

I am posting early this morning so I can be out of the family room before the football mania is on TV. I watched my quilting/sewing shows this morning, then left the room and now when I'm back here the TV channel has changed to football again! I picked up two bags of peanuts in the shell for Chet, he was pleased and put them in a 'special place'! I had to move them and later he said he needed them by morning! I was kind and showed him where'd I'd put them.

JD, Mark, Tracy & Anna Grace have been in touch this week. They are all so busy - ah, I remember when I was young and busy!

Our snow has been gone for a couple of weeks now but I'm sure we'll see more in the next couple of months.

It's been quiet here this week and we've been keeping busy. Yesterday we went to Columbus and shopped a bit - not a bit of muslin fabric in the stash. I need it to complete a quilt top using left-over blocks from years and years ago. Picture below.

These blocks are leftover from a quilt I made for a friend - Tracy bought me an antique quilt using this method and friend was envious - so I made one for her and she had a church group hand quilt it for her. I plan to use a setting new to me, saw it in a Georgia Bonesteel book many years ago and fell in love with it then. Let's hope it works out!

I also finished the Carolina Lily block by adding borders and it's ready to be quilted now. I'd love to hand quilt it but I'm afraid it'd never get finished. Picture below.

The Block of the Month quilt is a real challenge - I had to redo my choice of fabrics and am pleased with the outcome of the first block. It took about 2 1/2 hours, from cutting to completion; it is suppose to measure 12 1/2" but mine is a bit smaller. With coaxing from a few squirts of spray starch and a heavy, hot iron, I'm sure it will be the size it's suppose to be! Ah - we quilters often have to use a bit of persuasion!

That's about it this week - thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment if you care to - comment will not appear until I approve it - had to go this route because someone was advertising something! Have a good week.

Quilt As You Go Finished

2010-01-17T12:10:00.002-05:00

Meant to include these photos on last post - 'senioritis' set in, I guess. I've been working on this thing for the past week and am so glad it's finished. It's my first and last using this method! I ran it through a wash and rinse cycle and it's in the dryer now - hoping the 'slight discrepencies' washed out! And with that said I'll sign off again!

Guess in my haste I didn't rotate the pictures - so please rotate your head!

Colts Win - Chet is Beaming

2010-01-17T11:55:00.001-05:00

Chet is so happy to see the Colts win the game yesterday. He's also happy to have his FAT HEAD of Peyton mounted. Mark and Tia took the figures home, cut the board for it (even rounded the corners) and gave it two coats of paint - they had to mix paints to get this special color! It is now propped up in the family room, hiding the antique radio! I had to call the guy across the street to come over and see it! We decided during the summer months Peyton will be moved out into the garage so the guys can see it while sitting in the lawn swing! I'll have to call Nate to come by sometime today to see it, too!

We've had some decent weather this past week - the snow is all gone! It's also been a busy week here. On Monday I went to quilt guild, we had a gal come in to teach the Lily Block - some people call it the North Carolina Lily, others call it South Carolina Lily! Photo below! I still have to add triangles to the edges to make it a square and then I'll add a couple narrow borders!

Thursday friend Pat and I went to Rushville to a lecture/demo of a quilt we will be doing - Block of the Month - name of the pattern is Rocky Mountain Sampler, by Paula Stoddard. I'd chosen my fabrics from my batik stash but after seeing a finished block and the directions I decided not to use batiks. So I spent a couple of hours going through stash containers and came up with what I think is more appropriate. So I will start that project sometime this week.

Kids News - Tia is here and enjoying being back with her friends at North Decatur High School - she and Mark get along well. We checked in with Tracy on her birthday; she and Anna Grace celebrated by going to a deli that serves their favorite soup - cheese and broccoli! I think she's inherited her love of soup from me! Nate is putting in a lot of overtime but expects to be cut back anytime. We had lunch with Mark on Friday and he came over that night and set up Peyton for Chet. No news from Green Bay so assume all is well there. JD hasn't checked in - he has a full load this semester. Nate chats with him often so we know he's doing fine.

Lunch time - I'm starving! Tossed the quilt in the washer and it's ready to go into the dryer now. Have a good week and stay safe.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting.

Sunshine Sunday

2010-01-10T12:28:00.001-05:00

All's well in Greensburg - thank goodness! We are having the bitter cold temperatures and got about 5" of snow this past week. The sun has popped out a few times but the temps really haven't improved.

I haven't checked with local sons to see how roads are - I hit the grocery store on Wednesday and stocked up pretty good.

It's been excellent sewing weather! I was surfing the Internet and found an interesting project and decided to give it a try - a "quilt as you go" technique. The piecing and quilting is done in one step. So I went 'digging' again and got out the Rubbermaid bin of solid fabrics and pieced backs for each block. There were a lot of pieces of different sizes and those babies just got stitched together and then squared to an 11" block. Next came the batting scraps and they too were pieced if necessary - also to 11". The fabric strips are cut from a group of coordinating fabrics I bought a while ago. After stitching about half of the blocks (12 blocks-24 needed) I saw I would be needing to hit the stash in the cabinets. So I found various fabrics in colors to 'kind of go with what I started' with. This first photo shows a stack of the completed blocks after they were squared up to 10 1/2"

The photo below is the pieced backing sides of some of the blocks. The strips have already been attached to them.

And this photo is a completed row - 4 blocks across and will be 6 rows. The blocks are attached with a 1" strip on the back side and a 1 5/8" strip which has been folded lengthwise.

Joining the blocks is quite a project, I'm not sewing too straight but they are being joined! And I'm hoping it will pucker up and my stitching won't show too much, after it's run through the washer and dryer.

My quilt guild is having a gal come in tomorrow to give a North Carolina Lily lesson. I'm hoping the weather man is wrong when he predicted two inches of new snow overnight. She has to drive on a winding, hilly road to get to town. Have no idea how the streets in town are - just not a lot of traffic out there. This is an all day affair, in addition to the lesson we will have our usual meeting, too. My Viking sewing machine is heavy so I am going to fire up my old Singer Featherweight machine and if it runs smoothly, I will probably take it instead. It only weighs 15# where as the Viking is more than double that!

So till next week - take care all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-03T09:41:00.001-05:00

Good wishes for everyone in 2010! Special 'birthday wishes' go to sister Mona in Minnesota who is celebrating her birthday today. No, I won't reveal her age - but I didn't realize we were so close age wise! Oh well, out of our control, wasn't it, Mona!

We have had cold and messy weather this past week. Snow was gone due to non-freezing temperatures. Then we had a bit of snow and the neighborhood kids tried to build a snowman. Josh, Lauren and Libby gave it a try - except they made a snow woman - complete with a Dolly Parton figure! The kids in the picture are waving at Anna Grace in Mississippi!

Our kids are fine - busy with families and working - thank goodness. Anna Grace called three times this week - first call was about how sad it was/is to find out about Santa. Second call was to tell me her Mom was painting a wall in the dining room RED! Third time was to tell me she was rolling on the bed, fell off and hit her head on the night stand drawer handle! I felt so bad being so far away and couldn't give her loving hugs! So I mailed a surprise package to her and it should arrive soon.

Friend Pat and I braved the elements and took a ride to Rushville to the quilt shop. I had a quilt to pick up from Carolyn, my longarm quilter gal. Pictures below. Nice to have another completed quilt and the stash is going down. Pattern is Split 9 Patch. This is the 3rd or 4th I've made using this pattern! The quilt works fine - I used it to nap under yesterday!

Close up of the quilt.

This is a picture of the top of the C'mas Log Cabin I been working on. Not adding borders - let's just say that this isn't a quilt to be proud of. However the container of C'mas fabrics is greatly reduced. Am hoping to find a C'mas print fabric to use for the backing - at least one side will be pretty then.

That's about it for the week. Wishing everyone warmth and good health. Thanks for stopping in to visit.

Happy Holidays !

2009-12-27T19:10:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had an enjoyable C'mas Day with family and friends. We had a nice ham dinner, sat and visited and exchanged a few gifts. JD stayed for the afternoon and evening; Mark went home to 'straighten' his house for visitors this weekend and Nate met Deanie and went to her parents for the evening. JD left sometime during the evening (I went to bed early - football on TV gets the best of me). Tracy and Mitch both called and had nice visits with them. And Anna called again the next night to tell me her mom was painting a wall in their dining room RED! She's a sweetie. I'm waiting for pictures from the far-away G'kids.

This morning Chet and I went out to Mark's for breakfast and a visit with Darcy, Tori and Tia. Tia will be living with Mark and going back to school here - to be with friends. Jack, a friend of Mark's stopped in this morning, too. Pictures are of Mark, Chet and Jack.

We had Tori, Darcy and Tia pose for a picture, too. They are well; Tori is a full time college student as of Jan.

We have fresh snow - it began snowing early afternoon but it seems to have stopped now. Just a nice white look, so pretty with C'mas lights glowing on them. I tried to take a picture but it didn't turn out well enough to show here.

Sewing - I finished the 30 Log Cabin blocks and have to sew them together now. I'd hoped to finish them quickly but my heart just wasn't in it. It's not going to be a pretty quilt! But, it will keep someone warm! I have a quilt ready to be picked up from the longarm gal - perhaps tomorrow - if the roads are cleared and not slick. The shop is also having a sale and I just might find something I really need.!

