Miss Cassidy

Vann's beautiful granddaughter, Cassidy Cleveland, one year old on Christmas Day.

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On 12/31/2013, Beverly said ...

She is darling.

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On 12/31/2013, Sandy said ...

A real-life baby doll for Christmas!!

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On 12/31/2013, Joanne said ...

A living doll, for sure.

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On 12/31/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

What a perfectly adorable little girl!! Hope she lives in your vacinity so you can enjoy her.

Long ago when I was child, a friend's mother had a baby girl on Christmas day and named her Christine Noel and I've never forgotten that. When our older son was born on Christmas Eve, DH vetoed any such seasonal name. Sigh!

Hugs!

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On 12/31/2013, sillysally said ...

She is a sweetheart for sure!
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Good Day for A Cat Nap

It's all rainy and cold and dreary today, just the right kind of day to do just what Bella is doing. But not for me. I have already done a couple of loads of laundry, mopped the kitchen, and cooked a pot of white chicken chili so that Jesse will have something to warm his innards before he heads out to work this evening. He's on night shift this week, and you know how much I don't like that.

In a few minutes I'm heading out to meet my sisters and nephew for lunch in honor of my sister Joanne's birthday. And when I return, I hope to join all these lazy animals that are curled up around me in an afternoon nap too.

 

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On 12/28/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Happy Birthday to Joanne! Wishing her a wonderful day and year ahead!

Oh, white chicken chili sounds delicious! I might make some for tomorrow when your rain is expected here. It's not often that the forecast is 100% chance of rain but that's what tomorrow may well bring.

I may borrow your afternoon nap idea for tomorrow, too! Enjoy your nap!

Have you thought of putting a favorite CD or CDs on an endless loop so you'd have that pleasant "white noise" playing during the nights when Jesse is at work? Perhaps that would help you sleep better.

Hugs!

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On 12/28/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Oops! I forgot to mention your delightful Nancy Drew quilt that Bella admires!

More hugs!

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On 12/28/2013, Dolores Tanner said ...

Boy that at is zonked out!!!

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On 12/30/2013, Beverly said ...

That cat nap looks and sounds like a great idea to me.

Wishing you a new year filled with joy and peace. I hope you will be joining us for Pink Saturdays. I have missed you.♥

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On 01/02/2014, Linda said ...

I see Bella is on the Nancy Drew quilt that you inspired me to buy fabric for but which I have not yet started. ;)
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Have a Holly Jolly

My plans for a quiet and uneventful holiday has morphed into a busy family celebration. And that's ok. As my sister Ramey put it, this could be my "last hurrah." One never knows, does one?

A really wonderful thing happened yesterday. My stepdaughter Amy, who I haven't seen for four years, came by for a visit. She flew down from her home in Portland, Oregon, to visit with family and friends. Then daughter Andy came over and she, Jesse, and I opened gifts, enjoyed a chili supper, then watched the movie "Prisoners." Not a very Christmassy movie, but one that we enjoyed.

Both Amy and Andy loved their quilts that I had made them. Pictures below of the quilts but not the receivers. Wish I had taken photos of the girls with their quilts, but I didn't.

Andy's wall quilt "Issac," named for her beautiful grey kitty

The real Issac

Amy's quilt "Dad's Shirts"

This is the pocket from one of Vann's shirts used as a label. The original plan was to add a photo of Vann and Amy when she was a baby, sticking up through the pocket. But I ran out of printer ink and time at just about the same instant. So the photo didn't happen.

Today the sisters and their families are coming over for a traditional Christmas dinner. So I best get on with my cooking. But first, below are the rest of the Santas that I promised to show. There are more, many more, but they'll have to wait for another Christmas.

PEACE TO ALL

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On 12/25/2013, denise said ...

Oh, Susan, the quilts you made for Amy and Andy are spectacular. They are clearly heart felt artistic expressions.

Thank you writing!

Wishing you peace, joy and exuberant health in the New Year!

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On 12/25/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

What wonderful quilts and so perfectly suited to their new owners! I'm delighted Amy could come for Christmas and recieve her special quilt in person. Andy's quilt is beautiful and funny - and as someone with two cats, I hope Isaac and other cats she may have ignore all quilts in Andy's home.

Love your many Santas! I certainly don't need any other collections, but your Santa have me wishing...!

Wishing you joy!

Hugs!

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On 12/25/2013, Joanne said ...

