Blind Fury

Well, I needed a new one anyway. All the blinds have been in the house since Vann and I moved in in 1996. Some of them are a little worse for wear but serviceable. This one, after Bella and Taco got finished with it, is ready for the garbage. Aren't cats wonderful?

I've been working on the secret quilt this morning, which is why, I guess, I didn't see the kittens demolishing the window blind. I've also been having one of my perspiration attacks. Do any of you who have chronic conditions sweat? With the tiniest bit of exertion, I'll start sweating like crazy. I don't even have to be too hot. In fact, sometimes I'm a little chilly, like now. It's the strangest thing.

Didn't go to church this morning because of the sweating. The last time I went, I sat mopping my face with a soggy tissue all during the service. That's embarrassing.

Going back to work on the secret quilt some more. I need to get it to the quilter soon to have it finished by Christmas. Did you know it's only 57 days until Christmas? How is that even possible?

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On 10/28/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

My sympathies on the destruction of the window blind. Bummer and bother!

DH also has times when he breaks out in a massive sweating episode without fever or exertion and it is puzzling. Will have to look it up on-line I suppose.

Thanks for the push on reminding me how near it is to Christmas. I plan to make two wall hangings as Christmas gifts so need to get myself in gear - pronto!

We're still watching the weather as lots of rain is just east of us and the wind is picking up. I hope and pray that hurricane Sandy makes a sharp right turn and heads out to sea.

Hope you feel lots better soon!

Hugs!

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On 10/28/2012, Joanne said ...

I sympathize, and worry about you.

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On 10/28/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...

Oh yes, sweating goes right along with the disease. Sometimes it is the medicine that is causing it. I have these hot surges more in the summer. Now that it is fall and cooler, I am cold and I need to figure out how to crochet a nose warmer. I hate a cold nose!!
hugs

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On 10/28/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...

ps...yes, you can go buy new blinds!!!!

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On 10/29/2012, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

Oh, have I been there with the blinds!! Those two little scamps at your house are just adorable. Hope you'll be feeling better soon.

Okay, its still not letting me include my website. Could it be typepad thing? No problems anywhere else.

www.FloridaFarmGirlsWorld.blogspot.com

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On 10/30/2012, Nancy said ...

Susan, I have Scleroderma and Sjogrens Syndrome and I have to admit that until you asked the question, I had never made the connection. All my life, I never perspired, or as my friend always called it for us ladies..."glistened", LOL... Really, doing yard work in the hot sun, laying on the beach, nothing, nothing caused so much as the tiniest bead of sweat to break out on me. However, just as an example, I walked one mile yesterday with my hubby, he continued to complete his daily four mile walk, but one is my limit without my cane. I wasn't just strolling, but I wasn't power walking either and the temperature outdoors was in the low 60's, normally way too cold for me. But when I got home, I had to take the tank top undershirt (very light weight) that I was wearing under my cotton shirt off and hang it over the shower rod. It was soaked all the way through, as was the waistband of my jeans and my hair was wet enough that I had to towel it dry. so yes...definitely. Something as small as the 14 stairs down to my sewing room have me mopping my forehead. At 62 years old and having had a total hysterectomy when I was 33, it certainly isn't menopause...so you have given me food for thought here and a question for my doctor when I go for my 3 month check up. I don't know why I've never made the connection before, but it absolutely must be connected to the disease, and you right, it is a complete pain in the backside along with being extremely uncomfortable and at times embarrassing.
On a more pleasant topic, I love the picture of the curious kitties. They really are too cute. Big Hugs...
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Better Materials, Better Pussy Cats, Papa John's

Taco and Bella promised to be really good if I would let them help me make the secret quilt that I mentioned yesterday. Well now here they are trying to give away the secret. Pointing to it, no less!

Taco: "Who do you think you are, Bella? Vanna White?"

Bella: "Oh, we didn't know it was THAT kind of secret. I'm hiding it now."
 

Bella: "Hmmm. This feels like a nice place to take a cat nap, doesn't it, Taco?"

Taco: "I don't think so. I see something on the floor I want to play with first."

***
Sisters Joanne, Ramey, and I joined with Handsome Nephew Jed and Beautiful Niece India last night at Joanne's house for a fun and delicious sister supper. After a great meal of ham and veggies and cherry pie and ice cream for dessert, we repaired to the drawing room and watched the fifth episode of "Downtown Abbey." We're going to have to speed up our viewing if we're going to have the entire two seasons watched by January, when the third season starts in the states. It's already showing in the UK.

After "Downton...", we played a couple of rounds of the game Dixit. Jed had brought a deck of all-new cards. Some of the clues and stories were funny, and some were more puzzling than others. I didn't feel like I was at my sharpest last night. I gave one clue that was completely wrong, and the others were sort of lackluster. But I did win the last game. So all's well that ends with a win, I guess.

