Quilting Fitzy

What I've been up to!

2010-01-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

So..no progress pictures were shown before Christmas...because dd#3 reads the blog. This quilt is much further along than the picture above shows, and 300% brighter. I used a string block variation, where I began with a foundation piece (in this case the polka-dotted fabric in each diagonal center) and worked outwards toward opposite corners. This makes it so the seams are all encased between the strip on top, and the foundation piece on the bottom. I placed a purply red mottled fabric as a 2" border and a final row of blocks all around the edge. All the fabrics are batiks, and variations thereof, mottled, fossil ferns, overdyed prints, etc. The batting is a bamboo/cotton blend.

It's all layered and pinned, and I am in the process of machine quilting. I had preplanned the quilting, but the best-laid plans don't always work out. This is a large piece for me, my largest in fact! It's about 68x84 and I don't have the space to do lay it all out and get fancy. I am ending up stitching in the ditch around the blocks and on each side of the diagonal, using a multi-color orange thread. The binding will be random pieced of the quilt's fabrics...or the same as the border, really not sure yet.

Gosh, sure hope she likes it! It's got a long journey ahead to Iraq, I've got my fingers crossed for it's safe arrival and many years of snugglies.

Merry Christmas Peach!

Saturday's Progress
Meal planning - nope
Grocery shopping - a little, whatever we could carry home
64 oz water - 32 oz
A bike ride - nope; walked 1.7 miles instead
1 hour of Quilting - yup
1 hour of Studio Cleaning - nope

Sunday's Goals
Take down Christmas lights
Grocery shopping
1 hour of Quilting
1 hour of Studio Cleaning
Walk around the block

A New Beginning Again

2010-01-02T05:20:00.000-08:00

Not going to beat myself up over this. Yes, you are! No, I'm not! Yes! You are! No! I'm not! Oh Lord, I'm hearing voices.

A new year, a new chance, another try. As long as I keep trying, I think I'm A-OK. I refuse to give up. Yeah, I'm that stubborn.

A little more focus this time. Water and a little more exercise are my target. I drink literally NO water as a general course, so as easy as it sounds, it's NOT. I have a new bike, and two legs...so come on now, how hard can this be? The weather is cool, and I really don't have many excuses left!

On tap for Saturday:
Meal planning
Grocery shopping
64 oz water
A bike ride
1 hour of Quilting
1 hour of Studio Cleaning

Sunday Sundae

2009-09-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

When Maj Art LaFlamme orders, we listen!

Art, also known as IBOL Guy, says he'd be pleased if those of us "with" could help the "without". We came thru in spades. As close as I can calculate with good numbers, he has received 367 bundles + 150 bundles sold from Sew Mama Sew + 5 from my friends the Serial Quilters + 1 from my Canadian bestie + 1 additional bundle from me. Well over 500 bundles to be distributed to the Iraqi. I'm suitably impressed.

One per CAN make a change.

Then, the man in charge, aka IBOL guy says we need to celebrate with ice cream sundaes. Oh boy! Yeah, I can do that. Dh, dd#2 and I all had a sundae this afternoon. Yum-o.

My dd#1, also in Iraq followed orders from her superiors.
Her battle buddy followed orders too.

Great way to celebrate a fantastic humatarian effort, wouldn't you say?

Lovely photo courtesy of ErikaJean, IBOL supporter extraordinaire!

IBOL..huh?

2009-08-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Quilters think in terms of "projects", and how they can help a people less fortunate. Project Linus, Quilts for Katrina, the Australian Bushfire quilt project, etc.

When you are the son of a quilter, husband of a quilter, father of a quilter, some of the craft begins to wear off on you. When you are a soldier, and are working to help a people who are without the basic necessities for daily living, and have all these quilting influences, the next thought is, "How can I help?"

Major Art LaFlamme began a project called Iraqi Bundles of Love (IBOL). Now stationed in Iraq, he has arranged for quilters worldwide to send him bundles of quilting supplies that are being distributed to the Iraqi homemakers!

From Art's blog
"Iraqi Bundles of Love is a short-duration project, set to last about six weeks (around Sept. 7, 2009), to surge fabric and sewing materials into the area around which I live in Iraq. It is timed to coincide with both Ramadan, and the departure of my units from Iraq.
It is intended to be a simple project, requiring little effort and little expenditures from those wishing to participate. It is based upon my assessment that sewing fanatics and quilters tend to have stashes that far exceed their actual needs, and that sewing fanatics and quilters are passionate both about sewing / quilting, and about sharing with others.
The general premise is this. I am in Iraq, and I can get mail through the US Postal System. Willing contributors can send to me a flat-rate box of sewing / quilting supplies, all bundled up. I'd open the box, pull out the fully-contained bundle, and hand of off (with others) to our counterparts in the Iraqi Security Forces (Army and others) or the local police, for them to distribute. The stated intent of this operation is to put sewing and quilting supplies into the hands of two types of recipients: locals who desperately need such things, and local sewing co-ops who have received grants or loans (typically to purchase sewing machines, rent space, etc).

****************
As mentioned above, the deadline to help this effort is September 7, so that bundles arrive in time to be distributed by the end of Ramadan. They are arriving already, the US Postal Service delivers Flat Rate box after box. (They are up to 105 currently!)

It is one man (the Major) and his Tucson native battle buddy (the Captain), who tells one woman (his wife), who tells her blog readers (me), those readers take the information and run with it. It's gone viral (well, on a quilting scale anyways!). Isn't the internet an AWESOME thing?

Check-out some of these other blog entries about IBOL:

Kristin, his Wife
Sew Mama Sew
Pink Chalk Studio
A friend's blog
The Happy Zombie

I'm getting my bundle ready this weekend, what are you waiting for?

Camera Operation 101

2009-08-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

This could be a repeat post, lol...but I'm old "now", I'm allowed. I just ran across this photo on KMVT's website and wanted to post it.

My husband would tell you that the experience we received regarding camera operation isn't anything like the "real thing". What I would tell you is that I wouldn't trade what I learned, and the fun that I had, for anything!

We received free training while I was an Administrative Assistant at a small Community Television station in northern California...and HE went on to a CBS Affiliate station here in Arizona. Not sure how that happened, and YES, I'm green with envy. We do view television a bit differently now days, "Hey, look at that green screen shot!" and, "Look, she missed her cue!"

Personally, I still like to look at the bump shots of my husband as they cue out the news, and his inclusion in the promos. *grin*

"Tap, tap, tap...Is this thing still ON?"

2009-08-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I have NO idea what happened to the last 6 months.

Some of the things I can remember tho:

First - A MAJOR guest bath reno. We decorated around the shower curtain (which you see reflected in the medicine cabinet mirror) yeah, I'm impractical like that! It is terra cota, and I'm loving it. I promise you, it's not as pumpkin as it appears. We replaced the towel racks, toilet tissue holder and light fixture in brushed nickle. Since replacing the sink and vanity really weren't in the budget, we painted the contractor's grade cupboard using a carmel color. A little remnant left from hemming the shower curtain went on a spare towel.

The second thing I've remembered: Hexagons!
I use mass transit to get to work. My employer thankfully subsidizes our bus passes by 50%, making it quite affordable. Parking in a City lot is $8/day which seems like a good chunk of money. I can't imagine some cities that charge $20 or more/day...ouch!

Riding the bus gives me 20 minutes in the bus each way, and I generally have 30 minutes to spare after eating lunch. I've been toting English Paper Piecing with me, a fantastic handwork project. Below is a pic of my work so far, it's destined for a wallhanging for my cubicle at work. I think it would look best with one more row of 3 diamonds., it's a design-in-progress.

I need suggestions for the borders, I can't decide if I should applique the hexagons onto a border or have the outer row of white be used as part of the seam allowance. What do you think? AND..what color borders? All the fabrics used have a small print, including the white. They are Aunt Grace-like. (I think I made the pics clickable-IF I remembered how, lol.)

Thirdly, my daughter #3 is now in Iraq, a reservist in the Army. Her first request was for "girly sheets". Here is a tease...cuz my soldier reads my blog! Sorry Peach, ya gotta wait for the box, you should get it in a week, it's going out in Monday's mail. Her sisters are having fun gathering items to send, dd#2 has already managed to get a box to her. Dd#1 has a box ready to ship too!

Her box is jam-packed, it'll probably SPRING open! I couldn't even send everything I intended. Guess she'll just have to wait for the next shipment. YES Peach, I won't forget the banana bread, lol.

I invite you to read her blog: www.400daysinIraq.wordpress.com and her battle buddy Erin's: www.erininIraq.wordpress.com . It will give you a good idea of a soldier's view of things.

That's all I can think of from the Sonoran Desert. The monsoons were a bust, they're pretty much over. They're promising an extra wet winter, I'll be waiting!

Nacho Casserole

2009-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

Easy peasy, and pretty darned good!

1 can cheddar cheese soup
1/2 c. milk (any type)
12oz picante sauce (I used mild)
1lb. ground beef, cooked, drained, & finely crumbled
7oz corn chips
10oz can refried beans
1c. shredded cheddar
1 sm. can chopped green chilies
sliced black olives if desired

In a glass 13x9 mix soup with milk.
Spoon half of picante sauce on top and spread as evenly as possible with spoon back.
Layer 1/2 of corn chips over picante.
Layer cooked ground beef.
Layer refried beans.
Layer rest of corn chips.
Add rest of picante over top.
Top with shredded cheddar, green chilies and black olives if desired.

Bake at 400F for 20 minutes.

Thank you!

2009-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

Sonja had a contest just before Christmas and I was the lucky winner. Pop over to see her, she has a sweet blog.

WHO.COULD.NOT.ENTER.A.CONTEST.FOR.CHOCOLATE???

I may be the last to fall off the turnip truck, but I had not ever seen a Kinder Egg up close or personal, lol. These are darling trinkets.

The eggs are hollow and have a smaller plastic egg inside. The trinkets inside are precious and very detailed...not to mention CHOCOLATE. O, yummy.

I saved 2 for dd#2, since she told me about the contest. Had to share. 8^)

Thanks Sonja!

Tombstone Caching

2009-01-17T19:17:00.001-08:00

Look at this worthy geocacher, ready to walk miles and miles (and miles)...ok, so it's usually not more than ONE mile, lol. But UP hill, of course.

We found El Diablo's Treasure cache today. It's clearly the best staged one we've found so far. It was just outside of Tombstone, AZ, which is where the OK Corral was and where Wyatt Earp and associates had their famous shoot-out. So, you'd expect the unexpected, right? It was published to be a "Halloween" cache and definately was not meant to disturb or make fun of anyone's beliefs, etc.

A plastic skeleton, a HUGE rubber spider, and the area was surrounded with skulls on fence posts. I first thought it was a burial ground, and didn't want to enter!

One happy hubby displaying a necklace of bones!

On to the next cache. It was 8' off of the roadside. It's pretty creepy looking near someone's house, but the GPS is rarely wrong, and what are you gonna do? It was in the removable cap on the top of a fence post. You need to be clever when looking for these silly things. I happened to notice that the cap had a bolt in the end. Hmmm...not normal.

It was suspended on a wire hanging from the bolt in the cap. Ta-dah! We hit paydirt again!

A little bit of Tombstone for you, a hot afternoon in the Sonoran Desert.

Can you imagine walking down these streets with all those petticoats and high-buttoned shoes? Ick.

Wilcox tomorrow!

Nanocache ka-ching!

2009-01-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

We were 6 for 6 out geocaching today.

Geocache-spoil-alert. Don't read if you intend to geocache Tucson!

You can't beat the weather, it's been around 64 degrees F most of the day. Saturdays are usually chore day, Sundays are getting to be our favorite geocaching day (pronounced geo-cashing, btw).
It was so small, my dh thought it was a magnet and the cache was lost! Inside, (the piece on the left) you can see the tiny scrolled paper where you log your name and date. Screw the sides back together and place it exactly as you found it.

Our new found hobby is cutting into my sewing time, but as the summer in the desert gets closer, we'll stay closer to home and away from the rattlesnakes!

Two daughters have recently ordered their own GPS units, dd#2 is geocaching while she is visiting in Ohio, dd#3 is out geocaching while waiting for #2 who's getting her hair cut & colored. The dd#1 has downloaded the program to her IPhone. I think we started something!

Wanna join us?

"It's COOL because Holly does it!"

2009-01-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

Peer pressure.
I needed to do it to be cool.
Made me feel better to be like everyone else.

Balderdash.
It looked sooooo cool, I wanted to do it.
Needed to do it.
Holly first got me interested, but I let the idea stew. Then I bought Dh a GPS *snicker*.

Where are they going?

WHAT are they doing?

ew.EW! What IS she pointing to?

She's lost her marbles? Maybe she's found them?

YES...YES...YES! She found it. 2 other noble pirates looking for the treasure and the MOTHER found it

This egg was a "microcache". It carries only a visitor log. This was my second find. Boooooring, lol.

BUT! Look at the booty this first GEOCACHE yielded. Score! You take one item, and put another in. You make it home, and long onto www.geocache.com and record your find, and the items you both took and added. We took the rusty nail, and replaced it with a Brazilian coin. (It's to be of equal value.)

So we are now addicted to Geocaching. What fun. What strenuous exercise! I ache all over! Guess that's good for me. We live in the Sonoran Desert, but there are ALOT of mountains and they are prime location for great hiding places. Mountains, rocks, sandy dry river washes, etc.

What is geocaching? You use your GPS (global positioning system) and enter the longitude and latitude of a prospective hiding place. Getting to it is one thing, FINDING it is another. As you can see above, the parcels can be of different variety, and can be buried, tied to a tree, covered in rocks, magnetized to something...anything the hider can think up.

These two finds were last week, and today we found 2 more. What fun, but boy am I pooped.

Great way to start out our New Year, and a fun family activity for my Dh, dd and me. Dh and daughter and dd have even gone out geocaching WITHOUT ME! Heaven forbid.

2008 Christmas Gift

2008-12-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

Last year, Marcie from Patchalot More generously published a pattern for free public use. It was an adorable Christmas Table Topper. Lots of suggestions for variations, and easy instructions. THANKS MARCIE for all you do! She posted another pattern this year as well, so please visit her too!

