Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Something Other Than Snow

It's ready for quilting. The second border is added and the back is pieced so once I can get to the quilt room it will get quilted. It is a colorful quilt and feels wonderful and measures about 61 x 72" so it is a large lap or a twin topper.
Next, my sister has finally started her blog. You can find her at http://ladycatquilts.blogspot.com/ . So if you get a chance stop by and say Hi. She does lovely quilts some of which you have seen here. The blue one Miss Emma was posing on (in one of my earlier posts) is one of my sister's quilts. She also has 3 cats and I'm sure you'll be introduced to all of them sooner or later. Like my three they all have their own personalities and are very outspoken. Off to have some cocoa and read for awhile.

Monday, December 22, 2008

White Christmas

These are a few pictures I have taken the last two days. The stumps make me think of elves with snow hats. The weatherman on T.V. just gave us an interesting fact: The last time the Seattle area had more than a foot of snow on the ground was 1861. So this is going to be a winter for the record books
here in Western WA. Now that we've set a new record I hope we go back to our normal weather of 40's and rain. Never thought I'd miss the rain.
On the other hand I am getting some sewing done and enjoying reading and knitting. I almost have a pair of socks done so as soon as I get them finished I'll post a picture so you can oooh and aaaah over
them. LOL
I hope where ever you are that you are warm and dry and ready for Christmas. This to shall pass (probably not as soon as I would like it to) and spring is just around the corner. Right?

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Counting My Blessings


Today we have had another storm move into Western WA. So far here (Kitsap county) we just have lots more snow while other parts especially up in the mountains had wind with gusts up to 90 miles an hour. The snow on top of the garbage cans is the amount we have received since 2 pm this afternoon. The biggest blessing is that so far we still have power. Keeping everything crossed that the power stays on - which makes sewing and everything else harder to do. Okay, I'm off to crawl into my quilts and read awhile before I sleep. Stay warm.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Winter in the Northwest

Even though it is not officially winter someone didn't get the memo here in the Pacific Northwest. The last time we had weather this cold for this long was 18 years ago. This morning about 11:30 this is how it looked out in front. The second picture is out the back and looking up the hill. So far today we've had about 4 (four) inches, but the day is young. On the bright side we do still have power. So while that is the case I think I will do some sewing. I am finishing up Christmas projects so I will have to post pictures later next week. I might even get some baking done.


Emma and Lucy have worn themselves out watching the snow fall and trying to catch the snowflakes that get to close to the window. Stay warm and safe and have a cozy day sewing or whatever you are doing.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Free Fabric

I just discovered the following site. If you have time before the 2nd of January check them out. Hope your elves are almost ready for Christmas at your workshop. It is snowing here as I type. Spring can't come early enough for me. Back to sewing.

A great new online store, WINFABRIC.COM is giving away two yards of FREE FABRIC every week beginning January 2, 2009. Simply visit the site at http: //www.winfabric.com and enter the drawing. You could be the first winner! Plus, in addition to great fabrics at the best prices-5% off all purchases will be donated to charity.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Christmas Recipes

Dana at the Old Red Barn posted her sugar cookie recipe and pictures of the cookies she made with her girls, which made me think of our Christmas recipes. The last few years I usually make a Coconut Pecan Pie to go with the Pumpkin pie. So I have included the recipe for the Coconut Pecan Pie for you to try. It is very easy to do. For many years I also made Magic Bars and Zuchini Bread every year and my husband made fudge. I'm suprised that I haven't had a call from my son wondering when I was going to get those things made.

So what are your favorite things to bake at Christmas and will you be doing them again this year? This has me thinking of doing some baking. If I get busy I'll post some pictures for you to enjoy.

COCONUT PECAN PIE

3 EGGS
1 ½ C. SUGAR
½ C. BUTTER OR MARGARINE, MELTED
2 tsps lemon juice
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 ¼ C. flaked coconut
½ C. Coarsely chopped pecans
1 Unbaked pastry shell 9”

In mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add sugar, butter, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Stir in coconut and pecans; pour into pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 – 50 minutes or until set. Cool completely. Store in the refrigerator. Yield 6 – 8 servings.

