My Quilted World

This Image Speaks For Itself

2011-05-10T12:51:00.000-04:00

Good grief. How did it get to be May already when the last time I was here I was whining for Spring? Yikes.

While I haven't been posting, obviously, I have been lurking blog land and I've been watching you all. lol. And I'm jealous as heck. That's another reason I haven't blogged, got nothin' to show. ha hah. I've been busy though. I've been some lazy too but more busy lately I'd say. lol.

I've wanted to come on and post for awhile now with some good news and sadly it has taken me this long to pass it on. A few posts back I mentioned that my sisters cancer was back. Well, I am happy, no, that's not the word, elated to say that she is again cancer free. Already. She had taken 3 sets of chemo's and a cat scan has revealed that there is nothing present in the liver or lung at all anymore. Praise the Lord!! A big huge Thank You to those of you who prayed and thought of her during this last round. We are firm believers in God answering prayers. She will still have to have two more chemo's just to be sure but she is a champ. She said she can handle it because she knows she's got it beat now. Thank God. I had to share that with you all. Thanks again.

I should have my tail in the sewing room but I can't do it. Not even for a minute. I don't know what's wrong with me but I have no motivation in that area whatsoever. And I need to. I really do, trust me. lol. What has my attention right now is the great big beautiful outdoors. Oh, I love Spring and watching the earth spring forth it's bounty and glory. Especially after the long, ugly Ohio winter we've had. I've been planting and transplanting and the guys put up the rest of my fence for me on Mother's Day so as soon as I can get some equipment in here, I'm ready to move and plant my vegetable garden. The flower beds should be done but you never know what I might find along the way to add. lol. I'll have pics later but it's taking my phone forever to send them to my email for some reason. When I get them all loaded up, I'll post them too.

Hope you all get some good sewing time in today. Send vibes my way that I'll get my tail motivated to get in there and do what I need to do to finish a project and start some more. And take time to get some fresh air today too. Take care.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Can't Wait For Spring

2011-03-13T12:43:00.000-04:00

Hello There. Happy Sunday to everyone. I hope this finds everyone well. So far, so good here in my little corner of the world.

I can't talk long today because I have major, major work to do. I've had a friends quilt for 2 years and still haven't finished quilting it and she showed up the other day to check progress. Yikes. So now I am planning on spending a huge portion of the day today belting out some stitches on that beast. Not really looking forward to diving in but I am excited to do it too. Doesn't make sense does it? lol. Anyway, those are my plans today. How bout you all? Anything exciting today?

I also can't wait for Spring. I mean Spring like weather anyway. The rains last week melted most of the snow finally but it also flooded alot of areas unfortunately. I usually get my cabin fever in February real bad but I am proud to say I was pleasantly surprised to see it was March already before I began to whine about it. lol. I'm ready to get outside and garden/yard work. I have iris and resurrection lilies coming up already. Couple more weeks and the plum tree should bloom. Love that time of year. It's so pretty right outside my back door. I'm already seeing signs of things in bloom through other folks' blogs and now I want that here too. Particularly in Alabama I've noticed that Spring is showing it's head. Too bad I'm in Ohio. lol.

I'd also like to mention before I go, please, please think of the people in Japan and say your prayers for them today. It's so devastating what has happened and I am so deeply saddened by the coverage in the news. Seems like prayer is all I can do about the situation. And God bless those going/sending aid.

Hope you've had a great weekend. Enjoy the day. Happy Stitching.

Renee

Rockin' To Pandora Radio

2011-03-01T12:54:00.000-05:00

First of all, Hello everybody! I hope everyone is doing well. Not too bad here. I apologize that it's been some time since I posted last but it's been quite hectic here and it is starting to settle down some.  I want to Thank everyone very much for thoughts, prayers and well-wishes for my sister and our family. That means so much to me.    She is having her second day of round two today. She sounded wonderful last night. I continue to pray that this won't take a terrible toll on her. It's easy for me to say but so far, so good. One prominent lymph node under her arm is already gone to the touch. They will do a PET scan probably within the month to see if anything has shrank, etc. I think that happens before her 3rd round of treatments this time. If not this month, next month I'm sure. I always am eager to hear good results from those scans. Too bad those are the ones that confirm the bad news as well though. But Thank God for that technology. Again, thank you for all your thoughtfullness.

And now, for what I'm currently raving on:   Love me some Pandora Internet radio. I first discovered it a year and a half ago on my smartphone. Spent most of my time last summer outside wearing headphones and listening while I gardened. It was very hard at times not to bust out in dance while raking or something when a good beat came on. lol. Can you imagine what my neighbors would think of me out in my backyard cuttin' a rug and air guitaring my rake all by myself? lol. I'm listening to The Hustle right now. And let me tell you, what I do in the privacy of my own home while listening is a different story. lol. I'm not doing so much actual physical dancing as I am rockin' this chair I'm sittin' in at the moment, but you know, it's movement. Right? lol. My favorite music I've found so far is mostly, don't laugh- Disco. Yeah, I said it, disco. I put in KC and The Sunshine Band and I've not been disappointed in a selection yet. I also like what I get by putting in AC/DC. I search by artist, not genre. Does anyone else ever use it? Today's actually the first time I've used it on the desktop. What are some of your favorites?

I haven't been doing a super, duper big lot of anything major at all on the sewing front. I have managed to finally finish my son and daugher-in-laws comforter for them. They bought a brand new bedding set and one of their nice little doggies forgot he was chewing on his butt and chawed on the new comforter.   Ugh, I would not have wanted to be the doggies when that situation was discovered. Anyway, amazingly the offended area was right on the edge. That was the good news. Too bad it was on one of the long ends. I had some fabric that was like one shade away from matching the comforter and wanted to just patch it but Nooo. Sonny boy thought maybe I could just cut it off past the hole and re-seam it. That's what I ended up doing but I didn't like it and it was not good work at all but it was the best I could do because I put it off and put it off until they were almost desperate for it. Lesson learned. They were super happy with it but still. lol.

My son got a job working with my husband in a fab shop and let me tell you, them boys are hard on the britches. I'll be dad-gone, I've been sewing patches on top of patches. I just got hubs talked in to getting uniforms so I could take a break from weekly mending. Well now my boy is picking up where his dad left off. I have a small basket full of jeans to patch here so I'm gonna find a spot on the floor and get ready to do some mad patching while I watch The Waltons on t.v. My chair has seen better days and is not comfortable for sewing so I sit on the floor in front of it and lean on it with my back and I'm more under the light of the lamp that way and anything that helps me see better works for me. Hopefully as soon as Shawn has his 90 days in at work, he will take them up on the uniforms himself. They cost a little out of their pay checks but they mend, they wash, they iron, etc. See what I'm gettin' at? lol.

I hope everyone is having a great day. I have to say, today is one of the better ones I have had in a long time. I feel good today. Not at all hateful or anything. lol. I'm trying to work on my sweet countenance. lol. If you knew me, you'd know that might be a long row to hoe for me. lol. Take care. Happy Stitching today.

Renee

Prayers Please

2011-01-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

I don't know if anyone remembers me saying last week was a rough one or not but it was and to be honest, this one hasn't been the best either. But I couldn't say nothin'. Hate being put in that position. But I understand completely why. And now we all know what we've been waiting to hear pretty much. It hasn't been all bad news but what's bad is plenty bad enough, trust me.

Let me explain. Last Wednesday I called my sister because we hadn't heard much from her since Christmas. Older brother and me joked that she sure must be enjoying her new computer she got because we hadn't heard from her. My husband said maybe I should call on her cause we were right, none of us had heard from her but for an email or two. So I called her and she's been going through some medical procedures that ended up in a biopsy Monday and the diagnosis today. I was asked not to talk about it because she didn't want our one brother to worry unnecessarily if she didn't need to say anything. She has been in remission from Non-Hodgekins lymphoma for a year and a half or so. The lymphoma is back in her liver and a small spot on her lungs. I still have to tell my kids but she is calling the brothers tonight to talk to them herself. The prognosis is good but it involves massive chemo and all the related procedures. Just please pray for her please if you wouldn't mind. For strength to battle this again and strength for her husband who is her rock. This is not what we wanted to hear. I'm very sad right now.

Last Thursday, on my husbands birthday, he had a sort of routine doctors appointment. To check and see if the blood pressure meds he has been on are working. Well, he had a cough because he smokes and we were just sick not long ago and because he has lost 12 pounds in 2 months, he was ordered blood tests and a chest x-ray. He didn't ask any questions and told me he guessed he was getting the x-ray cause he was coughing. Well, that's not how I roll. I gotta know how, what, when, where and why of all things. lol. The weight loss friegtened me. I have been standing on my head with worry between him and my sister. We went for his results yesterday and thank God he is fine. He does have high cholesterol but nothing came back irregular anywhere including the chest x-ray. And of course, we didn't tell our sons this either so as not to worry them. I'm glad I don't have anything bad to report to them. As far as the weight loss, he was weighed once with his work boots and the next with his tennis shoes. He had on boots again yesterday and gained 2 pounds so we account that for some of it. The blood pressure medicine does contain a diuretic and he says he has been peeing more so maybe that's some of it. And he just don't eat like he should plus he runs his tail off at work about 11 hours a day. They recommend a low fat, low cholesterol diet for awhile before they put him on cholesterol meds for that. Now my question is, how do you fatten somebody up if you gotta feed them low fat food? lol.

Last Friday, my Mom's cousin and his wife were in a terrible car crash which ended up claiming the life of my cousin Oscar early Sunday morning. His poor wife Carole sustained major injury and I do not have any information as to whether she is even out of the hospital yet and this concerns me. She is so sweet and I know her heart is broken. Maybe another prayer request please for her family during their loss.

Two nights ago a long-standing factory in town here caught fire and burned almost to the ground. About 40 people are now out of work in this already badly hit town. Our friend's wife worked there and they don't know anything yet as to what they are going to do. It's so sad.

I have been diligently trying to finish up my sister's quilt. I've gotten side-tracked picking fabrics for my next project though. Then I'm really feeling drawn to do some Bible Study and I just decided yesterday and again this morning that I had to put it all down for a minute until I heard today from my sister. The worry/anxiety renders me mind boggled sometimes and these past few days have been doozies. lol. Now that I know what's what with everyone, I can move forward and hope to do so starting in the morning. I want to finish the quilt top, I have to "reduce" a comforter for my son about 2 inches which should be real fun. Not!! lol. I am gonna need to keep busy and keep my mind as busy on trying focus as I can. Thank you for being a great bunch. I'm sorry to report so many woes as of late but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. Thank you for any prayers you can send out for my family right now.

Take care,

Renee

Sisters Quilt

2011-01-18T19:48:00.000-05:00

I think I've decided to put three-2 inch strips on the top and bottom of this and call it a quilt top. I think I'll just run the strips longways across the width and leave them solid. No more piecing. lol. It's about 47 inches wide now but only 55 inches long. So I figure putting the extra 6 inches on top and bottom will put it around 67 inches long. That's long enough. My sister's short. lol.

This next picture is just a clip of the backing fabric she sent me. She told me tonight just how to piece the back and it doesn't scare me so much now. It is flannel though. Grrr. I haven't had lots o' luck with the flannel in the past. This looks like good stuff though so we'll see how it quilts. It will certainly be colorful for sure. But she'll love it.

I got sick to my tummy today and didn't do any sewing like I planned. So far, four of five of us have had some sort of stomach junk since Sunday. Yuck. I think I'll do some block cutting tonight though for my next project. It's already a vision in my head. It will be baby blue, lavender and yellow. Some solids, some florals and I want it to be really dainty. But it's still at this moment only a figment of my imagination. And since I don't feel like sewing I figure I can at least cut some blocks. I need to keep busier. That will do it, won't it? lol.

Everyone take care. Have a good night.

Renee

Okay Then

2011-01-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

While I haven't been around here that much, I have been sewing. Not making huge progress but sewing none the less and it feels good. I'll post photos later but for now I wanted to just write.

Last week was rough. There were just times where I needed to get out of the rut of everyday and do something. So, I sewed. I finished making the last pieced border on my latest quilt. The one I'm giving to my sister. I had four rows all done but they needed sewn on and then I did this final pink border. Now I have it plenty wide enough but not quite long enough and not sure where to go from there. I have to piece the backing which I've never had to do and that frightens me a tad but I'm up for it.

If I never have to make or look at a pieced border again, I will be thrilled. This quilt is surely an example of my imagination getting the best of me. lol. Somebody kick me if I don't start learning how to use patterns. lol. It's not that I can't use one, I just don't like to. I like unique but sometimes I think my idea of unique is a little off the wall. haha. But I'm gonna head that way and get started. Wish me luck.

Hope you all have time to do some creative things today as well.

Take Care.

Renee

Easiest Clean Up Evah!

2011-01-08T14:37:00.000-05:00

I started putting away all the house decorations from Christmas on Thursday evening. Yesterday morning, I took the decorations off my little bitty tree and just left the lights on it again like I did last year. So easy. I got this industrial sized trash bag from work last year and stored the tree so since I didn't harm it in anyway, I re-used that stinker again to store this year too. Again, so easy. Pics for proof! lol.

This one little ole box now contains my entire Christmas Tree decorations. Next year, watch out. I'll have a tree up and decorated in under an hour. haha. Actually, going through that one little box and getting the tree fixed up could last me a week or more before I got it all on there. I can milk a project. hehe.

Here it is then, all ready for the next time. Considering the sq. footage of my house, I am so tickled with this compact set-up. I'm sure there are some of you who don't see the big deal in this. lol. Trust me, every inch matters here.

Now, here's the kicker. You had to know there'd be one, right? Too bad that this is all the rest of the stuff from the house. lol. I somehow ended up with two extra boxes this year. What? I don't know how that happened. Actually I do know how it happened and even though it added a few more boxes, I did sort my stuff from all the Christmas's past and I know the two new one's won't even need taken out unless we use our big green tree. My sister started making me photo Christmas ornaments years ago of the kids and family and I even jumped in and made us some and they are very precious too me but too big for the little tree. I boxed those all up safe and sound all by themselves. Then, all the things the kids have made and we've used for years are now sorted according to who made them and stored safe and sound. Some I had to guess actually. lol. Hopefully I done good. lol. One more box and this stack will be taller than me though, don't ya think? All of it should fit in the linen closet at the top of the steps on one shelf. The tree and shop vac box will have to go somewhere in the disasterous spare bedroom. That's on my list too. Don't worry. lol

My sewing room became a total wreck over the holidays. That's also on my list to organize and spruce up. It seems maybe my New Year's hopes of a fresh start maybe leading me to actually want to get these rooms back in shape. I went ahead and told my sis on Christmas day that my latest quilt in progress is for her. She was tickled to death. I showed her all the pics on my phone that I had of it in various stages so far and told her that I just have a pink border to throw together and put on it and it's ready to be put together. Bless her heart, she asked me what I was going to back it with and I told her I wasn't sure yet so she offered a piece of flannel she had bought and decided not to use. She said she thought it would look awesome considering all the colors in the quilt top and especially since I was putting a final pink border on it. Well, thanks to and via big bro's pony express, he dropped it off for me the other day and it's so cute. It's all colors of butterflies. Perfect for this quilt and if you knew my sister, you'd know this is also so totally going to be her. So bright and vibrant. I love that girl. I'll get some pics of the backing fabric she sent. I just hope the flannel don't give me fits. It kinda scurs me. lol. Anyway, I need to at least get a corner cleaned in my sewing room to get that going for her. Now, I can't let her down.

I also wanted to share this that I almost forgot about. I didn't know it but apparantly I am a secret Santa. Yep, can you imagine? Only, I'm not such a secret one anymore. If I'd known, I wouldn't a blown my cover. lol. My oldest brother bought one of the no sew fleece blanket kits for my sister-in-law Beck. He asked me to put it together and finish it up so he could give it to her for Christmas. Well, I put it off and put it off a day or so and then I got it out and took a whack at it. I so wish I had read the directions and looked at the fabrics first cause I had put it off due to the fact that I thought I'd have some precise measuring and cutting to do and certainly didn't want to mess it up since it was a gift. I worried for nothing. This was so easy peasy. Everything marked and so clear cut. It could have been alot easier for me had I had a working table surface to work on but as usual every square inch of space was covered so I had to spread it out on the floor. My only complaint was the pain I was in for about 4 days afterward. lol. Wow, does crawling around and reaching while on your knee's give the old gluteous maximus muscles a work out. Anyway, I blew my cover when I went and fetched it from under the tree to show my sister and cousin. That's when Beck speaks up and says, "Oh, so you're the secret Santa, eh?" Well, I guess I am. How bout that? I guess Mike told her a secret Santa put it together for him. Thanks for the head's up bro. That'll teach me to leave things alone that aren't mine. lol. I'll post pics of that later too.

Well, I could yack all day but I got stuff to do starting with a shower. You all take care. And thanks to those who left uplifting words when I was whining the other day. Sorry bout that. Sometimes we all just need an outside ear. Thanks for being that for me on that day. Happy Stitching.

Renee

First Monday Of The New Year

2011-01-03T15:56:00.000-05:00

So now that the holidays are over and a lot of folks are heading back to work today for the first time since New Years, I gotta wonder how they do it and wonder why I can't anymore. I'm sitting here whining to myself about having had to do some running around today and making phone calls.  The thoughts of at least two more trips out don't have me doin' cartwheels right now either. If I had to work right now in my state of "funk", I know I would crack up.

I wanted to come on here and talk quilting today. I would have liked to have had a plan to do some today and maybe lay out a weeks worth of sewing time/goals for the week. I just can't get motivated. I think I have to have tons of time to sit down and work and it always seems to be some sort of hub bub going on and I can't muster it up in me to just seize whatever moments of time sewing that I can and let the planning go. Then I kind of realized that letting the planning go is maybe why I am where I am at today. If you aren't in the mood for a downer, best stop reading here maybe.

In a nutshell, I feel like I've given up. It's like if I can't control a situation down to the wire, I just can't function like normal folks. I think it's why I don't seize the moments.  If it's not what I had planned or wanted, it's just not worth the effort to do it in a manner in which I can't accept in my mind. So I give up. Looking back I've caved alot. I'm not whining and storying when I tell you that it has been no bed of roses for either my husband or myself since childhood. Our married life has been full of events. But we've always picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off and went on. Together. I've always been not a leader but definately a take the bull by the horns kind of girl. Get er done type thing. I'm not dissing my husband at all but I think I have done a lot of leading in this family and have led through some fierce times. We've weathered some doozies that's for sure. And I've noticed that when I give up, kinda everyone around me gives up too. I'm not faulting anyone as I don't know if this is the way it goes or if some of my people are lacking their own motivation and have relied on me to provide it.

I have anxiety and depression and I have never been this lowly before. I don't want to do anything, go anywhere, etc. But I also don't want to see my family fall apart so to speak so I find myself wanting to move forth again to that strong, dominant person I once was who fought hard for what was right and what was mine for my family. But I can't do it. I'm feeling desperate with the way things have gotten that if something doesn't happen soon there may be no turning back and we'll be without anything that we've fought so hard for in the past. That would probably devastate me. I'm in a rocky spot right now and when I see my hubs, my rock looking torn over things, it almost breaks my heart.

I've kinda shut myself off from people and things. I hurt my back in August 2010 and I did not return to my job. The job itself was driving me insane to begin with and then when I got hurt, I just felt like it was time for me to just stop the craziness and take some time for myself cause no matter how hard we fight, it's never enough and I thought I'm going to take myself some time be damned. Then I got so weak from being laid up that I didn't have the energy to blow my nose this fall seems like. This depression I have doesn't rear it's ugly head too often so bad but it is there and it's just such a sense of dread. The anxiety is what is the worse for me. The symptoms were getting out of control before I left my job and I just wasn't strong enough to keep enduring that everyday, day in and day out. Now we're suffering the financial consequences and that isn't hardly enough to make me want to pounce into action and run and get a job just to pay the bills. I'm really scared of ending up someplace I can't come back from anymore. I'm afraid one day I'm just gonna snap and my body is gonna lower the whamie on me.

My doctor says no amount of medication or time off from things is going to change the anxiety and depression for me. He said I needed professional help and needed to see a counselor. There are alot of times that I believe he is right but due to the expense and the fact that I don't know what makes me this way so how would I possibly know where to start talking to someone about anything? Then I wonder if it can get any better or worse and where I'm left at in between. I absolutely hate having to take my medicine everyday to keep the symptoms from being full blown but I hate how it's made me numb. I used to be a water bag and I bet I can count on one hand the number of times I cried last year. And not bawling spree's, just tears coming to my eyes, stinging until a few eventually fall.

My ultimate dream once I had my oldest son was to be at home with him. All my desires went out the window and I wanted to live for my children. Unfortunately the economy and things out of our control often interuptted that dream for us. I had times of unemployment where I just stayed home with them but when needed I worked 3 jobs at a time too. And I still don't have enough money. lol. I never had the career woman urge once I became a mother. Maybe I was wrong and should have worked full-time all those years. Maybe we wouldn't be so poor all the time but what is money if you can't enjoy it? I know at times it seems like I only have myself to blame for the choices I made in that regard. I just feel like I still missed something the times I was away from them and dependant on my mother for their care alot while we worked. I just feel like maybe everything I"ve done is wrong and I"m reaping what I've sown. I don't know. I originally had ideas of making some money for the household by making and selling my quilting stuff but Christmas came and went and I didn't make one Christmasey thing to even try to sell. What the heck? lol. I still hold hope that a dream job will come along that I can do from home and save the day because when I'm home I am empowered and confident way more than out there in the real world. I just need some motivation and maybe someone to cry baby to once in awhile. If I had a job I would think it would at least pull me out of the stupor long enough to gain some momentum and once I gain some confidence in myself again, I can start addressing other issues in my life I've given up on and caved at. And before you know it, I'll be right back on track. Right? Right. Hmm. We'll see.

