Great Blog Giveaway: Day #5

Today's first giveaway package is a copy of Christmas With Country Living and three linen kitchen towels. The towels are perfect for crafting. Applique something on them, use them to make something else (bags, aprons, etc.), or just use them as they are.

The second giveaway today is the metal angel.

If you're new to this blog, scroll down to the post on September 26 for an explanation of this giveaway.

Tomorrow, I'll have more fabric to giveaway, so be sure to check back.

Have a great Sunday, everyone.

 

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This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/30/2007, Deborah Janicki said ...

Thanks for your faithfulness!

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On 09/30/2007, Alaina said ...

Angels- another decorative item that my mother loves, and another great birthday gift for her. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I won't have to go shopping this year. ;)

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On 09/30/2007, Jenny H said ...

Can I put in for the towels? They would be great to applique little snowmen on.

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On 09/30/2007, Karla said ...

A week of giveaways is a great idea! Wow, 300 posts! Way to go! That is quite an accomplishment!
Karla

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On 09/30/2007, Sherri said ...

OOOh I new if I waited long enough something would come along that I just love and thats the angel,love angels! Yipee something to wish for heehee if wishes do come true that is! Oh happy day! Sherri

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On 09/30/2007, Deb said ...

Love angels, and I decorate with them around the house. And what could be better than Christmas with Country Living and fabric! Enter me for both please Susan. Thanks!

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On 10/01/2007, Deb said ...

oops, now I see they are towels. Would love them, too. :)

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On 10/01/2007, Patti said ...

Oh - I'd love to have that angel! Towels I don't need LOL - as you can see in the latest post of my blog.

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On 10/01/2007, Elise said ...

Oh - that metal angel is amazing! I love it!

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On 10/02/2007, Vickie said ...

Crafting! Oh yes! I'm in and thanks!

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On 10/03/2007, Kimberly said ...

Oh, I just found your blog and see that you are doing a givaway today! I am probably too late but thought I would give it a shot anyway. Love your blog. I will be back to visit!

Kimberly
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Great Blog Giveaway: Day #4

I promised more fabric, and here it is: 8 fat quarters of beautiful hand-dyed, 100% cotton; and 1/2 yard of the Hoffman gardening print.

Today is another two-fer. The second prize is the small cross-stitched thistle pillow and the brand-new sewing basket. The basket has a packet of sewing notions inside: needles, pins, pin cushion, measuring tape, etc.

You can sign up to win these prizes by leaving a comment for this post. See the post on September 26 for a full explanation of this seven-day blog giveaway. You are welcome to sign up for any and/or all prizes.

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On 09/29/2007, Jenny H said ...

I'm signing up for today's too! What wonderful things you have for your giveaways! Our blog is only on post 20 or so, so we'll have to think of a giveway when we finally get to 100.

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On 09/29/2007, Sister Cage said ...

I'm signing up for this giveaway. They're all fabulous, but this is irresistible. Thanks for such a great idea. I love just looking at your lovely fabrics.

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On 09/29/2007, mom2fur said ...

Oh, boy, fabric! In fact, I'd like to have my name in there for either prize today!

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On 09/29/2007, Susan Tuttle said ...

What wonderful prizes!! Thank you so much Susan for the wonderful comment on Artwords--it means so much! Thank you for your wonderful contributions--Artwords was a wonderful place because of contributors like you.

Let's keep in touch. See you in Blogland.

Warmly,
Susan

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On 09/29/2007, Nancy said ...

Oh, what beautiful fabric! I'd love to win this . . . .

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On 09/29/2007, Phyl said ...

Susan! HOw can you part with those 8 fat quarters of hand-dyed cotton?!!! PLEASE put my name in the hat for THAT drawing! You are cleaning out way too good stuff, girl ! Thanks for sharing, though........
Phyl

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On 09/29/2007, Deb said ...

Susan ~ how can you part with this stuff!? I'd love to be entered for either one. Love purple thistle plants but also love all that fabulous fabric!!

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On 09/29/2007, Sherri said ...

Im so happy to come here everyday and see something new and exciting to win:) Oh joy, your new friend Sherri

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On 09/29/2007, Jean Brannon said ...

What a great idea. Please put my name in on
this drawing (#4) for the fat quarters etc.

Do you need any of my stuff to give away?

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On 09/30/2007, Judy said ...

Hi Susan-
I'm a late bloomer as far as sewing goes, but have suddenly had a burst of interest in the hobby. I'm really enjoying it! I'd love to sign up for the sewing basket give-away.
A "give-away" is a great idea! Much better than a "throw-away". :-)
Judy

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On 09/30/2007, Molly said ...

Oh MAN!! These are right up my alley!! Put me in the drawing for each of these lovely gifts!!!

Molly

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On 10/01/2007, Vickie said ...

Oh my gosh, cannot resist; would give them a good home!

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On 10/01/2007, Kim West said ...

Ooohhh... I would love to be in on this giveaway...

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On 10/01/2007, Kim West said ...

Ooohhh... I would love to be in on this giveaway...

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On 10/01/2007, Kim West said ...

Ooohhh... I would love to be in on this giveaway...

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On 10/01/2007, Kim West said ...

Ooohhh... I would love to be in on this giveaway...

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On 10/01/2007, kathie said ...

Ooh, put my name in for the 8 fat quarters. They look wonderful! Thanks for your blog giveaway. ~ Kathie

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On 10/02/2007, Hannah Cowen said ...

I love new projects and am excited for the opportunity to enter your drawing. Thank you. Hannah
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Great Blog Giveaway: Day #3

Only 87 more shopping days till Christmas, everyone. In anticipation of the fast approaching holidays, today's giveaway is a two-fer. First this wonderful patriotic Santa that my friend Cyndi made. I got him at a guild auction and have used him a lot. But now I think it's time he found a new home.

Next is this fun table runner. It's about 70 inches long, so it will fit a big table or your mantel.
My niece gave me this, and I love it, but like the Santa, it's time for me to let it leave the nest. Here's a closeup of the penguin. There's another scene just like this one on the other end.

If either of these items appeal to you, leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing for each one. I'll give them away separately. I'll draw for the Santa, and then for the table runner. Entrants from Continental U.S. only please.

See my post for September 26 for an explanation of this giveaway. You are invited to comment on any and all posts in the 7-day event. I'll draw for prizes on October 3.

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Check back in tomorrow for another FABRIC GIVEAWAY!

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On 09/28/2007, Jenny H said ...

I think that the table runner is lovely. Did she make it? It looks like its quilted.