Oct/Nov 95 Taste of Home Magazine

Saturday, December 13, 2008

First snow of the winter

The weather man has been promising we were going to have snow and it appears he was right. Earlier this week we were told 1 - 6 " and then they said 1 - 3". I came home about 9:30 p.m. tonight and the ground was clear and the air was cold. About 5 minutes ago when I looked outside it is snowing and looks like it will be sticking. The worst part is it is supposed to be below freezing here all week. This is the coldest weather we have had in the last 20 years here in western WA. The picture is of our front deck. Snow is pretty to look at, but not my favorite thing to have to get out in and go anywhere. Hope everyone is staying warm and getting lots of quilting done.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Where Does The Time Go?

Seems like it was just Thanksgiving and now Christmas is 20 days away. We had a very nice Thanksgiving day here with 9 people. We all over ate and then we played games breaking for desert.


This is most of the gang. Megan (Kyle's girlfriend), Kyle (the boy), Richard (the brother-in-law), Janet's hand (the sister) and Kevin (the nephew). They are patiently waiting for the rest of us to dish up our plates so we can all eat.


This is what I have been working on sporadically this week. It is a Flannel Batik twin size quilt kit from Sew Batik. They call it Chocolate Rose. It has a pieced border and then a regular border still to be added before it is quilted. It is really beautiful fabric and I am enjoying working on it. I'm going to use a cotton batt in it and then it will be washed once it is quilted. All the fabrics were washed and ironed before it was cut.

In the evenings I have been knitting dish clothes in Christmas colors. So far I have made 9 and should have enough yarn to make a couple more. Then I'll have to find some red and green yarn to go with the multicolored.
So tomorrow it will be time to get a customer quilt done. So I guess I'd better go have a cup of tea, and read for awhile before it's lights out. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

A Sewing Day

Today I have been putting together 9 patch blocks from a kit I bought last week. It is from Sew Batik and will make a twin size quilt when it is done. It is flannel batiks.


I finally finished the Maple Leaf Quilt and it is now posted on my Etsy site for sale. I used a pretty yellow rose fabric from RJR for the back and quilted it using Blowing Leaves from Different Strokes. It is such a cheerful looking quilt and brightens up a room nicely.



The other night I caught Miss Emma testing out a different lap. She decided to share herself with Mr. Owen. Usually she only sits on my lap and then only if there is a quilt covering said lap. She's really funny when she wants to sit on your lap and you don't have a quilt covering it. She just keeps walking back and forth across your lap chirpping until you give in then she curls right up and starts to purr.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.


My husband sent that to me this morning.(lol) I won the daily sequence dice game so he was thinking things over while he recovered from his defeat.(more lol quietly, of course.) He usually wins more games than I do so it's really hard on him when I manage to win a few.


This week while I waited for my batting order to arrive I have been working on my SSCS gift so it can go into the mail by Friday. It is coming out very nicely.

Last week I finished a quilt for a customer. She used all her batik scraps and put this together for her son's birthday gift. What a good way to use up your scraps.


Well, I guess I'll have to close for now Miss Emma is wanting to sit in my lap an have some spoiling. You'd think she never gets any attention and no one loves her the way she carries on.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Quilt Giveaway

Dana at the Old Red Barn Co is having a quilt giveaway. Not just one quilt but three lovely quilts. You can never have enough quilts.

This weekend my sister and her husband came out to use my bedroom to take pictures of some of her quilts. Miss Emma who can't resist a quilt acted as model. She hasn't met a quilt she doesn't like. She does show up nicely on all the blue.


Well, guess I'd better get busy and get another customer quilt finished. Don't forget to check out the give away.
The blurry quilt on the left is the quilt I did today for a customer. I used a Blowing Leaves pattern on it, but didn't get a picture of the quilting pattern because it was very hard to see on the quilt. Have a large batik quilt to get done tomorrow will try to take a better picture of it.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Vetern's Day weekend

This has been a rainy week here in Western WA. So I decided to treat myself to a quilting class. I've always wanted to make a Mariner's Compass and the local quilt shop was offering a class using the QuiltSmart pattern.

It is done on fusible interfacing and there are enough pieces to do 4 of these. They measure approx 21" across. The dark sections behind the stare are two shades of green. I'm pleased with the first one and hope that the other three will turn out as well as the first one.