Sorry for the rant. I admire all of you who stay so busy and participate in activities outside the home. That's why I thought I could come here with my worries today and maybe find some uplifting, encouraging words from the real deal, the people who actually participate in their lives and are happy to do so.   So if you ever thought of a blog buddy in need, maybe think a thought of me and offer a small prayer up that I will come to my senses soon and iron this stuff out. Til then, carry on!! Happy Stitching.

Renee

House Decorations

2011-01-02T10:48:00.001-05:00

I don't have a huge house so most of the Christmas decorating happens in the living room of our place. Not too many spare spaces otherwise. Every inch of the living room has been covered though I can assure you. lol. We have a big green aritificial tree. Tons of decorations, most of them things the kids have made over the years and such. Last year a small 6' white tree caught my eye. I wanted it but had to settle for a 4' white tree. We didn't even dig out decorations last year. I bought about 8 dollars worth of mini decorations and slapped on it and called it Christmas. Not this year. I dug my stuff out and and just put some of our smaller favorite ornaments on the tree and it's so cute. Very, very bright but cute. lol. I'll probably use it as our only tree now at least until I have grand babies and then I'll revert to the big old green monster again.

Here are some of the decorations on the tree from the good old days. There are things from my family, hub's family and some things the kids made and such.

Here is Some of my snowman/snowbear collection and just knick knacks because I'm a pack rat. My brother Mitch is to credit for the large ceramic pieces I have. I just can't get rid of anything Christmas. My oldest son will be 25 this year and I still set out the Santa jalopy and Rudolph he got on his 1st Christmas. lol.

Sorry for the cruddy pics. It's the camera again. And my living room is dark to start with cause of the paneling but now I have blankets and dark, dark curtains over the windows so we can see the television that we have. It's an old, old big screen and if the lighting isn't right, you can't see it for nothin'. We call it the cave. lol. Anyway, thanks for letting me share my holidays with you all.

Renee

A Little Late But Still Wanted To Share

2011-01-02T10:10:00.000-05:00

My sweet neice Michelle sent me these photos from Christmas this morning and I wanted to share them with everyone. LuAnn kinda prompted me to decide that it's still not too late to post my holiday memories. I've tried for two days to send mine from my phone to the computer and finally got it accomplished only to find out that once I got the photo's up here on the screen where I could see them that they are raunchy pics. lol. My smartphone has a camera but there is no flash and you have to be statue still to get a non fuzzy picture off the thing anymore. I need a real good digital camera. (Hint honey for next year!!!)

Anyway, here are the best family pics thanks to Michelle. I will post some of my decoration photo's later. Receiving these pics of our family this morning really made my day. Here they go!

My Family
Behind me from left to right are:
Jerry, Shawn, Tony & Steph

Sister Becky and Hubs Rickster

Brother Mitchell
What A Smirk!

From Left To Right:
Sister Becky, Oldest Brother Mike, Brother Mitchell & Me

When I tell you we had alot of fun that day, I think this pic proves it.
We were really cutting it up at the moment. Mitch was being nasty and it tickled the rest of us so bad we couldn't handle it. lol.

Can you tell I wasn't getting it? I'm going the exact opposite of the kiddo's.
I didn't feel well at Thanksgiving and couldn't play so I told the kids it was on Christmas day. lol.
Turns out the joke was on me cause that's hard work!!!! lol.

Hope everyone is having a great start to the New Year so far. Tah Tah

Renee

Bring It On! A Farewell to 2010

2010-12-30T22:14:00.000-05:00

Helloooow to everyone. I hope this finds everyone out there still basking in the Christmas glow and gearing up wholeheartedly for a grandiose New Year. I knew I'd mess around and miss out on wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and sure enough I did. My apologies to all. I didn't even get around to posting our holiday pics or anything. I suppose it's too late now anyway. It would kind of be like being the house in the neighborhood that left it's decorations up until February. Enough is enough. lol. Plus I look really, really fat in our pictures this year so I don't mind not sharing those ones. he he. We had a really good Christmas and loved every minute spent with family and friends.

Actually the last month or so hasn't been the greatest on earth but I have to say it's certainly not the worst either. I don't make resolutions but I always look forward to a New Year and associate it with a fresh new start. Like a chance to do better, work harder, accomplish more, etc. Don't know why that is but I do. We don't have any plans for tomorrow night. My oldest son and his wife are having a party. A friend of ours invited us down to another friends place for a party and we just don't know if we'll go anywhere. I certainly don't have to go anywhere but I think it would be kind of neat to go do something. But in the end I know I will pull my usual stunt and chicken out of doing anything anyway. lol. I just hate that for hubs. He still likes people. lol.

First, only and last minute Christmas shopping did not freak me out this year like it has the last two. The pressure I have felt in years past to spend and splurge on the kids is virtually all but gone this year. The youngest was only 18 last year and I had this hang up about it being maybe his last Christmas at home and I didn't want him recalling it as "cheesy" so I put a lot of pressure on myself last year. But this year I have watched him grow as a young man and get a job and take care of his own needs and I just don't feel like I have to provide him with the world anymore. He does still stay at home but his staying at home usually consists of sleeping and showering. lol. Plus, I don't care if he's here until he's 70 anyway. That's my son. But that doesn't mean I don't want to eventually see him sprout his wings and fly either. The time will come but it's rough in this economy and I'm not throwing him out there to sink or swim. I wasn't (and probably should have been. lol.) and I will eternally be grateful to my Mother for her role and support in my life. It "scurs" me to think where we'd be without her.

I'm really happy to report that my husband and I have both gotten over our sickness. Finally. It took a good 3-4 weeks to be back to top notch. I never though my nose would dry up. I was so bad I thought about praying for boogers. lol. And if that was the flu then I'm glad it's over with and hopefully my immunity is better for it. I hope no one else gets it out there in blog land if you've managed to escape it thus far. Here's to all of us a healthy New Year too!!

Before I go tonight, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. May it be wonderous and safe.

God Bless,

Renee

Again-Merry Christmas

2010-12-16T21:50:00.000-05:00

I liked this one better. I can't help myself. lol.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours

2010-12-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

My good friend Rhonda sent my family one of these about five years ago and I've been hooked since. My family is sick of them. Lol. Just wanted to show the goofy side of life. heehee.

Phew-What A Day

2010-12-06T20:01:00.000-05:00

I've been at this stinker for the bigger part of the day and I had to piece borders and press and repeat til I can't think straight. lol. The yellow borders aren't attached yet but hopefully they will at least be on before the night is up. I am tired. I feel like I've done something today. Here is the latest progress with the new pops of color I've mentioned earlier. Never dreamed this thing would turn out like this but I am having loads of fun. Can you tell I don't use patterns? lol.

If I don't make it back tonight, hope everyone has been busy today. Have a good night.

Renee

What Now?

2010-12-06T10:09:00.000-05:00

Well, I had to sew an entire new row of red for the border here. I didn't have enough made up so that took some time but I got all the red borders on and now I'm wondering what to do next. Still have that new splash of color to put in it but it needs to get longer and not wider so I really have to think about what I am going to do here. Here's the latest:

Have A Good One!

Renee

Bright And Early

2010-12-06T07:36:00.000-05:00

Yep, by 5:30 I was at it this morning and I'm not getting very far. lol. But some progress is better than no progress right? Right. Hope everyone gets in some sewing time today. Have a good one.

Renee

I Just Can't Stop Myself

2010-12-05T22:33:00.000-05:00

Hee Hee. Boyz, I'm on a role now. lol. If I could just get my phone to send my pics through the email fiasco I have myself in, I'd be all set. I got wayyy too many email addresses and this just might prompt me to see about consolidating some of them. Crazy. I'm too old to remember so many passwords and usernames and such. lol.

Here we go, I got them finally. It's been about ten minutes. And it's late so I think I may stop for tonight. I made some different colored borders to throw in it too but I'm saving that for tomorrow. It's a surprise. lol. Stay Tuned!!! lol.

It felt good to do this tonight and I'm looking forward to tomorrow to start all over. Good Night.

Renee

Slowly But Surely

2010-12-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

I'm getting there. I had to pause for a supper break and I'm about to get back at it. I have to walk thru my sewing room to get to the back of the house where the second bathroom is, the laundry room, and our bedroom. Well, since I added that last row, I've been traipsing back and forth with laundry and going to my room and I am just at the point now that I can't wait to put on the next batch of color already. There may be some green end up in there as well before it's over. It is a scrappy project and I've never made just a plain old colorful quilt before. Usually two or three, maybe for prints/shades and that's been it really. I'm thinking awful strong about giving this to someone dear to me as a gift and the more I think of giving it to her, the more I think she'd like all kind of colors. So, I'll let you all go this evening and get back at it.

Hope you all are working on some goodies tonight too. Happy Stitching.

Renee

Progress

2010-12-05T17:41:00.000-05:00

In the top picture it doesn't look bad but look at it close up here in the bottom photo. That's just off. Way off. I never have been good at that but I thought I could better than that. So, even though it's progress, it is not without problems. I'll be ripping that out and trying again here in a bit. Wish me luck.

Renee

Me So Happy

2010-12-05T15:38:00.000-05:00

I'm currently in a text convo with my neice Mel and I think she is going to order two crayon bags from me. That would be awesome. It's extra money and motivation to do something. I'm actually going to go over and try to do something with those blocks on my wall in just a few minutes. I wanted to drop a quick post since it's been almost a week again.

I'm seeing everyone starting to do their Christmas decorating and I love it. We are supposed to do some here this afternoon but I'm going to sew a spell before I do anything else. Those blocks seem to be calling my name here today especially when I walk by so I should take heed. lol. I love seeing all of the holiday quitls and mini quilt/wall hangings out there is blogland. I need to make a tree skirt for my little white tree. I drapped a sheet of fabric around it last year but thought I'd try to do a little better this year. lol.

One last thing before I go. I haven't been around again this past week because I am still sick. I mean raunchy sick. I've used an entire large box of kleenex myself in two days. I am getting sick to my stomach from all of the draining. We';re on our third over the counter product for it but I'm thinking if I don't snap out of it by mid-week, which will put me at 9 or 10 days sick, I may go see the doc. I have no energy, sleep 12 hours if I can and just junk like that. That's why today I decided I may never "feel" like sewing or doing anything else so I may as well just do it. So, on that note, I bid you good day. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Happy Stitching.

Renee

No Bakes At 8:30?

2010-11-29T21:16:00.000-05:00

Yes indeed. I had almost forgotten about making them and when I remembered it was pretty late. I looked at hubs and told him if he'd help me, we'd make a batch and well, without hesitation he says, "okay". Wow. Told you they like them. I've had this recipe for probably 20 years and if you follow the directions exactally, you can't go wrong. This batch won't be here this time tomorrow. We were going to make a double batch and had everything ready and we were one cup short of oats for it. Darn. I suggested putted in a cup of corn flakes and was shot down right away on that one. I suppose you don't mess with a good thing. We could have wound up with a double batch of nasty had we done that. lol.

I'd be happy to share the recipe if anyone is interested. If you've never made them before, you have to have a good heavy stirring spoon and work quick when you make these. If you've made them, you know what I mean. That's why I like hubs to help so he can stir and mix them all together real good. He's a pretty good guy to be my muscle, huh? lol.

Well, I just wanted to get that in today. Nothing else much but everyday house stuff. Catching up a little from feeling so yucky and thinking about Christmas decorating. I have to move a bunch of stuff to decorate. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Have a good night everyone.

Renee

Good Old S.O.S.

2010-11-28T19:07:00.000-05:00

My step-dad used to call it by the long version of S.O.S.
(You knnow what I mean) lol.
We'll call it hamburger gravy over toast.

Every once in awhile I can get away with serving this to the fella's and they don't complain. It don't look so good but it tastes way better than it looks in my opinion. The only thing that could have made this better would have been some fried potatoes. I wasn't thinking in time to put some on. And they were starving of course so I had to get it together with a quickness and this is what they got. lol. I don't feel like I've cheated them out of anything because this is so filling and it sticks to your middle for awhile. lol. I was thinking of making them some no bake cookies but I'm waiting til tomorrow now. Shhh, just the mere mention of those cookies and they'll have me in there fixing a batch. I secretly bought some cocoa at the store the other day just so I could make some. They think I'm out of cocoa. lol. My lips are sealed. haha.

Has everyone used all of their left-overs yet? We're done. I still have some turkey but we're turkey and hammed out. Tomorrow cleaning out the fridge will be fun. haha. I have my cold pizza in there still from Wednesday. Plus all the other little bits of leftovers like the stuffing and gravy. I had a couple of deviled eggs that didn't get eaten. And some cheeseball that's seen better days. I'll have a dishwasher full. Oh the joy of it all. lol.

Take care,

Renee

Oh Man

2010-11-28T15:35:00.000-05:00

I'm not very good at this blogging game am I? I was doing so good too. lol. I'm not giving up though. It's just been one thing after another. I feel bad for not making it back to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving beforehand. I've done my blog roll today though and it looks as though everyone enjoyed themselves and were truly blessed with family and friends for the holiday. Me too!

Since my brothers house has a family room the size of my entire first floor, he graciously extended his home as the gathering place for our holiday get together. I'm only sad in that because we didn't have it here at home as planned, I lost the motivation to properly clean my house for the occasion. lol. Was looking forward to a spiffy place for a day or so. lol. Due to oven space at bro's, I used an electric roaster this year to cook the bird. I never have but my mother-in-law always did and I never had any complaints about her turkeys, ever! The only thing I worried about was cooking time but it all worked out and I believe I made the best turkey and stuffing ever this year. It was definitely the moistest bird I've ever made. And with some tweaking my homemade gravy turned out yummilicious. I don't usually have so much success with that but the gravy gods were with me this year. lol. We always do potluck type and everyone brought something and it was so good. The time with family was wonderful. Wish we could have stayed longer but were pooped and had to come home to rest. lol.

The week leading up to Thanksgiving was uh, hectic to say the least. Monday Hubs and me went to our friend's funeral and we spent the whole day with them. Turns out here in Ohio, Monday was a pretty decent day for late November and we thought we'd skip the jackets. What were we thinking? Not that that is the reason but him and I both got so sick this week. He started coughing at that funeral Monday and by 4 p.m. he was plugged up, red-eyed, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Oh No's. He went to work Tuesday and I went up to my sister's to work on her computer. Just as we pull in to sister's he calls and says he's heading home sick. Not good. He gets sinus infections at the drop of a hat anymore and we try to avoid those as much as possible. Well, I felt fine Tuesday morning. If I hadn't I would not have gone to my sister's. She has no spleen which compromises immunity plus chemo on top of it so she is like susceptible to everything. She hibernates alot during winter. Well, don't ya know, late Tuesday I started feeling it. Wednesday, I knew I had it. Grrrr! Even though I felt raunchy, Honey felt worse so I drove him to Mansfield to get his paycheck and he growled at me the whole way. Not fun. I don't like driving anyway, let alone someone hollering at me just cause they're sick and grumpy.

We had all of our shopping to do except for the bird which we did run out and grab Monday night. And guess what? I had to do it by myself. No way I could make him go out in that mess feeling like he was and missing work and all. I wanted to get an early start so I could see my kid before he went to work. Well, that didn't happen. As soon as we got home from getting his check I thought I'd head out to shop. But because I'm blind and need all the help I can get driving, I thought I'd wash my glasses real quick. Again, what was I thinking? I'm standing there drying them and I hear a ding, ding on the floor. Crap! There went my nose piece. Which meant I had to wake grouch up to fix it for me. I couldn't see the screw if I wanted to to find it so I got my little kit out and it had some screws. He tried and tried and could not get the screw started. So, in addition to my grocery shopping and picking up medicine at the drug store, I had to stop at the eye doctor. Thank goodness they were in. The lady there tried for 25 minutes. I'm silently sitting there convincing myself to be thankful they were open and I didn't have to wait maybe til Monday even to get them fixed and when I was just about to run out of thankfulness for the situation and when I realized I wasn't seeing my kid before he went to work, she asks me if I bought the glasses there. Um, yes ma'am I did. Five hundred dollars I paid you directly for those glasses. lol. (I didn't say that out loud, just to myself). Well she was checking to see if they were under warranty because the original screw had actually broken in half and part of it was still stuck in the glasses part. She rigged me up one that is barely in the spot but it works til they get me new frames. Can't believe it requires an entire new frame but she said she could not get that out for the life of her and I guess after 25 minutes of trying, I'll believe her. Wow, just wow is all I have to say to that.

I wanted to do my food shopping at Save-A-Lot but I had to go to Drug Mart to pick up honey's prescription meds and more cold medicine for the both of us. Hawkins is right next door so I thought I'd just go there. They do have some good sales and I didn't need much so I thought I'd do all my stuff in one location and head home. Yeah, whatever. I still had to go downtown to Save-A-Lot. So one eye doctor, one pharmacy, two grocery stores and $95.00 less later, I made it home. I knew I had hours of slicing and dicing ahead of me so we ordered pizza which was cold when it got here because everyone else in town ordered pizza Wednesday night too. lol. That was just a day I don't care to repeat. I loathe going out, let alone going out by myself. And driving to boot. Oh my. I almost took the xanax. lol.

Thursday morning I called Sister to tell her we were sick but we felt like going to dinner and wondered how she felt about it. I was going to suggest we stay home if she were scared of catching something instead of her and her husband missing out on account of us being sick. They have stayed home alone when bunches of people are sick and it stinks. I told her if she was going to catch anything she probably would have by me being there Tuesday. We didn't have fevers or anything, just good old fashioned colds. So she said she figured she had gotten all the shots the docs suggested and they told her to go live her life so we all got to get together after all and hubby and me kept our coughs and wheezes to ourselves and washed our hands alot. It just makes me feel terrible thinking one of us might have made her sick. I'm calling later to see how she is today. She's been good so far so hopefully nothing will get her.

This weekend has been spent just doing nothing. We just don't feel grand and the shopping thing doesn't excite us so we've watched some movies and ate left overs and picked up the house and such but nothing major. Tomorrow it is back at it so I hope everyone is feeling better and ready to go in the morning. lol.

Sorry to ramble. Hopefully the next post will be sewing related and I'll have something to show. Happy Stitching.

Renee

Forgive Me For The Absence

2010-11-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

In Loving Memory
of
Rose Brinker
1939-2010

My apologies again for my lack of posts. Just before I hit publish on my last post here, I received a text and my husband received a phone call within seconds of each other to tell us that a long time family friend had passed away. I was so flustered that I just hit publish and walked away from this computer and haven't really looked back yet. It wasn't really a shock to know that she had passed because she had been so sick but it still hurts no matter how much you think you're prepared. Even as only a friend of the family. Her children are deeply hurt and her dear husband is being so strong. Her services are tomorrow and even though they aren't my thing (funerals), my husband and I are going. We are best friends with one of her sons and close with most all of the other kids. Her granddaughter Melissa is very near and dear to me and I think the world of her and her family. They're like family to us and Rose will be deeply missed by more than she knew. Please pray for Rose's family for strength and guidance during this difficult time in their lives.

Seems like this world is losing several of it's gems lately. I used to work in a convenience store across the street from my house. I've worked there five different times over a course of 22-23 years and trust me I've gotten to know alot of the locals and they've gotten to know me and where I lived and such. Just real close little neighborhood place and good people for the most part. Mostly old timers were the devoted ones you saw everyday rain or shine. Just two weeks ago one of my favorite old timers was laid to rest and it saddened me deeply cause if there is one thing the world needs, it's more people like good old Jim. He'd always make you smile, most often belly laughing was more appropriate to describe what he would make you do. lol. So sweet too. Loved his wife more than life itself. I just shake my head and wish so bad that we wouldn't lose anymore of these wonderful folks that God has put into our lives when they are needed today so much more than ever in this ugly old world we live in.

Tuesday I have to go help my sister again with her computer. I hope I find some time in between now and Wednesday anyway to catch up with everybody again and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I know it will be a busy week for alot of us so if I miss anybody this week, I hope to be back at it next week after the holiday. Everyone take care. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Has It Really Been That Long?

2010-11-17T17:55:00.001-05:00

I changed from a yucky white sheet to this navy blue one on my "design wall".
I think it makes stuff more visible maybe, kinda like dramatic. lol.

Good Grief. I am sorry I haven't posted in so long. Phew, has time just gotten away from me here the last few weeks. And I really have no excuses. I guess I'm in one of my funks right now and having a hard time shaking it. But, as they say, this to shall pass. I haven't been sewing anything. I cleaned my room the other day and put up a new sheet for a design wall but that's as far as I got. I cannot get off my duff and do the stuff I need to do, let alone the stuff I think I'd like to do. I just hate it. I'm worried about having to make another trip back to my friendly doctor. I'm overdue for some blood work and just putting it off for financial reasons but the cruddier I feel, the more I know I need it and should just go get it done and see what he suggests from there. I'm worried about going back cause I know he'll holler at me because I haven't started any counselling. He thinks that is my cure. I am scared I may need my medicine dosage upped and who likes that crap? lol. One's as bad as the other. I'm not going to counselling because I don't have anything to say to anybody. It would totally stink to up my med's but I'd almost rather. I don't know. Enough of that. If any of you who pray out there might say a little one for me pretty please that this "cloud" will pass, I'd appreciate it.

I'm forcing myself into action by throwing the family Thanksgiving dinner next week. I seem to thrive on deadlines and under pressure so what better way to motivate yourself to clean your nasty house than the thoughts of about 20 people coming to eat with you. lol. I hope that maybe that motivation might lead me to be motivated elsewhere in my life too. Like towards sewing. lol. And then I guess I might get inclined to look for a job. I so do not want to. I am just not ready but with bills to pay, there isn't much choice. I'd work from home tomorrow if I could find the niche but venturing out into the work force again has me scared to death. Panic attack mode isn't how I like to roll but I gotta do what I gotta do.