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On 09/28/2007, Patti said ...

Oh - I'd LOVE to have the Santa!

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On 09/28/2007, Deb said ...

Oooh, I LOVE them both! My dining room is decorated in Americana, and the red/white/blue winter table runner and patriotic Santa would fit just perfectly!

I know you said we could sign up for every giveaway, and I think you'll get tired of seeing my name as I'm taking you at your word and putting my name in the hat for them all! Thanks, Susan!

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On 09/28/2007, mom2fur said ...

I like Santa, myself! It's really nice of you to have this bloggy giveaway! Thanks...even if I don't win, LOL!

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On 09/28/2007, Alaina said ...

My mom is a Santa collector and it just so happens that her birthday is December 14. She would LOVE this Santa and runner for her collection. What beautiful pieces.

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On 09/28/2007, Kim said ...

Oh darn, I can't enter. Oh well - they both look great though.

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On 09/28/2007, Sherri said ...

Ok Im back Im excited to see what else you may give away:) What a sweet thing to do, I may steal this idea and do it on my blog:) Heehee If anyone reads my blog that is! Oh joy what a day! Sherri

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On 10/02/2007, Tammy said ...

Neat Patriotic items !!

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On 10/02/2007, Le Anne said ...

My sister in law loves patriotic decor and these are so perfect.

yardsaleprincess1@yahoo.com
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Great Blog Giveaway: Day #2

This is the prize for Day 2 in my week-long blog giveaway. It's a sample fabric pack from Jinny Beyer's "Victorian Lady" collection by Merryvale. It includes one theme fabric panel and 20 six-inch squares (not all squares show in the photo).

Just leave a comment for this post to get your name in the drawing. Also see yesterday's post for an explanation of the giveaway and a chance to win a set of vintage tea towels. Entrants from Continental U.S. only, please.

Now it's back to the sewing room to continue cleaning and organizing. Good luck to all.

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On 09/27/2007, Fran said ...

OH, this is lovely!

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On 09/27/2007, Phyllis King said ...

...I'd love to be added to your Day 2 drawing for the lovely Jenny Byer fabrics! Thanks for your generosity!
Phyl in N.C.

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On 09/27/2007, nita from red tin heart said ...

Thank you for your comment. It means alot to me. You are always so thoughtful. love Nita

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On 09/27/2007, Nicole said ...

Gorgeous fabric group! I can't believe I have never made a quilt from all Jinny Beyer fabrics.

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On 09/27/2007, Carolyn M. said ...

Love the fabric and your blog! Please enter me into the drawing for the fabric.

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On 09/27/2007, Ella Moore said ...

Love the fabric and your blog! Please enter me into the drawing for the fabric.

Tks Elly Moore

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On 09/27/2007, Deb said ...

I love the six-inch squares and would love to win! Thanks, Susan!

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On 09/27/2007, Sherri said ...

Ok I admit I dont quilt not that I wouldnt try to if I could win this material:) Thanks.Sherri

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On 09/27/2007, Donnell said ...

I love Jinny Beyer, and your blog is great. Please enter me in Day 2. Thanks, Donnell

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On 09/27/2007, Jenny H said ...

What beautiful fabric! I love fabric! Now that I'm quilting, I'm always on the look out.

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On 09/27/2007, Rian said ...

Oh my, look at all the lurkers you have "outed" from the closet, LOL!!

(Just commenting, not entering.)

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On 09/28/2007, ~marilyn in MI said ...

Susan, I'm not entering your drawing but wanted to thank you for sharing all your gorgeous work and great book reviews. I especially loved meeting Sophie Belle & seeing your Laurel Burch homage. I will sorely miss her, too. Peace to you.

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On 09/28/2007, Molly said ...

Ooooh, I wanna win this!!! Or maybe the Santa! What a wonderful way to interact with your readers, and get rid of stuff!

Molly

ps you have to come see the turtle Ryan caught at the creek yesterday! Wowza!!
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Turning Over a New Leaf: Blog Giveaway #1

In an effort to organize and simplify my life, I've decided that stuff has to go. So in honor of my 300th post (this one) here at Blackberry Creek, I'm announcing a week-long blog giveaway.

These cross-stitched vintage kitchen towels are the first to go. I bought them years ago, thinking I would use them to make a wall hanging for the kitchen. Never happened. I can't even remember now where I got them; visions of flea market booths come to mind, but the visions are vague. Of course, I could keep them for that mythical "someday" when I'll get around to creating something with them. But I think I'd rather find them a new home with someone who will use them and love them--hang them in her kitchen, make a baby quilt with them, use them for fabric art, or whatever her heart tells her to do.

So if these little busy bears appeal to you, leave a comment for this post and your name will be in the drawing for them. And every day, for the next six days, I'll post another prize, which you can also sign up to win. And on October 3, I'll draw for all seven prizes and announce the winners. Entrants from continental U.S. only please.

So I plan to give away seven things. Do you think that will make a dent in the accumulated stuff of decades. Probably not, but it should be a lot of fun.

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On 09/26/2007, Patti said ...

Oh, sounds like a great deal of fun! And I would love to have these towels. I'd use them just as they are - for towels in my kitchen. I made so many cross stitch towels as a child - now as an adult I'm making them again and loving every moment of using them.

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On 09/26/2007, Sherri said ...

Awe man I cant pass up a contest:) Love them too! I cant wait to see what else you will be showing us:) Oh happy day! Sherri

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On 09/26/2007, Deb said ...

Hi Susan ~ Love your new autumn colors on the blog! I'll be commenting for all 7 days... I'm sure anything from your stash is a treasure to win! Count me in. :)

(We're approaching our 1000th post shortly. I'm thinking now what we can give away.)

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On 09/27/2007, Amanda said ...

What beautiful towels and a lovely idea.

My husband and I are fighting infertility, and as we believe God for a miracle in our life, we've decided to start making a nursery in the spare room--our faith statement that a child WILL come into our lives, by the grace of God.

So I've begun collecting bits and things that will make up this room. Baby elephant wall stickers, a blanket, a onesie on a hanger...

If you pick me to get your lovely towels, I will stitch them together for a wall hanging for that room.

Blessings,
Amanda

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On 10/01/2007, Elise said ...

These are so cute! I found you through Mountain Musings. Thanks for the fun giveaway!

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On 10/02/2007, Tammy said ...

I wonder how many who made the same towels never used them either!!
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For Laurel

The death of Laurel Burch saddened me; but it also inspired me to get back to my journal quilts. I made this one over the weekend. It's called "Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge."

