Weather Watch

Yesterday I got three of Vann's shirts cut into 5" squares for the memory quilt I plan to make. I'm not absolutely sure yet what the quilt pattern will be; but I do know it will be simple, and it will use 5" squares. I have four or five more shirts to cut up, and I'll be ready to start playing with a design.

The weather forecasters tell us severe storms are headed our way again. Central Alabama is scheduled to be hit in the morning, right about the time I'll be driving the kitties to the clinic for their alterations. I can take severe weather if I can stay inside, but I surely don't like to drive in it. I'm hoping that the squall line takes its time and doesn't get here until I have the kitties delivered and am safe inside The Yellow House, although yellow houses, as well as houses of other colors, have been know to blow away in the Alabama storms.

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On 01/29/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Your memory quilt will be a dear reminder of sweet Vann and will keep you warm inside and outside for decades to come. Might you use flannel as the backing so the quilt is even more cozy?

Do you ever choose a pattern because of its block name? I have done that in the past and have a friend that always does it when making a quilt for a particular person. If this thought appeals to you, I recommend Barbara Brackman's book "Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns". BTW, I still hum the Jiminy Cricket tune for spelling "encyclepedia". Do you? I look forward to seeing what block pattern you choose to use.

I'll join you in hoping the kitties are at the vet and you're safely home before any storms appear in your area. Today we have sunshine and a high expected in the low 60s*F. Lovely!

My mid-back continues to be painful and most annoying. I much preferred it when body parts did their jobs without making themselves known or causing such pain. Did you know that arms are connected to back muscles somehow? That is very apparent to me today. BOTHER!!

Hugs!

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On 01/29/2013, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Oh please don't blow away Susan - if the weather is bad stay home!!!
I think it's lovely that you're making a memory quilt - it's wonderful that you have such memories of your lovely husband.

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On 01/29/2013, Jan S. said ...

Such a sweet remembrance. This must have been done in times past, come to think of it.
Nothing but rain here today in my neck of the woods.
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Refrigerator Redo

Saturday morning, I decided it was past time to give the fridge a good cleaning out and washing down. I dreaded the chore since my back problems make any task that involves bending and stooping and stretching and reaching a real bummer. But I had steeled my resolve and was ready.

I had picked up a tip on Pinterest or Facebook or some cyberplace that appealed to me as a way to make subsequent fridge cleanings a little easier. Here's how it goes:

First purchase some inexpensive plastic place mats. I got these at Target for $1.99 each.

Next, cut the mats to fit your clean refrigerator shelves. I used an old pair of kitchen scissors that I didn't mind dulling. Now place the mats on the shelves. Don't forget the drawers and door shelves.

Next time the fridge needs cleaning, remove the mats and wash them down. The shelves underneath should stay clean. And meanwhile, the view inside your fridge will be nice and cheery.

I caught Jesse standing with the fridge door open, staring inside. I asked him what he was doing. "Just looking," he said. Now whether he was enjoying the site of my pretty, neat refrigerator insides or just trying to decide if anything inside was edible, I'm not sure.

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On 01/28/2013, Sandy said ...

What a nice idea. Thanks for the tip. Hope your day is a good one.

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On 01/28/2013, Linda said ...

Who would have thought, very good idea

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On 01/28/2013, hunnybunny said ...

Love it! I have seen this before but promptly forgot about it (shocking I know lol).Thanks for the reminder because it looks wonderful and is more importantly practical. :)

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On 01/28/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Love the idea and the delightful look of your 'fridge interior! How many placemats did you use?

Not feeling so great today. My upper back hurts and hurts more when I move or take a deep breath. Is it arthritis, fibro, pneumonia, did I sleep in a bad position, did Tom the Tub (cat) stand on me during the night, or what? Dunno, but it's an annoying, uncomfortable bother and that is for sure.

Hugs!

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On 01/28/2013, sophie said ...