Have a good week, stay well and warm.

We Have Snow!

2009-12-20T12:12:00.001-05:00

Yes, we had a 'measurable' snowfall' but it's barely an inch deep. More is predicted starting later this afternoon and into the night. No complaints after all, 'tis the season!' We are watching Park Road through the patio doors and there doesn't seem to be alot going on our there - streets out front look slippery. No need to go out for a couple of days so am content to stay in. We don't C'mas shop at our house - write checks! Only Nate, JD, Mark and Chet and I will be having dinner on C'mas here. Deanie will be working that day and we'll fix a plate to send to her.

Mitch called while on his way to Milwaukee where he was catching a train to Chicago. He has an office there and goes a couple of times a month (I think). Green Bay has a lot of snow but they love outdoor activities. Haven't checked in with Tracy this week and plan to call both local sons sometime today.

My quilt guild got together on Monday for a C'mas party. We had a pitch-in lunch and oh, so much food! Played a game and swapped FQ's. I didn't get to go last year because of icy streets. Tuesday a friend and I went to Rushville to the quilt shop. We signed up to take a class - name of it escapes me right now. It's a block a month and we go to a lecture and demo. I have my fabrics selected, laundered and ready to go. We are also having a gal come in to the next guild meeting and do a class on the North Carolina Lily block - fabrics also ready to go for that. Several of the gals in the Fabric Stash room are having a green strip swap; I have them ready to go into envelopes and be mailed by mid January.

While rummaging for class fabrics I took note of my container of C'mas fabrics and thought I really ought to do something with them - either use them or donate them. Photo below is an assortment of fabrics I had.

I decided to do the Pineapple Blossom, a pattern from Quiltville.com. I made one block and decided the fabrics I had wouldn't work. It's a lovely block - photo below.

I then decided to do the good old Log Cabin blocks. Photo below! Not sure this is going to be a neat quilt but it will keep someone, somewhere warm! I'm working on a total of 29 blocks now and I know that's an odd number - am thinking perhaps I'll add plain strips around the Pineapple block and make it the same size as the others - - it can be the 'maverick' block! The blocks will finish at about 14" and will set them 5 x 6 and should have a nice size lap quilt.

Hoping everyone is well and enjoying the Holiday Season. Thanks for stopping by. Stay well and warm. Till next week ~~~~~~

Holiday Mood

2009-12-12T19:41:00.001-05:00

Not much of a holiday mood at our house yet - hope to get fired up one of these days! I did dig out the fireplace mantle cover and put two candelabra in the bay windows. Neighbors houses are 'gaily lit' and I even tried taking a picture of them but it was too dark standing in the garage and it was too cold to step out of the garage! Chet stayed home from church this week - Advent services have begun and they have a soup and sandwich supper before services. It was bitter cold and he's moving slow so inside was the best place for him. He loves football games and I don't - so I do TV watching in my bedroom. Among my favorites are Dog, the Bounty Hunter, Operation Repo and Curb Your Enthusiasm (when it's on.) Odd choices! Am also keeping tabs on Tru TV - Casey Anthony case should be coming up soon.

We chatted with Tracy and Anna Grace and they were complaining about the cold, too. Both were in pajamas and ready for bed. Then they decided it would be too cold for the dog to stay outside overnight and they got dressed and went and bought a 'doggy dome' for him, put that in the garage and threw towels in it. I've not heard how he did but am sure he survived!

Local sons must be busy - they've not reported in this week. Mark's teenage step daughter will be moving in with him on the 26th of the month. She's been very unhappy in Michigan and grades have suffered. Hopefully being here will help her; they were very close!

To get into the holiday mood I thought perhaps making a few more C'mas wall hangings would perk me up. I pulled out the tub of C'mas fabrics and searched for enough to do three more small ones. I put them in the mail yesterday to Tracy & Anna Grace - they may be teacher gifts!

Close up shot to see the embroidery.

These pictures were taken laying down, on my chenille bedspread - that's why they look a tad odd.

Off to make myself something to eat - have a good week and stay warm. Thanks for stopping in!

Why Are Computers Giving Me A Hard Time Today?

2009-12-06T11:22:00.006-05:00

I've attempted to update this darn blog for the past half an hour - and it's not working well at all. I won't even attempt to explain what's happening. So - here's what I'll do - - - I'll just describe the pictures from down here!

The two small quilts were both finished this week. The patterns are from Prairie Children & Their Quilts, by Kathleen Tracy. It's a treat to be able to finish a piece between working on bigger ones. Both are machine pieced and quilted. Broken Dishes and African American Sampler are the names.

The next two pictures are from a shopping spree I went on Saturday. Nearby quilt shop had a 30% off sale and I just had to take advantage - I've not bought new fabric in a while and just felt a treat was in order! The gold and the red/white check were found in the "bargain bin" and the other is a kit I'd seen made up and loved it.

Cold and wintery here - snow showers were predicted a couple of times but so far nothing - and that's fine with me. I really must go buy a snow shovel this year, believe it was four years ago that our shovel broke!

Nothing else new here - guess the kids and g'kids are fine or we'd have heard from them. So I'll sign off for today. Want an early lunch so I don't have to be out here when the football games begin! Have a safe week.

Latest Photos and Good News

2009-12-02T10:15:00.005-05:00

I finally got around to taking pictures of recent finishes. First is the Gracie Bag I made. Notice the antique metal button on the tab - it's from a black watch plaid corduroy coat I had in high school....we won't talk about how long ago that was! (The orange thing toward the back of it is my label tag.) This will be taken along with the snowmen/women angel wall quilts I made, to my boutique at the Beauty Salon.

The next two photos are of the Stained Glass quilt recently finished. It measures about 60" square. Love how it's quilted with variegated roses/reds thread.

And this is the back of the quilt. I couldn't find anything so asked my long arm quilter's advice and she suggested this - I love it! I think the stars with stained glass has a "theme" going!

The good news is that I finally found the missing wall hanging! This morning I was looking for quilts to donate to the local Cheer Fund and found it - hiding in the stack of smaller quilts! Ah - I feel good!

Yesterday was such a lovely day - friend called and thought we should take advantage of it and visit an out of town quilt shop. Of course I was ready to go in a few minutes. I did find some fabrics but controlled myself! And I will use them soon.

Must run and do a few errands - stay well and warm.

Cooking - Sewing - Missing Wall Quilt

2009-11-29T10:14:00.004-05:00

Everyone finished the turkey dinner leftovers? We've about consumed ours - there are a few sweet potatoes left and that's about it! Oh - there is pumpkin pie left, too, which is unusual! We had an enjoyable day - Nate, J.D., Mark, Chet and I. Tracy and Anna Grace called in the morning and we had a lovely chat. Anna has a real 'southern twang' in her speech! They were cooking and preparing to go have Thanksgiving dinner with friends of theirs. I gathered from Amanda's facebook page that they spent the long weekend at their home up north. J.D. will go back to Bloomington sometime this afternoon and he is taking a big container of hot dish with him. (Photo below!) He has been here since Saturday afternoon, did some homework and spent the night and is still asleep. I imagine he'll have hot dish for his breakfast, too! Last evening we made Hamburger Helper for him - a real treat for him. He has a girl friend who is insisting he learn to cook - good for her!

I am sad to say that the sweet little wall quilt pictured is missing. I know when I last had it but no memory of what I did with it - imagine it's in a 'safe place.' Perhaps it will turn up after the holidays!

This small quilt is ready to be quilted. It's the Broken Dishes pattern - love it as it's a good chance to use up small pieces of fabric that I can't bear to toss out. The half square triangles were leftovers salvaged from a larger quilt - so there wasn't really much to do except press and square them up to 2" and then stitch into blocks. I had intentions of hand quilting it, did two rows and decided there were too many seams to battle with. This morning the hand stitching came out and it's ready to be finished on my machine. The design is from the Pioneer Children and Their Quilts book by Kathleen Tracy.

There is another picture I intended to post this morning but it's in the spare bedroom and J.D. is sleeping in there - I remember from child rearing days to

never wake a sleeping child. Hopefully I'll remember to take a picture before it goes up to the boutique at the beauty salon.

Time to go curl my hair - have a good week, everyone. Be safe and thanks for stopping to visit.

Happy Thanksgiving Wishes

2009-11-22T18:13:00.002-05:00

Imagine everyone has big plans for Thursday. We will have Mark, Nate, J.D. and a "lady friend" joining us. Deanie has to work but we will fix up a plate for her. Nate is deep frying the turkey and I'll fix the remaining traditional dishes and that includes my Mom's dressing with apples, raisins, onions, etc. The guys aren't too keen on it - but that's TUFF!
This morning I had brunch with a friend and a trip to the grocery store - oh, I do hate that shopping. Just picked up necessities and will do the big shopping on Wednesday.
I tried again to upload a couple of pictures but no such luck. So perhaps I'll sneak in later and give it a try.
Friday Chet and I ran up to Rushville and picked up a quilt from my longarmer gal. It is the Stained Glass quilt, she did a super job on it and the binding is stitched to the front, waiting for someone to hand stitch it to the back side! Last evening I spent some time finishing up C'mas pieces to take up to my little boutique at the beauty salon. Also finished a purse but haven't taken a picture of it yet.
Will check in with the "out-of-state" children on Thanksgiving Day. And hopefully pictures I take will be good enough to post next week.
The neighborhood is slowly beginning to look like the Holiday Season is on it's way. We don't do a lot of decorating here - just on the fireplace mantle.
Till next week - take care.