I used only fabrics from the huge scrap bag under my cutting table. All the animals are from Laurel Burch fabric that I have used for other projects, mostly fabric postcards.

I used Susan Carlson's technique in which you cut out pieces of fabric, glue them to your background, cover the whole thing with a layer of tulle or netting, and quilt.

It's a little sad, but sweet too, to think of all Laurel's colorful critters waiting to see her across the Rainbow Bridge. I pray that she has found peace and comfort there. She brought us so much joy with her colors and fantasies.

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On 09/24/2007, Vivian said ...

Susan, this is such a beautiful journal quilt!

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On 09/24/2007, sandi @ the whistlestop cafe said ...

I love that quilt. The colors are perfect.
I can't believe you made it in a weekend! I know you weren't quilting during the big game.

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On 09/24/2007, sandi @ the whistlestop cafe said ...

I love that quilt. The colors are perfect.
I can't believe you made it in a weekend! I know you weren't quilting during the big game.

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On 09/24/2007, sandi @ the whistlestop cafe said ...

opps~ I didn't think it took the first time!

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On 09/24/2007, kim said ...

Wonderful tribute - she created a beautiful legacy.

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On 09/24/2007, Molly said ...

Oh Susan, that is perfect! I love LB stuff and have made lots from her cat and butterfly/hummingbird fabrics. My mom did a Turning Twenty Again out LB fabrics for the girls. Your quilt reminds me of it. Her passing is so sad.

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On 09/24/2007, Jen Anderson said ...

Very cute little quilt. I was also saddened to hear of her passing. Such beautiful designs and wonderful sense of color, at least she made the most of her art despite her illness. Jen

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On 09/24/2007, nita from red tin heart said ...

Susan, I am sorry to hear of your friends passing. Your quilt is beautiful. xo Nita

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On 09/24/2007, Rian said ...

I love the clever Rainbow Bridge idea of this quilt. Wonderful concept--so fitting. Let us hope that by thinking of her we can help her along to the next world. And let's hope that these colorful critters are indeed waiting for her by the Rainbow Bridge. Wouldn't that be something.

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On 09/24/2007, Rian said ...

I love the clever Rainbow Bridge idea of this quilt. Wonderful concept--so fitting. Let us hope that by thinking of her we can help her along to the next world. And let's hope that these colorful critters are indeed waiting for her by the Rainbow Bridge. Wouldn't that be something.

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On 09/25/2007, Pam said ...

It is a lovely tribute quilt. It is so sad about Laurel Burch. She was such a talented artist but suffered so much from her disease. I was in Sausalito last year and there was a little shop there that sold her mugs and socks and bags - not fabric. The woman that owned the shop knew Laurel Burch and told me how ill she was - at this point she was completely bedridden. There was a book there I signed to offer good wishes. Her designs are so magical and and full of life.

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On 09/25/2007, Karla said ...

Such a lovely piece. The colors are so vibrant. To answer your comment on my blog - yes, Margot is Sophie's pup pal on Dogster!
Karla

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On 09/26/2007, Nicole said ...

What a touching tribute to Laurel Burch. I have so many of her lovely designs. Back in the 80's I had a huge collection of her earrings, and my "at work mug" was for over a decade, a black mug with one of her lions on it. She will be missed.

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On 09/28/2007, Georgina said ...

Susan, I was so surprised to read about Laurel. It's a lovely tribute to her with this colorful quilt. I love her fabrics, always with vibrant and energetic colors.
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Who Let the Dogs Out????

Go home, Uga--bad dog. Bad, bad dog! That's Uga in the photo, the University of Georgia football mascot. He and the Georgia Bulldogs came to Tuscaloosa yesterday and beat the Crimson Tide in overtime. I believe the score was 26-23. It was another exciting game, like last week's with Arkansas. The game went into overtime tied 20-20. Bama scored a field goal to go ahead, but then Georgia answered the Tide with a touchdown to win the game.

But The Crimson Tide played well. I do think John Parker Wilson could shorten his passes just a bit. He sends far too many way over the heads of his receivers. But he's cute as heck.

The Dawgs played well too--obviously. Vann is a Georgia grad, so he's as happy as a pig in slop today. The guys at church gave him a hard time this morning, though, since most of them are Bama fans. But Vann took it well. He didn't gloat.

Congrats to all of you whose teams won this week. And if they lost, like Bama--well, heck, just wait till next week.

ROLL TIDE!

Baby Blessings

Here's Joyce, one of my best good friends from high school, with her new baby granddaughter Darby Elizabeth.

Miss Darby doesn't look too happy. I think she wants to go back to that warm dark place where people aren't taking her picture and poking around on her all the time.

Joyce, on the other hand, is beaming with joy. This lady loves grandchildren. And this one was a special blessing. Her son and his wife waited a long time for her.

God's blessings on you, Joyce Ann, and on Darby and her mommy and daddy and on all your family. You all deserve much, much happiness. May God watch over Darby and protect her all her days.

Love,
Susan

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On 09/22/2007, Sister Cage said ...

Is this Joyce K.? Isn't she a lovely grandmamma! Baby is precious.

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On 09/22/2007, mom2fur said ...

Sweet! Reminds me of the beginning of that movie "Look Who's Talking," when the baby yells: "PUT ME BACK INSIDE!"
Congratulations to Joyce and family!

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On 09/23/2007, Molly said ...

What a sweet baby!! And lovely friend you have there too, she does look like she is glowing!

We are finished with the room(well mostly anyway). I got your note about the Cuisenaire rods, thanks for the offer but I step on them here all the time! Go ahead and donate them locally, our hs group is pretty good about having stuff like that to trade.

Hope you had a good weekend! We did!!

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On 09/26/2007, Nicole said ...

What a lucky woman Joyce is!
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Biscuits & Jelly

What you see above is the delicious culmination of two days' work--well, sort of. Yesterday, while Vann was gone golfing, Sophie and I picked muscadines from the vines in the One-Tenth-Acre Woods behind our house. Actually, I picked the muscadines while Sophie kept the tigers away. Here's a picture of our harvest.

I have never made jelly in my life, but I decided that's what I wanted to do with the muscadines. I figured I had enough berries for a couple of jars. I searched the internet for muscadine jelly recipes. Although the recipes I found were quite simple, they were all different. Some called for pectin, some didn't. And every one of them use different ratios of sugar to juice. So I figured I'd just wing it.

I didn't own any pectin and didn't want to go to the store. And I knew that pioneer women didn't have any store-bought pectin. So I didn't use any.