I made two versions, but you're only going to see ONE. Just as I inserted the second photo in my blog today, I noticed a glaring error. I should never have looked, I'm sooooooooooooo sad. Dh says "chalk it up to experience." I left out an entire row of inner border.

Yes, I know, "We've all done it."

Yes, I know, "It's your humility piece." AND HOW. I knew they weren't the same. I knew for some reason they weren't the same size, one came out more rectangular. I never, ever stopped to look at them to see why tho. (grumble, grumble)

I don't know which of two brother's families received which table topper. I couldn't get to any decision of who should get which. I'm mortified tho, and that's something that goes way under the skin.

I'll pull on my big-girl-panties now and move on.

***********

Lesson I learned - No matter how hard you try, nope girl, ya ain't perfect.

Something that made me happy today - Two gifts created with my own hands, for ones I love.

Bonus - Using mostly stash for my gifts! 8^)

Finding Lost Loved Ones

2008-11-28T03:42:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, you could blame distance for lack of communication. Remember when Grandma would call and you would really hustle to talk “LONG DISTANCE?”

How many of you have lost communication with someone you held dear because of elapsing time? Some one moves away, you loose a phone number, delete a phone message in error. Any number of things can get away, not to mention family crisis, divorce, and the obligatory responses.

If you don’t already fear it, the internet is your friend, your ally.

Fifteen years ago, my Venezuelan son went missing. (Figuratively) I managed 6 counties for Youth For Understanding, and Oscar was my exchange student placement in my home. During the year he was in our home, our whole family fell in love with this boy, etching his place in our heart forever. Returning to Venezuela was our last real contact with him. The phone system was less than idealic, he would call and virtually yell, “MOM??” The line would promptly go dead. It’d ring again, we’d answer, it’d go dead. Ultimately VERY depressing, we wanted and needed to connect, but never did.

We’ve never forgotten this sweet boy.

Thru the years I’ve resorted to reading Venezuelan phonebooks. I don’t speak Spanish, lol, but I would not be deterred. I even looked in their Yellow Pages under both of his parent’s professions. Blah.

I have searched thru AOL’s database, ICQ database, Yahoo’d, Google’d, and come up empty-handed.

Dd#2 encouraged me to sign onto Facebook a few months back. Mmmm…a new database I could utilize. I did search his name, with no success.

A few nights ago I had the brilliant idea to search for Oscar’s younger and older sister’s names. Several entries appeared, but lo and behold, one sister’s “friend” list contained the other sister’s name.

I.was.speechless. I eagerly sent an identical message to both possibilities, and the younger sister wrote back immediately. She gave me Oscar’s email address, and I have no reconnected with our sweet MAN. OMG, he’s married! He’s got 2 little girls! He’s all grown up! (How did that happen?)

I also helped another blogger find some missing friends. The world may be big, but I’ve been shown once again, just how very small it really is.

On another note, look a few posts back, and go to my dd#2’s blog. She has another contest!

My Daughter COOKS THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-27T04:49:00.000-08:00

This is WHY I'm thankful:

...and now we're headed to the casino for some fun!

Have a happy safe day wherever you are.

Fitzy

PS..Thank you my creative child, loves you!

Blog Contest!!

2008-11-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

My Best Daughter (who has hacked into my blog and is actually writing this) is running an awesome contest on her blog! It is really easy to enter, I promise! Well, what are you waiting for??

GO CHECK IT OUT!

Five Friends

2008-10-02T03:47:00.000-07:00

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Could you stand to win a $25 Gift Card?

2008-09-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

Some I know...

Some I actually gave birth to...

Someone who actually lives in my home...

Is giving away a $25 Best Buy gift card. Woo-Hoo!

Run.Don't walk. Visit Erika's blog!

So I've lost a little speed?

2008-09-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

70 words

Speed test

I first did the test in (maybe) Spanish, because I didn't realize I had a choice, lol. There I did 40wpm. It was HARD to type words you don't commonly use!

I used to type 80wpm. I figure 5wpm is lost in improper posture as I slump drastically to the left to key on the laptop. It's precariously perched on the arm of the sofa. DH occupies the other end with his laptop...DD#2 occupies the easy chair and her laptop. We're impossible, lol.

So go'on and try it, I dare you!

My First Wool Hooked Rug is FINISHED ! !

2008-08-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

Presenting my first originally designed and first wool rug ever FINISHED!

I'm VERY good at beginning projects, but really b-a-a-a-d at finishing. It's something like loosing a friend when I finish a project (or even a good book!) and no one likes that!

I can proudly say I'm done. Every bit, bob and tail. It's been freshly steamed and is drying on my Big Board. It measures 19 x 25 and will rest by my (rarely used) front door. Yes, yes, INSIDE the house, lol. The wool is cut into a #8 which is 1/4" wide.

I am completely self-taught, and used Wendy's Site for help with the binding. I purchased my wool from Wendy as well, and I strongly recommend her company. She traded several emails with me to aid in my selections. Funny thing, her shop is about 10 miles from where I lived Ohio. Too bad I didn't rug hook then! Wool seems a little scarce here in the Sonoran Desert, d'oh!

I designed it onto freezer paper and transferred the design by taping it to my large sliding glass door. It was nice not having to reverse the pattern like you would do with applique.

I want to get a second rug designed and started..."Oh Wendy....."

Enjoy!

A Creative Kid, another milestone

2008-08-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

I really wasn't going to post that I'm "getting older" today, but how can you resist showing off your kid's work? This is what awaited me this morning, I'm such a happy older person!

Thanks Erika, you're one of the best!
xo, Momma

Sisters 2008

2008-07-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned before, the 3 girls of our family gather each Summer to have a "Sisters" gathering. It's a way to preserve the family when we all live SO far apart. Over the years the 3 Sisters have blossomed to 8. No, Mother didn't have more children! Daughters, and daughter-in-laws have all come on board, we're getting quite a gang.

Each year we exchange a gift or two, it's hard to come up with something original, but I've managed, lol. I've done specially embroidered pool towels (with our "Sisters" logo) and pool cover-ups, I try to give something I've made, sometimes I have to settle for something I've "added to".

So if you're related....and don't want to see what you're getting as a gift...don't read any further!
>
>
>
>
>
>

It measures 6" x 10" and is fully lined with timtex, liner fabric and clear flexible plastic, in case of make-up spills. No pattern, just thunk-it-up. There were a few boo-boos along the way, but nothing an impromptu tuck didn't take care of.

I'm really please with the proto-type. I only have 7 more to go by the 24th.

Yeah, it's really, really early for me to have one done. I'm a last minute kind of girl!

Sure hope they like them!

What I did on my Summer Vacation

2008-07-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say, "I've been on a cruise," or "on a deserted island," or even "watching Soaps and eating Bon-Bons". ANY of those would have been more acceptable and easier to believe. Except for me I suppose.

Mid-May my Dh and I went to the Sonoran Desert Museum for a free skin check since our state is #1 for skin cancer. I suspected my Dh would have cause for concern, he has numerous moles on his back. I never, never, EVER suspected I would be the cause of our worry.

Sure, I am a blue-eyed, fair-skined gal..who spent a goodly amount of her teenage years in the sun. Slathered with Baby Oil, NEVER with SUN-SCREEN, isn't that why you laid out there for hours in the first place. Not to mention I only could attain a dusty shade of tan, but was really good at the burn-and-peel mode.

The Physician at the free skin check said I had a spot at my hairline that was of some concern. I just thought it was just an ugly bump. Never itched, changed color or size, etc. You know, all those they tell you to watch for.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer.[1] It can be destructive and disfiguring. The risk of developing BCC is increased for individuals with a family history of the disease and with a high cumulative exposure to UV light via sunlight[1].Treatment is with surgery, mohs surgery, topical chemotherapy, X-ray, cryosurgery, or photodynamic therapy. It is rarely life-threatening but, if left untreated, can be disfiguring, cause bleeding, and produce local destruction (e.g., eye, ear, nose, lip). As with squamous cell carcinoma, the incidence of basal cell carcinoma rises sharply with immunosuppression and in patients with inherited defects in DNA repair.[2]Basal cell skin cancer almost never spreads; however, large and longstanding tumours may metastasize into regional lymph nodes and surrounding areas such as nearby tissues and bone.

I followed up with his office and "gave" a sample for biopsy. Moh's Micrographic Surgery was ordered, and below is my "after". Yeah, shorty hairs and all. I had to change my part for the grow-back, and that scar will all but be hidden.

While I was in for #1 Surgery, the surgeon took a "sample" of a spot he suspected, but the Dr. didn't spot. Oh joy, #2 surgery was scheduled, and he removed about the size of a dime. Gave me a new smile line. *ahem*

#2 surgery performed, and the surgeon says he wants another sample in another spot of my forehead. Oh joy, #3 surgery was scheduled for a squamous cell carcinoma. This pic is a before. The after was about the size of another dime, I had it done yesterday.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common cancer of the skin (after basal cell carcinoma but more common than melanoma). It usually occurs in areas exposed to the sun, and can generally be treated by excision only. Sunlight exposure and immunosuppression are risk factors for SCC of the skin. The risk of metastasis is larger than with basal cell carcinoma.

Mohs Surgery, created by a general surgeon, Dr. Fredrick E. Mohs, is microscopically controlled surgery that is highly effective for common types of skin cancer, with a cure rate cited between 97 to 99% for basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, and for squamous cell carcinoma. It has been used in the removal of melanoma-in-situ, but this is an unproven treatment. Because the Mohs procedure is micrographically controlled, it provides precise removal of the cancerous tissue, while healthy tissue is spared. Mohs surgery is relatively expensive when compared to other surgical modalities. However, in anatomically important areas (eyelid, nose, lips), tissue sparing and low recurrence rate makes it a procedure of choice by many physicians.

So that spot you have? You know which one I mean, yeah, THAT one. Go get it checked. I seriously didn't have a clue, I caught them very early but still got sizable scars and some doozy of headaches as a recovery present. It could have been SO much worse. I have otherwise healthy skin, and I'm still young. I've used sunscreen for the last 10 years and hopefully won't have many more issues. I'm on 6 month check-ups for the next 5 years, not bad when you consider the options or alternatives!!!

I'm doing fine. Thanks to you who have asked. Just got the wind knocked out of my sails a bit.

I'm back! You're stuck with me, and I'll still be a little sporadic in posting. I just do the best I can!

Hugs.

(definitions courtesy of Wikipedia)

"Mom, can I move in?"

2008-05-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

"Sure honey!"

#2 cynet is coming to the roost. I am thrilled!

Lots of adjustments, Dh & I have not had people in house for several years. A prolonged visit or two maybe, but not a "live-in"! She's all grown-up too, not a kid I can mother around much! (OK, OK, so I'll still try, but I'm sure she'll remind me, lol.)

Dd is leaving her college dorm tomorrow, with degree in hand, and entering that sometimes scarey place of "getting a real job". She'll stay with us until she gets on her feet. Lots of job interviews and testing ahead.

I tried to mark her approximate route on the picture above, hope she has good weather. I'm envious of the driving part...it will be a good adventure for her. She'll be camping or hotelling it while on her way, stopping to see the Arch and other notables.

"COME ON DOWN E! The weather is for perfect swimming and the huge night skies await your star gazing.

Love ya babe.

Congrats to my baby girl

2008-05-03T11:58:00.001-07:00

The only female in her group who has successfully gotten her Jump Wings.

I am SO unbelievably proud of my girl. Blown-out knee in high school sports, plates, pins....running 8-minute miles in the Georgian heat....being put in your place by superiors....jumping off 250' buildings and out of planes....all things I would never have even attempted.

You go girl. You do ANYTHING your heart desires. Follow your dreams.

I'll be there to support you.

Yeah, I know what it all "means". It's heavy stuff. She is scheduled to deploy June '09. Yes ma'am, you'll have your quilt before you go. I promised, and my promises are good.

2008-04-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

The ONLY person who'd I EVER let tag me, EXCEPT Erika, lol...tagged me for a MeMe. Randomness is my best attribute!

1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

Here are the 7 random facts about me:

1) I've lost 31 lbs. since Christmas...woo-hoo
2) I'm a great starter, a horribly finisher!
3) I'm extremely competitive, but couldn't care less once the game is over.
4) My favorite color is blue. ONLY blue, not turquoise, not aquamarine.
5) I'm most vain about my hair. I have good hair, always. ha!
6) I'm most embarassed about my feet. Post surgical, funky shaped and just plain UGLY.
7) I'm a blog and reading fanatic, I read 300 blogs at least twice a week, and usually finish a book every 7-10 days. Not to mention I'm an auditor, lolol.

So I humbly tag:
Lucy
Dawn
Ruth
Leah
Tanya
Taniwa
Jane Ann

Thanks for indulging me, and learning more than you ever really cared to know!

8^)

It's Coming Along

2008-04-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

OK, so I've learned lots!

Today I learned NOT to leave my rug on the frame, it has gotten all lumpy. I trust it will relax way before I do.

I may rework the baby quails, they sort of look like frogs, lol. If I don't, that's OK too, my art is far from perfect.

Sure wish I had a group to join, or a friend who was learning with me, but I think I'm doing OK.

I've got ideas for a door crown and a second rug, it's addicting. I'm enjoying creating some things to decorate our home reminisent of our life here in the desert.

Friday Flashback - The Things the Kids Will Remember

2008-04-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

The tiny black computer chip that touts an spooky "ooooOOOOOOOOOOoooooo"
It came from a box of cereal in about 1998. We've hidden it in each other's belongings for soooo long now. Just when you've forgotten it's existance, "ooooooOOOOOOOOooooooo", you get it BACK! It.doesn't.die.

The cereal freebies
Having 3 girls all in 5 years, made sibling rivalry very interesting! Everyone wanted the race car in the Rice Krispies, or the license plate in the Frosted Flakes. The giftie was more important than the cereal. The gifties were ALL placed in a large coffee can and passed out on our first official "snow day" of the season. Living in Ohio, made snow days pretty likely.

The top of the 'fridge
It was the "no man's land" for all things you fought over. The cherised item was plunked up there and promptly forgotten. (By Mom too, lol.)