I love this idea, too! I'm going to go pick up some mats so the next time I tackle the fridge cleaning, I can make mine nice and cheerful (and easier to clean), too.

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On 01/28/2013, Dolores Tanner said ...

After looking at your blog a couple weeks ago, went to the used book store and found 2 Sharyn McCrumb books, am reading St Dale right now, learning a bit more than one needs to know about race car driving, BUT love the way she writes, can't wait to get into more of hers, always great finding a new author, Thanx a bunch!!!

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On 01/29/2013, Kai said ...

How PERFECT! I use placemats (mine also happen to be from Target) for putting under my coffee stuff so if I trail Splenda or dribble creamer I can just wipe it down, for my countertop when I'm making a potentially messy sandwich, etc. But this is DEFINITELY a GREAT idea! I'm always scrubbing fridge shelves. (Ugh!) THIS will be something I do TODAY! THANKS, SUSAN!!!

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On 01/29/2013, Dianne said ...

Susan...here is another tip for your fridge....put a lazy susan on one of the shelves and you can just give it a spin to find that bottle of ketchup.

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On 01/29/2013, Mary @ Ms. Redo said ...

I love that idea, what a huge help that would be! I'm with you, arthritis makes cleaning the inside of the fridge a real chore. Love your red and white place mats, I think Jesse must have liked them too ;) I found your link at Tweak it Tuesday, thanks for sharing.

Mary

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On 01/29/2013, Lisa said ...

Love this. I may "steal" this idea! My glass shelves are awful even when clean.

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On 02/01/2013, Laura said ...

I had pinned this idea too. After seeing yours I am off to search for some mats for mine. Hugs!

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On 02/24/2013, Christine said ...

I am hoping to do this. Looks like it would be perfect for mine. I really did not want to clean my refrigerator and looked for excuses not to clean. This looks easy.
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Sneezy, Wheezy, and Somewhat Breezy

Thanks to those of you who expressed your congratulations on the inauguration of President Obama to his second term. It was quite an emotional day for me. I came of age during the civil rights movement in this small town of Leeds, which sits cheek by jowl to Birmingham, Alabama. I saw nightly news reports of the fire hoses and police dogs and beatings and murders and the brave people who stood against the violent segregationist establishment. I heard Dr. King tell us he had a dream, and I heard his account of having been to the moutain and seen what awaited. I know Dr. King was there yesterday as President Obama took his oath, and I know he had a big old wide smile on his face. So thank you all for sharing history with me.

Bedroom #2, ready to fuse

But to be less serious, if I may, above is a photo of the tiny bit of work I've been able to accomplish over the past few days. I got the pieces cut out for my next Dollhouse block, Bedroom #1. I hope to get them fused today. I'm going to make a yo-yo pillow to add to the bed after it's all quilted. And I'll probably choose some fun buttons for drawer pulls.

As y'all mostly know, I've been feeling poorly most of the winter now--flu, fibromyalgia, back problems, and, I think now, severe kitty cat allergy. I am getting through the nights with the help of Zyrtec and the days by eating Benadryl like candy, and making sure I have plenty of tissues in every room.

To add a little cheer to my situation, Andy brought me some pretty flowers and a key lime pie. That girl is a fine one, she is. And today being National Pie Day, I'm going to celebrate with a nice slice and a cup of coffee.

Flowers from Andy

Cheryl is cleaning while I'm holed up in my sewing room/studio/office, looking out the window watching the clouds roll by. We had two or three wonderfully sunny days. But now I guess the sun has gone back to sleep for a while.

I go now to fuse dollhouse pieces.

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On 01/23/2013, Helen in Switzerland said ...

I guess you have lived right through some very exciting and momentous historical times Susan - I loved reading about this part. You'll have to tell us more about your experiences growing up in the South. I for one would be fascinated!

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On 01/23/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

I, too, came of age in the '60s but am a bit younger. I started out in Memphis, but we moved to a Chicago suburb when I was ll, so I missed teen years in the South. When I was 18, I went back to Memphis for nursing school and love the South for many reasons.

