Northern Quilter

My Bad.

2011-06-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

I signed up for the Fri. Sew In and I did sew but did not get my work posted.
Here they are better late than never. These are all for the pirate quilt I'm making for a six year old boy.The fish came out pretty good. But not so happy with the palm tree. But my bad. I put it together wrong . When all else fails read instructions. I hate ripping out seams :(
Anyone have any ideas for pirate a quilt?

Not My Work..

2011-03-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

I found this vest at a garage sale last summer. I'm not really a quilted clothes person. But thought I'd make granddaughter some pot holders out of it. She's a fishing boat captain. I know she looks like Barbie Doll but she cab be a real tomboy.

A Little Comparison Shopping.

2011-03-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well actually it's a already purchased comparison.
Two years ago I bought a Dyson because everyone including the carpet cleaners told me it picks pet hair the best. And I yes it does a good job picking up hair. However I don't think it does that well on dirt and dust. My winter allergies have been really bad this year.Usually with regular vacuuming and professional cleaning of the carpets and I don't have a problem.
Being suspicious I tried a test this morning I vacuumed the family room carpet with the Dyson.Then put a new bag in my five year old Kenmore canister and went over the carpet a second time.. You guessed it a lot more dirt.The little row of lights on the right side light up red. Good grief no wonder I've had sinus have problems all winter !

Krazy Kat...

2011-03-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

After putting groceries away I put the bag in this chair.When I went to put it away this is what I found. Poo sitting in it. Cats love to be in things. And a couple of my little bud,Buddie.

Yawn!

2011-03-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

Day light saving makes me tired:)

Michigan is screwed.

2011-03-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

No! More Snow!

2011-03-11T08:29:00.001-08:00

We thought the snow was over but this is what we woke up to.Dang!

Flash Back.

2011-03-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

Three of our boys Brent, AJ, and Mick 1975 Tehran Iran.

Whine,Whine, Whine...

2011-03-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

I don't get as much time as I'd like to quilt. Seems there's always so... much to do around here Laundry, cleaning ,shopping , cooking , exercising . Dr. appointments for me and DH , Church, walking the dogs, connecting with friends and family (gasp). For gosh sake we're retired shouldn't our live be slowing down!
I have recurring dreams that I can't get where I want to go ,or that I'm driving a car I can't stop. People that analyze dreams tell me this means I feel my life is out of control. Duh... yeah well how do I fix it? What does one want to cut out? Cooking, quilting, the dogs ?No No No..
My sis tells me I have an unrealistic standard of clean. Well how does one overcome that? Let the house go until it slides into squalor and the live with it until it ceases to bother me. Don't think so.
OK I'm done venting : )
Have a fun Fat Tuesday!

Paczki Season Again!

2011-03-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Since we have a large population of Polish descendants here these Paczki (Polish donuts) are very popular around here on fat Tuesday They are a cake like dough with fruit or cream filling..The stores here sell literally thousands this week.
I'm not a big fan, their a little heavy for my taste. So I think I'll make Cinnamon rolls for out Fat Tuesday.

Buying American

2011-03-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

The last few years I've been trying to buy American made products when ever possible. So decided to start posting about it once a week.
These http:www.socklady.com/sockstory.php are made in Vermont I've been buying them for about four years .There excellent quality and my granddaughters love them.
Try them you'll love um!

Attacking Mount Washmore

2011-03-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

Last week spent most of the week cleaning the basement . I'm taking on a scorched earth policy in there ,everything goes that's not nailed down I've made a pretty big dent. But have worn myself out so today I'm taking the day off vegging and trying to get laundry caught up thus "Attacking Mount Washmore "to steal phrase from Elizabeth over on Turtle Cottage Blog.
Here's a block of Trude's red and cream log cabin . I hope to work on if I EVER get the basement cleaned.

Quilts in Progress.

2011-03-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

The infamous Batman quilt! This is going to be pretty simple.A Batman panel surround by these stars and three borders. Shouldn't take long.
And four of the turquoise and beige blocks for Milisa's quilt. Now if I can just get back to them. I've been trying to clean and organise our cursed basement, the bane of my existence. I swear we have messy pack ratting Elves living out there.

Stick a Fork in Me , I'm Done

2011-03-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

I'm tired of facebook too much teenage drama at least on mine. I'll stick to the blogs and a little more in depth reporting :)
I'm working on three quilts at the moment ,niece Truds red and cream log cabin,Granddaughter turquoise and beige yellow brick road and grandsons Batman. Pictures tomorrow .
Today some snow pictures and a couple of the guys.

13 YEARS AGO.,( click to enlarge)

2011-02-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Cleaning drawers I found this 1998 Christmas letter from my sis (Pat). Kinda fun to read it after so many years. Click to enlarge

Am I Becoming Conservative?