Paying to "borrow" clothes
Instead of stealing a shirt, one kid would charge another for the wearing rights. They purchased most of their own clothing, it was just the way it was. Hey! Otherwise they fought like CRAZY women!

Being paid to do the family laundry
We had "laundry mountain". 3 kids, each in several sports, 2 working parents...it NEVER was caught up. You earned $1 if you washed, folded and distributed a load. No partials.

Making Mom change her clothes BEFORE she could come into the house
OK so for awhile I sold fish in a retail market. P-U, I don't blame 'em.

Looking up in ANY set of bleachers, and knowin' good ol' Mom would be there, rooting you on like crazy.

Knowing Mom would help with ANYTHING involving helping her kids succeed and not stop until the job was done, the homework was brought up to school, the clean uniforms delivered, the cookies were baked.

So if you're still reading...
I got THE BEST gift today, an early Mother's Day gift. A thank you for all those goofy things I did cuz I love my girls fiercly. I got an IPOD Shuffle. WOW. Thanks Erika, and I do...

LOVE YA, LOVE YOUR SHOW.
She had it inscribed. This was a slogan from a radio station as I would drive them to school (instead of them having to take the school bus).

WOW.

"Bliss"ful Worms & "I'm a HOOKER"

2008-04-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

I've had my Bliss wool cutter for about 1.5 years, but it never really got out of the box. I may have hurt my dh's feelings tho, as he had thought I didn't like my birthday present! It was quite the contrary, it took me 3 years to gather all the "parts" so I could begin my wool rug hooking journey.
This nifty little handy handy machine slices and dices...well, not quite, but it DOES slice the wool to the required width, depending on the cutter head. I've begun with a #8 cut which is 1/4" wide.

I'm not exactly a "rule follower", but more of a "wanna be". Was supposed to start in the middle, but the middle of this rug is all background. Background is NOT the most stimulating part of the adventure. I began with Big Daddy Quail first and am lovin' it. I'll behave now and settle in to work on some of the background in the center, lol. OK. So I am a rule follower, but they are MY RULES, dadgumit.

My dh and I have a hard time separating. If I am in my sewing room...eventually he's in there too. If he's outside on the patio...I'm digging up something to work on out there. It's just the way we are. 8^)

Rug Hooking gives me the opportunity to be in the great room WITH dh and hey! I can even watch TV..amazing.

My wool from Wendy arrived in Saturday's mail. Big Daddy Quail was my first day of progress "being a hooker". I had the wool in the washer and dryer faster than you can imagine, and had the worms cut before dinner.

Doin' the happy dance!

Economy? Stock Market?

2008-04-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

No.

No.

No.

It's a chart of my weight loss since Christmas. The bottom axis is the month's of persistance, the vertical axis is in 2 pound increments.

I've been chipping away at the bod again. And yes, I'm learning some new stuff along the way. Revelations in fat calories, imagine that. I don't need to drown my salad or baked potato in cardiac coverings!

Dh and I have both lost 25 pounds, and even if I doubled that amount I sadly wouldn't be "done". I just know I'm doing the best thing for me right now, and all I can do is give it my best.

What are YOU doing for YOU right now?

Changing boats in the middle of the stream

2008-04-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

I seem to be bouncing around alot lately. First standing on one foot, then boucing to the other. Thankfully dh never says one iota about my sewing room and I try to keep my mess confined. (Yeah, right! Well...I said I tried.)

I'm 3/4 done with a sweater for work. It's now tooooo hot to knit on the bus, I did appreciate the warmth when it was cold. I don't know if I'll get back to it before next winter.

I'm 1/2 done with my piece for Tonya's Winter Class. The background has me a little befuddled and I'm chipping away at it slowly.

I'm 0/0 done with my piece for Tonya's Summer Class. It's still playing tricks with my head.

I am changing boats mid-stream.

I've just received a lovely Ault's wool rug hooking frame and have designed my first rug pattern. This is something I have always wanted to do.

My maternal grandmother and her sister were master's of the craft of rug hooking, I'd like to continue in their honor. They produced lovely rugs with flowers in the middle, I'd love to see one, I believe they are all gone from the family.

Living here in the Sonoran Desert is amazing. One of my favorite things is to watch the Quail families, first the parents, then 5-8 babies appear on the scene. They scurry in long lines along the base of our fence, trying to stay out of harms way. My first rug, measuring 19x25 will capture this memory. Pay no mind to the narrow border penned at the bottom, I've added the additional needed inch where you may see a zig-zag stitching line. Darned freezer paper was only 18" wide and I was too lazy to tape on ONE INCH. The background is Belgium Linen. I'm off to place my wool order,Wendy from The Red Saltbox has been a huge help in wool selection. My order should go out early in the week.

My wonderful dh made Sour Dough English Muffins from scratch this morning. My, the house smells good as he cooks them in the electric skillet like pancakes. I was out planting flowers and he brought me a toasted sample complete with strawberry preserves. What a man.
I'm off to swim in the pool and generally just kick-back this afternoon. It's to get to 85 today, the cacti are starting to blossom and everyone is sniffling because of the Palo Verde trees.

Enjoy your day!

The $85 mistake

2008-03-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Looks innocent enough, right? I live on an outside corner, I was in no vehicular danger. Our driveway is the largest flattest surface to get the new pool cover laid out and cut.

The pool is 10' x 36', with an irregular shape.

10:00am and pretty toasty already, in the 80's.

Yes, I am a quilter. Actually wore clothes to HIGH SCHOOL that I had sewn (was that brave, or what?). Created Halloween costumes, made parade banners, and upholstered vinyl chairs with cording.

I am now humbled. Dang. D'oh. What a dolt.

We cut off the excess, and cut a new corner from what we had left. It works fine. We should be swimming next week (after we finish it's final cleaning).

Please laugh with me, it's hard to be me.

Friday Flashback - "Music, Music, Music!"

2008-03-28T04:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know. "WOW, a blog entry!" I said it too.

My father was a drummer. While he was in the Air Force during the Korean War, he was the entertainment, or so the story goes. He willed his drum set to the Salvation Army Band. His love for music transferred directly to me, probably in utero. Big Band was his favorite, only logical, I suppose. I still have many of his old 33-1/3 records, very brittle and very heavy. I bought one of those retro radio/phonograph/cassette players and play them once in awhile. I can smell my father's Old Spice when I sit and listen.

A few crusty music memories of my own exist, of about age 6. Spending time in my bedroom listening to my little record player. Similar to the one pictured above, I had a speed selector that would play each type, 16, 33-1/3, 45, 78 (was there a 16, that looks weird!). At 6 years tho, my choice of records was limited to children's records.

My 2 favorite records were vinyl, one was yellow, the other red. I also had one other very special record. It was a storybook record whereas each side had 2 stories. If you played the story and the needle went into one groove track, you'd get one story, the other grove track had a second story. You never would know which one you'd hear. One of the stories was "The Lion and the Bumbershoot," the other title is lost in the abyss.

My sister, 10 years my senior, would sit for hours and play her 45's over and over to pen the lyrics. I know most of the words to those songs too, brainwashed at an impressionable age. "Kathy's Clown" comes to mind.

I went on to learn to play the flute, soprano sax, piano, flirted with trumpet, and my favorite, the piccolo. Learning to play the piccolo part for "The Stars and Stripes" march to play in Detroit's Hudson's Thanksgiving Parade was my biggest challenge. Marching Band and Orchestra were the highlights of my high school years. My biggest accomplishment was of being selected to play in the Children's Orchestra, I guess around the age of 12 or so.

Music is still everpresent. I "plug-in" at work when I'm stressed and need to get major work done. It's my soother, my background, my constant.

I'm always singing a tune in my head, tho the music phrases seem to be shorter these days...and dh questions my selection of words sometimes. Who cares! Sounds good to me!

I last played my flute in 1976 when I solo'd for a wedding, but I think I could still "finger" the piccolo march part. Some things, like riding a bike too, you just don't forget. The flute is long gone, gifted to a budding musician.

Make a cuppa, and lay with me on the floor. Listen to "Moonlight Serenade" or choose something like, "You are My Sunshine". Pick out an early Ella or Frank or Clooney. Maybe a Dorsey or Goodman is your favorite? They're all there.

Psst...It's good to me back. Won't you post your Friday Flashback too?

We Interupt this hiatus...

2008-02-05T03:21:00.000-08:00

Please, if don't get one other thing accomplished, please go vote in your primary. Whether it's Super Tuesday, or some other day...let's all get out there and make this our best one yet. Yes, your vote DOES count. It means you care.

Sorry for the long silence.

Dh is sick. *achoo*

I am sick. *snork, hack, lungus interuptus*

Dd#2 is sick. *cookie-tossing flu-like-no-other*
(Okay, she is thousands of miles away, but I'm still counting it!)

Will be back sooner than later!

"Are We There Yet?"

2008-01-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

Tonya's Winter Free Piecing class is coming right along. More of us are popping in daily as we finish tucking away Christmas things.

I embroidered, layered, quilted and bound the Christmas sign yesterday. That's quite an accomplishment for me. I'm kinda slow. (Oh hush you, you in the back row snickering!)

Oh Hey! WAIT! I also cooked 2 meals yesterday. How unusual is that? My Dh usually does most of the cooking, yeah, I know, I'm totally spoiled. I do try to do some cooking on the weekends these days. During the week, I'm gone to work 6:20am - 6:00pm, he works 4:00am - 8:30am (and sometimes until noon). He simply just has more time. I wish.

Here's my dilema. I need one more sign representing California. These signs represent states that Dh and I have lived in together..well, sort of. I need a city name in the state of California that represents Christmas. "Angels Camp" does not work for us. I may be forced to make one up if I don't get some help! OK, I'm BEGGING. What can you think of...or make up for that matter?

Arizona...It's not just about the desert!

2008-01-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

We moved here in April and quickly set about finding jobs. We didn't do much exploring, preferring to leave it "for when company visits." Now that we have j-o-b-s there isn't any time for company to come to visit! Who has vacation time? Sound familiar?

So we have been here 9 months and finally have our bearings. We're having fun getting to know our area, it's pretty foreign to us midwestern big-city "kids." Desert, washes, open spaces, and even mountains. All for us to discover and enjoy. We'll have to "do" the Grand Canyon when we have TIME!

Saturday, we spent most of the day visiting Mt. Lemmon, which is part of the Catalina Mountains. We should have visited sooner, it was lovely. 8000 feet in elevation, and we got to visit the snow!! I know many of you think that's a dirty word, but my Dh promised that once he took me away from the snow that we could at least "visit" it. That was enough coaxing, I've had enough snow memories to last my lifetime.

Once home, this was our last gift of the day. This is a shot just off our patio. It's clickable if you'd like.

A great day to explore, it was in the 30's and really windy up there, 70 at home. A nice place to visit, but wear layers!

Hopefully today will be full of sewing and I'll have something to show of my efforts soon.

Resolutions and The Orange Lion

2008-01-04T03:34:00.000-08:00

My dd#2 said I had to make a resolution before the conclusion of 2007. I couldn't think of one. single.thing. I'm pretty OK dokey these days, albeit a little fluffy. When wasn't I? That's a work-in-progress, and that's OK too. Wait, I take that back. I'm not OK. I'm fantastic. I'm happy, healthy, and have someone(s) who loves me.

One of the top 2008 resolutions made by folks was to "get their finances in order". How can I help you ask? OK, so maybe you didn't, but I'm just sayin'...

Here's something successful that is working for me. Since 2001 in fact. A shamless plug? You betcha. Wish I got something out of it. Oh yeah, I will...YOU might get happy too? *vbg*

And btw, how much interest are you getting on your regular "passbook" savings account at your local bank? If you're lucky, maybe 1%?

In 2001 I decided to save some money. Until that time, that was a strange thing for me. I hadn't had a savings account since childhood. This account I was contemplating was for "travel". My first trip was to Brazil, went, had a wonderful time, have the pictures.

I had been hearing about "an internet savings account" called Ing. Some bank in the east..or west..or maybe only on paper, was touting a huge interest rate for an internet banking savings account.

So I noodled and nosed around a bit and decided I had a little extra to put into this interesting looking account, what did I have to loose? Better than spending my $10 on a lottery ticket, imho.

Fast forward to today. I make 4.1% interest on my little savings account. I still feel like a child at Christmas, "They're giving me MONEY!" They deduct a monthly amount (which you can change, postpone or stop AT ANY TIME) from my checking account and deposit it into my ing savings account. AT ANY TIME I want money transferred back to my checking account, it's easy as a few clicks. Within 3 days, the money is back into my checking for my use. Yeah, that's a delay, but I'll tell you what..if I needed the money that bad, I would have found a quicker way to come up with the cash, lol. Oh, and get this, there are NO service fees, or monthly use fees, or transaction fees. period. I've put money in, taken it out, added my dh to my account, all the things you could do at a walk-up bank.

So here's my point. What do you have to loose? Is there $10 a month that you could part with to save for a rainy day? Yeah, they even do $10/month. And the best part? No one calls, you don't have to get dressed to go to the bank, and only you and your mouse know what you're up to! And won't YOU be the clever one?! Could this be your new Christmas Account? Or your new LONGARM account? (Whew, got your attention there, didn't I?)

Go ahead, save for a rainy day, I double-dog-dare you!

My favorite Christmas ornament and a new postcard

2007-12-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

Do you have a favorite Christmas ornament?

When the kids were small, we set out to find the perfect tree topper. We wanted an angel, but the only ones we found had blinky lights, or were just plain unsuitable. What we did find was a beautiful ballerina. Out comes the craft felt and some pearl beads and hot glue, and voila! An angel is born. (Can angels be born?) Our angel got her wings and lights upon our treetop each year thanks to twisty ties.

I had to "hang" her so I could get a picture, I'm w-a-y short!

When I was a little, my brother made a Santa that I just fell in love with. He used brown lunch bags stuffed with cotton. It's long gone now of course, but someday I'll get out a brown sack and try to replicate it.

There was ONE clear green bulb on our tree. As a child, I would lay just under the branches and gaze at that bulb. It was darn 'near a miracle, or so I thought. So clear and bright.

