(I posted this meme on my book blog, but Deborah reminded me that many quilters are also readers, so I'm posting it here, too.)
Tagged by Bybee for this meme:
1. Hardcover or paperback, and why? Hardback, although I love really nice paperbacks, too
.
2. If I were to own a book shop I would call it… The Book Garden.
3. My favorite quote from a book (mention the title) is… "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderly again" There is no way I could possibly decide on a favorite quote from a book, but this line is one that has remained in my head since I read Rebecca when I was in high school.
4. The author (alive or deceased) I would love to have lunch with would be …. Flannery O'Connor. She was funny and down to earth, and in her letters to her friends, she says "bidness" and "liberry," tells hilarious anecdotes, and makes sly, dry observations. As long as I am "making believe," I would also be capable of making intelligent conversation as, in spite of being a "good old girl," Miss Flannery had a formidable intellectual side.
5. If I was going to a deserted island and could only bring one book, except from the SAS survival guide, it would be…The Collected Works Of William Shakespeare. What other work of fiction could provide such variety and sustain reading and rereading for an unspecified period of time?
6. I would love someone to invent a bookish gadget that…. ... replaced books on the shelves in an organized manner. I leave mine on every flat surface, including the floor.
7. The smell of an old book reminds me of…. Childhood books that came from my mother and my aunts and provided so many hours of entertainment and vicarious life.
8. If I could be the lead character in a book (mention the title), it would be….There are days that, like Bybee, I'd like to be Robinson Crusoe, self-sufficient and innovative; days I'd like to be Eloise, imaginative and spoiled and with free run of the Plaza; and days I'd like to be like Elizabeth Bennett, independent and self-assured. (Robinson Crusoe, Eloise, Pride and Prejudice)
9. The most overestimated book of all times is…. I'm not sure; there are so many books that I read that don't meet my expectations based on the hype.
10. I hate it when a book…. ...has characters that are all unlikable. I need to be able to identify with or to like at least one character in order to care about what happens to them.
I thought this meme was fun; anyone who would like to borrow it feel free! Let me know, so I can read your answers!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
"I Don't Care Friday"
My sister-in-law Robin, sent me the cutest ecard from Hallmark this morning that brightened my day. Go here and check out the Hoops and YoYo "I Don't Care Friday" ecard! Carpe Friday!
These flowers are on a shrub called Blue Butterfly Plant because the blooms resemble butterflies. "The blue butterfly plant (Clerodendrum ugandense) is a large, coarse tropical plant that doesn't mind the heat at all if there's enough to drink." The blooms look like butterflies, and it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds --great combination. I love this plant, but should have really cut it back last year. Will do so this year.
Whew! My morning started early, and I'm home for only a brief while before going to pick up Laddie's meds and take his cookie cake and gift out to the Cottage -- where I'll meet my brothers for a small celebration. On Wednesday, when I said something about his birthday being Friday, he told me he'd already had his birthday. (The Cottage celebrated several birthdays at once with a cake, etc. on Tuesday) Also the occupational therapist intern brought him cup cakes yesterday. The little intern has been amazing. He brought Laddie pictures he had found of WWII Air Bases and of a B17 and has gone out of his way to be kind. Anyway, Laddie thinks he has already had his birthday, so he'll get a surprise.
Marty called right after I posted yesterday, and we drove up to El Dorado to see Aunt Mary. She was so sedated that she never did wake up. We didn't get back until after 5 o'clock, and I was so tired. It was a pretty ride, and although I wish Aunt Mary had realized we were there, I'm so glad we went.
I called and ordered a Babylock because the Sewing Center said they were on sale, and I couldn't pass it up. It should be here by the middle of next week. Yea! This is an "I Want" that will soon be mine!
These flowers are on a shrub called Blue Butterfly Plant because the blooms resemble butterflies. "The blue butterfly plant (Clerodendrum ugandense) is a large, coarse tropical plant that doesn't mind the heat at all if there's enough to drink." The blooms look like butterflies, and it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds --great combination. I love this plant, but should have really cut it back last year. Will do so this year.