After the mashing and cooking and straining and straining some more and straining again (sort of like having a baby, huh?), I had this much juice (see next photo).

Actually, that photo was taken before the final straining. I can see it still has seeds and peelings in it.

I figured I needed about 1 1/2 cups of sugar, so I added 2 cups of sugar and cooked the juice for 30 minutes, till the candy thermometer registered 220 degrees. (All the recipes were consistent about this.)

Then I poured the stuff into two 6 ounce jars (just exactly enough), and here's what I got.

I wasn't quite finished, as I had practically painted the kitchen in mascadine juice and had to clean all that up. But I was right proud of myself when Vann came home and I showed him my two pretty jars of jelly. I felt almost like a pioneer woman whose husband had returned from a buffalo hunt. Sophie was proud too; I told Vann about her keeping away the tigers while I picked the berries.

So this morning I made biscuits (from scratch) and we sampled the jelly. It wasn't quite as jelled as it should be, I guess. But it was very tasty and a beautiful color. I'm going to send the second jar to our neighbor Paul who gave us vegetables out of his garden all summer. He also gave us some of his delicious pepper relish--plus he gives Sophie treats about every day. She loves him a bunch.

Last night was the first meeting of the WOW (Women of Worship) Bible study group for this year. We're studying Beth Moore's "Jesus: The One and Only." Veronica and Frank cooked a delicious dinner for us to kick off the new study. We had grilled pork chops, green beans, corn, and rolls.

After Bible study, I went by Lori's and picked up Miss Daisy Dog. We're keeping her until tomorrow while Lori attends a spiritual retreat with her friend Connie. It was good to see that sweet doggie. Of course, now Sophie's in a pissy mood till Daisy goes home, but she can just get over it.

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On 09/21/2007, Molly said ...

Oh yummy!! If you decide that you don't need the second jar(for any reason), I can give it a good home! It looks wonderful. I did WOW several years ago, when I just had one kidlet. It was a very good study. Wish I had time for it now but with homeschooling and all the animals I barely have time to look up! Maybe one of these days...

Molly

ps, I'll be offline for a few days while we rearrange furniture in our living room. Wooohoo!

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On 09/21/2007, britt-sparkled vintage charm said ...

yum!!! that looks great!

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On 09/21/2007, debbi said ...

Yum! Did Sophie get any jelly and Biscuits?

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On 09/22/2007, Sherri said ...

I did Beth Moores study Jesus a few years back when I had a study to go to :( Weve all moved away now I have no study. Im looking at buying Beths new study and doing it myself.
I wish I could have woods to go to pick berries but no such animal here in Vegas:) haha

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On 09/22/2007, Rian said ...

Looks yummy, that biscuit with jelly looks soooo good. Maybe you'll share a photo recipe of how to make biscuits? I love biscuits but have never made them--haven't a clue. I have made jam, though. Tangerine marmalade to be exact. We had a tangerine tree.

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On 09/22/2007, Georgina said ...

Deliciuous, what a great combination. Yes, please share your recipe....
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Big Ribbons and Small Pleasures

Here are the ribbons that my Elvis series and Peace series journal quilts won at QuiltFest 2007 (Birmingham Quilters Guild's quilt show in June). Since I was at the beach during the show and wasn't able to collect my ribbons, Sally B. has been keeping them for me. She brought them to me at guild meeting on Monday. Aren't they pretty? They were made by guild members. Joie S. did the beautiful machine embroidery of our guild logo.

Below is the altered book spread that I made yesterday for Betsy's book "Small Pleasures" for the CPS Altered Book Round  Robin, Round 3.

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On 09/20/2007, Lisa D. said ...

Wow, those ribbons are a work of art! Congratulations on both your wins!

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On 09/20/2007, Sister Cage said ...

Mucho congratulations! You're really on a winning streak--and you deserve it!

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On 09/20/2007, Karla said ...

Congratulations! Those ribbons are gorgeous! Love your altered work as well.
Karla
P.S. I'm happy to hear we are kindered spirits on the holiday thing!

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On 09/20/2007, mom2fur said ...

Oh, wow!!!! Congratulations! It must feel really great to win something like that!
That's funny about Sophie and the coat. I guess she just isn't a fashion diva!

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On 09/20/2007, Patti said ...

Beautiful ribbons - and well deserved. Congratulations once again!

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On 09/22/2007, Georgina said ...

Wow Susan!!! Congratulations for winnig those ribbons!

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On 10/07/2011, chloe said ...

i love your altered book! maybe you could email me i might need some ideas!?? Thanks _ chloe
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Crossing the Rainbow Bridge

Laurel Burch
December 31, 1945 - September 13, 2007

I've marveled at Laurel Burch's art and fabric designs since I first saw them several years ago. I didn't know the story of how this amazing art came out of such a turbulent life. If you don't know about her, go to her website and read her story. She will be missed by many.

"I live within the vivid colors of my imagination--soaring with rainbow feathered birds, racing the desert winds on horseback, wrapped in ancient tribal jewels, dancing with mythical tigers in steamy jungles."
                            --Laurel Burch

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This is a fabric postcard I made in 2005.

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This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/19/2007, Terri said ...

A lovely post about Laurel. I hadn't heard that she passed. I knew she wasn't in the best of health. I have many ceramic pieces of her art, a handbag, some fabric, and two quilting books. I love her work. She was a wonderful artist.

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On 09/19/2007, mom2fur said ...

Beautiful work! I love that the animals she is holding look very happy to be with her! I'm so sorry to hear that she passed away at such a young age.

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On 09/19/2007, Sister Cage said ...

Thanks for the pics, and for the link to the story of this beautiful and talented woman. I also love your fabric postcard; the autumn one pictured at left on your blog is fabulous; I can't quit looking at it.

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On 09/19/2007, sandi @ the whistlestop cafe said ...

She was a wonderful artist! You can't help but smile when you see her work. She is indeed crossing over the RAINBOW bridge

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On 09/19/2007, nita from red tin heart said ...

Susan, her art is so wonderful!! I will check her site out. Your cloth postcard is a work of art in itself. Your card came to John yesterday and he really liked it, as did I. XOXO Nita
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I Win Again!

I am definitely having a streak of good luck these days (knock on wood or something). First I won the door prize at book club Friday, then yesterday I won the name tag drawing at guild. The prize was this lovely sewing basket which has a bunch of sewing notions (which you can't see because they're inside the basket). But wait! There's more! I was also one of the winners of the fat quarter drawing. This month the theme was black-and-white. You can see some of the fat quarters I won in the photo. All right, now, where do I buy lottery tickets?