2011-02-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so tired d of TV constant parade of TV shows featuring teen sex, same sex marriage, drugs and rude crude behavior. sigh

Mama Make it Stop!

2011-02-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

We haven't has as much snow as some others but it's stayed cold and so ever bit stays. I'm ready for spring.

Christmas Pictures

2010-12-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

Buddie and George taking a nap.
The winners of the ugly sweater contest Jena first place Will second
And some more decoration pixs,

Christmas Theme.

2010-12-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

As I said in the previous post we lost all our decorations . So when I bought new I went with a gift box theme.Again most of these things came from Pier One. More pics to come : )

The Good ,The Bad, and The Ugly.

2010-12-18T07:50:00.000-08:00

First "The Bad," last spring we had a sewer back up flood our basement and lost all our Christmas decorations.
"The Good," I got to buy all new ones. did most of my shopping at Pier One.They have the most beautiful decorations.Here are some of the cute ornaments I bought there.
And finally" The Ugly" I promised family the person that shows up Christmas Eve with the ugliest Christmas sweater gets an extra gift. This should be fun!

Big Week for the Arndt Clan !

2010-12-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

Two new cousins Willie's daughter Emily and Vern's Anna both had a little boys this week.
Congrats to them!

Worried About the Deficit. ?

2010-11-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

STOP THE WARS here

War, what is it good for?????

2010-11-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Want to end these wars? Reinstate the draft ! Right now 1% of American families are affected by these wars. With a draft everyone,s children will be at risk and it will end very quickly.

Friday Night Sew In!

2010-09-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

The Friday Night Sew-In check it out here-
here
This was my project ,Anna's baby quilt.
And a couple pictures of my little helpers:)
Now I have to put on borders .Blah... I hate borders. Yuck , their so easy to turn wavy. Any advice?

Quilting!

2010-08-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

This suppose to be a quilting blog, so... perhaps I should occasionally post a quilt picture. Just finished this for a gift.Can't say for who it's a surprise. Click picture for larger view.

Are You Ready for Christmas !

2010-08-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

I can't help it, every year about this time I start agonizing over Christmas gifts. Everyone is so affluent it's really hard to think of things to buy that are wanted, let alone need. We have 12 grandchildren age range 5 to 28. I would like any gift suggestions and ways to simplify Christmas and make it more about Christ's birth and less about consumerism.

Gone Fishing.

2010-08-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Three of our boys Ty, Brent and Mick went walleye fishing out on Lake Erie this spring. Here's some pixs .Click for larger image.

On Hypocrites

2010-08-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Judge not ,that ye be judged.For with what you measure ye mete,it shall be measured to you again.
I think some people that consider themselves rightest should not be so eager to listen( and believe) and judge based on gossip ,slander . We should work to encourage family that have problems not condemn them to build up our piety in own mind or in the eyes of others. Jesus gave us one commandment LOVE.

Sweet Sammy

2010-07-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Sammy, Milisa's dog. He's such a cutie.

State Farm Grrrr.....

2010-07-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Remember in April we had the sewer flood and I was so please with State Farm's response?Well that was then, this is now.
We got a letter from State Farm today stating that if they were to continue to insure our home we would have to drop the drainage,sewer coverage in our policy????
Huh?? We've had our house insured with State farm for over thirty years and this is the first claim we've had for a sewer flood. Actually it's the second claim EVER! And the previous claim was for a small kitchen water pipe leak five years ago, for less than $5'000. Can you believe this ???
I guess it's a the companies policy is "we'll cover you ,take your money ,but if you need us then we op out".

Still More Vacation Pixs!

2010-07-01T10:01:00.001-07:00

Miniature Golf with family at Lake Okoboji. Click for larger image. Uncle Daryl, Aunt Patty ,my cousins Debbie, and Gay .Ted, Stacy and the twins.

More Vacation Pictures!

2010-06-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

A quick post ( I'm off to the quilt shop this morning) with pictures of Kelsey and Daryl painting Patty's wicker and her flowers. That Kelsey is too cute!

My Dad's Farm.

2010-06-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of my childhood home my dad's farm. The place has gone to ruin but the land is still beautiful.

On Vacation!

2010-06-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last week Omaha and Lake Okoboj ,this week Enid OK. Having a great time. Things change so much up in N.W. Iowa. Visited the farm I grew up on, out building dilapidated or totally down just a pile of rubble. House looks neglected . About 30 to 50 junk cars in the barn yard or grove. Wonder if it isn't an environmental mess.Who knows what those rusting cars are leaking into the earth.Sad... makes me angry the way people let things go.
Loving Enid OK, windy but not humid , it's big sky country love the wide open spaces!

