How to Prevent Swine Flu

Don't do this! >>>>>> 

After a busy, busy weekend of socializing (does that make us socialists?), the busyness continued through the first part of the week. Vann had chemo Monday and Tuesday. But Dr. L. gave him a long break this time. No more chemo until May 18, almost three weeks. Which is good because we have some good stuff planned during the next few weeks: a visit from Phillip and Carrie and a trip to the beach, to mention two. We're really looking forward to both.

Yesterday was busy too. The couple who helps me with housework every two weeks was here, then we ran out to grab a quick lunch, then Vann went with Paul to see our across-the-street neighbor boy play soccer. Though I love to see Hunter kick that soccer ball, I stayed home with Sophie. We rested and watched the Presidential address and "Criminal Minds." I know some of my readers believe those two things to be the same, but Sophie and I are still giving the President our support, although we don't agree with all his decisions, of course.  Sophie's mostly giving the first dog Bo her support. She thinks he's hot. She says, "Black Dogs Rule!" 

During this busy week, I did manage to get three rows of my "Bundt Cake" quilt sewn together. I hope the rest of the week is slow and I can get it finished.

I'm afraid I gave the wrong impression that this doggie is Sophie. In fact, it is First Doggie Bo Obama--or B'Obama, as we call him.

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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 04/30/2009, Julie in WA said ...

Where on earth did you find that first picture? It gave me a good belly laugh first thing this morning...a perfect way to start the day!

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On 04/30/2009, Clare said ...

Sophie is so cute!!!
I saw this pig photo in a couple of e-mails this week - eww! I grew up in Iowa - I know how those pigs smell. :-)

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On 04/30/2009, Teresa said ...

Cute pictures! I am so happy for you and Van and the way he is whoopin this cancer. I check your blog hoping to get another good report. Praise God they keep coming.

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On 04/30/2009, Sharon said ...

So that's how you get swine flu!! lolol
Good news for Vann on the chemo front. I bet he's one happy guy.

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On 05/01/2009, Gayle said ...

Now that's one happy little piggy. :-)

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On 05/03/2009, Nicole said ...

I could not believe my eyes when I saw your first picture. Oh my.
Great news in regard to the chemo treatments.
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Thank You for Being a Friend

Bea Arthur 

1922-2009

Rest in 

Peace,

Pussycat.

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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 04/28/2009, valerie said ...

I agree. She was something!

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On 04/29/2009, janet metzger said ...

I loved her...I still watch Golden Girls everyday while I sew and paint! She will be missed.

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On 04/29/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

The people of the world who make the rest of us laugh are real treasures. Bea will be missed.

This is one of the best photos I've seen of Bea. Thanks.

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On 04/29/2009, Beverly said ...

I loved her, too.

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On 04/30/2009, Sharon said ...

Very sad indeed. She was great, I loved that show.
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Yee Ha!

Vann and I were social butterflies this weekend. We enjoyed the anniversary party so much on Saturday night that we decided to attend the hoedown at Bynum's on Sunday afternoon. It was a church event, and the delicious barbecued pork was supplied by the church. Everyone brought a covered dish to go along with the meat, and we all ate ourselves silly.

There were games for the children, hayrides, and even karioke, which was our Pastor Chip's favorite event. I didn't even know he could sing until then.

Everyone was encouraged to wear western wear, which, as you can see, many folks did.

Sophie was one of several doggies who came along with their people. Sophie had an absolute ball and hardly got still the entire afternoon. She visited with everyone. I even took her on a hayride.

Below are some pics from the event. Thanks to Bynum (pictured with Vann below) for opening up her wonderful country place for the event. Thanks to Tony for the hayrides. Thanks to Chip and the Chipettes for the great karioke entertainment. And thanks to everone else for helping make the beautiful spring afternoon such fun. (Click on any photo to enlarge.)

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On 04/27/2009, Carrie said ...

I'm glad you guys had such a nice weekend. Tell Vann I said I love his smile.-Carrie

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On 04/27/2009, Nicole said ...

What a fun weekend! You must be exhausted from all the frolicking about. Vann looks wonderful!

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On 04/27/2009, Debra Spincic said ...

Now that is one good-looking cowpoke!

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On 04/27/2009, Gayle said ...

What a great weekend you had...wish I belonged to your church...that looks like so much fun! :-)

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On 04/27/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...

Great pics! Looks like FUN! We went to a Festival this weekend and I need to post pics!

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On 04/28/2009, Teresa said ...

Gosh that looks like so much fun and
BBQ to boot! Days like that can't be purchased for any amount of money.

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On 04/28/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

What a party! Hope they veered from all things TX so that the barbecue was PORK! Having lived for 10 hot, HOT years in TX, my southern soul (Memphis) was appalled at barbecued brisket. No, thank you, mam! Make mine pork, please and thank you!

Vann is looking great!! Thanks be to God!

Hugs!

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On 04/29/2009, kayellen said ...

Looks like a lot of fun!

Love that picture of Vann with his boots up on the bale of Hay!
I real cowboy pose:)

Thank you for the sweet comment about AB...I am thankful for the opportunity to share.

Blessing to you and your family,

kay ellen
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"Let's Stay Together"

Yesterday, we helped our friends Chuck and Joyce celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Their daughter Charly and some friends threw them a surprise party at our church's family life center. It was a complete success. When the happy couple arrived, ostensibly to meet their daughter to go to dinner, we all yelled "SURPRISE." And they were--completely surprised.

Many people from church came, along with other friends and family of Joyce and Chuck. And a good time was had by all as far as I could tell.

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On 04/26/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

How sweet it is!!!!!!!!! Congratulations to Joyce and Chuck!

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On 04/26/2009, Patti Koosed said ...

Congratulations to your friends.
Staying together these days is something to be proud of.

God Bless them and God Bless You
Patti
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Some Good Things ARE Small Packages

This is what I made today. It's the second basket I've made from the Pink Penguin tutorial. These little baskets are very quick and fun to make and require only tiny bits of fabric.

I originally made it to hold my partner's goodies in the May Day Basket Swap. But it turned out to be much too small to hold what I planned to put in it. But I believe she'll like the basket I decided to use. I do.

Vann has gone to hunting camp. He entirely missed dear season due to his illness, so you can see how much improved his health is (thank you, God). Bill picked him up this morning. They plan to stay for a couple of days. He called me this afternoon and told me that they saw a turkey already and that the woods are beautiful with springtime green.

Sophie wanted to go so bad that she pouted all morning because they left her behind. But this afternoon she came upstairs to the sewing room and demanded that I give her some attention. We went for a long walk then played "stick" then came in and had a treat.

I'm going back now to stitch some of my "Bundt Cake" blocks together.

