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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Possible Fabrics for the Back of Dad's Quilt

What do you think?

Kitten Cracks Me Up

Not only is she a pitiful one-eyed kitty, but she likes to sit anywhere she can fit. Like an empty dog potty-pads box. I wish I had taken a picture of that! Here she was this morning:


Today we took AC's mother (my MIL) home to Tennessee.

Not too bad for 90 years old, eh? (Her not him!)

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas Dad!

Kitten, the Quilt Inspector, gives her approval.
But wait, are we sure we don't want a border? Maybe something in black to set it off? Or would that mess with the navy blue too much?
Well, Dad, it is a mostly finished top. That means it still needs to be quilted, so I will be mailing it off (to the quilter) soon; once I decide if it needs borders or not. I am thinking the blue and red should be quilted with something "cloud like" and the whitish stripes should have wavy lines. Suggestions about the border and/or quilt designs are welcome as I am quite open-minded.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

I had to call my son's attorney. Had to. Putting it off didn't make it go away. The call didn't go well and I got myself (and my son), fired as clients. How do you explain that to your son? I asked too many questions, and the lawyer thought I was too much trouble, so he wished me "merry Christmas" and hung up on me. I looked him up on the internet and found he'd been censured by the Tennessee Bar in 1996. I don't feel so bad. I don't think he was worth a damn anyway.

So I went shopping to find my favorite holiday candy (because spending money and eating candy will make it better, right?).

I had not been able to find it on the internet, so I went to "Cost Plus World Market." They didn't have it. Publix didn't have it last year, but (yippee kiyay!) they have it this year. I bought all 4 remaining bars.

I figured I needed beer too. I am not taking any (old age) medications at present, so I thought I would treat myself. I have not bought beer in more than a decade, so the aisle was overwhelming. I chose a Miller variety that advertised "100 calories." Then I saw one that said "65 calories." Who the heck chooses beer based on calorie content?

One whose freezer features Jenny Craig, that's who. But, wait, didn't I just buy candy? I was treating myself, so to heck with it; I'll get good stuff. I don't know what good stuff is, so I watched the next shopper select beer. A young Hispanic woman walked up to Corona and, with great commitment and purpose, tossed a 12 pack into her cart. Now there is someone for me to admire. She had things I don't possess; decision making skills and a social life.
Oh well, my 100 calorie beer has cute bottle caps. Do you think I can get my son to make me some "Chill" earrings out of them?
And do you know what happens when a woman my age drinks a beer and starts writing a blog post? She forgets the darn cat got out when she was unloading groceries, that's what. Kitten got to spend tons of time under the evergreens. Why the heck doesn't she try climbing real trees? Uh-oh, is this one of those "be careful what you wish for" moments?
She is in now. Everything will be fine.
Chill.
And Merry Christmas.
My shopping is done.
Ho, Ho, Ho

(Please No) More Airplanes

Kitten thinks she needs to help me finish the airplanes.
Because they have taken over the sewing room.
Now that the red ones are done,
All 53 are ready to be put together into a quilt. But I am scared. I think quilting them "as you go" would be easiest, but I have never done that (on a machine) before. I have a book with directions, so perhaps a small practice project is needed first. Or maybe I will take a break and finish something else. I need a completed project. Or some holiday cheer.

Did I say anything about my car being broken? Yesterday I wanted to do some errands, but the car was dead. It tried to start, but sounded pitiful and then gave up. We (once someone else was home) pushed it out of the garage and jump-started it. I drove it straight to the dealership as it (the car) was due for a 60K check-up anyhow. After I call my son's attorney to see how much he wants, I am going to pick up my car ($700 repair bill). The kids are getting useful things for Christmas like smoke alarms, dog food and bath towels. Can't be helped. The "pie" can only be divided into so many pieces.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Kitten's First Christmas