Thought we were done : (

2010-05-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

Well maybe not, Construction Co. inspector came out looked around and found some work he wasn't happy with. Things I didn't even notice, bubbles in the paint, door sticking etc. So here I am stuck at home waiting for painters and carpenters again.

After and Before.

2010-05-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

I know, I know , it should be before and then after but this is the way the pictures came up and I haven't time or inclination to change them. Anyway here's our all new family room and sewing room. They finally finished it Fri. Yes! It's so nice to have it done.

Soapbox Day.

2010-05-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

Gripe #1 -Rush Limbaugh..... who listens ( and believes) this guy ? Scary to think about. If your a fan, sorry but I think he's a dangerous .

Gripe #2 -Some of the pictures on Facebook. One of my granddaughter's friends put a picture of herself on her back on a table with her knees up ,skirt up and a guy standing between her legs leaning forward. They both had pants on ( I think) But what the heck !!!! Isn't that soft porno? What is wrong with these people? What ever happened to modesty and dignity?? Oh my gosh I'm so glad I'm not raising children today.

Not Much to Say...

2010-05-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

I just want my house back to normal and clean!! The construction guys are causing so much dirt and dust I've given up fighting dust . DH and I are about to run out screaming.
Here's another picture of my angels Lucas and Jordan and one of Cheri Brent and their young'ns. Left to right back row Brent, Cheri, Nick, Jena, and Cristi. Front row bumping boodies Will, and and Milisa.

Happy B-day Sissy! (a day late: )

2010-04-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

Aunt Patty's B-day was yesterday .I won't say how old ( We've all lost count anyway hee hee)
She shares the day with Jay Leno and Saddam Hussein . I mentioned that to someone and they said well that proves horoscopes are bull. I replied "actually she and Saddam are a lot alike both are evil" And some think Jay's evil ,like Conan hee hee hee. Just kidding sis: )
I ordered a plant for her I know she likes to get hanging plants for her b-day and Mother's Day because she has a large porch where she likes to hang them. She called this morning to tell me it was delivered yesterday right on time. Thanks Burpee!

My Little Angels

2010-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

My great grandsons Lucas and Jordan. Paula and Damian are kinda stingy with the pictures but here's a resent . They look so much alike , two little peas in a pod. They have Paula's black hair and Damian's blue eyes .Their going to be heart breakers in a few years.

And a couple picture's of Zack after his spring grooming. He's tired from our walk here. The first picture he's looks up at me and the camera The second one he just lays his head down disinterested.
Since the weathers warmed up I've given up Curves and instead been walking Zack two miles a day. I didn't loose any weight at Curves just built up my shoulders and arms. Yuk, not a look I want! My goal was to tone up and slim down not look like look Lou Ferrigno.

Say It Ain't So??

2010-04-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

A couple nights ago I had a dream that the family room flooded again. Well guess what? At least this time it wasn't sewer water just rain water from the foundation,Thank god we caught it before we put in the new carpet. The construction Co, says it's a broke or slipped tile fairly easy to fix.
Just for fun I went to the Mad Man cartoon site and made cartoons of me and sis. Well it's the way we dressed in the 50's. Now it's just hoodies and jeans Sis is in the pink I'm in the blue. I wish I could have had sis carrying a crochet hook instead of a cup. hee hee hee

Bench Pad Done!

2010-04-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

I finally go Cheri's bench Spring pad done. I was hoping to get it to her before Christmas but didn't quite make it. Also pictures of the pineapple blocks .

Getting There.

2010-04-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

The construction company was here yesterday and took out all the old dry wall and paneling. Today their putting up new dry wall I ran down and took some pictures before they started.
The first pictures are my sewing room.It used to be the grand children's playroom but after they got to old for it I made it my sewing room. If you click to enlarge it you'll see it has apple tree wall paper and a house and apple tree border. It was over due for redecorating .

Globle Warming?

2010-04-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

Or maybe not. I don't really know but I always think lets error on the side of caution .
Anyhoo we've had a really early spring this year many of the flowers blooming are three weeks early. The neighborhood is beautiful with all the blooms. I walk Zack everyday so took my camera today and took some pictures. You know it's spring when you see a hop-scotch game on the side walk.

Quilting With Cats.

2010-04-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Here's the first block I made for Cheri's friend's quilt. I've made two more since but haven't taken a picture yet.
My sewing room was one of the rooms damaged in the flood so I sat up a place to sew upstairs.As soon as the cats saw it they had to join me. I normally don't let them in my sewing room because of the hair factor but they were so happy to join me I didn't have heart to chase them off. Peanut kept moving so close to my cutting I was afraid I might slice his tail off with my rotary cutter, but we made it through without incident.

Gone Quilting!

