Yes, I went shopping.....

I took a long drive to a quilt store I have only been to once, and wasn't exactly sure where I was going!!! But when I got to the town, I thought to myself, either find it or go back home, so I drove around a bit, turned a corner and saw the store out of the corner of my eye!! I parked and went in. Did I find what I was looking for?? No. She had a quilt class on a book I want to check out, and thought she might have a copy of the book in the store, on sale....... Do I know the name of the book?? NO! That would be to easy!!! But I do know what it looks like, and there was none there. Did I leave empty handed?? Nope. Bought fabrics and a ruler!!

I have been looking for this ruler for awhile now. Isn't this the one Bonnie Hunter always talks about?? I am sure it is, and even though I don't need it, I am glad to have it - for the next time I do a Bonnie quilt!!

Am not sure exactly how to use it - have not even taken it out of the pkg yet!! This was the only size she had, I think there is one bigger, but I don't know for sure. It will go into my collection along with the other fabrics I bought!!

These are the browns I bought.

Brown is the first colour choice I had when I thought of making the box blks that I am doing now in the blue. I liked the way it looked in the book and thought, hmmm, why not??

Then the guild challenge came up, and my colour choice was changed. It's why I also bought the blues above, but I still like the idea of a brown quilt.... and not just brown!! This one, if and when I make it, can have other colours thrown in!!

And today was my BOM day. So, I have my new blk to make and I shopped......

This is my flannel backing for my Christmas Lights Quilt!!! It is in the dryer right now, and will be washed again before I take it to my quilter!! Still need to make the label.........

I like it that it's green trees on a black background with the gold stars shining and it's flannel!! Was going to use the cotton I have here, but flannel is so much cozier and warmer and it's a Christmas quilt!! I don't live in a warm climate, so warmth in the winter counts!!!

And I didn't stop here either.......

I am going to be making more Christmas type quilts, I know I am, and I saw the green in the middle and picked it up. When I told my friend what I was doing, she grabbed the other 'Christmassy type fabric with the gold going throught it' and handed it to me.... So I thought, eh, why not?? And then I grabbed two more of the reds I bought last time!! Now I have 4 FQ's of that fabric!! I just really like it!!!

And then I saw this pretty batik and I had to bring it home with me, and then I saw his friend!! They are both a really soft purple/green muted fabric, and just really pretty. The 'friend' is fish!!! And I like 'em.

Everybody is in the bath right now. (uh, washer!!) and will be able to play once they are all cleaned and de-stinkified!!!

Then ironed and cut and made into something!!

Well, at least the blues are headed in that direction today!! I am so close to having the small blocks for the guild challenge done, and I am getting excited!!! This sewing for 20 minutes a day, it makes a huge dent in my plans!! Even if I just cut, organzie, figure out what to do next, tidy a bit, it makes a huge difference. Huge. It's amazing what you can do in what you would consider not enough time. But, sewing on a couple rounds, or even just part of one round, at least when I come back - that is already done.............

And I have made myself a list of thing to get done this week. I think that is called "Goals" .......

One of the goals is to make muffins that I really like with sweet potato in them - but, before I can - or should do that - the oven desperatly needs cleaning, so guess what else I am doing?? Yup, oven is sprayed and I am waiting the 2 hours till I get to clean it!! OH, what fun!!!

-I have already done most of the laundry, sheets are next than, that is off the list.

-Have made the fish some fresh water - and have watered the plants with the water from the aqarium.

-My big goal this week - get the blue blocks all done!! Cut to size and have it ready to sew into a top - by Sunday, if not before!!

I am getting revved about this!!! Oh Yes I am!!!! I still have to get the backing for it - flannel, all blue, and I have seen two fabrics I like, so next paycheck, I am getting it!!

I think this idea of making a week long list is a good one. Not a daily one - it's to easy to feel bad if you don't make it to the finish line that day, but if you've got a couple days, you can fit it in.....

And I am off to keep working on my list and cut some fabrics!!! Blue blocks, you are almost done!!!!!!

OMG!!!!

I just got the shock of my life!!
I have been waiting for Bonnie Hunters new book "Leader and Enders" and I found it on my kitchen table this morning - one of my beautiful daughters got the mail the other day, but left it in a bag and left it on the messy table and I didn't see it - till just about 20 minutes ago!! Well, I pulled it out of the envelope it came in and started reading - yes, reading - I always start at the begining and read it, tips, things that she thought we should know about, then I will get to the patterns!! Well, on page 15 she has a page that says " What Quilters are saying about Bonnie Hunter's Leaders & Enders method" - I am quoted on this page!!!!!!!!!! Bottom left hand side, that me!!!! I was shocked!!!!!!!!! Still am!!!!! Oh, way to cool!!! I am in a book!! Bonnie's book!!! How fantastic is that!! Love it!! How much fun is this, I am quoted in a book people are going to read. I am just smiling here. this is way to much fun!!!! Thanks Bonnie for using my words. I am honored. Thank-you.

I got the Job!!!

I phoned them, today, about the job - I was supposed to hear from them yesterday, either way. Before I left for work, I had not heard anything. I didn't know what to think. I told myself not to stress about it, and I tried not to, but I certainly was not my usual self. And, it was shocking slow at work!!! Nobody could believe how empty the store was!!! NOTE TO ANYONE WHO SHOPS COSTCO: Go on Family Day!!! Especially after 5 o'clock!! We figure most people thought we would be closed, it was not a normal busy day - and when they realized we were open, that we would have Sunday/holiday hours. Nope. Open our normal store hours. And with door counts of 27, then 17 people around the 6- 7 hours, you know how slow it was!!! So, we got out of there early, and with everything done, and done well!!!