Doesn't she look content sitting on her favorite plaid fabric? I think I will have to make her a cushion from this fabric. A friend at work gave it to me. I had no idea Kitten would like woven wool blends! This picture was taken yesterday while I was cleaning.
But today, as I was leaving to do errands (Goodwill, grocery store, START Christmas shopping) I found a new ornament on my tree. Thus:
Any idea how hard it is to get a good shot of a one-eyed cat? I think she looks better in profile. Notice the lack of other ornamentation on the tree?
Kitten looks quite comfortable.
Not for long though. I wrenched her out of the tree almost pulling it over on myself.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Last Catch-Up Post

Silver Thimbles was a lot of fun Saturday. I worked on (Dad's) airplanes. I have more propellers to stitch down, but moving furniture and cleaning closets has gotten in the way of sewing today. But I have to show you what I saw on Saturday! Thimble member, Suzanne, had a wonderful Statue of Liberty print by Hoffman. More can be found at the City Quilter website. While looking at the Hoffman site, I saw many more amazing batiks I will have to add to my stash!
I was also delighted to see my favorite bloggers! Here are Becky (A Quilting Booklady) and Gretchen (Stella Bella Quilts). They both have mischievous sparkle in their eyes and sweet charm to go with it!
Of course the number one Thimble, Pat Wys (Silver Thimble Talk), was there along with Karin (Life in the Slow Lane). Yes, Pat is crazy. All you have to do is read her blog to know that, but getting to be with her in person is priceless. Karin's blog includes my favorite blogging kitty, Wild Willy.
All four women feature WIPs and fabrics on their blogs, so I visit them in the blog-o-sphere regularly, but I relish getting to know them and spend time creating quilts together.
One last thing about the Thimbles gathering: There were cookies! Oh my, what amazing cookies! Pat made sugar cookies from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I have to check out what other amazing food may be in that book because the sugar cookies were the best I've ever tasted.
And that was my HO, HO, whole weekend! (Back to cleaning.)

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Andy's House: Catch up post #2

A friend of Andy's (from Tennessee?) made this beautiful wreath from greens she got from her own yard. What a great house warming gift.
This is Andy and his new home. We wanted to see his new home, so we brought up some boxes of books he left at our house (not that we needed an excuse).
Since Andy bought a home, he also adopted a dog. His dog is quite shy, but the perfect dog for Andy.
And his roommate's (Lizzie's) kitty terrorizes the dog. Andy says the cat attacks the dog's face and "rides around" by hanging onto the dog's fur. The dog is so docile he tolerates the cat, but spends a lot of time sitting in his crate where he is protected from sneak attacks.
And doesn't she look sweet?

Catch up post #1

I attended the holiday meeting of the Spirited Quilters in Duluth. They have this fabulous raffle event for the holiday, and I always buy extra raffle tickets, even at the regular meetings, because it is money for the club and a lot of fun. My fun turned to embarrassment as I won 4 baskets. One of the baskets was meant for my kitten, so that was okay, and I gave one away so I would not feel so "piggy." I love the coffee mug, Elm Creek novel, fabrics and thread that were in the baskets.

And Kitten LOVED her basket. She keeps batting her yellow kitty tree ornament off the tree like she has somewhere she wants it to be, and that place is not on MY tree.
But the big winner of the night was Christie. Her beautiful quilt won the International Mystery Challenge for the year in TWO categories: Guild Favorite and Best Quilting.
Congratulations Christie!

Friday, December 18, 2009

The Finished Bed

I gave up trying to change the order on the pictures in the last post, so they are just going to stay as they are. Here is the final "My Bed at Mom's House" installment:
A lovely vintage pillow case
followed by a vintage lace-enhanced bolster and some smaller sampler cushions.
Mom topped it all off with this wonderful wool topper. So cozy and warm!

More Bed Dressing



Thursday, December 17, 2009

Sleeping at Mom's House

One time I told someone that I sleep on handmade sheets at my mother's house. They looked at me like I was crazy, so I took some pictures when I was up there last. This is the top backside of the flat sheet. The fitted sheet was of the same plaid homespun fabric.
And here is the sheet folded over the top portion of her "Easy Stars" quilt. Notice the "easy" quilting and the green dot binding. I love my mother's color sense. She doesn't go "matchy-matchy, but somehow it always works.
More about the bed later. I have to get some house cleaning done here in my home in Georgia!