When looking out of our country house's window, 'bout the age of 4..I remember I could see a radio tower that had a blinking beacon. At Christmas, I was just SURE that was Santa and Rudolf. Ah, sweet innocence.

This is a postcard I did today to send to my in-laws. Hope they like it. Yeah, I know, it won't get there on time. I don't do perfection well.

Dh and I are planning to go to the Desert Museum and wander around on Christmas Day. Spend the day with each other, doing what we like to do best-just hang out together.

Please accept my dearest "Merry Christmas" wish, Happy New Year too!!!

Family is here!

2007-12-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

We've begun the Christmas season with the visit from my dd#2. Unfortunately, I don't get days off from work so we try to make the best of our weekends and weekday evenings together. Next year I'll have seniority and will have vacation rights!

Sunday we went to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Who knew?! I *ahem* strongly dislike museums, I was prepared for the worst.

My goodness, it was WONDERFUL! Even old dogs CAN be taught new tricks. Don't prejudge for heavens sake.

Look at this big kitty. Hmmm, sorry, maybe a mountain lion? I don't think it's the ocelot, they aren't polka-dotty. They had a WHOLE ZOO. I was so pleasantly surprised.

And here is a photo taken from inside the Aviary. Look at the color of this hummingbird! These guys were buzzing ALL over, and dive-bombing to boot. I just have a cheap-o camera, so you know I was close!

Here's the official plaque, for those who are curious, lol.

We had a wonderful time, we'll definately go back. Loved it SO much we bought an annual membership. Yes, I do adapt well to change!

Please visit this museum if you're ever near Tucson, just a stone's throw from I-10.

Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater

2007-12-05T03:56:00.000-08:00

I'm a little slower than most in the sewing room...

I'm a little less-confident than many of my blog-sewing friends...

But I come skidding into the room with a Part 1 finish in Tonya's Winter Class!

I will make 3 or 4 of these "signs" and "mount" them on a green (maybe candy-striped) pole. I plan to piece the background free-style. I have two other signs to the flimsy-stage but it's slow-going considering the schedule I'm keeping of late.

Stay tuned, and don't give-up on me. I don't post too often, but I sure "think" about it!!

Getting knee-deep AGAIN!

2007-11-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

"Lazygal" Tonya is holding another class, her "Winter Class", and is willing to provide her quilting expertise, love, and advice(including lots of hand-holding), for free. WOO-HOO!

I've gotten a great idea using her tutorial for free-pieced letters, come on over and take a look!!

WIP & Completions!!!

2007-10-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

I know you are tired of hearing about how many hours I work and how much I am not getting done. I decided to stop whining, aren't you glad? I gathered my recent finishes, to post on my blog, and realized that I HAVE been getting things accomplished.

I have 17 blocks of my "Realitively Neutral" quilt done. They are paper-pieced and I get about one done each weekend. This will be for my bed. MY BED, can you believe it? Of course I'll need to make a new dust ruffle and make ginormous to fit our CA King bed. Maybe by next "winter" it will be completed. I'm thinking seriously about quilting it with Baptist Fans, what do you think?
Next is the sweater I'm working on. My first attempt at a sweater, and my first attempt with circular needles. It's going ok, I'm just finishing my first skein of yarn, a worsted wool, Lion Brand, in the shade of "mushroom". I literally freeze at work so this will be appreciated. The circulars are a bit freaky, and one has come apart twice despite gluing with gorilla glue. Any other suggestions? I like the bamboo, it's more friendly on my aching hands!

I hadn't shown these before, I call these my "Arizona Socks". The color reminds me of our beautiful sunsets. They are SO comfy! The yarn is Blue Moon, sockweight.

The next pair was my first attempt at changing colors. Um, ok, probably won't do that again, lol. I MADE myself finish these last week before I could start on the sweater. I still have things to spruce up on them, ends to weave, etc., and they've not been washed or blocked. Wonder where I could get some of those sock forms, any ideas?

And for my attempt at humor..."Does this cabinet make my butt look big?" or "Can you see me now?" Mr. Lizard trying to hide today when the big humans disturbed his sun bath. If you click on the pictures you may see his lovely coloring. They don't hurt or bite..just look scarey!

Oh, and I'm sorry about the whining, you know how the kids are when they are tired? Doesn't change just cuz you get OLD.

PIF Received!!

2007-10-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

A belated thanks to Leanne from The Stitching Post for her wonderful Pay It Forward "present". Look at this wonderful pin cushion and thread basket that she made for me! She even crocheted a nest to help the bird stay upright, it is SO cute.

I have pressed my gift into heavy service while making the latest Halloween costume, the bird holds the pins nice and upright, and the thread basket is very handy.

I'm very lucky to have received my PIF from Leanne, and am wondering, wondering WHAT I'll do for my folks! Mine will have to wait until after the holidays I'm guessing, the end of overtime and 10-hour days is nowhere in sight.

Have you all done yours? Got any left-over ideas? I'm in need, lol.

Reliving a Childhood Memory

2007-10-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

I l-o-v-e making my children's Halloween costumes. Still.

The photo above was marked 10/85 making my oldest 3-1/2 and my then youngest 10 mo. My youngest was sporting a panel that was to be a Trick-or-Treat bag. She's wearing her fuzzy-footed sleeper to keep warm during those cold Ohio Autumn nights.

My oldest was a Smurf, they were all the rage then. She adored Smurfs. Had many stuffed toys depicting Smurfs and collected the little rubber figures and carried them everywhere (including the bathtub!).

I didn't have a pattern but had taken Stretch-n-Sew classes. I used a pants pattern to create white fake-fur pants that continued to flaps which covered her shoes. I used a SnS pattern to make the blue turtleneck and made a white fur hat to boot. (Complete with a jingle bell because I just couldn't resist.)

Oh goodness. My oldest is now 25 and wants Momma to make another costume. Mind you, she lives in Orlando and doesn't own a tape measure. "How big?" "Dunno, I'm skinny." She doesn't buy alot of clothes and asking her what size is just silly. I phoned her 2 younger sisters to get opinions.

This is what we're going for this time...Papa Smurf!

Same thing, this time in red. WOW! It's bright to sew on! And can you say messy? I bought a flannel pants pattern and made the pants (complete with tail!) and hat...hope my kiddo likes it!

Yeah, I know. The tail is obscene. Please remember this is the BACK of the costume. OH! I hope they have a cold snap in Orlando, she's gonna roast in fake-fur, hahahahaha! I left the shirt to her this time, that and the beard. Dh will take it to the Post Office first thing in the morning, party is next Saturday night.

Gotta love it.

Happy Anniversary!

2007-10-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

A rare look at moi, look fast, it won't last long, lol.

Today we celebrate our 3rd Anniversary.

Dh proposed before we met. Huh?

He was in CA and I was in Ohio, and we met BECAUSE of the internet. How's that for justification? We were involved with a high school alumni bulletin board, and were both "on staff".

We began instant messaging, then phoning, pretty soon we agreed to meet. It was love at "Hello."

We lived apart the first 6 months of our marriage while I settled things in the midwest. It was what we needed to do to make it work. And it did. And it was hard work.

I moved to CA and found a great job for a small community television station while he finished up working for a medical device company. We then moved to AZ to begin a home together of our own.

Be still my heart. Looking at him still gives me butterflies.

Life is good. Love is better. I am truely happy.

Exploring...Like Columbus?

2007-10-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

In "honor" of Columbus, we went exploring. Well, sort of. (all photos "clickable")

We have a State Park pass this year, and want to explore the various campgrounds - but time is scarce as hen's teeth. Tomorrow, we observe Columbus Day, which allowed us to take a mini-vacation to Picacho Peak State Park. It's just a stone's throw away from home.

We are accustomed to camping in dense redwood forests back in California, or woods with lakes back in Ohio. Here at Picacho, the largest things are the Saguaro Cacti with a small Palo Verde tree stuck here and there. Luckily, many sites have small structures over the picnic table where we chased the shade with our lawn chairs.

So the pic above was our campsite, our humble abode in the center. The weather was AWESOME, in the 80's. Cool nights made me wishing I had more than my thin hooded sweatshirt. Next week it will be back in the 90's for sure, but the break was appreciated, and well-timed.

I am "cacti crazy". My dd#3 said she was too, "But then she got over it." I am fascinated by the repetition and form, color, size...all so yummy. Gimme TEXTURE! Oh, and it's a definate, "Look-but-don't touch" activity. This photo is definately worth clicking on!

This is what happens when they get old and tired. It takes anywhere from 75 to 100 years for a saguaro to grow an arm. They often live 150 years, and are our state's symbol of sort, if not even officially! Even in death, there is life, look above this old tired one..and you see a new baby.

Here is another, that's been sitting longer than the one above. In the one above, the outer coating is still there. Here, it's reedy skeleton remains. You can see termite "glue" at the break, it's feeding yet another sector of our world's population!

Just how long can garbage survive? Figure pop-top cans became popular in the 60's, probably dominating the industry by the 70's. If I wasn't so scared of what would have been IN this can I would have taken it back to the garbage myself. You've got to be really careful out here because of scorpions, tarantulas, etc.

Thanks for coming along on my exploration, what did you do this weekend?

Friday Flashback - Happy Birthday Wish(es)

2007-10-05T05:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to 2 important people in my life. My *ahem* younger sister turns 43 today. Happy Birthday baby sister, love you.

As tradition will have it, I will call her and sing Happy Birthday. Just something silly we all do for(or is that "to") each other. I would imagine it's rather grueling to sit and listen to my warbling on the other end of the line, lol.

The second birthday is of my childhood friend Lee. Lee and I attended "Junior High" (as it was called back-in-the-day!) together, 7-9th grade. I've moved 20 or so times since then (and 4 times before then!), but we managed to stay in touch, albeit briefly, over the years. Christmas cards almost every year and I "almost" never fail to send her a birthday card. Does she need to know that since it's my baby sister's same b'day that it's impossible for me to forget? lol

Lee was a voracious reader in school. She read all those big, fat books. I read the smaller ones, and nearly not as many. Lee always sat behind me in classes, alphabetically, her name was always right behind mine. I was the Ba, she the Bu. No comment. She was fond of a tweed jumper, a navy blouse, navy opaques and hushpuppy tie-ups. She had a very wonderful family, and parents I adored, I'd stop on the way to school to pick her up, as we continued to walk the 2 blocks to school. Her father loved to tease, and I always knew that's what father's were supposed to be like. Her huge family ate at a long table, and always had laughter and love just briming. I was struggling with family issues at that time, and her place just gave me a huge sense of normalcy. We were in band together, hung around with the same few friends and chose the same pattern for our Spring Formal dress (by mistake!). We would sing in the hallway at school and had chosen Winnie The Pooh nicknames for our close group. I have no idea who was who, sorry. We were in the Flint Junior Symphony together. We'd skate on her frozen back yard ice rink...w0nderful memories.

My mouth got me in trouble more than once, can you imagine I got in trouble for talking? Humpf! Once while chatting to Lee, Mr. Mobley grabbed me and my desk (in one piece) and slid me out into the hall so he could conduct his class. I cried. I was mortified. I likely ever uttered a word in his class again. That's my style.

She's still my best friend, in my mind. She must be a wonderful mother and wife. I could imagine myself sharing many a cup of coffee at the kitchen table, if we were neighbors.

Love you Lee, wherever you are. Thanks for being a HUGE part of my life.

Aren't flashbacks fun? *sigh*

"I Love The Web"

2007-09-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I've been busy. Hrmmmm. Sorry about not blogging.

Drifting...Oh yeah, it's Happy Halloween month! It's hard for a body to think about Fall when it's still pretty darned hot here in the desert. My kids are telling me that the leaves are falling at their home and the weather is "perfect". Beauty in the eye of the beholder babe. I'm lovin' it here! We went out to eat Sushi al fresco last night in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains. Breathtaking view and great eats. (No, I don't do r-a-w. Are you kidding? I used to be in the Seafood business!)

Focus...It's taken me 3 weeks to assemble this little goody. I usually only work on it for a couple of hours on Sunday afternoons, I'm still on 10-hour days at work. My spider got a little bored when I was machine quilting and the web arches got a little flat. Whatever. I love it. It's for my cubicle at work. Something for ME.ME.ME. finally.

I also should have some socks to show soon, I am a "bus knitter". Yes, I knit in public. You should hear some of the comments. "Do you have 3 heads?" No, they didn't ask that, but they act equally as mystified, "Are you knitting a SOCK?" Another guy said, "Wow, that's a cool thing to do!" Just cracks me up. I knit to keep my hands busy. If I didn't knit, I'd fall asleep on the 25 minute ride home, and I snore like no other. Most folks are really fastinated, and love to watch, makes me a bit nervous! Anyway, this is my third pair, and NOT my last. I do have a sweater planned for my next project, and I've never tried that either. I promised myself I would not start it until I finished this sock. I often wish I wasn't so stubborned.

That's all from me here. I've been keeping up with everyone else's blogs and commenting when the mood strikes. I love all that you're working on, so forge ahead!!

Yes, YOU make me smile!

2007-09-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

From the author of the award:The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading his/her blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell and I am grateful every day for each person whom I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with. I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement.

WOO-HOO!

I've been nominated by Atet for the "You Make Me Smile" Award.

Most of the time I wince when I see these awards floating around, yet blissful in my anonymity, and not required to further nominate others.

This was totally different. This was something I could get my head around. Thank you Atet.

I was once described by my boss to his friend (who can never keep a secret!) that I was a "simple girl and hard worker." Um yeah, that pretty much says it all. I don't go for fancy or complicated, and I love to work hard. My family is the most important thing to me, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't talk (or text) (or blog message) one of my grown-up kids who live thousands of miles from me. And btw, my dh IS my life, my shining star, my *sigh*.

I am pleased to be awarded, and I've got the perfect choice for the person I wish to nominate in turn. Have you ever read Dorothy's blog? Does she know you read her blog? Have you left her a comment? I know she'd be pleased if you left her a little luv. Does she know I read her blog at 4:30am in the morning? Does she know she is the first blog I read every morning? Tongue-in-cheek humor, and boy does she get cheeky sometimes, lol. Does she know I followed her from About.com and was tickled as punch to be able to read her blog?