American by birth, Southerner by the Grace of God!

Love your 2nd bedroom block and the details you plan to add will make it even more charming.

Hope you'll feel lots better soon. I'm coughing and sniffling, too, and it's frigid cold here so am staying in if at all possible.

FIL is probably not long for this world as he's sleeping most of the time and eating and drinking nearly nothing. AMIL needs a lot of attention. DH is at her house now. Prayers appreciated that FIL go soon before he's in pain or respiratory distress.

Hugs!

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On 01/23/2013, Bonnie said ...

I was thrilled about the second inauguration from a Minnesota vantage point, and I appreciate what you lived through in Alabama!

Hope you are feeling better sooner than later!

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On 01/24/2013, Mama Pea said ...

This doll house quilt you are making is really cool. Hope you feel better soon!

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On 01/26/2013, Laura said ...

I am sorry that you have to continue to struggle health-wise!

I am loving the checked bedside tables and red lampshades in your bedroom. Gonna be so cute.

Feel better, my friend.
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Inauguration Day

Congratulations to President Barack Obama and our beautiful First Family, and to Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, and to We the People. What an important and historic time we live in.

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On 01/21/2013, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Hear hear....congratulations from over the pond, where Mr Obama is incredibly popular. Here's hoping that politicians will work together for the good of the people during this term!

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On 01/21/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

I third that!! Well said, Susan and Helen. I also hope the greedy and power hungry will be put to shame by their constituants so they will have to vote for the good of the people and the planet and not the rich.

Hugs!

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On 01/21/2013, Sue said ...

Thank you for noting the importance of this day!!! I hope and pray we can accomplish these goals.

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On 01/21/2013, Rae Parkin said ...

Dear Susan, I have read your blog for a long time. I am a Canadian woman watching the inauguration of Barack Obama on TV for the second time today. Holy Cow, it was just wonderful! I adore that man. Your country made a great choice.I read tons (well numerous}quilting blogs. And don't understand the vitriol directed at your President. Most surprisingly, the ignorance regarding the Second Ammendment. I listen to my Canadian CBC radio. Last Sunday,Michael Enright interviewed a smart person from Fordham University about the ....Second Ammendment.Extremely fascinating. You could find the interview on the CBC website if you want to be delighted. Rae Parkin.

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On 01/21/2013, lizzie said ...

Lets hear it for Barack - what a speech -fantastic !

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On 01/22/2013, Kai said ...

Isn't it wonderful that people have settled into a sense of family with this beautiful human being, and that those of us who see his HEART and his common sense will count him among our most amazing leaders? It's so refreshing to find a president who is not only intelligent, but warm and approachable. Ray (who also supports Mr. Obama) asked me why I tear up when I listen to him. I think it's because when he speaks, it feels as though he's sitting with me, drinking a cup of coffee & just sharing his thoughts & ideas. That makes me feel such a deep trust in his intentions!

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On 01/22/2013, Sue, the Florida Farm Girl said ...

I love that picture with all the hands joined into a continuous chain. No matter anyone's politics, it is an important day when a country installs a leader in peace. I do hope the coming years will be better for our country.

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On 01/22/2013, Rose said ...

Yes, indeed, congratulations to the leader of the free world.

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On 01/24/2013, Violette said ...

I love that photo; have not seen it before. I loved the inaugural address as it was a call to arms for civil rights advocates such as myself.
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Dollhouse Quilt-along Progress

Laura is still working diligently on her dollhouse blocks and making fantastic progress. I think she's beating us all hands down on consistent progress. And her blocks, which she has based on her Grannie's house while she was growing up, continue to be charming. 

Here's what Laura has to say about her work so far on Bedroom #2: "The little blue flower buttons are going to be the drawer pulls. My Grannie did not have a canopy bed, but I always wanted one as a child, so I have put the one of my fantasy in this room!"