I promised some photos of our guild members' show-and-tell, so here they are.

Judy W. made this quilt to help raise money for the Eye Foundation's corneal transplant program At least I think that was the cause. I have to confess that I was so taken with the quilt that I was paying more attention to it than to what Judy was saying. Anyway, I know it's a donation quilt that has something to do with eyes.

The quilt features some of Judy's amazing fabric portraits. Clockwise rom top center, the people are Bob Hope, Bo Jackson, one of Judy's babies, Charlie Boswell (blind golfer), Bear Bryant, George Wallace, Judy's dad, and Heather Whitestone (Miss America 1995). The center circle is Helen Keller (most famous blind lady from Alabama). All of these people are from Alabama, except Bob Hope, and I really can't explain why he's on the quilt, another result of not paying attention.. And they all are either blind or are cornea donors, which maybe explains George Wallace--but then, I'm not sure anything could explain George, bless his heart.

New guild member Mary U. shows her house quilt wallhanging.

                              

At right is Elayne V's Stack 'n' Whack.

Below is a donation quilt made by Judy W. She made it to attract attention while we were selling tickets for our other donation quilt at a program at the Birmingham Zoo. The other (big) donation quilt isn't quite as colorful, so it was thought that this one would draw more attention, especially of children, whose parents would follow. Which it did. I know it sounds complicated, but that's the story.

Below are some of Judy W's "Funky Little Art Quilts." Aren't they wonderful? They're very small--just a little larger than postcard size.

And this is just a picture of people milling around before the meeting started.

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On 09/18/2007, mom2fur said ...

There were so many beautiful things to see there! I'm glad you won that prize. I love the black and white fat quarters!
Thanks for your good thoughts this morning on my endiscopy. Obviously, I'm back. All went well, and I posted about it.

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On 09/18/2007, Karla said ...

Wow! Those fabric portraits are really amazing. All of the quilts are gorgeous and congrats to you on your awesome luck!
Karla

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On 09/18/2007, Karla said ...

Wow! Those fabric portraits are really amazing. All of the quilts are gorgeous and congrats to you on your awesome luck!
Karla

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On 09/18/2007, Pam said ...

Such beautiful quilts by Patty Harant. Thanks so much for the links - I've never seen any of her quilts before. Amazing talent she has. And the quilt by Judy w. Wow!! What amazing talent she has. That is so incredible. Great posts. Thanks so much for sharing your guild meeting - loved it. Lucky you to be winning so many prizes :)))

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On 09/18/2007, Nicole said ...

That Stack and Whack quilt literally took my breath away! How lucky you are to belong to such a great guild.
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A Morning With Patty Harant

We had a super-duper, full-house quilt guild meeting today. The head count was 121 members and visitors. Our meeting facility, the Homewood Senior Center, is getting a little crowded. Still, it's great to see so many people interested in quilting these days. My friend from book club, Mary Undeustch, was among the new members present.

The photo at left shows Patty Harant, our guest speaker today. Patty is a quilt and fabric designer from Pennsylvania who specializes in applique and reproduction designs. She was an interesting speaker, and she brought lots of amazing quilts for us to see. I'll share some of them with you here.

The first is Patty's Wickersham Quilt, which she copied from an antique quilt that she discovered in a museum vault. Patty painstakingly traced all the patterns, including the quilting, by hand. Then, with the help of several other quilters, she made this quilt you see in this photo.

The next quilt is Patty's interpretation of a fractur, which is a Pennsylvania German style of illumination or illustration.

You can find patterns for many of Patty's designs on her website. You'll also see more of her quilts there.

Below are a three more of Patty's quilts.

I  also have photos  of some of our own members' show-and-tell. I'll show you them tomorrow.

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On 09/17/2007, Sister Cage said ...

I love the Wickersham and "My True Love Gave To Me" quilts. They're all amazing, but those two are most striking, to me.

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On 09/18/2007, Georgina said ...

WOW!!!Those quilts are gorgeous! But best of all, I think is the time you spend having fun with your guild friends.

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On 09/28/2007, Jenny H said ...

What amazing quilts! I can't imagine being able to make any that detailed. Most of the quilts I've made so far are just large squares :)
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Slow But Sure

I'm nothing if not slow. I have quilting friends would already have had this thing knocked out. I did get all the letters blanket-stitched, some strips cut for the outer border, and two leaf blocks make yesterday. At this rate, Thanksgiving will be just a memory when this banner is done.

Bama Update: The Alabama Crimson Tide beat Houston Nutt's Arkansas Razorbacks last night in one of the most exciting 4th quarters I've seen in a long time. Both teams played exceedingly well. Arkansas was a worthy opponent. Roll Tide and Go Hawgs!

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On 09/16/2007, Molly said ...

Didn't they play well? We love football around here. It was on alllll day long. You can pop in and see what helped keep my hands busy if you want(scroll down several pics).

You'll get your quilt done in plenty of time!! Don't fret! It is going to be really nice, love the leaves and the style of the letters.

Molly

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On 09/17/2007, mom2fur said ...

Frankly, if I was even ambitious to make something like that, it would be done by Thanksgiving...Thanksgiving of 2020, maybe. It's beautiful!
Glad to see you at my blog. I couldn't believe anyone would throw out a desk like that, either. There's not a thing wrong with it! Well, it's mine now, LOL!
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Books, Barbecue, and Bad Guys

Yesterday was book club at Nell R.'s house. All of the Bookmarkers were there except for Mable (who doesn't do rainy weather) and Peggy. All three Ramey sisters were present, a rare occurrence these days.

I won the door prize (shown at right). I was tickled pink, since I do so love all things autumn.

Mary Anne M. brought us all bookmarks from Turkey. She regaled us with tales of her recent trip to Greece and Turkey and made us want to go.

Before the meeting began, we sampled the goodies on Nell's table, the star of which was a scrumptious Applesauce Fruit Cake with Caramel Frosting, made by Nell's husband Bill. She also served us some sparkling blackberry wine, which I have to get me some of right away.

Nell had chosen My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, and it drew a lively discussion. If you've read it, you know that the subject matter is pretty controversial and emotional. We all agreed that it was an excellent choice. Betty W. kept wanting to discuss our October book, The Road by Cormac McCarthy. She apparently had some serious problems with this read, the least of which not being a shopping cart. Next month, Betty. Hold that thought.