So, today, I got up woundering if somehow I had missed thier call. Sometimes I don't get messages..... but I was not sure. And then I was not sure if I should call - but I have to leave here by 10:30 today to get to work on time and so, I phoned them. And, she was busy, but glad I called and said she was going to phone me later - and that if I was still interested, they would like to hire me. And when I said yes, I was still interested, she said she would let me know the schedual later. So, we hung up and I have a new job. In town. Walking distance. I am not sure exactly how I am feeling!! I have made friends at Costco, people that I enjoy being around, and I am going to miss them. I am not going to miss the job. And I am not going to miss the crazy hours - never knowing week to week what hours I am being booked for. But I am so grateful for them hiring me when they did - they helped me through a tight time, and for that, I so happy to have been a Costco employee. I wounder what this job is going to be like???

Here is what I am up to right now - although, I gave myself a talking to last night, after I had unsewn most of these pieces!! GET TO WORK ON THE GUILD CHALLANGE!!!! So, that is what I will be doing this week instead of this one:

This is another one of Carols challenges!! From Years ago!!! It is a challenge to make a quilt out of the same size rectangle - the whole quilt out of this one shape and the due date is long gone past!!! But, I was going to do it!! And I did - then didn't like what I was creating, so yesterday, I pulled this mess out of the pile I have and layed them out on the design wall, and then spent the rest of the time in my room unsewing them.........

So, now that I am back to basic pieces, I really don't want to have to unsew anymore, I wil figure out what I am going to do with what I have already created. I am working to get my projects FINISHED!!!! And I am tired of all bits and pieces I have. Once I have some $$ together, I will shock my quilter with a huge pile of things she can do when she can, no rush!!! And I will be so happy to have my beautiful projects DONE!!!!

Okay, I have to go get myself ready for work now!!! Oh happy day!!!!!!!!! ((hugs))))

Dec. 29

I have to get ready to get to work. I didn't realize yesterday, but today putting my hours on the calander here at home - next week, I am working till 10 at night, and leaving here by 2:30 ish. Meaning, I will not see my kids. I leave before they get home from school, and am home at 11 at night.
Not happy. Not happy at all. During Christmas rush, okay, but not now. Not now. I am just a cog in the machine and - I am frustrated. Very frustrated. Every one there, who realizes how far I drive to get there, tells me I'm crazy!! They think their 15 minute comute is long!!
I actually have been enjoying the drive. I listen to audio books and it's nice. BUT, I do not like drivng at night, and now that it's January, real winter weather will be here soon - and I should not complain. Reality is, I need the job right now. I want to phone in sick today - I am just tired. Really tired. And part of me is going "NO!! Do not do it!!!!!" The other part, the evil part is egging me on.......... "Who's gonna care?? They won't even miss you. You are just a number" Well, it's true. Crap!

I am finding myself a place to be that pays me well, to do things I enjoy and work with people who matter to me and I matter to them. And lets me have time with my family - that has been missing too. I have not had a real meal with them since I started this job in Oct. When I am home on a day off, I am tired. Tired! I am so tired of being tired. It makes me emotional, frustrated, angry and I cry at the drop of a hat. Oh, how mature is that????

Like one day, I went in to work, and found myself early, and that was enought to make me cry. You can't start till your start time, so I wandered around the store for a few minutes, feeling - stupid, useless, just all those bad feelings. If I had been there on time, I would have just got busy working - but no, I had to be early. Went to the washroom and burst into tears. I could not stop crying!!! I walked out, didn't even try to hide the tears, how could I??? They wouldn't stop, and asked if I could just go home?? She said yes, so I left. And went to a green house and walked around it for an hour. No real plants, christmas stuff yes, and large trees but I finally, after the hour, didn't have tears coming down my face.

I am phoning in. I am spending the day with my family.

And I am looking for another job.

Christmas Eve

Well, how is your evening going?? So why are you here?? kidding!! We didn't do the hot chocolate recipe tonight, one daughter wants it for breakfast instead, so that is what we will do. And we did our yearly tour around town to see the lights.... there were not very many. Some streets had a few but most homes were lightless. Dissapointing, but there was time when I didn't do lights either, so.......

But, I do have the picture I promised!! When I took it, I didn't think it worked. It did!! yeah!! Here is what my hubby did while I was at work the other day!!

Do you see Santa on the roof??? Well, he is up there and screwed into the roof to keep him there!! Horrors!!!! What happens in the spring???? but it's funny too!!! We have santa and his reindeer on the roof at our house!! lol!! And here's the snowmen, a little closer....

And what the house looks like from the road.....

Now it's not the best picture, but can you see the snowman in the window?? Behind the tree???

And my daughter made me open a present tonight. She was so excited and made me sit down to open it, and kept telling me it was fragile.... it is.... This is my hummingbird. And I love the woman who made it - she is one of the woman I see at the Butterdome that I love to go to at Christmas. Were I really know her from in the mall in Sherwood Park - last year, I bought alot of the icicles that she makes. All out of glass, and beautiful!! Oh, they just sparkle on the tree - and when I find them, I will put them up!! I am not impressed with myself tonight. I kept them safe all year, and now I don't know where they are!! I just saw them, not that long ago........ I am sure I didn't move them, but they are not were I thought they were...... but here is my beautiful little bird.

I love it.

So, Merry Christmas my friends. May tomorrow bring you great memories and lots of happy thoughts. I have a huge bird, potatoes, and the stuffing (stove top!!) plus things for the other things we have at Christmas, or any other holiday that comes around. And even a friend is coming over, so it will be a great day here!! All the best!!