The quilts are fabulous, especially because of the pocket label, and the climbing cat. How happy the girls must be to receive such meaningful gifts, made by their mother/step-mother! I love the Santas, too. Thanks for having all of us over for Christmas dinner. I can't wait! Lane cake, Lane cake.

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On 12/25/2013, Jan said ...

The girls' quilts are perfection! I'm pretty sure you've created heirlooms for both. Wishing you & your family the merriest of Christmases & a very happy New Year!!

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On 12/25/2013, Kathy Reed said ...

The quilts are treasures !! I love the quilt made with Van's shirts. It brought me to tears as My mom pasted last year and now you have inspired me to make one out of a couple of chenille bath robes...Thank you for that...

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Kathy R.

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On 12/26/2013, Sandy said ...

Oh Susan, what a special day that was for you and the girls. You have a very kind heart and it oozes out in your handwork. You're a very special lady and I applaud you. Looking forward to what 2014 brings for all of us. Thanks for letting me into your world.

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On 12/26/2013, Diana said ...

Wonderful quilts. The kitty one is so darn cute!
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Baking Up Some Goodies

I've been so busy shopping, wrapping, and cooking that I haven't got around to posting the other group of Santas. But here's a picture of the Lane Cake I made this morning. This cake is a holiday tradition in my family. We never cared for fruit cake, but Mama made this every Christmas.

If you search, you'll fine several variations of the recipe, which was invented by a lady name Mrs. Lane from Clanton, Alabama in the laste 1800s. Some include 7-minutes frosting, but we've never frosted ours. We find the filling is quite enough. We also add an 8-oz. can of crushed pineapple to the filling and omit the cherries. And I've never used the whiskey. I don't like the taste of whiskey, despite my Irish DNA.

The cake is mentioned in the book TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee. Here's what the online ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALABAMA has to say: "In Alabama, and throughout the South, the presentation of an elegant, scratch-made, laborious Lane cake is a sign that a noteworthy life event is about to be celebrated. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Alabama native Harper Lee, character Maudie Atkinson bakes a Lane cake to welcome Aunt Alexandra when she comes to live with the Finch family. Noting the cake's alcoholic kick, the character Scout remarks, 'Miss Maudie baked a Lane cake so loaded with shinny it made me tight.' Shinny is a slang term for liquor."

I'll try to get the rest of the Santa's posted soon. The trouble is that the photos are on my Mac upstairs, so I can't post them with Blogsy with my iPad. And there's always something on the stove that needs watching, a dog in the backyard that will need letting in shortly, or a body just too tired to climb stairs.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

 

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On 12/24/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Merry Christmas to you and your family, too!

The Lane cake looks so interesting and delicious. Being from Tennessee, I have never heard of Lane cake and don't remember hearing it mentioned in To Kill A Mockingbird. Do tell!

I made a Lemon Extract Cake today or to be specific, put it in two loaf pans rather than in a tube pan. Its ingredients are very much like a fruit cake with candied fruits and pecans, but it has the most wonderful light lemon fragrance. It has to be kept refrigerated so we kept one and I took the other to my cousin's home along with their gifts. Some of this cake batter is still decorating my shirt, too.

Merry Christmas, my friend!

Holly hugs!

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On 12/24/2013, Sue G. said ...

This cake looks good Susan! My daughter made a fruit cake for my husband. He's Weird!!LOL He's the only person I know that loves that solid brick fruit cake that everyone laughs about!

Merry Christmas!!!

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On 12/24/2013, Debbie P. said ...

I had forgotten all about that cake being in To Kill A Mockingbird. I will need to make that in February for my book club since that is the book we will be talking about. I hope you have a very Happy Christmas. I know I haven't been commenting lately, but I still read your blog everyday!
Tons of hugs,
Deb
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Some Santas

I have always loved Santas, and I have quite a few--too many, actually, to have them all out at once. Here are some of the Santas I chose to bring out this holiday season. I'll show some more tomorrow.

Ho Ho Ho!!!!

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On 12/21/2013, Sandy said ...

They're all so pretty. I love that string quilt with Santa and Mrs. Claus. I think it's one of the prettiest ones you've made. So colorful and cheery. How did you get the bear away from Skipper. If memory serves me correctly, he definitely had a "thing" for him last year. LOL Have a great weekend Susan.

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On 12/21/2013, Jan said ...

