Wednesday, April 30, 2014
One tomato plant
Next year, anyone?
Yes, I have already booked reservations for a place to stay next year for the quilt show. And the thing is, no one in my family is surprised...
I did some sewing last night. Put two more rows together on the Paducah scrap quilt. I have to get downstairs and load the church quilt on Gemma soon. Will be doing that this weekend, probably.
Going to have lunch with Johanna today. She is really working a lot of hours at her new job. She just jumped right in with it and I know it has to be wearing her out right now. She's a strong girl and will be fine, but as the mom, I still worry you know...
Put a small roast in the crock pot this morning to make Italian Beef sandwiches for supper tonight. I use the seasoning packet put out by Louis. It's really really good. I also add some onion and bell pepper to it as it cooks.
Last night I made a meat loaf with mashed potatoes and corn. That was something we hadn't had in a while, so it tasted pretty good. And it will give Ev some good leftovers to take for his lunch at work. That way, the guys in the break room will all be jealous... haha.
I did some sewing last night. Put two more rows together on the Paducah scrap quilt. I have to get downstairs and load the church quilt on Gemma soon. Will be doing that this weekend, probably.
Going to have lunch with Johanna today. She is really working a lot of hours at her new job. She just jumped right in with it and I know it has to be wearing her out right now. She's a strong girl and will be fine, but as the mom, I still worry you know...
Put a small roast in the crock pot this morning to make Italian Beef sandwiches for supper tonight. I use the seasoning packet put out by Louis. It's really really good. I also add some onion and bell pepper to it as it cooks.
Last night I made a meat loaf with mashed potatoes and corn. That was something we hadn't had in a while, so it tasted pretty good. And it will give Ev some good leftovers to take for his lunch at work. That way, the guys in the break room will all be jealous... haha.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Scraps of paper
Instead of printing out Mapquest or Google directions, or taking the big Illinois Atlas with us on our trip south, I just wrote the three interstates that we needed to catch down on a little sticky note. I've been to Paducah enough times to know how to get to the show and people are so helpful down there I know if I got turned around I could get directions.
Maybe I just don't want to let go of the trip just yet, but that yellow scrap of paper is still sitting in the console of my car.
We had some severe storms move through yesterday starting about 4:45 and continuing into the evening. When I got home I ran in the front door and went straight to the basement (with the dog and cat following closely behind). I didn't even have time to sit down on the basement steps (my designated storm proof spot) before the hail started. It was a scary night and I said more than a few prayers while sitting on those steps. We were fortunate not to have any damage.
Maybe I just don't want to let go of the trip just yet, but that yellow scrap of paper is still sitting in the console of my car.
We had some severe storms move through yesterday starting about 4:45 and continuing into the evening. When I got home I ran in the front door and went straight to the basement (with the dog and cat following closely behind). I didn't even have time to sit down on the basement steps (my designated storm proof spot) before the hail started. It was a scary night and I said more than a few prayers while sitting on those steps. We were fortunate not to have any damage.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Call the plumber
Before I left for my trip, we were having some plumbing issues with the toilet. We only have one bathroom, but luckily we have a toilet in the basement, just out in the open with no walls or sink or anything. Ev says he can't use it because he feels like he is in prison.... Anyway, the one in the bathroom was backing up and not flushing. We tried everything we could think of and finally called a plumber today.
Now, I won't say who dropped Ev's comb-that-is-always-in-his-back-pocket into the toilet, but that's what was in there. Ahem. (sure glad it wasn't MY comb...)
It's fixed now. We do, however, have to do some repair work on the tile since some of it was damaged when the toilet was removed.
Not quilt related, I know. Sorry!
Now, I won't say who dropped Ev's comb-that-is-always-in-his-back-pocket into the toilet, but that's what was in there. Ahem. (sure glad it wasn't MY comb...)
It's fixed now. We do, however, have to do some repair work on the tile since some of it was damaged when the toilet was removed.
Not quilt related, I know. Sorry!