Dorothy makes me smile. and smile some more. Thank you Dorothy. Go forth and pass the smile, I hereby award you the "You Make Me Smile" Award.

And if you would also like to accept this award, please do so unselfishly. You deserve it! Oh come on, at least 9 of you!

Sunday Fare

2007-09-16T09:41:00.001-07:00

Does your Sunday include family and friends? Mine usually does. Yet, not a family member lives within 300 miles and friends exist "at work".

So how do we "do it"? Online baby!

Above is pictured the Yahoo game of Literati(almost exactly like Scrabble), being played by dd#2 and I this morning. Her day on EST is well underway, my day in PST is just beginning. We chat and play, sometimes more than one game..but still a way to communicate. Another friend "way up there in Canada", played 3 games last night. Sometimes if we're lucky, the 3 of us play together. Imagine being lucky enough to gather AZ, OH and Canada at one table! OH! And the price is right - FREE.

So while we play, I got some knitting done, dh worked on a computer at the other end of the sofa (he's building some computer's software on a 3rd laptop..dunno) and next in line is some sewing I do believe!

Have a wonderful day, and figure out how to reach out and gather those family members close..one way or another!

Beep Beep ! !

2007-09-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I'm just boring! So I've left out the boring days...but it's never boring around this house! While I was away at work yesterday, dh was having a visit with a Road Runner.

Yes, this is the same creature they have portrayed for the Road Runner cartoon. Dh said he was about as big as a chicken. I guess the bucket is about 16" high.

Then this morning, most of the neighborhood was awakened(?) by a HUGE coyote in the wash, barking his fool head off. He sounded so comical with a howl at the end of each barking spaz. Don't know what he was fussing about, maybe he was alerting his pack that, "Denny's was open 24 hours, come and get it!" Even more comical tho were the half dressed, mussed hair folks who were popping their head up over their concrete wall (that edges the wash). I felt like I wanted to play "Wack-a-mole". OK, I was still in my nightie and dh in his sleeping shorts, lol...I was just as bad.

We are still having mostly 100F (38C) degree days but the nights are cooling into the mid-70'sF (22C). I am SO looking foward to some cooler weather. I'm headed out today to find some wool/acryllic blend yarn to begin my first sweater. By the time I finish (don't put money on it) cooler weather will be here. I'm the eternal optimist. I'm almost finished with my third pair of socks and I PROMISE not to start the sweater until the socks are finished. PROMISE.

Dh scored a treasure trove of bamboo knitting needles on ebay last week for me. He found complete sets of both 24" and 16" circulars and complete sets of both 6" and 5" dpns for the price of just a few pair. With one pair ranging around $9, I got them all for about $2. Nice score and a patient dh, he was in 4 separate auctions that all had those rapid flurries at the end. I don't have the patience for them, nor do I "get it".

I've been working 10 hour days again on a special project. It's almost 1/2 done but I think the boss has some more "ideas". I'm anxious to have a quiet weekend at home, how about you?

I've also been squeezing some Sunday afternoon sewing, more on that later, when it actually looks like something!

Hugs!

Kate & Friends by Christine Thresh

2007-09-01T17:44:00.001-07:00

These are two of Kate's closest friends. Charming couple, eh? It's hubby and I! I was lucky enough to be a "Pattern Tester" for Christine Thresh. I completed mine first, goodness...and I that boring? It's pretty true to form tho, I'm just a simple gal.

Hubby picked out his clothing fabrics, ever the style guy. His clothing always matches and his shoes match his belt *sigh*.

Christine's pattern was SO accurate, it went straight from testing to publication. You can find her pattern order page here , I've ordered effortlessly from her before using PayPal.

I loved doll dressing as a kid, was it McCall's Magazine? Anywho, check out her page, you can see the endless possiblities for this pattern.

I plan to make our blocks into a wall-hanging to celebrate our third anniversary!

I loved being a pattern tester, if you ever have the chance, GO FOR IT! I hope I get another opportunity.

Have a wonderful weekend, celebrate like it's a holiday, even it's not where you live! I've been thrown back into the Lion's Den and have been tapped to do a "special project" which includes another month of overtime. Geez Louis, lol.

Good Thoughts - a request

2007-08-30T05:35:00.001-07:00

My dd#2 had a very scarey day yesterday.

Please click on the link and go over to Erika's page, she's posted a request. She and Aidan need a little love today.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

Look at what I won!

2007-08-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

In June, I won these lovely Quilt Hangers with my entry to Niki's Blog: www.nikisventures.blogspot.com

Sadly, I have NO quilt to hang with them, but they are waiting in the wings. I have a large area over my fireplace in the great room...the pattern all picked out...and a quilt in the fabric gathering stage! WOO-HOO!

I didn't post this timely, and I apologize to Niki. We all know what happened to my June/July year-end close and new job, WHEW, I'm glad that won't happen for another few months (although, like a true nerd, I loved the excitement!)

Please take a moment to stop by her blog and give her a "Howdy". She is a great detective and finds lots of free pattern sites, and posts lots of goodies! She's also has lots of nice things to offer in her "shop" too, the link is on the sidebar of her blog.

Passing on the "Creative Gene"

2007-08-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in a previous post that my middle daughter had been bitten by the "Postcard Bug" and had created a card for her college friend. Below are her #2 and #3 cards. The one on the left was for the family she babysits for and the one on the right is for another friend's birthday.

My photo was a little blurry, please don't attempt to adjust your set. Interestingly, she did all her work on the background and then fused it together. I go about it the other way, fuse the layers together and keep adding. How about you? She had beads on the candle flames and sequins and beads as the cake decorations, they all travelled well thru the mail and were received in great shape. Good job daughter! (I've made ONE, lol.)

Now the next photo requires a bit of a story. When my youngest daughter was coming to our Sister's Gathering at the beginning of the month, she was flying on stand-by. She got hung-up in Dallas and had to search out the USO for assistance. They put all soldiers up in the terminal, occupying a bit of one gate area, with cots and overnight packets. My daughter was so thankful, as soon as she arrived she was rooting around in my sewing studio and came up with a UFO. (Imagine that!) These blocks and medallion were from 1999 when our "guild" called "Serial Quilters" gathered 40 quilters together, for the weekend, for "Ohio '99" in a hotel meeting room. The 40 quilters gifted the organizers with medallions and coordinating blocks according to our tastes. Anywho..my daughter zipped them together into a top and completed it in a matter of 3 days, layer, sandwiched and bound. huh!

Daughter delivered it to the Dallas USO on her way home, along with 4 covered pillow forms that she made slips for.

My youngest stayed after Sister's for four days. The night before she left I went to bed at 9pm and I left her reading. When I awoke the next morning and that crazy kid had put together a small lap quilt for herself from a charm pack she had gone shopping for while visiting. Um..pieced, layered, quilted, bound. She had stayed up until 3am. Ok, so it takes me years to finish something. Can I be 20 again?

Obviously you have to be 20 to look this good when you get woken up at 6am for a good-bye kiss!

Loves my girls!!

Names Changed to Protect the Innocent

2007-08-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

Sisters 2007

Each year our family gets together as a Family Preservation thing. We live all across the USA, 2500 miles apart at some points. Ohio, California, Arizona and Texas were represented this year.

This year it was my turn to host our gathering here in the western desert. Not everyone is present, my oldest daughter was busy with work, my niece's kid's were busy and a couple of husbands were otherwise occupied. Nephew and family were away on a golf outing.

It was my idea to get everyone together for an old timey picture, a glimpse of what it could have been like back in the day. Ladies had a choice of "Saloon Gal" or "Prairie Gal" and the guys were all gun slingers.

The 3 "original Sisters" are in positions 2, 6 & 9 if you count left to right. Yeah, I'm #2 and in the middle of the birth order, lol. My handsome husband is on my right. My youngest is #3, my middle daughter is #7. The 3 kids belong to my younger sister, the rifle toting Mama in the middle. My oldest sister's daughter is in position #5. (I wonder why both of my single daughters have guns!?)

After our photo shoot we ate at the cowboy restaurant that is part of the western town theme. The kids had neck-ties which were supposed to cut off by the bad guys in the restaurant because it's not your fancy-eatin' kind of place. Instead the bad guys had them each write on their ties, "I'm with Stupid" and an arrow pointing at each other.

We had a great weekend, the kids swam in the pool and hiked in the washes, the adults sat around and played "Catch Phrase" and the dice game called "Right, Left, Center". Hubby came out $45 to the good, I broke even.

Overtime is officially OVER, company is gone...and I'm happily anticipating some good sewing time. I have news to post about my 2 girls and their sewing, they put their mother to shame! Blog fodder for the next few days.

My daughter's first Fabric Postcard!!!

2007-07-28T19:41:00.001-07:00

My dd#2 is visiting for 10 days from Ohio. We haven't seen each other in a YEAR! Yes, I know that's hard to believe, but hardly a day goes by without speaking by phone or playing a game of Literati together online.

Since I'm on heavy overtime (YEAH...the end is in site, next Friday is our done-date), dd has been entertaining herself sufficiently. Dh has really stepped up too (as a new stepfather), taking her to the driving range, and to visit the Sahauro National Park.

I made my first fabric postcard about a month ago, and dd#2 saw it. SHE'S HOOKED. She spent literally ALL day in my sewing studio, creating! OMG, I'm in awe. She made an apron in 7th grade, but that was the only time she ever has sewn. (edit: #3 made the apron, #2 made a Smiley Faced pillow, lol-oops!). ANYWAY, She only asked a few questions, and I'm totally impressed. Please go take a look and leave a note of encouragement if you have a moment, Erika's blog.

dd#3 arrives next Thursday, we have our annual Sister's Reunion next weekend. I hear she's interested in purchasing a sewing machine, could I possibly be lucky enough to have cultured TWO artists? One can only hope!!!

Cacti Crazy

2007-07-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Only logged 8.75 hours of overtime last week, THAT'S a good sign. Next week we're scheduled to work both Saturday and Sunday....so I am hoping last week's scheduled 13.5 turning into 8.75 was a good sign for the future. That makes sense, right? August 3 at 5pm is our drop-dead date/time so I may be insentia until then. I do get my reading in during the early hours howsomever.

I passed out yesterday afternoon after work, didn't even hear the phone when it rang at 6pm. That's tired.

Today I reintroduced myself to my lovely Janome. Oh Janome, my name is Fitzy, don't you remember me? After a briefing, we were in good stead.

I have family visiting August 3-6 and I am a nervous Nelly. I have an inferiority complex I guess, I never feel like I can measure up to their expectations.

So we needed new kitchen towels. We priced them at Bed, Bath & Beyond, the decorated ones were hugely expensive, but I WANTED decorated ones, lol...so what's a gal gonna do? Make what you want.

Ok, they aren't great, but they're kitchen towels for goodness sake. They depict what I love about Arizona. They'll get dirty and stained, and cost me $2 each. And I love them. That's all that matters!

The alarm rings at 4:00am, better start thinking now about what to pack for lunch, I'm not exactly at the top of my game at that hour.

The dinner that almost was

2007-07-15T17:30:00.001-07:00

June 30th was our fiscal year close at the County Offices. I hired into the Finance Department on June 19, WHAT WAS I THINKING?? lol The HR person enticed me by telling me that all county employees hired by the 24th were getting a 5% raise, so I caved and started right away.

The month of July is our forgiveness period while we get all invoices loaded into the system to be paid, and mandatory overtime. This last week I started 45 minutes before normal time and stayed 2 hours after quitting time, and worked 6.5 on Saturday. It was a l-o-n-g week, to get progressively longer as the days go by.

I ride the express bus to and from work. Since I am a county employee, I get a break of a $10 monthly pass. Can't buy 1/2 a tank of gas for one WEEK at that rate. I actually love it. It's a great way to relax if you ask me. Unfortunately, the last bus leaves downtown at 5:40pm, and I need to work until 7.

I had arranged to ride most of the way home with a co-worker, when working late, and did so Monday. Tuesday when we tried to leave, her car wouldn't start and we had to wait for more than an hour for the tow.

My dh came to town and rescued the two of us and we dropped her off at a family member's house. Needless to say, dh is worried about the reliability of my friend's car and is more than happy to pick me up in the evenings now.

Anywho, Tuesday, we were starving by the time the tow arrived and stopped on the way home for fast food at 8pm (Ugh!). We ate at the restaurant. We got home about 8:30 and this is what I find:

Dinner completely prepared, table set with all the newly unpacked Blue Willow and Fostoria Crystal that I've inherited, silverware was polished, crystal candle holders filled and napkins cleverly arranged.

He uttered not one word while we scarfed our burgers. He never complained one iota. I cried.

It's wonderful to be loved and appreciated and SURPRISED.

Oh yeah, he's a keeper.

My 5 things MeMe

2007-07-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Gee thanks NORMA, lol.

My 5 things MeMe:

5 things to do before I die
Get down to a healthy weight AND STAY THERE
Have self-confidence
Make a quilt for MYSELF
Not be a burden to my childeren
Keep travelling and exploring

5 things I can do
Be a good person
Give you my advice
Enjoy the rest of my life with my dear husband
Read books like no other
Do whatever it takes to get whatever it is DONE

5 things I cannot do (and refuse to for the most part!)
Discuss politics
Discuss religion
Tell a joke
Remember a plot
Understand T accounting

5 things that attract me to the opposite sex
Kindness
Respectfulness
Sincere smile
Good grooming
Smiling eyes

5 celeb crushes
Kurt Russell
Tom SelleckUm…dunno who else, I'm so over the "crush" age, lol.

I still owe Tonya a Meme, and I owe Niki a post of the awesome quilt hangers I won on her blog. I owe Erika a post about a gift I received from her, and I can't wait to show you my surprise my dh had for me Tuesday evening. Gosh, working overtime is getting my a** in a sling!

Oh and Erika, I tag YOU!

2007-07-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

Pass It Forward (Part Two)

OK, I was desperate to be gifted by Dorothy, lol. So I'm opening it up to the next three.

So, from Dorothy's blog...

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week... LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

Post a comment, and if you're shameless too, post this on YOUR blog!

Just call me crazy! (It's really no surprise!)