"Someone asked to see the dolls in bed, so I am sending a pic of dollie all tucked in for the night," continues Laura. 

"As you can see in this last picture," says Laura, "I have a little pocket attached to the baseboard seam to hold the dollies when they jump in bed."

No progress for me, I'm sorry to say--not on the dollhouse quilt or anything else. I had planned to be well ahead on my quilts for the June quilt show, but I'm just getting behinder and behinder. 

After all the rain and snow last week, we're now in our second day of sunshine. It's pretty cold, at least compared with January so far, but sunny and bright. I think I'll wrap up and go soak up some rays. Happy weekend to all.

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On 01/20/2013, Kai said ...

Oh, my gosh! I LOVE Laura's 2nd bedroom piece! It's everything a little girl would want! I know THIS 'little girl' SURELY would have loved sleeping in a canopy bed like that one. I cannot WAIT to see ALL the completed quilts! And Susan, we too are a bit warmer so my hands no longer feel frozen 24/7! Also finished ALL of my editing (WHEW! Finally!) and my 'guest' (LOL - MaryBear Kicks-the-Dog) left yesterday. I scrubbed the house this morning, plus did a bit of paperwork. NOW I fully intend to crochet, catch up on some recorded tv, and read more of THE SNOW CHILD! LOVE YOU and hope your Sunday is PERFECTION!

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On 01/20/2013, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Oh that's adorable!

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On 01/20/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Laura's 2nd bedroom is utterly charming and so pretty in pink! The many wonderful touches that make this room so lovely are a tribute to Laura's imagination and skills and to her grandmother. Applause!!! I wished for a canopy bed when I was a child, too, but had bunk beds. Sigh!

Some of our snow lingers, but today's high of almost 60*F will make that disappear. Tuesday's high is forecast to be 31*F, so I've got to wonder what's up with that?

Hope your returning energy will fire up your enthusiasm for making (or finishing) those quilts for the uncoming show. I'm back to sewing and yesterday found a wonderful flip and sew tablerunner pattern that I've begun making as the last belated Christmas present. I feel behinder and behinder, too.

Hugs!

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On 01/21/2013, Laura said ...

I am headed north this week to Philadelphisa and wonder how much "white stuff" will be there.

Finished a table runner that has been a UFO for 3 yrs. My goal this 2013 is to finish a UFO or open project a month and continue the steady progress on my dollhouse. The stitch along is keeping me right on track!

Hope those sun rays gave you a boost!

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On 01/23/2013, Baby Gift Basket said ...

Gorgeous quilt. Laura loved it for sure. Perfect!

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On 03/10/2013, San Antonio Movers said ...

Wonderful gift idea for my daughter. Thanks for sharing. :)
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Moon Over Homewood

If you've spent much time in Birmingham, Alabama, or know much about the city, you probably know that one of the area's landmarks, the Vulcan statue in infamous for mooning the city of Homewood, just over the mountain from The Magic City.

Why the Italian sculptor who designed and created this iron replica of the the Roman god didn't give him any pants is perhaps a mystery. At least his apron covers his man parts so that the folks in downtown Birmingham don't have to be confronted with that sight. But the buttocks are bare for all of the over-the-mountain crowd to ponder.

Well yesterday, I bet the Iron Man wished he had been created with some pants. Birmingham got snow, something this area of Alabama doesn't experience often. The snowfall didn't last long, but while it did, it was beautiful.

The Iron Man's bare buttocks exposed to yesterday's snow

I was out in the winter wonderland for the entire event. I was scheduled to have a business meeting then have lunch with friends. The snow began as I was driving to my meeting and ended as I was driving back home from lunch. It was fun to be out and watch the big flakes falling and the ground, trees, and rooftops turning white. 

Today the sun is shining bright, but we still have vestiges of the white stuff here and there. It's so cold outside that the snow is melting slowly. 