More Paducah Pics
Remember all those blocks I was making to swap with Mary in Paducah? Well, she was as busy and I was and made just as many blocks. Here's what they all look like put together:
I was tickled to get the blocks she made and really like the happy scrappiness of the way it looks!
All the sashings for the rows are sewn onto the blocks and I'm now sewing the blocks into rows. Then will put sashing and cornerstones between the rows of blocks. My cornerstones are going to be all purple. Mary is making her's all scrappy.
This quilt will be a nice remembrance of our trip. Next year we will have to do it again. Hopefully there will be more than just two of us doing it! (You know who you are, ladies....)
All the sashings for the rows are sewn onto the blocks and I'm now sewing the blocks into rows. Then will put sashing and cornerstones between the rows of blocks. My cornerstones are going to be all purple. Mary is making her's all scrappy.
This quilt will be a nice remembrance of our trip. Next year we will have to do it again. Hopefully there will be more than just two of us doing it! (You know who you are, ladies....)
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Featherweight surgery
Do you think my Featherweight might have needed a new belt?
I thought I had the belt replaced not too long ago. Maybe not. Anyway, I picked up a new belt at the show and today I put it on my machine. It was not difficult to do, and I had excellent written instructions to help me. Here's my baby after her 'surgery". I brought her flowers....
I thought I had the belt replaced not too long ago. Maybe not. Anyway, I picked up a new belt at the show and today I put it on my machine. It was not difficult to do, and I had excellent written instructions to help me. Here's my baby after her 'surgery". I brought her flowers....
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Home Sweet Home
Got back from Paducah this morning. Had a wonderful time! Best year ever! Really loved seeing Ricky Tims last night with Mary and Marla. Here's a pic:
Not the best pic because of lighting and flash issues, but you get the idea.
Pretty wiped out right now, but will post more later.
Pretty wiped out right now, but will post more later.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Tomorrow is the big day!
Tomorrow I will be headed to Paducah with my friend Mary for the quilt show! Whee!
I finished the 12th blocks for our swap over the weekend. They were the same pattern but different fabrics. It's a house block. Here's the one for Mary. I don't have a picture right now of mine, but instead of zoo animals in the windows, I have bears.
This was the most fun block of all to make. Fussy cutting the creatures for the windows was fun. I took a lot of time finding the right things to put in all the windows on both blocks. On my block, I used bears from a fabric I bought while Ev and I were in San Francisco last year.
I finished the 12th blocks for our swap over the weekend. They were the same pattern but different fabrics. It's a house block. Here's the one for Mary. I don't have a picture right now of mine, but instead of zoo animals in the windows, I have bears.
This was the most fun block of all to make. Fussy cutting the creatures for the windows was fun. I took a lot of time finding the right things to put in all the windows on both blocks. On my block, I used bears from a fabric I bought while Ev and I were in San Francisco last year.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Easter Monday
I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend. We sure did. I appologize for my absence, but we had family obligations that took precedence over blogland... But I'm back now!
Good Friday Ev and I did a lot of yard work, including removing a creature that decided it's final resting place would be beneath our front porch - seems to be a pattern here with felines. Oh what fun that was. All is well now. It was a neighborhood stray, but I still felt bad for the poor guy.
We ended up at Tilley's for fish dinners on Friday, which was a nice treat.
Saturday we had the kids all over for dinner. Johanna, Ben, and Johnathon came early in the day and we had an egg hunt, then a big ham dinner with all the trimmings. They had to leave around 3. Nick was there for the early dinner, too, as were our neighbor and his daughter. When we finished eating, the guys all went for a nice long motorcycle ride. I cleaned up the kitchen then got ready for another dinner after 6 when Nick's girlfriend was coming over. She had to work all day and this was the only time she could come. We had chicken the second time around. Needless to say, we have a lot of leftovers!
Saturday night was the only bad spot. Johanna ended up in the emergency room with severe pains in her stomach. She is doing a bit better now, but has to go see her regular doctor. Couple things going on there, but nothing that can't be resolved.