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On 04/22/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...

I love cute bags! Thank for the link! I would love to try to make one, too! Love your Spring colors!

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On 04/22/2009, sherry said ...

Hi Susan. Just popped in to see how things are going & it sounds like things are great! Glad Vann went to the hunting camp & you have some time to stitch. That little bag is adorable! Keeping you both in my thoughts & prayers! -Sherry

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On 04/22/2009, valerie said ...

I am so happy for him getting to go. That is such a blessing for him. God is so good.

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On 04/22/2009, Bonnie said ...

Hi Susan,
First, I'm so glad to hear Vann is doing well and at the hunting lease. I think that it does good for a man going there like a quilt shop does to a women.

Your little basket is cute, but down below, your rose quilt is gorgeous. I went to Donna's blog and saved it.

Keep Stitchen'
Bonnie

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On 04/23/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Love the delightful Springtime basket and thanks for the link to the tutorial! Won't this be fun to make in Christmas colors?! Autumn colors?! Baby colors?! Kid colors?! etc .....!

So glad Vann feels good enough for a couple of days away!!!!! Just the change of scenery will be good for his soul!

Enjoy free time for yourself, too!

Hugs!

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On 04/23/2009, Kelee Katillac said ...

Hi Susan!

Thank-you for visiting The Katillac Shack!

LOVE your quilt basket!

And Sophie is beautiful!

love.kelee

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On 04/23/2009, michele said ...

Love the basket. It's really pretty. Thanks for the link to the tutorial.
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Blog Quilt Festival 2009

Park City Girl is holding a Virtual Quilt Festival this week. This is my entry. It is one of my favorite quilts because I love basket quilts, i love blue-and-yellow color combos, and this is the only one of my quilts that ever appeared on a magazine cover. It was on the cover of Fons and Porter's For the Love of Quilting (now Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting) in the Spring of 2001, I think. I can't read the date in the photo below, and I don't feel like going upstairs and finding a copy of the mag.

Anyway, I was editor of that

magazine from its debut in 1995 until I retired from Oxmoor House in the summer of 2001. Shortly after my retirement, Fons and Porter purchased the magazine, and they have grown it into, in my opinion, the best quilting magazine being published. Of course, it was a pretty fine magazine when Oxmoor House owned it and I edited it.

Park City Girl has more than 400 entries in her Blog Quilt Festival. You'll find links to all of them on her blog. You'll also be able to enter you own, if you like. Go check it out.

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On 04/21/2009, Terri said ...

Woo hoo!!!! Congrats on being a cover girl, even if it was a while back. Love this quilt. Very pretty.

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On 04/21/2009, Thimbleanna said ...

I love your pretty quilt Susan, and how exciting to be on the cover!

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On 04/21/2009, Zonnah said ...

You did an amazing job, no wonder it got on the front of the magazine!

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On 04/21/2009, Mary on Lake Pulaski said ...

Gorgeous and "a cover girl"!!! Love the color selection and of course the baskets.

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On 04/21/2009, Jocelyn said ...

What an incredible quilt. It was certainly deserving of being a cover quilt. Love the blue and yellow.

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On 04/21/2009, The quilt rat said ...

Beautiful, Gorgeous quilt and the thrill of being a cover girl.......what could be better

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On 04/22/2009, Amy said ...

Nice quilt & a nice little tidbit about your past...

That is my favorite magazine too (most of the time).

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On 04/22/2009, Lisa D. said ...

You learn something new every day! Beautiful quilt, Susan!

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On 04/22/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...

Very beautiful! You are SO talented!

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On 04/22/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Do tell!!!!!!! I had no idea you were famous!!!!!!

Love the quilt and I have a respectable blue/yellow stash myself!

Hugs!

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On 04/22/2009, Cindy said ...

Very nice- great colors - congratulations on being published

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On 04/22/2009, Julie Size said ...

How amazing. I wish I had the time to quilt.

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On 04/22/2009, imquilternity said ...

I always love Blue and Yellow quilts, but yours is truly beautiful! How bright and cheerful!

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On 04/23/2009, Penny G said ...

Love the baskets. Great quilt

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On 04/24/2009, Amy @ parkcitygirl said ...

It's beautiful! I love that the baskets are set on opposite colors instead of white like usual :) Thanks for sharing!

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On 04/25/2009, Anna said ...

Susan,
What a pretty basket quilt- I love blue and yellow together- they always look so happy together.
It sounds like you have been a busy girl- hope you continue to enjoy a busy happy weekend with a little quilt fun thrown in with all that satisfying tidying.
Regards,
Anna

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On 04/25/2009, erica said ...

what a great quilting career you have had! i love basket blocks too but haven't done one yet. this is such a pretty one in blue and yellow.

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On 04/26/2009, Karen Beigh said ...

I can see why this is a favorite quilt! Yellow & blue makes happy quilts.

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On 04/27/2009, Nicole said ...

I never knew that about you!!! I remember that quilt very well, and was inspired by it to start collecting blues and yellows! My gosh, I feel like I am friends with a rock star.

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On 05/01/2009, lila said ...

OH, I love that blue and yellow quilt! I remember that cover too!!!
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Quilting Makes the Quilt

I sent me "315 Y Seams" quilt to Donna last week to be quilted--and she's already finished and ready to send it back to me. I can't believe it. And I can't believe how gorgeous her quilting is. Click on either photo to enlarge to see detail.

I've changed the name of the quilt to "Rambling Rose." That's the name of the quilting design that Donna used. And it's prettier than "315 Y Seams." But let me tell you, that quilt does indeed contain 315 set-in seams. I almost lost my mind before I finished piecing it. But I'm glad I did finish. I love it, and it will always remind me of Mama, who passed away in 2005. I was with her when she bought the fabric that I used for the stars.

Thanks, Donna, for your gorgeous work. I can't wait to get my quilt back so I can play with it (and bind it).

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On 04/21/2009, Lisa D. said ...

The quilting just adds to the beauty of your fabric choices and your piecing. Wonderful job!

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On 04/21/2009, Gayle said ...

Absolutely beautiful quilting and such a nice memory of your mom.

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On 04/21/2009, Molly said ...

What a wonderful way to remember your mom! That is a beautiful quilt, color, pattern and quilting!!!

Molly

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On 04/21/2009, Joanne said ...

Great quilt! I love the pattern, and fabulous colors. You said once you would give us the name of a quilter. I only have about a baker's dozen of tops that need quilting.

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On 04/21/2009, Mary on Lake Pulaski said ...

Rambling Rose is incredible as is the quilting on it!!

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On 04/22/2009, Teresa said ...

Your quilt is beautiful and comes with some very nice memories.

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On 04/22/2009, May Kristin said ...