I have been Sewing!!

I have been working for a few hours on Bonnie Hunters "Christmas Lights" today. And, the top is put together!!! The center anyway, with borders picked out!!

So, what do you think of my version of this great project???

I like it - and I was happy to find some fabrics that will go with my quilt top for the borders.

Bonnie has a black as the first border - I have choosen the same green that the star blocks use. Then I thought of a gold fabric, then the last border being a red with gold through it. The green fabric also has gold in it. For the binding, I am going to use the rest of the black candy cane hearts I used in the red square blks, plus, since I won't have enough, I will use up some of my other blk candy cane fabric that I have and it will work out great!!

I think it will look alright. The green border is only 2" wide, I think I would like it 2 1/2" - but since I only have what the pattern asks for I am not sure I should mess around with the measurements!!

I like that all my fabrics have a touch of gold in them. The cream one is gold snowflakes!! And the red is gold threads... I think using the black for the binding will just pull it all together.

One thing that I am thinking of is doing a bias binding......... I have not done this before, cut a bias binding!! But, my quilt shop lady told me, and I have since read (gotta check this out you know) that bias binding works really well on quilts that are going to be used. Throws, and quilts; wall hangings don't need the movement that bias allows, so 'normal' binding is fine. I just might be learing something new with this project. AND, I am going to make sure to make the time to work on it!!

So, what do you think of my choice?? Yup, I think I like it!!! If you have different idea, let me know - please!!!

Okay, on to news about my job. I was put on the till the other day! After two months of putting the items into the cart and running for what ever is needed, I was put on the till - where, you can not leave till your breaks!!! That means, if you have to use the bathroom, hold it!!! And I, of course, felt like I had to cough the other day, and there is not a kleenex to be found!! Or a cough candy, or - there was nothing!!! lol!!! So, I am not sure how much I am going to like being 'trapped' at the till, when for the last two months, I had the freedom to move around!!!

I am woundering if I should have applied for the full time cashiers job when it was posted awhile ago!!!

Kidding!! It is just a new position and I will get used to it, just like I got used to packing the carts!!!

Today was a day off, and I spent it in my sewing room, sewing up a christmas project. Yes, I have been doing some Christmas shopping. I can not believe how many people around here had their lights up in November. I think without the snow, and how warm it's been - we have flies coming into our house!!!! It's annoying, and it's probably happening when we let the dogs out!! - that people are trying to get into the Christmas mood by using the only 'Chrismas'y' thing around - lighting up the night with cheerful light displays!! And blow up yard ornaments. My favorite is the snowmen!! I had mine blown up in the house one year!! He was by the window and you would see people looking and pointing!!!

I am a little behind in my 20 min a day sewing goal I have going on, but I am half way through Oct. thanks to todays working, and I am planning on being all caught up before the year ends.

Have a very nice day tomorrow, get some Christmas cheer going and I will make sure I keep you posted on the progress of this little quitl!! Is anyone doing Bonnie Hunter's new mystery?? I have printed off the steps so far, but I think it will go into my 'projects' binder for now. I have some past projects that I want to see done, and a couple of them are Christmas projects, so I should pick them to do first!!! Talk soon!

Well, let me tell you!!!

It's a dark Monday here, I hear snow is in the forcast - have not seen it yet, but it's on it's way - and guess what I get to drive through tonight then - at 10, when it's dark!! YUCK!!! I won't be home till close to 11 - I start work at 5 this evening. Last week, I was done between 7 & 8 - great hours!! Tonight, I start my yucky hours - BUT - I am not complaining!! Today, because of my paycheck on Friday - I have started my 'moving on out' fund. And payed off some of my credit card plus put some on our line of credit.
When I started working, I figured, I would put my money towards my credit card and the line of it, but now, I have another priority to consider, so the line, only gets a little.......

Have we talked??? Are you kidding?!!?? We don't do that!!! So, it's where it was left the last post - and I am just doing what I am doing to start my life over. With or without the people I have in it now. I can not think of that - I am just going to keep on making my plans and move forward. I am listening to my CD's on the way to work - 'How to win Friends and Influence People" and "Think and Grow Rich". Each of these say, you have to have a dream, a goal and a passion. Right now, I am working on my goals, looking for my dream, and am praying I will get passion back. So - one point made to me by that voice of wisdom that talks to me while I drive - one habit I have is not finishing....... And that is a very bad habit to have created!!! So, one of my goals is to change it to finishing.
I have this habit in all I do!!! I only partly read a book - before I'm done I find something else to read that catches my eye!!
And my sewing projects!!!???!!! oh, common!!!!!!! Proof postive that I am not one to work out a project to the end - and that is a real problem. Take just a few minutes ago for example. Remember Bonnie Hunters mystery she had in the 'Quiltmaker" magazie??? Well, I thought, I have some time, lets work on the last step......... I couldn't find it!!!!!! And that is when I hit me square in the face. Girl, if you want to have a life full of fun and laughter, joy and exploration, you have got to get your **** together!!!!!

So, my goals???? Evey check - 25% is going to my new fund. It's not a fund I want to have to make, but I have to do it. I am done. I am so done. And I am outta here.

And, I am not taking this mess of projects with me. I will need things to warm me. Things for my walls. And I have alot of them 1/2 done. If I am serious about getting my life in order, creating a life I want to live, then I have to start sticking to my plans, creating my dreams and reaching my goals.

I also had a nice little 'you go girl' when I checked my lottery tickets today. I won $56!! Paid for my gas to get to work and that was a very nice surprise!!! It didn't have to come from my paycheck!! And that was alright by me!!