While I was at Joanne's, Jesse let Skipper upstairs with the kittens. He said that Skipper and Taco played and played and then lay down together. I wish Sophie would do the same, but she's still very hyper around the kittens. We still can't trust turning her loose with them. I hope that changes eventually.

My DD Andy is sick with a cold, so I'm going to run to the store for her. I'm praying for anyone and everyone who is in the path of the Monster Storm. Be safe.

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On 10/27/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

What cute photos of the kittens and the pizza box. Little kittens - and cats - love to get cozy anywhere they can fit. We bought kitty-cups for the cats and Boots sleeps in hers almost all of the time. Kitty-cups are circular beds with washable fleece lininings but good luck getting the lining our from under the cat to wash it!

Sounds like a fun evening in good company!

Hope and pray Hurricane Sandy stays out at sea.

Hugs!

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On 10/29/2012, Ramey said ...

I'm so glad Skipper and the kitties enjoy each other's company. that's great. Cute kitties!
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New Mouse in the House

No, we haven't acquired another something that eats and poops here at The Yellow House. It's a computer mouse. My old mouse that came with the computer has had a frayed cord for the last year or so. To get it to work, I had to wiggle the cord and get the wires matching up just right. Only then would it mouse for a few minutes. Then I'd have to repeat the repair.

So I finally gave up and bought a spiffy new state-of-the-art cordless mouse, a "Magic Mouse" actually. The only problem with it--I couldn't get it to work.

I had read the instruction booklet, a document that is truly mouse size. I had to get the magnifying glass in order to study it. I had downloaded the newest Mac operating system, which this mouse-size instruction manual said I needed. That took an hour and 45 minutes, and I couldn't tell if it had actually downloaded as I couldn't find any reference to it on my computer anywhere. So I went on faith.

Faith didn't cut it. The mouse still wouldn't work. So I read more. Something about a blue tooth. Found that on the computer and clicked on it. Nothing happened. 

Matters progressed this way for another hour or so, when Jesse finally heard me cussing and came into the sewing room. I explained to him that I was going to have to return my shiny new Magic Mouse because it just wouldn't work. He grabbed it out of my hand, told me to get up, and sat down in front of my computer.

"Did you read the book?" he asked, reminding me so much of my dear Vann. 

"What book?" I replied. "I read that little tiny thing lying there. At least all the stuff I could make out." 

Jesse picked up the mouse-size manual and began to read--without the aid of the magnifying glass. In less than a minute, he lay down the manual, clicked a couple of buttons on the computer screen and announced, "It's working now."

This is what I think: All computers and technical stuff are programmed so that only people under the age of 30 can work them.

I finished binding the "Family Portrait" Santa quilt yesterday. Three more, I think, in the stack left to bind. I also made a few blocks for the secret quilt that I'm making as a surprise for someone. Can't say who; can't say what. Trying to have it done by Christmas.

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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 10/26/2012, Linda Volz said ...

Hi Susan -
Your Santa Family Portrait quilt turned out so cute. It will look awesome hanging in the yellow house come the holidays.

Glad your new magic mouse is working. I have a cordless and once you go cordless you'll never go back. Just keep a few spare batteries handy, nothing like having your mouse go dead in the middle of something important.

Please keep your quilting friends way up north east of you in your prayers, monster storm they say is heading right at us.

Wishing you all at the Yellow House blessings,
Linda

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On 10/26/2012, Diane W said ...

Just love your Santa quilt. It will be so cute for the holidays. Ditto on that 30 and younger computer tech stuff.

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On 10/26/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Amen, sistah! I have had to call our formerly in-house IT son about computer issues several times in the 6 or so weeks he's lived elsewhere - 4 hours away. Bother!! I applaud your patience in dealing with it for hours before cussing. My fuse must be shorter than yours. :)

Love Family Portrait! It is such a delightful and happy quilt that will add such charm to your holiday home.

Hugs!

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On 10/26/2012, Joanne said ...

Doesn't it make you feel small, when you struggle with something for hours, and then one of these young know-it-alls fixes it in 10 seconds or so!

I love the Santa-couple quilt.

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On 10/26/2012, Dot in NE Georgia said ...

Aren't we lucky to have grandchildren who understand all these gadgets?

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On 10/26/2012, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...

Praying for your safety, Linda, and for all in the pth of the monster. I have kids in providence.
Not sure if they're in the path. Got to talk to them and fine out so I'll know whether or not to
worry. Be safe,
Love,
Susan

Sent from my iPad

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On 10/26/2012, Sandra Neel Hutchins said ...

I love the Santa quilt! You have really been a true quilting lady with all those finishes. I don't comment very often, but I read your blog every morning.

Aren't grandkids so wonderful to lean on for many things computer related? We have an Apple Mighty Mouse that is wireless, but it is now living in a drawer. The thing just used too many batteries. We learned quickly that we had to always click on Blue Tooth to check on our little mouse. We still use the wireless keyboard and love it. The keyboard doesn't use up battery power as quickly for some reason. Maybe your mouse won't be so hungry!