2010-04-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

I was in my usual Spring cleaning frenzy when we had the sewer back up. Like my mom I like to go into each room and clean it completely ,scrub floors ,dust down wall ,clean windows ,wash everything washable and dust everything not. I had finished one bed room even painted and bought new curtains . Then Alas the flood stopped me in my tracks . The basement and family room are immaculate of course thanks to Service Master but still waiting for the new carpet and dry wall. In the meantime everything that that goes down there is up stairs bringing my cleaning to a screeching halt. So I'm putting my cleaning on hold and I'm going to just sew!
I've been agonizing over carpet colors. Here's the samples I've been looking at.The first one is my old carpet (the darker one) and the little one on top is my new choice. Then two pictures of my one cleaned bedroom. That's just an old Kitty quilt on the bed I want to get a new comforter . I have yet to clean the window but think I'll hire Service Master to do them all at once.
PS- Almost forgot my sweet granddaughter Milisa and her young man Jason painted the whole room for me. Thanks guys! Great Job!

The Big Flood!

2010-04-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yuk, We've lived in our house for thirty years never had a problem until last week and we got a sewer back up flood in our family room and basement. Our house is a bi-level so we're living in the up stairs while the basement and family room are in repair. State Farm was very prompt in getting Service Master out here getting things cleaned up ,sanitized and hauled away. Now we wait for new drywall and carpet. Lucky we got our new furniture out before the water go to it.
Some pixs of the mess. Here Brent and Mick came over to move the furniture. A couple of the water one of George in his recliner as the water creeps toward him. And one of the boys annoying their father after moving the furniture up stairs.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

My Native Land.

2010-03-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Whitestone wrote on her blog of learning to swim in the Little Sioux River. Our family farm where I grew up was on the banks of the Little Sioux. I can't imagine a better place to grow up. We enjoyed so much entertainment from that river. Fishing , rafting,swimming,digging clams, ice skating. Picking goose berries and wild strawberries along the banks. Playing and camping out in the woods with our dogs and horses. Here's a couple pictures of my childhood paradise.
Looking at them I can almost feel being there again. Sigh...

New Furniture!

2010-03-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday , I bought a new chair and couch . DH has been on me to get something because the furniture in our family room was twenty years old. So..... after leaving Curves yesterday I decided to check out a the furniture store next door to them and fell in love with these. They were delivered a couple hours later. And they hauled away the old stuff. Talk about service !!!!
Keeping it short today have a headache.

My Torment

2010-03-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Our basement ,yuk.
I swear to you I clean the mess at least three times a year the last time just before Christmas. But yet here it is a mess once again. Somehow junk just gravitates to it. I sometimes think Elves BRING things in. So... I'm at it again planning once again to get rid of everything that's not nailed down.
And of course a couple pictures of the guys.

Hats, Hats, Hats,

2010-03-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

As I reported before my sis is on this hat crocheting binge. Here's a pix of second one she sent me for my B-day and her very appropriate card LOL .

Patty's hasn't been feeling well she's had the same symptoms I had two years ago when I lost 70 lbs She normally weighs about 110 so can't afford to lose weight like I did. So please... say some prayers for her. She's such a sweet selfless giving person always doing good works ,cooking for the sick, mentoring unwed-mothers , volunteers at the library, charity work for Compass and very active in her church. Right now as we speak she's crocheting hats for her granddaughter Kelsy's whole soccer team (when they saw Kelsy's the all begged for one). Just watching her makes me tired. She has a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow. So keep her in your prayers. .

Click om the card for better view.

Another Hat!

2010-03-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

My sis has been in this hat crocheting frenzy. Here's a pix of one she sent me for my B-day. Love the colors. Don't know the old lady wearing it. I just see her in the mirror now and then. Thanks Sissy!

Tired : (

2010-03-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Two months ago I joined Curves. I love going but I'm just tired all the time. Everyone I talk to says they feel more energy when they exercise. Not me , I have to force my self to get things done now. I've always been very energetic and get a lot done but now it's like I've used up all my energy when I get home from Curves.
Anyway here's the spring pad for Cheri's bench I'm working on. I was going to put a couple bunnies on it but figured this way it will cover all Spring instead of just Easter.

Can't Speak!

2010-03-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

Brent was over yesterday messing with my pictures and now for some reason the computer won't let my type on a page with a picture.
Anyhow here's couple flash backs. In 1975 we were living in Iran . One day I was late getting home from grocery shopping at the Embassy and this is what greeted me. My babies on a Camel!!!!, The kids had already came home from school and the herds of Sheep, Goats and Camels were moving from south of Tehran to the mountain pastures in the north. The herders knew they could sell Camel rides to the children in the city so here we are.
It's suppose to get to 53 today making me anxious for spring flowers. The other picture is my Mona Lavender last year it was so pretty.

53 !