What a beautiful quilt, the quilting and the memories of your mother included.

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On 04/22/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Beautiful quilt, beautiful memories, and no doubt, a beautiful mother.

Hugs!

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On 04/23/2009, happy zombie said ...

Your Rambling Rose is beautiful! And it looks like it was fun to make, too!

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On 04/25/2009, Sherry said ...

WOW!! I took a break from quilting but am getting ready to pick it back up. I need someone to send my larger quilt tops to and have quilted. Any suggestions?

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On 04/27/2009, Nicole said ...

That is totally stunning. A masterpiece.
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A Touch of Cuteness

Our friend, Mr. Earl from Memphis, passed this poem along to me via e-mail. It's perfect for this cloudy Monday morning. Be sure to read all the way to the end. I don't know who the author is (not Mr. Earl, I think). But God bless 'em, whoever they are. 

 Photo from Flickr Faves.

Ain't

 He was just a little boy, 

 On a week's first day. 

 Wandering home from Bible school, 

 And dawdling on the way. 

 

 He scuffed his shoes into the grass; 

 He even found a caterpillar. 

 He found a fluffy milkweed pod,

 And blew out all the 'filler.' 

 

 A bird's nest in a tree overhead, 

 So wisely placed so high. 

 Was just another wonder, 

That caught his eager eye. 

 

 A neighbor watched his zig zag course, 

 And hailed him from the lawn; 

 Asked him where he'd been that day 

 And what was going on. 

 

"I've been to Bible School ," 

 He said and turned a piece of sod. 

 He picked up a wiggly worm replying, 

 '"I've learned a lot about God.'"

 

 "A very fine way," the neighbor said, 

 "for a boy to spend his time." 

"'If you'll tell me where God is, 

 I'll give you a brand new dime."

 

 Quick as a flash the answer came! 

 Nor were his accents faint. 

 "I'll give you a dollar, Mister, 

 If you can tell me where God ain't."

 

This is our friend, Mike, from Nashville. Mike has been ill for several months with back problems. A little furry friend came to visit him last week, and Mike's dad was trying to get a shot of the two napping on the sofa. But the puppy woke up. He's half shih tzu and half poodle (the puppy, not Mike), but I didn't get his little name.

Get well soon, Michael.

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On 04/20/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Rainy day here and I love the pools of lamplight from my mother's lamps onto my grandmother's furniture that we had reupholstered. These visual links to home and to the women in my family bring me joy.

This grandmother also did beautiful crochet, knitting, and embroidery. I have a crocheted tablecloth she made, a soft sage green suit she knitted for my mother in the early 1950s, and several table scarfs she embroidered. I cherish them all.

The poem is wonderful!

Love the adorable puppy and Mike is quite cute, too. Wishing him well!

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On 04/20/2009, Mom2fur said ...

What a cute poem! I'm going to copy and paste it for some friends to read.
And the dog is precious!

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On 04/20/2009, Debbies Dog Clothes said ...

Hopefully the little pup helped Mike feel better.
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Saturday in the Park--and Garden

As you see, everyone shows up for The Creek Bank Festival, held on the banks of the Little Cahaba River in Leeds each spring.

I made a quick trip there myself yesterday morning to deliver my baked goods (a sour cream pound cake and a big loaf of banana walnut bread) to the WOW bake sale booth. While I was there, I couldn't resist purchasing a blackberry cobbler.

Here are a few pics from the event.

8th Annual Costa Garden Party
We all three got to watch our friends across the street play in the dirt for the rest of the day. Vann was the official photographer, and I was the assistant photographer. Vann got some great photos, which he made into a slide show for our friends. I got a few passable shots. And Sophie had fun playing in the dirt and the pine straw.

Each year about this time, Paul's sister, daughter, granddaughter, and granddog, join Paul and Karen to help put in their garden. This year, Nancy even made T-shirts for everyone to commemorate the event. The Costas grow the most wonderful vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Below are some shots from the day.

Vann and I are playing hookie from church this morning. My FMS is being a pain (literally). It's hard to explain, but when it's this bad, even thinking about doing things like doing my hair, putting on makeup, stuff like that, is like thinking about climbing Mt. Everest.

Happy Sunday to everyone. This is the day the Lord has made. Let's rejoice and be glad in it. What d'ya say?

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On 04/19/2009, alexandrine said ...

I love turtle !! I have 5 when I was little girl.


Van look's good !

Huggs

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On 04/19/2009, Carrie said ...

Hey Vann and Susan
I really like your pictures. Hope you're having a nice weekend. It's a homework party in Wyoming this weekend. Love-Carrie

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On 04/19/2009, Mary on Lake Pulaski said ...

Yes, let us rejoice!

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On 04/19/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

What a wonderful couple of days to be outside!

This is the day the Lord made, and, Lord knows, to be out enjoying it is worship, too.

DH and a friend were working to get our veggie garden ready to plant when the unexpected battle to remove a hidden subterranean tree stump wore them out. Limeade and rest to the rescue. The heat and humidity are climbing and rain is a possibility tonight. Springtime in the South!! Love it!

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On 04/19/2009, Andy said ...

Vann is looking so good! I love that picture of him. I didn't even realize the Festival was this weekend.

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On 04/19/2009, Andrea said ...

I enjoyed your pictures! I empathize if you have fibromyalgia. It is literally a pain. I suffer, also, and some days can barely function. But praise God! He's still faithful!

Many blessings,

Andrea

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On 04/22/2009, Lori in SD said ...

fibromyalgia? I sympathize too!! some days you just don't want to move. My friend summed it up, "I can lay in bed for three days and hurt, or I can take some painkiller and get moving--it's going to hurt either way!" So I think about that, lay down with some painkiller for a while, and then get up and do what I can. Oh, I can't do A LOT, but it's more than laying there doing nothing. Sometimes it's nothing more than washing the dishes or making coffee, but at least I get vertical!

Love the garden pictures, too early here yet for a garden, but I did clean the flower beds. Spring is slow coming to SD this year.
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Cake Day

I'm working on two cakes today. This first one is this layer cake quilt above. I'm calling it "Bundt Cake." It's made mostly from a layer cake pack of Moda Charisma 10" squares.

The other cake I'm working on today is a Sour Cream Almond Pound Cake (a real actual cake that can be eaten) for my Women of Worship's bake sale tomorrow. Each year, our town has an event called The Creek Bank Festival (held at the city park on The Little Cahaba River, or The Creek. Here local artists sell their wares. There is also entertainment, food, rides, and games. Our women's Bible study group is holding a bake sale and also a Bake Off Contest. Wish you could all be here.

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On 04/17/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

SWEET, in every sort of wonderful way!!