Monday, December 14, 2009

More Photos from Mom's House

In the frame is a picture of their beloved dog Sugar (now deceased).
Here is a view of another library bookshelf:
And this is an amazing little quilt. It is made from checked fabric and tied with the knots in the back. I love this little gem!
I am running off to work. This is a short week interrupted in the middle by one more medical test. I will be so glad when those are over. The Spirited Quilters also meet Tuesday night, but I am feeling quite disconnected from them. Would I be an intruder if I showed up at their holiday meeting after missing the last one?

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Favorite Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Recipe

Gather supplies and ingredients.

Follow the recipe:

Mexican Style Hot Chocolate
From Better Homes and Gardens Diabetic Cook Book 1992

2 3/4 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Low-calorie powdered sugar substitute (I used Sugar Twin) to equal 1/2 cup sugar
1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon

"For cocoa mix, in a storage container combine dry milk powder, cocoa powder, sugar substitute, and cinnamon. Mix well. Cover and store in a cool, dry place up to 8 weeks.

For each serving, place 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix in a mug. Add 2/3 cup boiling water; stir to mix. Makes 9 (8-ounce) servings. "
I used this recipe years ago, and I don't remember sticking to any set amount of powder and water, but, I can tell you this: 8 ounces is not a cup of hot chocolate as us Americans know it. Best stick to the ratio of 1 part powder to 2 parts boiling water so you get the cup as full as you want and as flavorful as you like. I love this cocoa recipe!

Friday, December 11, 2009

FIFTY I have 50!

Do a "control + down" and see the counter. I finally have 50 countries! I can't believe it. Amazing. Totally amazing. There are so many places to see in the world. I am lucky to work at Gwinnett Tech where students who have come to the USA from many different countries are studying. I travel vicariously through their accents and customs. My blog travels the world through the internet! I love it!

Above is a picture of the license plate covered suitcase which is one of my favorite sculptures (after the African ones) at the Atlanta airport.

I promise some quilting pictures this weekend. But wait, couldn't the license plate sculpture inspire a quilt? It looks quilty to me.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Adding to my confusion.

When I was at Harper's in Prairie Village, Kansas, I purchased some black fabric because I thought I needed to round out my stash with a bold neutral. So I purchase these beauties:
Then I got home and discovered I already had Brannock and Patek blacks from their "Looking Back" line for Moda. Oops. I should have remembered! They are really beautiful! (Thanks Mom!)
I am trying to get back to work in my sewing room, but, honestly, what a dang mess!
The books Mom gave me when I was up there are in the fish tank, whoops, I mean the light box which is holding up some stuff; I don't remember why I put it there (the stuff OR the "light box").
And here is my sewing table. What a really big mess.
One major reason for the mess is I have neglected sewing all together because I have been having some health problems. Here's the skinny (intentional pun), they are trying to figure out why I was able to go from a size 12-14 to a 6-8 in 10 weeks. Part of the reason is that I was on Jenny Craig, but my weight-loss consultant sent me to the doctor because the rate at which I lost 28 pounds is unusual. I was planning to reach my goal by March in order to fit into a certain dress by family reunion time. I have been "cheating" plenty, but I am still losing weight. Honestly, I am kind of scared, so I have been to a general practitioner, a digestive health specialist and a gynecologist. So far we have ruled out diabetes. And, as of yesterday, we have discovered MENOPAUSE. What the heck?! So I had to buy this informative book (and Godiva chocolates) at Borders.
I wanted black shoes, but, alas, the Nine West store had none in this style in my new-smaller-for-me size, so I had to settle for red and purple which go better with the t-shirt anyway.
And, luckily, both pair of shoes go with the gold socks I found. Man, what luck! All the fabric I have played with has given me cross-over skills in the accessory matching department.
This is my formerly-size-10 foot waving good-by (for now).