hellooooo

Bella is trying to decide if she wants to lie with the rest of us (me, Taco, Sophie, and Skipper) during reading-in-bed-time. She finally thought better of it, hopped off the bed, and went her own way. She marches to the beat of a different drummer, that kitty cat does.

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On 02/28/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Isn't it interesting to watch the thought process our pets seem to get through? Pros and cons? ... do I want to or not? ... and who would be next to me if I deign to join in (only cats think this).

I long ago heard someone say "In ancient Egypt cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have not forgotten that." So true!

Remember that little movie titles "The Bluebird of Happiness" with Elizabeth Taylor and Cecily Tyson? In this movie the cat, dog, sugar, and milk become human to help two children find the bluebird of happiness. Cecily Tyson was the cat. At the end of the movie as Cecily is about to turn back into her cat self, the little girl asks the cat if she'll always love her. Cecily arched her back, stretched, and said in an off-hand way, "I'll love you just as much as you deserve." Also very cat-like!

I plan to get my Nancy Drew center together today.

Hope you're feeling good!

Hugs!

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On 02/28/2013, Joanne said ...

Bella's a beauty.

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On 02/28/2013, Mary said ...

Most cats do march to their own drummer!! She sure is pretty!

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On 03/01/2013, gail said ...

What a lovely cat and she looks like she has her mind set there on something very important.....
Gail

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On 03/01/2013, Kai said ...

She's SO beautiful! Tell Jesse if ever he needs a 'vacation' from her, he can send her right over to Aunty Kai! (As IF, right?) I AM reading blogs between running to and from, hither and yon, etc. And I LOVE those quilt-making ladies! Just sorry YOU couldn't join them this year! LOVE YOU, SUSAN!

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On 03/01/2013, Valerie said ...

Shes so beautiful. Hope you are feeling better!
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Retreat Visit

For the second year in a row, I missed my quilters guild's winter retreat at Camp McDowell in North Alabama. Pain, fatigue, and lack of stamina let me know I'd best stay home near my own bed. I surely did miss all the fun though. I have been to all but maybe three of our retreats over the years. There's nothing like it. Not one thing to do all day except sew and visit and laugh and talk and enjoy all the wonderful food that the ladies at the camp prepare for us. I sure hope I can go next year.

Thanks to our president, Vasha R., who took all the following photos, I can share share some of the beautiful quilts that were created there last week.

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On 02/27/2013, Wendy said ...

Thanks for my morning quilt show! What a talented guild you're in. Hope you're feeling better every day.

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On 02/27/2013, Joanne said ...

Gorgeous quilts! Thanks for posting them.

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On 02/27/2013, Lisa A said ...

You were sorely missed.

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On 02/27/2013, Julie in WA said ...

I'm sorry you missed the retreat! But it is generous of you to share the quilts that were created! I love online quilt shows and the quilts showcased here are marvelous!

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On 02/27/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

What a glorious array of quilts of so many sizes, fabrics, and styles!! Yes, your cohorts are a talented group and you, even tho you were home last week, are well and truly another member with talent! It was a delight to see these great quilts!

Hope you're feeling better this week and will reserve those hopes for next year's retreat week.

Hugs!

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On 02/27/2013, Valerie said ...

That was almost as good as being there! Thanks for sharing. Hope you feel better soon!

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On 02/28/2013, Andrea said ...

Wonderful quilts! I enjoyed every one!

Received the Quilters' Guild cookbooks this morning! I will certainly be trying the Coconut Rice recipe, sounds great. We were all happy to see the famous Hummingbird Cake recipe, but I think the "Idiot's Delight Dump Cake" recipe just below it may possibly get made first!

The cookbook is really adorable and well organized, too. Great project!
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Clue Two

I have finished the Nancy Drew quilt top and the pieced backing. Since it's so close to reveal day for the Blog Hop, I'm going to wait until after that to have it quilted. I might even try to machine quilt it myself, but probably not. Me and machine quilting are not a good match. Oh I can do it; it's just that the whole thing looks like a big mess when I'm finished.