Sunday we went out to my dad's for an egg hunt and dinner around 1. Left fairly early. I went to see how Johanna was doing then just lazed around the house the rest of the afternoon. And with all those leftovers, Ev decides he wants a cheeseburger from Tilley's! So we headed up there for dinner. It was a nice ending to a nice weekend, all in all.
Now I'm chomping at the bit to get these two work days behind me so we can head down to Paducah on Wednesday! woohoo!
Good Friday Ev and I did a lot of yard work, including removing a creature that decided it's final resting place would be beneath our front porch - seems to be a pattern here with felines. Oh what fun that was. All is well now. It was a neighborhood stray, but I still felt bad for the poor guy.
We ended up at Tilley's for fish dinners on Friday, which was a nice treat.
Saturday we had the kids all over for dinner. Johanna, Ben, and Johnathon came early in the day and we had an egg hunt, then a big ham dinner with all the trimmings. They had to leave around 3. Nick was there for the early dinner, too, as were our neighbor and his daughter. When we finished eating, the guys all went for a nice long motorcycle ride. I cleaned up the kitchen then got ready for another dinner after 6 when Nick's girlfriend was coming over. She had to work all day and this was the only time she could come. We had chicken the second time around. Needless to say, we have a lot of leftovers!
Saturday night was the only bad spot. Johanna ended up in the emergency room with severe pains in her stomach. She is doing a bit better now, but has to go see her regular doctor. Couple things going on there, but nothing that can't be resolved.
Sunday we went out to my dad's for an egg hunt and dinner around 1. Left fairly early. I went to see how Johanna was doing then just lazed around the house the rest of the afternoon. And with all those leftovers, Ev decides he wants a cheeseburger from Tilley's! So we headed up there for dinner. It was a nice ending to a nice weekend, all in all.
Now I'm chomping at the bit to get these two work days behind me so we can head down to Paducah on Wednesday! woohoo!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Easter Bags
They all have candy in them but then something personal. Each adult got a homemade dish/wash cloth. Ben got a nice leather pair of work gloves, Nick got a couple polo shirts, Johanna got the makings of her favorite salad dressing and a new stainless steel bowl and whisk, Olivia got a tea mug and tea, and Johnathon got colors and a coloring book.
Here's a recipe I'm thinking of trying that my friend, Sandy, gave me:
Cherry Salad
1 can cherry pie filling
1 can pineapple, drained
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 carton cool whip.
Stir together and refrigerate.
Our menu for Easter Dinner, which we are having Saturday is as follows:
Ham
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Asparagus
Pea Casserole
7 Layer Salad
Roasted Chicken (if Olivia will be joining us)
Cheesecake
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Electrifying
Dad came over last night and replaced the outlet in the basement that I have Gemma plugged in to. The old one was one of those black plastic things that were used decades ago and were mounted on the wall rather than flush with the wall. It was crumbling apart. The electrical connection was okay but the fixture was falling apart. Dad put a new electric box on the wall and a new outlet. It looks real nice and works just fine. I'm a happy camper.
Going to have the kids over Saturday for Easter. I am going to get a ham and all the fixin's. Yum!
Going to have the kids over Saturday for Easter. I am going to get a ham and all the fixin's. Yum!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Thanks
Thanks to my good friend who entrusted me with her quilt top and paid me for my services! I was so nervous that it wouldn't be "good enough" and you made me feel ten feet tall when you asked if I would do this again for you! You rock! :)
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Finito'!
Yeah, so that is supposed to be "FIN-NEAT-TOE" but I'm not sure how to spell it correctly! Anyway, the quilt that was on Gemma is finished, with the binding attached to the top side. I used the Nolting Ruler Mate on the machine, along with a piece of quarter inch plexiglass for a ruler to create a straight edge. I have to put longarm rulers on my list of things I want to buy at the show.
I have been knitting approximately one dishcloth per day, and I think with each one I get a little bit better. Practice makes perfect! The kids will each get a couple in their Easter bags (which I have yet to make). This afternoon I sorted through some of my stash, with the intent of getting rid of some of it. Mary doesn't have a stash yet, so I'm going to give her some of mine. I have so much that was gifted to me that really isn't my taste, I certainly won't miss it! Still have more to go through. I did find some neat material to use for Easter bags, though.