By the way, I love all the decorating around your home that you have been showing us. Sandy Gail

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On 10/26/2012, Lynn said ...

Those string blocks are the perfect border for The Claus'.

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On 10/27/2012, Kerrie said ...

The quilt is so gorgeous!

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On 10/27/2012, sophie said ...

Maybe it's because I have no young ones around to save me ... but I managed to set up the magic mouse when I bought one last month to replace my original wired mouse. I love it and I predict you will, too, once you're used to it. A programmer I'm working with missed his magic mouse so much that he brought it in and set up his Windows system to work with it.

I love the Santa Family portrait quilt, too. The string blocks border is perfect.

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On 08/25/2019, Carol said ...

Super cute.. what size are your blocks??
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Pillowcases Finished

I have both my pillowcase finished! These are for a women and children's shelter that my quilting bee donates to, especially during the holidays. I will purchase two new pillows for the pillowcases, and two little girls (or maybe boys) will each have a bright and happy pillow to lay their heads on.

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On 10/25/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

What delightfully cheerful fabrics and, indeed, happy pillowcases for someone or two to enjoy! Well done!

I read today that Petula Clark will be 80 on her Nov. birthday. I am depressed! Those schoolgirl days are really, really long gone, aren't they?!

Hugs!

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On 10/25/2012, Deb said ...

Susan, love the pillowcases! Did you follow a certain pattern? I've seen several linkys around blogland for pillows. I need something simple for a newbie. I've love to make some for Christmas gifts.

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On 10/26/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...

They are precious!! I love to make pillow cases!!

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On 10/26/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...

P.s.
Regarding a supplement for Fibromyalgia.

I am kind of cautious about taking any treatment for my fibro and arthritis. I have researched several suggested tx. with over the counter meds.

Do some research on this product first and talk to a medical person maybe. I know your pain, and frustration with this disease. It is hard to plan ahead when you don't know how you are going to feel when the date comes.

I follow your blog and enjoy all of your sewing. You are special to me.
S

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On 10/26/2012, Terry said ...

Love the pillowcases. I too like making them and recently discovered a new easy/peasy way of doing them. You might want to check out the u-tube tutorial by Jenny of Missouri Star Quilt Co. I think once you do them Jenny's way, you'll only do them her way. Hugs to Sophie and Skipper -besides my dogs they're my next favorite doggies.

Terry
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Welcome to My Parlor

Let's stop in the foyer for a moment.

Keep in mind that most everything you'll see came from either a thrift store or a yard sale. That's true with everything in this photo except for the white crochet table cover, which my mama crocheted.

Thrift store mirror

Sign from 75%-off sale at Hobby Lobby

The birds are thrift store; the plaque from a friend; and mama crocheted the lacy piece.

And on to the living room


The plate is one of my favorite finds: thrift store, $2.

Junked window frame, washed down and backed with a piece of decorator fabric, and a concrete bunny plaque from the thrift store

I love my mantel. The cardinals are the only things on it, I believe, that came from a regular store at a regular price. I got them at a local gift shop called The Monkey's Uncle, and I won't tell you what they cost. I just had to have them. Amy and Phillip gave me the cardinal candle holder for Christmas the year Vann was sick. The plant came from my good neighbors, Paul and Karen, after Vann died. I don't remember where the star hicky came from.

Everything here is thrift store except for the clock, which I bought at a quilt shop in Marietta, Ga., called Little Quilts. That was years and years ago. Some of you might know the shop. It's still there.

The plates were on the clearance rack at Home Goods, but the plate rack came from a yard sale. It had once been gold, but was rusty and peeling. I bought it for a dollar, as I recall, cleaned it, and painted it black.

Vann loved pottery and had quite a collection. Most of the pottery stuff around the Yellow House is part of his collection. The little bird on top of this jar came from a gift shop in Cave Spring, Georgia. (Remember that trip through Booger Holler when Ramey and I went to Rome, Georgia? This is a memento of that trip.) Yep, and Mama crocheted the doily.

Vann's antique scales and more of his pottery

A thrift store treasure

The nest is real; the eggs are not.

I don't know exactly how many teapots I own; but it's a lot.

The dining room is ready for a Halloween Sister Supper. So I better get busy planning. 

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On 10/24/2012, Ramey said ...

Hey, good stuff! I need to hire you to come make some pictures at my house. Turtles. I especially love the Home Sweet Home, and the Booger Holler birdie!

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On 10/24/2012, Pam Bump said ...

Beautiful, thoughtful and cozy! What a great picture of you and your late husband I saw in the background. You two were a very handsome couple! Hugs!!

Pam

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On 10/25/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Just lovely Susan! Your house really is a home!

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On 10/25/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

What lovely treasures you have and dearest of all are sure to be your mama's beautiful doilies and Vann's interesting pottery. That's a wonderful picture of you and Vann, too, and I love the framed picture in the first photo.

I have many doilies crocheted by my maternal grandmother and they delight me!