Love the quilt, too!

Hugs!

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On 04/18/2009, Carol said ...

Love your quilt! Your pound cake sounds absolutely delicious.

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On 04/18/2009, Joan said ...

Sounds like you are enjoying yourself today Susan.

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On 04/18/2009, Nicole said ...

That layer cake pattern looks like a good one! Don't you love working with that fun fabric group?
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Total Confidence

There is little left in which one can have total confidence. Not the stock market, that's for sure. Not your retirement account. Not the price of gasoline or groceries. Not politicians or reporters. Not the weather.

Our friends and family are usually trustworthy, but sometimes even they let us down.

But not God. God never turns his back. We might not always understand God's answers, actions, and decisions, but I know that he's there--every time we need him, in every crisis, in every joy, in everything.

Yesterday morning, we went for Vann's CT scan, the first in almost five months. Then we had a McBreakfast and went back home to wait till our appointment to see Dr. L and for Vann's chemo. I prayed almost constantly while we waited, and I'm sure Vann did too.

On our way back to the doctor's office, I was again praying that God would make sure we got good news from the CT scan. As I prayed that prayer, I looked up and out the car window and there was a big sign. All it said was "Total Confidence." Now the sign was beside a car dealership and I'm sure it originally had something to do with that. But I believe in signs from God. And I knew at once that that commercial sign was doubling as a sign from God. He was telling me that I must have total confidence that he hears me and is answering.

The first thing Dr. L said when he loaded the new scan images on his computer screen was "This is good." The only way we could have had better news from the CT scan would have been for the cancer to be completely gone. It isn't, but it's retreating. Many of the areas that showed disease in November are completely clear now. And the tumor on Vann's pancreas has shrunk a great deal.

Our plan is to continue what we're doing for now with two chemo sessions every two weeks and watch the numbers. Vann's blood counts are all up, and his tumor markers are still down. And our faith in our Creator is off the chart.

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. Keep up the prayers, please. There's no doubt that they're hitting home.

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On 04/15/2009, Nicole said ...

Thank God. This is good news indeed.

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On 04/15/2009, Randy Williams said ...

Vann & Susan, This is fantastic news. God is so wonderful all of the time. Especially when he take a sign that had another inten, but causes us to see it in a way totally differnet than the world see's it. This is the answer to prayer by a Mighty & Awesome God. Continued good reports. God Bless. Randy

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On 04/15/2009, Joanne said ...

Thanks to Lord Jesus who is always with us, and to the Father who hears us for His sake! I was SO anxious all day yesterday to hear about Vann. Give him a bigo hug for me.

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On 04/15/2009, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

Wonderful news for all of you!

Hugs,
Trudy

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On 04/15/2009, Lisa D. said ...

What a truly wonderful story about the sign from above. I am so happy to hear that you have some good news about Vann. Continued prayers for the both of you.

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On 04/15/2009, Carol said ...

Susan that is the VERY BEST news! I'll keep those good thoughts going.

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On 04/15/2009, Molly said ...

Ditto what everyone else has said!! I love those kinds of signs from God.*G* Go do something celebratory now!

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On 04/15/2009, Diana said ...

I am so happy for your good news with Vann. The power of prayer...

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On 04/15/2009, Debra Spincic said ...

Wonderful!

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On 04/15/2009, Deb said ...

What a wonderful post, Susan! So thankful that you received good news! Praises!

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On 04/15/2009, valerie said ...

God is so good all the time. We will just keep praying for a complete healing.

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On 04/16/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Thanks be to God!!!!!!!!! So happy to hear this glorious news.

Keep on keepin' on, sweetie! Prayers continue with thanksgiving!

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On 04/16/2009, Sandy said ...

That's such great news...you are so right, we don't always understand what God does but we have to trust He knows the best for us..

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On 04/16/2009, Kim & Beverly said ...

Great news! Keeping the positive thoughts and good wishes coming your way!

Kim & Beverly

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On 04/16/2009, Joan said ...

Such good news for Vann and you Susan.

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On 04/16/2009, Julie Size said ...

So glad to hear the good news about Vann...and to here the "GOOD NEWS" ... with what you wrote about Total Confidence!

Thank you for the kind comments you have left on my blog.
(((hugs)))

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On 04/16/2009, angelines said ...

I'm happy to hear fantastic news. Thankyou for your coments. Regards from Spain

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On 04/16/2009, Debbie said ...

Such a wonderful story! I'm so glad to hear the good news!

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On 04/16/2009, Sharon said ...

That is just the best news Susan. I have been so worried. But I'm very happy to hear that things are at least improving for Vann. I believe in signs from above too. How can you not?
Hugs

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On 04/17/2009, Patti Koosed said ...

Amen! I am so glad to hear that Vann is still in check, that is great news!
Hugs
Patti

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On 04/17/2009, hunnybunny said ...

What wonderful news, I am so happy for you guys!

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On 04/17/2009, Clare said ...

This is wonderful! And I love your post - God's messages are there for us. We just have to see them. Have a wonderful weekend.

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On 04/18/2009, Brook Sellers said ...

The prayers are working, God is working, who better then the Almighty. I have been following for months, this is my first year in blogland. I will be posting in my daughter's behalf today, she is at a walk a thon as I write. She is a survior for the second time. Nine years and now three years.Please visit me, and I would appreciate being added to your favorite list. Blessings, Brook

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On 04/18/2009, Gayle said ...

Thank you for this remarkable post. Total Confidence! :-)

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On 04/18/2009, Beverly said ...

Susan, this is such wonderful news. My heart is full, and my prayers will remain constant.

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On 04/24/2009, Valerie said ...

such good news !
i'm so glad to read this (sorry i was away in the netherlands this month)
good or bad, i believe in sings as well.
i'm keeping you in my prayers.
be strong.

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On 04/24/2009, Valerie said ...

sorry for the typo
please read "signs"

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On 05/03/2009, Kai said ...

Susan, my dear friend, I have missed you SO much while I was without internet, and believe me, I have KEPT you & Vann in my prayers! I wish I could give you both HUGE hugs, but I have to be satisfied with virtual ones. Still, I love you both and couldn't BE more grateful to learn the good news! It will only get BETTER! I BELIEVE that completely!
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Goodbye, Woodpecker Tree

The wind and rain woke me up in the middle of the night last night. It sounded very scary. So did the bumps and bangs coming from outside. I turned on the tv and found that there were no weather warnings of any kind, so I went back to bed. The power went out as I was settling back under the covers. 

When we woke up at about 7:00, the storm was over but the power was still out. I got dressed and took Sophie outside for her morning constitutional. On the front porch, I noticed that a screen had blown off one of the bedroom windows. Halfway down the front steps, I noticed something else: the woodpecker tree was lying on its side. It had blown over in the storm. 