I am very much in need of a machine quilting class. Everyone in my bee can do machine quilting except me. Maybe I could talk some of them into some tutoring.

I finally got all the cookbooks packed up and in the mail, so if you ordered one, you should be receiving it in a few days. 

Here's a look at Sophie's haircut that she got last week. Doesn't look like the new groomer cut much off, does it? I think I'll have to tell her "a little more off the top" next time.

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On 02/25/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Well done in getting both your Nancy Drew quilt top and backing finished so far before the reveal date!!! Applause, applause! Clues 1 and 2 have me eager to see the whole thing but I will be patient. I continue to putter along with my ND quilt.

Love Sophie's slightly fluffy look! She's a cutie - and knows where to find comfort!

Hope you feel great this week!

Hugs!

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On 02/25/2013, Jan said ...

Poor forlorn looking Sophie! She doesn't seem to love the new 'do!! And, I don't think telling her 'it will grow out' would be any consolation since it appears to pretty much still be there!
Love your Nancy Drew quilt! From what we've been able to see, it's very cute!

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On 02/25/2013, Joanne said ...

Interesting quilt. A lady named Mildred Benson was one of the "Carolyn Keene" authors of the Nancy Drew mysteries. But you probably knew that.

Sophie looks kinda cute with that do. Mo has to go to the vet today--he's in pretty bad shape.

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On 02/25/2013, Valerie said ...

Is Sophie a poodle?? I am thinking of getting one someday when I can get up the nerve! She is beautiful.

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On 02/26/2013, Ellen in Oregon said ...

It looks like you somehow managed to get the Nancy top finished despite the various bad health monsters that have been rotating through you this Winter.
I don't know how your sister could like opposums. When I was in high school I had a boyfriend who found a baby possum that had been abandoned by its' mother. I cannot begin to tell you how butt ugly that creature was. It was the only baby anything I could not stand to look at or hold. Pointy razor sharp teeth & a face that even a mother possum could not love. There is a reason they only come out in the dark of night. UGGHHHHH! Considering how ugly possums are, your quilt is really cute and quite a modern pattern too.
I think Spohie might want to find a new groomer next time. Sadly, her old lady poodle doo is nothing like the picture. Don't worry Sophie, next time you can get a nice short Springtime doo. You are such a pretty girl and you deserve a cut that matches your vibrant personality. This too shall pass.

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On 02/27/2013, Kai said ...

I've been in and out all week and will continue to be until week 2 or 3 of March - arrrgghhh! But I have been reading blogs as much as possible! LOVE Ms. Sophie's 'do'! Pretty & sweet doggy! I love you, Ms. Sophie! Also love that Nancy Drew quilt! But - despite my INTENSE dislike of possum, I think that is the COOLEST quilt EVER! I bet Raimy went crazy over it! Hope the Fibromonster has vacated the premises! LOVE YOU!!!!
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Possum-bilities

It occurs to me that I never did blog about the finished possum quilt that I made for my sister Ramey a while back. The title of the quilt is "Sweet Possums on Moonlight Ridge," and I made it in celebration of Ramey's first published book, Sweet Music on Moonlight Ridge, in which a possum plays a minor role. And my sister just likes possums too, which is another reason I made the quilt for her. I think she is the only possum fancier I know.

It also occurs to me that I never did get around to taking a good photo of the whole quilt before I gave it to Ramey. So this one, shot at guild meeting where I showed it at show-and-tell, will have to do.

The Fibromonster has been in a fit of rage for the past couple of days. He has laid low for most of the new year, making way for his buddies Flumonster, Allergymonster, and Bronchitismonster. But he came back ready to rumble. So hot baths, hot tea, an occasional Tramadol, and lots of bed time has been the norm this week. I've learned I just have to wait him out. He thinks I'll yell "calf rope" (which is southern for yelling uncle) if he kicks and screams and pitches enough hissy fits. But I'm not going to give. If I don't encourage him, maybe he'll get bored and move on in a few days.