2010-03-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

Flash Back 1975

2010-03-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

Just Some Random Pictures

2010-03-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

A couple pictures of my napping guys. Buddie in his bed and Jack on George's lap. I'm sure everyone sick of seeing pictures of them, but I love um so.
My latest thrift shop find, a quilt rack. Strange I never had one before considering my obsession with quilting I told DH we really need to add on or move to a larger house so I can buy more stuff!
And a couple pixs of the red and cream log cabin. I think I may give this red and white to Trudy, Sis says that quilt on her bed is one of those made in China ,India, or somewhere. They are very pretty but not very well made. Sis said Trudy would love to have one from me so... maybe I'll give this one,Have to check with sis first to see if she likes red. Click on pictures to enlarge.

A Few More

2010-03-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures some of the details.Trudi's not only a talented decorator but an awesome artist. The Radio Cafe on Omaha displays and sells her paintings.

Mo ,Mo ,Mo.....

2010-03-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

More House Pictures

2010-03-06T05:09:00.000-08:00

Some more pictures of Trudy's house.I should have organised these before posting but...anyway here's another of the kitchen, a couple of the stairwell and a couple more( different angle) of the Library. The lattice work between the parlor and the stairs is so beautiful. Once again click to enlarge.

My Talented Niece

2010-03-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

My niece and her husband bought an old Victorian house north of Omaha . They remodeled it themselves and did a terrific job. Here are a few pictures(click on them for better view). John is a great builder and Trudy is an awesome decorator! Don't know anyone better.
An interesting fact the house was originally a Sears Mail order home.Pretty neat.
I love it so . I'll post more pictures tomorrow PS They haven't done much to the yard yet just been focusing on the house first.

Can't help myself!

2010-03-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yeah I started another quilt. I've been wanting to make a cream and red log cabin so... here we are. I spent Sunday cutting 2 1/2 inch strips and yesterday stitched up these four blocks. I love them. Sixteen blocks to go.
Started my" half" project by sorting out stuff to give away. In the process I wrenched my shoulder so no sorting or sewing today I'll be sitting with the heating pad watching the boob tube.

Half.

2010-02-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

I recently saw a family on TV that gave away half of their belongings to charity! Including selling their house and buying one half the price.
I don't want to sell my house but... I think can give away my half jewelery ,clothes, shoes , definitely my fabric and a lot household items and furniture. So that's number one on my to-do list for Mar . Plus finish reading Going Rogue and one quilt.

Scraping Scrap Booking. Yeah!

2010-02-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

No not really :( I'm just postponing it until I get some slides scanned. AJ gave us an ION Slide and Film Scanner. We took a lot of slides when the kids were little so I want to go through them before I go on with the scraping.
I'm always working on several quilts at once.I don't like it but can't seem to do one at a time.But as long as they get done it's OK. Here are five I have going at this time. Fish,Library,Soccer Ball, Airplanes and Flowers. There's only one lone flower shown here but I have about a dozen more in the basket. The fish I cut out with my Cricut .What fun!

Hair Drama

2010-02-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

I hate my hair! It's fine and soft curly . I'd like a blunt cut like this which they can do at the salon and it looks great.But as soon as I shampoo it curls up and looks like its been cut with pinking shears. Yuk What is one to do?

Whole Lot of Cooking Going On

2010-02-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

Another New Years resolutions Sis and I decided on was to make a complete meal once a month using ( mostly ) new recipes. We each pick recipes for one meal and make both. Last month she picked a Crazy Pizza and I picked an Enchilada Casserole which got good reviews from both Daryl and George.
This month Patty picked a Tater-Tot Casserole which I've made before and we didn't care for so I'm opting out on that one.
We had family over for dinner last night and I made for the first time Briquette Scalloped Potatoes, Spring Greens with Beets & Goat Cheese and Paula Deens White Texas Sheet Cake. The kids loved them all . Also served Honey Baked Ham ,home made bread and Red Cake . The salad had toasted pecans that really made it. The whole meal was a big hit.I actually liked the White Texas Sheet Cake better than chocolate.
Now I have to start thinking about my March pick.

Finally

2010-02-23T15:59:00.000-08:00

This post is for my cousin Gay and Aunt Tootie. My sis Patty has been in a hat crocheting frenzy. She's made about 25 I think Everyone in the family has one. I think she's making them for strangers now.Anyway I've been trying for a couple weeks to get a picture to post on here finally today rec'd one from a friend of Patty's. So cute ! Good job Sissy!

A little of this and that this.

2010-02-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

I've been reading
Going Rogue.
I know,I know , strange reading for liberal (left of Ted me. ) But I was curious. Except for a interesting look into the Alaskan culture I found it a Pollyanna political propaganda .Strangely I did agree with some decisions she made as a Mayor and Governor. But can't see the working in the lower forty eight .Governing a large state with small population would be quite different from Washington.
And a close up of my little Bud.This is what I see greeting me at the window every time I leave the house and come home.