Whew! My morning started early, and I'm home for only a brief while before going to pick up Laddie's meds and take his cookie cake and gift out to the Cottage -- where I'll meet my brothers for a small celebration. On Wednesday, when I said something about his birthday being Friday, he told me he'd already had his birthday. (The Cottage celebrated several birthdays at once with a cake, etc. on Tuesday) Also the occupational therapist intern brought him cup cakes yesterday. The little intern has been amazing. He brought Laddie pictures he had found of WWII Air Bases and of a B17 and has gone out of his way to be kind. Anyway, Laddie thinks he has already had his birthday, so he'll get a surprise.
Marty called right after I posted yesterday, and we drove up to El Dorado to see Aunt Mary. She was so sedated that she never did wake up. We didn't get back until after 5 o'clock, and I was so tired. It was a pretty ride, and although I wish Aunt Mary had realized we were there, I'm so glad we went.
I called and ordered a Babylock because the Sewing Center said they were on sale, and I couldn't pass it up. It should be here by the middle of next week. Yea! This is an "I Want" that will soon be mine!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
I Want..
an embellisher, a clean sewing room, to finish my current stack of books, to get my garden put to bed for the winter, to make a "padfolio," to finish WIP's, to make a new quilt. I need...to go to the grocery store, to finish the laundry--oh, who cares what I need to do, it's all boring.
I've been wanting an embellisher for a while...well, at least since Cramzy started posting her lovely creations about 2 years ago, and Marie's little pouches are so enchanting that I asked why she decided on her embellisher. She generously shared information and directed me to Try Our Designs, a site with lots of good stuff. I've been doing online research, visited local shops, and been on the phone, and guess I'm working my way into full commitment soon.
I'm following Gerrie's example and setting the timer to clean up the sewing room. I've folded and put away fabric, put tools away, cleaned off my cutting table and computer desk, but there is still a long way to go.
Things around here have been hectic lately. I'm trying to keep working on my various sewing projects, but whenever I really get going, interference crops up--both physical and emotional. Aunt Mary is not doing well, and they moved her to El Dorado, Ark. to a hospice there. She has fought such a good fight, and when we visited her in the Minden hospital a little over a week ago, I thought she was making a good recovery. She is so vital and has such a strong spirit for such a frail little body. And she has been so sweet to me and to my children over the years...
Laddie's last couple of weeks have been difficult, but yesterday was good. He was having a good day, and I can't express how much better I feel as a result. We took a ride; just rode around for about 30 minutes, and he made occasional comments about what he saw. I left yesterday feeling good again.
Still using this to soothe myself when I have time.
I have been working on several book challenges over at A Garden Carried in the Pocket (my book blog), and am currently reading The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman and The Art of Eating by M.F.K. Fisher. As in everything else, my eyes are bigger than my stomach, and I have a big old stack of books to get through!
I've been wanting an embellisher for a while...well, at least since Cramzy started posting her lovely creations about 2 years ago, and Marie's little pouches are so enchanting that I asked why she decided on her embellisher. She generously shared information and directed me to Try Our Designs, a site with lots of good stuff. I've been doing online research, visited local shops, and been on the phone, and guess I'm working my way into full commitment soon.
I'm following Gerrie's example and setting the timer to clean up the sewing room. I've folded and put away fabric, put tools away, cleaned off my cutting table and computer desk, but there is still a long way to go.
Things around here have been hectic lately. I'm trying to keep working on my various sewing projects, but whenever I really get going, interference crops up--both physical and emotional. Aunt Mary is not doing well, and they moved her to El Dorado, Ark. to a hospice there. She has fought such a good fight, and when we visited her in the Minden hospital a little over a week ago, I thought she was making a good recovery. She is so vital and has such a strong spirit for such a frail little body. And she has been so sweet to me and to my children over the years...
Laddie's last couple of weeks have been difficult, but yesterday was good. He was having a good day, and I can't express how much better I feel as a result. We took a ride; just rode around for about 30 minutes, and he made occasional comments about what he saw. I left yesterday feeling good again.