Hugs!

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On 10/25/2012, Dot in NE Georgia said ...

Susan, you have inspired me to start some changes in my home. love your selections.

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On 10/25/2012, Linda said ...

I loved the tour - your treasures are so artful yet homey and so meaningful. We are kindred spirits in finding and re-purposing. ;) I would much rather look for a piece to redo or give a new purpose than buy something at a store - except for those have-to-have purchases like your cardinals. I'm surprised the kitties have left the nest alone. :)

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On 10/25/2012, Stephani in TX said ...

Loved the home tour. Looks cozy on the cold day we are having (finally) in TX. Actually I came back today because of the mention of chicken/dumplings you mentioned the other day, and we are ready for such today. I also noticed the beautiful photo of you and your husband. Loved your treasures.

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On 10/26/2012, adidas voetbalschoenen said ...

Weź energię, które zostały zmarnowane i skierować ją w kierunku każdej wartościowej wysiłku, że można być zaangażowanym w. Pojawi się piękne rzeczy dzieją się, kiedy pozwolić sobie doświadczyć radości życia.

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On 10/26/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...

lovely. Isn't it fun to find wonderful things at a thrift store!! I love to go there and browse.

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Another UFO Off the List

I finished binding my string cuddle quilt yesterday.

When I refer to a cuddle quilt, I'm talking about my quilters guild's charity quilts program. We make quilts for children's charities, nursing homes, and the like. We also make Quilts of Valor for various places, including the new veterans home at Pell City, Alabama.

I also made a pot of chicken and dumplings yesterday. I had been promising Jesse I would do that for a long time. But it has been an even longer time since I made dumplings and was a little concerned about how good they would be.

Then I had an epiphany. Dumplings are made from biscuit dough--at least southern dumplings are. Why couldn't I use some of those frozen biscuits I have in the freezer for dumplings? I went online, and sure enough, I found several recipes for C&D that use frozen biscuits. I didn't need a recipe, just some faith that the biscuits would work.

I stewed up three large chicken breasts and chopped them up into the broth that I cooked them in. I added some salt and pepper, a whole bunch of butter, and the biscuits. Before I added the biscuits, I thawed them and cut them into quarters. Then I dropped them into the boiling broth with the chicken. I think I cooked them for about 30 minutes. I'm not sure, because I didn't time them but just went on instinct. When they were done, they were done.

Jesse, whose idea of the perfect dumpling comes from Cracker Barrell (so I had a lot to live up to) loved them. They were right tasty, if I do say so myself. The dumplings were light and fluffy and very very good. I think I'll make this dish for the next time I host Sister Supper. Will have to make more though. Jesse and I polished off the whole pot full in the course of the afternoon and evening.

I have a possible new cleaning lady coming today so we can "interview" each other, I guess. Really she just wants to see the house and see what would be involved. She has been working for my friend Lori (Daisy and Curtis's mom) for a while, and Lori recommended her. So I spent the morning straightening up for her visit. Want to make a good impression, you know.

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On 10/23/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Cheers for your joy-joy cuddle quilt you've finished!! Some little someone will love it forever.

Your chicken and dumplings sound utterly delicious and you've flung a craving on me. It's just the right weather for it - or will be after tomorrow. Today is sunny with a high forcast to be 82*F and tomorrow is forecast to be 84*F.

I am pleased with myself because this morning I machine sewing the binding on the Roses in Winter quilt that has been quilted with the binding made for close to 18 months. Hang my head - but not today!

Hope your new cleaning lady and you like each other. You've certainly gotten a good recommendation! We Southern girls do have a deeply ingrained need to make a good impression, don't we?

Hugs!

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On 10/23/2012, Joanne said ...

Love the string quilt! Chicken and dumplings--yum! One of my favorite dishes.

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On 10/23/2012, hunnybunny said ...

What a beautiful quilt! String quilts are my favorite, which is a problem seeing as I don't sew enough to have many "strings". lol
Glad to know that some people in the South try the frozen biscuits too. : ) I have done that before with the fridge ones. Mr. Bunny loves, loves, LOVES it in the winter after dealing with the snow. I always add some frozen veggies too, so it almost like a chicken pot pie/dumpling creation. He was stationed down south for a bit as was my dad so I *try* to make some southern yums. There is some awesome food down there. In fact I recently read a book about Southern Food from a historical and cultural stand point called A Mess of Greens, it even talked about tomato clubs which I had never heard of. Great food and great history.
Hope it goes well at your sister supper. : )

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On 10/23/2012, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

Hey, my housekeeper accuses me of cleaning up before she gets here, too! Not a lot, but I do admit to picking up the messes. Chicken and dumplings would be really good, but I never learned how to make them. My older sister inherited that task from my Mama.

P.S. For some reason, its not letting my website post. Says invalid URL, but it works fine other places.

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On 10/24/2012, erika said ...

hi, nice quilt. Checked out the quilts of valor website. Everyone should. Thank God for out military veterans and current active duty military.