So, just to let you know, I have found my sewing room again!!! That feels good. Things on the home front haven't changed, but I have!! And this girl is going to keep moving forward, and I will be having fun while I learn and grow (rich!!!).

Have a great week!!!!

My Second Day off in Row!!

I just updated my book reading list. Me, who used to read a book in a couple days, now hardly reads a full book at all! But, I have been, and it feels good!!!
I found this book in my librarys book sale, it's an older book, but I liked it. "The Cay" is an easy read, actually, I found out, it was a high school book for some kids to read!! Easy one for taking with me to read over luch or coffee breaks at work. It's a story about a boys experiance during the second world war, finding himself stranded on a very small island in the ocean when his boat had been sunk. He and a black man - and how he survived. I liked it.

The next book, one that a woman recommended as she went through the till - (I shouldn't work at Costco!!!!) - "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova. Wow. Powerful book. It is written from the persepective of a woman who has just found out she has Alzheimer's. And it is written very well, I laughed and felt for this woman. I just really enjoyed the book. My Aunt had Alzheimer's, but I was not around to see it's effects. No one I know personally has it, that I know of, but this sure put a good perspective on it for me to learn from.

I need to go sew now, to get my BOM done. I can actually go to the class - I don't work till hours later, so I have time to have fun and work that day!! Yeah!!!

And a fish update - they are doing well!! I am still so p,ease that these guys survived. I do not want this to happen again!! I love having an aquarium!!
Monday is my next day off - talk to you then!!!

I am still here.....

Hello Again. I am still here, working all kinds of odd hours and not sewing or coming on the computer much....... I do miss visiting people's blogs....... And I have been busy.

Daughter had her wisdom teeth pulled out last Thursday. She is finally back to school today, feeling like she can move her mouth. I have to do this again with my other daughter....... not fun. My youngest has 5 teeth to be removed instead of the usual 4, so that might be a little harder to do. Dr. is going to give her a special X-ray that will help him figure out where the 5th tooth is, so that will cut down on the searching time..... yuck!!! I will probably book her appointment in a couple months, in the new year. Can you believe it's that close already??!! ahhhhh!!!

And, something that just thrilled my heart - my goldfish, 5 of them, survived the freezing we had a couple weeks ago!!! Rain barrels were frozen, and I thought it was for 2 weeks, still think it was, but hubby says only a week.... uh, uh, it was for longer than that - anyways, the air warmed up, they started to melt and I wanted them empy of the water and ice before they could freeze again and damage the taps. Hubby would not be very happy to have to fix them for me, so I just wanted them empty and ready to go for next year. I was looking in the bottom of the barrel and saw my gold fish.... told my daughter I found one, thinking it was dead, I was not happy about it. She asked if it was dead, so I told her yes, but it sure looked pretty, then as I was looking at it, I saw the upper fin move oh so slightly. I was shocked!!! there is no current in a rain barrel, it should not have moved!!! I yelled, it's alive!!!! and we got him out!!! In the next couple days, we got 5 of them, so they are swimming happily in my aquarium, and I am loving it!!! So, that is my happy thought for today. And saying 'hi' to you.

Okay, I have to go get dressed and ready for my 3 - 9:30 shift........ At least it's not 10:30 or later, which I hate!! Well, don't really like anyway....... it's the not getting home till after 11 that I really don't like....... But I am not complaining. Hubby just got back from working a 24 hr shift at his job........ that is not fun at all!!

Take care!!! Have a Happy Halloween!!!!

Hello

I am just taking a second to let everyone know I am alive!! Honest!! But, I have spent the last week with a cough, a sore throat, which by Sunday took my voice!! Monday, Canada's Thanksgiving - had me on the couch, while hubby and daughter made dinner!!! First time in YEARS, that I have not made the Thanksgiving Dinner..... it was nice!!

So, I have phoned work 3 time to let them know I wouldn't be there. I have never phoned in sick before to any job......... And since I am still so new, I hope they won't hold it against me.........

But, I am back tomorrow - anitbiotics really do wounders. I am not 100%, but I do feel more alive and the best thing, I can keep my eyes open for more than a couple minutes!!! And I have not fallen asleep unexpectedly for a couple days now, so I am on the mend.

I do miss visiting blogs - so I am going to have to work this into my life - I hope I have found you well and HEALTHY!!!! Please stay that way. I have done alot of watching TV that talks about how to keep your immune system strong, and I will be doing the garlic, beta-carotine, sardines (what??!!? Yup, I guess sardines are good to keep your immunity up. could it be the fishy smell that keeps the germs away?? lol!!) and anything else that will keep me up and running!! I got real cranky while I was not feeling well, so I think everyone wants me to stay healthy!! :-)

Bye for now!!

My Guild Meeting is Tonight!!

Tonight is the first meeting of the 'new' year for my guild. Today is the first day of the shop hop I love to go on, but I think I am missing it this year..... Okay, I've missed it before. The one thing I was very happy to see is a shop, that has not been included for the past couple years is in again this year!! Maybe I will find a way to go.......


And all the shops around my area have all their new class list posted - either by mail, email or on their web sites!! I have found a couple I want to learn a bit more about, but not today.. today I am fighting with the blks for the pieced border. So, I am, again, on a 'coffee' break!! Even went and had a shower. Have to get ready for tonight you know. ;-)


But, I have pulled out the top and layed it on my bed. No, the red border is not on it yet - that is why the center is all layed out. So I can measure and start on it. Another avoiding measure I have come up with. The problem?? The blks, one piece is not the right measurement when cut. It's the 4 7/8" measurement. I think it should just be cut at 5" and call it good. You can always cut it down, but you can't add anything on!!