Still using this to soothe myself when I have time.
I have been working on several book challenges over at A Garden Carried in the Pocket (my book blog), and am currently reading The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman and The Art of Eating by M.F.K. Fisher. As in everything else, my eyes are bigger than my stomach, and I have a big old stack of books to get through!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I'm So Easily Entertained
Back in the spring, inspired by Nellie and her ort pieces (I love her lake pieces and the remarkable variety in them), I wanted to experiment and started playing with a small ort piece of my own; I just wanted to try the process and had no design in mind. It ended up abandoned with all of the other things on my design wall (some of which I've gotten around to finishing this month- cone flowers and bee balm).
This morning , experimentation seemed to be the goal-- so down came the "ort piece," moving from WIP to guinea pig to a tiny pouch. The pictures have some color variation according to the light. The first pics are taken with the light by my sewing machine and are more accurate.
I just followed Nellie's general instructions by laying down scraps, threads, fibers, etc. on muslin and covering with netting. Then I began stitching. Here is the original piece.
Then a sturdier version appealed to me, so batting and another layer of muslin were added. Then stitched a bit more.
Switched to a gold metallic thread and stiched some more.
I began wondering what to do with it... and decided on a tiny pouch because it was such a small piece. Lined it with a pink silk, cut a bit of a shape following satin stitching, satin stitched over the shaped end, folded it up , and voila! A perfectly useless little pouch into which I slipped a lipstick and a chapstick. Color is really off on this one.
Need to stitch the velcro closure. Perfectly enjoyable way to spend my morning.
Last night, I began stitching down the binding on the crane piece while watching Heroes, but didn't finish because I wanted to watch more than I wanted to sew. Should finish it soon--if I decide to spend a few more minutes on it. W.I.P.' s are being eliminated, slowly, but surely!
This morning , experimentation seemed to be the goal-- so down came the "ort piece," moving from WIP to guinea pig to a tiny pouch. The pictures have some color variation according to the light. The first pics are taken with the light by my sewing machine and are more accurate.
I just followed Nellie's general instructions by laying down scraps, threads, fibers, etc. on muslin and covering with netting. Then I began stitching. Here is the original piece.
Then a sturdier version appealed to me, so batting and another layer of muslin were added. Then stitched a bit more.
Switched to a gold metallic thread and stiched some more.
I began wondering what to do with it... and decided on a tiny pouch because it was such a small piece. Lined it with a pink silk, cut a bit of a shape following satin stitching, satin stitched over the shaped end, folded it up , and voila! A perfectly useless little pouch into which I slipped a lipstick and a chapstick. Color is really off on this one.
Need to stitch the velcro closure. Perfectly enjoyable way to spend my morning.
Last night, I began stitching down the binding on the crane piece while watching Heroes, but didn't finish because I wanted to watch more than I wanted to sew. Should finish it soon--if I decide to spend a few more minutes on it. W.I.P.' s are being eliminated, slowly, but surely!
Monday, September 24, 2007
bee, butterflys, and boots
Saturday, I gardened: trimmed, weeded, and disposed of plants past their prime; planted cabbage and a final patio tomato; made attempts at rooting rosemary, basil, eucalyptus, rock rose and real rose.
Busy bee.
I followed these two for half an afternoon on Saturday. Or they followed me as I worked in the garden. They were so large that they cast shadows, so even if busy with weeding or trimming, I'd stop and get the camera. The problem was that they never slowed down and getting a photo without their wings in a blur was just a matter of chance. One was always right behind the other; they never separated.
Sunday morning, I continued working in the garden and discovered that something had eaten two of my new cabbage plants, so used tomato cages to protect the rest.
Around noon, we headed to Raft Bayou. Here I am shortly after arriving and before I melted and turned to mud from sweat and dust. I visited most of the fields, toured all the roads and paths in the woods, followed the fence lines.