Love your Santas…but that bottle brush tree is what caught my eye!! Those are my favorite! What about that bear? I wondered the same thing as Sandy! Has Skipper declared a peace agreement with him?! (temporary, of course!) Merry Christmas to you & your's!

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On 12/22/2013, Andrea said ...

I just absolutely love your blog and so look forward to each and every new entry! I still laugh (and laughed out loud) at your post about deviled eggs and wanting to join the monks because you figured they didn't have to make deviled eggs. You are a true treasure and you bring so much through your wonderful blog. Thank you for sharing all that you do and just know that you make this other Southern gal's day (I'm in Georgia, just next door to you). Merry Merry Christmas and have a safe, warm and wonderful New Year!

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On 12/22/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

How delightful your Santas are and the settings are lovely, too. You do have a wonderful way with color and arrangements!! Santas are my favorites but snowflakes are a close second.

I spied a cardinal and wonder if you've framed many of those cards? If you'd like, I could send you a few more cardinal cards.

Yesterday morning I did put hanging sleeves (in 2 sections) on the little wall quilt so the last of my gifts was mailed yesterday with delivery date of Christmas Eve. Whew!!

I so enjoyed your pictures and am looking forward to the next installment!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Hugs!

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On 12/22/2013, CathieJ said ...

I also have many Santas. I loved looking at yours. Thank you for sharing. I absolutely love the quilt and the sleigh.

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On 12/23/2013, Kate said ...

Love all your Santa's. So Cute. I too have a collection, and try to add at least 1 a year.
I'd also like to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I look forward to it each and every day. If I was closer (I am in Oregon) I would be over to lend a hand when your not feeling well. Take care, Happy Holidays to you and all your loved ones.

~Kathy R~

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On 12/29/2013, Calling Cards said ...

Santa makes the month of December the brightest and most colourful. You gotta love the wonderful nights of Christmas

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On 12/29/2013, Calling Cards said ...

I hope i have the chance to meet Santa this year. Was so fixed up
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One Week to Go

I hear Santa is polishing up the sleigh and loading it for his whirlwind trip next week. Skipper said he was going to bite him if he tries sneaking down his chimney. Then I told him that Santa will probably have a bag of treats for him if he's a good dog. So now he's cool with the idea of a fat guy in the chimney.

My goal today is to finish up Andy Grinch Pill gifties and start on finishing up the two quilts. Tomorrow is (maybe) cookie baking day. We'll see how much I get done on the quilts.

I need to do one more grocery shopping trip and bake a cake and some brownies too. And wrap some gifts. Thanks to all of you who gave me suggestions for my nephew Reed's gift. I'm narrowing it down.

Better get back to work. I'm burning daylight.

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On 12/18/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

How cute is that Santa fabric in the embroidery hoop?! Love it! Is it one of the many Santas that grace your delightful home this time of year?

Today should be a sewing day for me and I made a tiny bit of progress before being interrupted for more than an hour. Should I have lunch before starting again? Methinks I should.

Wishing you well on those finishing touches the quilts need and on the project for Reed. Above all, enjoy the process.

Hugs!
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Holiday Hoopla

Away in a Manger. My sister Joanne gave me all of it except for the sheep, which I bought in a gift shop in Georgia while visiting friends a few years ago.

I declared to one and all that Christmas at The Yellow House was going to be small, calm, and casual this year. After the Thanksgiving gathering, I'm just not up for another big to-do right now. Everyone thought that was a good idea. So I drew a sigh of relief, reveling in the notion that I would have very little to do from now until the 25th. Ever since that sigh, I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to accomplish everything that needs accomplishing even for a small, calm, and casual Christmas. Maybe I should have specified VERY small, calm, and casual.

So now I have to go and buy paper to print out some more Grinches to make some more Grinch Pill bags for Andy to use to gift her coworkers. I picked up Amy's quilt yesterday, but I still have to bind and label it. I haven't finished the other one I'm making for a gift. It's almost done, except for the binding and label.

I also have one more gift to buy, something for my eight-year-old nephew and I have no idea what to get for him. The only thing I know he likes is Leggos, and I think he already has every Leggo thing ever made.

I have to fit in a cookie-baking day somewhere, as I have decided to give homemade cookies for gifts to several people. 

And absolutely nothing has been wrapped. 