And, I am not only a bit short on most of the pieces, but one of the fabric, I cut it even a bit smaller!!! aaaahhhh!!! Instead of the 4 7/8th measure, I cut it 4 3/4"!!! I am doing my best to just keep working on it, but all this fussyness, and making sure I have something to sew - on some pieces, I am defintly not using a 1/4" seam - so those places got backstiched alot as I sewed it down......... I keep telling myself, it's going to be fine and work, but I do stop alot to breathe for minute or two, and I leave the room, before I go back to keep on sewing this together!! This sewing thing normally 'takes me away'........ ( picture floating on air and just enjoying being in the sunshine and feeling so good that you just don't want to stop.......) then get hit with a pattern where it's not going together right.... *grrrrrrr* (smiles!!!) I have been enjoying this mystery since I started it oh so long ago, and it's been alot of fun to do. So, I will finish it (and get it quilted and bound too!!!!) and then I will have a project done in less than one year!!! Oh now wouldn't that be fun!! And I keep making little notes on my pattern page - so when I want to do it again, or someone wants to try it, they won't be stressing like I am.


And I did a bad thing last night - I pulled out few of my books to look through..... and wouldn't you know - I found something, or two, or three, or.... oh boy, not good!!! But oh so much fun!!!


I have found a quilt in "Coffee Times Quilts" by Cathy Wierzbicki, a few tops that I just love. And when I was looking for a link, I read that this book is out of print!! I am so glad I have mine.
This is one of the quilts tops I've made from this book. And there are a few more that I think are beautiful. This one was just for fun!! And I enjoyed making it and still really like it!!

And another book - "Home for the Holidays" by Lynda Milligan & Nancy Smith has a couple things that caught my eye last night.

Well, thanks for sharing my coffee break with me, and now I will get back to the grind stone and get this border done before I have to go to my meeting tonight!!

And now I have more plans to stop myself from starting!!! Oh good trouble is heading my way!!!

Design Wall Monday!!

I have realized I am not a writer!! I re-read yesterdays post and, well, it doesn't make much sense when I am talking about what my design wall plans are. So, here is the right way to say what I am doing.

I am planning on working on the Goose blks. The goose blk pattern has a solid border, then it has a pieced border. I need to sew on the red solid border, then work on the pieced border. Not "get on the border then work on the border blk" !!! What!?!? You wouldn't know what I ment!! I barely knew what I ment and I wrote it!!! lol!!!

Here are some of the blks. I have had fun with this project - And it's going to be so nice to have it done with the borders on, So this is my project this week - plus the binding on my daughters quilt!! I am over half way done with it - and I have been thinking, I should learn how to do it with the machine!!! But there is a part of me that likes this last step. Sitting there, quilt all over me keeping me warm, sometimes a little to warm!! And just sewing the binding down so it looks like it's part of the material - practice my handsewing skills!! This is why I sometimes wounder if I would like to hand sew pieces for a quilt..... then I shake my head and that thought is gone!!!!

The one thing I do have to learn though, and it's another reason I don't get these things finished - is how to wash them. They are not like the blankets I buy at the store and can stuff in the macine and let it go. No, these need to be handled a little differently, and well, I don't much like fussy.........

Anyways, I am going to go and get busy cutting out the fabrics for the border blks I need to work on. For anyone who watches "The View" - I love to start my day with this show!! Tomorrow they are back!! So, I can again start my day with a laugh. When I get my job, I am going to miss this part of my day!!!

Stash Busting Week 35 (really???)

I do not have a 'real' report - I just know that I have finally finished, or at least got the blks together, still have borders to do - but my "Twilight" quilt top is done....... no pics because camera is full and I am not touching it!!

But I have busted 13 1/4 yrds for my blks!!! Yeah!!!! I have actuall moved some real numbers here!!!

I am almost caught up on my 20 min. sewing a day - sewed for about 6 hrs today, with about 3 hrs left for tomorrow and then I am in the clear for Sept!!!

And the best part, I enjoyed myself today in my sewing room. This has been a long time coming. I did not want to sew, and didn't. But I am so behind in my project goals for this year, and I keep seeing more of what I would love to do - my guild is starting up again here in a couple weeks and my Shop Hop starts on the 10th. Actually, my guild meet is that night too, so I will be busy that day!!

Next week, a real report, but I am so proud of my numbers this week. It has been a long time coming, for me to actually post a real number to show that I am using up my stash. I decided when I started this, I would not post a patterns fabric use, the blocks I am making, until I have the top done. With making all these blks, I couldn't say how much was used!!! But once they were all done and sewn together (yes, i will have a pic soon!!!) then I can say - this is how much fabric the pattern told me I had to have to make it!!

Alright. I feel really good tonight. I would not stop sewing today till I got this top done and *It's Done!!!* Borders are next for it, and I will have numbers to report when I get those on too!!!

Have a Great Week!! It is the start of Sept this week. And tomorrow, I will have something new on my design wall...... I am torn to what it should be!!! I am in the 'get it done' mood, so who's next???!! ?? lol!!!

Design Wall Monday!!

It has been awhile since I have been sewing - but I did yesterday - and with my 20 minute a day goal, I am now working on August's times!!! I realized yesterday, I have not sewn for 4 weeks!!! I got all caught up in July, and stopped sewing....... ahhhhhhh!! So, all the days in July have been crossed off (yes, I have a '20' written on every day on my calender - so when I have sewn for the goal of the 20 minutes I cross it off. I now have all the days done for July - that is good. So, before Sept starts, I plan on having all of the August ones caught right up!!! Start Sept. with no backlog - start fresh!!)