Redwork Embroidery in Aqua

2009-11-15T17:39:00.002-05:00

Blogger finally allowed me to upload pictures - so here's the latest finish - a snowman angel (snowgirl angel). . . oh well, it just doesn't matter, does it?
The close up is a bit off color - I guess my shadow had something to do with that.
Enjoy!

This and That

2009-11-15T16:54:00.004-05:00

Hi Folks,
Last week was boring but this week has kept me on the run. Everyday but Friday had me going somewhere. All the places I went were enjoyable but oh, this little old lady tires too easily! Monday my quilt guild met and we had such nice "drag & brag" (aka: show & tell). Tuesday I visited my hair dresser and Wednesday attended a 'ladies luncheon' with a friend at her church. Thursday this friend and I drove to Richmond, IN - about an hour and a half from here - to have our sewing machines cleaned and adjusted. This was a long past due chore that we kept putting off!
We've been enjoying nice weather; the corn has been picked and it's looking kind of bare in fields and woods now. Chet's been scooting around the yard chopping the fallen leaves!
Checked in with the children and all's going well for them. All of them are working and some of them are putting in long hours due to cut backs in the factories.
I did finish a couple of sewing projects this week. The 2nd donation quilt I was doing for the Downy Quilts for Kids is now ready to be mailed (along with the 1st one). Hopefully I'll make it up to the post office tomorrow. Just had to do another redwork embroidery but used a variegated aqua/blues thread. I did try to upload the picture of it but blogger isn't cooperating with me this afternoon.
I'll try again later this evening.
Hope you all are well - thanks for stopping by and catching up with us. Bye for this week.

Ho Hum Week

2009-11-08T09:37:00.003-05:00

Hi Folks
It's been a boring week, nothing exciting going on here. Typical fall weather and leaves flying all over the place - but Chet gets on the riding mower and chops them up. He even goes across the street and does two yards there! The corn is still standing in the field and the guys from the electric company haven't come back to take the old pole out, imagine they'll be back after the corn is picked.
I went to my eye doctor and got a good report and new glasses are on order. They should be in by mid week. Tomorrow our local quilt guild meets - we have such a good time - a lot of "drag and brag" every month. I've been invited to attend a luncheon on Wednesday and on Thursday a friend and I are taking our sewing machines in for service. My cleaning/service is long overdue.

I finally did something with the snowman/winter embroideries I made a while ago. Three small wall quilts resulted. They're cute, even if I say so myself! There's just a minimum of quilting (by machine) along the borders and sashing strips.

I think this blue one is special with the snowflake borders and the Ho Ho Ho! It doesn't look straight, but it is!

This one took more planning because of the different size blocks but I whipped out my graph paper pad and arranged it that way. I am happy to report the red/cream check fabric is now down to just a few small strips and squares! (I am still in stash busting mode!)

Thanks for stopping by - have a good week!

Happy Birthday Sister Ellen

2009-11-01T09:43:00.004-05:00

Greetings Family and Friends

Home is the place to be this morning - it was only 33 when I got up. Yes, I remembered the time change and reset all the blocks in the house. I must replace my alarm clock - it is too difficult to reset!

I did replace my keyboard and mouse but haven't installed them yet. I have a bad habit of eating at the computer and have been debating changing my habit!I don't do well when change of habit is required!

Today is a special day for my sister Ellen - it's her birthday. Ellen is the oldest in our family of 7 kids, and she often tended us when we were toddlers! Thanks for putting up with all of us! Ellen is an avid seamstress but these days she's making donation quilts, working with a group of Senior Citizens in Bloomington, MN. Hope your day is special!

We had about 50 Trick or Treaters last night. We'd have had more but I forgot to turn the front porch light on so ran an hour late. We do have leftovers and someone in this house is delighted!

Chatted with Tracy one night this week - all's well there. We are waiting for a photo of Anna Grace in her Trick or Treat outfit! The 'boys' are busy and okay, I guess! Chet's perking here, too. . . need to pick up gas for the riding mower so he can do his thing outside! All the leaves aren't down yet and he's been mulching a couple of times now.

From the sewing room - - - I completely finished the Downy Quilts for Kids kit they sent. Then I decided to make another and send it, too. I have finished piecing the top and need to find batting and backing for it now. I've gone through my stash but not enough of anything there so I guess I have to go shopping! This second quilt is called Disappearing Nine Patch - have photos to show how it's done. There are better tutorials online, just "google" if you are interested. This first picture shows a completed 9 patch block. (I started with 6" squares and made 5 blocks.)

This photo shows the block cut horizontally and vertically in the center of the block.

A possible layout.

Another possible layout - there are many - you will have fun rearranging the smaller blocks to find your favorite design.

This is what I ended up with. My next one will in the first layout shown. And I do have fabric to make another - fabric has construction vehicles on it.

Have a good week!

Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

2009-10-25T10:12:00.003-04:00

Hi Folks,

Time for the weekly blog posting! I start thinking about it early in the morning and have so many things to chat about but by the time I get to the computer, the ideas have vanished - guess it's note time, eh?

We had an interesting week. The electric company is replacing poles in our neighborhood and ours was installed early in the week. They came back and added the 'works thingie' and expect them back again to remove the old pole. If they're smart, they'll wait till the corn is picked! The fellas gladly posed for a picture and one of them asked for my blog address!

Thursday night Mark, Chet and I took Nate out for steaks to celebrate his 52nd birthday. We had a great night out and of course the food was excellent. The boys and I had steak and Chet had grilled salmon on a bed of rice. It must have been good because he didn't offer any of us a taste! I brought half of my steak home and had it for lunch the next day. Forgot to take my camera along so no pictures of "the boys."

I finally walked across the street and introduced myself to the new neighbors - they were carving pumpkins on their front porch. They remembered me from working at the high school - I didn't ask for specifics! ! We had a nice visit - they have daughters, a 7 and a 3 year old.

The mailman brought a package - it was the kit for the Downy Quilts for Kids project. Pictures below show the kit which comes cut and directions are included.

This is the completed quilt, except for the binding. - not laying flat but you get the idea.

This picture shows the binding (polka dot fabirc) pinned in place - I brought the back to the front and will stitch it down after lunch today. They'd like for people who get a quilt kit to make one from their stash and send it to them, too.

The Downy Quilts for Kids site is listed in last weeks blog entry.

Keeping tabs on the Grandkids through Facebook - enjoy their regular posts. I need to give Tracy a call, it's been a while since we heard from her.

Till next week, thanks for stopping by - and have a good week.

October 18, 2009

2009-10-18T11:10:00.004-04:00

Greetings from chilly Greensburg! I''m glad I don't have to go out this morning! Really, it's too early to complain about cold temps - so I'll just go on to other things! I had my second cataract surgery almost two weeks ago now and things are "lookin' great!" I'll be fitted with prescription glasses the first week in November! (Right now I'm using reading glasses from the drug store and they seem to be working well.) Soon it will be time to bite the bullet one of these nights and give night driving a try again!

The "mister" in this house is looking out of the doors and windows - not looking forward to a long winter and no riding the mower. He will have to mow a few more times to keep the falling leaves under control. We put the window on the store door the other day. . . he was waiting for me to come home, had it washed and ready to go! Of course he supervised every turn of the screwdriver!

Kid Report: Mitch called one evening this past week. He's doing a bit of traveling for work again; Diane and kids are fine - keeping busy. We will need to check in with Tracy - perhaps this evening. Mark stopped in on one of his lunch hours and gave us some phones (ours died and he's gone completely cell now). He even put one here on my computer desk. Mark and Chet had leftover roast, potatoes and carrots! Haven't chatted with Nate in a week or so - he is working long hours these days but expects a layoff any day now. Chet's sister also phoned one night - only had one phone in use that night and Chet talked to her so I really don't know too much news from them.

A friend and I drove to 'the city' last week. I needed to return pants and they didn't have what I wanted so got my money back and bought Halloween Trick or Treat candy! Also went to JoAnns and picked up a bulb for my Ott sewing light. Proud to announce, I had a 40% off coupon! Saved enough to go to Hobby Lobby and buy border fabric for the Split 9 Patch quilt! I'm so proud of all my savings! Photo below - quilt top is just laying on the border fabric and hope to get it sewn on this week.

I am planning to piece the backing for this quilt so dug out my 10 gallon Rubbermaid container of solid fabrics - and will also use the block shown below - even if it's got a goof on it!

Pictures below are some of the solid fabrics that will be used for the backing! (I will use it up - I will use it up - really, I will!)

The knitting bug attacked a couple of weeks ago - so into the bag I grabbed and out came a skein of baby yarn - blues and greens - isn't it pretty? Have about four done using this yarn and started another this morning while watching/listening to quilt and sewing TV shows!