Nick and Olivia are on their way home from visiting family up north. It's been storming here so I'm hoping they get back safely. Johanna and Ben were over for dinner. We had burgers on the grill for the first time this season. They were excellent!
I have been knitting approximately one dishcloth per day, and I think with each one I get a little bit better. Practice makes perfect! The kids will each get a couple in their Easter bags (which I have yet to make). This afternoon I sorted through some of my stash, with the intent of getting rid of some of it. Mary doesn't have a stash yet, so I'm going to give her some of mine. I have so much that was gifted to me that really isn't my taste, I certainly won't miss it! Still have more to go through. I did find some neat material to use for Easter bags, though.
Nick and Olivia are on their way home from visiting family up north. It's been storming here so I'm hoping they get back safely. Johanna and Ben were over for dinner. We had burgers on the grill for the first time this season. They were excellent!
Friday, April 11, 2014
Got right to it
Yesterday when I got home from work I knew that I would have a little more than an hour at home before I needed to go to the funeral home for a wake. One of our elderly neighbors passed away and I really needed to go pay my respects.
Anyway, knowing I had this hour to get something done, and not having to make dinner since Ev was eating a meal at work, I figured it was a good time to get some quilting done on the customer quilt. When I got home, I immediately let Ivy out, as usual, then kept going down the steps to the basement and turned Gemma on to warm her up. While she was warming up, I checked the mail, then got down to business. I put in an hour of sewing which was enough to roll the quilt once. Tonight I would like to at least get an hour in again, and then this weekend get it finished. At least, that's the plan, Stan.... haha.
Anyway, knowing I had this hour to get something done, and not having to make dinner since Ev was eating a meal at work, I figured it was a good time to get some quilting done on the customer quilt. When I got home, I immediately let Ivy out, as usual, then kept going down the steps to the basement and turned Gemma on to warm her up. While she was warming up, I checked the mail, then got down to business. I put in an hour of sewing which was enough to roll the quilt once. Tonight I would like to at least get an hour in again, and then this weekend get it finished. At least, that's the plan, Stan.... haha.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Nutty
Yesterday at lunch time I went out to Johanna's. While looking at where she wanted to plant flowers, I realized she had several nut trees on the property. When I was young, we had a couple black walnut trees and Mammy and Grandpa would spend the evenings picking nuts out of the shells. Those black walnuts made the absolutely best cookies.
I asked Johanna to pick the nuts up for me so I could pick them and use them. There are black walnut trees and hickory nut trees! I'm so excited.
When I was little, Grandpa would take me out into the woods with him to pick up hickory nuts. One time we were in the woods where a farmer let his cows be at. I remember this big ol' cow came lumbering up to us and I was so scared I climbed a tree! I think it was the sheer size of the animal that frightened me, because it was really a docile creature. Probably used to seeing people only when it got fed, so it expected a treat from us!
I asked Johanna to pick the nuts up for me so I could pick them and use them. There are black walnut trees and hickory nut trees! I'm so excited.
When I was little, Grandpa would take me out into the woods with him to pick up hickory nuts. One time we were in the woods where a farmer let his cows be at. I remember this big ol' cow came lumbering up to us and I was so scared I climbed a tree! I think it was the sheer size of the animal that frightened me, because it was really a docile creature. Probably used to seeing people only when it got fed, so it expected a treat from us!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Something that made me smile
I know I have talked here on the blog about a little bar and grill named Tilley's that we have here in our little town. It's opened it's doors and closed them a few times over the years, but this time they may actually be staying open for a while. I sure hope so, anyway.
Ev and I like to go there on the weekends and have a meal. He will get a beer and I will get iced tea, and we just enjoy the time together. Many of the people that come in there are people we have known in town for years, so it's alway interesting to visit with different folks.