I have some exciting news!! Last night, before I shut my computer off, I always check my email. Well, I got this email:

Hey Brenda!
You're name was just chosen as the winner of the give away on Incredible Women this week! We'll send the jewelry that Kristin made out to you this week. Thanks so much for being a follower of the blog and for commenting. (originally, the set included earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace, but Kristin was sick this week and was only able to do the earrings and matching bracelet. I hope that's ok. It's a beautiful set - antique silver, amethyst colored beads and dragonflies!)Can you please email me your address and I'll get that into the mail to you.Thanks again, and CONGRATULATIONS!-Kara

I was shocked!!!!

If you have never been to this site you have to check it out!! I really enjoy reading/hearing about people who have kept it together when things go bad - and how they manage to...... well, manage. I admire people who respond and not react. Me, I react, then wish I would have responded instead. I am working on this -working on remembering to, just think before I go off the handle!!


And this is a new blog, but I love that she is looking for 'real' woman. I was so surprised last night. I honestly didn't know what to say..... I usually don't comment on blogs that are having give-aways, and I don't usually go check blogs with give aways - well, that's a lie, I go and check it out, but rarely comment. I like to visit when it's just a visit - see what is going on, what they are up to, intereting points of view, things that make me laugh. I don't need a gift to make me come visist,\. If I like the site - I am going to come anyway!!


So this was a real surprise. I thought that the time frame had passed, so I was 'safe'!! Kidding, I just posted what I thought. But here is question: do dragonflies have any 'meaning'??? The reason I ask is, when I was a kid, my aunt gave me a dragonfly pin. My daugher a couple years ago gave me dragonfly ornament, and now this jewerly has dragonflies on it!! I love dragonflies. As a kid I would always try to catch one - never did!! They are so pretty, at least I think they are.



Well, lets talk about my design wall!!! When I left the sewing room, I was starting to put together 'Twilight'. I thought maybe I had missed some of the last "how-to's", but I am not worring about that now. I have the pic of how it's supposed to go together, and I am working it like that. This quilt, was not the one I had picked to do when Planet Patchowork said 'choose your Favorite' - I found this one to busy. Well, I still think it is, but I did it. On my own time frame!! I knew that I wanted a 'special' background fabric. I wanted it black, but not just plain ol' blk and when I found this suff at a close out sale - I had to have it!!! And that is when 'twilight' was born!!!

It's all stars and I thought of outer-space, so this is my version of flying to the moon, or mars, or beyond........ Never, Never Land!!!

So, this is on my Design Wall - and soon to be on my 'tops' pile!!!!

Not a great pic - most of the quilt is missing, but my room is small, and I couldn't fit it all into the frame!! But this is a good intication of what it will look like - busy, busy, busy!!! But - I do like it. I even have the two rows that are sewn together draped over the top of this 'wall', just so I could fit all the pieces of the quilt top on there to get a view of where everything should fit, and since I have so many colours in it, so that the colours are spread out and not all grouped together!!

yup want to see this one put together, and then get onto some other things that I want to get to the finish line!!! Next Monday will be a different project!! No more month off here - just a month of working 20 minutes plus!!!! to get it all done!!

Now to see what you have all been up to over a Judy's............ bye!!

I am back from the movie!!!

Well, if you want to have a few laughs and just enjoy yourself, go see Julie & Julia!!! I loved it!!! It is not the book redone - it is, not better, but perfect!!! I really enjoyed the book, and was glad it was different from it. It is funny!! I came home and wrote this down as a new list on my white board, to remind myself and anyone else who cares, to me this is a DVD to get!!!

And, watching the trailers, I have added 4 more movies on my list of movies I want to see!!!

I am so glad I started this list again. I started to keep track years ago when the kids where young and I didn't remember the movies I thought I would like to see. So I started to keep track and write them down!! Some of the movies I have written on it right now, I have not seen yet in the rental place or heard about again!!! I still want to see them, but I guess I'll to wait till they just show up in my life - like "The Visitor" did!! While in Kelowna, I kept picking this movie up from the sale rack, not sure why, but I did buy it. When I told my daughter the movies I had bought, she said, "Well, that one is on your list!!" And, I/we really enjoyed it!! If I hadn't written it down, would I have picked it up subconsiously??? Doubt it!! So, I love my list!!

And here is the neighbors dog that I told you about. She is now tied up on a chain the lengh of a leash...... at least she can get into her dog house. I hope they have water for her... anyways!!!! I have a picture or two of her to show you. She is the only dog that I have ever wanted that belonged to someone else..... and they are moving soon.......I am so scared for her. If this is how they look after her here - what will they do to her out where no one can see?? And with winter coming.......... Okay, enough. It is just making my tummy tighten. I will show you pics of this beautiful puppy who brings me such joy. We all love her - even my two dogs!! And the cat doesn't mind her either. I wish they would ask me to take her..... I would, without hesitation!!

Here is Lexi!!!!

I am going to the movies!!

I am going to see Julie/Julia at the theater today!! My GF and I have never gone to a movie together that we can remember, so today, we are doing lunch and show!! It will be fun. And I have just finished the book, which I enjoyed!! I could not put it down, and she has a new one coming out in Dec. which I will be on the look out for.
No, I have not been sewing. I thought about it last night, and I think it has alot to do with my main machine being down and not really liking the jerkyness of the Gem. It's great if you dont' have a machine, or for classes - I love it!!! But, I miss my ol' girl and want to take her in........
And I have been looking at other craft books, knitting and things, just to get the creative juices flowing....... Has not really worked.
I will let you know how I liked the movie!!!