Anyway, good news on a couple of fronts. Praise the Lord for all the kids. First of all, my youngest son Shawn has gotten his first real full-time job since he graduated last year. Yeah!!!! He's been working since he's been old enough and he's been a cook at a local restaurant for two years now but he wasn't getting the hours he needed and certainly not a very good wage. He's 19 now and I know he's chomping at the bit to get a place of his own and buy nice things fellas his age like to have and I'm real happy for him to get this chance to dive in to the working world. I knew a long time ago that going on to school wasn't an option for this one so I've decided to support him in whatever he does pursue and this really seems like a good solid job for a young guy. He's been working 50 hours a week. Doesn't mind the work but he's not crazy about his hours. He works from 3 p.m. until 1 a.m. The regular shift is 3-11 but they don't see a let up in sight on the overtime so that's a real good sign. Hopefully it means job longevity.

This second bit of news is also just wonderful in my opinion. My daughter-in-law, Stephanie, just today got her very first full-time nursing job. Of course this position will definitely make a difference in their lives. They have worked very hard during the course of their relationship and marriage and I am very proud of both her and Tony. Such drive and goals for younger adults. I even admire them. Steph went into nursing school right out of high school and just graduated this June. She tested, passed and was licensed as an RN in August. Bub (Tony) went to school for two or three quarters just out of high school but he had other aspirations at the time and decided to quit school. He's worked like a hound ever since and has gained himself a pretty nice spot within the company he's been with for 3, maybe 4 years now. He does mention maybe going back to school himself now that Steph is established but he's uncertain as to what to pursue. That's something he has to decide on and then just go for it.

Well, geez I guess I've rambled enough and now it's supper time. After that I want to blog cruise to catch up on every one's pretties. Take care. Happy Stitching.

Renee

Crazy Dreams

2010-11-08T15:34:00.000-05:00

Warning!!-This post not quilty or sewing related at all.!!!!
I must confess that after the stocking fiasco, I lost my groove. lol. I didn't work on anything this weekend. All I can do is shake my head at myself and hope tomorrow is better.

I just had to briefly share this dream from last night. First, you need to know I normally and frequently have some wild, colorful, out of this world dreams. Some link to real life events and others are purely ridiculous and I can't link them to anything in my lifetime. lol. My son says that there is no hidden message in ones dreams but sometimes I wonder. This one last night is so ridiculous, all I can do is laugh when I think about it today.

Don't know why or what but all I recall is riding in the back end of a pick up truck. It was black and my oldest son does have a black pick up and it could have been his in the dream. Can't say with certainty on that though. Anyway, I was sitting in the back of the pick up on a spare tire and guess what I was doing? LOL. It was NOT sewing. I already told you this isn't a post about that at all. lol. I was riding around, sitting there eating a bowl of cereal. OMG!!!! What the heck kind of message would that be trying to relay to me in the form of a dream? lol. My dreams are so life like sometimes my memories get fuzzy between things that happened and things that I dreamed. lol. Well, let me tell you, the aggravation I was feeling was very strong and life like and I was not having a blast trying to eat a bowl of cereal while riding around in the back of a truck. I had it all over me. But I must have been hungry cause I was chowing it down. lol. Wow.

Do any of you suffer from wildly vivid outrageous dreams? If so, I would love to hear about them. It would help prove to me that I am not crazy perhaps. If I knew I wasn't alone in the traveling cereal eating arena, I would feel so much better. LOL. I'm laughing right now. Please, share some of your crazy dreams with me. It could be a blast.

Meanwhile, I hope everyone had a great weekend and I hope you all accomplished some lovely works over the past few days. Have a great afternoon.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Doh! If I Weren't So Bullheaded!!!

2010-11-06T12:16:00.000-04:00

Grrr. Here are three little known things about me that complicate my life:
#1-I don't like rules, instructions, patterns or anything that requires
me to follow directions.
#2-I get bored very easy. Haven't always but sure do now.
#3-I'm stubborn. Been told I was worse than my Mother in that regard.
I tell em "thanks" when they tell me that. lol. Although, I admit
that in her day there were times when I thought her record in that
department couldn't be beat. lol.

Anyway, perhaps those three things combined is why I got this to show for it:

Are you all laughing as hard as I am? LOL. Ha ha. I think I might need to modify my pattern just a fuzz. Lol. It's too funny. Maybe I should consider browsing for a pattern somewhere after all. lol. Oh well, live and learn right? lol. Just had to share my weird little ole stocking with you all. lol. Oh, and go ahead and feel free to laugh. I would.

Cheers!!!

Renee

Headed To The Sewing Room

2010-11-06T09:48:00.000-04:00

Yep, I said it. I'm heading that way in short orders. Not sure at all what I'm going to work on but I'm sure I'll find something to do. I need to make some more red border blocks. That's probably what I'll work on.

What are you all up to? I did some surfing last night and saw some neat stuff. Whatever you do today, I hope you get some stitching time in. And have fun.

Have a great day.
Renee

Just Had A Feeling

2010-11-02T15:10:00.000-04:00

Our city does a fall leaf pick up for the residents once a year. We rake them to the curb and they come and vac them all up. They will usually post a notice in the paper about when they will be around to certain zones to pick them up so we can have them out to the curb and ready. This year was really vague in that it just said it could start last week or this week. Well, raking last weekend wasn't going so hot with the wind the way it was and this past weekend, I was sewing.

Something told me to get out there and rake those leaves yesterday. So, I did and ughhh. I don't like it. lol. Thank goodness our yard isn't that big. I didn't even do the back yard. Just the front yard and down between the house and garden because that's where they like to collect just outside the back door. I raked huge amounts of them into my two flower beds out front for bedding/mulch for winter and then I raked the rest of what was left to the curb and this is my pile.

I raked the ones out back into the garden. It's full too. lol. But sitting here this morning I hear this loud noise outside and I look out and to my surprise, it's the city guys picking up leaves. Man, how happy was I that I raked those when I did? I don't know what we'd have done with all of them if we hadn't gotten them out there on time.

Here's a few shots of their amazing machine in action.

See, all gone!!! And while I know that was one of the most boring blog posts I think I've ever posted, it's better than no post. I missed yesterday cause I did sleep in and then I worked outside. I was warm when I started working out front but when I got to the side of the house out of the sun, I was freezing. I finished that up and said heck with it and came in to warm up. lol. I kicked back on the love seat and I noticed my neck hurt a little. Like in the front, jaw area of my neck. Well since I just had the heart scare I worry sometimes about little things and I know that a woman's jaw hurting can be a sign of a heart attack so I mentioned it to hubby just to be on the safe side. Well, we got to investigating and I actually believe my glands are starting to swell. And last night I just felt like, oh no, here it comes. First thing this morning I felt okay but as the day goes on I think they are swelling a little more maybe and I got this dull achy headache. I'm doing the bare minimum today cause I don't feel like breaking any records. lol. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Maybe I did just pull something again in my neck with the raking, I don't know yet.

I thought about digging out some embroidery that a friend gave me and work on that awhile but the "digging" part discouraged me. lol. I have a nice roast cooking right now and when hubs comes home we'll have a good meal and maybe that will help too. lol. If I get some pep in my step I might work on that embroidery after supper. Yeah Right!!!

Well, I need to check the roast so I'll sign off for now. Thanks so much for coming around and being bored out of your mind by my exciting life. lol. Have a great day. Happy Stitching.

Renee

Holie Molie

2010-10-31T21:24:00.000-04:00

I'm on a roll. This is the third and last post for the day. I've been so full of energy. lol. I got this little project all quilted and just waiting to go in the washing machine. I thought it turned out real cute and I love the way the colors worked. Independently they were some pretty miserable fabrics but altogether I think they look alright.

I think I'll call it Cheddar Cheese & Crackers!!!
Happy Stitching,

Renee

Two Posts In One Day-Whoa!!

2010-10-31T18:03:00.000-04:00

Okay so last night I wanted to sew right? Right. Did I sew? Ha ha ha!!!! Let me tell you, you would have thought my eyes were sewn shut last night. Phew. I was sitting here reading on my phone while I waited for my son to go do his thing before I went to sew and I couldn't hold my eyes open. This was around 7:30 or so and the next thing you know it's 9:00. Hubby's back home already and the kid is still sitting here. Listening to me snore. lol. It was like a power nap or somethin' cause I woke up ready to go and nobody to go with and no place to go. lol. Honey and me decided to watch the Halloween movie that was on and stayed up real late, midnight. haha. We're old so midnight is real late for us. lol.

But alas, today has been productive for me. Remember the seat belt cushion? It's got a mate now. Didn't photo it cause I reckon you seen one, you've seen them all. After that I went ahead and sewed those red blocks into two more rows for borders. Then I totally switched gears. I've had this little project put together and pinned for quilting for some time now. At least I know I had it showing it to my fam at Labor Day, pins and all in it. I had started hand quilting it two or three weeks ago maybe and didn't like it. Plus I will never use t pins again to pin one in. They constantly stabbed me while trying to hand sew it. So, today I threw that sucker on the machine and I'm almost half done with it already. If these men around here didn't have to eat, I'd have it made. lol. I'm going to head back over to the sewing room cause Honey said he didn't care if I sewed the rest of the night if I'd just get him some supper. lol. Isn't that sweet? lol.

I just gotta mention this real quick before I go. Ever had fried apples? Oh, we don't have them often and it's a good thing cause the way I make them , they are so totally unhealthy but man are they good. They smell devine and taste pretty much the same. I made some of those and some old el cheapo sirloin steaks that I usually fry and get real tough but tonight they turned out awesome and I seasoned mine just right cause it was scrumptous too. It was kinda like comfort food to me tonight. lol.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

I Thought My Kids Were Grown?

2010-10-31T12:34:00.000-04:00

I'd swear this one was gonna be 25 years old and he's married. His wife's 22. But look at them.

Bub was his own version of Jersey Shore's "The Situation"
He was "The Predicament"

Steph was an 80's Madonna/Material Girl.
Too bad her mother-in-law used to dress like that for real!!!!! LOL!!!!!

They were going to a party with their best friends, Kyle and Cassie. They're all the same age, and I think they were having way too much fun. lol.

Kyle was an 80's/90's MC Hammer type guy.

Too bad this one's a little blurry cause Cass was spot on as
another Jersey Shore character, "Snookie".

They were so cute. I'm wondering how they feel today though. lol. They sure will keep you young won't they? lol. I'm glad to see they can still act like a kid at heart cause no matter how old they get, they will always be my babies. All of them. Love those kids.

Just had to share. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Renee

Couple Items Done

2010-10-30T16:51:00.000-04:00

This is Honey's seat belt cushion thingy.

Red blocks to sew into borders for the wonkie top.

A set of red blocks sewn together in rows for border.

Not a big huge accomplishment but something for my day. Actually the only thing I did today was the seat belt thingy. The blocks I did sometime through the week or last weekend. I don't even know anymore when I did make them. lol. Isn't that sad? haha. Anyway, I hope to do some more goodies this evening after the fellas leave. I'll hibernate in my sewing room if I can and see what I end up with. Wish me luck. Ha. Happy Stitching to everyone!!!!!

Renee

Hello My Quilting Friends

2010-10-27T14:52:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody. How's everyone doing? I hope this finds you all well and busy on some lovely projects. I haven't been too busy sewing but I've been pretty busy.

Honey had Saturday off for a change so I put him to work here around the house. Lol. Poor guy. We really got a lot of indoor work done that's needed done for too long. We were both happy to have it done. Thanks again doll for your help.

Sunday was lovely and I went out to rake leaves but the wind had other plans. Lol. I cut back all my flowers and hosta's. Then I pulled out what was left of the garden. Pulled my tomato stakes and cages and put them up. I have to get the water hose in and I think we're ready for cold weather. Well, not that we want to be but like it or not it's coming. Boo hoo!

I got robbed this summer from enjoying it like I wanted and had planned. I hurt my back the first week or so in August. Don't know what I did in particular cause I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Anyway, ends up I had a pinched nerve in my neck. After a week at my chiropractor without improvement I was sent to ER to have my heart checked just to be on safe side and all was well there. Thank goodness. But they diagnosed the pinched nerve and gave me pain meds. Oh yeah. I spent about a week flat on my back doing nothing. I wasn't a happy camper cause I don't like being out of commission. I had beans and tomatoes coming on like mad and I couldn't do a thing about it. Honey had to do it and I don't like putting stuff off on him. He works hard enough. After the pain got tolerable to where I could do something I found myself weaker than snot. Then depression kind of took ahold for a minute. I just didn't enjoy the latter part of summer at all.

Ok my pity party is over. Lol. After all that I can tell you I was more than happy to be outside on such a beautiful day as I'm sure there won't be many more.

I don't know when in between all the work but I did work on some red borders for the wonkie block top. Red's even more fun than the blue. So cute. I'll get them posted later.

Welp. Guess I've rambled enough today. Happy stitching!!

Renee

Do You See This?

2010-10-22T23:40:00.000-04:00

Huh? All these blue blocks, did ya ever dream I'd throw in some red? Ha Ha, neither did I. I gotta tell ya, the blue is pretty and all but it was boring me to death and I thought about how I'd proceed from here and I've had some thoughts about varied reds as a border on this quilt. Maybe a white border around the blue blocks and then some sort of red border around that and that's about as far as I've gotten. lol. I thought though that I might drop that red in there to draw the eye from a red border to the center of the quilt, kinda tie it in. I don't know. Sounds good now but we'll see what she turns out like.

What are you all doing tonight? I'll stroll around here after bit and check cause I'm nosey that way. lol. Hope everyone has a good night. Take care.

Renee

Some New Goodies!!

2010-10-22T20:23:00.000-04:00

I hate going to Wal-Mart. Used to love it but now that I'm weird, I just don't like going many places at all. lol. But I had to go tonight and while I was there I took a walk down the sewing/beading/whatever aisle. I'm still mad at them for getting rid of their domestics department. They just have some small basic stuff now like the likes of what I got tonight for their "sewing" section. But I was tickled with my purchases tonight none the less. My sister gave me a rotary cutter a good year, year and a half ago and she said it needed a blade when she gave it to me and she couldn't have been any more right about the blade. Wouldn't cut butter but I tried using it the other day to cut out my square blocks from those wonkie blocks and while it worked it was messy, yada yada.

Tonight I'm the proud owner of a brand new rotary cutter blade. lol. Doesn't take much to tickle me does it? lol. I'm down to two spools of white thread so I grabbed a couple more of those and some velcro to make seat belt cushion thingy's. You know, they pad the belt so it doesn't rub hickey looking things on some folks necks from wearing their seat belt. My husbands work truck was the worse and we bought a set of them for it. But he left them in it and now I don't have my pattern anymore. I need to make a set for our car and thought about making some for Christmas gifts. Then I got a set of little snaps for any little thing that might come up. Thinking about making some more baby bibs. The last ones I made had ties and I just don't think they may be the safest thing. I used to like the velcro ones for my kids or ones that snapped so they could come off quickly if need be. Something that had give in case of emergency. Ties just draw a knot tighter when yanked on so it always kind of bothered me I made them that way.

Anyway, because I haven't been sewing I thought I'd at least post a boring picture of my new stuff. lol. Hope everyone is having a good Friday night and are getting some stitching in. I might try out my new cutter here after bit but no promises. lol.

Gotta go play. Have a great weekend. Everyone take care.

Renee

Blaghhhh Day

2010-10-19T21:35:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody. How is everyone tonight? I hope this finds everyone well. I am sitting around waiting for the Duggars to come on. I have an hour to go. lol. Yeah, I said it, Duggars. That's another post though. lol. Tonight I'm posting pics of one more block I got done yesterday and a little bookmark I had to try.

While these little wonkie blocks are fun to make, they are so time consuming. I don't know if I'm doing it wrong or not but wow. I'm not complaining though, just sayin'. So I got a grand total of 7 of the little darlings done yesterday. This is the last one.

Then I had found this bookmark idea over on Steel Scraps and had to give it a whirl. I'm not much for following directions so I changed this up alot. I'm lazy so I improvised and came up with this so quick it wasn't even funny and it's rough (meaning, very basic, thrown together, no fuss). I can't imagine how cute they'd look just putting a little time into them. Just a little time I say cause it's really a snap. I won't bore you with the how and why unless you're interested and I could post about it but here is what I ended up with.

I could use a dozen of these right off the bat just for the ladies in the family. I may make some of these little delights up in the morning. Today I just did not feel well. Didn't do anything. It was just a blaghhh day as the title suggests. lol. I plan on being up early tomorrow so maybe I'll get at the machine and do a couple more bookmarks and a couple more blocks and who know what else. I got alot of catching up to do on my housecleaning since I neglected everything today but I intend to sew first, clean second. lol. Have a good night. Happy Stitching.

Renee

I'm Such A Fibber

2010-10-18T12:59:00.000-04:00

Well, in my last post I was looking forward to some sewing time and said I'd post photo's the next day. Did you see any photo's yesterday? NO. Know why? lol. I just didn't want to work on that project that I had set my mind to. So I didn't. I know, bad girl. But I did work on my sewing room again yesterday and I am there as far as cleaning and re-arranging. Today I've taken advantage of my new and improved sewing room and made some wonky blocks. Wow, what fun!!!

I had dear old hubby elbow deep in the scrap bag last night helping me go through and sort by color. Uh, you wouldn't believe the crap I have kept. hah. Anyway, I took my bigger strips and made these little crazy blocks and I am in love and am having so much fun today. It's slow going but I can't wait to see what the next block will look like and I couldn't wait to hang them on the wall and take pics. So, here is my work in progress. What are you working on?

Sorry my pics are a little blurry. I just can't hold this camera still. lol. Too much coffee you suppose? haha. Have a great day. Thanks for stopping by today. Happy Stitching.

Renee

Working On Sewing Finally! Woot!!

2010-10-16T19:54:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry I don't have a photo of my project yet but I feel all full of energy and would rather sew tonight instead of taking pictures. I'll post pics tomorrow of it.

I took a look at it and decided it wasn't as bad as I thought maybe. It is just a doll blanket and its practice so I'm just forging on. Lol. No ripping out, just trying harder. Hee hee.

First I have to eat just one more Dole fruit juice bar. Lol. My wicked little weekend obcession. Yummy.

Happy Saturday Evening. Happy stitching to you all.

Renee

Fall Foliage

2010-10-13T13:51:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. I hope this finds everyone well. I'm doing good.

Last Sunday, 10-10-10, hubby took me for an awesome road trip to look at the leaves changing around the area. We missed flower garden gawking this summer because we didn't have a vehicle we could just go joy riding in. There are three times of year that I like to just get in the car and go ride. I love, love, love driving around looking at folks' flowers in the spring/early summer. Then I like going in the fall to see the leaves change and then again at Christmas to see lights. Used to be a tradition when I was a kid that we drove out to the country club here in town and drove through the housing around there and stared in amazement at the lovely mansion style homes all decked out with lights from the inside out. Well, I was a kid and it was the 70's. Not alot of winter entertainment around here. lol.

Anyway, since this is supposed to be a quilting/sewing blog, I thought I'd lay off posting pictures from everyday things and try to stick to sewing related stuff more. But I got such beautiful photo's from our fall foliage tour that I had to share. I ended up making a slideshow on my Associated Content site. Here is the link to the slideshow: Ohio Fall Foliage. Hope you all enjoy it. It couldn't have been a more gorgeous October day.

Hope you all get some sewing done today. I haven't been in the mode lately but I feel it stirring. Hopefully, I can finish up on a project I started last week or so. But I want to try something new. There's a new quilt block I want to try and make and I found a candle mat pattern that is really cute that would be an excellent Christmas gift for the ladies in my family. I need priorities. lol. Not just with sewin' either, let me tell ya. lol.

Got to get along today. Happy quilting to everyone. Take care. Have a good one.

Renee

I Like Barns

2010-10-09T20:22:00.000-04:00

Hee Hee Hee-I Love Old Pictures

2010-10-09T20:07:00.000-04:00

Three Great Ladies
Aunt Helen, Granny & Mom
1970's-ish Time Frame

Wow wee, do I have fun looking at old pictures. In attempts to clean out my sewing room so I can be sewing instead of tripping over boxes of this and that, I went through the boxes today. Found a load of old pictures and came across this one. Although all three of these sweet, sweet, beautiful women are no longer with us, they will NEVER be forgotten. Coming across a golden oldie like this one is a gem in my day. haha. Some of the ladies in our family are "big" girls, including me. What struck me as so funny (not in a making fun kind of way by no means), besides their stylin' clothes, is how thin they all look which definately adds merit to the time frame as they were all somewhat still spring chickens then. I'm pretty sure they all shrank too. Mom didn't ever seem that tall to me. Helen was the tallest at about 5'10" or 5'11" and as far as I know Mom was only 5'6" so it must have been uneven ground beneath. lol.

These girls knew what family meant. We were all tight back in the day and it was because of those three ladies. I cannot believe how the family has "fallen" off since the loss of our matriarch's. It's sad so I'm not gonna talk about it much. Okay, anyway, we were never close with my Dad's side of the family and Mom only had the one sister (Aunt Helen in photo) and as far as I'm concerned, they were the only family a girl needed. That's how awesome they were. It was kind of like having a holiday every weekend when we all got together. Ah, the good old days.

Just wanted to share that little nugget there. God Bless real old fashioned photo's because I lost alot that I had just on my computer when it crashed. No hard copies. Wah!!!! Got any oldie photo's you care to share? Would love to see them.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

It's A Good Day, If You're A Duck

2010-10-05T14:42:00.000-04:00

Me Oh My. It's raining like crazy here right now. Wind's blowing up a storm and it's cold and yucky. Good thing I have plenty of indoor things to do today. I'm kind of taking it easy but I know before long I will be kicking it into high gear here to get some work done around the house today. I have a guest coming at four so that's pressure. haha.