Then I made this Tidy Tote to put on my ETSY site for sale. I want to make several of them in different fabrics for sale. They are very handy next to your sewing machine or on the arm of your chair when you have hand sewing to get done.


Earlier this week I made a lovely chicken pot pie for supper. The recipe came from the Sunday paper and I'm glad I tried it. It has become a favorite of ours. If you'd like to try it let me know and I'll email you the recipe. It makes enough filling to do two pies. I make one for that day and freeze the second one for later. It never waits to long before it's out of the freezer and into the oven.


At the moment we are having a break from the rain and the sun even managed to come out for a few minutes. This sure is beautiful country when the sun shines and the sky is blue with whispy white clouds. I caught Rosie on top of my truck enjoying the sun while she groomed herself. So before the rain starts up again I am off across the yard to the quilt room to get a quilt done for a customer. If you have a few minutes and some fabric take time to make a quilt for Quilts of Valor or one of the other groups making quilts for veterans to let a veteran know they are appreciated and remembered on this Veteran's Day and every day. Have a good weekend everyone.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

I'm Still Here

I know you may be wondering where I am since it has been awhile since I have posted anything. I've been busy, but I couldn't give you a detailed list of what kept me busy. One day seems to blend into another and the rain has returned with dark skies and wind.

Today I finished this customer quilt. This will be cut short since blogger is really slow and keeps sending me messages. Will try to post again soon.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Leaves of Change

Well, I have managed to finish the maple leaf block and put them into a top now I need to decide what to do for a border. Any suggestions would be welcome. I guess I'll have to take the top with me to the fabric store and see what I can come up with. I'm wanting to do another one with a black background. I do have a border fabric for that one. This is one bright and cheerful quilt.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

This week's quilt

Not much going on here at the moment. I did get a quilt done for a
new customer this week. It is for her son to take to college.
I'm also making some maple leaf blocks hoping to get it made into a quilt top soon. I have about half of the block done. Thinking of calling it Leaves of Change ( a play of sorts on the election). Our ballots arrived in the mail today so now just have to make up my mind on which way is the better choice.

This afternoon when I went to check mail in the neighbors yard under a tree this is what I saw. As I was trying to get closer to take another picture a second neighbors dogs saw me, and rushed noisely to the fence - and then this is what I saw. Almost didn't get that shot they sure move fast. The first neighbor has apple trees in his yard so it is like a buffet for them. Well, back to the sewing machine to make more leaf blocks. A very good thing to be doing on a grey rainy day.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

What's New this Week

In the last week I have quilted 3 quilts. I've also decided that this fall I am going to make a Maple Leaf quilt. Every year I think of one when I see the leaves starting to turn so this year I am going to make one or maybe two. The first quilt I did this week was this one made with fall colors. I used the pantograph pattern called fall reward on it. The next one is for the same lady made with Christmas fabrics. Then today I did this one for a lady using her cat pattern to quilt it, and she used mouse fabric for the back and she cut out one mouse and put it on the front of the quilt watching all the cats.

Have another very busy pinwheel quilt to get done and one I am doing for a friend who is a BIG Packers fan.

I am planning on going to Innovations on Friday to see the quilts and the vendors. Superior Threads will be there so I can buy some thread to add to my quilting colors. Really like the So Fine thread they sell.

We are having some sunshine today, but by tomorrow it will be raining again in the afternoon. Well, guess I'd better watch a program I taped the other night so I can record some show while we watch the debate tonight.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

42 Years

Today is our 42nd anniversary. My dad was convinced we wouldn't make it. As far as he was concerned being from the south and in the NAVY was two strikes in a row. Over time he changed his mind and enjoyed Carl's company on visits home. As with anything worth having it takes work, compromise and refusal to give up. Carl tells everyone that he thought I had money and that's why he married me. Oh yes, let's don't forget that I told him I wouldn't marry him if he was the last man on earth, once when I was upset with him. He's right proud to be the last man on earth. IF I can figure out how to put it on here I will add the anniversay card he put together for me. The picture of us is the day we got married.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Do you have a Wii?