My quilt guild is doing a swap next year. We are exchanging two half-square triangles, 3 1/2" unfinished. We will use designated colors each month, so an inventory of colors was done and decided to stitch a few. About 16 of us have signed up to do the swap. Glad I got a head start as they do take a bit of time!
Swaps can be fun!

For those of you who like to do donation quilts you may be interested in this project. Downy Touch of Comfort is a group that prepares kits and mails to people to complete and send back to them. Kits have patterns, pieces are cut, backing and binding fabrics are provided. They request that you do a quilt from your stash to send to them, too. The site with full instructions is at:

http://downytouchofcomfort.com There are a lot of pictures to see on the site, pictures of donated quilts, patients with the quilts and patterns available, too.
The kits arrive in a few days, fabrics are novelty and juvenile - for children! So if you are bored using your own stash fabrics - give this a try!

Till next time - take care - and thanks for visiting.

Brisk Sunday Morning

2009-10-11T10:11:00.003-04:00

We have sunshine but it is a brisk 39 on the thermometer! Leaves are turning beautifully! I love fall - everything is at rest - just my speed! I went on a road trip yesterday with a friend. We met her sister from Louisville, KY and her niece and family from South Carolina. Had a nice drive, enjoyable company and of course the food was, too! We visited a quilt shop and believe it or not - I walked out empty handed!

Tuesday I had my second eye surgery and all is going well. Not too keen on all the drops and ointments but that's only for another three weeks! I can't believe how my vision has improved. Best thing is never had a bit of pain.

Checked in with the family - everyone is keeping busy and that's a good thing! Tracy called with a sewing question - how do you hem up velour bell bottoms - I suggested she contact a tailor! She said the pants were 6" too long and she didn't want to cut them off. Anna Grace is in Color Guard at her school! Most oddly is that the pants are velour - in Mississippi ? ? ? Just doesn't get cold enough for velour there!

Last week I mentioned the Split 9 Patch blocks I'd been working on. This week I'm sewing the blocks into rows. Five rows finished but not yet sewn together and seven more rows to go. Then I'll join all the rows and will have another top finished. Pictures belows. Now bear in mind, if the points are lost or something doesn't match up - I've just had eye surgery. OK?

Picture below shows a few of the stacks of rows left to be sewn together.

Between doctor visits I've managed to knit a few more baby size hats and a washcloth or two. Have to keep those hands busy.

Back to the sewing machine - after some lunch. Stay well and warm.

Thanks for stopping by.

My 101st Blog Post

2009-10-04T11:35:00.007-04:00

Hi Friends & Kin Folk,

I can't believe this is my 101st post to my blog! I must say it's a good way to keep up with friends and family.

This morning I finally bit the bullet and went to Wal Mart. I need an assortment of things and it is the best place to go in that instance! Of course the things I needed are on opposite ends and corners of the store so I put on a couple of miles this morning.

My first stop was the craft/fabric/yarn area. Finally the scissors that disappeared a few weeks ago have been replaced! I have a lovely set of scissors but they are so heavy to use and almost too sharp. Fortunately I didn't snip into something not intended to be snipped! I also picked up the plastic sheets I use for the bottom of the purses I make - gives them some stability and they sit so nicely on a flat bottom! Also managed to fill the basket with groceries again - kind of hoping to stock up for a while. And there was a neat quilt magazine that some how managed to get into my cart. (It was my reward for going to WM!

Fall is very noticeable - driving to the store this morning I spotted several trees with leaves turning. Broadway is a 'colorful' street in fall and I'll have to snap a picture of two. Chet has been mowing our yard and the neighbors and he hooks up his little trailer and rides around and picks up fallen branches! He's all primed up for the Colts football game this afternoon.

My eye is healing nicely following cataract surgery and the vision has improved - the doctor said it was better than he expected it to be. Right eye surgery is scheduled on the 6th. Then it will be a month before I can be fitted for new glasses. Should have done this years ago - do you suppose it's a stubborn German streak?

We ventured out to pick up a quilt from the Longarm Quilter Gal in Rushville - it was my first time to drive following the surgery. All went well with the trip. Caroline, the LA Quilter Gal did a splendid job again - she used a pastel variegated thread in an all over meander or stipple. Photo below - the block pattern is sometimes called Sweet Sixteen (I have no idea why)! It was fun to make and sewed up quickly! Very good stashbuster pattern.

Several weeks ago I made a stack of Split Nine Patch blocks and then put them aside of 'age' properly! Yesterday morning they came out of hiding and I laid them out on my bed (my design wall). My to my chagrin, I was about ten blocks short so that was taken care of on the spot. Time for away from me and it was nap time so I had to stack the blocks by rows and pin them - hopefully I can get back to sewing them up into a top and head off to see Caroline again!

Suddenly my game show channel has been switched to a football channel - how did that happen ? ? ?

Thanks for stopping by and till next time - be well and keep in tough.

P.S. I guess this isn't my 101st post - I know I saw that number somewhere tho - actually it's my 84th post. Oh well - in the scheme of things - it just doesn't matter!

Purse and Tablerunner

2009-09-29T10:49:00.005-04:00

Well - I'm a bit off my blogging schedule. Eye doctor appointments have kept me running but in a week I will have the second cataract surgery and things will settle down again. Everything went very smoothly with the left eye surgery, the doctor and his staff and the hospital staff are all great! I never had even a pain through the process.
The weather here is cool and soon the lawn swings and lawn furniture can be stowed for the winter. We had a strong wind but only two branches are down and they're not big. Chet will enjoy hooking his little trailer to the mower and go pick them up

Amy - here's your new Gracie purse (Lazy Girl Designs pattern). The button is antique - so yes, it does show "wear." If you don't want the "shabby chic" look just snip the threads off! I need to pick up a sturdy base to slip into the bottom of it and then I'll get it in the mail!

This afternoon will be my first time to drive in a week. Having my hair done and then have to hit the grocery store. Still have plenty of food in the house but Chet keeps checking the "goodies" drawer and sighing quite a bit!

Saturday I sat down at the machine and whipped up this table runner. . . used up all but a 4" x 8" strip of the fallish fabric. I did manage to embroidery more snowman blocks to do winter wall hangings with. While embroidery was stitching out, I knitted a washcloth and after finishing it I dug out the baby yarn - finished one newborn size hat and started another. Have to keep the fingers busy, you know.

Time to make out the grocery list and then it's quilt show time and lunch. Take care and thanks for stopping by to visit.

Fall Mantle Decor

2009-09-24T17:32:00.004-04:00

Ah - I did it. I took Chet's model car, truck and motorcycle off the mantle and replaced it with my batik maple leaves mantle cover. My favorite season of the year. This picture is from last year but I'm using all the same things again.

It has been raining all day and it's just not been a nice day - weather wise. I sewed on two buttons this morning - Chet's slacks and a purse tab. Tried to take a nap this afternoon and the doctors office called again to check on me and then some idiot called and asked for Chet - told him he wasn't here so then he "settled" with me! Asked if either of us had diabetis - IDIOT! Couldn't understand him and tried to find out what company he was with. We are on the NO-CALL list and I always threated to report sales people! Moral of this is: don't mess with me when I'm napping!

I guess I'd best cook something tonight - I plan to cook some ham steaks, mashed potatoes and a veggie. . . so off to the kitchen.

Thanks for stopping by.

P.S. I changed settings so it is possible again to leave a comment.

Purses

2009-09-20T10:22:00.004-04:00

TA DA - these are the two purses I did yesterday - they are small and have only one pocket. Quick and easy to sew up!

Dreary Sunday here - rain predicted before the day is over. . . Thanks for visiting my blog!

Doing The Weekly Blog!

2009-09-18T20:24:00.007-04:00

Hi Folks.
Have a bit of free time tonight so decided to post early this week. Lovely weather in our fair city and signs of Fall are in the air. Nate stopped by about 5:00 this afternoon to pick up something he'd seen in the storage shed - I had no idea those things were even there. Turns out he wanted brackets to screw into a flat bed trailer to use as tie-downs for motorcycles. The local ABATE group is having a float in the Fall Festival Parade tomorrow and the float will have an assortment of bikes on it. Of course the building of the float requires a full force of helpers, food and other liquid refreshments. He invited us over to eat so we went and had great food (any food I don't have to fix is great) and enjoyed chatting with some of the people there. Pictures below are of the fellows starting to work on the float.

The first two bikes ride over the truck cab area, are loaded - along with a flag flying in the breeze!

This bike is from Europe - a Triumph - a very expensive bike - Nate quoted their value and it's about what we paid for our house 35 years ago! Scary, isn't it?

I think this is a Triumph, too. Hopefully you can click on the photo it will enlarge and you can read the plate. I did look at it closely but forgot now!

This was one of three Cushman bikes that were there - think I heard someone say this is a 64 model! Oh - boys and their toys, eh?

Friend and I were in Batesville for doctor appts. and lunch, and then she wanted to look for a kennel on a side street in Oldenburg - we made a wrong turn and pulled into a driveway to turn around. There was a triple car garage with a big FOR SALE sign propped against a car - I could see it was an oldie by the grill. Just then a man walked out and I asked what was behind the sign and he said a 64 Dodge Station Wagon - I spied wood on the side and asked it if was a "woody" and he said it was. He tried to get me to take it home but I said "not today, thanks."