WHO wants to play???

2007-07-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

Pass It Forward

This what I found on Leanne's blog, I'm playing, will you?

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week... LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

So....comment already, this is as close to a contest as I'll ever get, lol. Then put that lil blurb on yours and play along. (When you do, send me your snail mail address!)

I'm so excited!

Friday Flashback - A little bit o' me

2007-07-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

1960 - Pleasant Lake, Michigan - 3 yrs.

My oldest sister was probably closer to being my mother than I'll ever fully understand. She always "says" that I was "her baby". She was 10 when I was born and I guess her mothering instincts kicked in early. I am sure it is she who took the picture, and made the swing stayed in motion. If you'll look closely, you'll see my brother in the background playing catch with himself, lol, and a favorite tabby passing by.

In my memories, this is my "favorite" house. Maybe just because it was my first memory. Painted a Williamsburg Blue color, a cinder driveway, with great red barn and out-buildings. Just a rental, as all childhood houses I lived in.

My sister would bike us to the lake, riding me, for a mile or so, in the wire basket on the front. Wonder if her teenage friends thought it was odd she was stuck with her kid sister. She begged to take me along tho, it was just natural for her.

Guess it's not surprising that when my parents divorced that I lived with her during my 3 years of high school. I was a bigger baby by then, but still "her baby".

My sisters don't read blogs, and barely use the computer, but I need to figure out how to tell my sister thank you for her unselfish unconditional love and care. She turns 60 this year, can you help me think of a way? (Yes, she already has a quilt!)

And btw, start doing these Friday Flashbacks! It's a great way to revive (and record) a few dusty old memories.

"But it's a dry heat!"

2007-07-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July here certainly has the ! HOT ! part, lol. It was predicted to get to 115F, but thankfully it always seems to fall short a few degrees. No, I'm not complaining, Norma, Leah, Niki, etc., probably had higher temps(?).

We went for an early swim and did as much yard work as the temps allowed then kicked back with a second pot of coffee. Coffee and english muffins with fresh pineapple poolside for breakfast and an early lunch at IHOP. Boy, we have an exciting life, no?

I'm trying to kick back and relax, I have a busy month of July with my new job. Hiring into the Finance Dept. of our County was a brave move, but I'm questioning my sanity because we're at year-end...ouch. Except this Saturday, I work each Saturday this month, and even a Sunday too for good measure. I will be one tuckered gal by month-end.

I'm up to 14 blocks on my neutral log cabin blocks. I know it's going slow, but that's to be expected, I have NO life right now!

We'll skip the fireworks tonight, I have to be up at 4:00 each morning, so my bedtime is right about BOOM time! Hope you're enjoying your holiday, I sure have!

Friday Flashback - What was he thinking?

2007-06-29T04:37:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had the neighbor from Hell?

Did you let him get your goat?

ba-ba-bad neighbor.

In 2005 I moved from the midwest to CA after marrying my high school sweetie. Well sorta. (Another story, another day maybe.) We actually married in 2004 but I had to recondition and sell my condo and a daughter needed to graduate before moving. Very hysterically complicated, but all worked out ok, but it wasn't so fun being married and living 2500 miles apart for the first 6 mo., lol.

Anyway, back to the silly picture. When it became obvious to my neighbor that I was moving, he began to display some VERY strange behavior. I don't know if alzheimer's begins to display this way or not, but he was very odd with his actions.

His sitting room (a bedroom he used for television and reading, etc.) windows faced the parking lot, and was directly in front of where I would park. That room was along side the long wall that connected with my condo. (His 2 sitting windows on the left, my 2 kitchen windows on the right behind the tree). He had mini-blinds on those 2 windows and in the evening he would turn on a bright stand-up lamp, place it on the far side of the room, and proceed to sit on the sofa in his white cotton undershirt and boxers. Oh..did I forget to mention his outfit included the lampshade, ON HIS HEAD, the entire evening as he sat to watch TV (which was also blaring because his hearing was poor). It would be very dark outside, his miniblinds drawn at 45-degree angles (opposite of course) by pulling only one string of the system, and sit in all his glory for friends, visitors and prospective buyers to see. He left the blinds like this all day while I had it for sale. Now go back and click on that last pictures to get a load of those blinds, you can't see it if you don't click, lol.

Normally, Silly Billy, was a fastidious guy. His flowers were the talk, his unit was stunning. He'd redone the entire place, and it was gorgeous.

What could possibly have been his motivation?

1) He maybe thought the next neighbor could be worse than I was?

2) He wanted to pull his property value down? Hadn't he recently tried to sell?

3) He really didn't want me to move? Before he got goofy I had made applesauce from the apples from his tree for him...baked him cookies...shared veggies from my garden.

I had to contact the HOA who sent him a stern letter about "being a good neighbor" and most of the silliness stopped for a bit.

This picture was taken as my movers were packing the moving van, and the last day we day we saw Bill.

Poor Silly Billy, I wish him all the luck, he was so sick. You have to pity a man who tries to make the world as grumpy-at-heart, just to make himself feel better.

Mentalpause & the Trainwreck of Emotions

2007-06-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

My dh and I went to Cracker Barrel this Sunday morning when we discovered we were out of milk. (Like we need an excuse to go out?)

My "baby" used to work at Cracker Barrel and donned her cute little 3 star apron (maybe 4?) and off she'd scamper to serve the weary and hungry travellers. Don't roll your eyes, she was cute. Even if her freshly laundered shirt still smelled like the restaurant, lol. She is a workhorse, and has made everyone proud with her work ethic.

This is a picture of my youngest last fall just after completing Army Basic Training. (She posts her pic on My Space...so I shouldn't get fussed at...right?) I may have shared it before, it's one of my favorites.

Today at Cracker Barrel, a boatload of Reservists piled into a table that were in clear view. Another customer got out of his seat and patted the shoulder of one of the soldiers and said, "Good job." I had to change seats with dh, my goodness, I miss my kidlets. Something about seeing those guys in uniform just tugs at my heart. I know she's a Reservist, I know she wears the uniform proudly and is willing to serve at a moment's notice. I've yet to see her in this uniform tho, and seeing these guys just makes it so much more profound for me. I tear up every dang time I see them. Airports are bad too, lol.

So I changed seats, and wouldn't you know it, another table was seated in my view, lol. I sucked it up, our table only had so many sides!

I'll get to see 2 of my 3 girls in late July. My 2 sisters and I gather together every summer to regain our touch of family. My sister's daughter and my daughters join us whenever possible. I make a point to involve all family members for a family reunion when it's my turn to host. I get to see the extended family children so seldom this is my golden opportunity.

My 3 girls live 2000+ miles from me. Work and money keep us apart far too long. We communicate often and share, "I love you" on the phone...but my goodness, it's been WAY long this time!

Hey girls, "COME ON DOWN".

I'm this girl's "Mamma Llama", I have no idea how I got this name, but I kinda like it! *vbg* I'll just presume it's 'cuz I'm warm and fuzzy, and leave it at that, lol.

Oh, and #2? She'll be next in the spotlight. 8^)

I survived!!!

2007-06-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

No, it really wasn't that bad. I actually had a good day...I think, lol.

My job is in the AP Section of the Finance & Risk Department of our County. I have never worked for the government, so this is "an experience". I have "my own" cubicle and a fairly quiet office of 5 others. The end of fiscal is this month, and I was told pre-employment that if chosen, I would be working all Saturdays of July (but I do get overtime!). I bit off a big nut, huh! Might as well see how ugly it gets, then enjoy the quieter time.

I was able to "be green" and take the Express bus to town, I get a pass for the entire month for $10. It's about 15 miles one way and you do have to pay for parking, so this is a win-win situation I dare say! The bluework goes with me in the morning for sure. I missed it at lunchtime, the first day of work lunch is always terribly akward.

Thank you for all your well wishes. My mouth is healing, I stayed pretty much "on" my ibuprophen which worked like a charm. Good thing they didn't do a specimin test, I have ALOT of drugs in my system, lol. Just a little jaw pain left, that's to be expected. What a crazy few days I've had.

Have a great "rest of the week", I'll be checking in really early in the AM, and again just before bed each day to make sure y'all are behaving!

Oh, and I strongly recommend you find out what Nadine's up to, she's got something up her sleeve! www.sewingnana.blogspot.com

Join me on my pity pot please

2007-06-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Just when I get too big for my britches...
...the sinus infection that I had been treating for antibiotics...

...turned into an emergency root canal today. My dental appointment was 1:00pm, my endodontist at 3:15pm, I just got home at 6:30pm.

...I start my new job tomorrow.

Please hug chipmunk cheeks gently today.

(I did get some stitching done while waiting and another neutral log cabin done today tho, lol..ouch, t'ain't much fun to smile)

Friday Flashback & I GOT A JOB!

2007-06-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

WOO-HOO...Somebody WANTS me!!!

Now if I could just figure out how this interview went any different! I've been interviewing since late April and prospective employers would say, "We'll get back with you in a FEW WEEKS." Didn't they need someone NOW? I just don't get the mentality here, but that's because I cut my big girl teeth in the Silicon Valley where you seriously have to hold your own!

I went on the "winning" interview Thursday at 3:20pm, finished by 3:45pm, pulled into my driveway at 4:30 and they were on the phone with an offer. Additionally, if I could start by the 24th, I could enjoy a 4.6% increase as of July 1. Um, yeah?!

To my benefit, all I can say is this was a jury of my peers type interview. We seemed to be *ahem* all in the same station of life, and I am excited to have some prospective friends and co-workers. My last couple of jobs were in small locations with few employees.

So now that you're all hepped up, how about a flashback into "Old Jobs". OMG, mine are SO varied. And look at those notes, WHY did I put up with this??? lol

Dental Assistant - 2 yr in high school; 1 yr in college - pre-glove era; pre-AIDS

Chevrolet Assembly Line Worker - 3 mo. while in college on an assignment. What an education, and what a fun job! I kid you not!

Nutrition Aide in Senior's Home - 2 weeks - served toast

Data Entry clerk - 3 yrs - Sprinkler system design - worked in unheated warehouse in MI

Data Entry clerk - 2 yrs - office made in retired bathroom lounge

Mortgage collections servicing clerk - 3 yrs - loved working near home

Secretary to Comptroller @ another mortgage co. - 1 yr. - WAY out of my element

Clerk at same mortgage co. auditing mortgage packages - 2 yrs. - b-o-r-i-n-g

Home child care - 11 years while 3 girls were young - was like getting paid to stay home. We had a blast...all of us!
Shipping store manager - 6 years - I can still pack the snot into/out of anything or design anything out of cardboard.
Retail fish monger - 6 mo. - Kids would ask me to go to the laundry room to peel off my clothes before I socialized with the family

Shrimp Importing Secretary - 6 years - I.loved.this.job. Got to organize every bit of this company into a well-oiled machine. Every thing from choosing the software to designing the entire UPC system. Nothing better than working from which you created.

Community Television Admin. Asst. - 1 yr - I.loved.this.job. Had to leave some very dear friends and associates behind when dh's job shifted. I was chief-cook-and-bottle washer, learned how to film television programs and do live shoots. A great creative outlet.

I start Tuesday, I'll probably not catch up with myself until next weekend, this will be an adjustment after almost 3 months of sleeping in until 5:15 (OK, so I'm an early riser!) and doing our "own thang".

Wish me luck!

2-fer today, please read on!

2007-06-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just because I care...

http://hugnation.com/

See you Tuesday 1pm PST.

Quilting Fitzy

Yummy Sunday

2007-06-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

I l-o-v-e to cook.

DH l-o-v-e-s to cook.

So I do my best to stay out of the kitchen.

I surrender to temptation about once a week, and today was THE day.

This is my Apple Dapple Cake recipe. It makes 2 loaves, and it freezes VERY well.

No, I still haven't found the "Celery Salt" ceramic that I'm searching for. There are several on ebay, I'm still watching for the specific one to complete my silly set.

One hour of cooking and the carmel sauce on top...yields:

Yeah, I couldn't resist to dig it outta the pan before it was entirely cooled, lol. This loaf is 1/2 gone (with the addition of coffee) and hopefully I'll get the second loaf in the freezer before we eat it. Suppose you could top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream, but we like it naked.

Apple Dapple Cake

2 c. sugar

3 eggs

1-1/2 c. oil (I use canola)

Combine above ingredients and beat well.

Add 1 t. vanilla

In separate bowl combine:

3 c. flour sifted with

1 t. soda

1 t. salt

Add dry to wet ingredients and add:

3 c. raw chopped peeled apples (I used Gala)

1 c. chopped pecans

Pour into 2 standard loaf pans, greased and floured.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Topping (make just as cakes finish baking)

Place in saucepan:

1 c. light brown sugar

1 stick butter

1/4 c. evaporated milk

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil 2-1/2 mintes.

Pour over hot cakes while topping is hot

Cool completely in pans before removing

Freezes very well.

Let me know if you try it!

Enjoy your day today~

Bluework HELP needed!

2007-06-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

Of course, true to form, once I uttered the words, "I don't like redwork," I was destined to fall deeply in love with the next closest thing, BLUEWORK.

I collect pre-depression cobalt glass, so my attraction to all things blue is common knowledge. You know now...right? 8^)

I purchased this kit about 7 years ago while on a mini-vacation to Reno, Nevada. I looked out my hotel window and lo-and-behold, a quilt shop right next door!

The pattern is "Cottage Cameos" by Plumples of Idaho.

This is my first stitchery project of this kind. I've done lots of pre-printed pillowcases and never had the problem I am experiencing. I completed these 3 blocks back in 2000 right after purchasing the kit. Now a few years down the road I am motivated to work on it again. The patterns were all pre-transferred, and they are disappearing!!! They are dispersing into the surrounding fabric, blurring so I can hardly figure out where to stitch. BUT....that's not all, when I gently wash the blocks (I used a couple drops of dish soap-Palmolive) the dispersed areas are not washing out! If you click on "Baking" block for example, you can see a rosey glow under the stitching.

I have not pressed these blocks because I'm afraid the ink will set and I'll never get it all out. They have never been subject to extreme heat or extra moisture or anything, just all bundled together waiting patiently for my return. (Not even in a ziploc! I swear!)