I loved that tree. When we bought The Yellow House in 1996, the thing was just a twig. Vann nurtured it, and it had grown into a large tree that shaded that side of the lawn and provided a place for an obstreperous woodpecker to peck for bugs. His peckings had made great patterns in the bark. (Click on the link above if you want to see.)

That and a few roof shingles were the only damage we suffered, but there were trees down all over, and thousands of people in Alabama are still without electricity. Ours came back on at about 9:00 a.m.

Vann had chemo this afternoon. All his blood tests showed his counts were way up, so Dr. L. sent him back for his treatment. Tomorrow, before his second treatment of this cycle, he's having another CT scan, the first since the initial one in November. Please pray for good results. We are, and we're trusting God for just that.

GOOD NEIGHBORS--

The best, in fact. When we got home late this afternoon, three of our great neighbors and good friends were just completing the cleanup from the downed woodpecker tree. Nolan brought his chainsaw, and John and Paul joined him. When we checked our phone messages, we had one from Ashleigh, John's daughter, who had called from work to ask if she could help with removing the tree.

We are so very blessed to have such good friends and neighbors. That includes our blogging friends as well. We ask God every day to bless all of you. We appreciate you more than you'll ever know.

TOO TIRED FOR LIMERICKS

We're both very tired. Vann has already turned in. We're supposed to have more storms tonight, so I'm still up waiting to see if they'll be severe. But my brain is much too tired to come up with limericks tonight. I'll catch up later--or I won't. We'll see. Oh, and thanks, Marla, for the limerick you sent me. It's a good 'un, one we can both understand, huh? I'll post it later too.

Good night, all.

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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 04/14/2009, Amy R said ...

Prayers headed your way and so glad you are walking among angels named Nolan, John, Paul and Ashleigh!

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On 04/14/2009, Mary on Lake Pulaski said ...

Prayers for Vann and you.

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On 04/14/2009, Clare said ...

I had seen there was some bad weather in your part of the country. I am glad that was all the damage you had.
It is wonderful that you have good friends and neighbors - prayers for you and your husband.

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On 04/14/2009, Nicole said ...

So sad about the tree. I know you will miss its shade and the entertainment it provided. What wonderful neighbors you have. Prayers for Vann and you.

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On 04/14/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

I understand the mourning that comes with losing a tree. One of our beautiful oaks just tipped over in a storm about 2 years ago and that side of the yard hasn't been the same since. We've planted a maple and two Bradford pears, but still miss the shade of that huge tree. Kudos to your wonderful neighbors and sincere hugs to you and Vann.

Hope Vann is feeling better and won't be knocked for a loop by today's treatment. May the results of the scan be more amazing that you can even imagine. Prayers continue.

Hugs!

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On 04/14/2009, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

Hi there you two!

I may be puny with pneumonia here, but I am sending strong hugs and healing prayers your way. Glad the house is ok and sorry for the woodpecker and yourself on the loss of the tree. Get some rest !
Hugs,
Trudy

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On 04/14/2009, Beverly said ...

Susan, I just wanted to stop by for a minute to let you know that you both are always in my prayers.

I really miss visiting everyone, but hopefully my mom is "on the mend".

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On 04/14/2009, bj said ...

I am sorry you lost the tree...prayers for all of you...
xo bj

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On 04/15/2009, Joan said ...

Glad you have great neighbours Susan at times like these.

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On 04/15/2009, Phillip Cleveland said ...

Hi Dad & SuSu,
Great news yesterday!!! Too bad about the woodpecker tree. Maybe another could be restored in its place. We are so very happy and thankful for the blessings we are receiving in our family. Y'all really do have very fine neighbors, by the way, and we are all very lucky in so many ways. We love y'all very much, and can not wait to see you! Take care, Phillip.
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To Rabbits

April Limericks Continued

Limerick #10

This gigantic rabbit from Op

Was so big he couldn't even hop.

He could hardly be toted,

He was so badly bloated.

'Cause he ate too many pork chops.

Limerick #11

A little white kitty from Parrish

Decided she wanted to look harish.

She got her some ears

And drank a few beers.

But the other cats said she looked garish. 

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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 04/13/2009, Patti Koosed said ...

How funny Susan.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your kind words. I always love hearing from you.

Hope you had a Happy Easter.
Hugs and God Bless You
Patti

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On 04/13/2009, alexandrine said ...

What a hudge rabbit !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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On 04/13/2009, Teresa said ...

So funny...espeically the bunnykitty.

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On 04/13/2009, Debra Spincic said ...

LOL!

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On 04/13/2009, Lallee said ...

Thank you for my Monday laugh!

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On 04/13/2009, ceramicnut said ...

Hi Susan, I love the bunny, down here in Texas that's abount normal, not really. lol
I hope to get your package in the mail real soon.
Linda

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On 04/24/2009, Valerie said ...

the cat picture is priceless !
i have to show this to my daughter !!!
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Pockets Arrive

The pennie pockets at left came in the mail today. Along with one of my own, they're the ones I received through the Cloth Paper Studio Pennie Pocket Swap. Marci made the one on the left, and Linda made the one on the right. I love them both.

April Limerick Challenge
Limerick #9

There was a young man from South Side?
Who sailed his boat out at high tide
On the day of his wedding.
No one knew his heading.
And he never came back for his bride.

God's blessings on all of you for a safe and joyous Easter.
HE LIVES!

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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 04/11/2009, Debra Spincic said ...

A Joyful Easter to you and Vann!

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On 04/11/2009, valerie said ...

Easter Blessings from my home to yours!

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On 04/11/2009, Linda said ...

He lives, indeed! Happy Easter!

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On 04/12/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Hi is risen, indeed!

Blessings!

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On 04/12/2009, Georgina said ...

Happy Easter Susan, hope you have a wonderful Sunday!!!

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On 04/12/2009, Gayle said ...

Happy Easter!

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On 04/12/2009, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

Hi you two....hope your Easter was a good one. I have had my 4 year old granddaughter here with me all day and she is spending the nite...what a feat to get her settled for bed after all the candy of the day!It has been a lovely day and everything is leafed out and blooming and the world looks reborn!
Hugs,
Trudy
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A Blogivesary GIveaway

Sherri at A Quilting Life is celebrating her 100th post with a fantastic giveaway. Check it out and you might win this beautiful bag made by Sherri herself.

But don't just go for the chance to win a prize. Sherri's beautiful quilts and other projects are worth the visit. She does beautiful work. But go see for yourself. You won't be sorry. 

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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 04/11/2009, alexandrine said ...

what a nice bag!!!

I need your help !!