Then I changed into my new boots. They no longer look like this, but they were excellent for hiking up the hill and held up better than I did. 
Robin and I were out of breath and covered with sweat after climbing to the top. The humidity was probably 80%, and it was hot as... the dickens. When we finally reached the top, we offered a prayer to defeat chiggers and poison ivy, before exploring further. (so far so good...this morning shows no signs of chiggers or ivy rash)
Robin disked this field last week. This is just a little portion where she almost ran into the trees because she was looking behind her.
An old disk that sometimes functions as a place to set things.
Busy bee.
I followed these two for half an afternoon on Saturday. Or they followed me as I worked in the garden. They were so large that they cast shadows, so even if busy with weeding or trimming, I'd stop and get the camera. The problem was that they never slowed down and getting a photo without their wings in a blur was just a matter of chance. One was always right behind the other; they never separated.
Sunday morning, I continued working in the garden and discovered that something had eaten two of my new cabbage plants, so used tomato cages to protect the rest.Around noon, we headed to Raft Bayou. Here I am shortly after arriving and before I melted and turned to mud from sweat and dust. I visited most of the fields, toured all the roads and paths in the woods, followed the fence lines.
Then I changed into my new boots. They no longer look like this, but they were excellent for hiking up the hill and held up better than I did. 
Robin and I were out of breath and covered with sweat after climbing to the top. The humidity was probably 80%, and it was hot as... the dickens. When we finally reached the top, we offered a prayer to defeat chiggers and poison ivy, before exploring further. (so far so good...this morning shows no signs of chiggers or ivy rash)Robin disked this field last week. This is just a little portion where she almost ran into the trees because she was looking behind her.
An old disk that sometimes functions as a place to set things.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Need a little magic?
For some reason the video keeps moving to the bottom of the page!
via Say No to Crack
I've gotten a lot of yard clean up done in the last week. Thank Goodness -- because now we are in for a week of predicted rain, which we badly need.
I'm not sure if our trip to Hot Springs is on or not. Of course, I'd dearly love to go for a long weekend, and maybe even venture a little farther north. We've discussed it several times, but then with some new projects looming down at Raft Bayou, the trip to Hot Springs has taken the back seat.
The new project at Raft Bayou is the possibility of building a cabin so we can spend the night and have some amenities (especially the feminine members of our extended family of siblings, spouses, children, and grandchildren). It would be so nice to have a place for the family to gather in larger numbers without coming-out-at-the-seams of our homes, plus we all love the area and have plenty of activities suitable to all members and ages. Don't you think we should have a volley ball net for competitive sport?
The dream is to be able to have Thanksgivings and Christmases and any other special occasions there. I'm partial to that dream!
All of these pictures were taken at various times last fall.
via Say No to Crack
I've gotten a lot of yard clean up done in the last week. Thank Goodness -- because now we are in for a week of predicted rain, which we badly need.
I'm not sure if our trip to Hot Springs is on or not. Of course, I'd dearly love to go for a long weekend, and maybe even venture a little farther north. We've discussed it several times, but then with some new projects looming down at Raft Bayou, the trip to Hot Springs has taken the back seat.
The new project at Raft Bayou is the possibility of building a cabin so we can spend the night and have some amenities (especially the feminine members of our extended family of siblings, spouses, children, and grandchildren). It would be so nice to have a place for the family to gather in larger numbers without coming-out-at-the-seams of our homes, plus we all love the area and have plenty of activities suitable to all members and ages. Don't you think we should have a volley ball net for competitive sport?The dream is to be able to have Thanksgivings and Christmases and any other special occasions there. I'm partial to that dream!
All of these pictures were taken at various times last fall.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
More is more...
I didn't have time to get the pictures posted yesterday, but here are some more details...
beads
still a lot of space to fill in...which I really didn't intend to do, but...
so relaxing, so mindless
Cramzy again...and Jude...embroider, embroider, embroider. Jude is also experimenting with piecing; don't you just love this horse!