After book club, Vann and I went to Costa's Barbecue for an early dinner (or was it a late lunch?). I had a barbecue pork salad, thinking that would be a healthy and low-calorie choice after succumbing to the delights of Nell's refreshments. But when I got home and looked it up, I discovered that it's a points gobbler on the Weight Watcher's list. Oh well. It was delicious anyway.

We finished our feast and hurried over to the theatre to see the new movie, "3:10 to Yuma," (which actually was showing at 4:45). We both love Westerns, and this one didn't disappoint us. It was horribly, graphically violent, with constant loud gunshots and one especially disturbing and noisy murder involving a dinner fork. But the acting was excellent, and we enjoyed this movie in spite of some glaring editing problems. Russell Crow is just amazing as the mean, nasty, horrible (but charming) bad guy, Ben Wade. And Christian Bale is pretty good too.

It was a lovely Friday. But today, I have to get back to work on the Thanksgiving banner. The rain has gone, the sun is out, and it's a beautiful early autumn day here in central Alabama. Y'all have a good Saturday--hear?

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On 09/15/2007, Nicole said ...

Hello! I stumbled across your lovely blog from another...and I just can't seem to remember which one. LOL! I wanted to stop by and leave a note for ya'! I enjoy reading your blog you have a way with words. I especially liked the one with Winter. What a hoot your aunt is.:-) My in laws live in Kimberly AL. Lovely state! Have a great weekend! Nicole TX

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On 09/15/2007, mom2fur said ...

Sounds like you had a great time! LOL, I thought the 'Turkey' on the bookmark referred to a Thanksgiving Turkey! Duh!

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On 09/15/2007, Sister Cage said ...

Before I forget again, let me tell you how much I like your blog's "new look." Now it's even better.

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On 09/17/2007, nita from red tin heart said ...

Awesome basket! xo nita
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Watch Out for Them Beaks!

Sandi, over at Whistlestop Cooking, got me thinking about Hummingbird Cake. Well, that, and all those little birdies buzzing around my feeder, getting ready to migrate south. I know not all of you have heard of this wonderful confection, so here's a short course.

My research reveals that the recipe for this southern favorite first appeared in 1978 in Southern Living magazine. It was sent in by a Mrs. Wiggins from Greensboro, North Carolina. Mrs. Wiggins didn't explain how the cake got named for the tiny birds, and this remains a mystery to this day.

This is reportedly SL's most requested recipe of all time, and for good reason--it's delicious. In my family, it has become a tradition to make it not only on holidays but on any special occasion.

My sister made it for my wedding party when Vann and I were married in 1994. I made it for my niece Buffy's wedding cake a few years ago. This one was the coupe de gras of all hummingbird cakes: six layers in graduated sizes. The thing was so heavy after it was iced that it took me and my sister to move it.

Some people make this as a sheet cake or tube cake, but that's not right. The traditional hummingbird cake is three layers separated and covered with cream cheese frosting. It's the easiest cake I've ever baked; you just sort of dump everything in a bowl, stir it up, and bake it.

Before I give you the recipe, you might want to consider that this tasty dessert weighs in at 625 calories per serving, about half of those from fat. But every single one of those calories taste like you've died and gone to sweet-tooth heaven. (There's a "lightened" version, but if you're going to eat hummingbird cake, go for the real thing, I say.)

This is the recipe I use. It's the original Southern Living recipe. Some people use walnuts instead of pecans. I advise against this substitution.

INGREDIENTS                    

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3  large eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1  (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups chopped bananas
Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.

Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake; sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top. Store in refrigerator.

"Watch out, fellows. Those women are making hummingbird
cake again. Fly for your lives!"

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On 09/14/2007, Terri said ...

Oh my gosh, does that sound yummy....um, could you please email me a piece to try?????

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On 09/14/2007, Donna said ...

Delicious cake and beautiful little bird, I'm enjoying your blog. Makes me feel like it's about to snow! Haave a great day!

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On 09/15/2007, Pam said ...

Hmm that does sound really good. One of my son's favourite cakes is Pecan cake with Maple icing. I bet he would really like this cake. I will have to try it. Thanks for the recipe.

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On 09/15/2007, sandi @ the whistlestop cafe said ...

Funny, you had me laughing at the end. =D

Did you have to go and ruin it with the calorie count? I'd rather just not know. Ignorance is bliss.

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On 09/16/2007, cd&m said ...

The cake looks so very tasty.

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On 09/16/2007, Daune said ...

Now I know not to drop by to your blog on an empty stomach. It's dangerous. I've just drooled all over my shoes. Hummingbird cake sounds too good. I've got to try this one then take it to work so that I'm not tempted to eat the whole thing.

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On 09/18/2007, Judy Scott said ...

How lovely to see you visit, you've been very busy!! and this looks so yummy. Judy x

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On 07/02/2010, kayellen said ...

wow!!yummmmm!!

Can't wait to try it!!
xoxo
K
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Welcome, Humberto!

Tonight, the outer bands of tropical storm Humberto are bringing soaking rains (and thunder and lightning) to our part of the world. The rain is so welcome.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the people on the coast whom Humberto visited while he was still a hurricane.

The poem above came from Google Images.

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On 09/14/2007, Susan Lenz said ...

Hi!
I've been wondering how you were. Glad to hear that the rains were welcomed and that you were spared any significant problems. We'll keep praying for those who were in harms way.
Suasn
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This Is What I'm Working On

Today I worked on the Thanksgiving banner for the church narthex. This is how far I got--pieced background (2" finished squares) and letters fused on red fabric and cut out. The letters aren't yet fused to the background. I hope to do that tomorrow and work on the maple leaf blocks that will be above and below the message.

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On 09/13/2007, Karla said ...

Looks great so far. Do you hand cut the letters?
Karla

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On 09/13/2007, nita from red tin heart said ...

I love Thanksgiving. I wish there were more decorations for that holiday. xo Nita
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Z Is for Zesty Italian

This salad dressing has been a staple in my house for as long as I can remember. We even had it when I was a kid--except then, it was just called Kraft Italian.

It's the reason my kids ate salads. In fact, Kraft Italian is the only kind of salad dressing they would even consider.

I remember once buying some other kind--maybe Oil and Vinegar. My daughter was a teenager then.  Well, I got in big trouble over that. She informed me that I knew what kind of salad dressing she liked. "I've been eating it all my life," she said. And she still does.

FYI, Zesty Italian has a lot of others uses besides just dressing salads. I like to marinate chicken breast in it before baking or grilling them. And it's a great dressing for pasta salad. I even use it to flavor gazpacho.

What's your favorite salad dressing?

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On 09/10/2007, Deb said ...