I want to make an order to this shop

http://quiltingasyouwish.com/sales/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=90

for this fabric!! my son as a "flash" on this fabric!!!
do you known this shop???

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On 04/11/2009, kayellen said ...

Happy Easter to you and Vann,

Have a blessed weekend with your family and church :)

Hugs from California,
kayellen
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Layer Cake Quilting

I started my first Layer Cake quilt yesterday. In the world of quilting, a layer cake, for those who might not know, is a pack of 40 (10") squares of fabric, all from the same fabric line.

I'm using one of the simplest layer cake patterns. The 10" squares (layers) are used as they are, no cutting them into segments. I did have to cut 148 (2 1/2") squares and the outside setting triangles. It should be fast to stitch up. I'm hoping to get it in the mail to the quilter by early next week. (You know, I really don't like those two red squares in the pattern photo. They seem to jump right out at you. I have some extra squares, so I think I'll omit the glaring red and replace them with something a little calmer.)

The fabric is Charisma by Moda.

I have e-mailed everyone in the May Day Basket Swap with your partner's name and e-mail address. Please contact your partner right away with your personal information as described in my note to you. If you haven't received my e-mail note, please let me know. Also please notify me when you have mailed you basket and when you receive a basket. I'd also like to see pics. Either post them on your blog and let me know or e-mail the pics to me if possible.

Hope everyone has fun with this swap. Please let me know if you have questions.

Best wishes for a blessed Easter weekend. May the Lord bless you richly and may the Bunny bring you lots of baskets full of goodies.

Today's Limerick

 Limerick #8
There was a fine lady from Florence.
For cashews she had an abhorence.
She'd pick them from her pack
Of mixed nutty snack
And give them to her Cousin Lawrence.
***

I have been on tenterhooks for weeks now, waiting on the "mystery event" series "Harper's Island" to begin. Well last night it did. And, boy!, was I disappointed. I doubt that I'll be watching the second episode next Thursday.

The premise, as I understand it, is that two families gather on an island in the Pacific Northwest for a wedding of two young people. This island was the scene, seven years ago, of some gruesome murders. The previous murderer having been dispatched seven years ago by the island's sheriff, everyone thinks the island is safe, but it isn't. People start being murdered again--in the most gratuituously gruesome, gorey ways imaginable. E.g., one guy is tied to the propeller of the boat, outfitted with breathing apparatus, and left to contemplate his predicament until the boat motor starts up and chops him all to heck.

The first episode was filled with not only gratuitous gore, but also gratuitous anorexic young girls in gratuitous designer underwear, gratuitous fake-looking headless corpses, gratuitous swaggering sexy older men, and a couple of really quick gratuitous sex scenes.

It's not that the show is plotless. The plot isn't the problem. The actors are. All the girls look just alike (boney and toothy, with long, flowing hair), all the boys are too silly for words, and the grownups are all idiots.

So my advice regarding "Harper's Island": skip it. Spend your time doing something more entertaining. Go check out a Nancy Drew book.

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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 04/10/2009, Connie W said ...

I have plans for a layer cake that I bought at Hancock's of Paducah on my last visit. These are such easy-to-use pieces for making quick quilts.

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On 04/10/2009, Marcia said ...

Thanks for explaining the "layer cake". I'm still learning terms and I've seen that one but hadn't thought to ask what it meant. I love checking your blog, thanks so much for sharing.
Blessings,
Marcia

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On 04/11/2009, Carol said ...

I've looked at that layer cake pattern a dozen times...I love it...I'm with you though...those 2 red blocks need to go. Two wonderful print blocks in their place and WOW! It will be great. Have fun.

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On 04/11/2009, May Kristin said ...

This will be a lovely quilt!
May be I'll see if I can find me a layercake
when I go to Seattle in a couple of weeks!
If I find a nice quilt-shop there!
Happy Easter!
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May Day Basket Swap Closed

We have 8 members for the May Day Basket Swap. I'll randomly assign partners and e-mail you your partner's name and e-mail address. It will be up to you to contact your partner with your mailing info and likes and dislikes. (Photo from Flickr Favorites.)

For this, I suggest that you not get too specific. Just give your partner your favorite colors and maybe a couple of other favorite things. Also include your dislikes if there are things that you just can't tolerate or are allergic to. Then leave it to your partner to surprise you.

I'll include more specific instructions when I e-mail your partner. Make sure you have left your e-mail address with your post or that your post links back to your e-mail of blog. If not, please send me your e-mail address to: suscleve@aol.com.

Missed Another Limerick
Well, I just don't seem to be able to keep up with this limerick challenge I've set for myself. I'm two behind now. But here's one for today.

30 Limericks in 30-Something Days

Limerick #7
There was an old fellow from Ft. Payne
Who one day got caught in the rain.
He got all befuddled,
Slipped down in a puddle,
And suffered a serious sprain.

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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 04/09/2009, Andrea said ...

Love this limmerick! Many Easter blessings to you.

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On 04/09/2009, Molly said ...

Love the limerick!! I think I fixed my blog to allow you to leave comments now, there are new kitty pics up too.*G*

Molly

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On 04/11/2009, alexandrine said ...

Oh!!! why I didn't see this before ???????????

Bouhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
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Something Finished!

I finished my "Hearts Dot Com" quilt top on Saturday. I made the raw-edged (raggedy) hearts from the polka dot fabric I won in one of Sharon's drawings a while back. I don't remember where I got the pink and black.

Now it's ready to go to the quilter. I think it can be ready in time for my guild's quilt show in June.

I have a few other small tops that I've done in the past couple of years that I'm also going to try to finish for the show. And I'll enter the quilted church banners that I made in 2007.

I wanted to get a bunny quilt done (for which I have all the materials) in time for the show, but I'm afraid that ain't happening. It will have to wait for the 2011 show, I think.

We went for Vann's chemo yesterday, but were sent home after his blood tests were done. His red cells were up in he good range, as were his white cells. It was the platelets that were down this time. So Dr. L is giving this little buggers till next Monday to get their act together.

While I was working on my heart quilt, Vann and Sophie did yard work on Saturday. Vann wore a mask against the pollen and dust; Sophie wouldn't wear hers.

We're having our Easter week cold snap here. Seems no matter how early the weather turns warm, it always gets frigid around Easter time and causes little girls to have to wear jackets and sweaters over their pretty frilly Easter dresses.

You may have noticed (perhaps with relief) that I missed yesterday's limerick. So unless I double up, I'll be a limerick shy of 30. Here's one for today:

30 (or perhaps 29) Limericks in 30 Days
Limerick #6

A pretty young lady from Brent
Gave up cookies for Lent.
"I'll not eat a one,"
She said to her hon.
And, I'm proud to report, she d'in't!
***

Go HERE to sign up for the MAY DAY BASKET SWAP. I'd like to have all sign-ups completed by tomorrow night if possible.