There is a really neat shop between Batesville and Oldenburg - called Dotty's Bulk Food Basket. This shop has every kind of spice, candy, coffee, soup mixes (that almost taste like Mom used to make). nuts - and you name it, they have it. You can buy a basket and fill it with goodies - make lovely b'day gifts - or a hostess gift - or a C'mas gift. Stop in to visit them - address is 394 Northside Drive - Batesville. It's in a small strip mall between the two towns.

Now onto the "softer" things in life. I pieced this maple leaves piece a couple of months ago and lost it in a stack of leftovers from other projects. I decided it was time to finish it up so I machine quilted it, bound it and called it done! It is up at the beauty salon in my little boutique!

And this morning I finished this bag - it turned out so cute I hated to take it up to the shop - but goodness knows - I don't need another bag! I plan to make at least one more to take up there.

And I can't end this post without special b'day wishes to Paul - Happy 16th birthday. It is also the anniversary of the day I bought my car - 15 years ago!

Till next week - - have a good one!

The Week at the Weckops

2009-09-12T17:48:00.001-04:00

We had a quiet week but did do a bit of running. We are enjoying the fall temperatures, corn is drying in the field out back and trees are beginning to turn yellow; grass needs mowing less often, too.

Chet enjoyed his day out with the motorcyclists last Saturday. They had 58 bikes and 74 riders. The profits amounted to about $2,500 - this will be used for Santa's Cause. Families who don't qualify for other assistance at the holidays are considered to be recipients. The group has done this for four or five years now.

I'm keeping up on Facebook with some of the grandchildren - at first I was sort of annoyed with it but now I'm enjoying it quite a bit.

Tuesday morning I had a phone call asking to help a friend help a friend. My friend tends to her sister-in-law who is 94 years old and lives in an assisted living facility. This gal fell and needed to go for an x-ray, my friend drives a van and it is difficult to get in and out of so I helped out. Poor gal was in such pain and later found out she was badly bruised, nothing was broken. Thank goodness.

On Thursday I was invited to ride along to Columbus on a shopping trip and of course I'm not about to turn down a shopping trip! I wanted to pick up a new supply of sweatsuits and found three sets. Also stopped at JoAnn Fabric where I bought some "sewing staples" - muslin, weavers cloth, fall print fabric and a winter print fabric. I am making things to take to the beauty salon for my little boutique corner. Pictures below of the fall table runner and the redwork wall hanging.

I think this redwork piece is so cute - the sashings and borders are a small red and green plaid. I plan to do a few more for the holidays.

The coming week should be calm - only an appointment with my eye doctor! I'm not looking forward to that.

Pajama time for me - have a good week. Bye now.

Bikers - Redwork - This + That

2009-09-06T11:24:00.005-04:00

Good Sunday Morning Friends and Relatives

and anyone else who stumbles across my blog!

(Just a bit of levity!)

We are having lovely fall weather and a bit of rain this morning!

Yesterday the local ABATE chapter had a bike run to raise funds for Santa's Cause. The money raised goes to families who fall between the cracks of the other organizations here in the county. The organizations do work together and cross references family names and needs in hopes of no one being overlooked or someone "double dipping." Chet rides with the gal in the 'chase truck' - driver is a woman named Gypsy! This is his third year to do it but it may be the last year because he has such a hard time getting in and out of trucks and needs assistance along the way. We arrived too early and the bikers were just starting to come in and register. The pictures I've posted were taken about 11:00 and the group was to leave at Noon.

Nate - Chet - Deanie

The Fire Department sent a truck to lead them to the city limits. Most towns have a police escort but local department isn't keen on bikers! One year the Sheriff Department had a car lead them!

Mark didn't go on the ride this year - he is spending the long weekend with friends on the Ohio River, in a houseboat. There is a group from this area that meets for this event. They tie up somewhere near Cincinnati and watch a great display of fireworks and I won't mention the partying that goes on!

We've had a few phone visits with Tracy this month - she's on the go all the time. Anna Grace is a real chatter! She speaks very fast and with her southern accent, difficult to understand!

Amanda wrote a letter to tell us about her college life! Sounds like she's keeping quite busy and enjoying everything about it. I wonder how the family is doing - imagine Paul is glad to be an only child - even if it's only part time! Amanda has a birthday tomorrow (the 7th) and Paul celebrates on the 17th. J.D. and Jonathan have birthdays at the end of the month.

FROM MY SEWING CORNER:

I did finish the 120 blocks needed for my Split 9 Patch quilt - I posted photos in last weeks blog of a few of these blocks. I set a goal of ten blocks a day. I had to stop and cut more squares and cut and sew more half-square triangle blocks - I didn't want a bunch of them laying around when I finished this project. It was extra time consuming to do it that way but I didn't want odds and ends laying around! The last 30 blocks were stitched up yesterday.

This morning I decided to take another look and have a go at my redwork embroidery designs. I began laying out a few of the blocks and trying to come up with a small wall hanging - photo below. Now remember, this is in the planning stage!

The pictures below are of a few more blocks I've stitched out. Blocks below have been stitched with batting on the bottom and the blocks above are just one layer of fabric. I think those with batting have the stitching more defined. It will be a while till I get back to stitching these.

Lunch time and then nap time - till next week - bye now.

Early Post This Week

2009-08-28T11:52:00.008-04:00

I'm posting early this week in hopes that someone will have a laptop at the family gathering tomorrow (Jayson and Cyndi's wedding) and share these photos with the brothers and sisters who don't have a computer. We will miss being with all of you and wish the newlyweds well.

Isn't the 'Dwarf Red Crepe Myrtle' growing beautifully? It sure makes a difference out in front. Thanks to Mark and his friend Shawn for landscaping! The 'grass' we planted is slowly growing - next year it should be taller and fuller!

Chet has gone to the casino with the people across the street today. We have a deal - I get to share any winnings but losses are his own! Of course he doesn't go for that at all. I have absolutely no desire to go with them and bless their hearts, they keep asking!

Checked in with all the kids and they're all doing okay. Nate continues to work 12 hour days - 6 days a week! Mark is putting in extra time, too. G'kids are all back in school except for Paul - Wisconsin doesn't start classes till after Labor Day. He will continue to work at the Green Bay Packer shop during school. Amanda is playing tennis at school. Anna Grace is in Color Guard and is looking forward to the first performance at a game tonight!

Interesting - - Mark called and said he had a request. . . so, okay I asked what isit? And he said Sharon wants some Minnesota Hot Dish. Now you may remember Sharon? Yes - she and Mark will be here for lunch on Wednesday. (We're not telling Nate!)

This week I managed to finish three projects: in spite of the warmer temps I got the binding stitched to the back side of the quilt by hand! There's another larger quilt waiting for the same finishing touch! I also finished the two small quilts. The Log Cabin measures 13 1/2 x 18" and the Scotty Dogs measure 15 1/2 x 22". These are challenge quilts for the Small Quilt Talks, a Yahoo group.

This morning I sat down with boxes and bags of "cuttings" - left overs from previous projects. I trimmed strips and squares and decided to start another "multi fabric" quilt using up some of the scraps! I opted to do the Split 9 Patch quilt. I've made two of them before but gave both of them away - they are in Mississippi and Louisiana. The picture below shows stacks of light, dark and half square triangles. The blocks measure 6" finished and so I'll need a lot of them - but not to worry - I'm sure I have enough fabric for a good size quilt!

Till next time - bye now!

Having a Bad Day!

2009-08-23T11:18:00.002-04:00

My day began at 4:30 this morning. . . woke up to use the bathroom and my feet hit the cold floor and that was it for me! Truly, I did try to go back to sleep; after laying in bed for about an hour I decided to get up and do my thing. Switched on the coffee pot and took my meds. Flipped channels on the TV for a while and found Cash In The Attic on BBC. Not sleepy in the least bit I just decided to get up and work on my sewing projects. I belong to a Yahoo Group called Small Quilts Talk. Challenges are issued periodically and I'd not done one in a long time. I did pull fabrics and fixed up a kit for a Scottie Dog quilt and I worked on it a bit yesterday so kept working on it this morning. I blanket stitched the Scotties to the background square and used scraps of water soluble stabilizer I had laying around - added sashing strips between the blocks and accidentally pressed on that water soluble stabilizer - a real no-no! However, I was able to salvage the project by soaking it in cool water for a while - it is drying now and waiting for the outer borders. . . it is so cute! Another challenge just issued is a small log cabin quilt and I'd cut strips for that yesterday so I decided to do those too this morning - picture is posted. I'm not sure I if I will add outer borders.

Friday and Saturday I embroidered free standing ornaments: Angels, stars, ornaments and doves. Photo below. I will add ribbon for ties. These will be taken to the beauty salon for my little boutique.