I am very late with aspects of the Dollhouse Quiltalong. So if you're part of that, don't despair. I have a photo to post and patterns to send out. Just give me until tomorrow. This has been a very busy week, and I'm still not 100% back from my flu episode. So please bear with me. 

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On 01/18/2013, sillysally said ...

That's a Vulcan statue? But he doesn't look anything like Mr. Spock! :) LOL Sorry, couldn't resist! Hope you're up to your normal spunk soon.

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On 01/18/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Goodness me! If he's Vulcan, he'd have some toasty buns after working around a forge! You're right, flannels or sweatpants would have helped him yesterday.

I could just imagine the joyous children in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama over the snow and perhaps a snow-day off of school! Bliss! We got 3" of very wet snow that started at dusk and is melting away today. It was a delight to see but after 4 days of rain, then snow, it's a mud bog outside.

Wishing you WELL!

Hugs!

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On 01/18/2013, Lacy said ...

Roman Gods did not wear clothing.

The Italian sculptor was taking artistic license by adding the apron (thank goodness).

The snow was a welcome event for my niece and her three kiddos in TN.

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On 01/18/2013, Linda said ...

HAHAHAHAH! :) Made me laugh out loud! Laughter is the best medicine - hope you fully recover this weekend.

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On 01/21/2013, Laura said ...

Wow! What a rare sight. My in -laws lived in Birmingham 50yrs and could count the snow falls on their fingers.

Hope you get back to yourself soon.
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How to Run a Sweat Shop

Tying a lasagna quilts

This month's meeting of Birmingham Quilters Guild was devoted to a workshop to produce cuddle quilts for the children's charities we support. Our members were an example of how to effectively run a sweat shop, without a lot of sweating and with a bunch of fun.

Our stitchers created 47 lasagna quilt tops and took them home for finishing!  Fourteen tops were bound/tied, and 12 of these were taken home for finishing. Twenty new completed cuddle quilts were turned in, with more to come as soon as the others are finished.

Members stitching up lasagna quilts

Cutting lasagna strips

Binding station

More lasagna stitching

Me and M.E.

32 Spinning Spools blocks were turned in for the drawing.

Our littlest visitor, Miss Sophia

NOTE: Not familiar with "lasagna quilts?" If you'd like to be, check this out. It's a fast and fun technique.

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On 01/15/2013, Lynn said ...

Glad it went well. I've had several conversations with my mom about the event. It was nice to see her in one of the photos. I always look for folks I know in your BQG posts.

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On 01/15/2013, Jan said ...

That looks like a very productive & FUN day working on your guild's lasagna quilts! It's nice to see the Spinning Spool blocks made up! (gotta' love that background fabric!) Glad you're feeling so much better!

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On 01/15/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Interesting project and I can see why this method makes such great cuddle quilts! What's not to love about these colorful and happy quilts?

For one guild meeting in TX, we were to bring 2" strips in lights and darks, sewing machines, irons, and ironing boards with the aim to produce lots of Log Cabin blocks for donation quilts. It was amazing all that was accomplished in 3 hours!

Cheers for the good participation in the guild BOM!

It's rained so much in the last 48 hours that I imagine we've slid several inches toward North Carolina! Glub, glub!

Hugs!

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On 01/16/2013, Kai said ...

I always enjoy seeing you and your lovely quilter friends along with the beautiful quilts! Doesn't hurt that you added that sweet baby! Babies & furbabies add the icing! (Note: you look sooooo pretty, Susan! I like that photo of you a lot!!!) P.S. This doesn't have a thing to do with this post, but I HAD to tell you that I'm finally getting to read THE SNOW CHILD. I'm about 1/4 way into the book, and it's stunningly well-written & already breaking my heart on SO many levels. I'm really glad you read & listed it on your blog! I'll let you know when I finish!!!) LOVE YOU!

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On 01/16/2013, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...

Glad you're finding Snow Child a good read. I feel it was one of the beat books I read last year. 
Thanks for your sweet comments, as always. Love you, Kai.
Susan

Sent from my iPad
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