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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 04/07/2009, Gayle said ...

Your finished quilt is spectacular!

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On 04/07/2009, Debra Spincic said ...

Is that like having one sandwich short of a picnic? *wink*

Love that quilt top! I am a sucker for hearts!

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On 04/07/2009, Molly said ...

LOVE the quilt!! It turned out just too cute!

Molly

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On 04/08/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Cheers on your finishing your heart quilt! Love the colors and am in awe of your curved piecing!

Your church banners are spectacular!! Have you ever seen the book "The Patchwork Pilgrimage" by Jill Liddel? It's a feast of eye candy and interesting text about quilted church banners, vestments, and such from the world over.

Vann looks so fetching in his mask! I worked in surgery for almost 30 years, so notice and appreciate kind and laughing eyes!

Cold here, too, and DS1 in Chattanooga called yesterday to say he was driving thru sleet and snow! Back to being cozy!

Hugs!

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On 04/08/2009, Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home said ...

I love that Heart Quilt!
Hugs,
Penny

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On 04/08/2009, Nicole said ...

Your Heart Quilt is wonderful! Years ago, I made a similar quilt with circles instead of hearts, and I loved the homey look it had. Especially after it was washed and the raw edges started to fray a bit. That three dimensional texture added even more to the beauty of the quilt. I think it may be one of my favorite quilts ever.

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On 04/08/2009, Pesky Patti said ...

Susan...I really like your quilt. The balance of colors is perfect. Seems some quilts have one block that grabs your eye and won't let you just look at the whole project. Vann's color looks good too! Sure am glad that chemo is going well. PP

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On 04/08/2009, Clare said ...

Love the heart quilt!
We usually get a cold snap the week of Easter too - I am hoping for some sunshine though.
Happy Easter a little early!

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On 04/09/2009, Bonnie said ...

Hi Susan, your quilt is georgous. I know your glad to have a finish. That Sophie is so cute. Will say a prayer for those platelets to get to rising.
Blessings,
Bonnie

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On 04/09/2009, Teresa said ...

Wow, your quilt has that geometri quality that I always seem to be drawn to. Great use of color and design! I like your limiricks.

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On 04/10/2009, Patti Koosed said ...

Just Beautiful Susan!
God Bless You and have a wonderful Easter
Patti
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Lazy Rainy Afternoon

30 LIMERICKS IN 30 DAYS

Limerick #5

A gangster we knew once from Foley

Shot up his boss good and holey.

When the deed he had done

He threw down the gun

And said, "Leave the gun; take the cannoli."

***

We went to church this morning and heard our choir perform magnificently a beautiful Easter cantata. Afterwards, Greg and Lori treated us to a nice Mexican lunch at El Cazador. So now I'm not good for much of anything except couch potato-ing. I planned to do some more work in the sewing room this afternoon, but the couch is just too comfy. I spent most of yesterday in the sewing room and have some things to show for it, but I'm not up to lifting the camera. Tomorrow maybe.

See yesterday's post if you think you might be interested in a May Day basket swap.

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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 04/05/2009, Lisa A said ...

I'm loving your limericks! And I'm having El Cazador leftovers for dinner myself this evening.

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On 04/06/2009, Patti Koosed said ...

Great post!
Happy Easter
Hugs and God Bless You

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On 04/06/2009, Gayle said ...

I'm enjoying these limericks so much:-).

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On 04/06/2009, Doris M said ...

Love, love, love your limericks. Here's my contribution.

There was a gal from Leeds
Whose life was full of good deeds.
She was known far and wide
As someone with nothing to hide
Except her yard full of weeds.

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On 04/07/2009, Andrea said ...

It rained here in Huntsville all weekend. Now, of course, it is cold. We even had a wee bit of sleet tonight, though it was barely noticeable. God bless you. I'm glad you had a wonderful Palm Sunday.

Andrea

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On 04/07/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Good morning!

Hope you're feeling good today and are able to post those pictures of your creative Saturday!

I love the idea of the May basket swap and the ideas that came to my mind, but alas, I think this May I cannot play (rhymes!). There is just too much on my schedule with 3 birthdays, our anniversary (37th!), taxes, out of town company, AMIL's medical appointments, sleeping, and breathing. My house is also still a disaster since I was sick for most of a month. I need "away" places for everything. Any ideas or suggestions? All welcome!

Hugs!

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On 04/07/2009, Clare said ...

It is good to have a couch potato day once in awhile.
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May Basket Swap

May Baskets
Originally uploaded by suscleve

CLOSED

Any of you interested in a May Basket Swap? Here's what you would do:

***Leave a comment on this post stating your interest.
***Create or purchase a small pretty basket, any shape, any material.
***Fill basket with some of your partners favorite stuff.
***Mail basket to your partner by Monday, April 27, so that she will get it in time for May Day.

Nobody will get flaked in this swap. EVERYBODY WILL RECEIVE A BASKET. That means if you enter and don't fall ill or leave the earth for any reason between the time you sign up and April 27, you WILL mail a basket. For those who do fall ill or go extraterrestrial, we will have Swap Angels to fulfill their commitments. Seriously, though, if you decide to play, play fair. Commit to follow through.

Please sign up here quickly, by Wednesday, April 8. I will assign partners no later than Friday, April 10, so that you can get your partners likes and dislikes and get her basket in the mail.

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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 04/04/2009, Melinda said ...

I would like to join in - sounds like lots of fun.

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On 04/06/2009, Sandy said ...

Sounds like a lot of fun...I'm new to this, what else should I do?
I've been reading your blog, love the way you express yourself, and have read a lot of the old blogs.
Where did you get the design for the Christmas banner for your church? I make banners for our church but have never seen that pattern.

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On 04/07/2009, tammy said ...

Sounds fun. I would love to join.

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On 04/07/2009, Becca said ...

oooooooohthis looks like fun.Count me in!

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On 04/07/2009, ginny said ...

Oh, I just love May baskets and would love to be in this swap!

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On 04/08/2009, Ruth said ...

Oh I want to join to. Sounds like such fun after messing with taxes.

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On 04/08/2009, Katie said ...

Sounds like a lot of fun - I'm new to the blogging/swapping world and would love to participate!
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The Best Days are When Fabric Comes...

...to paraphrase a line from Melanie Hamilton in the movie "Gone With the Wind."

This bundle of Sandy Gervais "Hearts Aflutter" fat quarters arrived this morning from Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts. Nicole is cleaning out her fabric stash and selling some great pieces. You can visit her sale every Tuesday on her blog. Her prices are great too.