Sunday, when we went in for dinner, we got a pleasant surprise. When our order came the cook had added a couple little extra goodies on our plates to try. This isn't the first time that's happened, and it really makes me feel good. They know we are regulars and they value our opinions. They have even added items to the menu for us!
That just makes me smile, knowing that people in town recognize us and want to hear what we think. It's a warm feeling.
Ev and I like to go there on the weekends and have a meal. He will get a beer and I will get iced tea, and we just enjoy the time together. Many of the people that come in there are people we have known in town for years, so it's alway interesting to visit with different folks.
Sunday, when we went in for dinner, we got a pleasant surprise. When our order came the cook had added a couple little extra goodies on our plates to try. This isn't the first time that's happened, and it really makes me feel good. They know we are regulars and they value our opinions. They have even added items to the menu for us!
That just makes me smile, knowing that people in town recognize us and want to hear what we think. It's a warm feeling.
Lasagna x 2
I didn't get any sewing done last night. When I got home from work I ended up making the two pans of lasagna, then my daughter and her boyfriend came over for a while. By the time all was said and done, I didn't have any more energy to work on the quilt. So tonight, no matter what, SEWING WILL BE DONE!
I have been knitting dishcloths while I'm watching t.v. Last night I even tried stitching a different pattern, just to see if I could do it. It was a little awkward at first, but just like everything else, I'm sure I would get better with practice. I had a couple gift cards left from Christmas from JoAnn's so I ordered a couple different yarns from them online. They came in yesterday, and I started playing with one right away.
Do you know how hard it is to knit with a cat in your lap?
Actually, our cat is really good, so I can't complain. Most of the time she lays down on my lap with her head facing the yard and watches intently as it pulls out from the middle of the skein. I don't know what she is expecting to come out of that skein of yarn, but as long as all she is doing is watching, we're good.
I have been knitting dishcloths while I'm watching t.v. Last night I even tried stitching a different pattern, just to see if I could do it. It was a little awkward at first, but just like everything else, I'm sure I would get better with practice. I had a couple gift cards left from Christmas from JoAnn's so I ordered a couple different yarns from them online. They came in yesterday, and I started playing with one right away.
Do you know how hard it is to knit with a cat in your lap?
Actually, our cat is really good, so I can't complain. Most of the time she lays down on my lap with her head facing the yard and watches intently as it pulls out from the middle of the skein. I don't know what she is expecting to come out of that skein of yarn, but as long as all she is doing is watching, we're good.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Fun evening
Last night I went to a quilt club meeting over in Staunton. It was a nice group with a lot of show and tell. Only lasted about an hour and a half, which was just fine with me.
Still trying to motivate myself to do that 12th block for the Paducah swap! I have decided on the block design so there aren't any excuses now!
Didn't do anything on the customer quilt last night. Might get downstairs to do some work on it tonight if I have the energy after work.
Planning to have lunch with darling daughter and then might have her do a little shopping for me. I want to make a couple lasagnas tonight. One for dinner and one to send up to my mother in law this weekend. Nick is going up that direction and I know she likes my lasagna.
Still trying to motivate myself to do that 12th block for the Paducah swap! I have decided on the block design so there aren't any excuses now!
Didn't do anything on the customer quilt last night. Might get downstairs to do some work on it tonight if I have the energy after work.
Planning to have lunch with darling daughter and then might have her do a little shopping for me. I want to make a couple lasagnas tonight. One for dinner and one to send up to my mother in law this weekend. Nick is going up that direction and I know she likes my lasagna.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
A nice day
Today has been a really good day. Ev and I went to breakfast and on the way we saw our favorite bar and grill on Main Street had a smoker set up in front of it. I called them to find out what they were doing today and found out that they would have a variety of foods coming out of the smoker on the menu this afternoon. Pulled pork, smoked chicken wings, pork steaks, and bratwurst were all going to be ready to eat. Yum! After we got home from breakfast I started working on one of the quilts I have for a customer on the frame. Spent a couple good hours working on it, then did some laundry. Ev and I took a ride out to the cemetery and put different flowers on the grave.