Happy weekend, everyone.

P.S.: No, the new groomer did not make Sophie look like the doggie in the photo. According to Jesse, she made her look like BiBi, Jesse's paternal grandmother who passed away last spring. BiBi had sort of poofy, curly hair, especially on top; and that's what Sophie has now. I'm trying to wait and let that poof relax before I photograph her.

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On 02/23/2013, Sandy said ...

Poor Sophie. I can sure relate. I never know what I'm going to look like when I go to the hairdresser. Bless her heart. And I'm so sorry you've not been feeling well. Hope you're better soon. Love the quilt. Have a restful weekend Susan.

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On 02/23/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

I love Ramey's Possum-bilities quilt and am amazed you found possum fabric when you needed it! Well done on finding the fabric and making the cute and cheerful quilt!

A decade or so ago, I was rummaging thru a quilt shop and found fly fishing flies (decorated fish hooks, doncha know?!). I thought long and hard about who I might know who went fly fishing but didn't come up with name one. I didn't buy any of the fabric but wrote down the selvage information and announced it at quilt guild. I've always wondered how much of that fabric was sold.

The great thing about haircuts is that time fixes all bad cuts!

Wishing the various annoying monsters gone from your body and that you'll once again feel great, even if spoons remain in short supply (what a bummer that is!).

Hugs!

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On 02/23/2013, Linda said ...

Love the colors and motion on this quilt. And where did you ever find possum print fabric! Very clever.

Hang in there!

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On 02/23/2013, Sue, the Florida Farm Girl said ...

Oh, Susan, what a chuckle you've given me today! I never in a million years would have thought of making a quilt using possums, but it turned out great. I really like all the bright colors you used with it.

Now, as for the Fibromonster. Sorry he showed up again and hope you can send him packing shortly.

Poor Sophie. We all understand about those bad haircuts, don't we?

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On 02/23/2013, ramey channell said ...

I LOVE my beautiful possum quilt! It's as warm as toast on these "Three Possum Nights" that we've been experiencing! Thanks so much, Suze!

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On 02/26/2013, Michelle said ...

What a great reason to make a possum quilt!
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Happy Birthday to Andy

Dear Andy:

It was a day much like today: sunny with a nip in the air. The week before had brought a winter storm warning, but for the life of me, I can't remember if the winter storm actually appeared. I do remember that we spent the night at the home of your dad's cousin Dean A., which was much nearer the hospital, just in case you decided to enter the world when the roads were icy.

But you didn't appear for another week. Around midmorning of that day, my water broke. Your dad was at work in another town, so I called Grandma and Grandpa Ramey, who came and took me to the hospital. For some reason, we stopped by the doctor's office first, where I dribbled amniotic fluid all about before the doctor shooed me off to the maternity ward.

Early that night, you were born. 

Your dad showed up after I had been taken to the delivery room. In those days, daddies weren't allowed in delivery rooms. When the doctor came out after your delivery, he looked at your dad and said, "I'm not going to tell you what you've got. You should have been here." Dad had gone by home to shower before coming to the hospital, and the doctor thought that was not good form, I suppose. Dad actually had to wait and found out the same time I did that you were a girl. (In those days, we also had to wait until birth to find out the sex of the baby.)

Happy birthday, A. You've been a great joy in my life all these years. Even during the times when I wanted to pull my hair out and crawl in a hole, I've loved you so much it hurts. You and Cait are the best things I ever did.

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On 02/21/2013, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Oh what a lovely post Susan - I bet you made Andy cry!

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On 02/21/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Awwwww! How sweet this post is but not quite as sweet as Andy herself is!!

Happy Birthday, Andy!!!

Hugs for Mommy on this memorable date!

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On 02/21/2013, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...

Good job Mom. Daughters are wonderful. Happy BD Andy.

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On 02/21/2013, Andy said ...