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On 10/24/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Yum...chicken and dumplings...that sounds delicious: I think Jesse may well be staying forever!!!

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On 10/24/2012, Linda said ...

Your quilts are so beautiful. Between cooking delicious sounding meals, taking care of kittens and dogs, and everything else you do, I have no idea how you quilt too! I look forward to reading your posts - it's a fun read every time.

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On 10/24/2012, Jan S. said ...

Liking those string blocks set that way; very nice. Thanks for the recipe. I've never tried C&D because I was certain I'd fail at the D part. Will be on the lookout for the frozen variety.
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UFO Siting

I completed binding my "Cherry Lasagna" quilt (photo above) over the weekend, and also got the binding made and attached to a UFO cuddle quilt in my stack. I have four more UFOs that need only binding. Hope to get them done soon.

I also worked on the Dollhouse Quiltalong quilt, getting the sewing room block all cut and fused. Still have to do embroidery and blanket stitching on it. In fact, I haven't finished the detail stitching on any of the dollhouse blocks yet.

We had a pleasant, dog-filled weekend with Curtis and Miss Daisy visiting. They are both such good doggies and loving too. Sophie has given up being so jealous of other animals. I guess she sees no point in the pout anymore. She still can't be trusted around the kittens, though, and we're just trying to wait her out until Taco and Bella get big enough to put the fear of the cat in her.

I had a very bad back day yesterday, but it seems to be a little better today.

A friend told me about a hormone call Oxytocin that is now being used to treat fibromyalgia and back pain. Has anyone heard of it? It's the hormone that is given to pregnant women to induce labor, which seems absolutely counter to the pain killing claims. Unless things have changed drastically from when I experienced childbirth, labor brings with it some of the more excruciating pain that ever was.

I'm always a little bit leery of "alternative" treatments for anything. But if this Oxytocin would alleviate some of my pain, I'd be willing to give 'er a try. I'm going to ask my doctor.

Ooops! Just heard a crash. Better get up and see what disaster has befallen The Yellow House. TACO! BELLA! What's are y'all doing?

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On 10/22/2012, Jan S. said ...

What a happy quilt! My grandgirl would love this.
Hope you find a solution to your fibro pain issues. Not fun :(

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On 10/22/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

What a happy, cheerful quilt your Cherry Lasagna quilt is!! Well done! Cheers also for getting the binding on the cuddle quilt and I look forward to seeing it in due time.

I picked up one of AMIL's quilted panels plus border quilts Saturday, trimmed it and sewed the binding on yesterday. This morning I joined the binding ends and am about to press that seam and finish sewing the binding on. This is a gift for a younger sister's Oct. 30th birthday as there's no time to lose in finishing it. AMIL is mulling over the wording for the label.

Next I hope to get bindings on my long ignored Roses In Winter UFO and a few little wall quilts that are becoming UFOs. Of course, there are Christmas gifts to make, too ....

Hope the Oxytocin is the pain reliever it's said to be.

Also hope the crash wasn't a bad or messy disaster.

Hugs!

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On 10/22/2012, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

Oh, that strippy quilt is just gorgeous!!! Was that a jelly roll quilt? Hope the kitties don't drive you too far over the edge. Love those little guys.

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On 10/22/2012, Kristine Walker said ...

I have never heard of it being used for any pain relief, and between Momma and Dad(RIP) I'm fairly familiar with quite a few pain medications. I did find this info, but you may have already read it:

Oxytocin (Oxt) ( /ˌɒksɨˈtoʊsɪn/) is a mammalian hormone that acts primarily as a neuromodulator in the brain.

Oxytocin is best known for its roles in sexual reproduction, in particular during and after childbirth. It is released in large amounts after distension of the cervix and uterus during labor, facilitating birth, and after stimulation of the nipples, facilitating breastfeeding.

Recent studies have begun to investigate oxytocin's role in various behaviors, including orgasm, social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety, and maternal behaviors.[1] For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the "love hormone". The inability to secrete oxytocin and feel empathy is linked to sociopathy, psychopathy, narcissism,[citation needed] and general manipulativeness.[2][not verified in body] However, there is some evidence that oxytocin promotes 'tribal' behaviour, combining trust and empathy with the in-group with suspicion and rejection of outsiders.[3]

Best of luck, I'm parying for you always.
Love,
Kristine
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"September" Progress Report and Stuff

I've finished all the machine applique work on the "September" quilt top. It is now ready for quilting, so I have to find the perfect backing. I have seen several sunflower fabrics online that I like, but haven't narrowed my decision down to one yet. I could always piece a backing out of several of them, but I don't know. One minute I think I want print, then I change to solid, then to tone on tone. I'm just all over the place. No hurry though. I'm counting on inspiration to seize me at any moment now.