There's no sewing or projects to report. Sunday was spent getting the new car running which went like a piece of cake after the day we'd had with it Saturday. I spent a little while roaming around my little city here just practicing driving it. It's a stick and it's been awhile. lol. I've already moved it with the parking brake on. Phew, the oder let me know something was wrong right away. lol. I also may or may not have been driving it in third gear when it should have been in 5th. Ooops. Yeah, the old man found no humor in that one at all. lol. I'll get the hang of it. Say prayers please. lol.

Monday, yesterday, I went to my sisters house. She has been having computer problems for a long, long time and since I had wheels, I went to see if I could help. Five hours later, I must admit I am puzzled. Don't get me wrong, that time wasn't in vain. We did alot of work that needed done to clean up her system. But there is still a problem and I have about half a dozen things to try next before I have to send her to the powers that be for help. We plan on getting together again tomorrow for another attempt. Wish us luck. lol. If you're in the family or know my sister and I at all, you'll know why I added the little giggle there. lol.

I have started hand quilting a little project but haven't picked that up in a day or two because I'm not happy with it so far and I hope maybe tonight I can tear it all out and start again. I think my problem is cheap thread. The knots are just way too noticeable and really shouldn't be there but given the thread kept snapping and knotting up, I had little choice. I haven't gotten too far so it's no biggie to re do it. I told hubby when I was working on it the other night, there is something about hand sewing and embroidery and such that relaxes me I think. I haven't done alot of either but I do seem to enjoy it and find it relaxing or something. I've come a long way with stitch length and straightness that's for sure. lol. Isn't it funny how you look back on things you've done and can notice that you've improved, even if just slightly? I'll be doing that looking back thing for years to come because I know there are always things to improve and things to learn. I find that a tad frustrating really and think it's why I'm never happy with much of my work. Instead of accepting my best at any given moment, I am always aware it could be better or I could have used a much easier technique if only I knew more, etc. Weird I know. lol.

Thursday and Friday seem to be free of things I have to take care of around here so hopefully they will be sewing days. Right. Didn't I just learn over the weekend that the best laid plans seldom pan out for me? lol. You all take care. Happy Quilting and Stay Dry!!.

Renee

I Love This Man

2010-10-02T20:41:00.000-04:00

I snapped this of him today without him being able to refuse or turn away before I got it. lol. Pardon my french, but DAMN do I love him. I still think he's the best looking, sexiest man alive. Even after 26 years, he still makes my old heart go pitter pat. lol. We've had our shares of ups and downs but here we are, still in love and sometimes acting like silly teenagers over each other. lol. Maybe that's our secret, eh? lol.

Night, night

Renee

Ho Hum!!!

2010-10-02T15:34:00.000-04:00

Well, we sure did have good intentions for today. haha. That's right, I said had good intentions. Why is it that when you make the best of plans that nothing ever seems to go accordingly? Ever have those days? Despite our best efforts, honey and me have had a somewhat disappointing day.

We have been without a vehicle for literally months now. We had nothing but trouble with our old car since December of 09. Basically it started nickle-diming us to death. We just decided to sell it for scrap about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I was so sad to see it go but I couldn't bear one more problem with it. My husband's boss has to be one of the kindest men on earth as he has let honey use a work vehicle for all these months we've been without wheels. It is so very kind of him but I have always felt like it was taking advantage and the more time went by, the worse I was feeling about it. Plus I was never allowed to drive it of course so I have felt stranded for a long, long time now. The kids have loaned me theirs once in awhile but I just so hate to drive other folks' cars. Anyway, we finally bought one. An el cheapo, no frills, well used older vehicle.

We knew going in that it needed brakes. Okay, no problem. Honey can do brakes in his sleep now. But we didn't want to chance driving it as it was so we waited until today to go down to the girls house we bought it from and he was going to put the brakes on it and we'd be on our way home with it. I went and got insurance, plates and brakes for it yesterday. He planned for today off and we planned to go do this and get on home. Sounds easy peasy right? Hah! Let me tell ya, it was a far cry from easy.

I thought he would never get the hub off the brake thingy whatchamacallit but finally he did. Yoo hoo. Making progress now. He does his thing and he goes to put the hub thingy majig back on and it won't go. Grrrrrr. Okay, we got it finally. Puts it all back together and decides to go ahead and do the other side while he's all set up with his tools and such. Man, that second hub came off lickity split and we both began to think we were in the final stretches then. Hold the fort, hold the fort, guess what? The wheel cylinder was broken. But fear not, he thought it would get us home anyway so he proceeded. By this time the girl we bought from showed up and her and I were yacking and all of the sudden honey alerts us that he's just shut us down. WHAT? The cylinder completely gave way and fluid starts going everywhere. Nice, real nice.

He rounded up some of his stuff and put it out of sight and we headed for the parts store. But alas, guess what? No part in stock. I'm still trying to smile during this time but hubby's is fading and his belly's growling by this time. Sweet. I called two other stores, no part. Stop at one more store and they were closed. We ended up having to order the part and can't get it til they open at 9 a.m. Sunday morning. Man, tomorrow was an R and R day around here til now. lol. Since he didn't go ahead and put all of his stuff away at the car site since he thought he'd be back to fix it, we had to run all the way back down there and put his tools away and lock it all up and leave our new car propped up on a jack and minus one wheel. lol. Oh my, please tell me this isn't a sign of things to come with this car. lol. Yeah, I'm laughing now but I wasn't so happy earlier.

I just know they better have that part at 9 in the morning or it's liable to get ugly round here. lol. Here is our new La Bomba:

It's a 95 Mazda Protege. We had a 94 Buick Park Avenue. Loved, loved, loved that car. Supercharged, with heat and radio controls right on the steering wheel. Guess you could say we're taking it down a notch. lol. Here she is as she went off to the good old car graveyard:

Well, this post certainly hasn't been about sewing or quilting or anything fun at all. I guess I just needed to get it off my chest. Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow! Hope you all are having a better day. Here's wishing everyone a great weekend.

Renee

Finish Number 3

2010-09-29T13:31:00.000-04:00

Well, my house isn't clean and laundry isn't done yet but the purse is. Tah dah!!!! I'm happy with it and have let the sister-in-law unit know it's ready. Woo hoo!!! I love making progress. lol.

I love the ribbon on the handles and the fabric the sash is made of was some of the first I ever bought. I hated like everything to cut into it and now I am on my last little hunk of it. There are tons of pockets in the purse. And for cuteness I took a clasp off of a pair of bibs and sewed on so it will hook over the button on the purse and fasten. It's a big ole thang. lol. I made it out of size 13 levi's. But I was told she wanted a big one, a tote sort of thing. So, here we have it. I just hope they like it. This girl it is for wanted one back in May when they all went on a trip to Berlin. The $60.00 price tag scared her though. Do you think $30.00 is too much to ask? I'd like some input if you have any please.

Well, now back to the other dreaded work I got to do around here. Take care.

Renee

I Just Entered An Awesome Giveaway!

2010-09-29T07:47:00.000-04:00

Red Rose Farm Fat Quarters and Tea Towel Giveaway
Wow, I could only be so lucky. If you've checked out late bloomers blog you know what I'm saying about being lucky enough to be the recipient of this beautiful fabric. Sixteen fat quarters of bright, cheery, dare I say, flamboyant, insanely gorgeous fabric. That is such a generous giveaway. I don't usually partake but this is so lovely and I so want to have it. lol. I, not so secretly, would love to have the fabric but would not be disappointed in the tea towel set either. It's so cute.

I know my fabric stash/supply is ugly but man it is never more prevalent than right after I look at all these blogs with these scrumptious fabrics and sweet projects made from them. One day, I say, one day I shall have lovely fabrics!!! lol. I really, really wish I had known I would develop such a love of fabric and sewing and quilting because I would not have passed on some of my Grandma's massive, massive quilting stash had I known. God rest her soul. I miss that old gal. She would have been wowed by today's choices. Of course, Gran was tickled with anything because she knew hard times and I'm sure she made more than one quilt out of old clothes and scraps she accumulated throughout her years. When she was able to buy new fabrics for her quilts, she was like a kid in a candy store. lol. Ah, the good old days. The Ben Franklin store in Loudonville hated to see us coming when they had new fabric and such. lol.

I have a confession, I have not been faithfully working on my sewing for two days now. I was on such a roll. I don't know what got into me, maybe a pity party, but I've spent two days of sleeping and doing as little as possible. lol. Hubby just about might be at wits end with me on that so I think today I will do something. lol. Probably house cleaning/laundry related. But of course, you know I had to come here first and foremost before I begin the "real" work. I'm going to try to photograph the little doll quilt thingy I have put together and that is awaiting quilting to be complete. I'd like to set some sewing goals for myself but I feel like that is too much pressure today with all the catching up I have to do in other areas. lol.

No pressure to anyone but I hope you have great stitchy days!!

Renee

Slow Sunday

2010-09-27T14:05:00.000-04:00

Hello, hello. I hope this finds everyone well. I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was pretty awesome. I didn't leave the house I don't think. Lol. Yesterday was like the Sunday that never would end. A great lazy kind of day, actually.

I'll have you know I was not lazy however. Lol. I worked on the denim purse. The ribbon is on the handles and already made the biggest difference in the looks of it. Ended up only shortening the handles by an inch. I hope I made the right decision. I had to rip some stitches around the top of the purse where it all gets held together. Then I decided to hand stitch around there instead and it looks awesome. Then I took it back to the machine to sew it all down and in place. I got around once and just started the second lap when my thread broke. Pftt...I was done. My eyelids were feeling like they do when I read myself to sleep. Lol. Called it a night.

Sure wish I had the gumption to finish her up today. Needs one more row of securing stitches and then a sash and it's done. I still have to make that but that's a cake walk compared to the rest of the job.

I'm just enjoying being all wrapped up warm and cozy on my couch watching the boob tube. I'll sew later. Lol. Hope everyone has a warm and cozy day of their own.

Happy stitching.

Renee

Getting Ready to Re-Vamp A Purse

2010-09-26T10:42:00.000-04:00

It got so late on me yesterday that I didn't get back at the denim purse last night but I am going to get ready and work on it here soon.

I played with my template last night and came up with this current one. The photo at the top now is of our cherry plum tree early this Spring. I thought it just made a dynamite shot with that gorgeous blue sky in the background. I have full shots of the tree but unfortunately they are cluttered with the sights of my neighbors back yard. I have seen some amazing photography on the blogs I surf so I thought I'd try some odd angles that I might not ordinarily use to take a pic and this is the result. I liked it. Captured the beauty of the day and not the neighbors Ford Ranger and car ramps. lol. Believe it or not that tree is like completely nekkid now. lol. It's pitiful. Well, of course now I have to tell the story of this tree. I don't have to but I want to. lol.

Our youngest boy, Shawn brought this little twig home one day in a plastic bag and said he had gotten it at school for Arbor Day. Hmm. Nice. I never planted a tree before. Didn't have a clue where to put it. It currently is the one and only tree on our lot. We are bordered by trees pretty well but this is our only one. Anyway, I planted it out back in a spot I thought it could occupy for awhile. I never dreamed it would survive but it grew a little more each year and just finally got to the point where it needed some trimming these last few years so we've been trimming it away trying to get it more tree like than shrub like and it has finally fruited after all these years. I can't say for sure how long we've had it but I'd say Bud was about 6 when he brought it home so it's been roughly 13 years we've had this tree. We still haven't figured out when the best time to harvest those fruits are but we haven't really looked into it either. We had some this year that were great as far as the fruit goes on the inside but the skin of these little boogers is so sour and dry and "pithy". Nas-tay. I've briefly read where they make great jam and marmelade but I don't think I'd have the patience to work with them. The fruit is like the name says, cherry plum like. Quite a bit bigger than a cherry but not as big as a plum. Hang in there, I'm about done with this boring tree story. lol. When I planted it I never dreamed I'd put in a garden but a couple years later I did. Right beside the tree. It was still small so it didn't affect the garden. These past few years since it's grown have been a different story. lol. Live and learn. I'll just have to make a new garden spot and use the current one for flowers only. That wouldn't break my heart. I love flowers.

Speaking of flowers. I thought I'd share some gorgeous shots I got of some of my flowers in bloom this year. Here goes.

That's all I got for now. Must get busy. Over and Out!

Renee

Some Photos At Last

2010-09-25T17:54:00.008-04:00

Here is the Carhart Purse I had talked about clear back in February. I am still carrying this old thing but I'm about ready for a new one.

I made the handle out of the straps from an old pair of Carharts.

Of course I had to make sure the logo was prominent somewhere.

It is just a tote. There are no pockets inside. I figured it had all of them on the outside so I didn't bother.

This is the purse for my sister-in-law. I'm not crazy about it and wanted to scrap it but she's waited so long. I took a break from it and took my pictures and now I have an idea of how to leave it as it is only gussy it up a bit. I'll post those pics another time.

The handles definately need shortened. I'm going to add a decorative ribbon on the handles so they aren't so plain jane looking.

I've had this baby quilt pictured on here before a long time ago but it never was finished. Shhh....Don't tell. All it needed was the binding sewed down on all four corners. Now it is and I call it Finish #1. lol.

This is a close up view to show my first ever attempt at stipple quilting. I won't say it was easy at all and nowhere near perfect but I'm pleased with it.

This was the nicest quilt to put together that I have ever made. I used a blanket for the batting instead of traditional quilt batting and it is so nice. It's sturdy, it's heavy. The only thing is it aint so pretty!!! lol. I mean, I think it's cute but something about the colors to me just aren't the most attractive even though they accent each other. I think I need help on that one-color coordinating. lol.

This is a close up so you can see why I chose the solid color blocks that I did. I think there just might be too much of them and not enough print blocks and I'd like it better. Oh well. It only needed on little seam from one block corner to another, less than an inch and a half I kid you not but it took me this long to do that little seam. It's done now and it's called Finish #2. I've also had this quilt on the blog before long ago. I think I will get them ready for ebay tonight. It's not quite the work I want to put on my etsy site. This one has obvious tie offs and knots on the back. I thought they'd shrink up to unnoticeable after it was washed and dried but, uh, not so much.

The little girly one above is okay except for the binding and I also added a zig-zag stitch around it to secure it the other day when I was working on it. And I think it made it look tacky. It was one of the first bindings I did and it was nowhere near right. The zig-zag stitch basically just secured it. I coulda done better but I'm done with it. I'm moving on. lol.

I had challenged myself yesterday, Friday, to finish up the denim purse and start another project but my plans got derailed, big time. I didn't even pick up sewing yesterday. I got back at it today though and while I'm still on the purse, I have a renewed hope in a finished product when I get back at it. Which I better do. You all take care. Happy Weekend and Happy Stitching.

Renee

I Finally Did It!!

2010-09-23T20:31:00.005-04:00

Yeah! I did it. I got off my duff and did some sewing. I had two baby quilts that needed five minutes a piece to finish silly little stuff on them. Shamey, shamey on me for letting them go so long. My bad. But I will humor myself and count them as two finishes. Come on, I know it's not really an excuse but for someone as unmotivated as I have been, this is progress at the very least. Lol.

I have to put some handles on the denim purse that my sister-in-law wanted. She'll love me I'm sure. Pictures of the baby quilts and purses coming tomorrow. I am pooped and cannot work any more today.

I have a little mini quilt I'm ready to start quilting. Ha Ha I just had a brain storm. I think I'll challenge myself to the task of finishing that purse up tomorrow, get them photographed and, AND I say, I'll start the quilting on that mini quilt. (Rubbing hands together) Ha Ha now I'm laughing. That's actually a lot of pressure for me. But I am gonna try. I'll let you know my progress.

I seem to be pretty chatty today but really I am so tired that I'm gonna hush it and kick back for a spell with the old man. Have a great night. Happy sewing.

Renee

February Through September

2010-09-06T11:14:00.017-04:00

Whoa!!!! Man where did that part of my life get to? Isn't it crazy how fast this year is blowing by? Evidently, it has for me anyway huh? lol. It's kind of sad really. I always find myself about this time of year wondering where my time went and what I did with it so far for the year. And on this day of reflection, I can tell you all that it hasn't been spent sewing like I wish it had of been. I've lurked around in quilting blog land a tad now and then when I had time but not like I should have so if you all get a minute, drop me a line and let me know what you've been up to with your time this summer. Any major projects started? Completed? Doesn't even have to be sewing related. What about flower and vegetable gardens? Kids sports and activities? I'm happy to hear about all of it.

I did finish that Carhart purse I last posted about. I don't have any pictures of it because as soon as I got it done I loaded it up with my junk and am still carrying it. But I'll still get a pic of it on here soon so you can see this crazy idea for what it turned out to be. lol. I really like it and when I'm done using it my sister has already called dibs on it. lol.

Honey had taken me garage sale-ing last fall and I found this sweet little white metal canopy baby doll crib. I started putzing with that for awhile. I wanted to really go all out on it but my enthusiasm soon waned as I realized I didn't have a great way to attach a canopy to it. It is missing parts there somewhere because there are hooks on each corner of it to attach something. Just not sure what. lol. I'm assuming it was some kind of curved rod to attach a canopy to. I thought I'd have hubby take it to work and remove those hooks for safety reasons and just do some sort of elastic, stretchy type of canopy cover but nothing really struck me as a good idea. I'll post a pic of it and perhaps you all could give me some input. I'd appreciate it because I am totally at an impasse with it. My mind is roadblocked to the notion. lol. I wanted to do a bed skirt on it too but for the life of me I'm stuck there too. Because of the way it's made at the bottom, I'm afraid if I use an elastic piece on that it will stick out too far and look weird. I'm such a weirdo. I worry about some of the craziest things. lol. Another reason I could maybe just use some tips from folks who know what they are doing. lol. I spend all this time thinking about this project and then I had to step back and realize it's only a doll baby bed. Know what I'm saying? Geez, maybe that's where all my time goes now that I think of it-Procrastinating projects. (Shakes Head) I think we all know how daydreaming about sewing can be an obstacle sometimes. lol.

Just recently I started making a blue jean purse/tote for my sister-in-law. I think she's using it as a gift though so I didn't finish it up until I was able to see her and get a go ahead on it. I wasn't crazy about the way it was turning out so I wanted to make sure it was what she wanted before I went ahead and did anymore to it. Saw her Saturday and turns out she loves it so I have to get that done.

Just last week I decided to sit back down and try to do some sort of quilting. For whatever reason I had a hankering to do some piecing. My sister had given me all kinds of pre-cut blocks some time ago and I've pondered and pondered (another example of my daydreaming. lol.) of what to do with those so I just started whacking out all kinds of little 2 inch squares for a couple of days. Bonnie Hunter does wonderful things with two inch squares. Heck, she does wonders with whatever she touches. I guess she was my inspiration for doing that. Anyway, I had gotten together a whole hosts of colors of squares and at one point thought about making a big quilt out of them all but then the notion of making a big quilt put me right off. I'm in no mood to tackle that kind of project and have it laying around for months so I did a doll quilt out of the yellow color scheme using some of the ugliest individual fabric I've ever seen, however, I think it really, really turned out super cute. I had to use a color I'll call Cheddar and again, Bonnie Hunter is to blame cause she really likes that color and seeing how she uses it gave me the guts to throw it in on this mix and I'm not disappointed. I'll have to post all my pics at another time though. I have that to quilt and it's done. I suppose it could be used as a doll quilt, a table topper, or baby changing/tummy time pad. Why limit myself right? lol.

It's just been due to my attitude, circumstances and health that I haven't been much engaged in my passions and projects these last several months. It's my own fault I don't have more to show for my time. lol. That's also another story for another time. lol. But, I also haven't been doing much computing because my computer went kaput!!!! Poof, gone like yesterday. lol. That put a major, major crimp in my lifestyle for awhile now. Until just recently that is. My good friend, Melissa has sold me a lovely Dell, on payments even. Needless to say I should be able to keep in touch a little bit better now. We'll see. I do daydream alot you know? lol.

Unfortunately I do have a house to clean today too so I will sign off for now. I hope there is someone out there still hanging around. lol. Stop by anytime and I will do my best to reciprocate. Have a great Labor Day. Enjoy!!!!

Renee

What Do You Think Of This Idea?

2010-02-28T08:23:00.004-05:00

So its been forever since I have blogged about anything, let alone anything quilty or even sewy for that matter. But today in between mountains of laundry I plan to sew today. Yeah me! Lol.

I actually wanted to get it started last weekend but my sewing machine was seized up. Seems that vegetable oil is not better than no oil. I know, I know that was not cool and I won't be doing that again. Anywho, moving on. Lol.

Sometime ago my dear hubby decided his old carharts were just not worth keeping anymore and me being the hoarder I am just couldn't do it. I didn't really know what I night do with them until recently. The first thing I decided was that I was tired of moving them. And second, I need a new purse and it just went from there so I am making a carhart purse. With pretty pink girly flowers and all. Will post some pics after bit.

Thank you all who still stop by and comment. I'm sorry I'm not better right now at being in touch. I'm working on it. Lol.

Talk to you all later.

Happy Friday!!!!!!

2010-02-05T09:48:00.003-05:00

Hello fellow quilting bloggers. Is everyone happy that its Friday? I can't tell you how happy I am about it even though I haven't worked for the last two days. Now I know I have two more whole days yet before I go back. I just have days where I can't do it. Aside from my heart beating out of my chest, I'm now entertaining an "itch" tick which induces anxiety over the fear of getting hives. Oh, some days I don't know! Lol.

I do plan on trying to make myself a purse/bag out of an old pair of carharts that hubby was going to toss. How dare him! Lol. Wish me luck.

I was able to catch up on all of my blog reading and must say I'm very impressed and jealous of all the busy quilting projects going on. Keep up the good work.

Have a good weekend!!

Renee

Hello to all my Quilting Friends!!!!

2010-01-31T17:23:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody. Are y'all doing any quilting? I sure wish I was. I think I miss it but I'm such a sad sack that I'm not sure what I get a kick out of anymore. I know I sure do think about it a lot so I guess it means I miss it. Lol. I'm still lurking everyone's sites to see what you've been up to but I need to do some of that more often too though.