Another project in progress is a snowman embroidered "redwork" quilt. I saw one last year at a quilt shop and fell in love with it. I will not be making a quilt using all the designs but plan to do several smaller wall hangings - also going to the boutique. All of these things are made from fabric in my stash! Ah - so much I want to do and so little time! (I refuse to give up my naps!) I suppose I'd best mention the family! Spoke with Tracy & Anna Grace one night this week. Anna says school is a bit hard this year - she's in 4th grade. I think Mitch and family are or were on a vacation - California. (Found that out on Facebook when Amanda posted from there.) Nate is still working the 12 hour days, six days a week. J.D. spent a few days in town - slept here during the day and partied all night! His classes begin next week. Mark is working and continues his "party-hearty" life style. (Also info from Facebook.) Chet is still here, too. He just struggles with the littlest things - 'somehow' the sliding screen patio door got derailed!

Our new landscaping is looking great - so many flowers on them now. Perhaps a photo next week!

Time to find something for lunch and get back to my Scotty Dog project.

Till next week - take care!

P.S. We're having delightful Fall weather!

2009-08-16T11:56:00.001-04:00

Mid August - Summer Heat

Oh dear - I hate to complain about the weather and I won't say anything - except it's hot and humid and miserable!

Busy week here with appointments - it seems to be the time of year to make sure bodies are running as smoothly as possible! And they are! I do have to go have a picture of "the girls" taken the end of the week.

The kids are doing fine - Nate is back to work - six days a week, 12 hour days! Mark is putting in his usual time. No updates on the other two so am assuming all's well there!

I did a Facebook Page for myself a few weeks ago - at first I found it to be a bit aggravating. But the past week I've heard from several former students, two are daughters of one of the principals I worked with. Such a delight to see how they've become young ladies. Another gal I had in a Sunday School class also contacted me - she's in Las Vegas - I think she teaches school. So I am enjoying it after all.

Thursday Chet and I went to Rushville to pick up two quilts from the long arm quitter gal! Friday night I sewed bindings to the front of both of them - will wait for cooler temps to stitch binding to the backs. Even with the air on it's too warm to have a quilt in your lap. Saturday morning I put together the blocks I showed last week. This is a picture of a fourth of the quilt top. It has a kind of soft, pastel look!

Next I'd like to do some table runners using fall colors and maybe something Christmas like. I wanted to do some embroidered angels, doves, snowflakes and stars today but have no water soluble stabilizer in the house. Guess I need to start making lists for my quilt store shopping, too.

Chet's home and ready for lunch - till next week - bye now. Have a good week.

Heat & Humidity Have Arrived

2009-08-09T10:19:00.003-04:00

We are experiencing temps in the mid 90's this week and the humidity is high, too. Chet even turned the AC on this morning - I was surprised. We've not had to run it but two or three days so far this year! Last Tuesday we were almost flooded out here. The back 1/3 of our yard was under water - river like in the street in front of the house. Fortunately, we didn't have any damage but there was a lot of damage around town. Interstate and state highways were closed for some time! We had a quiet week - Mark popped in a couple of times but no sign of anyone else.

Nate has gone back to work - not sure how long that will last! Mark said quite a few people were "let go" at his plant - no forewarning for those people!

I see by Facebook that Tracy & Family adopted a dog - looks like a big dude! Also on Facebook Amanda talks about how she's working at the swimming pool in a hotel and also a park. She will be off to college soon. School here in town start the 18th! Kids in the neighborhood are growing up so it's been rather quiet this summer.

Chet and I went out for breakfast this morning - Waffle House - I was recognized by the waitress as "the lady in the office at her school!" This happens often - and I wonder if maybe I caught that person skipping and perhaps they are doing something nasty to my order!

We had our first sweet corn of the season last evening - our neighbor has relatives that farm and put in large gardens. Gary came home with enough corn for three families in the neighborhood - isn't that nice!

Went into the photo archives and brought up this "wonky log cabin" top - it is now finished - looks great! I have two tops at the long arm quilter now and expect a call any day to tell me they're finished. I need to put something together so I have another top to take to her when I pick these up.

The next picture is a stack of blocks I've been working on this week. A gal in the Fabric Stash Chat room made one and shared the block pattern with us. I have 36" finished and ready to set together. The finished size of the quilt will be 72" square. . . a nice napping size. Of course all fabric is from the stash! And I'm proud to say the stash is getting smaller! I doubt I'll get it all sewn up before I leave this earth! No one can say I didn't try!

Off to try and straighten up my sewing area - sewing is so very messy - I call it "creative clutter" but few other people agree!

Till next week - stay well and cool.

Blogging Early This Week

2009-08-01T10:25:00.003-04:00

Good Morning from sunny Greensburg, IN ! We are having delightful weather - just can't believe it's August 1st already! Amazing - time flies as fast when your retired as it did when I was working. Probably a sign that we're managing to keep busy!

We've managed to keep in touch with family through phone calls, emails and just added Facebook! Not sure I want to keep dealing with that. Nate is back to work at Valeo - making car parts! Mark is working regular hours and continues to work in parties! He had a blind date last night - I was going to call this morning to see how it went, but think I'll wait so I can see his face!

I've been busy at the sewing machine and busting more stash. I dug out a bundle of Fat Quarters and decided to make a table runner and set of four place mats. The colors are a bit unusual but I'm hoping someone will like them.

The runner below is made of left overs from a group of fabrics I bought at an online shop. The fabric feels silk like and the price was right! There were just bits and pieces left from an earlier project so I used them up to make the blocks. I think it turned out very nice. I machine quilted a design in each block.

My computer guru is coming back to check on this machine to see if it's operating at it's best. I do have a couple of things for him to check out. If someone sends an attachment or picture, I get an empty box with a red x in it! Hopefully he can fix that for me.

Off to get something for lunch - no breakfast, so early lunch for me! We will miss the family gatherings in Minnesota this month - both my drivers made plans months ago for the weekend of the wedding. We hope someone will share photos with us.

Till next time - take care.

Another Week Begins

2009-07-26T11:49:00.005-04:00

Hi Folks. Lovely day here in Indiana - sun is shining, slight breeze and no heat or humidity! What more could one ask for!

I went to brunch with a friend this morning and grabbed my camera on the way out. I was hoping to see a few of the cars from the big show held this weekend but it ended last night - again, I'm a day late. This car was leaving the restaurant parking lot so I caught it through the car window! Neat, eh? Have no idea what make or model it is. It kind of reminded me of the '40 Ford Chet used to have - the pea soup green one! As I recall, he didn't have it long cuz he fell asleep at the wheel and went off a T-road! There was also a motorcycle show in town and Nate was involved in that. . . I didn't make it there either! We had quite a bit of rain yesterday and heard these events weren't well attended!

My computer was down for almost a week - I only missed it the first day or two. I did manage to get a bit of sewing and quilting done. The two table runners pictured below were the "creations of the week." I plan to take them to the beauty salon to my little boutique corner in the shop. I hope to do one more this week - the fabric is chosen - just need to drum up the energy to get it done.
This first one is the Dresden Plate pattern. There are three plates on this runner and it measures approximately 13 x 36".

This second one is called Mirror Image from the Pieced Tree Patterns - they do have a website. If interested do a "search" using that name. This one measures about 11 x 50".

Chet had a quiet birthday on the 23rd. Mitch and Tracy called and Mark stopped in briefly yesterday. We didn't do anything special - but I did pick up an apple pie for him!

Time to move on - bye for now and take care.

ANOTHER UPDATE

2009-07-25T10:46:00.004-04:00

Need to do another update - Tracy & Anna Grace called to wish Chet a Happy Birthday - we had a nice chat - until we were disconnected (bless those cell phones)! Anna is such a "young lady" - she is joining the school Color Guard and starts practicing next week! She's too small to carry the big flags the older girls use - so she will just "strut her stuff!"

I am slowly uploading my software to the computer - and hope to get a few pictures to put on my blog again.

Bye now.

UPDATE

2009-07-23T20:07:00.001-04:00

Our favorite son in Wisconsin just called to wish his father a Happy Birthday! Nice to visit with him and get all the family news.

Till next time - - -

I KILLED IT

2009-07-23T19:01:00.002-04:00

I killed my computer last week and it's been down till this afternoon. . While visiting with my pharmacist on Sunday morning, he gave me the name of a "computer whiz" so I called the fella and he came over this afternoon and helped me get back online. Of course all my pictures are gone - I do have some on DVD's and will attempt to reload them as soon as I can. I also had this fella connect my laptop to the Internet so now I can lounge in my recliner and play games and surf and etc.

Not having a computer has helped me to finish a few projects and start a few new ones, too. I've been piecing Double Four Patch blocks and have enough now to make a nice throw size quilt. I also made two table runners - I plan to take them to the beauty salon and add them to my "boutique."

Today is Chet's 72nd B'day - I didn't say a thing, hoping one of our four children would also remember - no one has yet, but it's still early. If no one calls I will be forced to rewrite the will again!

I will post more later in the week - bye for now.

Greetings From Greensburg

2009-07-12T08:36:00.003-04:00

We've had a busy week here. On Monday morning I got a phone call from Tracy, she forgot to call and tell us they were on their way to spend time with us! She drove about half way on Monday and got here Tuesday around noon time. Great to see them - it's been a year. Nate & Mark joined us for supper on Tuesday night and we had a nice visit.