It's Patty's fault!

2010-02-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

Most mornings I call to my sis (Patty) in Nebraska to chat for an hour or more. Well a couple weeks ago she was teaching an early bridge lesson and I was left to my own devices. The result= my latest toy, a Cricut Expressions. Yeah, I got caught up in an infomercial. I'm doing a little scrap booking but probably not enough to justify this purchase but in my defense I think I'll use it for quilting too. Anyway it's been fun playing with it.

https://wwwcricut.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?id=123

I'm Back!

2010-01-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

If your familiar with our family you know we're animal lovers. Here's the latest addition Mick and Kathy's ladies, Carter the pretty blue eyed one and little Buffy. A year ago they found little three week old Carter in their Vegetable garden. She was tiny and sick but here she is now doing well. Then a few weeks ago they decided Carter should have a pal. So here comes sweet little Buffy.

Little quilting,

2009-09-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Tyler went in the Marines last winter. Tyler is in Tech school right now . While we were in Cape Cod we got a call that he was hit by a car in a theater parking lot. We thought that might end his career but although he was pretty banged up but he's on the mend.

I made him this red ,white, and blue quilt. The last picture is the back. I really like fabric I used for the backing.

Just a few more.

2009-09-13T08:32:00.001-07:00

A few pictures of the house,the big room ,one of the lake(pond)from the house,a picture of the house from the pond. Jenna and Cristi on Mopeds And Nick and Will retrieving the canoe after the girls tipped it over. Luckily their all great swimmers growing up here on Lake Erie

More Vacation Photos

2009-09-13T08:10:00.001-07:00

Milisa and Will rented a Mopad to ride around Martha's Vineyard, The coast guard escorted us to Martha's Vineyard.Other passengers told us that was because Obama and his family were visiting the island. Brent and Cheri in Plymouth. Brent ,Will, Nick, Cristi and Ty in Plymouth. And finally Will, Nick and Cristi in front of Plymouth Rock.

As Promised

2009-09-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

I promised some pic's of our family vacation on Cape Cod. Brent, me, Kay ,Mick,and Kathy by the pond. The whole gang on the ferry to Martha;s Vineyard,Will and Milisa in front of a restaurant, Milisa and Jena on the kayak finally Mick and Brent by the Pond.

Bummed

2009-07-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

My big Janome 1600p is in the shop so no machine quilting today. I could work in the garden but... it's raining .Here near lake Erie when we get rain it's usually a hard rain but today it's a soft rain hardly more than a mist. Reminds me of the Irish blessing "may the rain fall gently on your fields" It's very nice.
Our son Mick was in the hospital a couple weeks ago came over yesterday looking much better.I can't help but think he had that for a while because he was so tired and pale before.But thank the lord he's all better.
Ted's little munchkins had a b-day Sunday. How cute is that!

I'm Back....

2009-06-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

I took some time off from blogging to get some spring projects done.
1. I painted the wicker.
2.Planted the garden.
3.Weeded the flower beds.
4.Made two quilts.Well ,made one finished another.
Doesn't sound like much I know but was doing family things too.Like visiting Mick in the hospital with double pneumonia and baking for Jenna's graduation party.
Here is a picture of quilt I made for my niece Anna's baby. I sent it off to Omaha today. I made the top and Sis is going to hand quilt it.
By the way Mick's home and feeling much better.

Friday Flashback

2009-05-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

Anyone remember May Baskets? When I was growing up in Iowa we would celebrate May Day by making May Baskets ,filling them with candy and flowers. Then we would hang them on friends door knobs,ring the bell or knock and then run. If the recipient saw you they would chase you and kiss you if they caught you. It was such a fun holiday.But alas after I married and moved out of the mid west no one did it. When our children were small I tried a couple times but neighbors seem to think we were weird so I gave it up.
Scroll down to Americas
May baskets

Two to Go.

2009-04-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Done, one more quilt block for the cowboy quilt . Two to go.
This block was a real hell march,so many small pieces. The center block is a fancy cut rearing horse head but it's kind if hard to see. Except for that I think it turned out quite nice.

Jenna's Prom

2009-04-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Picture of granddaughter Jenna with DDIL Cheri, and our son Brent. She looks so pretty. I think this is the first time I've seen her in a dress since she was seven years old!

Some quilting and More.

2009-04-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Here are the blocks I've done for the quilt I'm working on . The laser cut horse and rider I bought at a shop hop in Oklahoma two years ago. Each of the surrounding blocks are Indian or frontier related. I have three more blocks to do .More pictures later.
About my fall I mentioned earlier .I had been talking on the phone for about an hour I jumped up and my left leg was asleep I went right down on my FACE. It all happened so fast I didn't even have time to put my hands out. But didn't break anything just banged my knee and my face.
Our son Brent signed me up for face book wasn't real enthusiastic about it but he insisted it would be fun. About a week on it and I reconnected with my best friend ever. We were best friends in junior high and high school. After we married we both moved away from our home town and lost contact for FORTY YEARS. It's so great to get caught up. The strange part is her children had to push her to get on face book too. Like it was meant to be.