The lunch yesterday turned into another 4+ hour detail as Laddie was flushed and had fever and we had to take him to the doctor. He was a little dehydrated. Dehydration is becoming a problem as he sometimes refuses the Gatorade (stocked up on to help avoid this) and water and juice and so on.
more running stitches and french knots
beads
still a lot of space to fill in...which I really didn't intend to do, but...
so relaxing, so mindless***and I need relaxing and mindless***
Cramzy again...and Jude...embroider, embroider, embroider. Jude is also experimenting with piecing; don't you just love this horse!
The lunch yesterday turned into another 4+ hour detail as Laddie was flushed and had fever and we had to take him to the doctor. He was a little dehydrated. Dehydration is becoming a problem as he sometimes refuses the Gatorade (stocked up on to help avoid this) and water and juice and so on.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
"Happy idling"
I've continued playing with the practice piece I started the other day. It is taking on a life of its own. I'm posting some of the first pictures, but since I'm unable to stop...it already looks very different. It is almost as relaxing as knitting or crocheting, kind of rhythmic and fits perfect the description of "moodling"--"long inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering." I'm grateful to Julie for posting that descriptive quote.
Playing with this has seen me through last episode of The Closer and several other shows. I have to leave shortly for lunch at the Cottage, but will take pictures of the piece in its current incarnation later.
Now I wish I'd done the TAST exercises with some of you, although I don't want elaborate stitches on this piece, I intend do to another in which I attempt a more "sumptuous" piece-- a la
ACey, Debra, or Emmie.
Playing with this has seen me through last episode of The Closer and several other shows. I have to leave shortly for lunch at the Cottage, but will take pictures of the piece in its current incarnation later.
Now I wish I'd done the TAST exercises with some of you, although I don't want elaborate stitches on this piece, I intend do to another in which I attempt a more "sumptuous" piece-- a la
ACey, Debra, or Emmie.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Moodling...
Over at Me & My Quilts, I found this quote, “so you see, imagination needs moodling – long inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering”… that she had copied from a book written in the 1930's by Brenda Ueland: If You Want to Write: A book about Art, Independence & Spirit. I can see why Julie wanted to remember that phrase; I love it, too. Julie, however, took the next step and began a series called Mindful Moodling-- what a great idea.
Yesterday was "get the new crowns" day. But they assistant left in a cord, and I have to go back. Not good...I hate going to the dentist and having to go back really annoys me.
Laddie has a doctor's appointment (stress test) at 7:30 this morning. So...Marty will pick me up at 6:45 in order for us to get to the Cottage, get Laddie, and get to the doctor's in time. This will be, as always, a minimum of four hours. Possibly longer, if things go as usual, and we spend as long in the waiting room as we did on our last visit to the cardiologist.
Yesterday, Fee and I went to Bass Pro, and I got a new pair of boots. Love 'em. Then we went to Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro. We made a meal of appetizers (fried eggplant for me and a crawfish dish for Fee), then we passed on the cheesecake for dessert and went for the white chocolate and almond bread pudding. Now, that is heaven on a fork.
Yesterday was "get the new crowns" day. But they assistant left in a cord, and I have to go back. Not good...I hate going to the dentist and having to go back really annoys me.
Laddie has a doctor's appointment (stress test) at 7:30 this morning. So...Marty will pick me up at 6:45 in order for us to get to the Cottage, get Laddie, and get to the doctor's in time. This will be, as always, a minimum of four hours. Possibly longer, if things go as usual, and we spend as long in the waiting room as we did on our last visit to the cardiologist.
Yesterday, Fee and I went to Bass Pro, and I got a new pair of boots. Love 'em. Then we went to Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro. We made a meal of appetizers (fried eggplant for me and a crawfish dish for Fee), then we passed on the cheesecake for dessert and went for the white chocolate and almond bread pudding. Now, that is heaven on a fork.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Cone flowers complete
The binding is in the same fabric as the flower petals and is only 1/4", very narrow. The quilting is free motion leaves.
Have not sewn the binding on the crane yet, but it is ready to be applied, then I can finish while watching a movie.