Later we went out and got some of that good smoky bbq food. Now it's time to unwind and enjoy the rest of the day and the fact that the Cubs won today! Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday.
Later we went out and got some of that good smoky bbq food. Now it's time to unwind and enjoy the rest of the day and the fact that the Cubs won today! Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Stormy weather
Last night we had some thunderstorms roll through the area and are expecting some even more severe storms today and tonight.
I was able to finish the tee shirt quilt last night! whoopee! The binding is on it and it is ready to go to it's new home. I'm glad it's all done, because I have the next customer quilt ready to go (even if she FORGOT something---you know who you are! :)..heehee) And on my way home from work last night one of the ladies from church called to say she has the top ready to be quilted for the raffle. I will be picking that up tonight on my way home from work. That won't be a paying job, but may generate some business. I intend to leave some of my cards with the quilt so that when it is displayed for the raffle people can pick them up if interested in my services.
My goal is to get the next quilt on the frame and at least part way done this weekend, if not completely done. At any rate, as long as I have it done before Paducah, I will be happy. I don't really plan to start the church one until after my trip.
Mom asked me again about making a quilt for her friends grandson. I don't know what size, colors, pattern, or what age the grandson is, so that is something I can't work on until I have more information.
Bonnie Hunter had 'quiltcam' again last night. I was already done with the binding on the tee shirt quilt, which I did upstairs while the cleaning ladies were working their magic. Have I mentioned how much I love having someone clean my house? I actually felt justified in the fact that they were cleaning while I was technically 'working' on something I would get paid for. Anyway, my sewing for the evening was finished by the time quiltcam came on, so I sat down and did some knitting while I watched. I think I am really getting the hang of it! Hope to get enough made so I can give my daughter some for Easter and to take a couple for my friends when we are in Paducah.
I was able to finish the tee shirt quilt last night! whoopee! The binding is on it and it is ready to go to it's new home. I'm glad it's all done, because I have the next customer quilt ready to go (even if she FORGOT something---you know who you are! :)..heehee) And on my way home from work last night one of the ladies from church called to say she has the top ready to be quilted for the raffle. I will be picking that up tonight on my way home from work. That won't be a paying job, but may generate some business. I intend to leave some of my cards with the quilt so that when it is displayed for the raffle people can pick them up if interested in my services.
My goal is to get the next quilt on the frame and at least part way done this weekend, if not completely done. At any rate, as long as I have it done before Paducah, I will be happy. I don't really plan to start the church one until after my trip.
Mom asked me again about making a quilt for her friends grandson. I don't know what size, colors, pattern, or what age the grandson is, so that is something I can't work on until I have more information.
Bonnie Hunter had 'quiltcam' again last night. I was already done with the binding on the tee shirt quilt, which I did upstairs while the cleaning ladies were working their magic. Have I mentioned how much I love having someone clean my house? I actually felt justified in the fact that they were cleaning while I was technically 'working' on something I would get paid for. Anyway, my sewing for the evening was finished by the time quiltcam came on, so I sat down and did some knitting while I watched. I think I am really getting the hang of it! Hope to get enough made so I can give my daughter some for Easter and to take a couple for my friends when we are in Paducah.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Off and on
Last night I took the tee shirt quilt off the frame, as well as a couple samples of quilting for my friends quilt. Today I showed her the samples when she brought her top to me and let her decide what she wanted me to do. Tonight I would like to get the binding done on the tee shirt quilt so it will be finished and then I will be ready to load the other quilt on to Gemma. I am liking this a lot!
We have some pretty bad storms rolling in to our area tonight and tomorrow. It's been raining and storming off and on all day today. Even rained during the middle of the night. The thunder and lightening woke me up. I guess Ivy was a little spooked because she was all pressed up against Ev and I!
We have some pretty bad storms rolling in to our area tonight and tomorrow. It's been raining and storming off and on all day today. Even rained during the middle of the night. The thunder and lightening woke me up. I guess Ivy was a little spooked because she was all pressed up against Ev and I!
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