I'm going to work on getting that I-pod going again today. Then if there's any time left over, I'm going to the sewing room.

Thanks to everyone who offered explanations for my house dreams. You all make sense to me. I'm the house, I'm the mess, I'm the doors with no locks, I'm the kittens. Now let me see if I can get everything sorted out and in its proper place. Happy weekend, everyone.

30 Limericks in 30 Days

Limerick #4

There once was a baby girl from Slapout
Who never could quite get her nap out.
She’d wake up and cry.
Her mom never knew why.
Mom got so upset she kicked the pap out.

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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 04/05/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Yummy fabrics!!!!!! Do you ever hesitate to untie bundles like this, as if even the tie is precious - or am I the only one?

Love the limerick! Your sisters must be so proud of how you're using your poetic talents!! :D

Hugs!

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On 04/05/2009, Nicole said ...

Can't wait to see what you do with this! Or maybe you are like me and you just like to keep it around to pet once in awhile!

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On 05/14/2012, Best Scary House said ...

Horror and Halloween Link Directory. Add your site for free. Horror authors, artists, halloween props, music, goth, costumes, paranormal, virtual haunted houses, all horror related sites are welcome to join. Best Scary House
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The I's Have It

See this little old thing? It's what in my day might have been called a stereo--and before that, a hi-fi--and before that, a record player, gramophone, whatever. In fact, it's an I-Pod Shuffle. See the size of it? Less than two inches long and a little over a half inch wide. And that, my dear ones, will hold 1,000 songs. That is, if one doesn't lose it and if one can ever figure out how to get those songs inside the little bugger.

The I-Pod Shuffle is the latest must-have thingy in our must-have culture. Vann bought each of us one of these, which arrived yesterday. By last night, Vann already had his downloaded with all his favorite artists, while I was still trying to register mine and charge it's teeny little battery. The only song that now appears on my I-Pod Shuffle is "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," which I in no way intended to put on it. I don't have a clue how it got there. If I were any more of a technoclutz, I'd be out with a club hunting a wooly mammoth for dinner.

But I have vowed to figure out the workings of my I-Pod today. I know it's going to be just too much fun to have the Eagles, and Journey, Vince Gill, Roberta Flack, and all my favorites packed inside that little bitty thingy to take with me wherever I go. You wouldn't believe the sound. Sounds better than having a Boze sound system hanging out of your ears--and a lot more comfortable, I'm sure.

My main worry is losing My I-pod Shuffle. I think I'm going to sew me up an I-pod keeper to put it in--something a little larger and easier to keep up with. Then if the Shuffle craze takes off like Apple expects it too, maybe my Shuffle Bags will be a hit and make me rich.

 And why does everything have to start with an I these days, reckon? Even now, I am composing this post on something called an I-Mac, and Vann is on his I-Book. What on earth does the I stand for in everything?

Here's another I-Thing. What you see in the photo at left is something called a double i-cord. I had never even heard of a single i-cord. Well, I had to learn to make one for the handle on the Sophie bag I'm knitting. It took two nights of internet searching to finally learn to do it. It's not difficult, I just didn't know what it was or what it was supposed to look like.

Book club this afternoon. We're going to be discussing The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. The one that the movie was made from.

We had storms last night, but no tornadoes, thank God. Hope everyone else escape the twisteres too.

30 Limericks in 30 days
#3

There was an old man from near Sterret,
You give him a hat and he'd wear it.
Cap, hat, or boggin,
If it fit his noggin
You never could get him to share it.
***

Oh, I had the "house dream" again last night. Different house than on Wednesday night. It was this house again. This time, Mama and Daddy were with me, and they were helping me buy the house. But unlike this dream, (in which you will note that kittens also figured in) the house was now in terrible condition and would need lots and lots and lots of repair and cleaning. But I was sooooo happy that I was now going to be owner of this house. It even had a big room with tables and chairs that would be perfect for my quilting friends to gather for retreats.

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On 04/03/2009, Teresa said ...

I am so far behind in today's technology. I do think the "i" in these items stands for intelligent, or at least I head that somewhere. I do good to figure out how to download pictures from my camera. I have yet to understand how to take a picture with my phone although my children have shown me several times, I have read the book and even my husband can do it. My six year old has to load the dvd's in the tv when he wants to watch one - geez, it take 3 different remotes to get the thing to work.

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On 04/03/2009, Molly said ...

I have the smaller shuffle(in that it holds about 250 songs) and I LOVE it!! Mine is a different shape, hot pink, and clips onto my clothing so I won't lose it. At least not while wearing it, that is. I bought one for each of us with my birthday money this year.

I think your dream is telling you that everything will be ok. Houses are symbols for the "self" and your run-down house is probably a reflection of your fibro pain/tiredness.

Buying the house(self) means that now you OWN it and will be the one to help get it(and the kittens, aka everyone/everything else that you take care of) back on track. Having your parents in the dream symbolizes wisdom and support for what you are doing.

For what its worth, I analyze my dreams ALL the time with a book about dream symbolism and psychology. I've had it for about 10 years and its now in 4 or 5 different pieces because I use it almost every morning. It seems to be scarily accurate too!

I'm loving the lymericks by the way!!

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On 04/03/2009, Andy said ...

I think Grandma and Grandpa are showing you that they are with you. Love You.

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On 04/04/2009, sherri said ...

Susan I recieved my very first Ipod just last month and am totally hooked. Not just the music but the free podcast on iTunes. I love them lots of christian podcast to be had Focus on the Family, Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer to name a few. They are all free. Happy iPoding...

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On 04/04/2009, Carol said ...

OMG that is the tiniest little thing...technology is just amazing.

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On 04/04/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

No I-pods in this house at all and we're becoming resistant to getting the new technology. Where will it end? What's to become of the current, functioning stuff? We're not eco-angels here, just trying to be content ...

... not that the attitude affects my fabric purchases, too much anyway!

I have house dreams, too, and have always wanted a house with a back stairway. I think it was reading all of those Nancy Drew books as a kid. Ya think?

My hands won't knit or crochet, but that's another story!

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On 04/04/2009, Phyl said ...

...get Vann to load up your new i-pod shuffle thingy and enjoy!I myself don't listen to music, but I think you and I BOTH "need" one of the new Kindle 2 electronic thingies that reads BOOKS to us while we sew!OR we can read the pages in LARGE print if we like!I'm getting one when I win the lottery.

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On 04/05/2009, Rian said ...

I don't know why they made the little things so slippery, you really have to be careful not to drop it. I have the larger one, and I dropped it and the screen broke. I eventually sent it out to be repaired ($79), and it came back to me sans tunes. It was a ginormous hassle but I am finally up and singing again. I really missed the thing when it was down.
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