Oh, Mama, how beautiful. Thank you for this gift. I would like to cry. I would be crying right now, but the hysterectomy has put an end to my crying jags. I thought you were going to say that Dad got drunk and missed the whole thing! You are the best Mama ever. Sorry for all the times I made you want to pull your hair out and crawl in a hole. I was a handful at times. But, we both made it through, and I love you very much. This has been a great birthday. Thank you.

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On 02/21/2013, Pesky Patti said ...

Susan...How lucky that your circle of love came all the way around. I, too, have found the most wonderful friendship with my mother...even though we had some huge bumps in the road along the way. Happy Birthday to both of you

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On 02/22/2013, Kim said ...

What a sweet post. How lucky your kids must be to be able to call you mom. I have two teenage sons, one of which I worry incessantly what the future will hold for him. Highly gifted, very learning disabled, and quite a puzzle. And yet, even though at times it's more work than I ever bargained for, they, too, are the best thing I ever made.
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Oil of Joy

He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair... Isaiah 61:3

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Each year in late winter, my church holds a women's spiritual renewal weekend. That weekend is coming up in a couple of weeks.

Our fearless leader, Veronica, asked a few of us to create posters for this year's conference. She gave each of us portions of scripture to illustrate in our posters. My scripture comes from Isaiah 61:3: "He will bestow on them...the oil of joy instead of mourning."

I was having trouble coming up with an image for a start-from-scratch poster. One day, I was looking through posters at Michael's in hopes of getting some ideas when what should pop up but this perfectly joyous picture of a row of happy pups on an old sofa. So I took that poster home, gussied it up a little, and gave it to Veronica yesterday. I think it will suffice to illustrate joy. At least it does for me.

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On 02/20/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Susan, There is little on the planet more joyful that puppies so IMHO, you chose the perfect illustration for your Bible verse. Well done!

Please tell me where you found that font you used for the printed verse you put on the poster or what is the name of the font? Love it! Thank you!

Thanks, too, for the smile the puppy poster brought me and the perfect verse for us just now.

Hugs!
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Clue

I didn't get much done in the sewing room yesterday. And the one block I completed had to be "unstitched" because of a placement error. Too busy with laundry, cooking, and all things four-legged to pay attention to quilting. I don't have high hopes of a lot of stitches getting created today either. I still have errands left over from yesterday.

I'm going to wait till the March 8 deadline for the full showing, but I thought I'd reveal just a small clue to my Nancy Drew project. I was making excellent progress and was about ready to change my name to Eleanor Burns (Quilt in a Day). Maybe I'll get back into that speed stitching mode as soon as I get all my chores done--if that ever happens.

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On 02/19/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Thanks for the sneak peek! My Nancy Drew quilt is unlikely to be finished by March 8th as I am being a slow poke and am doing lots of other things instead of sewing. If I get my act together, it will take about 20 minutes to have one of 6 needed blocks together.

I'm looking forward to seeing where everyone else's imaginations took them in creating a ND quilt!

Rainy day here so I need to get off of this computer and sew!

Hugs to you!
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Literate Cat

Taco loves to play Words With Friends.

"How do you spell mouse, SuSu?"

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On 02/18/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

How cute are those pictures of Taco trying to understand what it is about a computer that keeps you happily occupied and looking at the screen?! Boots, our mama cat, loves to sit on the keyboard and watch as lots of letters and numbers fill the screen, row after row. Sometimes she sits beside the keyboard and presses only the keys for o or 0 (zero). Curious choice! Boots doesn't know about the shift key for capital letters.

Am making blocks for my Nancy Drew quilt and planned the border in my sleep last night. To my delight, I remembered the plan after I woke up and it's committed to paper now.

Hope your medicine for the bronchitis is helping you feel lots better.

Hugs!

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On 02/18/2013, Pesky Patti said ...