Congratulations on making it to Z! My favorite dressing: Ken's Honey Mustard or Ken's Sweet Vidalia Onion.

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On 09/11/2007, mom2fur said ...

For commercial stuff, I like Ken's Steakhouse Italian and Hidden Valley Ranch (the kind you mix yourself.) I also like home made dressing of almost any kind.

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On 09/11/2007, Diane said ...

Neuman's Own Light Honey Mustard. Low fat, low sugar, high in tasty.
Loved all your alphabet posts. I might do that ... sometime.

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On 09/12/2007, Rian said ...

I usually make my own vinaigrette, but when I reach for the bottle I like Bernsteins Italian. I too use it to marinate chicken--delicious. And I recently discovered Marzetti's, who makes a great slaw dressing, has come out with a line of salad dressings. We tried the Ultimate Blue Cheese and it was fantastic. Beyond belief.

PS I have tried the Zesty Italian and did not care for it at all--too zesty. But Kraft makes a nice Caesar.
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Y Is for Yards and Yards and Yards...

...of fabric!

Here are ten things I know about fabric:

1. In my house, there's no such thing as "too much fabric." I bet a lot of you feel the same way.

2. I hardly ever have a project in mind when I buy fabric--I buy it because I love it, want it, have to have it. You know--the way Emelda Marcos felt about shoes?

3. Ever had this thought: "If I don't buy it now, they might not have it later when I need it." That's my justification for a lot of the fabric I buy.

4. I mourn the disappearance of big brown grocery bags. They were perfect to take with you to the fabric store and use to transport your fabric into the house. That way, your husband thought you were buying groceries.

5. I've run out of space to store fabric. My husband says I can't have his closet. I know one woman who stores her overflow in the downstairs shower--which nobody ever uses.

6. If I think I might need a yard, I buy two--just in case.

7. The cost of fabric should be deductible for income tax purposes. It's sort of like medical expenses, isn't it? Well, anyway, it's cheaper than therapy.

8. Fabric is impossible to throw away--no matter how small the scrap. I have bags of scraps, boxes of scraps, even jars of tiny dog-ear corners that I cut from triangles. All of it's too dear to discard.

9.  Ugly fabric is in the eye of the beholder.

10. I want more fabric.

Here's some fabric I bought just yesterday. These pieces have a purpose though. They're for the Thanksgiving wallhanging I'm working on for our church's narthex.

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On 09/09/2007, nita from red tin heart said ...

You are so funny! I feel the same way about fabric. It is an addiction. I especially love velvets. I would like to make some of those velvet strawberries I keep seeing. Have a great day. xo nita

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On 09/09/2007, Pam said ...

Yes - we all feel the same way about fabric. I am stocking up now as part of my retirement fund. I buy fabric instead of mutual funds, that way I will have a big fund of fabric to dip into when I retire. And fabric doesn't have a "best before" date!!

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On 09/09/2007, debbi said ...

I could not agree with your more! Number 4 is my favorite, I too miss brown bags.

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On 09/09/2007, mom2fur said ...

I like number four!
The wall hanging is going to be gorgeous--can't wait to see a picture of it!

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On 09/09/2007, Rian said ...

We still get big brown grocery bags. They ask, "Paper or plastic?"

Not very quilty of me, but I don't buy fabric anymore just to possess it. I have yards and yards of that stuff and it's such a waste. Now I buy with a specific project in mind. Dunno, works for me.

I like your new picture.

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On 09/09/2007, Toni said ...

I just love your stash of fabric!...we should do a vintage exchange.

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On 09/10/2007, mom2fur said ...

Hi, again. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm really going to enjoy that Sinatra CD my friend sent. I'm really into the old standards...give me Ella or Nat or Frankie, any day!

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On 09/11/2007, Diane said ...

Thanks for the comment on the baby quilt. I do think it looks pretty good considering the blocks were made by people so far apart with very little suggestions or guidelines from me!
You did notice that I didn't show any closeups of the quilting, right? I will take some because I did like what I did in the green sashing - heart shaped leaves. I'd like to think I made it up but I'm sure someone has done it before me....
:D
... what are you going to do with all that Yardage?

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On 09/12/2007, Nicole said ...

I am so enjoying your journey through the alphabet Susan!
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X is for Xmas

Front of fabric postcard made by me.

****************************************************************************************************************************This This is how I feel about Christmas. I wish we could take it back to a time when it meant something besides spending. I remember when Christmas was about family and food and a lopsided cedar tree with handmade ornaments and not enough lights. You didn't used to have to mortgage the house to pay for Christmas; that's the way I'd like it to be again.

The stores have had Christmas merchandise in them for weeks now. That's not normal. Last year, someone in our neighborhood had their tree up BEFORE Thanksgiving. By the end of October, I'll be wishing it was all over.

And pretty soon the controversy will begin about whether or not we can say "Merry Christmas," or do we have to say "Happy Holidays." And somebody will get sued for erecting a manger scene. Taking Jesus out of Christmas is like taking the turkey out of Thanksgiving, or fireworks out of the 4th of July, or love out of Valentines Day. Jesus is what it's all about, and if we can't have that, then forget Christmas.

But there's still something in me that loves Christmas--the lights and carols, the candlelit church service on Christmas Eve, watching "A Christmas Story" and "It's a Wonderful Life" on tv, sitting on the sofa and watching the lights on the Christmas tree twinkle. (Not shopping, though; I hate the shopping.) So let me be the first, besides Wal-Mart, to wish you a Merry Christmas.

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On 09/08/2007, Julia said ...

I concur exactly with your feelings on Christmas!! Without out Jesus there is NO Christmas!!!!!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, to you too!

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On 09/08/2007, JoAnna said ...

Christmas doesn't have to be about the commercialism. It isn't that way for our family. We stopped buying lots of gifts ages ago and do more for charities now.

The Center for a New American Dream has a lot of amazing tips for helping simplify the holidays. You don't have to fall into the quagmire just because the stores do. Hope this helps:
http://www.newdream.org/holiday/index.php

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On 09/08/2007, Sister Cage said ...

If I were The Universal Arts Council, I would give you the Rembrandt Award and officially designate you a Fine Artist for those fabric postcards, especially this Santa one.

I agree with everything you said about Christmas. Think I'm going to go minimalist this year on decorating.

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On 09/08/2007, Pam said ...

I certainly agree with you about Christmas. I really hate the Christmas shopping the most. We have really scaled back since all the kids have moved out. Now the best part of Christmas is Christmas Eve - where we sit back and open the bottle of Port and eat the Rogers Chocolates.