Jesse is sick with a cold and I woke up with a sore throat. So I guess the nice chilly nights are taking their toll on our health. But I love the weather. I wish there were such a place as Autumnland, with cool golden days, chilly nights, leaves that are "crisped and sere," and a rainy day at least once a week. But, alas, there isn't. I just thank God for the brief season that we do have.

I tell you what, some of the cooking and eating around here is going to have to come to a halt. Jesse and I, and even the animals, are getting as fat as autumn bears. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just all hibernate through the winter and wake up skinny like springtime bears? 

Since Jesse moved in, I have been cooking at least once a day, and often twice. I don't mind the cooking so much, and I certainly don't mind the eating, but the calories are taking their toll. Yesterday we had homemade chicken and rice for lunch and homemade sloppy joes (not Manwich) for supper. That's just too much of a good thing, don't you think?

The number of animals at The Yellow House is set to increase by a third this weekend. Curtis and Daisy are coming for a visit while their folks go out of town for a grammy/grandpa fix. It will be interesting to see who all survives this.

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On 10/19/2012, sillysally said ...

Your September quilt applique is beautiful! Will be a pretty addition to your late summer decor next year!

More animals? You may have to hang a sign outside your door to announce "No vacancy" or something. I loved the photo of Taco climbing your design wall the other day!

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On 10/19/2012, Sandy said ...

Sounds like fun time at the Yellow House this weekend. The quilt is beautiful. I'd love for you to send me a few of those pounds!!

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On 10/19/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Love your beautiful appliqued sunflower(s?) and look forward to seeing the whole quilt top. Perhaps I've missed it since we've been out of town since Monday, so will be playing catch-up in a minute.

Hope you and Jesse are soon fit as two fiddles soon.

I'll tell you I'll be joining you two as you strive to lose some weight. The hotel where we stayed had floor to ceiling mirrors in the bathrooms and that was truly depressing. Unpleasantly eye-opening, donchaknow?
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Animal House

Bella and Taco check out the autumn decor.



"Don't I look like a Halloween cat?"


Sophie needs a haircut.
 

Skipper does his Neighborhood Watch. See how he has scratched the paint off the window ledge? It's the same in the living room. What do I do to stop that?

Cat texting. Gonna have to put our boy on a diet, SuSu. 

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On 10/18/2012, Lisa A said ...

Sophie looks like she needs a hug, too!

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On 10/18/2012, Lynn said ...

Have you tried covering the edge of the sill with something like a bumper pad? I'm thinking of the sturdy pad sold to parents to put around the hard edges of their furniture. A cheaper option may be pipe insulation. You would probably need to glue it to your sill to keep it in place. Skipper may try to eat it though. If this is the case, try painting it with the stuff you can buy to paint on kids fingernails to break the habit of them biting their nails. It tastes terrible but won't harm you. A bit of Tabasco painted on might do the trick as well, unless Skipper likes hot sauce.

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On 10/18/2012, Nicole said ...

You may not care for this look, but I read somewhere that if you tape balloons to something a dog is damaging, they won't go near it.

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On 10/18/2012, quiltmom anna said ...

Dusty the dog often gets looking like Sophie before a hair cut. Our schnoodle dogs look like totally different animals- the fresh hair cut sleek look and the curly fur ball that needs one. It is sometimes hard to decide when to take Dusty - this summer she had some surgery so her haircut was long overdue. We felt bad for her sweltering on hot summer days. We don't like giving her a haircut too late in the fall because that she is going to cold on our cold winter days. It is a hair cut challenge here in Alberta.
Love your sunflower quilt- It really is a pretty design.
Warmest regards,
Anna

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On 10/18/2012, Sandy said ...

Susan, they make little vinyl covers that slip on the dog's nails that keep them from scratching things. Your groomer glues them on and you leave them on from one nail trim to the other. You can get them in different colors!! Just google "nail caps". I don't think they're very expensive. They also have them for cats too. I love that leaf quilt and the kitties are precious.

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On 10/19/2012, Kai said ...

All the furbabies look so adorable! I must confess that, even being the kitty person I am, I favor beautiful Ms. Sophie! I fell in love with her early on when I 'met' you, and that love has just GROWN! (Now, Ms. Sophie,that DOESN'T mean I want you to attack the kitties, okay? They're sooooo cute!!!) And Skipper is a GOOD watch doggy! LOVE YOU, SUSAN!

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On 10/19/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Beautiful autumn leaf quilt and cute little black Taco!

All of the 4-legged kiddos are too sweet for words! I hear you on the paint damage and am impressed by the many good ideas others have mentioned.

Hugs!
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Sunflowers and Kitty Kats

Here's my "September" quilt top before the addition of sunflowers. 

Here it is with sunflowers, and Bella checking out the progress.

All I have to do now is the edge blanket stitching on the appliques (quite a bit of it), and it will be ready for quilting. Still haven't decided who I'm going to ask to quilt it.

And here is Taco checking out my rulers that are hanging from the top of my design wall.