Glad to see the kitties are making themselves at home. Now you are to the point where you can tell people "Yes, I have two cats and they let me live here!"
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Dollhouse Quiltalong

Our most prolific dollhouse quiltalonger has been at it again. Just look at Laura's wonderful nursery for Baby Alice, Laura's little sister.

"I made the crib and rocking horse so Baby Alice (my little sister) could fit in them," Laura explains of her block. "That rocker was my Great Grandpa's. He lived with my Grandparents when my mother was a little girl. It is still in the family.

"One day, my sister (Baby Alice) woke up early from a nap and spied a loose little piece of wallpaper just above the crib. When my mother came in to get her, she was horrified to discover the crib scattered with tiny pieces of wallpaper Baby Alice had peeled off the wall. My Grandma and Momma glued them back. I held the glue."

"I finished the chest in the girl's room," adds Laura. "I still plan to add a jump rope and jacks in there somewhere. My Aunt brought me that Japanese doll from her travels, as I was obsessed with Rumer Godden's book Miss Happiness and Miss Flower. 

Laura reports that she has started sewing her rooms together. I can just hardly wait to see her finished dollhouse quilt. It's going to be a treasure for sure.

As soon as I'm finished blogging, I'm going to scan and send out the last two patterns (roof and front door). So all you dollhouse quilters will have all your patterns. I hope to be seeing some more progress as the year wears on--from me too.

Note: Please let me know if you do not receive the roof/attic pattern. I just sent it. I'll send the Front Door pattern as soon as I find it. It has wandered off.

I finally came up with an idea for my Nancy Drew quilt. I worked on it yesterday afternoon and got half the blocks constructed. I'm not saying anything else until reveal day, March 8. I know it won't be quilted, but I think I'll have the quilt top done by then--I hope.

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On 02/16/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

What utterly charming doll house blocks Laura has made!! The details are so sweet and what a fun touch that Baby Alice can be in the crib or on the rocking horse. Love the stories about the rocking chair and little Japanese doll, too. Applause, applause!!

Good luck finding the Front Door pattern, Susan!

I'm still hemming and hawing about my Nancy Drew quilt but it's nice to play at it on this cold, snowy/rainy day.

Hugs!
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He Said Bronchitis, Then Gave Me a Shot

After the examination and a trip to the lab for a chest Xray, Dr. M., came into the exam room with a very stern look of his face. He was shaking his head, even.

Oh sweet Lord, thought I. What do I have now?

"You have a very chunky (I think he said chunky) case of bronchitis," the good doctor announced. "Could we interest you in a shot?"

"Well, it depends," I answered, "on a shot of what? Bourbon? Scotch? Twelve-year-old scotch would be my choice."

"I don't have anything but tequila and a rather stiff antibiotic," he said. 

"I'll take the antibiotic then," said I. "I don't drink anything with worms in it."

So that's the story. I have several more drugs to add to my pharmacological stash and high hopes of being fit as a fiddle in no time. I know my cough is already a bit better. And I didn't wake up to what sounded like the fire alarm going off (my breathing) this morning. So there you are.

Note: That isn't me in the photo. My shot was in a much fatter section of my anatomy.

Now to the fun stuff

Before I made my trek to Hueytown yesterday afternoon to see Dr. Morris, I had some fun in the sewing room. I got five or six more nine patches stitched up for the shirt quilt. And I also made another granny square block, which gave me the opportunity to use my Go! fabric cutter, which I LOVE to do.

Disappearing Nine Patches in the Works

Granny Square Progress

After I got home, I was already feeling well enough to fix up a pot of chicken and dumplings for supper. That's one of Jesse's favorites, which I haven't made in a while. I know it sounds like a tedious chore, but the way I make it is quite easy. Stew up a couple of chicken breasts, add a stick of margarine and thawed and quartered frozen biscuits to the broth and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add chopped chicken breasts, and eat till you bust. Which Jesse almost did.

I received my Nancy Drew layer cake today. I still haven't decided what my project will be. But I have to decide fast. Deadline is March 8.