So I'm off now to Michaels to buy card stock for printing Grinch poems. Then back in time to feed Jesse before he leaves for work. He's on night shift again this week--a situation that he likes more than I do. For some odd reason, I'm still not sleeping while he's gone at night. I know where he is, I'm fairly sure he's safe and sound, but there's just something about somebody being away from my house when they should be home that keeps me alert. I think Sophie feels it too. Every time I would doze off last night, she would get down from her sleeping chair and come over and paw me on the shoulder or arm to wake me up. But this is the last night he's working night shift until after Christmas, I think. Maybe we can get some sleep, Sophie.

35-year-old Tree Top Angel, made by me.

I have a very small tree this year. But it wouldn't be Christmas without Raggedy Ann and Andy, made by me in 1972 for Andy.

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On 12/17/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

What a lovely tree, festive quilt, Raggedy twins, and angel you have!

Isn't it amazing that even when you aspire to Christmas Minimus, there are still a bazillion things you need or want to do? I'm right there with you. I have one small wall quilt to finish and mail, and all of the baking I care to do is still not started. I wrapped the gifts that need to be mailed last night and will go to UPS to mail those today.

May all of you sleep well tonight and awaken rested with spoons aplenty to use as you please.

Big hugs!

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On 12/17/2013, Joanne said ...

Good to see the little crèche scene again. Sorry I was cross yesterday. Love you much!

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On 12/17/2013, Jan said ...

Have you thought about Lincoln Logs for your nephew? My grandson, Joey,(6 years) loves Legos & Lincoln Logs both.

Merry Christmas,
Jan

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On 12/17/2013, Sherry said ...

I enjoy reading your blog. I just bought Lego Crazy Action Contraptions by Lego and Klutz for toys for tots. It is a book and set together. I got it at AC Moore Crafts. It appealed to the engineer in me. Maybe your nephew would like it. http://www.klutz.com/book/Lego-Crazy-Action-Contraptions

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On 12/17/2013, Sandy said ...

Susan, maybe you should have said "teeny-tiny". Whew!! I'm tired after just reading all your goings-on! I haven't bought one gift, made one baked goodie, put up a tree or even hung a stocking. Think I had better borrow some of your umph and get busy. Hope you sleep better tonight. You need the rest!! Merry Christmas, Susan

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On 12/17/2013, Inka said ...

Do you know that there are Lego Games? My kids like them very much. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!
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A Week of Parties

Three Christmas parties in one week! 

When I realized what a week I had ahead of me, I was a little terrified. But so far, I'm doing fine. Two parties down (plus Discovery Club) and all is well.

It all started Monday morning with our annual quilters guild Christmas brunch. We had a fun program and wonderful goodies supplied by our board (of which I'm a member). Not much show-and-tell, but what we had was wonderful. Here are some samples.

Ruth Ann's hometown memories.


Dr. Seuss

The Cat in the Hat

Winter Whimsyland

A quilt for a young man.

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Yesterday, right on the heels of the guild party, came my quilters bee Christmas luncheon. We met at friend Cindy's beautifully decked-out-for-the-holidays home for a delicious feast. Each person made a dish or two (I made strawberry cake). Not sure about everyone else, but I ate far too much. Well, you know, I couldn't insult any of our cooks. Every single dish was delish. 

Most of us came to eat and have fun, but Mary S. also brought some show-and-tell. This is a beauty that she made for a friend's beach house.

Cyndi W. treated us to some her Grinch-kabobs. In addition to being charming and cute, they were also delicious.

I too had Grinches on the brain. I made little bags of Grinch Pills to give everyone. I found the Grinch poem online.

The "pills" are really M&Ms, which I find to be excellent medicine for taking away the grumpies.

One more party this week, on Friday. My friend and business associate Stuart is holding his annual luncheon for all his clients. I'll be there with bells on--if I can find a few bells.

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On 12/11/2013, Sandy said ...

What a great time, great food, great friends, great quilts and great to see you out and about!!! Enjoy the season, Susan.

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On 12/11/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

how cute and how festive -
not to mention what fun -
these parties have been
for you & everyone!
(with apologies to Dr. Seuss)

almost all lower case because i managed to have my left middle finger in a very wrong place, got a cut, and am typing one handed.
ouch! talk about inconvient ...

hugs!

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On 12/14/2013, Ellen in Oregon said ...