I hope this finds everyone well and busy busy quilting. I'll be seeing you all around.

Is It Here Already?

2010-01-01T16:51:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!
I can't believe it's been so long.
I hope everyone had a safe and fun New Years Eve.
We've been blessed and have had a wonderful holiday season.
I hope all is well with everyone and I look forward to being around more often.

Holy Mackeral

2009-07-02T17:01:00.002-04:00

I sure don't know where time goes. I honestly can't believe that it's been over two months since I last posted. I knew I'd been busy but not that busy. lol. I have some photo documentation for my absence though. I'll try to keep it all in chronological order.

First of all, those hives had me down and out. I had them under the skin on my hands on the palms and for about 2, maybe 3 weeks, I couldn't sew, blog or anything much where I depended on my hands to get the job done. Then I kind of went through a down in the dumps spell. Still not feeling all yippy skippy but better. Anyway, I kind of let things of all nature fall on the wayside for a spell.

I got a huge order from my neice for some crayon bags. Eleven of them in total. I worked to the very last minute possible and thought I had fifteen minutes to spare before she showed up for them. Turns out she showed early and I had just pulled the last one off the machine. I didn't even get pictures of the boys bags and they were the cutest of all. Oh well. Thanks Mick for the order. I hope they enjoyed them. Here is a photo of the seven girl bags I made.

Then we had graduation to prepare for. We had all these announcements and party invitations to get ready and send out.

We had Mother's Day and Father's Day and Memorial Day Weekend. All fairly uneventful for us but nice and relaxing just the same.

We had graduation and my youngest son Shawn graduated on May 30, 2009. Yay Shawn. I am so proud of him and so happy that he is done with school. I wish him only the best the future has to offer.

On June 25th, hubby and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary. It was a great day despite the fact that we both had to work. He brought me home roses and went to dinner at my favorite mexican restaurant. Then we shopped for the party we were having in two days.

We finally got the senior pictures from the photographer on the 26th, one day before the party. I'll have to scan those and get them posted. They weren't even taken til April 30th. lol. We don't have the party photo's back yet but as soon as I have those I'll post those too. We had a hard time pulling that one off. On Monday, June 22nd, I found out the place I had booked for the party eight weeks ago had us written down for the wrong date and someone else's name was in our spot. Last minute switch but new location found and all guests notified of the change. Was told how awesome Buehler's marble cake was so I ordered one but we got a half white and a half chocolate cake instead. About twenty of our guests that rsvp'd didn't make it but all in all it was a great day and we enjoyed the lovely day with dear friends and family all in Shawn's honor. He needed that. Jerry and I have been on vacation this week which was nice having the party weekend, vacation, plus a holiday all before we have to go back this coming Monday. We've been broke so we have done absolutely nothing but piddle around the house and it's been wonderful actually. I was exhausted Sunday and slept almost all day off and on. Honey took his sleeping day on Monday. lol. We got our nasty front porch cleaned off and I hope to have a party Friday or Saturday. We used to have porch parties all the time. Ah, back in the day. lol.

A few weeks back we had some horrendous rain and I think they said it rained 2 inches in an hour that day. Here is a pick of the street in front of the house and our front yard. that is Shawn out there playing in it.

I'm sorry I haven't been around in so long. I have been checking on all of you off and on but not as much as I'd like. I started going down my list today and am looking forward to finishing up here after bit checking in on everyone. Even though I don't always comment, I still like to keep up with all the great people that hang out here in blogland.

I'll try real hard to be back around more often.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Has Anyone Seen This?

2009-04-18T10:51:00.007-04:00

I saw it yesterday, Friday, on Oprah I believe and I checked it out on youtube just now. Same thing occured both times this woman opened her mouth, I immediately got goosebumps. Today watching the youtube version, I also felt my eyes brimming with tears and then they quickly rolled down my cheeks. I don't know how to explain the way I feel about this but I guess I am in awe as well as feeling that this woman is truly the epitome of beautiful. I believe she must be beautiful from the core inside. I was just caught up in her performance and I truly saw beauty in this woman's eyes as she sang her heart out and if she doesn't succeed in becoming celebrity, not just Britain but everywhere,the world has missed the boat. I'm just dumbfounded and kinda speechless but I had to share this. It touched my old cold heart just a little bit.

Go here to see what I mean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

Renee

Oh Woe Is Me!!

2009-04-11T09:15:00.002-04:00

WAH!!!!!I have been covered in hives since I rolled out of bed Thursday morning. I can hold them at bay with benadryl every four hours but it's lights out for me when taking that stuff. I try putting it off sometimes but then I kinda get them full blown and the itching is maddening. This is the third time in my life I've had these. Both prior times were associated with intense stress going on in my life but I haven't been particularly stressed at this time. Life is always hectic but I didn't think it was affecting me that bad right now. It's not an allergy to anything and I haven't tried anything new and improved so I know that's not it.

Needless to say I've been kinda like a zombie for about three days now and I'm hoping today won't be such a bad day. Not feeling bad right now cause it's just been two hours since last benadryl. I am so sleepy though but I have to stay awake. I have stuff to do that has already been put off long enough. Obviously no quilting going on either. Had planned to have the big one done this weekend and those plans went right out the window. Hope everyone else is being creative and enjoying a nice holiday weekend. Happy Easter in case I don't make it back.

Take care and Happy Stitching,

Renee

Yucky Monday

2009-04-06T15:09:00.002-04:00

Well, I think that instead of springing forward weather wise, we are falling back. It was like winter here all over again today. It's April 6th and it snowed a fair amount. It's not sticking but I don't like it. lol. I much prefer last Wednesday's temps of 69/70 over the current offering. lol. I saw folks mowing their yards here just yesterday as it was fairly nice then too. Tomorrow is supposed to be even worse. Gotta love Ohio.

Yesterday for my son's birthday, we went to the mall and out to eat at Red Lobster. We had a great time. The meal was wonderful. We bought the boy a pair of spiffy new tennis shoes for his gift. I think he enjoyed himself. In between the mall and supper though we had a few extra minutes before we were to meet our other son and daughter in law at the restaurant so guess where I got to go? It was JoAnn's. I could get lost in there but I stick to the fabric section. I left empty handed but I saw alot of lovely stuff. I just can't afford them to be honest. I can't bring myself to pay five bucks a yard for material. I started buying fabric at wal-mart where I always only paid three or four a yard tops. I liked their 2.97 fabrics and the clearance rack. I liked the clearance rack alot!! lol. But like poo poo heads our local store got rid of the domestics department and I have no where other than the little independent shops around here to shop for it and again, I just can't justify it cost wise. I keep hoping that on the rare occasion I do get to JoAnn's that I'll find some awesome deal on something I can really use but it hasn't happened yet. lol.

I tried quilting Saturday for awhile but it did not go well so instead of going through the whole sew it up/tear em' out routine like last time I just politely got up and walked away at the first hint of trouble. lol. I really just wanted to come home from work today and get busy on it but I'll be danged if I didn't get a visitor who stayed from 1:20 until about 3:00. I should feel bad about complaining about getting company and should be happy that folks want to stop and see me and spend some time with me but I just really don't appreciate folks dropping in on me unannounced at all. There were some things I was going to do today as well and I mentioned that fact but it didn't speed up the visit a bit. What do you do? It's almost time for hubby to get home and then I'll have to start supper and after that I'll have to go do those things I was going to do earlier. Probably no quilting today at all now. Wasn't meant to be I guess. lol.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm getting ready to do the blog roll for the first time today and I can't wait to see what you all have been up to. Take care.

Happy Stitching!!!

Renee

Is It Saturday Again Already?

2009-04-04T06:56:00.002-04:00

If this week wasn't a whirlwind around here, I don't know what else you'd call it. lol. It's nice to sit here and have a moment to catch my breath this morning. But it's only for a minute because I'm going to try and knock out the quilt today. I don't mean finish it but at least get the quilting done. I must admit all week I have been at a standstill on doing any sewing. I'm looking forward to implementing some great tips you've all left for me. I'll let you know how it goes.

Not this past Thursday but the Thursday before, I took my youngest to the doctor. He will be 18 tomorrow and I wanted him to have a big once-over before then and we aren't quite sure how long we can carry his insurance yet so I wanted a few things addressed. He's been having a problem that seems to have gotten worse with time and we decided we had to check that out. When he gets up, he like blacks out. He doesn't fall to the ground or anything but he has to stop where he is and gather himself. His eyes go black and he can't hear, etc. when this happens to him and if one of us is around we grab on to him til it passes to make sure he's okay. Everyone cautioned me against diabetes. I wasn't worried about that because I know diabetes too well and this wasn't classic of anything I'd witnessed there but I was kind of worried about it being perhaps a seizure like activity. And he's been having some shoulder trouble. Anyway, then last Friday he went and had bloodwork, shoulder and chest x-rays, and an EKG. It's been a waiting game all week. Monday we did get the bloodwork results. Everything looks great. No diabetes, no thyroid problems, etc. Yay!! Tuesday the x-ray results came back. Nothing out of place, no growths, spurs, etc. Lungs were clear as crystal. Yay!!!! Wednesday scared me. Usually I know in emergency situations EKG results are back asap. I was worried they'd found something and that's why it was taking so long to hear back. And when the doctor's office called and said please call us regarding Shawn's results, my stomach sank. But, it was also returned with a great reading and all has shown to be well. Thank God!!! I have a problem with worry and I can't tell you how it worked on me until all those results came back clear. Now, because doctors are doctors and they're scared of their own shadows when it comes to malpractice, if he continues to have any more trouble with these spells and/or they become more frequent, he is to go see a neurologist. For the shoulder, an orthopedic doctor. It's kind of like we went to the doctor, he didn't know what it could be, he ran tests, he still doesn't know what it could be but we could go ahead and see two more doctors if we want to possibly tell us the same thing, we don't know what it is. I'm convinced the kid is just one of those who have to watch when getting up too quickly. I will certainly keep an eye on it though as I said I was worried about seizure activity and I'm not ruling out seeing a neurologist yet but we're trying some things to see if we can minimize it. The shoulder thing, it's weird. Both of my sons were born with broken collar bones. They were 9lbs. 2oz. and 10lbs 3oz. at birth respectively and while there is nothing in x-rays and ortho's have said the oldest boys problems wouldn't be related, I still think it plays a roll in the pain they experience. But, who am I? I'm just their mother, I wouldn't know anything about it, would I? lol.

On the work front, there was so much drama there this week that I almost couldn't stand being there. I have to say I was not involved in any way, shape or form and for that I am grateful but even the innocent have a way of getting involved in mass chaos. I'm still not sure what will be taking place with one, possibly three of our employee's but the thought of three of them leaving out of there means this chick will be working double, triple time doing not only my work but picking up the slack with theirs. (Shakes Head) I just have to tell myself I am fortunate to have this job and I keep going back day after day. lol.

Wednesday was a pretty good day on the sewing front. Well not actually sewing but ORDERS for sewing. Yay!!! The lady I am doing this quilt for came to see it and she loves it already. Told me to hurry up she has two more she wants me to do. She and her sister also saw the little purse I made for Spring and if I can get them ready before Easter, they'll likely take three purses. Then before I went to work Thursday I checked my email and my neice wrote and she wants 11 crayon bags for her son's preschool class. I was so happy I think I was walking on the clouds awhile Thursday. lol. My hubby warned me that I had just made the comment that if I wasn't sewing just for the pure fun of it, I wasn't doing anymore projects for people. Well, maybe saying that is what it took to get these orders and make me see maybe I can make a little money at something I love to do. We'll see. I reserve the right to regret taking it all on. lol. But here is my motivation at this point, when it's all said and done, there is approximately $500.00 dollars worth of work. I could use that. We have a graduation coming up in June and while the bulk of the costs are paid for that, we still have a party to throw for it, pictures to be made and school fee's to be paid up. My day is hopefully going to be spent working on the quilt so I can switch the machine back over for sewing purses and crayon bags sometime this coming week.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. We're going to Red Lobster for a birthday celebration and maybe some shopping for a gift afterwards. We usually try to go to Red Lobster once a year. Usually when we get our tax refund check. This year we held off so we could go on Shawn's birthday. It's where we went for Tony's 18th so it's only fair we do it for Shawn. Plus he loves that place. I was hoping to have him a family get together but he's not crazy about those family get together's and we are going to be with the whole family for Easter next Sunday so I might see if we can't celebrate his birthday with a cake and mention then. And I might just decide yet to invite folks over tomorrow evening for cake and ice cream too. Who knows? Tomorrow is definately a family day though so probably no blogging, quilting or anything tomnorrow. So, I better get busy now today so I can get something done with that quilt. Everyone take care. Thanks for the great tips on this quilting project. I have yet to finish that one row I was working on and then I am going to do as suggested and start the next round by doing it in quarters instead of the rows.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and are doing something quilty. Can't wait to check later and see some new projects on your sites.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

LOL!!! I Have To Laugh Or I'll Cry!

2009-03-29T09:06:00.002-04:00

Oh my, my, my, my. That is how I felt at the end of the day yesterday when I finally stopped working on the quilt a little before ten last night. I bet it was about 12:15 by the time I got it rolled up and clamped and on the machine ready to go. Not a bad start time. Nothing on my plate to do so all I had planned was working on the quilt. LOL. Here, you guys see for yourself:

I have already from the get go lost any potential profits in my time. LOL!!!!! Still I am tickled to death to have the opportunity to be doing this. As usual my seam ripper and I spent alot of that time yesterday together un-doing some things along the way, alot of things along the way. lol. I can see where I've made mistakes and where I can improve along the way. I got so ticked off at myself for not being able to stipple this thing that by 4 I said a little prayer to please let me be able to do something/anything with this quilt because I had tried stippling first, two times. Then I said to heck with it and put on my regular foot and was just going to do some diagonal lines on it. Tried that twice and hated it so I took a little break and got mad that I couldn't do it the way I wanted to do this one so when I was done with my break it was do or die on the stippling. This is what I ended up with. It was the prayer I know it was. I tend to have to get angry with myself before I can do certain things right or to my own expectations and this was one of them. I think the anger worked fairly well for me. I am pleased and I know Cindy will be tickled. She knew going in this was a first and I do my best at my pace so she's totally let me go with this. Bless her heart. lol.

Hubby just looked at it as I was taking the photo's and he asked if I was doing the whole quilt that way. He scared me. It could take me months at this pace. lol. I did start to thinking of maybe only doing this every couple blocks lengthwise and then do the same widthwise and it would save me a little time. What do you guys think about that idea? Oh, and a great big thank you to those of you who responded to how long it may take me to do this quilt. I have far surpassed Kris' time of 5 hours on a twin size. lol. I just wanted to be sure and thank everyone for the ideas and info.

Gonna get back at it. Have a great Sunday!! Take care.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Moments Away From Start

2009-03-28T11:32:00.002-04:00

It took me almost an hour last night to pin baste the quilt and that long on my hands and knees still has me stoved up today. lol. But,like the good girl I am trying to become, I got up early this morning and began working on cleaning and organizing my sewing room. I told hubby I enjoyed my sewing so much more back in the days when I began when I used the kitchen table and had one little box of notions. I kept it all organized so well because I usually had to pack it up nightly and put it away until next time I drug it out and did something. Once I got my own sewing room, it all fell apart. Plus I have more stuff now and I knew going into work on this big old whoppin' quilt would not even come close to fun unless I was organized and had the freedom to move around with it. Mission accomplished. I think I might be stalling now just to avoid having to get busy. lol. Truthfully, I am having just one more smoke and cup of coffee, followed by a restroom break and then it's on!!!! lol. Wish me luck. Anyone have any idea how long it will take me to quilt a full size quilt? Any ideas would be great because I haven't a clue. lol.

Take care everyone. Hope you all get to do some quilting today. Have a great weekend.

Renee

Looky What I Am Going To Do

2009-03-27T16:26:00.003-04:00

Here it is. This is the trip around the world quilt top that my friend's grandmother made. I just got back from Wal-Mart about an hour and a half ago with the backing and I have it all ready to spread out on the livingroom floor when the fella's take off for the evening. As excited as I am to be doing my first full-size quilt, I am not looking forward to the time it will take me to pin it because I'll be on the floor on my hands and knees. But, it must be done!!!!!

I got some New York strip steaks out at Wal-Mart and we're having those, cocktail shrimp and mozarella sticks for supper. Isn't that a concoction? lol. I'm fixin' to get ready to do that in a just a few but I wanted to post the quilt top photo's so you could see what I'll be doing this evening. Hope you all have a great night and weekend. Take Care.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Here's My Spring Rag Purse

2009-03-24T14:16:00.002-04:00

You can't tell because of the terrible photo's but aside from the denim pockets, it's also made of white flannel with little pink flowers on it. I love it. It's not fancy at all and since it had the pockets outside I didn't put any on the inside of it. But I just needed something to carry the basics(keys,wallet,smokes,& phone) in so this works perfect. I just wanted to share. It's a bit o' spring here in my little cold corner of the world. It looks pretty out today but it's deceiving. It's cold!!! lol. But the sunshine is nice so I'll take it.

Hope you're all enjoying your day. Take care.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Never Again!!!

2009-03-22T07:36:00.002-04:00

Oh, let me tell you folks. I will never, ever again in life volunteer to hem curtains. No way, no how. In fact I told hubby yesterday that from now on if my sewing projects aren't just for me for the fun of it, I am not doing it. lol. I had one last ding dong curtain to whack off and hem for the boy yesterday. Perfect day, no one was here, just me and I had room to spread out and do things right and I was so happy with the way everything lined up prior to cutting. That's as far as the bliss went. I got the stinker all measured and was ready to cut. I got cocky in that I was just thinking to myself that maybe I should measure again to be sure of myself. Well, I thought that since this was the last and I had those dimensions embedded in my head, I was confident I had it right so I whip out the shears and commence to cutting. About a third of the way through, I realize I am cutting on my hem line, not the line three inches down that I meant to cut. AARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!! I know my neighbors heard me swear!!! lol. Boy was I really thinking I might be ska-rewed because where I cut was supposed to be the bottom line on them. I had to walk away a minute but I was determined to not let it get me down and don't ask me how I did it but I reattached what I cut off and tried a few tricks and ended up with the curtain one inch longer than it should have been and when I turned that up, my goof just disappeared right into the mess. Yay!!!!! Of course I am going to tell on myself and offer to buy a new set of curtains if they are not happy but honestly if you didn't know I did it, you couldn't tell so I think I'll be okay. lol.

I love to sew and quilt more than just about anything else but I find when I'm doing something specifically for someone else, the pressure is almost too much to bear so I'm taking that pressure off. I have that quilt of my friends I told her I'd put together for her but from now on, no more custom orders, no seamstress jobs, etc. It just sucks all the fun right out of it for me.

I was here alone last night and I've been thinking about a new spring purse so for some fun I made me a little rag bag out of denim pockets and pretty pink flowered flannel. I call it shabby chic meets grunge. lol. I have to take off my closure loop and either re-attach it so it's actually centered or I might just put velcro on it instead. Not sure yet but when I get it done, I'll post a pick.

Not much planned for today though. Probably finish up the purse and then tackle the laundry again. Hope everyone had a great weekend and you all have a great week ahead. You all take care.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Happy Spring!!!!

2009-03-20T16:35:00.004-04:00

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Hey everybody! Are you ready for the weekend? I sure am. I'm in for the duration if I can get away with it(lol)until Monday. I doubt I can get hubby to go do the grocery shopping that needs to be done around here. lol. I've been putting it off and putting it off but it's beginning to look like Mother Hubburd's cupboard around here. lol. But for tonight I am looking forward to some peace and quiet Renee time. The fella's have plans to go play cards and I intend to batten down here in front of the computer or the t.v. in just a few short hours. No sewing tonight unfortunately but tomorrow looks hopeful. lol. I've been draggin' tail around here with my chores and stuff I need to get done and I just need to get to crackin'. lol.

I hope everyone has great plans for the weekend. Here, they claim it is going to begin to get warmer again tomorrow. That has really helped me have a little more pep in my step. I was just outside in my t-shirt on Wednesday and it felt great. Raked some leaves and hubby trimmed our one and only tree. lol. Yesterday I froze to death and this morning I froze but it didn't turn out too bad this afternoon. I still don't want to have to go back out in it though. I hope to venture out tomorrow and find a suitable backing for the first full size quilt I've ever dealt with. This too I have been putting off and putting off and it just needs done plus I could use the money I'll receive for doing it.

Turns out I will be needing tons and tons of money here in just the next few months. My youngest, Shawn, my baby will be 18 in just 15 short days and I'm almost devastated. lol. He'll be graduating this June and entering a whole new phase of his life. My boy is a man now. But in spite of the sadness that goes with your babies growing up and not needing you so much, I am so proud of this one. He is just the most sweetest kid you'll ever meet. He tries so very hard and he does a great job at whatever it is that he tries. He puts on a tough outward impression but he's just one of the biggest old softies. I want only the best for him. I just hope I can afford it. lol. Seriously, we just paid over two hundred dollars for a notebook sized box, about three inches thick with his graduation announcements and such. Ouch. We have yet to have a portrait made (sad I know and shame on me)but I spoke with a photographer this week and his cheapest package is almost two hundred plus a sitting fee but he gave me a gift card to cover that so that was real cool. This kid has no desire to have his photo even taken and the sole purpose of doing so is because I want it. So, we'll see.

I wanted to share this awful scanned image with you all. I had mentioned some time back that where I work was being featured in our local paper and while I thought it would be available online, it was not the last time I checked and since there is no link to show you, I scanned my newspaper. lol. It's not a good scan but you can tell how full that deli case was and how busy I had been that morning. It's like that everyday. See why I live for the weekends? lol.

Well, got to get some food going around here. Hope you all have some great projects in the works this weekend. I look forward to checking after while to see. Everyone take care and have a great weekend.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Thank You Everyone!!