The pictures are a visit to the Putt-Putt course and of course we ended the game with ice cream from the Sweet Shop! Chet and I didn't play - we were the "cheerleaders"! The fella in the picture with Anna is Josh from next door. Josh and his mom joined us for the game and ice cream!

Tia, our granddaughter from Michigan. is here visiting Mark and friends from school. She spent a couple of days with us. We "girls" went shopping at the Outlet Mall and had lunch at the Cracker Barrel! We were exhausted at the end of the day! We were good shoppers and managed to pick up a few bargains!

The County Fair is up and running this week. Tracy took Tia and Anna one evening. We always have rain during fair week - but the people don't seem to mind too much - a lot of exhibits inside buildings and food tents can keep them dry!

Anna and I had our sewing session and she ended up with a fancy pillow. Made from leftovers from my Stained Glass quilt which I posted a few weeks ago. She loves to "push buttons" on my machine! (Truthfully, I do too!)

At the end of their visit we always take a picture of the kids from the neighborhood - you can see the number is down this year. Jon didn't come - he was in Florida with his aunts and cousins. The tall teen on the left is Will, next is Josh (brothers from next door), then Anna Grace and another teenager from a few houses up the street - Hannah! Oh, how these kids are growing!

This afternoon Chet and I are going to an old fashioned Ice Cream Social with a friend - Paul. This annual event is in the rural area where Paul is from. . . and it is truly rural. I don't think I've been to an Ice Cream Social since Plato Park!

Other than helping Anna Grace with her pillow project, I've not sewn this past week! I am in the process of preparing a short demo at quilt guild tomorrow - will show how to use some of the rulers we quilters buy and seldom use! I guess I do use mine often tho - the numbers are wearing off!

Till next week - take care and stay cool.

It Rained on Our Parade

2009-07-05T10:21:00.003-04:00

Hi Family & Friends from Greensburg where it is cool (love it), dreary and overcast! We had rain almost all day yesterday. I think the Annual Parade downtown managed to finish before the rains came!

On Friday, Chet, Mark and I drove to the northern part of the state, which is about half way between where they live now, to pick up Tia. She will be spending a couple of weeks with him out at the lake. She and her sister Tori have kept in touch with friends from this area and visit often.. Darcy had the day off so drove her - I'd not seen her in quite a few years. Tia brought her dog, Maxie, along. The three of us sat in the backseat on the way back. Tia will be a junior in high school in the fall; Tori graduated last month.

Mark called earlier this morning to tell us about an accident out at the lake last night. Young adults were leaving the lake after watching the fireworks, in a pick up truck - some were riding in the back. One of them fell out - this happened right in front of the house where Mark and his friends were meeting. One of the gals in Mark's group has some nursing training so she rushed to the injured fellow. The fire department truck came - part of the rescue team - and the men got out and went to the fellow on the ground. The truck rolled forward and hit the injured guy and the gal tending to him and dragged them about 20'. Injuries to both are very serious, both were lifelined to Indianapolis hospitals. Horrible tragedy!

J.D. was in town with a friend (she species) but they didn't stop here - I guess he wasn't hungry for Hamburger Helper! (Hmm - maybe she's making it for him?)

Photos today are of the landscaping Mark and his friend Sean did on Monday. Sean brought his two sons, ages 10 and 3 along - so I got to play "grandma" for a few hours. Mark was dog-sitting for friends and brought the dog, too! We put in three Dwarf Red Carpet Myrtle shrubs and some grass plants. They look a tad skimpy now but hopefully they will do their thing. The fellas also put river rock in the area close to the house. We need to have at least three more loads of rock brought in to put on the sides of the house. The back area will stay as is - an ivy type ground cover. I picked up a couple of shepherd's crooks and have to find hanging baskets to put in them - hope it's not too late in the season.

The other pictures are the neighbors garden - I'm watching for tomatoes to come! He is a sharing neighbor!

The Corn is definitely knee high now. The city is in the background - don't know if the tree in the tower will show if you enlarge the picture!

And last but not least is a b'day gift for sister Amy - hope your kitchen is still apple theme! It is a table runner. So Amy, watch for a small package this week - I will mail it tomorrow.

Surfing the Internet has again landed me in trouble! I saw some really cute double four patch quilts using batik and hand dyed fabrics. So I dug into my stash and cut enough for a dozen blocks. I did eight yesterday and went to sew the others this morning. Whizzed along beautifully - laid them all out and discovered I've goofed on two of them. . . so it's rip-rip-rip sometime today. Ho hum - - my seam ripper seems to be my best friend!

Time to sign off and find some lunch and then write checks to keep the lights and water running. Till next time - - stay well.

June 28,2009

2009-06-28T11:02:00.003-04:00

Lovely breezy day here today. The predicted high is 82. I can live with that but then I don't plan to be out and about today! How's that for beating the heat? Mark and a friend of his are coming over and planting some shrubs around the house and also scattering river rock. This place is past due for yard work other than mowing the yard. Mark's plant is closed for two weeks and he's not too happy about it, but then he's fortunate to have worked while many other plants are closed down. Nate's been off work at the factory for about seven weeks now. He is helping out at the Harley Shop downtown - and of course he loves that!

I was so tired after the quilt show last weekend, I told Chet I wasn't going out of the house unless it was on fire and I stayed in pajamas for two days. Ah - felt so good!

We went out to dinner with Nate, Deanie, her son Chris, Mark and many of Mark's friends (they were partying at the beach). We ate at the restaurant on the lake. Food was good and we had a nice time. Tracy called that evening to wish Chet a Happy Father's day. She is planning to come for a visit next month.

Tuesday evening some gals from quilt guild and I went to a trunk showing of quilts at Shelbyville and we enjoyed it. Then Wednesday morning we piled into cars again and went on a short shop hop. We visited the quilt shop in North Vernon and then went to a restaurant out in the woods. Food was great and the company was, too. The Batesville quilters joined us and I ran into a gal who used to work at a shop in Batesville. I like her - her name is Karen, and she could be one of my sisters! Another nice surprise was running into the wife of a fella I worked with at the high school - I called him "Old Man" and you can guess what he called me! After we ate we went on to Seymour to the shop there. When we got back to town I went and picked up some groceries - I was so tired and secretly planned another pajama day or two! I did break down and buy a few Fat Quarters of fabrics - proud to say I kept it under control. Visions of my stash at home kept popping into my head!

Chet's gone to church with his buddy Paul and due home soon. I've spent the morning sewing bindings on the quilt show below and another one - will post photo when it's finished. I estimate I sewed on 600+" of bindings this morning.

I did sew a little something - a surprise - for my sister Amy who's birthday is next month - can't show a picture of it till she gets it.

Time for lunch - I'm having the second half of my Chicken, BLT Salad from Wendys. . . Chet is on hiw own! He'll probably have ham sandwiches! Till next week - take care.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T09:59:00.005-04:00

Greetings from Greensburg, IN - where summer heat, humidity, thunder, lightening, rain and more rain have been bombarding us this past week! I'm ready for the leaves to turn and cooler temps arrive.

We met up with Palmer & Lois, Don & Betsy on Wednesday. Nate acted as our chauffeur - he enjoyed the family and food! Bless his heart for putting up with all the 70 + year old timers! We had a great visit. I've met Betsy before but never had a chance to sit and visit with her - lovely lady!

Yesterday our first quilt show came to an end. . . I must say "we did ourselves proud!" We had 181 exhibits and approximately 300 visitors to the show. I've shown pictures of some of the quilts below. Unfortunately I'm not able to do editing lately and my pictures truly need cropping and color adjustments. Click on them to enlarge them and get a closer look. I must say hosting a quilt show is a big task. If we ever do this again, we need to shake the bushes and hope younger, agile folks fall out to help!

The two quilts below are mine and were in the show. This was a mystery quilt from the Traditional Quilts magazine. A set of instructions came each month, for four months. The Happy Holidays quilt has been finished for several years but never had a hanging sleeve till now - so this year I will hang it in the family room. . . it's long and skinny!

This is my "Fallen Leaves" quilt - I love it! A challenge was issued on http://quiltville.com/ to do a Fungly quilt. Dig out your ugliest fabrics and have a go at it. I pieced the backing for this quilt using fabrics from my solids bin. So - if the front isn't appealing, the back side may be!

We asked visitors to sign a guest book. This book was taken and placed in a "Time Capsule"! Doubt any of us will be around for the opening of the capsule! While acting as a greeter I was cajoled into doing a brief segment for a video to be placed in the capsule. There were three other gals there and none of them agreed to do it - one of the young men doing the video knew me from school. So I put on my "big girl panties" and bit the bullet. These young men were hired by the city to video tape all the different events during the Sesquicentennial celebration. The video will be for sale - I'm going to have to buy a copy to pass on to my heirs! Won't they be thrilled?

We are celebrating Father's Day with Nate, Deanie & Mark - going out to the Bayside Restaurant at Lake Santee. This restaurant just reopened, under new management - and the manager is a friend of Mark's.

Till next week - stay dry and cool.

Neat Cars & Quilts

2009-06-18T17:48:00.006-04:00

Decided to do a mid-week post! I have so much to share. The yellow van advertising coffee was one we passed on I-75 when going to meet family in Ohio. The little K-Car was driven by my insurance agent to the hair salon the other day. Peeked inside and it's definitely a two seater!