And here is Taco working on his Halloween costume. He has decided to go as a toilet paper mummy. He says the whole project would be easier if he had thumbs.

***

I started doing some back strengthening exercises yesterday, hoping that will help with the pain when nothing else has. This was my second morning on the routine, and my back feels better. I hope it's not just my imagination. What with constant back pain and the fibromonster hanging around most of the time, and the additon of one grandson and two kitty cats, my life has been turned upside down. I've decided nothing's going to get better unless I make it so. I'm not ready to call a halt to my activities and become an invalid just yet. So I'm going to be "pro-active" as the jargonites say. 

Note to the Dollhouse Quilt-a-Long ladies: As you probably have realized, I didn't get the new pattern sent yesterday. But I'm going to do it as soon as I post this blog entry. The new pattern is the bathroom, and it's charming.

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On 10/16/2012, Julie in WA said ...

I had been wondering how you were going to add sunflowers...they look so cheerful and it makes the quilt really special.

Love your humor with the kitties too! But I am a bit worried about Sophie and Skipper! What are they up to? I hope they don't get jealous of the kitties blog exposure!

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On 10/16/2012, Joanne said ...

What a beautiful quilt top! Take it easy on the exercises--a little bit at a time. I hope it continues to get better.

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On 10/16/2012, Ramey said ...

This quilt is beautiful! And huge! The cats of course are charming. Aren't you lucky to have two helpers!

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On 10/17/2012, Donna said ...

I love the sunflower quilt!
The kitties make me smile! Mine has done the same thing with toilet paper :) Gotta love them!
Hope you feel better.
Hugs,
Donna

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On 10/17/2012, Deb said ...

Susan, those sunflowers and little fence just "made" the quilt! I love it!!!

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On 10/19/2012, Sandra Hutchins said ...

Love your sunflower "September" quilt! Your work is always a cut above. I have greatly enjoyed reading about and seeing the quilt come together.

I send best wishes for the soreness and pain to subside. You are an inspiration to all of us. Sandy Gail

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On 10/19/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

"September" is spectacular and I'm delighted you posted a photo of it in its entireity. Well done and applause, too!

Careful on encouraging Taco and Bella climbing as your curtains might well be next. Been there and really regretted it!

Hope the back exercises help a lot but do take it a step at a time.

Hugs!
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Another Month, Another Room

That was the title of Laura's email that she sent me with photos of her Dollhouse Quilt dining room. As you can see from the photo above, Laura is nothing if not an innovative quilter. One can hardly recognize the original quilt block. It's absolutely wonderful. Just look at those lace curtains. Laura has even drawn her own original dollies to live in her dollhouse.

"I have drawn out the rest of my Dollies and figured out how to mount their clothes on a magnet sheet," writes Laura. "I bought a thin metal sign at the dollar store and cut out her base garment with my xacto and tin snips."

Continuing with the theme of her Grannie's house to create her dollhouse quilt, Laura writes, "As you can see, I took the kitchen table and made a dining room for the laundry room block.The dining room was always the center of things at Grannie's. I am glad the pattern said to keep the windows aligned with each other. I may not have thought of that! My grandpa rigged up a clothes line on a pulley so Grannie could load it from the kitchen window. I am going to use the laundry room "stuff" on my pulley when I add the sky at the sides."

I'm so looking forward to seeing the room as Laura describes, after the pulley and laundry room "stuff" are added. I'm having a hard time visualizing that. But I know it's all safe in Laura's creative brain. We'll just have to wait.

Nobody else sent me any photos this month. I have not worked on the dollhouse quilt this month either. I've been too busy with kittens, doggies, and my sunflower quilt "September." I got all the applique pieces cut out over the weekend and have them laid out on the quilt top. Hope to get around to fusing them today.

But first I have to visit the tax lady. Tax time seems to have evolved into a year-round ordeal for me. Legalities and whatnot have complicated matters. I hate it. I don't mind paying taxes. I appreciate what I get for them. But I wish there was an easier way. I wish that Uncle Sam would just take his fair share and not make me fill out papers and sign stuff all year long.

My Red Rooster Retreat group left this morning for our two combined bees' annual quilting retreat. I didn't go. With the problems I'm having with my back, I know I would just be miserable. This is the first one of our retreats I've missed since we started them several years ago (I forget just how many).

I started some new back-strengthening exercises this morning. Really easy stuff, but since I'm so out of shape, they weren't easy for me. They should become easier though, as I get my back stronger--I hope.

Have a great Monday, everyone.

Note: Those of you in the Dollhouse Quilt-a-Long, watch for your next pattern sometime today.

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On 10/15/2012, judi0044 said ...

Keep up those exercises Susan. I had total knee replacement surgery two weeks ago today. I did some exercises before surgery but not long enough to get in really good shape. I leave re-hab today after lots of hard work with more to come out-patient and on my own. It was rough but I'm glad I toughed it out. Now if only I could get rid of the rest of the swelling and bruises.
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It's Almost a Quilt Top

Yesterday, I joined the finished sunflower blocks into rows. I'm going to try to get the borders cut today. I have to go to the grocery store, but I think I'll have time to cut borders first.