2009-03-15T08:39:00.002-04:00

I have been looking over my posts and reading comments and I just wanted to thank everyone here for all the support I can find here. Most recently I really appreciated the comments left offering kind words and thoughts for the week we had around here. What a difference a week can make. This time last Sunday, I was having that awful headache. It wasn't just the curtains stressing it, as always it's a culmination of everything and I think last Sunday was the day to say it was time for a chill out. Sometimes our bodies have a way of saying time out when we aren't quite ready to call it quits. I'm not great at recognizing my signs. lol. And all that being said, I don't want this to be a personal whine blog so just one more time, THANKS to everyone who took a moment to let me know you're out there. Although my responses are not always timely and my visits are brief, I do know there are always some of you are are always around and I am also daily checking you all out as well. lol. What a great bunch of folks!!!

On the quilty front, still nothing accomplished there BUT, I did get a big old dent put in some much needed cleaning around my home. I always find my morale is low when my house is cruddy. lol. It's a pride thing isn't it? lol. Us women!! I had hoped to have the spring cleaning done by the time spring got here but, huh uh (clears throat), I assure you, it is not done. Nor will it be until I can get in a few more days like yesterday. lol. I hope to get some more done today. I always feel better starting my week when I have the house in order beforehand so I'm not pressured to have to run home everyday and do something major on top of working and keeping up with the fam.

I got some pictures of my houseplants that I've been nursing along the last month or so since they spent a really dark, neglected winter stuffed in the corner. I lost a few but as you can see, I still have plenty. lol. Gonna go snap those pics right now......

I apologize in advance for the bad pics. It's a cellphone and I can't hold steady to save me. lol.

Here's the whole crop. Pretty pitiful, eh? lol. I think they will be okay though.

This is my Gloxenia. Never heard of one before until I received it three years ago this coming Mother's Day. Knock on wood, it keeps coming back year after year. It's kind of like an African Violet, same family, but it has those large bell shaped flowers on it. Mine is purple. I haven't one pic of it in bloom. Must get one this year. It is lovely.

And this is my bamboo my oldest son got me a few years back for prosperity. I love that curlique branch.

Can't wait to sit them out on the front porch for awhile. They love that sun.

I have company coming so I'll end now. I'll have some pics of that other project I'm tinkering with next time. Take care. Have a Great Sunday!!!

Happy Stitching,

Renee

I Think I Finally Woke Up!

2009-03-14T10:02:00.002-04:00

After the week we had around here, I was never so glad to see a Friday come around in all my life as I was yesterday, Friday the 13th, when I punched out of work. Work wasn't bad at all yesterday. It was oddly slow for a Friday but you won't hear me complaining about that. No way. lol. I got home at one o'clock yesterday, sat down in the recliner and I was out for the count by one thirty. I was drained. I slept til five and hubby finally woke me up. We ate and yacked awhile and when he left the boy went upstairs to watch a movie he knew I wouldn't enjoy and by eight fifteen I was snoring again. I slept til four this morning and was ready to put the coffee on when I realized it was only four and said to myself, "Oh, he$# no!". lol. I knew if I got up then I'd be wanting to crash by noon today again so I laid and rolled around awhile and did go back to sleep til eight o'clock this morning. Wow, do I feel lazy but oddly refreshed as well.

Have you ever done that before? Wanted to or felt like you slept for days or something? What makes us do that? I can see it when one is sick or something but I haven't been sick, just had one heck of a week. I went to the jewelry party Sunday night and practically ran out of there. I will not do that to myself again for nothing. lol. It just is not my thing. Hubby spent countless hours working on this dumb car we got that went kaput. Coupled with his lack of mechanical skills and the pouring rain for about a day and a half and we were at wits end with the dern thing. Long about Tuesday he let me mention our troubles to a friend who by Thursday had a mechanic down here and the car running by 3:30 that day. Cost: $80.00, Value: Priceless. Yeah, it was one of those moments. lol. Turns out it was the anti-theft system gone haywire because the battery originally went dead last Friday with the radio on which robbed the computer thingy majig of the code to start the vehicle. It was a joke. It's behind us now. Thank God for small miracles.

On the crafty front, all I have done is fix my kid's bluejeans. The second pair of curtains may come today. I have help here to help me measure today. I've also been working on this idea I concocted way back when. I'm not far but I have enough blocks cut for two and a half rows and I'm just playing around with placement and such now. I usually when making a baby quilt will do the entire thing in rows and then sew the top together row by row. Well this time I thought it may be easier to make a block of four and then sew them together by blocks. I haven't had much luck yet but I've only attempted it once so far. I think I can actually line them up better doing it in rows. We'll see. I'll try to post some pics later if I have any progress today.

The house is a wreck so hubby and me are tag teaming it this morning. He's over there now folding laundry so I better scoot and help out. How lucky am I that he helps like that? It's not everyday but when he's willing and can lend a hand, I sure am thankful for it.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and that the weather gets a little nicer. Everyone take care.

Renee

Headache is gone, for now

2009-03-08T09:35:00.002-04:00

Yesterday stressed me out so bad between the curtains and the car that I will absolutely not put myself in that position again today with everything else I have to do. lol. The other pair of curtains will have to wait.

Today hubby has to work in the yucky rain to try another shot at the car. He worked 6 hours at his real job yesterday and then came home and played mechanic on this crazy car for another 6. Poor man. We are dumbstruck as to what to do next with it.

I have to get laundry finished and bills done today. It wouldn't be a problem but I'm on a time table because I have a jewelry party to go to at six. I absolutely do not want to go but my daughter in law is hosting it so I feel I should. I do want to see their lower level remodel too. I think they are upset with me that I haven't been to see that yet but once I'm home, I'm home. Plus, I know when my son gets here he's got another emergency repair job needing done on one of his two pairs of pants again. Hopefully that won't take me long. Sounds like a busy day for me today don't it? lol. What is everyone else up to today? Fun stuff or mundane chores? I'll be around later to look in on everyone and see what you've been up to. I hope everyone's had a relaxing and quilty weekend.

Take care and Happy Stitching,

Renee

One Pair Finish

2009-03-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

Still have the throbbing headache. Overall, I'm happy. Just hope the recipients are. lol.

One Curtain Down, Three To Go

2009-03-07T12:58:00.000-05:00

Chopping Off & Hemming Curtains=Massive Brain Ache

2009-03-07T10:56:00.003-05:00

Okay, so now I'm doing as I had planned on the curtains I needed to shorten and hem for my son and his wife. I have one panel of four cut and ready to be hemmed. I am so stinking nervous. But I figure if this first one goes okay, I should be okay on the others. I'm just scared to death they won't hang right/even. Say your sewing prayers for me here. I'd hate like everything to ruin their new curtains. After that one quilt top recently came out longer on one end than the other on me, I'm kinda gun shy now. lol. I'll post some pics after bit of what I have came up with.

Here are those templates my hubby cut out for me at work. I mentioned them some time ago but I got some interesting comments on them so I wanted to be sure and show what I'm talking about. They're just stainless steel plates. I was wanting some nice square block templates. These are awesome. One is missing as I've been using it and it's buried in the sewing room. lol. These are the two, four and eight inch ones.

Still nothing on the kids car situation. We had the battery tested and it's fine and now we've gone online in search of suggestions and I got one really great one this morning that we will try as soon as hubby gets home from work today. We're on a tight budget round here and we need to do this cheaply and on our own so let's hope it's not a major repair. More on that later.

Doing some laundry and messing around with these curtains here otherwise today. What are all of you up to? I need to take some ibuprofen and knock out this headache so I can get on with the actual hemming of those curtains. Just wanted to stop in and say hey and see what everyone is up to.

Happy Saturday,

Renee

Rrrready For The Weekend!

2009-03-06T16:30:00.002-05:00

How glad are we it's Friday? It's been a long week around here. The only thing spoiling my ability to forget it and proceed with some r and r is that my son's car has gone haywire. He and I have been putzing with it since shortly before 2. Then hubby just finally got home after a doozie of a day and he's had to go take the battery down and have it tested. We are not optimistic it's the battery but that would be a great thing if that is all it is. Poor kid. All he wanted to do was clean it out while it was such a nice day. He had his doors open and his radio on earlier for about fifteen minutes and it won't make a peep now. He was getting ready to go sweep it out and wash it. What luck! lol. I really hope it's nothing serious and that it's not something that will require hubby to be at it for very long tonight on top of the day he's already had. Poor guy. lol. I'm just full of sympathy for everyone today. lol.

I hope all of you are ready to wind down and enjoy the weekend. I hope to get some sewing/quilting done this weekend. I did my house cleaning today when I got home from work and I swept my livingroom floor real well because I'm gonna have to spread some stuff out there to measure and cut one of my projects. I was prepping for some Saturday morning sewing. Well, after our car excursion outside, I now have mud on my freshly swept livingroom floor. (Deep Sigh)-back to square one. lol.

I hope to have some pics of these projects I want to get started this weekend. It'll be a few days but I hope to have a few to show. I've been admiring all kinds of things going on in blogland.

Gonna get some supper started here so I'll sign off for now. Happy quilting to everyone. Have a great weekend.

Renee

How Was Your Monday?

2009-03-02T15:27:00.002-05:00

Phew, I had a busy one today at work. The local paper was coming at ten to take a picture of our deli to run with an article about the place that will run in the Focus on Business Section in the Ashland Times Gazette. Not sure when but if you see the article about Troy Road Market, take a look at that deli case in that picture and you'll see how busy I was today. GRRR!!!! lol. That's what I do plus wait on customers. I had my hands full today and it's not a day I wish to repeat anytime soon. I guess secretly I had expected a little more of my co-worker's over the weekend in preparation for the ordeal. Anywho......

I'm not going to do much tonight cause I am tired and I have laundry to do/finish. Certainly nothing fun like I want to do but something to do none the less. lol. I'm fixing pork chops for supper. Not sure yet what will go with them but it won't be too hard to come up with a side or two. Yesterday's plan for the lemon pork chops didn't work out so I'll probably just fry them tonight. Shawn's home tonight and he certainly won't go for the chops made that way. He doesn't like his meat baked with sauces and gravies on them. He puts steak sauce on everything he eats. lol. And he won't eat anything else besides biscuits and gravy and corn. I get so tired of biscuits and gravy. I wish he were more like his brother who will eat about anything. lol. The older Tony gets, the more he tries and the more different he eats than what he grew up on. Wish the old man and Shawn would try more things and eat more combinations of things. I can keep on hopin' anyway.

I'm going to end early tonight. I have my plants to move back into the livingroom. I moved them to the kitchen the last two weekends so they can get some light. Can't wait til I can just put them outside and forget it for awhile. Hey, wait I thought I said I wasn't doing much this evening. Looks like I have a few things to do. Have a great night.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Fun Playin' With My Blog

2009-03-01T16:49:00.002-05:00

Since I don't have any interesting pictures just yet of my own, I've been having a blast finding graphics for this page today. You'll be seeing plenty more of them cause they are so cute. lol. Hope I don't overdue it. lol.

Glittery texts by bigoo.ws

I Hope This Finds Everyone Well

2009-03-01T06:08:00.002-05:00

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who commented on my last post. Thank you all so much for the great words of encouragement and the wonderful ideas on how to "de-stink" my stuff. lol. All in all, this past week was better but I still wasn't creative. I'll get it all together here soon enough though. Those curtains for my son and daughter and law are my first priority and probably will get started today with the boys help. lol. He'll be here so I intend to have him help me lay them out and measure them so maybe between the two of us they will come out even and not two inches longer on one side than the other. lol.

After that I have that quilt top that my friend wanted me to quilt. It was her grandmother's. I have batting for it now and I think I may have a piece of backing fabric big enough to go ahead and just do it. I'm trying to whittle down what I've got over there to work on but I've decided I need to make a plan and stick to it. So for now my order of business will be the curtains and then this quilt top.

The stupid little quilt I was working on that came out whopperjawed is now thrown in the corner as I did have to take a break from it like some suggested I do. I did try to square it but I'm still not happy so it's in the "someday" pile. That is twice now I've worked with those pre-cut blocks from my sister and neither time was a success. I will definately measure any and all pieces of them before using again. lol. Live and learn.

My honey bunny made me some square templates out of stainless steel.............

LMAO!!!!- I just have to share this with you guys. lol. I just went to get me another cup of coffee and it's either still too early or I'm not as awake as I thought I was. lol. I just went to fill the sugar bowl and instead I just poured one cup of sugar in my coffee cup. lol. What was I thinking. lol. Phew, this is a sweet cup of coffee for sure. lol. Of course I dumped it but the whole inside of my cup was dusted with it. lol. Wow, that reminds me of the time I went to make a pot of coffee and grabbed the metamucil instead. lol. That was classic. About the time I thought I ought to be smellin' the coffee, I started smelling this strange warm orange smell. lol. We laughed for days over that one. lol.

Anyway, sorry for that. Now back to those templates. I don't have anything but a yard stick and a square to measure my blocks. My square is slightly bent so I haven't been happy with my measurements. My old cardboard templates have seen better days and I just hate making new ones, I'm paranoid they won't be square. So, I figured hubby could make me some with precision at his shop and as far as I can tell so far, they will be perfect. They are nice and heavy and won't shift around while I'm tracing around them. And they will last forever. I'll post some pics of them later on. I had him make a 2 1/2, 4 1/2, 6 1/2, and 8 1/2 inch square.

I also wanted to mention that sometime ago I had started making golf seat covers for hubby's cart at work. I got the seat cushion done and one back cushion and strayed from the project. Well last week, his boss made us a deal. lol. He told the old man that if I could finish that one cover within two weeks, he would let us use the business card to go out to dinner last weekend. Well, of course I couldn't pass that up. So, last Saturday hubby and me went on a little mini date out to eat at Casa Fiesta, our local Mexican restaurant. I love, love, love to eat there but we don't often cause I'm about the only one crazy about it. Needless to say, last Sunday, I got up and set to work on the last cover and had it done in less than an hour. Put a little food in front of me and you'll be suprised what I can get done. lol.

I'm thinking about having Bub (oldest son Tony) and Steph up for supper tonight. They have been remodelling their lower level in their house and I haven't seen the boy much for the last couple of weeks. I want to make lemon pork chops and augratin potatoes tonight and they love them so I bought enough yesterday at the store to have them up. Lemon pork chop is a deceiving name for this dish because there is so little lemon juice in it. All you do is brown your chops nice and brown and then lay them on a baking sheet. Take equal parts of brown sugar and ketchup and mix together (I use about 1/4 cup each cause I usually make a bunch and they like the sauce), add a shot of lemon juice to the mix and put a dollup of the sauce on each pork chop. Then take a sliced onion and put one whole slice of onion on top of the goo. If you have enough goo, put some on top of the onion too. You cover these and bake for half an hour covered on 350, then uncover them and bake another half hour. Yummy. The onion is almost like candied in the end and it is so flavorful. Man, now I'm hungry. lol. If anyone tries this, let me know what you think.

I should go for now. It's just now starting to get daylight and I'm beginning to see all the things around here I need to get done today. lol. Sorry I haven't been around much but I've been keeping up on all of you just the same. Hope you all have a happy weekend. Best of luck for the upcoming week. A new month. Wow, how time flies. Take care.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Well Heck,

2009-02-22T07:52:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I don't think I can do anything right! Please just allow me to list the things that have been "wrong" this last week since I last posted. Hopefully after you see, you will forgive me for asking you all to keep a watch out for something exciting the next time I post. Warning: This post is not exciting!! lol.

First off, last time I posted I mentioned Valentine's Day but didn't elaborate on mine. That's cause it sucked. That's neither here nor there but I had to get that out there. lol.

Second, the little stupid quilt top I've been working on and wanted to get together got put together and now it's about to get put in the trash. That stupid thing is 2 inches longer on one side than the other. What the heck? I was sure I was working with all the same size blocks when I started but they were pre-cut when I got ahold of them so I should have made sure. Anyway, so now I have this quilt top that I don't know how to fix or even have the desire to fix at this point. I thought about chopping it up into doll quilts or something. But gee whiz did that cheese me off. Should have know when I had to hem some of those rows in places that it would end up that way. Still kicking myself.

Third, I thought that this here post in particular would make me post number 75 and I had been wanting to do a giveaway since I missed it on the 50th post. Well, as usual, I was wrong, this is now post 76 and the last one would have been the one to announce a giveaway. Ding Dong. Must practice basic math skills and reading ability. lol. So, I've blown it and also have been having major anxiety about doing a giveaway afterall. I must confess, this bugs me and I wouldn't want someone to think bad of me for it but I've mentioned before, I smoke. I'm terrified to send any of my stash out to folks who may not and may detect a smoke odor on the fabric. I can't wash pre-cut squares so that they would look like anything when they got done and I don't have any fat quarters or yardage to giveaway so that I could pre-wash that and seal it before giving it away. Gee whiz. All in the name of a cigarette. lol. So, I beg everyone's forgiveness on the fake out regarding the exciting news in the next post that I last posted about. I just can't do it right now.

Fourth, there is just worry, worry, worry everywhere I turn right now and it's wearing me down and I'm retreating just a little bit. I had to go pay bills the other day by myself and I about hated it. I just attempted to start my meds this last week but they made me sick to my stomach so I'm waiting to try agan tomorrow with those. Monday will start a fresh new week to get on track with them. But, nothing creative has happened all week.

And last but not least, I am so sick of this cold weather that I can't hardly stand it. I think about it and this is about the time of year I typically get itchy to be able to get outside and tend my yard and all. I want like everything to spring clean this house but I don't have the energy. I got one corner in the kitchen done a week or so ago and that's it.

So, now I'm going to ask everyone to forgive me for whining and thank you in the same note that I can come here and get this off my chest once in a while. lol. I feel lots better now. I won't promise anymore exciting news and I'll not be dreaming of hosting giveaways anytime soon (lol) but I hope you all continue to come by and see what's happening here. I so enjoy visiting all of you. It's my time of the day when I can sit down here and go through my list and see what everyone is up to. I'm so jealous of some of you. lol. But I also think it's neat how most are so devoted to their love of the craft of quilting. Keep it up!!!

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Hodge Podge Sunday

2009-02-15T12:28:00.002-05:00

I know I'm late but love is still in the air, right? I hope all you folks here in blog land had a great Valentine's Day.

Today I had to hand sew a pair of jeans that my son blew out at the top and down the right side of the left back pocket. Not at all fun. Then I put them on the machine and went over them a time or two after that just to make sure. This isn't the first time I fixed these pants and I'm afraid it is going to be the last though. lol. I could have sewn and patched on them all day. But just so long as the back end isn't air conditioned anymore was all the more we had to do today. Next I'm going to go finish the quilt of many colors quilt top. I got batting and backing for it last night. I decided the sheet I had bought at Goodwill was going to be used for my "Man Quilt" instead of this lap quilt. If I am so inclined I might start cutting some blocks for the "Man Quilt" later on. lol. But I just bought a twin sized flat sheet in a pretty light blue shade to use on the back of this quilt of many colors. I also bought some quilt binding just because it was on sale/clearance and it's an off-white. If I use that on it, that will add yet another color to the mix. lol. I like color. lol.

Later on we are going to my oldest brother's house for a fried chicken liver feast. Our grandma used to make the best fried chicken livers and biscuits and gravy you ever laid your lips to. Yummy. If you guys are like my husband and youngest son, I know you are saying "Gross!". lol. It's the most extreme food that I eat that is for sure but I do love them and my brother and I were talking the other day about how we'd like to have some and well, one thing led to another and we're all supposed to get together tonight and pig out. lol. I kinda wish I didn't have to go but it will be nice to at least not have to cook tonight.

My sister loved her pillow I sent her for Valentine's. I sent it to her via my brother who was going to see her Friday and she called me yesterday and went on and on. She made me feel so good about my work. I have a problem with my confidence level still. lol. But, anyway, now my brother tells me he likes birds too and that sure was a pretty pillow (hint, hint). I'll have to see what I can do. I still have curtains to cut off and hem for the kid. I told him today that I will have those done this week. Now the pressure is on. But I need to spend more time sewing anyway so I might as well committ. lol.

I will have a suprise for those who stop by and visit in my next post. Not sure when that will be exactally but I hope tonight or tomorrow. You all stay tuned to see what I have up my sleeve. It will be cool. No worries. lol.

Meantime, enjoy your Sunday afternoons. Happy Stitching to everyone.

Renee

Some Good News

2009-02-11T16:44:00.002-05:00

My sister, Becky, is in remission with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Praise God. We got even better news Monday night when we heard she got the results of her latest pet(?) scan. This latest test came back with great results. Her plattelettes also came up to where they should be. That's an improvement from the last time. Yeah!! I know she's been worried about the results of this one for some reason but I'm so happy that she now knows she's still okay and I can't imagine what a relief it is to her to know. I cannot imagine and never will attempt to let on like I understand what it's like to have cancer. All I know is that even though she has been given this good news and a clean bill of health, she must still always carry in the back of her mind the fear of it's return. I just hope she grasps this good news and it helps her spirits to lift somewhat. If she doesn't, I know she must have her reasons and I will never question that. Having cancer is personal and no one will ever know how that feels until they are told that news themselves. No two cases of the disease can be compared, it's a very individual experience. All I can do is be there for her when she needs me. And pray her spirits will lift and she will want to thrive again as the fighter I've always known her to be. I just am so overjoyed that she is well. And I wanted everyone I know to know it.

This week's plans have t-totally gone right out the window. No sewing, no more cleaning, no sewing machine brought up, nothing. If it's not one of us, it's another right now not feeling well. My husband was down for a day and a half with a mind numbing headache. My oldest boy told me today he think's he has a stomach ulcer and hasn't felt well since yesterday. The youngest actually isn't doing so bad health wise but being a teenager, there is always plenty of drama that can be draining at times to say the least. I'm still kind of a mess. Haven't gotten those meds I was supposed to get almost two weeks ago yet and had the big bro show up here wanting to know what my problem was and then once he found out he got all worried and upset over that and now I'm feeling guilt for all the ruckus that I didn't really know I was causing anybody in the first place. Geez oh pete!!! lol. I just like being quiet and be of as little bother as I can be to folks and I guess they aren't used to that from me. I'm not used to that from me but it's the way it is right now. I got all kinds of people encouraging me to go for the counselling but I'm still not sold on that either. Ah, it's like the young girl over at work is always saying (bless her heart, it's for lack of anything else better to say. lol.), she says, "Ah, it'll all buff out." lol. She's so funny and young and naive. lol.