So...what to do, what to do?

I need your help. Should I try Shout spray or OxyClean? Will that adversely effect the perl cotton?

Needless to say, I'm stitching like mad before I can't see the design any longer, but geez, I'd like to get it out once I'm finished, what a pickle!

Pool Horror Story & Log Lost Love

2007-06-05T15:57:00.001-07:00

When we fell in love with this house in December, we were wearing our rose colored glasses. We didn't see a few things that we should have, I suppose we are not alone. In reality, ALL of our oversights would not have made dollar-one difference but it would have been "nice to know upfront", right? (Please ignore the fact that I didn't skim before I took the picture!)

We have really hard water. No, our's is worse, OH YEAH, IT IS! The prior owner did not put an effort into keeping the lime at bay and boy, are we paying his dues. We found a gentleman to use Magnesium Sulfate (epsom salt) to blast away the lime. We were ecstatic, we felt very "green" and epsom would not scratch our tiles. He quoted a logical price and began the morning we were returning from our camping trip. As we pulled up at noontime he was putting his gear away and said laughingly that, "He quit!". Hmmm, ok, we'll see you tomorrow? No, I quit. No amount of money could encourage his completion so we said, "OK, BYE..." and he left agreeing to accept no money for the 1/3 of our pool he had completed. He said the lime was too thick and he would take too long, and use too much product. Geez Louise, he did the initial quote in person. We did save $525 tho, lol...well, sorta.

We refilled the pool and went on to try to find someone who could complete our job. You can't leave a pool unfilled in our climate. Could.not.find.one.soul.who.would.complete.the.job. Oh crap, 1/3 of the pool looks STUNNING, the other 2/3 looks like above. And further, there is some type of sealant on the tiles (see the blackish stain), it's not mold, it does come off!

We were left to our own devices. We found a synthetic pumice stone (you can't use real pumice stones either, they scratch!) on my sister's recommendation and ordered 2 cases of them. You can see the blue remnants poolside. You have to scrub...and...scrub...and scrub. But goodness, they look better than the epsom salt application!!! One block cleans about 4-5 tiles and sands your hands while you're at it. Now if I could just scrub with my feet, hahaha.ew. And yes, we are gluttons for punishment. And OH, those bicepts!

OK, so I am now in the middle of yet another project. I tried (and previously posted) a paperpieced log in neutrals, and after 4 blocks, I think it IS A GO! If I had my druthers, the logs would have been smaller, but this is for a California King and the view from the great room is at least 20 feet away. This will be a s-l-o-w project since I'm nursing a bad rotator cuff, and begin PT on Thursday. Rian, your strips are beginning to creep in, the lower right has some! Thanks da-link!

Friday Flashback - The Haunted Castle

2007-06-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

The city where I raised my three girls is a sleepy little bedroom community in Ohio. Smack dab in middle America. A dozen traffic lights, many churches, lovely park facilities, soccer fields, softball fields and one CASTLE.

This castle was built by hand, one “brick” at a time, beginning as Castle LaRoche in 1929 by Harry Andrews, a Knight of the Golden Trail. Harry died in 1981 but his legacy still lives on. One of Knight’s of the Golden Trail organization fundraisers used to be “The Haunted Castle” during the period around Halloween.

Halloween in Ohio is usually damp and drippy, on the verge of being downright cold. I do recollect one Halloween with a 7” snowfall and having to have soccer matches that morning. The refs had to slog their feet along the field markings to be able to make their calls.

Anyway, I digress. Lost in the abyss of my memories *sigh*

You would park at a nearby park and take a shuttle bus (aka commissioned school bus) down the very steep hillside to the castle which is nestled along the riverbank. This all contributed to the ferver of the hauntiness. They would let you into the castle just a few at a time and you would wind your way along the cold dank recesses being “boo’d” and “screamed” along the way…cold fingers raking your hair, chains clanking, scarey noises, the whole nine yards.

The girls became old pro’s after a few repeat seasons, it all became too familiar I guess. It was a “family event”, and we all would come away breathless and giggly. The girls still search out Haunted Houses tho, Cincinnati has their share of some “good” ones, yet I don’t think this certain fundraiser remains active. You can however, still arrange to be married there, schedule scouting overnights, etc., or just tour the castle.

Those were the days.

Friday Flashback - 1975 My First Car

2007-05-25T14:10:00.001-07:00

In 1975 I received my first car, a 1968 VW Beetle. She began her life with me as a white car with black interior. Yes, yes, of course there's a story!

My parents divorced in the Spring of 1972. My mother and younger sister went to live with her my mother's elderly parents, my mother was helping with her mother who was becoming increasingly ill with emphysema. My sister was about 4. My older sister (by 10 years) offered to let me come to live with her and her family (dh + 2 children), so I did. A terribly generous gesture of my sister and her family, I need to tell her "Thank You" again.

I lived in Detroit 1972-1975, attending public high school. I graduated in 1975 and my sister and her family presented me with my first car, an adorable Bug! WOW! Can you say over-and-above?

Met my first dh in Sept of '75 (married 09/76) and he had a hobby of car restoration. He took my semi-rusty white bug(what doesn't get rusty in Michigan?) and made it all brand new and shiney candy apple red. It was a mighty fine looking vehicle and I loved that thing to death. (Googled the picture, can't believe I couldn't come up with ONE picture of my first car!!) He restored several other cars we had over the years...candy apple red. It was an "easy color to paint", he said.

My bug died a polite death(while on my watch), I locked bumpers with a brand new car on a busy road in rush hour. The bug had nothing in the front trunk, and it caved mercilessly. I stole her pride. I traded that car to my then BIL where it lived out the rest of her days, I never really wanted to hear the "rest of her story."

What was your first car?

Maybe? Probably? Hopefully?

2007-05-24T05:50:00.000-07:00

My interviews yesterday were just plain fun. Now how weird is that! I guess when you are seasoned enough in job hunting, you can start to play your skills you've learned along the way.

I'm talking body language, etc. "Sit with head slightly tilted," "Look interested," "Let your hands rest easily in your lap instead crossed in front of you." I was amazingly calm, maybe because I am only looking for a job where and with whom I want to work?

The first interview went very well, I've heard from my last boss and one of my personal references, that they've been called and grilled. This particular position is a newly created position so I'll really be free to make it what I can. I like that! This department has also just moved into a brand-spanking new building; I like that too!

The second interview went well too. It's more of an accounting admin. job, and what I'm trained to do. I'll have to see what they offer, if they do...you are only allowed to take vacations in April and October/November because of work load. That sounds a little scarey.

I have an upcoming interview with the Bar Association next week, hopefully I'll have something in the works already and won't need to go there, we'll see, it's always an adventure.

Thanks for all your crosses and thinkings! 8^) I just knew you'd all help me come thru with flying colors. You're the best.

Make that TWO interviews Wednesday

2007-05-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

OK, so now you have to get the neighbor, or the closest child or spouse to cross fingers and toes (with you) for me!

I have not one...but TWO interviews tomorrow at University of Arizona, one at 10am, one at 2:15pm PST.

These interviews are really important for me to nail. My dh is the most fantastic husband, and this is his chance for semi-retirement. He is anxiously awaiting to be the house husband, and he ROCKS at that job!!! Anyway, what I'm telling you is that he is thrilled to take care of us and our home.

Probably won't know anymore tomorrow night than I do right now...but I'll know I've done my best.

Thanks for supporting me in the wings.

And thanks Erika for the picture change. Pretty much what it looks like around here! You'll love it.

Job Interview & strip request

2007-05-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited! Got a call back requesting an interview Wednesday, the 23rd.

Please send all your positive vibes, and cross those fingers and toes...it's a place where I REALLY would enjoy working. (Hopefully my grammer will improve before tomorrow!)

I had an interview appointment set for today with a cloth manufacturer. DH and I took a drive by the place last evening. Oh, I think not; in a very iffy part of town. Now, THAT would have been very cool. Looked tho like they contract it all out, as the fabric is all hand stamped. Not exactly the type of work force (nor conditions) I'm supportive of, but I was willing to learn more about the company before making a decision.

Sprouts are doing their thang in spite of my less-than-perfect method, and I've managed to make another neutral log block.

Would anyone be interested in swapping 2"x10" of WOW and beiges? Name what type you'd like back. I just really can't justify going out and purchasing little bits when we can shop at each other's house, lol.

Things are going my way - woo-hoo!

Wild Hairs

2007-05-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

Talk about lack of FOCUS!

Now that we're getting settled a bit I'm getting more comfortable in my surroundings. I still have TONS of boxes to empty, but I'll get to it sooner or later. All that's left could probably stay packed, if you know what I mean. It's moved from house to house to house. Some objects like the ironing board have 3 or 4 moving stickers, lol.

So being more comfortable means, yup, you guessed it... I SEWED! I immediately fell in love with this neutral log cabin quilt made by Pam in CA . Yes, I've ordered the book. I just so happened to have some pre-printed logcabin blocks left over from my Christmas wallhanging so I thought I might see what I could find amongst my scraps. Hmmm...not bad! I think I'll try it in a smaller size tho. AND...who was I foolin? I haven't sewed in months, I made SO many mistakes, it took the "third try's a charm" before I could get going on the block, get the fabrics all right-side up and in the right position. Sheesh. (You should see the mess I left behind!)

Being more comfortable obviously means "more time to play", I tried yet another science experience. DH and I love sprouts, all kinds. Of course, I don't have the proper equipment, and don't have one iota of knowledge about the sport of sprout growing...so I was into improv. These are mung beans and alfalfa sprouts, doing their initial soak. Nope, don't have a clue what to do next, well I do, I just don't know how! Any input??

Lastly, I was the recipient of a lovely gifty from Nancy as a poster child to her 250th blog entry. How cool is that. These are the lovely fabrics she has chosen for me, and I love them!!! She didn't know I was used to be a musician, lol. Thanks darlin'.

Friday Flashback - My first 2 homes

2007-05-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

First, you have to go check this blog, it's my dd#2. She posted THE FUNNIEST photo of my 3 girls you have ever seen. Her Friday Flashbacks just crack me up. Note the clevage and the location of the training bra.

Secondly, you may not think "My first 2 homes" is terribly significant. BUT...it's 2 of 24 (I think, I haven't counted again recently). I'm the product of an "entrepreneur" sales type father, we moved wherever the job was/would be/might be. I attribute my easy-to-make-friends-with attitude to my father. It was a blessing in disguise.

I'm noting these photos mainly because if I don't...these images will be gone, I don't have one single decent picture, so this will do. That stuff happens when you've moved as much as I have. Things once were "packed up" and never retrieved.

I've gotten the hang of Microsoft Virtual Earth. Wowie! You do not have to download anything, answer "no" if it prompts you to download 3D, it just isn't necessary. What I did is capture the screen and clip the picture, and made sure it's a jpg. If you want to know how, just drop me an email. Goodness, if I can do it...anyone can!

This is my first house, guess I would have lived there 1957-1962 +/- , it's in Pleasant Lake, MI. It was a lovely shade of Williamsburg blue, had a HUGE red barn (where that side bldg. is), but hey, I still see the chicken coop on the left! Must have been rebuilt, it just couldn't be a safe structure after so many years, lol. Outhouse is gone tho. It had a cinder drive, still can feel how it felt when I fell down, ouch. We rode to school in the school bus, I attended kindergarten there. Once the bus had to come all the way back to my house after delivering all the children, I had fallen asleep, missed my stop and they didn't know I was still on the bus! (My zzzZZZ's have gotten me in trouble more than once!)

From there, my father went on to be a cabinet salesman at a lumber company. That took us to the first house in Flint, MI. Now there's a charming town..um, not.

My house was the white one to the left of the red trimmed building. Our basement and the gray concrete building on the lower level housed a plumbing company that accessed from the front portion of the building. Our house was a duplex, we occupied the 2 story section, a nice young couple had the smaller single floor side. The red building was then the laundrymat, it's a bar now I believe. We used to be able to schedule events by the sounds of the distant automobile factory horns. If you heard it when leaving the house, you'd be on time for school, we walked the one block to our elementary. Flint is now just a shell, most of the factories are since closed and the economy is very depressed. The downtown structures are still nice and you can still get a Halo Burger with green olives, all isn't lost.

Thanks for bearing with me down Memory Lane.

For Sunday - To My Children on Mother's Day

2007-05-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

To my children on Mother's Day:

I could not have nearly "as cool" without awesome kids like YOU! Thank you for remembering me on this day. I love you more than any words that could be written.

BUT... since I've never gotten the last word ... (and THIS is the way I tell you I love you!)

"What time is the game?"
"Do you have your uniform ready?"
"Where's your water jug?"
"Don't pick on your sister"
"Go brush your teeth"
"and have a good day today"

Love you, love your show!
XO, Momma

Friday Flashback - 1965

2007-05-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

First walk in Space, Ed White 1965

My daughter Erika (my resident html expert) does a Friday Flashback. Thought I might join the fun.

My historical family was Mormon and settled in Toole, UT. I went to a family reunion in 1990 and met many terrific relatives I had corresponded with throughout my teenage years. We shared a family letter writing practice whereas each person would write a paged journal entry and add it to the stack of letters. They would take their old letter off the bottom of the stack, and send it to the next person. Probably the only legal chain letter in existance. Mind you, this was before the internet and having extended family across the nation made updating difficult at best. Now of course, we have blogs, but don't you still LOVE a handwritten note that the mailman brings?

OK, still with me?

Over the last few years I've tried to encourage my sisters to begin this practice of letter writing again, but I've had no takers. They are not computer crazy like me and are not interested in blogging. I would love, love, love to have their memories on paper as our parents are gone and memories are easily forgotten.

So here is my Friday Flashback, I'll take care of remembering my own!!

Port Huron is on the south eastern side of the "mitten shape" thumb of the state of Michigan. Lake Huron is the warmest of the Great Lakes, and by far my favorite.

The beaches are beautiful and summer weather is very moderate. Swimming is wonderful and in many places you can just pull off the road and get in.