Grocery shopping has become a major thing since Jesse moved in. Seems like I'm going two or three times a week now. When it was just me, I could open a can of soup and make a salad, but you know men: they have to have MEAT.

You all know how I detest grocery shopping--not just the shopping part, but lugging the groceries upstairs when I'm home. We have yet to arrange our schedules so that Jesse is home and awake when I return with groceries so he can carry them up. I'm going to have to work on that. 

OK, now I'm going to cut those borders while Taco and Bella play in the sewing room for a while. Then I'll have to put them in their room and close the door. If neither Jesse nor I am in the upstairs, they'll find a way to get through all the barricades we can make to keep them up here. Jesse is gone today, so I have to be kitty sitter.

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On 10/11/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

What a fun and delightful quilt Summer Sunflowers is!! Did I remember the quilt's name correctly? Blue and yellow fabrics just look so wonderful together.

These days when FIL cannot be left at home by himself, I have to Pawpaw-sit while AMIL and DH go to the grocery. When they get home, I have to give "report" on FIL and my activites, help AMIL with her groceries, then scurry home to help DH with our groceries. I cannot be enough places fast enough. Still, I don't have the exterior stairs to deal with as you do. That is a bummer! We have a tri-level home, so have 6 steps up to the kitchen, but the larder is at ground level so lots is unpacked there. You have my sympathies.

If Jesse is home and asleep when you're at the grocery store, I suggest you call and awaken him when you get in your car before the drive home. Seems reasonable to me.

Be good to you! Hugs!!

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On 10/13/2012, Kristine Walker said ...

Frankly, Jesse should be doing the grocery runs to help you out. You have enough health issues and a busy enough life without having to act as maid and body servant to a grown man. Sorry to be blunt, but it chaps my hide to think that someone as sweet as you is being taken advantage of.
Said with love,
Kristine

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On 10/14/2012, Gael said ...

looks great and I just love those3 kitties!
Gael
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Catnap

Bella is about to pull a Tina Turner on her brother.

"Taco! My butt is not a pillow."

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On 10/10/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Kittens are adorable and get in such cute poses! I have a photo of our three kittens (from years ago) in a nap pile of three kittens. It's too sweet.

Bella does look like she's none too pleased that getting up will be difficult.

Hugs!

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On 10/11/2012, Deb said ...

LOL... Bella does have a very ticked off look on her cute little face! I love reading about your kitties and admiring your quilts.

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On 10/12/2012, Kai said ...

Come HEEEEERRREEEEE, Taco! Aunty Kai will let you use MY big butt as a pillow! LOL! Oh, they are WAY too cute! I just want to cuddle both of them! Sigh.
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Guild Report

Yesterday was the monthly meeting of Birmingham Quilters Guild. It was one of those times when if I hadn't had a job to fulfill (block of the month chairman), I would have stayed home in bed. But I got up, got showered and dressed, and headed out. With morning temps in the mid-40s outside, I was in danger of heat stroke, perspiring to beat the band. So I turned on the max a.c., and made it to Homewood.

My plan was to leave directly after committee reports and show and tell. But my plan went awry. Because of our speaker's schedule, our president had to change the meeting schedule and put the committee reports and show and tell off until the end of the meeting.

I made it through though, and actually was feeling a wee bit better by the time the meeting ended, enough so, in fact, to stop by JoAnn's Fabrics where I found the perfect fabric to border my September Sunflowers quilt. 

Today is a sort of average day, the pain is there but not screaming; I have a little energy, but not enough to shout about. Getting laundry done and put a pot of chili on the stove for when Jesse gets home. 

Border fabric on right. blocks on left

Below are some of the quilts that were stars of our show and tell yesterday. Hope you enjoy.

October Block of the Month, "Chainsaw"

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On 10/09/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Am glad to hear you're feeling a bit better and that going to guild helped. You really scored big time on the border fabric for September Sunflowers!! Applause!

Thanks for the delightful eye candy from the guilt show and tell. The imaginative use of fabric, colors, and patterns is alive and well in the Birmingham guild! Well done, one and all!!

I can just imagine how wonderful your home smells with chili simmering on the stove. Do you serve it with cornbread, crackers, put it on a hot dog, all of the above, or none of the above?

Be good to you! Hugs!

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On 10/09/2012, Donna said ...

Glad you are feeling better.
The fabric you chose for your quilt is perfect and I love the sunflowers. The guild quilts are gorgeous as always and I love seeing them all.
The new kitties have made me smile so much!
Hugs,
Donna

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On 10/10/2012, Jean said ...

I am glad you are feeling a wee bit better. I really enjoy the show and tell each month of your guild meeting. You have awesome quilters in your group and I love the variety of traditional and contemporary. I can hardly wait to see the reveal of your finished sunflower quilt.
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