Thanks to all of you who shared your Nancy Drew stories with me. One of my best girlfriends and I spent many hours under the covers with flashlights reading about Nancy's latest adventure. She'll always be a part of my growing up.

I just remembered that today is Dollhouse Progress day. I think I've shown all my progress thus far, and I haven't received anything from anyone else. I'm pretty sure I have only one more set of patterns to send out (front door and roof), so I'll get that done either today or tomorrow, for those of you who are in the quiltalong.

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On 02/15/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh! Owwwie! Sorry you needed a shot and that they didn't have the beverage available to make it so much more pleasant. Hope this is the ticket to the cure you need and that Bella and Taco are not on the hook for causing your bronchitis. Wishing you well!

My Nancy Drew fabric came today, too, and I have my thingking cap on about what to do with it. Love those primary colors! As slow as I am with making quilt tops, it's unlikely that I'll have much to show by the 8th but I love the fabrics, love the books, and will have fun!

Your chicken and dumplings sounds so delicious! That might be just the thing to have tomorrow night when the high is forecast to be 36*F with a chance of snow. Today is sunny and 64*F - lovely!

Hugs!

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On 02/15/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Oops! Where is the "edit" option?

Make that "thinking cap" in the first sentence, 2nd paragraph. Thanks. :)

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On 02/15/2013, Joanne said ...

Glad you got the shot of antiobio. But you might should have taken the tequila also. Dem worms make a good potable.

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On 02/17/2013, Linda said ...

Laughed out loud at your exchange with your doctor. ;) So glad you got something to help you feel better. The chicken and dumplings sound wonderful.
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I've Got Cats in High Places

The higher the better for Bella. She's a girl with her feet NOT planted firmly on the ground. And if there's too much stuff in her way, like pizza boxes, bins of fabric, or quilting tools, she just knocks it to the floor, which is where most of this ended up. 

In light of my never-ending cough and congestion, I'm finally giving up and going back to the doctor this afternoon. I hope he has a miracle cure for me.

But until I have to leave, I'm going to make disappearing nine-patch blocks for the shirt quilt. 

Happy Valentines Day to all.
YYY

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On 02/14/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

The higher the better is typical of our cats, too, but I nip some of that in the bud by keeping "up" full. I also regularly move things inward from the edge of tables where they've been nudged by someone who wants more room just there because that's where the shaft of sunshine is. Bella does seem quite happy!

Interestingly, our cats know the words "no", "move", "get down", and, of course, "food". The first three words are often met by grumbling, cat style.

Wishing you an Inst-Cure for what ails you!

Hugs!

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On 02/14/2013, Ramey Channell said ...

Bella looks like you're invading her space.

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On 02/14/2013, Sylvia said ...

I am a new visitor to your Blog and am very glad I found it. Hope you get to feeling better .

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On 02/14/2013, Sue said ...

Hi - Sorry to hear you're not feeling so hot. Even though we don't know each other, I check your blog often to see how you're feeling. I wish I could help you with that "miracle cure." I am anxious to see what you do with the Nancy Drew fabric. Like so many, I loved those books! I think I'm going to get some of that fabric, too - but I better get a plan first. Please rest, think happy thoughts, smile as much as you can at those darn cats!

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On 02/14/2013, Nancy in Utah said ...

Susan, I also love Nancy Drew and have quite a collection that includes some vintage ones that were new to me when I was a little girl for birthdays, Christmas, etc. I gave my collection to my daughter when she married and moved away as she loved them like I did...but some things in her life changed and they ended up back with me and I must say, I was very happy to have them back. My personal favorite still remains "The Haunted Bridge". Lost count of how many times I've read it, LOL. Hope you feel better very soon, Hugs...

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On 02/15/2013, Kai said ...

I'm TOTALLY in love with Bella's precious lil' face! Come visit Aunty Kai, Bella! You can knock EVERYTHING off my top craft shelves because I can't REACH them so you'd be helping! LOL! Susan, my friend, FEEL BETTER! Love you!
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How About Hexies?