Well, I could go on and on but I got a hungry hubby glarin' at me over my shoulder here so I'm gonna go throw on some grub. Just wanted to share about sister and my lack of any accomplishments whatsoever this week. lol. Take care.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Work, Work, Work

2009-02-07T07:47:00.002-05:00

That is the theme for the day here at the old Shaffer house. If I don't talk myself out of it, I will be washing down kitchen walls and cabinets today here in short order. It's grossing me out so I have to do it. lol. We've been talking about doing some painting and upkeep in the kitchen as soon as time and money allow so I'm hoping the cleaning today will lay the ground work for that process to start taking shape. If only I had a hand sander too. lol. If I kind of "force" matters that may get the ball rolling even sooner. lol. But regardless the cleaning needs to happen whether it gets fresh paint soon or not so what's a girl to do? lol. No sewing for me today. (insert sad, sad face).

I am so anxious to get that little quilt top done, the one of many colors that only needs a few tucks and two rows sewn back on for the top to be done, yeh, that one. lol. Anyway, as soon as I get it done and find a suitable batting, I'm trying my hand at the stipple quilting again. After practicing there on Super Bowl Sunday, I think I can do it again. I did it once, on a trip around the world baby quilt I made so I know I can do it again. lol. That seems to be my primary focus but believe me I have plenty of other things I should be doing. I still have my friends quilt top to make into a full size quilt. Not eager to do it but time is ticking. Then I have a pair of drapes my son and daughter-in-law got with a bedroom set that needs cut off alot and just hemmed but I'm scared of my hemming abilities. But seeing as how they belong to the set I know they want those done as soon as possible and that's on my mind heavy. And there are several other little projects I've stuffed away for now but still I think about them from time to time and you never know when I might pluck one of those out and take a shot at it again. lol. So much to do, so little time. lol.

I asked Nora what her father thought of the pillows that I made for them and she said that it brought tears to his eyes when he seen them. She said he loved them. That makes me feel so good. And kinda sad too. I didn't mean to make the poor old guy cry. But there is enough fabric left that I think I'm just going to make up as many more as it will allow and give them to her for her daughter to have a set and whoever else she wants to have them for. But those are on hold til I get more polyfill. I stuffed those pillows with one pound of polyfill each. lol. I didn't know how else to be sure I had them both evenly stuffed so I dug out my old fashioned kitchen scale and weighed them up. One pound each. lol. Nora told me to just make some more and sell them if I wanted to but it just don't seem right. We'll see.

I'm going to get sister's pillow ready for the mail today so she'll have it by Valentine's Day. I hope she will like it and I hope by surprising her with it, it will cheer her up a bit. I have to wash it and dry it real good though before I send it. I want it ready for her to use or display or whatever she wants to do with it. I like to wash all of the stuff I make before I give it away because we smoke here in the house. It's a hassle sometimes to make sure the stuff is put in plastic and hustled out as soon as it's dry to keep it from picking up the scent again. But I am what I am and that's a smoker.

Well, oh, I almost forgot to mention. When my Mom passed away, I received my Grandmother's old Singer treadle sewing machine. It's been about six years now that I've had it and it's been sitting in my damp, musty old basement and I am not happy nor proud that it's been there that long. It has been haunting me for sometime now so tomorrow hubby said while him and both big sons are here , they will go down and get it and bring it up for me. I told him I had to be ready to clean it and put it where it was going to go though when I did get it up here. I don't want it brought up with all the dust and cobwebs and moldy, mildewing, spidery goodies on it and left to sit any time at all like that. he went so far as to tell me that as soon as we get it upstairs, we'll just get busy on cleaning it up and be done with it. Wow, that's an offer a girl can't refuse. Bless his heart. He knows how much it means to me so him offering to lend this kind of hand in the project really means the world to me. I'm scared it's damaged from being down there and don't really have a clue how to go about cleaning the wooden cabinet. Any ideas or suggestions on how to do this would be greatly appreciated. I hope it's not to the point where it will need stripped and re-varnished or anything but that would be my luck so I won't be surprised at what I find when it gets up here. I'm excited about it though. I've seen all these photo's here in blog land of how folks have them and boldly, beautifully, and proudly display them in places of honor in their homes versus being stuck in a rotty old basement for years on end. I tell you the guilt about eats me up for letting that happen. So, wish me luck tomorrow.

And I'm about to get on that major kitchen scrubbing as the boy is now leaving for work and I'm ready to get down to business. lol. Not really but it must be done. lol.

Everyone be creative today if you can. Happy Stitching to all.

Renee

Nora Loved The Pillows

2009-02-02T14:41:00.003-05:00

The set of pillows I made this weekend for my friend at work from her mom's fabric were delivered this morning. She loved them. She said she bet her dad would really like them so I'm anxious to see tomorrow what he had to say.

I doubt I'll get any sewing done tonight. I worked on those pillows and finished up sister's yesterday. Then I started playing around with trying to stipple quilt some little sandwiches I threw together to practice on. Hours later and tons of thread later I emerged feeling like maybe when I get the quilt of many colors done I might remember how I practiced it and can try this again. lol. I knew I could do it but it just wasn't working for me the last few times I did try it. I might sound dumb here but I think I figued out that last time I tried I didn't take the shank off my machine. Could be the reason it wouldn't move and sat and spun millions of tiny little knots on me, eh? lol. Anyway, I was just trying to burn some time while the stupid Super Bowl was on. Sorry, no offense to any football fans but I can't stand it. At half time I had quit playing in the sewing room and begged hubby to trade me rooms so I could watch what I wanted from my beloved sofa. lol. He did it, bless his heart. I didn't do much over the weekend sewing wise but I'm tired today and don't think I'll mess with anything except supper tonight.

I'm even gonna sign off now and take a power nap before the troops get home on me here tonight. Take care.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Sister's Pillow Is Done

2009-02-01T14:46:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the cheesy photo's. This is what I'm sending my sister for Valentine's Day. I hope she likes it.

Keep On Keeping On,

Renee

What A Week

2009-02-01T07:30:00.007-05:00

First let me start by apologizing for not being around posting anymore than I have this last week. Looks like tomorrow will make a week since I posted. I'm sure any of you who are in northeast/north central Ohio right may have a clue what this week has been like around here. I wrote and whined Monday about how cold it was and that was that. Well, the storm of the century came Wednesday as you all know and yesterday (Saturday), we finally got completely dug out. The stress of worrying over my loved ones travelling this past week has about put me at the edge. lol.

I've been having washing machine issues and it must be off kilter because it's making all kinds of taking off and landing sounds but thank goodness it has not left the floor as of yet. lol. It isn't spinning right and I have to either wash a real small load or let it do it's thing and run the spin cycle two or three times with a normal load. Ordinarily I could take this with a grain of salt but right now all of us (three of us) are wearing two and three layers of clothes to work and such and keeping them all clean and ready for wear are also taking it's toll on me. It's laundry everywhere I look. Sweatshirts, long johns, hunting socks, big stupid boots all over my house. I think this may be the closest I've come to cabin fever yet. Plan today is to belt out all the laundry for the week and hopefully we can start reducing the number of layers we wear this week too. While I hear it's supposed to get warmer, I also hear another big storm coming tomorrow. We'll see.

There was no creating over the past week. My quilt of many colors is just as it is with the last two rows still needing taken in and re-attached. I did get the sheet that I want to use for the backing washed yesterday so it's ready when I am. lol. Washing my quilting supplies hasn't been a priority with all the other laundry right now. lol. Yesterday I did sew a button on my boys dress pants. I know, WOW. I should be so proud. lol.. Hey, I ironed them too. For that alone I should get Mother of the Year award. lol. He was supposed to be going to a dance at Northwestern High School last night with his girlfriend but she is evidently having some major bullying issues with the girls on her cheer squad there and after the game last night she was so upset at how they treated her that she didn't even want to go to the dance. Poor kid. Why are kids so mean? These aren't little kids either, they're high schoolers. Personally I just want to smack them all real hard just once to wake them up but the law won't allow me to run around slapping mouthy teenagers so I'll just vent about them here. lol. I was crashed when Shawn got home but I'm sure he said they went bowling with her family instead. Not only do I feel bad for her but for my baby boy too. He left here going to a dance, ya know? I just want to put a bubble around this one and keep him locked up and my baby forever. But, the law won't allow that either. Darn laws. lol. Here's a couple blurry, not the best pics ever of him before he left for the dance last night.

I told hubby to come have a pic made with his handsome son and this is what we get gang:

Dorks, but I love them just the same. They're my dorks.

I work with a great lady, Nora who's dear Mom passed away on New Year's Eve. She has really been through it and her father is also not in good health at all. She is working two jobs and trying to do her best to care for the both of them before her mom passed and now just worrying about her dad losing his will to live at this point is weighing on her heavy. Maybe put in a prayer for her strength and that her dad will get better. Anyway, last weekend she brought me some of her mom's clothes and some fabrics scraps that she thought I might want. In the box was this lovely piece of blue fabric with colorful birds all over it. There must have been a yard and a half of it and Nora told me her mom loved birds and was just in love with that piece of fabric. Her dad didn't really want her to give the fabric away because mom loved it so much. So, she asked me if I would make her a set of throw pillows out of it anyway so dad could have them around the house. I got busy and did get her pillows made yesterday. There is still enough fabric for a few more sets probably. I might see if she'd want me to go ahead and use up the rest and make her a few more sets of them. If not, I have to come up with an idea to use it. I did take a piece of the scrap from the first set and am working on a little block type pillow for my sister I think. My sissy needs her spirits lifted and maybe a nice little gift in the mail to say I love you might cheer her up a little. I hope to finish hers today. Here's a pic of the pillows for Nora and the start of the block for my sis.

And now I must get busy and get the clothes going and get ready to make some breakfast. Have a great Sunday and I hope all your week's are great. Let's pray this storm passes us up tomorrow.

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Seventeen Stinking Degrees

2009-01-26T17:41:00.003-05:00

Oh my gosh. I really hate to be a whiner but I am so sick of this cold weather that I can't hardly take it. I froze at work today, I froze in the car, I froze at the doctor's office and I am still freezing at this moment in my house right in front of the register.

I work in a convenience store so the door is open and shut all day long so of course it's not going to feel like a heatwave in there on a day like today but it was only sixty degrees in that place and customers were complaining that it was cold. Must be something wrong with the furnace cause it was set on 74 and it was, like I said, sixty degrees. My feet got cold and wet somehow, not sure how cause I didn't get them wet at all this morning and I haven't been warm since. I went to the doctor and the kid's car used to have a heater that would run you out of the car but he's been complaining about it lately and no one has had time to check it out and let me tell you, he has a problem with the heater now. That trip, not just once, but twice across town, because I got all the way to the doctor's office on the other side of town, signed in and went to hang my coat up and realize, I forgot my stinking money. Crap!!!! So, instead of rescheduling they told me to just hurry and get it and come right back, so that's what I did, with little to no heat most of the trip(s). I finally got home around three and put on dry socks and shoes but I still am not warm. I tried to rest my eyes earlier and I put a blanket over me for about twenty minutes and that is the best I've felt all day.

I haven't seen or heard the official weather but everybody and his brother has told me today that we are expecting these temps and snow for the majority of the week ahead. Yay!(sarcastic). I so have appreciation for folks that work outside or are in and out all day long. God bless them cause I couldn't do it. lol. I think of all those who don't have warm homes and warm clothes to wear in this cold weather. The thoughts of the little ones going to school in tennis shoes right now about breaks my heart. You know their little feet stay cold and wet all day long.

I just have to share this other thought that that previous comment above spurred a memory of, an incident here just yesterday here at my house. My son, Tony is a huge Steelers fan and of course he's all excited about the upcoming Super Bowl. He got on ebay yesterday to see if there were any tickets for sale. He told me that one deal for tickets was at $140,000.00. I almost seen red. I got on my soap box just a little bit and made the comment that I think it's ridiculous that football tickets are selling for more money than alot of people pay for their home. Then that led to the comment that I think it's just great that someone is cashing in on that kind of frivilous money when there are people homeless and hungry in this country. It makes me ill. Poor kid! lol. Bet he won't be telling me about ticket costs in the near future. lol.

I'm trying to wrap it up here. It's just the more I write, the more I think of to write. lol. Anyway, I did go to the doc today. Feel alot better just knowing I took the first step to feeling better. Aside from him telling me I was going to die, seriously, if I didn't take my thryoid medicine, all went fairly well. I used to have hypo thyroidism but then I did the radio active iodine treatment and now it doesn't function at all BUT according to all of my past bloodwork, I do not need the medication. The last time I went to the doctor, he put me back on them just to control the growth of a goiter/nodule on my thyroid gland. When I told him that, he said, oh well, maybe you'll be okay then but we'll need some blood work to make sure. He said I would just feel like I was choking if I didn't take it and I told him I was there now. So I'm sure I'll be going back on them for that purpose. I got my old friend back, the effexor for anxiety/depression plus I got xanax to hold me at bay with the anxiety until the effexor kicks in. And we talked about the counselling, he thinks I could benefit. And I wanted to know that since I have both anxiety and depression if I was bi-polar or not and he said absolutely not. He said it's totally different and mania lasts for days/weeks not just a day or two of ups and downs here and there. That meant the world to me to hear because all the reading I've done on the topic in some way sounds very familiar to me just not so blatant like mania is described. So, basically I feel like I am not a lunatic but just need a little help getting it back on track here. lol.

The main reason I wanted to post is that I wrote a couple more little ditty's over at AC I wanted to share. Below are the links to the articles.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1419029/tales_from_the_mother_of_a_teenage.html?cat=25

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1418019/where_do_i_begin_the_most_proud_moment.html?cat=25

Probably won't be sewing tonight. I hope everyone else is being creative and have had a good start to their weeks. Take Care.

Renee

Soup Bean Sunday

2009-01-25T18:58:00.004-05:00

I don't know about all of you but around here a soup bean Sunday equals a disinfectant Monday. lol. Oh, but the smell of beans cooking and the taste of a fresh pot of soup beans with some ham is too irresistable to let that stop me. lol.

I've had a pretty good weekend all in all and am winding down the day here just me and honey. Shawn is at work and he hates beans anyway so I thought this was a perfect cold night to eat a nice warm bowl of beans. I've cheated though. I have found that Save-A-Lot sells cans of great northern beans. I used to buy them in jars but here they are now in a can for like .39 cents or something. Two cans of those with a few thick slices of ham chopped up and some bread and butter and wha-lah, half an hour later, you have a little feast for around three dollars. Quick, cheap and easy, what else could a girl ask for? lol.

I worked on a purse today for my daughter in law. This silly purse is her most favorite purse and of course it's a seventy five dollar purse to boot but the dang strap broke on it. It's not as easy as it sounds. lol. These handles have two straps and they are tied in a knot down around where they attach to the purse. Well, we thought we had the knot right. Twice, we thought we had the knot right and as soon as I'd get done sewing it and tug on the strap, out came the knot. Grrr. Walked away from that one too. lol. Well, here a little while ago I got mad and got down to business and fixed it, finally. And now she loves me so it was all worth it. lol. I don't know how long it will hold but at least I tried and she should be able to get some more use out of it.

I did not work on my quilt top of many colors except for taking off the last two rows because they didn't line up and I refuse to try and work with it like that. Tomorrow I might try to fix that and get them sewn back on. We will see. It will depend on what the doc tells me tomorrow as to what I will get into when I get home. I have some questions for him that I am not leaving until he answers me and the answers may send me running to my bedroom to cry and sleep for days. lol. Let's hope not. lol.

Everybody keep on stitching and have a good evening. Hope you all have great weeks.

Renee

Walking Away

2009-01-24T16:47:00.003-05:00

Well, here are the white rows inserted vertically. It may not get the horizontal strips. lol. It's a tad off and on the very last row I missed a seam so I have to take it down and redo that row and then do some trimming to square it a little. Then I will put the horizontal rows on and see what it's like from there. If I have the material, I am putting another colored border on it too. I'm probably done with it for the night though. Getting ready to hop in the shower to go shopping and hopefully out to eat too. See you all later.

Renee

How Hard Can This Be?

2009-01-24T12:57:00.002-05:00

I have been trying to put together a quilt top from these rows of blocks I sewed together. My sister had made the blocks but I sewed them all together and wanted to add white rows in between. I got the first three together just fine. I went to line up the second row of colored blocks and it is way off. These squares should line up and they are way off so I started taking some of them in to make them match up and, now I have just finished ripping out two rows of stitches and am going back to "re-measure" these rows of colored blocks. CRAP!! lol. I thought I could just sit down and belt this sucker out in no time. HAH!!!! lol. So, I'm off again. Wish me luck!!!

Take Care,

Renee

Happy Weekend

2009-01-24T08:56:00.004-05:00

Ahhh!!!! Isn't Saturday lovely? For me it means the work week is over and I can do whatever it is my little heart desires for two whole days. lol. If you take into account the family needs and household chores I catch up, it actually leaves me 10- 12 hours over a two day span. lol. Somethin's better than nothin' right? lol.

Actually today honey had to go into work and Shawn works every Saturday so I have some time here this morning all to myself for sure so I am going to go cut the strips for my quilt of many colors and hope to get at least a top put together out of it today. Honey has promised to take me to Goodwill and JoAnn's later today so I'm almost giddy. lol.

I had a real decent day Friday when I went back to work. It wasn't anything I couldn't cope with and the time flew for some reason. That was awesome. I must admit I took a xanax before I went in and probably it coupled with a day off to collect helped it be much better than the previous few had been. Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement on my previous post on this topic. I know it will get better and being the fighter I used to be, I still have that shred of cheerleader type hope left that seeing the doctor will get me on the right path again. lol. Still pondering this counselling thing but I just keep thinking to myself and I told my husband that I just feel like I need to tell someone, "here, my walls are down, this is who I am, how I am, and I need rebuilt from the floor up, can you help?" lol. What would I do if they told me no? lol. Just kidding there. lol.

Welp, I'm heading over to iron out my block rows and get a final measurement on the length of them so I can start cutting those strips for in between. I have til around 2 before anyone gets home, do you think I can get a top together in that time? Wish me luck.

Happy, happy weekend to you all. Be creative and keep on stitching!!!!

Renee

P.S.
I mentioned earlier an article on French baby names I was working on for Associated Content. As promised, here is the link: Popular French Baby Names. A Boredom and What The Heck Was She Thinking? Warning Label has been attached by me to this article here. lol. This is the one I wish I hadn't accepted once I did. It shows. lol. But I get page views just the same whether folks like it or not so if you need some fantastic boring material to get you to sleep, please stop by and check it out. :)

Mental Health Day

2009-01-22T15:03:00.003-05:00

Hey friends. I hope this finds everyone well. I am doing alright. I have played hookie today from work and I don't care who knows it. lol. I had a real bad day yesterday and I made arrangements for someone to cover me today so I could have a moment to collect myself and my thoughts. I've not done a whole lot with my spare time but I slept in, well I fell back asleep since hubby forgot to turn off the alarm and it woke me up at 4:30. I got up and spent some time with him before he left but I laid on the couch and crashed. I probably could have done that all day. But, I didn't. The main thing I wanted to accomplish today was contacting my doctor. It is quite obvious to me now that I need to go back on my anti-depressant/anxiety medicine until I can learn to cope with a few things I have hanging over me right now. I've resisted some type of counselling for a long, long time now but I feel it's time to give it a whirl. But first thing is first. I have an appointment Monday with my doc to get a script for the medicine and I will talk with him about where to go for some counselling. I'm not a danger to myself or anyone or anything like that but I have lost my will I think. I am a whipped pup right now.

I haven't sewn in a few days. That bugs me. I keep hoping I'll get inspired and get my groove on but it's just not there for me right now. So, I live vicariously right now through you all on your blogs. lol. I'm especially impressed with Kris over at Quilted Simple. She is tearing it up already this year with projects. Her latest works have been vintage sheet quilts. Love the one she has posted on her blog right now. It's an awesome idea too. I tried to get hubby to take me to Goodwill the other day when we were right beside it but he was in a hurry to get back home so I let it go. Maybe tonight he'll take me. That's the only reason I go to thrift stores these days mainly is to look for fabric finds. And I don't get out often to do that. lol. But, I love to read all the blogs and couldn't for the life of me name a favorite right now. I just enjoy seeing what everyone else is doing and having that option available to me is one of the few joys I have to look forward to right now. So, keep being creative and keep posting those pics of your lovely items and finds.

Happy Stitching All,

Renee

Do Not Laugh!!!

2009-01-18T17:41:00.002-05:00

Before

After

Before

After

Pics of Weekend Projects

2009-01-18T10:32:00.003-05:00

pillow front

pillow back-my favorite part cause it's soft baby blue flannel

strips for colorful sofa throw

Locks of Love

2009-01-18T08:14:00.003-05:00

http://www.locksoflove.org/
Well, I guess there is an upside to waiting over a year for a haircut. I've had about one hair cut a year in the last six years that I can recall. In 2002, I had my hair cut short and I mean short. It was no more than 1 to 2 inches long depending where you measured it on my head. lol. I really liked it but the hubby wasn't a fan. lol. So I began the process of growing it out. I finally went to Great Clips yesterday and did it, I got it cut. It's not micro short this time but it turns out when I told her I wanted it cut off and different, when she measured how much I wanted off of it, it was over 9 inches I wanted cut and that qualified me to make a donation to locks of love and I got a free hair cut from it to boot.