End of another weekend....

Ahhhhhh, it's just starting to rain outside. It was hot a little earlier, and I was not expecting rain. I am trying to make meals for my freezer today - and I did something that I have not tried before. I am trying to make chicken nuggets - out of the Brain Power cookbook I just finished reading. It is not a freezer meal in the sense that is tells you to freezet these things. I just got them cut up and the cornflake crumbs/seasoning put on them, then popped them into the freezer......... Later, when they are frozed, I will pop them into a labeled bag and cook them when I want to give them a try. It would be a good snack night (movie night) thing, or as a lunch maybe.
I have added three books to my read list and yes, they are all cook books. Two are for making up things for the freezer and they are new to me - but I do like them. The meals sound good, and who doesn't want a good meal that you don't have to think up quickly!! I love having things ready to be re-heated or cooked sitting in my freezer. Makes dinner time a breeze, and some days, you really need quick and easy without the take-out expense!!!
The Brain Power book, well, it talks about how foods can affect your moods/state of mind. I know for me, sugar is something that can send me over the edge, so, since I have realized this, I try to keep my sugar consumption down, way down!!!
And it talks about sleep and what foods to add or to avoid.
Clarity of mind, what helps to think clearly and what foods help you avoid that middle of the day slump....
I enjoyed reading it because I know food can have impacts on you without you even realizing it. I liked the part that talks about what to feed your kids in the morning before school, so they can stay awake and ready to learn!! Now, to re-read that part and see if I can get them to eat it!!! Teenagers, they don't always co-operate!!

Do you play Freecell on the computer?? How about Spider Solitare?? Well, I play them both, Freecell way longer than spider, but with spider, I am now on the last level and yes, I win. Not all the time, but enough.
Freecell, I started at game #1 (twice!! I was in the early thousands) and am now at game #11282. I lost my game number I was on once, so instead of searching for it some more, I just started over!!! And yes, I have won every game that I have played so far with Freecell. I am not allowed to move onto the next game until it's won. I have heard they are all winnable, and so far it's been true. Some can take me days to win, others I can play up to 20 in one sitting.
The reason I ask is, I use these games as a 'coffee break' or when I am mad or upset, as a way to get my mind off it!!! I find them a good break in the day, waiting for muffins to cook, or a phone call, this helps break up the wait time.
Well, I just came on here to say 'hi'. I will be getting a picture of the neighbors dog, so you can see how cute she is!! Once I get my kitchen cleaned up, maybe I will do that today!! Rain seems to have stopped!!
And we have had frost warnings these past couple nights. I am covering everything up tonight to, just to be on the safe side!!

What is your Week going to be like??

Well, the weather man says, nice for the next few days - hot and sunny like I like it!! Then we are back to yucky and rain - cold, and, well, I am staying inside then....... So, I had better get out there and water my tomatoes now and pray for no frost later. Hubby did see frost last week on his way to work - I was not impressed!!

But onto better things!! I made yogurt for the first time ever last night!!! Using my slow cooker!! It was fun - I like plain yogurt, then I can add what I want to it, or just eat it plain (which I sometimes do). My favorite though is, yogurt and granola with fruit added if I feel like it. Breakfast, dessert, snack, I just like it. And now I have a few containers of plain yogurt in my fridge. It's more runny than what I buy in the store, but I can make it thicker by putting it in a strainer lined with a coffee filter and letting the excess moisture drain out........ hmmm, but not today!

Here is where I found my gold mine of info:http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2009/07/slow-cooking-during-recession.html

This is where I found ideas on all kinds of money saving ideas, and I got to learn how to make yogurt, something I have woundered about for a few years, but have always talked myself out of - buying the yogurt making appliance..... now, I realize, I have always had a yogurt making appliace in my house!! It also makes stew, soups and lots of good things - it's a multi-purpose little machine called a 'slow cooker'!! Gotta love that!!

Have not sewn for two days now. If I ever get my kitchen cleaned from the baking I did yesterday + dinner, I just might go in there..... or, I might bake again!!! And I have to do another dinner tonight!! Who knew!?!? People want to eat every night???!!! Wow!!! ;-)

I am reading a book I am finding rather interesting. Yes, it's an acutal/factual book. My daughter asked me why I don't read a fantasy or something??? I laughed!! (maybe I am????) But this is the book that has my attention right now: "Emotional Freedom - Libertate Yourself From Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life" by Judith Orloff, M.D.

Right now in the book she is talking about dreams...... hmmm. I don't usually remember my dreams. Do you??? So I am finding this part rather interesting because she is talking about how to get yourself to remember them, and I want to remember. So, I am going to try some of her ideas. Why not?? Like she says, dreams are your own personal movie theater or play - just for you to watch everynight. And I keep missing the shows!!!!

I am going to show you something that you might find boring, but this is one of my favorite things in my yard (yes, it doesn't take much to thrill me sometimes!!) here is two of my rain barrels and how they all are attached and work together!!

These two are in the front of the house, in the back, behind the shed you see in the background I have a few more, then on the other side of the house I have more lined up against the house. I have 9 working barrels all together, all attached to each other and 8 have gold fish swimming in them. They eat all the bugs and yucky stuff and survive all summer living in these barrels - they come out in the winter where I do my best to keep them alive till spring when they are back out again.