 

 

http://thehexieblog.blogspot.com/

Quilting With Nancy Drew

Yesterday, I learned from my blogging friend Melinda of a blog hop that I just had to join. Had to. Couldn't stop myself.

You see, I have been a huge Nancy Drew fan since I was 12 years old. I never outgrew the girl sleuth. In fact, I even have a collection of vintage Nancy Drew Mysteries on the bookshelf in my bedroom. And I'm still not too old to take one down and read it from time to time. In fact, I just recently read Mystery #1, The Secret in the Old Clock.

The blog hop, hosted by Carol at Just Let Me Quilt, is simple enough. I am to make a project, any project I like, using Nancy Drew fabric. Who knew there was Nancy Drew fabric? I found some online and ordered a layer cake. I don't have a clue what I'm going to make. (Have a clue. Get it?) But I'm sure the fabric, when it arrives, will speak to me and help me solve the mystery.

The hop kicks off in March. On my appointed day, March 8, I will post a photo of my Nancy Drew project here on my blog. Carol has a schedule on her blog with links to all the participating quilting sleuths. So everyone can hop around the blogs and see what everyone made with her fabric. What fun!

Gotta go now. Dentist appointment in an hour. Just for cleaning and checkup. No needles or drills and I get to see one of my favorite people, Dr. Jim Stone.

 

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On 02/13/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh, NO! You've weakened my resolve to use only my stash fabrics! However can I come by some Nancy Drew - girl detective, in her roadster with her good friend George along side - fabric and stay true to my promise to myself???

I, too, still have my Nancy Drew books and love each and every one!

"Dearie me", she says as she paces back and forth, "Where is wise Carson Drew when you need him?"
I cannot believe his name bubbled up in my brain just now.

Hugs!

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On 02/13/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Okay, I've ordered some fabric (how could I not?) and am so excited. Some of my Christmas money is funding this required purchase so it's a gift. How's that for a good rationalization?! Works for me!

Hugs!

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On 02/13/2013, Karen in Michigan said ...

As I've mentioned before I, too, collect Nancy Drew books and have them in the bookcase in my bedroom. I can't wait to see the results! As yes, I reread them from time to time as well. When I need to get a grip, I channel my inner Nancy Drew. She always knew what to do.

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On 02/13/2013, Melinda said ...

I am glad you joined in. I tried to answer your comment yesterday but it was rejected. Don't know why. I have an idea for my project. We have most of the fabric here at Tiny Stitches if you need more.

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On 02/14/2013, Linda said ...

Oh how I wish I still had my Nancy Drew books! Thanks for the memories.

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On 02/14/2013, Ellen in Oregon said ...

Just seeing the bright yellow Nancy Drew books on your bookshelves instantly transported me back to the way I felt when I was around 10 yrs. old. I recall how excited I would was when I got my allowance and was taken to the local bookstore to buy the newest Nancy mystery. I gobbled each one up so fast, I remember thinking that I wished I was not such a "fast reader" so the thrill of reading one would last longer. I read them all so many times the covers were dog eared. I think my love Nancy Drew mysteries grew into a life long love of mysteries fo all kinds. I still regret giving all of the books to one of my nieces when I was 13 and foolishly declared them a "too childish". Thanks for the 1967 flashback.
I don't know if you have already seen an allergist about your awful respiratory issues, but if it was allergy (like to the cats/dogs) most of them now use allergy drops rather than years of shots. They have used them in Europe for decades and they take effect fairly quick. I know when I have had some complicated issues I have had best results from being evaluated at a clinics associated with my states' medical school. You might have to be questioned by 12 yr. old medical students, but you can usually get a correct diagnosis and treatment when local Docs and figure it out. I hate to see you feeling bad for so long and no solution. Good luck at your appt.

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On 02/14/2013, Sheryl Colle said ...