During the summer of 1965 my parents, my younger sister and I went with my older sister and family (dh and baby son) to such a drive-in park to have an all day picnic. My father would barbeque, my mother would watch the babies (she preferred the shade), and the younger ones could pretty much have the day. We have pictures of my baby sister and my nephew (born with 2 months of each other) "swimming" in their baby pool (pink plastic baby tub) at the beach. "Baby sister" and nephew now 42.

My favorite memory tho, is my older sister and I sitting on opposite ends of a inflatable float, way out in the water...singing Girl Scout songs and such, at the top of our lungs. "Sippin' ci-der through a straw."

Very innocent fun, very important memory.

Under Construction

2007-05-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the constant changes while I put a new template into place.
-Fitzy's Daughter, Erika

Because they need us...

2007-05-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

A cyber friend of mine has issued a special request. Please hold Mom Melanie and Baby Mei-Ling in your thoughts for the next couple of days as a favor.

Thank you very kindly.

What your drawing says about you

2007-05-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

What does your drawing say about YOU?

Well, I can't follow directions and missed copying the results!

Said something about a sunny disposition. check.
Said something about if things don't go my way I don't get to upset and am able to continue on my merry way. check.

Then I had a senior moment and goofed the whole thing up, lol...par for the course.

First Swim of the year

2007-05-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming, I promise!!

We got to enjoy our "first swim" night before last, and again last night. By using the solar cover (a big piece of heavy blue bubblewrap kind of stuff!) during the 90+ days we've gotten the water temperature up to 83. I'll be glad when we don't have to keep hauling the cover on and off tho! The pool is a trapezoid, so when we're pulling the cover back on, one of us takes a huge risk of going back in the dunk! Someone gets the short end, lol. And altho this vantage point is cool, the pool isn't that big, it's only something like 30-35' x 10-12'. Fine for the two of us and some meager laps.

I've been working gradually on getting my sewing room into shape. It's hard work! We bought 2 of the wire shelf units, and I've completely filled those. DH will re-visit Lowe's to see if they've gotten in more, I cleaned them out. I think just one will do the trick. I wanted glass-fronted cabinets, but these shelves are more practical, I have ALOT of stash!

I'm back on the diet, and feeling better already. You'd think I would be able to remember how GREAT it felt to weigh 40lbs. less, but it must be like the pain of having a baby...I've forgotten...well sorta, lol. I've got a long way to go, maybe the pool will help with added exercise. Some amount is better than none, right?

So, that's all from my corner of the desert.

Have a great day!!!

World Placemats

2007-04-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sure my kids will chime in here, lol. 2 of them belong to my "Frequent Reader Club". (Hint...if you come out of lurkerdom(even just to say "Hi!", you too can be a member! *snerk*)

About 20 years ago (can it possibly be THAT long ago?) I purchased a set of plastic world placemats.

Our family resembled Roseanne Barr's family on her sitcom...very noisy, active, and going every which way ALL the time. Three kids in sports and one or two exchange students living with us each year made it quite lively. Even tho we were running at break-neck speed, we managed to sit together for dinner most nights. OK, dinnertime was 9pm sometimes, after a game or two or three, but we sat together nonetheless.

We used to play a game before, during and after dinner to challenge each other on the hidden places of the world. "Can you find __________ ?" Yes, you likely needed a magnifying glass to find this obscure location, but that was part of the fun.

I guess we have more family traditions than I realize, what do you remember of your childhood traditions?

Do-Do-Do, lookin' out my back door!

2007-04-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hope that doesn't get stuck in your head the way it has in mine, lol.

Eventually, my blog will have some quilty content, I promise. I have one commission to fill and haven't even started it yet. THEN, I need to do something for our new bedroom...right? It seems only fitting.

Meanwhile I've been knitting when my hands are empty. That is, when they're not unpacking boxes. I finished a pair of socks on Sunday, and promptly began the next pair, pictures tomorrow maybe. I'm still sock crazy, I don't know what it is about them! The needles are incredibly small, the yarn expensive and I can't wait to get to the next project. I seriously think I'm going to attempt a sweater next, I must be insane.

The solar cover is on the pool, we've gotten it up to 76*-woo-hoo...maybe this weekend???

OH! And thanks for listening btw, it's my 100th post.

I got to see the Gees Bend Quilts!

2007-04-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

When I was in Florida between selling and buying houses my daughter told me she was "taking me to some museum or something." Later it was, "they have a bunch of quilts or something."

Graduation was Friday, so that left Saturday for a 25yo to entertain her mother. Off to the museum we tromped.

Oh. My. Goodness.

It wasn't just any museum, it was the Orlando Art Museum. I saw the vinyl banner flapping in the breeze yakking about the Gees Bend Quilts...oh, yeah, was going to miss that.

NO.
WAIT.
I'M HERE...IT'S T-I-M-E! I'm seriously going to see them, up close and FOR REAL!

It was awesome. It was humbling. I enjoyed seeing the quilts thru my daughter's eyes and opinions, and those of her gf. They crack me up. They went for the strong bold quilts, I went for the patterns and subtle styles. I had a blast, hope they weren't bored to tears! They certainly were good sports about it anyway. No "can we go now" requests.

Have to admit tho, the most fun was making our own little quilts with colored tape and construction paper. Thankfully, we were the only ones in the craft area.

Thanks Swany & Brandy, it was FUN! What a great surprise!

Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit...OH MY!

2007-04-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

My kids say I repeat my stories. Could this be true? Surely not ME?!

OK, let's just say if I thought it was important enough to say once, it's worth repeating. That's my story anywho.

Our new house is very exciting. New climate, new flora & fauna, etc. Things I've NEVER seen easily impress me. I've never seen grapefruit growing, I'm a midwestern gal by birth. So I consider this something VERY cool.

From the tree to my breakfast table. OH! So delicious.

I'll be on this "new thing" kick for awhile, please bear with me!

This is (I think) a prickly pear that is blooming in my yard. I love the delicate flower in amongst the spines. (And if it ISN'T, please correct me!)

I still have an endless amount of boxes to unpack, we're taking it slow since there is no rush.

Have a great day today!

Maple Oat Nut Scones

2007-04-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

I am one of Dorothy's biggest fans. Literally and figuratively-HA! When Dorothy bakes bread(sometime last year she posted her recipe), my husband took great interest.

When Dorothy bakes scones, I get totally motivated to try my luck at it. This is what came from our kitchen this morning, no wonder we are both overweight!

DH moved his sourdough starter all the way from CA in a plug-in cooler, lol...and made this wonderful bread this morning. He made 2 small loaves instead of one gargantuan one.

See the odd little garlic salt and onion salt containers? They belonged to my mother. There was a third celery salt one but it fell from it's perch and broke several years ago. Would love to get my hands on a replacement. Has anyone ever seen these before? Likely circa 50's.

My first (and last) television commercial

2007-04-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Wanna see something silly?

Prior to my move, I worked for a small television station in the Silicon Valley.

I am a girl who doesn't get into pictures, I've never enjoyed seeing myself after the fact. Not photographs or videos..nothing. It makes me VERY uncomfortable.

Working where I did only made my anxiety worse. We always needed publicity type shots for advertising, etc...so escaping the eye was getting harder and harder.

Our Production department had made a commercial for a fitness place and the client didn't like the "Mom" image that they had filmed. The executive director approached me and asked if I'd like to do the part. I knew I was leaving, oh heck, why NOT. I have no idea where that bravery came from.

So here's the link, it won't be hard to spot, albeit brief (thanking my lucky stars!). You'll need to download Flash if you don't have it and come back and push the play button. You'll need a little sound too...and remember this was made to get the teenagers attention, lol.

Hello Arizona!

2007-04-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

Um...don't try that while driving! DH would have fussed at me if he knew I did it, lol! (He was in the car ahead of me!) It's not the clearest picture, but hey, it was at 70mph.

We stopped in San Bernardino on our driving cruise, my sister put us up for the night, thanks Sis!

Next on to Phoenix where we first stayed the evening and then I caught a plane out of there just in time to get to Orlando to see my oldest get her second degree from Full Sail University!

Race b-a-a-a-c-k to Phoenix, hop in the car and on to our new home for the closing on the purchase(the next day) Tuesday.

The furniture was delivered at 8am on the day promised,Wednesday. I love North American Van Lines, have used them a couple of times now! They were done by 4pm, and I was left with OMG, TONS of boxes.

I've finished the kitchen, and have started on my sewing room. I DO have my priorities, you know.

Martha's my neighbor meme

2007-03-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

So Dorothy has started a Meme. This is the "thanks" I get for being a consistant cyber-buddy, lol...

List 5 facts of life
If Martha Lived Next Door...

1. All my moving boxes would be packed in an organized fashion. I JUST found my favorite wool sweater that I packed during my last move across the country, will I find it next time? NOTE TO SELF: It's packed with the blue ceramic lamp shade; logical, no?

2. My new house color (where Martha will be my neighbor also!) scheme will be pre-picked out and my stained concrete floor would be done! Martha understands that only she can make the best impression on our impending friendship.

3. Martha has likely "seen it all"...so she shouldn't mind the "condition" we swim in, right? Oh, get over it Martha.

4. We all know Martha is a "rule follower" so she will make sure I understand all my new HOA covenants and make sure I follow them to the letter.

5. Martha will bring a plate of something freshly baked over to introduce herself, she knows what it's like to be the new gal in town.

So who shall I tag? Leah, Darlene & Erika!

Have fun!

BOUGHT-SOLD-QUIT-QUIT

2007-03-16T05:39:00.001-07:00

OK, so my blog has been quiet.

Your's would be too if you'd had the same last three months I've had. Yes, I know you're busy and mine couldn't be worse. Nope, it's not worse...it's very, very good. (I swear I just heard Martha, lol.)

Wednesday evening we found out our contract was accepted for the house we wanted in Arizona. We were lucky enough to have re-offered the house that was taken off the market when we made our offer during the holidays. Yipee skippee. Want to know what quirky thing I love the best about the new place? lol...I have a grapefruit tree, an orange tree and a lemon tree. I'm in heaven, no?

Thursday we found out all the contingencies were dropped on the sale of our home here in Northern California. We sold in 8 days. Put it for sale on a Wednesday, had 60 people thru before the weekend. Had an Open House over the first weekend, 100 more came thru and a contract was written. In fact, 6 were written! We don't live in a palace, we live in a small tract home built in the 60's. It's a "California" thing, there is no flat market here.

Thursday afternoon dh put in his resignation of 22 years. I'm putting mine in today I think....we're off to semi-retirement. I don't want to stew over the weekend about giving my notice during my status meeting on Monday.

It's been alot of changes, but all for the good. We've managed to completely re-do and sell my condo 2 years ago and completely re-do and sell this house.

It's time for some US time...woo-hoo!!! Definately doing the happy dance on this one. Now back to QUILTING!!!

An early summer day in the sand.

2007-03-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

Watching the children play and hearing their happy screams and shouts.

Surfers doning their second skin and stretching before entering the freezing water.

Committing all of this to my memory, thank goodness for blogs and archives.

Oh, pul-lease...you just have to click and look at the bigger picture!

Waves, breezes, Pigeon Point Lighthouse

2007-03-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Taking a nap in the lazy sun.

Unfurling our ever present car-sheet just anywhere on the beach.

Our favorite beach at Gazos Creek in Northern California.

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse in the distance.

Remembering California

2007-03-05T15:21:00.000-08:00

How do you fit all in?

Can I remember the sights and smells?

Will I know how the cold wet sand feels between my toes?

Does the wind swish my hair the same way?

Remember Jiffy Pop?

2007-02-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

When I was young, I always begged my Mom to buy Jiffy Pop. Remember the predecessor to microwave popcorn? It looked so cool on the commercials, and I was sure all the lucky kids (other than me) got to have this all the time!

It was always "too expensive," or "not needed at this time." I can hear myself whining, "Please Mom?"

Fast forward, all grown-up (and then some) I can now have whatever I want, lol. Great expectations, funny, it wasn't that great. I had dh shaking it while I was busy snapping blog fodder...and we burned it! (We still ate it howsomever..HA!)

My ever-terrific dd#2 prepared this little video with my digital pictures, it's only 9 seconds, enjoy!

If you'd like to see a college kid's perspective on life, and see what other cool things dd#2 comes up with, please take a quick peek at her blog, she'd love it!

What other foods "of your past" have you tried as an adult? Wish I had some "Fizzies!" (They probably would taste terrible now, considering the advancements in technology, but I loved them as a kid!)

so do YOU snore too?

2007-02-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

I have snored for years and years.

Impacted sinus cavities, sleep studies(no sleep apnea), and not one but TWO sinus surgeries later...I still snore like no other....from first eye shut to last Z.

How do I know?
1)First dh used to wake me up and tell me to move to another room.
2)My kids used to wake me up and tell me to leave the living room, they can't hear the television.
3)I HEAR MYSELF SNORING, how bad is that?!

I've tried the throat sprays, jury will be forever "out". New dh says my snoring doesn't bother him, he rarely hears it and if he does he can nudge me and I'll stop. (I of course have NO recollection of the nudge, lol.) Sometimes I think he isn't fully divulging but he has only left the bedroom once in 2.5 years, and he is a VERY light sleeper. *sigh*

So fess up...how bad is it? How horrible is it for you if your dh makes the racket? Do you fuss at each other because of it? Does the 2nd bedroom solve it all? Isn't that akward?

Not to get personal...

2007-02-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

but how do you get to sleep?

I'm sure there's something deeply pychological but I'll wait to hang my shingle.

My dh and I discovered we get to sleep in totally opposite ways. I have to think about a process, generally quiltmaking, or quilt designing, and I have to go step by step. First you pick your fabrics, then you wash them, don't forget to clip the corner....by then I am generally sound asleep. No joke, I'm out in 20 seconds max. On a bad night I might get as far as ironing the fabric or picking out a pattern!

I specifically think about a process to push out what I call emotional thoughts. Thoughts there include mostly personal stuff like is my job going ok, did I remember to do a particular task, a daughter's army status, etc. Those thoughts I worry, worry, worry over.

My dh on the other hand has to "clear out" all his thoughts. Tosses them out one by one. I was thinking that his method was totally different but maybe that's his process instead? Hmmm.....

.......calling Dr. Freud!