Tonight we went into town to my sister's house for dinner and to play some Wii games. We had bowled a couple of games at a friends house which I mentioned on a phone call to my sister. The next thing I know they have a Wii and a Wii Fit. So tonight was for fun and some exposure to the Wii to see if we really wanted one. I haven't laughed that much in ages. It is more of a workout than you think it will be and it takes some control. My sister and her husband have been using the Wii fit since they got it and she says they haven't moved that much in ages. So I think tonight pretty much confirmed we will be buying one in the near future. Plus I understand you can hook up on the internet and play long distance with others - that could be fun. If you have a Wii what is your favorite thing to do with it? Let me know.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

What I've been up to besides packing


While packing the quilt room I came across some blocks that I have had since 1990. So I found some material I liked and put them together and gave it to my husband for Father's Day. I finally got around to quilting it this week now it just needs binding. His favorite color is green so this was a perfect quilt for him. These were blocks won in a guild drawing. I used a 70% cotton 30% poly batt from Quilters Dream so it will be interesting to see how it washes. This coming week I have 2 quilts to get done for customers and another one coming so people are starting Christmas early which is good. It has also turned to good quilting weather we've had grey, rainy days the last two days. Good soups and stews weather. Fall is definately in the air.

Friday, September 12, 2008

The New House

We arrived home Wednesday night at 10 p.m. This is the new house looking at the back door. It is an older double wide mobile which is in very good shape just needs some painting. There is also a two story outbuilding shell that needs to be finished. The top floor will be for my quilting and the bottom will be for his wood, saws and tools. There is also a garden space and some fruit trees. There are just over three acres and comes with water rights and the ability to split it into 3 pieces. The pictures are good, but don't do it justice. This last picture is looking to the end of the property. On the left is the canal that runs down the north side of the property. On the south side runs a field so it is like a secluded island. I think we will enjoy it alot once we are settled.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Staying in Touch

Well, we have been in Idaho for 6 days now. Tomorrow we plan to start back to Washington. Would rather stay here. Have been having nice sunny weather in the 70's and lots of blue sky. Have taken some pictures to post as soon as we make it home. So I will post again with pictures in a couple of days.
Anita

Friday, September 5, 2008

Idaho Greetings

Well, here I am once again in Idaho. We signed the papers on the new place yesterday, but won't be able to get the keys until Monday. The previous owner is getting help and moving out this weekend. I will take some pictures to post once we are again back in Washington since I forgot to bring the cable to do that here. Just wanted to let you all know that I haven't forgotten you, but having to use the library here to post and it is slooooow. More later.

Anita

Monday, September 1, 2008

Late Birthday Present

Yesterday my son came to see me and said we still haven't done your birthday movie what would you like to see. I said "I'd like to go see Mama Mia!". He agreed and off we went. It was very enjoyable and I would watch it again. Have been playing music from ABBA since. Have added it to my blog. It's one of those things that stick in your head and you can't get rid of it. That's okay ABBA was very popular back in the olden days when I was a teenager and in my early 20's. Great scenery in the movie as well if you want a light hearted good time with good music and scenery go see this movie.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Knitting



This week I have been knitting in the evenings. I am working on a pair of socks. The first one is done and it fits (always a plus) and the second one is over half done. Maybe tonight I'll get it finished. Already I'm thinking of what color I want to make next. I can't remember what the name of the yarn is and the cats have hidden the label. It is a superwash sock yarn. I am knitting it with a size 3 needle. I can use a size #1 or #2, but I like #3 better. The more knitting I do the more I enjoy it. My sister in law finally got her shawl in the mail that I made and she really likes it. I'm thinking about doing another one. I saw a pattern in PieceWork Magazine (July/August 2008) issue that I'd like to try. I working up my confidence to go buy the yarn and start it. Maybe after the trip to Idaho I'll be ready. Note: The trip to Idaho maybe happening on Wednesday the new word is we are supposed to be able to sign papers on Thursday afternoon. The adventure continues. Stay tuned for further developements.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is upon us. We were supposed to leave on Sunday to go sign papers for our new place. This morning we get a phone call from the realtor saying that the repairs that were supposed to be done aren't and the legal description isn't correct. So now we are waiting to hear if we will close on the second or if it will be closer to the end of the month. I was so looking forward to a mini vacation. Drat!
On the positive side I did 2 customer quilts this week. The first one is a baby quilt and it is very bright and cheerful. The baby should be kept very busy trying to figure out what it is. The second quilt is for a cancer patient. She loves Hawaii so all the fabrics are Hawaiin fabric. Just simple squares but very colorful. Our weather the last two weeks has been rainy and cloudy seems more like mid October than August. Makes me want to sew quilts. Quiltville has the fabric listed for the next mystery quilt. Hopefully, I'll be able to work on it. Hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day.
Anita