Amazing Race!

2009-04-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Son Brent and Granddaughter Christi interviewed for the amazing race here they are with Phil Keoghan. Hope they get to do it.

Lazy Blogger

2009-04-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

I was thinking after a while one just runs out of things to say . Then started thinking not much has happened around here except... I found my best friend I'd lost track of forty years ago, dyed my hair ash blond,turned green! And fell on my face, just for starters. OK,OK, there are things to write about I've just been lazy. I have to go now have an appointment for a bone scan,will fill in the details later.

Lazy Blogger

2009-03-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Can't believe I haven't blogged since the 8th. Just been busy I guess. I'm trying desperately to get this quilt done for my sister by her b-day April 28. Here are some of the blocks I've done so far.

No More Prozac for Jack

2009-03-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

About ten days ago we put our hyperactive Jack Russell, Jack on Prozac.Well starting tomorrow I'm weaning him off it. I think he's suicidal .He just lays up on our bed. The little guys spirit is broken. We want our little bad boy back.
On the quilting front I'm starting a new quilt motivated by this one that was in last years Row Robin . 30'S fabric flowers on a Kona Snow back ground. Will post pictures of the first four blocks I've made for mine tomorrow.

More Quilting and Family.

2009-03-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

We had family over for dinner to celebrate two DDIL's B-days Wed. Kathy, Micks wife and Cheri Brent's wife
. I made a Prime rib roast. I'm not a big meat eater and usually eat Chicken and Fish. But... OH MY GOSH IT WAS SO GOOD. I felt like weeping LOL I'll be making another soon.
On the quilting front here are a couple pictures the City Kittys I'm working on.

Still around.

2009-03-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

I'm still around just been sewing like maniac. Here is a picture of the quilt top I made for Jake. It's the yellow,Brick Road pattern done in brown and black. I'm not real crazy about it but it's a good pattern and color for a boy I guess. I hope he likes it anyway.

A little of this and that.

2009-02-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

I've been working on my City Cats quilt.Actually have five blocks finished but this is the only one I've taken a picture of .Will get that done that afternoon and post them later.
Also the beautiful charcoal my DDIL Kay made for me this winter. I just love it! I had it framed last month just got it back because of all the snow the truck bringing the museum glass for it was late.But as you can see it's been worth the wait.
Click on the picture for larger image.

Winter Doldrums

2009-02-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

I 'm still around just not much to say lately. We've been getting a lot rain and wind last few days making the snow disappear YAY! It's been like spring here the last two days. Zack our shaggy (picture below) dog and I went for a walk this morning. Feels great to get some exercise and fresh air.
We have three B-days coming up DDIL Cheri, DDIL Kathy.and ME! DH told me to pick and order myself a pajama gram online. They have the cutest things www.pajamagram.com
So... ordered the girls each one too. (no they don't read my blog)

Cabin Fever.

2009-02-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

Not much going on around here just snow, snow ,snow. This has been the second snow-est Jan. in recorded history around here and the sixth coldest. Just been hunkered down waiting for a thaw.
Sat was Nick's birthday. The whole family got together he cooked his famous chili and grill cheese sandwich's and grandson Will made brownies and carrot cake. Yum ! After big discussion about who makes the best Chili it was decided there will be a family chili off next summer. Since Mick only likes canned chili that's what he'll be bringing. And I'll be making my Grandma Myers tomato soup recipe they all make fun of. Watch if in a secret taste test they don't pick one of those.LOL

More Hair Drama.

2009-01-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

I had my hair cut Mon. and as my hairdresser was shampooing my hair she said she was using a clarifying shampoo because I had a lot of spray and conditioner build up. When I left she sold me a bottle of the clarifying shampoo telling me to use it once a week. It was quite expensive . Now my question is wouldn't a strong shampoo like Prell do the same thing? A friend told me Prell is much harsher. Any opinions out there?

The World is Black and White!

2009-01-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

Nothing going on here today just a couple pictures looking out a front window. Believe it or not this is a colored photo .
Speaking of black and white's, my sweet DIL Kay gave me a charcoal sketch she made me of a ship coming out of the mist. I'm taking it today to be framed.I'm sure it will cost more than I want to pay but it's to precious to just put it any frame. Will post a picture later.