I so wanted to take a picture of my two little curly pony tails laying there on her counter but I felt silly asking if I could take a pic of my donated hair so I didn't. lol. And there are no pics today because I'm just a tad unhappy with the cut. Not bad, it's just longer on the one side and it's too full on the top and sides yet. I kind of have the look of a football head. lol. So, even though I'm not looking forward to it, I am going back and getting it evened up and ask that they take some more around the crown. I may have to pay for it today but I really can't be lookin' like no football head. lol. So, once I get it where I want it, I'll post new pics alongside the old ones I already have on here. It's drastic difference.

On the sewing scene, that little project I started this week with the intent of a doll quilt in mind has been finished off as a throw pillow for our sofa. It went together so well and was looking good when I noticed one of my triangle squares was a little smaller than the rest in the last row, therefore it threw off the alignment so I couldn't possibly quilt a straight line all the way across it. Drat!!!!!!! Hubby consoled me and told me just to make us a new pillow out of it so I did. It's not even a great pillow. Being the ever-imaginative recycler that I am, I thought I'd stuff it with some old work shirts hubby had ready for the Goodwill. Bad idea. It weighs about ten pounds, and it's not soft. lol. lmao. So, it needs opened back up and re-stuffed with polyfill. Should have used it in the first place but I didn't want to use all I had to stuff this one pillow. Too bad for my luck. lol.

I also went ahead and did some major cleaning in the sewing room yesterday. I didn't finish the room but I made a definate improvement. All of my fabric is sorted by color now and all of my sewing incidentals have their own spot and I can get to the machine and my ironing board now. I rounded up all my scissors and hung them on a hook and I think there are six pairs. lol. But, during the sorting I came across some blocks my sister had started and I found enough to put together what I think will make a nice size sofa throw. Not quite a full sized quilt, yet bigger than a baby quilt too. It will have 6 rows of all "like" color blocks seperated by crisp white sashing and borders. I have a red row, orange/yellow row, green row, tan row, and a light and dark blue row of blocks. It will be a quilt of many colors but I just couldn't let these blocks sit and do nothing with them so this project is born. lol.

Our local Wal-Mart has eliminated the domestic department. Well, the fabric department is gone. They still have yarn and fake flowers and scrapbook stuff. They even eliminated embroidery/cross stitch floss and such. Dorks. Now I have to go to Mansfield if I want new fabric. There are some small, independent quilt fabric shops around here but they are pricey. Anyway, while they still have them, I went ahead and bought three or four packs of needles for my machine. I'm using my last one right now. lol. I got a couple spools of thread and some elastic for fixing hubby's long johns. So, I should be a busy girl today. I have one more row of blocks to put together for the colorful quilt top. Then I have to put the sashes and borders and I'll at least have the top done. I got two pairs of long johns to fix and I have a small bulletin board to trim out and cover for work.

What are you all up to? I'll be around later to read some blogs so I'll be anxious to see what this weekend has brought for everyone. Happy Quilting.

Renee

So Happy That It's Friday!!!

2009-01-16T14:17:00.003-05:00

Cha Cha Cha Cha Cha Cha!!!! Holy cow what a week!!! Is it cold out there or what? Have mercy. I am so glad to be home where it's warm and not have to go back out until at least tomorrow or not til Monday if I can con someone in doing my running this weekend. lol. I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm.

I have the house to myself here today until the hubby gets home from work which I'm hoping is around 4. I'm going to get ready and go finish some on that little doll quilt I started this week. If I can find it in the mess over there. lol. My sewing room is a "walk-thru" room to the back of the house where the laundry, spare bath and our bedroom is. Just the three of us go back through there usually so in order to keep the two rooms everyone does see half ways presentable, we tend to migrate things without a place or purpose often times, into the sewing room and that's where they are left til I can do otherwise with it. So, I have just about enough room right now to get to my machine. lol. Told the hubby the place is getting a scrub down starting this weekend. I'm going to start my spring cleaning now so I can enjoy my spring out in my flower beds and garden this year.

There's a subject, believe it or not I have been thinking about lately. Gardening. We are going to move our garden this year I believe. It's going to be alot of work but in the long run it will be easier for us to tend and get more produce from our plants. And flower beds are a never ending evolution thing for me. lol. I should just give up as I'm not very good at flowers and I'm never happy with where things are. I put a flower bed in out front where we had an old tree taken out and it's just a pain in my butt to mow around and almost too much sun for alot of plants. It may become home to my rose bush if it makes it through the winter this year.

Well, I just thought I'd stop and say hey to everyone. Thanks to everyone who's been stopping by. I love having folks stop and say hey. Happy Stitching. Stay Safe and Warm this weekend.

Renee

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's Forty!!!!

2009-01-14T13:52:00.003-05:00

And look at who's home from work sick for the second day. This is my poor, poor honey. Yesterday, the 13th was his big 4-0. He felt lousey. Poor honey. Not even a good home cooked meal made him feel much better. And he didn't even eat a piece of his birthday cake. He was a good sport though. We had Tony and Steph over and Shawn and his girlfriend were here and we had a little birthday dinner for him. I just wish he had felt better.

I talked to him about an hour ago and he said he feels pretty good today so far. It's snowing to beat the band here again and he works in Mansfield which is about a 25 minute drive normally but in this weather, it takes forever for him to get home. Plus after work tonight he has to stay over for his big review/evaluation. That in itself could take hours. lol. So, I don't know when I'll see him but I sure can't hardly wait for him to walk through the door at night, especially tonight. Sometimes I feel like I am wayyyy, wayyy too dependant on him. He truly is my other half and I just don't feel whole without him. I misses him when he's not here. lol.

I tried sewing the other day and I kept having one interuption right after the other and at one point I just decided to give up on it for the day and I haven't made it back over there yet. lol. I had some little triangle squares left over from that horrid tablerunner I made sometime back so I pieced some of those together and made twelve little 3 3/4" squares. I was in the progress of putting denim sashing in between them when I decided to give up that day. I have three more pieces of the denim to put in length wise and then I have to go across it yet and then I guess I'll have me another little baby doll quilt top. I just don't have it in me right now to tackle a project like a baby quilt so I'm playing around with this and that and I like making the little quilts so I can work on my technique. Plus, when I get done I just might have me a whole little stash of baby doll quilts to give out to my little girl buddies. lol.

Shawn's girlfriend asked me last night if I could make a t-shirt memory quilt out of her cheering t's. She explained to me the one her friend had and I'm sure it will be pretty easy to make one. I just have my sewing room such a wreck again that I couldn't dare tackle such a project until I do something in there. And there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day to do all the things I have to do, let alone the things I want to do. lol. I don't know if I mentioned it but a friend of mine has asked me to make a quilt out of a top her grandma made. It is lovely. I want to say it is a trip around the world pattern but now that I think of it, I can't say that just yet without checking again. lol. It's so pretty though. I'll have to photo the top and show you guys. I'm scared to death to tackle that job too but I'm going to. How will I ever get over my fear of making a full size quilt if I don't just try it?

What's everyone else doing? I just love seeing what all ideas everyone has. Sometimes I think I spend too much time sitting here on the computer admiring other folk's goodies than actually working on some of my own. lol. I used to look at baby quilts on etsy til my eyes crossed. lol. After I'd found myself sitting looking for ever, I'd kind of get ticked at myself cause I'd spent that time just sitting here basically instead of doing something productive. lol. oh well. When you need ideas, you have to do your research. lol.

Speaking of research, I got an article due on Associated Content today or tomorrow so I better get busy on that. It's one of those I wish I hadn't sign on for after the fact. If I hadn't responded to the call, it wouldn't be a big deal but I did and they have deadlines and I'm afraid if I don't submit an article I claimed that they may not let me claim them in the future and/or not let me write for them period. So, I'm off. It's a silly little article about French Baby Names. I'll post the link once it's published.

Meantime, Happy Quilting to All.

Renee

Man, Look What I Went And Did

2009-01-11T11:31:00.002-05:00

Oh my. I shoulda known better than to think I could quickly and easily change my template. lol. Bear with me as I try to get everything back where it goes.

Phew, Where To Start?

2009-01-10T13:41:00.005-05:00

First of all let me start by saying that I hope everyone has had a great new year so far. I am still shaking my head realizing that it is already January 10th. And here I thought I was going to be better at posting in this new year. Hmm. My bad. I have been reading though. Just not doing alot of comment posting. So please know that just because I haven't got anything much to say right now that I am still reading and following along to all of you out there in blog land that I have come to know and love.

Second, please let me take the time again to thank each and every one of you who do stop by and visit and hear what I have to say and see what I have to see. I realize it's not much but the comments and visitors that do take a peak mean the world to me. Thank you, Thank you. Please keep coming by. Sometimes this is just what a girl needs to perk her spirits a little. Lord only knows how many of us could probably use that right about now.

Third, I just am amazed at how much talent and get up and go that this little circle of blogging buddies I have has. I have to tell you, I'm a little jealous. No matter what my New Year's intent was, I have not been motivated to make anything much. First few days of the new year I was working on some little hearts. Just little stuffed hanging hearts. The fronts are patchwork and the backs are solid. I played with using lace for the first time and had some fun but wasn't thrilled. I made a couple of little pillows for that doll quilt I put together and believe they need thrown in the trash. lol. I just have to tell you, I have no confidence in my skills at all. If it's not perfect, I am convinced it belongs in the garbage. I can't get around that. I haven't had any sewing lessons EVER in life. Never used a sewing machine up until about three years ago. I know basically nothing and feel by now I ought to have the hang of it and be producing nicely sewn items or forget about it. Will I ever get it? Will I ever have confidence in my stuff? Anybody else have this problem? How do you handle that?

And last but not least, right now and probably since shortly after the first of the year, I have been in a funk. I was so looking forward to putting the holidays behind me and moving on and having a fresh start to a new year. I wanted to blog more, sew more, be more productive and find some joy and peace. At the rate I am going, I think I'm worse than I was towards the end of the year when things were like crazy hoppin' mad around here. Truth be told folks, I am scared that I am going to have to go back on my anxiety/depression medication and I totally hate that but I also know that both are starting to creep their ugly little heads back into my life with a vengeance and I cannot, will not allow myself to get out of hand feeling so scared and sad and wanting to cry all the time. It's like the panic attack Christmas Eve started a vicious little cycle for me. The worse part of it that concerns me is that I get so quick and ill tempered. I don't mean to be mean but it's like I have little time or use for nonsense and triffling. And sadly, I guess I am at the point where I make it very obvious when someone is annoying me. Not a good trait to have when working with the public. I've been praying everyday for the ability to make it through one more and that's not the kind of start I had planned for this year. I won't let it go on much longer before I see my doctor. They say counselling may help me deal with some reasons I am anxious and depressed but I don't do the sharing thing that well with folks like that. lol. That's what my blog is for. lol. Seriously, it is something I've considered but I just can't do it. I am not convinced anyone has the power to help me and they are only guessing at what the reasons are and could only possibly make me more of wreck than I already am. Please, if you all wouldn't mind, if you think of it say a little prayer for me regarding this problem. There are days I don't know if I can stand anymore. It scares me and I don't like being so weak. I wanna be like all of you guys, full of pep and gumption and making projects and living life.

On that note, I know kind of a downer, I am going to sign off. Sorry to be so long winded again today. I can't say or write anything quick. lol. It's all about detail. lol. Have a great weekend everyone. Happy Stitching.

Renee

All Is Not Lost

2008-12-29T19:32:00.003-05:00

I actually was creative this weekend after the Christmas holiday. Saturday I started work on that crayon bag I got an order for and on Sunday I finished it up and started a little doll quilt just for fun. I'm working on my technique and this was a great way to play around and I got a little something cute out of it. lol. I want to make some pillows to go with it and it might go on etsy. I have nothing on there currently. My items I had listed expired and I just don't think I want to re-list some of them and others I want to re-do so I just thought I'd get through the holidays and take another look at my etsy store. I, of course, want to add items and maybe one day actually sell something. lol. With this economy though, who knows what will sell and what won't. And I figure places like etsy will be one of the first and hardest hit. Handmade crafts aren't essentials and not many people I know are going to be spending for the fun of it in the near future. I remain hopeful that we'll pull out of this economic crisis. I'll certainly be cautious but ever hopeful. lol.

I better take this time to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year. I'm not as faithful at posting as I'd like to be and I just don't want to miss the opportunity to wish everyone out there a safe and prosperous new year.

I'll be working at 5 a.m. New Year's Day. Yippee skippy. Hubby and the boy have the day off but I'll be working 8 full hours. Grrrrrr. I hate to complain about my job, primarily because it is a job right now and they are so hard to find in this town, but it is about to drive me crazy. It's not at all where I want to be or what I want to do but it's the best I can do right now. My hope and dream would be to work from home doing anything, anything at all just so I don't have to leave home. I don't like the outside world much. lol. That's why I sure would love to make a go of etsy. There's just so much competition there. And craft shows and fairs are a problem for me since I don't much like being "out there". lol. If my hubby would go do them with me, I'd do everyone I ran across but he can't and won't so it's not much of an option for me right now.

Well, I wrote a book last time I posted and I don't want to do that this time. lol. So, I'm signing off for the night and am gonna catch up on all you all's blogs. Have a great night. Here's some pics of the weekend progress.

crayon bag

doll quilt front

and the back

Happy Stitching,

Renee

A Christmas Morning Photo

2008-12-27T11:54:00.002-05:00

Well I See We All Survived

2008-12-27T09:23:00.003-05:00

Phew!!! Man, I do hate to say it but am I glad that Christmas is over. I love Christmas but it always sneaks up on me because I lead my life unprepared and never with any foresight. I love being caught up in the "feeling" of the holidays but unfortunately each year that excitement gets less and less and I'm always wishing it was over and then I feel guilty because I feel that way. And right now as glad as I am that it is over, looking back, I don't think I heard very much Christmas music this year. We didn't have any parties to go to or school celebrations, etc. And now it's over and we won't be doing any of these things we longed for, not for another year. Every year I vow to make it better so I'm not caught up in this dread and money worry during the season too. That vow hasn't worked so far but it doesn't mean I can't try harder this coming year right? Right!

Now, with my whining aside, I have to say, we had a wonderful Christmas. Everyone got what they wanted and we have very few returns. Tony, our oldest doesn't like the way his new blue jeans Santa brought him fit so he wants to take those back. Shawn, the youngest may have to take back a few wii controls we bought him. We didn't know what to get so we bought one of each and we haven't figured out yet which ones we need and which ones we don't. lol. Our daughter in law had been wanting a double heart pendant necklace from Kay jewelers. Tony helped us find it and put us wise to the idea in the first place and after waiting three days on next day air shipping, we did receive it and she was so, so happy. I thought she was going to cry. So, I guess we done good. lol. I have to say I did cry when I opened the gift from Tony and Steph that was for hubby and I. It's a lovely framed 8 by 10 photo of all five of us from the wedding. It is precious and priceless.

For the first time in over 20 years, we did not make our annual trip to good old Killbuck, Ohio on Christmas Eve this year. We used to go to see hubby's momma and his family every year. His mom passed in 01 but we continued to go every year to see his Grandma. We weren't sure we'd go this year because last we knew his Grandma was in a nursing home up in Michigan where she took ill when she went for a visit last year. He called down to his sisters there on Christmas Eve and spoke to his neice who told him his Grandma is in a nursing home right down there in Millersburg. He was a little upset as we have been worrying about how to afford to be able to go see her in Michigan, finding a time we all could go and borrowing a car capable of making the trip. She just celebrated her 90th(we think, if not, it's 89) on December 23rd. With her age, he was so worried something would happen and he has wanted to go see her before that time comes. He still has no idea how long she's been back in Ohio yet but they did tell him she is doing good and is still right with herself mind wise. There's one son she refuses to eat in front of so if he's there at mealtime, he will leave so she'll eat. lol. So sweet. Aggravating at times I'm sure but still so sweet. We love her and want her around for many, many years to come. A trip to see her is in the works, maybe tomorrow afternoon. Our car will make it down there. No reasons or excuses not to go.

I'm sorry to make this so long winded but there is so much I wanted to talk about. We had a new first this year on Christmas day. lol. For my family gathering at my brother's house, they opted not to have a turkey for the meal. Just a ham and some sides. Well, no problem with me, we coulda had pizza for all I cared as long as we were all together. Anyway, hubby just had himself a little bitty baby cow about it and said he'd either not go or fix his own turkey. lol. So, Christmas Eve all we could find we thought would thaw in time was a nice turkey breast. Ran all over Wal-Mart cause I don't grocery shop there looking for a bag of stuffing mix and potatoes and rolls. But we put that breast in about 8:30 Christmas morning and in two hours it was done. I made some mashed potatoes and brown and serve rolls. I was going to make some homemade stuffing that I ran all over wal-mart finding and hubby said he didn't even need it. Just some mashed potatoes and gravy. So, that is what I was going to do but then I decided Shawn and I needed some stuffing so a mad dash across the street to the market where I work for a box of Stove Top and whalah, we have a complete turkey dinner for Lunch!!!!! Tony and Steph had left already as those poor kids had five places to go on Christmas Day. So there we sat, honey, Shawn and me, eating a full course Christmas Turkey dinner at about 12:30 Christmas Day. lol. I don't know why but that makes me chuckle. lol. Our get together at my brother's wasn't until 4 so we had time even to get in a quick power nap before we had to get ready to go out there. Bliss. I loved it. It was the first time in almost 23 years that I have been a mother that I got a nap on Christmas Day. Wow!!!!!

The gathering with my family was awesome. I was real tired so we left sooner than we should have from up there and now I wish we had stuck around a little longer. They were fixin' to play wii bowling when we left. But, I was bushed. I guess I probably had a panic attack of sorts on Christmas Eve. I worked from 5a to 1p that day. We stood around over there with our thumbs you know where looking for something to do to pass the time. Well, don't you know that at noon, one hour before I was scheduled to get off, pandemonium broke out. Check cashings out the gazoo, lottery tickets being pulled as long as your arms could pull them. Cheese trays flying out the door, phone ringing off the wall to see how late we were open and if we were open Christmas day, etc. I was there til 25 after 1 and felt bad leaving then but I had to scoot. I had three places to go to shop and gather the last minute stuff all before six pm when all three of them closed. Worse part was, hubby wasn't home with my wheels so I could go until almost 3:30. I was already in hyper activity mode as I had sat around two hours waiting on him to get home so we could go. We decided to do all the shopping at wal-mart. We wouldn't have made it to all three places, no way, no how. We still got what we needed but the rolls weren't the kind my one son loves from the one grocery store and I had a gift card from another grocery store that I wanted to use and save my money for shopping. Well, as it turns out, we had a wal-mart card worth fifty bucks that we even forgot to spend there to help save some cash. Duh!!!!! But that trip about got me. I got sick to my stomach, my heart was racing and so was I. We went to get the gifts first. Not too bad. Then we headed to the groceries where we had to split up and I didn't like that at all. I felt like a lost kid. I was so glad to see honey again and I never left his side again. After we got our groceries, I wanted to take one more look for gifts so back across the place we trek for nothing. Didn't find anything the second time that I hadn't noticed or looked at the first time. lol. We exit with my knees knocking and the pit in my stomach growing larger and larger due to the amount of money we just parted with. lol.

But wait, it's not over. We decided not to go to Killbuck so Shawn took off for his girlie friends house. We think "awesome" so we can wrap his presents. Had all of that to do yet. We go over to our bedroom where we had them stashed and when we come back to the livingroom, no lights, no t.v., I shouldn't say no lights because my lamp I had on when I left the room had a real, real faint orange glow, it was still lit but there was so little juice going to it that it was just so slight you barely noticed it. Yet, my kitchen lights were working and my bedroom lights were working and the upstairs lights were working. We lost half the power to the livingroom, half the power in the kitchen, the lights worked but the frig didn't. We lost power in one bathroom and my sewingroom. It was the weirdest thing I ever seen. Hubby went right away and checked the breakers which were fine. Hmm. We're stumped. Hated to but I call brother and interupted his holiday gathering. He said he'd be in after bit to have a look see but I guess I freaked as I was envisioning my house burning down Christmas Eve when we went to bed because of some weird electrical problem we must have. I'm calculating in my head how much it would cost to have half the house re-wired, etc. Oh woe is me. lol. We decide to try and make the best of it and use the kitchen table to wrap presents on. We got those done but my heart wasn't in it at all. All the classic panic signs were in full swing already. We had noticed though that the vcr kicked on and honey tried the tv and it worked but it had this weird whistle coming from it. All the lights that were either out completely or barely glowing were getting a little stronger. All good signs in hind sight but yet it made me worry that much more that we definately had some sort of electrical problem within the house. I was sure I'd not sleep at all that night. We decided after the presents were wrapped to walk over to the store across the street which was fully lit by the way and get some goodies for that night and Christmas morning. I am so glad we decided to go as the gal working asked if we were having trouble with half our house losing power. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I literally just felt it go when she said that the neighbors up two and three houses from us were having the same problem. Phew. At that point I knew it wasn't a problem with the house and that I didn't have to worry about paying an electrician. Thank You God!!!! On our way home, my immediate next door neighbor pops out as me and the big ole Ohio Edison truck both approach out front of the houses. He was having the same problem and the Ohio Ed guy parked right out front of the house here and went up the pole right in front of my house to fix whatever it was. He shut us all down about half an hour but when he turned us back on, all was well and my brother didn't have to leave his gathering to come and fool with it. That was the best part. Contrary to what I had expected and prepared for sleepwise that night, I slept like a baby cause I was exhausted from being so keyed up. Man.

And last but not least, I wanted to mention those silly little crayon bags I made for the kiddies. They loved them and started coloring right away when we gave them to them. lol. I even got an order for one from my sister-in-law for her friend's little boy. Yeah! I hope to get my nasty house cleaned back up and start on that project this afternoon.

Thanks for listening to our holiday antics and I hope everyone had a great and wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. God Bless. All please take care!!

Happy Stitching,

Renee