I like the new layout and colours of your blog. Very autumn :))

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On 09/08/2007, Sherri said ...

Ditto on your ideas on Christmas. Let me be one of the first to wish you a blessed Merry CHRISTmas!

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On 09/09/2007, mom2fur said ...

I couldn't believe it when I walked into the garden center of K-Mart, thinking there would be some nice end-of-season discounts, and it was full of Christmas stuff!
There oughta be a law against it!
Every year, there's some danged lawyer or politician griping about a manger scene or a mennorah. Hey, I'm Catholic and I love to see a beautiful mennorah (sorry if I spelled it wrong) lit up! Now they have to put a sign next to it that says 'erected by such-and-such place of worship.'
I'll ask the question a hundred times...who exactly is complaining about this? Nobody I know!
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Time for a Cool Change

The official start of autumn is still a couple of weeks away. But I decided I'd get an early start on decorating here at Blackberry Creek. So here's our new look for autumn. Hope you like it.

The Autumn Leaf teapot at left is not mine, but I wish it were. I remember that my first mother-in-law, Irene, had some of these dishes. I remember in particular a big bowl. Wish I had it now.

Happy weekend everyone. And watch for Letter X tomorrow.

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On 09/08/2007, debbi said ...

No No it is to soon, I still need the warm weather.

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On 09/12/2007, Nicole said ...

I just adore the change of seasons, when I can pull out all my decorations and get a new look going in the house. Love the teapot too.
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W Is for Winter

This is a scene that was NOT taken out my living room window, but I wish it had been. I'd love to be standing on this side of that window, sipping a cup of hot coffee, dressed in my warmest sweatshirt and fuzzy slippers. Truth is, it rarely snows around here. We haven't seen snow in years--except for those brief flurries that do nothing more than get the children all excited, thinking they'll get a day off from school.

I love winter. I'm not sure it's my favorite season because I really, really like autumn too. But I truly love winter, and I truly love snow. I like being able to snuggle up on the sofa with a hot drink and a good book, pull the afghan up to my neck, and spend a cozy afternoon there. I like the look of the bare woods, the skeletal trees, the grey skies that hold a promise of snow, even if that promise is seldom fulfilled.  And on the few occasions when the snow actually does come, I stand at the window and watch it fall. I love the silence of a snowfall. It's like you should hear it, but you don't. It's so soft, so gentle. Not like rain, which pelts down like the percussion section in a big band, not caring who hears the racket it makes. Snow doesn't want to wake anyone.

It seems that most people in Alabama don't share my love of snow. People go crazy around here when the evening weather forecaster pronounces the "S" word.  Never mind that those  predictions of snow rarely come true; just the mere mention of the word sends people into paroxysms of grocery shopping. There are riots in the super markets over milk, bread, and toilet paper. It beats all.  One year, it seemed we had snow predictions every week or so--no snow, just the predictions. My aunt Edna bought so much bread that she had every food freezer in the family full of the stuff. I think Uncle Jim pulled out a loaf just last week that was dated 1981.

But I love snow, and every year I pray that this is the year we get the big one. The last big one came in 1993. I didn't exactly miss it, I just wasn't here when it happened. Vann and I had gone to the mountains. But that March, the snow blanketed the entire eastern half of the country, or most of it. We spent the blizzard of '93 at Blackberry Farms Inn in the Tennessee Smokies. It was wonderful. We were snowed in for several days with no electricity, melting snow to flush the toilets, and surviving on gourmet meals russled up by the inn's chefs (who, fortunately, cook with gas). While family members back home were huddled together under stacks of blankets, eating pork and beans out of a can, we had crepes with chocolate sauce for breakfast, were warmed by burning logs in huge fireplaces, and brushed our teeth with Perrier. It's an experience we'll never forget.

That was 14 years ago. 'Bout time for another one, I say. Better go buy up some bread, Aunt Edna. I feel the snow clouds gathering on the horizon.

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On 09/07/2007, Nicole said ...

People here in California go crazy at the idea of snow on the ground too. One year we got just a light dusting and there were so many traffic accidents it wasn't even funny. My sister in Wisconsin thought we were all such babies!
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V Is for Vann: Backtrack on S

These two dear ones share my life here at Blackberry Creek: Vann and Sophie. Vann and I will be married 13 years in November. Sophie joined us in 2002. We're a pack. Vann tries to be the pack leader, and does a pretty good job until Sophie decides it's time for a coup d'etat. But after she gets her ride or her treat or whatever it is she's wanting at the time, she turns the reins of power back over to PopPop. I'm not sure what my position in The Pack is. Mama, I guess. Whatever, I'm glad to be here, sharing my life with this good man and this good dog. I love them both with all my heart.

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In Other News

Luciano Pavarotti died at his home in Italy today. He was 71.

Pavarotti was a favorite of my mama's. I'll bet when she heard the news, she was the first in line to meet him as he entered the Pearly Gates Although I'm no fan of opera, I do appreciate what a huge talent he had and what a wonderful contribution he made to the genre.

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Never Trouble Trouble

You probably know that Leona Helmsly's dog, Trouble, inherited a bunch a million dollars from his mistress, who died recently. Well now, Leona's former housekeeper is suing Trouble, claiming that he bit her on several occasions when she was in his mistress's employ.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the son to whom Loena left not only Trouble, but a huge pot of money has said he wants nothing to do with the little Maltese. It's not clear whether or not he'll get the money if he doesn't take in Trouble. I just want to say (and I've cleared this with Sophie) that I will take Trouble, money and all. Where do I write to let my offer be known?

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This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/06/2007, mom2fur said ...

I think you're supposed to be the "Alpha Female," Susan...although it seems Sophie has other ideas!

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On 09/06/2007, Rian said ...

Vann has a very nice face. I think perhaps male dogs bond with the female pack leaders, as do the female dogs bond with their dads. That's the way it is in our house. I am very definitely Alpha and Jim, well Jim feels like you, he isn't sure where he fits in the pecking order. And Greta is her dad's dog.

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On 09/07/2007, Karla said ...

LOL! I'll take Trouble too! My goodness - how can he not want to take the dog - if nothing else to get the money! This is a crazy world. I agree with you on Pavoratti - not a fan of opera either but how could you not respect him. Love the photo of Sophie and Vann. You have a wonderful pack!
Karla

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On 09/08/2007, Pam said ...

Another similarity here. Jim and I were married in November as well. November 5th. How close is that to your wedding date?

Vann does look like a very nice man - he has a very kind face.
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