New Approach,

2009-01-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

OK the UFOs are making me crazy, well at least causing me stress. I've been having dreams that I have to get somewhere but can't seem to do it and I think it's because I'm putting pressure on my self to finish the darn UFOs. So.... I'm trying a new approach . Rather than just drive my self crazy pushing myself to get to things done just because I've put them off and feel guilty about it. I'm going vow to work on UFOs one week a month. If I get enthused and want to continue working on it after that week ,fine. But otherwise I will simply put it away until the next month. Hopefully this will take the pressure off and let me work on a new projects . We'll see how this plan works.

Whole Lot of Quilting Going On.

2009-01-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

Well the new stove is in and I love it! So easy to clean. I've had a lot of people tell me they would rather cook with gas. No problem for me and I think the oven has an evener heat.
Remember the creative painting Ty did in the downstairs bathroom And Nick said it looked like clown ? Well I was going to make some kind of a cirrus wall hanging . But then found this Beatles cheat panel and whipped up a wall hanging with it. I still have to hang it in the bathroom but think the bright colors will go good in there. Also

I finished two UFO quilt tops (two down four to go) .For those of you that don't speak Quilt that's an" Un-Finished Object" Bright Houses from last year's row robin and a Red, White, and Blue Birthday swap from 20002. Now have to iron them and get them quilted on the Gracie machine. Not very good pictures couldn't get the whole quilt top in because no one was there to hold them up for me just pinned them up on the wall..

New Electric Range

2009-01-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

Our gas range died New Years day. I've been wanting a ceramic /glass top electric range for a while so talked DH into buying one. I know a lot of people much prefer cooking with gas but I've had electric before and got used to them pretty quick Also been told electric is better for baking (a more even heat) and since I bake a lot I thought this would be a good thing, it was delivered Jan 2, .That's when the trouble started. ABC gave us the name of a guy that could run the 240 or 220 (whatever ) to the kitchen for us, unhook the gas etc. . He can't get out until the 7th .He comes in takes a look and tells me our breaker box isn't big enough ,we need to get a electrician to put in a bigger one. He says this will cost us somewhere between $2,and3,000 dollars. YOW! I'm feeling sick at this time DH wasn't to keen on this whole idea anyway and this is not going to go down well . I call an electrician ,he comes right out and thank goodness gives us a much lower estimate $750. But he can't do it until today and he doesn't unhook gas so... I had to call a plumber to do that another $150. down the drain(smile). So... in the past ten days we've been eating TV dinners cooked in the microwave YUK and fast food DOUBLE YUK. I just hope everything goes smooth today and we can have a good meal.

Dude ! I got a Dell!

2009-01-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

DH bought me a new computer for Christmas. Brent got it hooked up and transferred some of my stuff yesterday.It's so fast!
For the last week we've been chin deep in kitchen range drama. Who knew switching from gas to electric could be such a hassle. Details tomorrow.

The Word is...

2008-12-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

On her blog Christine Kane declared a Resolution Revolution .
Rather than making resolutions ,like losing weight, exercising, etc, etc, that you've forgotten or given up on by March. She suggests you pick just a resolution "word" to improve your self.
I've chosen my word , well... I actually have two words . Sis and I decided to do two .She picked one and I picked one. Mine is APPRECIATE .Rather than think how someone or something can be improved I'm going to "TRY" to enjoy /appreciate the good in everyone and everything. Sis's word is FOCUS . We're both Type A's always thinking about whats next. We're going to" TRY" to live in the moment more.
What's your word?

More Chistmas Pictures

2008-12-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

More pictures Kristi ,Will , and Buddy
(the dog) .
Will , Susie (the dog),Nick ,and Jack(the dog)" conversating".(that's not a real word is it?)
Nick and Jack crashed,tired out from the Christmas festivities
And finally one of Milisa in her new adorable coat. She looked so cute in it . It was the first Christmas picture I took.

2009 The Year of UFO's!

2008-12-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

I swear I'm going to finish six UFO's in 2009. Here are the candidates.
#1 Lucas's airplane quilt.
#2Thirties Irish chain.
#3 Red white&blue birthday block quilt.
#4 Jake's soccer ball quilt.
#5 Nicks brite squares quilt.
#6 The row house quilt.
I have three more I "will"work on if I get these finished. Now to get busy on them.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas Eve all the kids (that live in town) came over. We had our traditional Taco's, refried beans,and guacamole, Cheese, Summer Sausage, Crackers, Candy and Cookies. We opened gifts, played charades and had a great time.
Here's some family pics of the festivities.
First picture, Cheri ,Will and Kristi, #2 Cheri holding up her quilt, #3 Jenna, Milisa, and the back of Cheri, Kristi and Will's heads #4 Mick and Kath and last one of the tree. The tree is called a Sugar Plum Tree it was decorated totally with candy and cookies.The kids loved it and I don't have to put any decorations away. Yea!
Hope you had a Merry Christmas too.