Susan - It looks like you had great company & wonderful food at the 2 gatherings so far. I thought your Grinch Pills made fabulous little gifts (I might have to steal your idea & make some of those to give away myself) & your friends Grich hat kabobs were just the cutest. The show & tells were all winners, but I especially love the Hometown Christmas with the house boarder & the skaters in the center. It reminded me of my neighborhood in Upstate NY where I grew up. We were lucky enough to have a large pond where we skated all Winter long - good memories.
I hope your really enjoy your 3rd gathering.
I just caught up with your last few posts. Loved how tuckered out Taco was after a go round with Skipper. Such a funny picture.
The photo you posted for Vann's birthday was wonderful to see. He was such a tall & good looking man. Together you must have made a very striking couple. I think I would have liked Vann. He is a man after my own heart, as I completely agree that most things can be improved with a few scoops of ice cream.

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On 12/14/2013, Pat said ...

Love the Grinch idea! I borrowed this idea & found the card to print. Very cute! Merry Christmas!

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On 04/17/2014, funny videos said ...

Hmm, awesome
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Happy Birthday, Boo

Today is my sweetheart's birthday. I hope somebody up there is throwing him a big shindig with cake and French vanilla cream. Few dishes exist that my Boo didn't believe could be improved with a couple of scoops of French vanilla ice cream.

 

 

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On 12/07/2013, Pesky Patti said ...

Oh, Susan, where does the time go? It seems that I was just remembering Vann riding on the lawnmower with Sophie. I am glad I got to know a part of him on your blog before he went away. My thoughts are with you. What a nice picture of a very handsome man.

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On 12/07/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

What a handsome hunk and lucky you to have found Vann and shared his life! What a lucky man Vann was to have found you, too. You certainly miss him, but I hope this photo and others are displayed in your room, your office, and wherever else you choose to put one or more.

Happy Birthday, Vann!

Hugs to you, my friend.

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On 12/07/2013, Sandy said ...

Such a handsome man, that Vann. You were both so blessed to have had each other. Many people live their whole lives without finding their soul mate. So happy you did. Blessings to you my friend.

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On 12/07/2013, Donna said ...

I know these days are difficult. I am sure there was a birthday party in Heaven :)
Hugs,
Donna

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On 12/09/2013, Beverly said ...

He was clearly a man of excellent taste. That is why he had you.♥

I started my holiday home tour today. I hope you will come by for a visit.
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Taco Is Tuckered

Taco loves his dogs, but Skipper wears him out with his rough housing.

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On 12/06/2013, Beverly said ...

Oh, Susan. This photo has be sitting at my desk laughing. The caption is perfect.

I wanted to say I miss you at Pink Saturday, and I hope you will be sharing posts again with us soon. You know, all holiday related posts are welcome this month.

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On 12/07/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

How cute and funny is that photo of Taco?! Cheers that the furry kids are all getting along so well, too.

What room in your home was Taco in when this photo was taken? I don't remember the chair or those pictures on the wall. As Beverly wrote, I'd love to see more holiday posts and more of your home, so wish you the spoons to do this and to do all of the other things you want to do.

So much rain is in our forecast, I may brave the cold today and get the tree and decorations from the barn. Better rain than ice.

Hugs!
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Giving Thanks

Ten of us, not including four-footers, enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving feast at the Yellow House on Thursday. Afterwards we played Balderdash. Shown above is a few of us: from left, Jesse and Sophie, me and Skipper, Handsome Nephew Jed, and Beautiful Niece India.

Now it's countdown to Christmas, so I best get hopping. I have two quilts to finish, in addition to planning, shopping, cooking, and who knows what all. Over the weekend, I hung my Santa quilt in the foyer and my Christmas wreath on the front door. That could well be the extent of my decorating this year. Taco and Bella's kitty condo now stands where a Christmas tree has stood in years past. And I have found that cats and Christmas trees don't mix very well. Maybe a small tabletop tree. We'll see.

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

Y'all look beautiful! Don't you love Jed's new shirt? Thanks for hosting the Thanksgiving feast.

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

Lovely family photo of y'all and am glad to hear you had a glorious Thanksgiving get-together. Thanks for sharing!

I, too, am thinking of doing Christmas minimus, but when I see the decorations, I am at a loss as to what to leave out. Interestingly, the fake Christmas tree doesn't attract the attention of our two cats. As long as the tree has nothing on its lower branches that would break if knocked off, I don't worry. So far, only the Christmas wall hangings, pillows, and candles with silk holly rings have made an appearance here.

Hugs!

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On 12/02/2013, Sue, the Florida Farm Girl said ...

So glad you had a happy day with your family. We won't have much Christmas decoration either, for various reasons.
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