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Peaceful Tuesday

Amanda at http://scrandasmusings.blogspot.com/ is having a giveaway for her 100th post. Her blog is very well done and an enjoyable read so drop over and say hello.
The lunch at Oliver Garden was very good we both had the Chicken Scampi. Today has been a lazy day here so I think I am going to go get some knitting done while I listen to the news.

Happy Birthday to my Husband




Today is my husband's 62nd birthday. He has aged well and is still a keeper. Wish I could say the same for myself. This is a picture of us at 23 with our Daughter who now has 3 teenagers. Most of my pictures are packed but the next picture is of Carl now. He is a very talented man. He's made 2 quilts, turned countless bowls and pens, made me a lovely cedar chest and he's a great cook. He plays the guitar and he writes a great story. If you get time check out the Owen Newsletter on the side of my blog and you can read some of his work. Don't get him started telling jokes he has no off switch. We have grown up together and he is my best friend. So because he doesn't want anything for his birthday because it would be something else to move I am taking him to Olive Garden for lunch.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Checking In

A very quick post and then back to work. When I get the chance I have been enjoying reading some of the blogs from other countries. I really enjoy the ones from Australia maybe because one of these days I'd like to visit there. The newest one is called Thechocolatecat. What could be better than chocolate and cats.

On the home front the mobile is history. We have filled our 3rd 30 yard dumpster with the remainder and the dirt is being smoothed out as we speak. Such a relief to have that done. Off to see what we can round up for dinner.

Monday, August 11, 2008

It's Monday




How was your weekend? We had a yard sale this weekend and in spite of off and on rain Saturday had a good sale. We will be doing it again this coming weekend attempting to reduce what has to be given away or taken to the dump. We did sell the tractor that was decorating the lawn. I'm glad it has found a new home. Now to move the old camper out to a good home.



We have managed to fill what they call a 30 yard container with pieces of the torn down mobil home and are working on our second one. It is kind of exciting that everything we clean up and clear out puts us that much closer to selling the house and moving to our new place. Guess I'd better get back to work packing. More later.
Anita

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

545 People By Charlie Rose

Normally I don't stand on a soap box and try to change anyone's mind. I'm not trying to do that now, but this was sent to me and I found it very interesting so I thought I would share it with you. Agree or disagree it does make you stop and think. Enjoy.


Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress.
In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.
The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.
Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.
What you do with this article now that you have read it is up to you, though you appear to have several choices.

1. You can send this to everyone in your address book, and hope they do something about it.
2. You can agree to vote against everyone that is currently in office, knowing that the process will take several years.
3. You can decide to run for office yourself and agree to do the job properly.
4. Lastly, you can sit back and do nothing, or re-elect the current bunch.

Demolitian Day


Today the man showed up to finish taking apart the mobile. The first picture is what it looked like 3 weeks ago before Carl started taking the aluminum siding off and the insulation out. The middle one shows how much work he did in the two weeks he worked on it and the last one on the right is what it looked like at 5p.m today when the man with the bobcat finished with it. Friday we have a 30 yard dumpster being delivered and the man with the bobcat will load that pile into it and cut up the frame for us to take to the metal place and sell it. We sold the aluminum siding plus it saves us some on the cost of the whole thing. We tried giving it away,but could find no takers.
The picture below is the good looking, hard working man once he was cleaned up from all the hard work. It's always nice to have a good looking man in the kitchen. He's a good cook also. Well, I think I'll see if he is
interested in a lesson on the finer points of the Sequence Dice game we play. I'll let you know who wins.
Anita