I didn't sew during Heidi's Friday Night Sew-in. Instead I knitted. I'm working on a sweater in this scrumptious turquoise yarn (machine washable). So last night, while I watched a new show called "Who Do You Think You Are," or something like that, I knitted and purled. In last night's episode, Lisa Kudrow traveled to Eastern Europe to find her roots, and a gentleman the family thought long dead.
Yesterday was a busy day, which is why I never got around to tracing my last two Noah's Ark squares. My daughter Andy woke up with a raging stomach bug. I went by her house a couple of time to take her stuff and check on her. I also had to go grocery shopping.
Then yesterday afternoon, we had our first neighborhood happy hour of the season. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that warm evenings usually find a bunch of us neighbors, kids, and doggies sitting around in Paul and Karen's driveway, visiting and enjoying each other's company. So Karen, Paul, me, Sophie, Bob, MaryBeth, Nolan, Hunter, Tiny (doggie), and Kinley (doggie) did just that. As soon as the sun got low, it started getting chilly again, so we broke up early. But it was a good kickoff.
Just like Lisa Kudrow, I too have been exploring my roots, as you know. I took a little time yesterday to play on Ancestry.com and did find some more Miskelley ancestors. I have that line of our family traced back to 1734 now, but I'm still in America.
My hope is that this line will take me eventually to Ireland, while my sisters are thinking something else entirely. I don't know why I hope these Miskelleys originated in Ireland. For some reason, I've always had this desire to be Irish. I remember when I was in the 6th grade, I spent a whole day trying to speak with an Irish accent. I think everyone thought I had gone 'round the bend.
But we are what we are. I can't make it so; all I can do is keep searching and hoping my search takes me to the misty Emerald Isle. Figuratively and literally. I mean to go there someday.
Happy National Quilting Day, everyone (whether you're a quilter or not). If you're interested, go here to see how you can own your very own awesome Irish Quilt, just like the one in the photo at left. It's a depiction in painted fabric of an aerial view of the Irish countryside, complete woods, hedgerows, sheep, a church with cemetery, and a wee red-roofed cottage with smoke wafting from its chimney.
Now, I'm going to my sewing room. I think I've actually cleared out a space big enough to do some sewing in.
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On 03/20/2010, Helen in Switzerland said ...
Miskelley certainly sounds very Irish! Keep going - I'm sure you'll get there!
On 03/20/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
What a lovely neighborhood you're in! Long years ago when we were in seminary housing, the adults met under the coffee tree and the kids played. It was a corner of heaven! We plan to get a picnic table to put in AMIL's yard to have a mini-version of that tradition.
The label is on the little St. Paddy's quilt so that's some sewing for today. Next is DS1's long-awaited quilt with its dark colors and layout he wants that I don't care for. Keep me in your prayers! I hope to be pleasantly surprised as I make it.
Hope Andy makes a quick recovery and you don't get the bug.
Happy National Quilting Day and happy sewing to you!
Hugs!
On 03/20/2010, Debbie said ...
Nothing like a little sunshine and good friends to drive away the doldrums!
I also wanted to be Irish! You know...with the red hair I have and all! But, I met my biological father late in life and found out his family was from Scotland. My side of the family was traced and it was Irish...but all in all...the further back they researched...we ended up Celtic! So...good luck with your search!
On 03/20/2010, Allyson in Alaska said ...
Shoot! I forgot that show was on and I wanted to watch it. Oh well, I probably would have fallen asleep anyway. I tried watching the Princess and the Frog last night and only made it about 20 minutes in, before both the cats and me were all snuggled on the couch for a short winter's nap.
What a wonderful tradition your neighborhood has of spending the evenings together. I'll bet many great friendships have come of this. Is the pot of red flowers yours? Great photo.
Have a great weekend and Happy National Quilting Day to you!
On 03/20/2010, KAI said ...
GORGEOUS SWEATER! I love that vibrant color! ALMOST - not quite, but almost - makes me want to pull out my long-dormant knitting needles! I DID spend ages crocheting today, tho', but still, that sweater is a real temptation to knit. LOL! I'm so sorry Andy isn't well! Sounds EXACTLY like what we have over here! Mine is finally trying to go away a bit but my housemate's isn't yet. Tell Andy to get well quickly! And YOU stay well, my friend! Isn't that WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE an interesting show? I've really been enjoying it! Hope you find some Irish in your heritage!
On 03/21/2010, Kelee Katillac said ...
Hi Susan!
I have missed you! I love this post for so many reasons. First, that blue of your sweater is amazing! Blue of that vibration means "a passionate search for spiritual or personal meaning." So perfect because you are now looking into your lineage. I have seen the ad for that new show--it looks great. Ireland is such a mystical place.
Also, there are several books out that tell case studies of children that are convinced they are someone from the past or from a place. When researched they find this as evidence of a past life as a person or pedigree. Hmm. Interesting. Whether you believe in that or not, it is interesting.
I LOVE the quilt shown! Just fantastic. I have been a member of the British National Trust for Historic Properties and have toured over there many times. I hope you take your journey to Ireland--
being Irish may have spiritual roots for you---if not literal ones.
Thank-you for your visit...I will be back soon, my friend!
love, kelee Hope Sophie is well!
On 03/23/2010, Ramey Channell said ...
This is from the genealogical book "The South Carolina Miskelly, Miskelley Family."
Based on his research, Sam Miskelly, from Belfast Ireland, believes the South Carolina Miskellys came from County Antrim in Northern Ireland instead of
county Down. There are Miskelly families in both counties and all are somehow related.
An Edward Miskelley immigrated to York, South Carolina in 1767 aboard the ship Hillsborough from Ireland. Some researchers think this man is the same as James Edward Miskelly (1730-1803) grandfather of James DeKalb (1796-1869). I don't think anyone disputes the fact that the Miskellys came from Ireland.
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