Oh, another Nancy Drew mystery fan!! How I did love those books. I grew up in a town of 500, and I loved our little library. I can still see all those ND mystery books on the shelf. In grade school, back in the early 60s, my teacher got so sick of my book reports on nothing but ND books. At various times while in Books A Million, I've been so tempted more than once to just buy one and be transported back to the good ole days. Had no idea there was actually ND fabric!

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On 02/15/2013, Kai said ...

Nancy Drew fans, you say? YES! I'm raising MY hand over here! Read them ALL! Those & the Donna Parker series which no one else seems to recall!

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It Was All About Strings

Our guild speakers at yesterday's meeting were sisters Ginger Baker and Bobbie Sanders, authors of the book String Quilt Revival. Bobbie (left in photo) and Ginger (right) got their love of string quilting from their grandmother, and they patterned their first string quilt after one that their grandmother had made.

Their quilts are amazingly gorgeous, so instead of telling you about them, I'm just going to show you a few. Afterwards, look for some guild show-and-tell too.

 

 

 

 

Strings and Squares

"Cheddar Blue"

"It's Lemon, I Think"

If you'd like to know more about Bobbie and Ginger, follow the link above (in first paragraph) to their website. There you'll also be able to see more of their quilts as well as their rug hooking projects.

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GUILD MEMBERS SHOW & TELL

President Vasha R., asked members to bring their own string quilts for show and tell. Those in the photo above, as well as some of the others, were made from a pattern in Ginger and Bobbie's book String Quilt Revival.

"Diamonds Are Forever," I think this pattern is called.

Another example of "Diamonds..."

This "Diamonds Are Forever" is a memory quilt made from men's shirts.

Sally's Jungle Strings

Gwen C. calls this string quilt "Leggos." 

"Leggos" closeup

Jean S.'s string spiderweb stars

Another Gwen C. string quilt

Gwen C., (right) helps LaVerne (left) show her African quilt.

A zipper challenge (pieces of zipper form the frets on the instruments)

A cuddle quilt made from some of the January block-of-the-month blocks.

Some of the February block-of-the-month entries

It isn't February without a heart quilt.

Gerda's nine patches

A stack-and-whack quilt

Waste not. Frugal quilters can even find a use for selvages.

Judy C. said she had to come way out of her comfort zone to create this beauty.

Cuddle Quilts on parade (This is only a smattering of what was turned in, fifty-something in all.)

Another cuddle quilt (foreground) with Gwen C.'s quilt (top, background) made from men's shirts and quilted with vintage floss.

That's all for now, folks. Those of you who expressed interest in the cookbook will hear from me shortly. I picked up a supply yesterday at guild.

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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 02/12/2013, Kai said ...

WOWEEEEEEE! That is what I call EYE candy! How gorgeous each ONE is! And all together? Sigh! No way could I choose a favorite from those.

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On 02/12/2013, Donna said ...

Love seeing all the quilts! I have this book and was looking at it last night. Love it.
Hugs,
Donna

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On 02/12/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

What a glorious array of quilts and I can just imagine how wonderful the program about string quilts was with Ginger and Bobbi.

My first two purchased blocks before I was a quiter were string pieced stars that are still tucked away in my sewing room. They were bought at the first quilt show I ever attended in 1988 (I think) in Lousiville, KY.

Thanks for sharing the fun with us!

Hugs!

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On 02/12/2013, Jenn said ...

Love the quilts - especially the shirt one, spider web, lego and heart (and the first string quilt . . . wondering what a string quilt is -- actually.)

Love the selvage bag too - great quilt crafting all!

Enjoyed my visit.
Hope you're doing well.
Jenn

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On 02/12/2013, Joanne said ...

What purely gorgeous quilts! Thanks for showing them.

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On 02/13/2013, Diane W said ...

I've met Bobbie and Ginger and they are a hoot. I could listen to their stories all night. Love all of the show and tell quilts. I started a Diamonds quilts right after their show but haven't finished it.

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On 02/14/2013, Sheryl Colle said ...

I just loved these ladies. So inspiring, and their quilts are so easy to make.
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