The following pictures are from the quilt show, Greensburg Colonial Quilters first show. The city is celebrating it's 150th anniversary this week and the show is part of the festivities. 180 entries were submitted and when I left this morning all but 6 had arrived. First three are of accepting the quilts and doing the paperwork and the setting up of the racks. Thankfully we had a few "good men" to assist or we would have been in trouble.

This is just one of the antique quilts and it is lovely - a true "multi-fabric" quilt.

I'm scheduled to work as a "greeter" tomorrow and hope to get pictures of more quilts.

This weekend I will post about our visit with family. Till then, take care and enjoy the quilt show.

Hail To The Graduate

2009-06-13T19:46:00.007-04:00

Have to begin this post with pictures of our lovely Granddaughter Amanda who graduated from high school this month. The photos were taken at the graduation and Spring Dance. Her plans are to go on to nursing school in the fall. We had several other graduates this spring - children of nieces - congratulations to them, too!

We woke up to the sound of rain this morning. Our lawns are so green but Chet is delighted to have to mow often! We are to have temps in the high 70's today. No need for the air conditioning to be on yet! (Thank goodness!)

Busy week ahead for me. Our guild is hosting a quilt show on Friday and
Saturday. I've volunteered to work a couple of mornings - first time for me, so I hope the gals I'm working with are well versed! I'm taking two large quilts and several smaller pieces.

The quilt photo I've shown today was made by an 84 year old lady, originally from Minnesota. I took a class from her and posted a couple of pictures from my version two or three posts back. She hand stitched all her applique where I used the blanket stitch on my sewing machine. I don't think I have a photo of my finished quilt - but it is finished!

I had other pictures I wanted to post but haven't figured out how to get them moved into this post. Hope I can do it because I took them off the memory stick in my camera. . . oh, will I ever learn to click slowly!

Family is all fine - at least I've not heard other wise! Short post this week - I'm off to have brunch with a friend. (Chet went back to bed this morning!)

Have a safe week and take care.

Sunny Sunday

2009-06-07T10:30:00.002-04:00

Greetings All!
All's well here - we have had a busy week. J.D. came to town and spent some time with us. He visited friends, played basketball and cards, slept alot and ate. I even did some cooking - Hamburger Helper and Minnesota Hot Dish! J.D.'s favorites! Chet's gone to church this morning with his buddy Paul. Paul called and said he was running late, I asked him if he was having a bad hair day - poor guy is almost as bald as Chet! Nate has been laid off work for four weeks now but he's helping a friend at the Harley shop and is in "hog heaven". Mark's plant is closing for two weeks (without pay) in July - this is rough to take after he took a pay cut a month or so ago. Things are rough all over - for everyone. Mark left for Michigan Thursday after work, to go to Tori's high school graduation. He went early to help set up for the big celebration on Saturday afternoon. He rode his motorcycle and said there were 40 to 50 deer carcasses along the highways. He said seeing them was an inspiration to drive very carefully and he said he was very cold, too. He is heading back this morning - wants to take in some sun on the beach at the Lake! No word from the out-of-state kids!

I've been digging in the fabric stash again. Was surfing and saw a really neat Log Cabin quilt made using only plaid fabrics - so of course I had to give it a try, too. Each morning this week, I've been cutting and sewing and now have a total of 55 blocks. I was planning to do 100 blocks - but as I was pressing them this morning I noticed my center square is a rectangle! Can't imagine how that happened. So I'm ending it with the 55 blocks and will make just a small throw. The pictures below are a stack of strips and some of the blocks.

The second picture is the blocks laid out but not sewn together yet - blocks are rectangular, so have to use them in this layout. Alas and Alack! What's a quilter to do when she goofs! Ho Hum, eh?

Tomorrow our quilt guild meets - we are hosting a quilt show during the 150th anniversary of Greensburg and final plans should be made tomorrow. Other than that, it looks like a quiet week ahead.

Till next week - take care and be well.

Trial Run

2009-06-06T11:34:00.002-04:00

These are photos from my Folk Art Appliqué quilt. Okay – and now I’m going to see if I can add it to my blog! Wish me luck!

Oh – it’s Microsoft Live Writer – downloaded at no cost – isn't that special? This software was recommended by a gal in an online Yahoo Group. It took quite a while for it to get to my blog - patience is a virtue - virtue is a grace - Grace is a little girl who wouldn't wash her face. And I'll leave you with those words of wisdom!

Have a good day!

More This & That

2009-05-31T09:25:00.007-04:00

Up until yesterday afternoon we've had a quiet week. The doorbell rang, I peeked out through the drapes and saw an ambulance in my driveway. My first thought was "oh they've got the wrong address - same house number on Ryle Center and our house on Ryle Drive confuses emergency and delivery people! The lady on Ryle Center is sickly and in hospital often! Anyway, went to the door and two guys standing there - wanted to know if they could park in our driveway for a short time; they said they wanted to go to the graduation party two doors up the street. Oh my goodness - we were invited to that party, too, but I thought it was today! I peeked out further - cars lined the street on both sides, other neighbors driveways were full of cars. There was a big white tent on their front yard and people mulling around. This is a ' no parking on the street' area - not a law, just neighbors considerate of each other! The mailman struggled to get through and it was impossible for him to get to the mailboxes without getting out of his truck! But he's a good natured man and doubt it was a problem for him. (Second photo taken through screen.) It just doesn't happen that often in our addition. Photos below show the traffic jam! So today I must fix up her card and deliver it to the graduate.

Speaking of graduates - there are four in our family this year. Congratulations to each of you and good luck! And congratulations to our niece and her husband on the birth of their son - I'm wondering how big sister is accepting him. . . having flashbacks here when we brought home a new baby!

Weather wise - we've had a lot of rain. The field out back is finally planted and corn is peeking through the soil. Our neighbor tilled up a small area and planted a few things - hopefully his tomatoes will be plentiful! (Hint - Hint).

The kids - Nate and Deanie are on a "bike run" this weekend. Thousands of bikers are in Indianapolis on a fund raiser for Riley Children's Hospital. The run is quite a distance and ends up at the Indianapolis Speed Way. Nate will be so thrilled to have done that! Nate has been laid off work for three weeks now. We haven't seen him since the first of the month so imagine he's keeping busy - mainly biking, I suspect! JD has been in Bloomington and planning to come and spend some time here in town. He will be staying with us and says he needs some home cooking and I suspect he needs coddling, too! Nothing new from the out of state kids. Mark has popped in a couple of times this week. He is swamped at work.

I'm so disappointed that Susan Boyle didn't win the British Talent Contest - losing to 'street dancers' - I say some people's taste is only in their mouth!

My quilt photo today is a pattern from http://quiltville.com/ It is Bricks and Stepping Stones. A fun, quick cut and easy sew. I used a line of fabrics from http://connectingthreads.com/. The fabric feels like silk; the colors are a bit drab compared to what I've been using the past few months. But more stash is busted and that's a good thing! There are sunspots on the quilt - in photo only!

This year Greensburg is celebrating 150 year anniversary. Our quilt guild is hosting a show at the Baptist Church. The dates are June 18 and June 19. I signed up to accept entries for the show and be a greeter! Those associated with Decatur County may show quilts. We have a good selection of antique quilts. It should be an interesting show and hope it's successful! This is my first show to be involved with. Nothing new in the quilt making area - guess I need a rest!

Till next time - take care and stay well.

This & That

2009-05-24T19:22:00.002-04:00

Not a lot to say about the past week! The usual running errands and so forth. Weather did get up into the low 80's and I don't think I'm ready for that yet. We did have a lot of rain again - it sure is green around here!
Last Sunday afternoon I went with a friend to a birthday party! I didn't know the fella, just went along for the ride. Did have a tasty piece of chocolate b'day cake and glass of ice tea. The ride was nice - I'd not been in this area before!
I did a bit of sewing this week - finished a purse but not happy with it! Can pitch that pattern! I also finished piecing the maple leaves table topper and have to hunt up some fabric for the borders and bindings.
We spent a few hours this afternoon with Mark, Tia & Tori and numerous other friends of his. Tia and Tori, and a friend named Jillian, arrived from Michigan on Friday late afternoon. They attended commencement ceremonies at North Decatur High School - this was Tori's class and they've kept in touch with many friends here. Tia had a party on Friday night at Mark's - a bonfire with about 15 friends there. Both girls have grown into such neat young ladies.

Tori will graduate on June 3rd, work this summer and start college classes in fall. Tia is finishing her sophomore year. They plan another visit here sometime during the summer. Tia in top photo and Tori in lower photo.

And this is Mark relaxing. We enjoy the pontoon boat. There is always a nice breeze on the lake.

Just had to snap a picture of the dog wearing a life jacket!

Last picture is just one of the beautiful homes on Lake Santee!

Must tell you about a movie - if you run across Taking Charlie - take time to see it. Very moving. (Keep a box of tissues nearby.) Another good movie that played a while ago - both on HBO - is August Rush. I may have to revise my favorite movies list - move down Dirty Dancing and Ferris Buehler's Day Off and put the other two on top!

Till next week - stay well and take care . . . . bye now