Here is a close up of how they are all attached. I use a 'Y' connecter to the tap to create a two hose attachment. that is noticable in the front barrel - the left one does not have it. So the front barrel is also the one that is connected to the back barrels. Each corner of my hosue has a barrel., attached to the downspout. And now, it does not matter which barrel I use for water, since they are all attached, I am empting them all when I water - and when it rains they all get re-filled. I love this system. I finally got the front and back connected last year. And this year, finally got hubby to let me put barrels down the other side of the house for more rain water collection!!! Next year, when I make up my square foot gardens, I will have plenty of rain water to use and I love it!! Our water here is expensive to use for watering your yard/garden. This way, I am able to water all I want (which is why I want so many barrels!!!) and it's not costing me every month to do it!! And having the fish in there, they keep that water nice and clean looking and it does not smell - which I never thought of, till someone mentioned that to me?!! I just wanted the fish in there to eat the mosquitos that would use it to lay their eggs in. The fish do that quite nicely!!

Okay, off to do dishes!!

Happy August!!

I have not been in my sewing room for over two weeks...... so, no, the Twilight top is still in pieces and the Goose border and step 6 is not done AND no more progress on the Bonnie mystery.

And you know what?? I'm okay about it. I have been enjoying the sunshine, the tomatoes that are turning red and watching the grass grow. I have also been fighting a loosing battle with the puppy next door who gets into my yard to visit all the time!!!! It's frustrating as well as funny. The only part that really annoys me - she gets into my compost and eats what ever she can...... then, the light bulb finally went on (yes, sometimes I can be a little dense) I am now feeding this puppy too. And, when they move, they can just leave her behind and I will be a house with 3 dogs instead of the two I already have.
Yes, they have left a PUPPY!!!!!! at home all day with no food?!!??!!!??? - *?#@!&%#**!grrrrrrr, angry!! and I did make a phone call........................ And basically this lady told me, she would take her in, but make sure she is not mirco chippped. I don't feel right 'stealing' the dog, but common!!! She is just over two months old, and guess what - she NEEDS food!!!! And also, it's the kids dog, and they leave the kids to 'train' her!!!!!!!!!! Hello!!!!????!!!!! So, when she has escaped to my yard, she gets treated like one of mine, and gets into trouble when she is doing dumb things and she now 'sits' and does 'down' and is actually a good little dog (she won't be little for long - she is a husky...... ) and if they don't teach her manners, I can see them getting rid of her, through not fault of her own. It's almost funny, but if I go in my backyard, sure as anything, no matter who's there, that little bugger is under the fence and right at my side!! One of the kids (there are 8 kids living next door) says, "she follows you" with wounder in her voice.... I almost felt bad. This was before I started to feed the poor little thing. And no, I don't feed her all the time, only when it seems they have left her behind and no seems to be home. And when you have an animal, any animal, making sure you are behind them and if you seem to be to close to the source of food and is growling, you know it's hungry -starving even.....

So this is my dog story for this post!!

We just had a long weekend this weekend - and it was nice. Did we go anywhere, do anything?? No. I did go to the movie - oh the name is escaping me, it's a comedy, uh, crap, it's not coming - anyways, it's was okay. Did see the Harry Potter one - I didn't hate it, but certainly didn't love it. A little dissapointed in it. Like what the heck???? Just because you know you are going to have an audiance, does that mean you can just throw it together, and not care????? I do think it would have been better as a 3 hr long movie - but not the one they produced!!!! One that follows the book a bit better, let you into the whys and what's going on better - not this movie that give you the highlights of the book, but not really any rhyme or reason to the why it's happening. Oh well, it is what it is - and I am now not really looking forward to the next one...... (or two?? My friend says they are breaking up book 7 into two movies???? WHAT?!?!)

Anyways, I just thought I would come on today and say "Hi!!" - it's been awhile since I've done this, or read what is going on in others lives. When it's nice outside, I want to be there - but today, I am going to make chili for tomorrow, a lasagne for tonight and snacks for when you feel snacky. This one recipe I am going to try, I've bought the ingerdiants about 2 yrs ago to make, and well, I keep eating them before I can make up the snack!!! So, today, I am going to make them up and see if they were worth the wait or I should just keep eating the cereal with yogurt like I have been!!! ;-)

Okay, have a great week and enjoy the summer as much as you can!!! I am personally loving it!!! Really miss being by water though, but not going to dwell on that. I live here and I am going to make the best of it!!! Huge Hugs!!!!
~Brenda

More Quilt Show!

Okay, here are the rest of the pics I took - oh so long ago!! I have been spending alot of time in the great outdoors, and have only come in when I've had too. I got an email from a friend asking if I'm okay??? So, I thought I would come and let you all know I am just being out in the sun as much as I can - and it's will be time soon where it will be to cold to be out there laying around or playing in the flowers, so don't worry 'bout me. I am just enjoying the season!!

Here is some insperation if, like me, you have not been sewing!!

This is a memory quilt -

I have the story below the quilt. what do with jerseys??

Here's an idea:

Love these humming birds - we might do a colorwash class this year in my guild. Beautiful!!

Above is the quilt, the next one shows the matching pillow!!

Like I said, I have not been in my sewing room - so Shannon, I have not moved much on the Mystery quilt we are both supposed to

be working on..... I will get at it if it keeps being cool outside, and after reading what you've done, I am way behind!!!! lol!!! Here is to beautiful days, ripe tomatoes!! I have alread eaten 3 ripe yellow tomaotoes off the plant I won this spring, oh it's sooooooo good to eat off the vine tomatoes!! I didn't even make 'em into a sandwich, I just cut them up and savored them!!!

Have a great week!! ~ I sure hope too!!!