Now, although I still have WIPs that need to be completed, I'm full of ideas for new projects. I started a new piece that I'm experimenting with because I have a larger quilt in mind, but want to see how certain ideas might work, first. I worked on it yesterday morning and was liking it so much, that further experimenting seemed like fun. Embroidery threads and beads came out...things I have no intention of using on the larger quilt, but that seem perfect for this smaller one, created from the fabric trimmed from another project.
How long will this flurry of activity last? Is it the cooler weather inciting my poor brain? I'm busy jotting ideas in my journal because, whether or not they ever make it into fabric , I want to remember the possibilities.
After tai chi yesterday, there was a gathering at Raft Bayou to target shoot and to play with the clay pigeon thrower. I took my camera, but never picked it up after getting there. Son-in-Law Chris and his friend Jesse were terrific shots, blowing clay pigeons into black powder. Robin and I were not so eager to look foolish in front of them. Amelia, our little prospective Mama, sat in her lawn chair with the remote to the clay pigeon thrower, awaiting the call, "Pull!"
Marty let me do some target shooting with his pistol, and I was pleased with the results. At first I couldn't tell if I'd hit the target because there were so many holes already there, but then with a new target, I hit 8 out of 9 in the target and one way to the bottom. Robin is getting to be pretty good with her new shot gun, after recovering from all the bruising kicks to her shoulder!
Fee fried catfish, chicken wings, and hushpuppies--mmmmm! The weather was perfect. Soon we will be able to build a fire at night and enjoy roasting hot dogs and marshmallows like Stephen, Marty, and I used to do as kids. What is it that is so relaxing about a cold night and watching the flames of a big fire with the stars over head? Some primitive feeling of peace and contentment...
Have not sewn the binding on the crane yet, but it is ready to be applied, then I can finish while watching a movie.
Now, although I still have WIPs that need to be completed, I'm full of ideas for new projects. I started a new piece that I'm experimenting with because I have a larger quilt in mind, but want to see how certain ideas might work, first. I worked on it yesterday morning and was liking it so much, that further experimenting seemed like fun. Embroidery threads and beads came out...things I have no intention of using on the larger quilt, but that seem perfect for this smaller one, created from the fabric trimmed from another project.
How long will this flurry of activity last? Is it the cooler weather inciting my poor brain? I'm busy jotting ideas in my journal because, whether or not they ever make it into fabric , I want to remember the possibilities.
After tai chi yesterday, there was a gathering at Raft Bayou to target shoot and to play with the clay pigeon thrower. I took my camera, but never picked it up after getting there. Son-in-Law Chris and his friend Jesse were terrific shots, blowing clay pigeons into black powder. Robin and I were not so eager to look foolish in front of them. Amelia, our little prospective Mama, sat in her lawn chair with the remote to the clay pigeon thrower, awaiting the call, "Pull!"
Marty let me do some target shooting with his pistol, and I was pleased with the results. At first I couldn't tell if I'd hit the target because there were so many holes already there, but then with a new target, I hit 8 out of 9 in the target and one way to the bottom. Robin is getting to be pretty good with her new shot gun, after recovering from all the bruising kicks to her shoulder!
Fee fried catfish, chicken wings, and hushpuppies--mmmmm! The weather was perfect. Soon we will be able to build a fire at night and enjoy roasting hot dogs and marshmallows like Stephen, Marty, and I used to do as kids. What is it that is so relaxing about a cold night and watching the flames of a big fire with the stars over head? Some primitive feeling of peace and contentment...
Gardens and quilts
I finished applying the binding to the cone flowers and have quilted the crane and have the binding ready to apply. Getting some of these projects out of the way is a relief. My copy of The Painted Quilt is full of inspiration. What a pleasure to linger over the lovely pictures and the methods and techniques the Kemshalls use.
Marty and I went to Minden yesterday to see Aunt Mary. It was a beautiful day for a ride, and she was feeling a little better, but still quite frail.
This morning is cooler. Like everyone else, I'm ready to put the summer behind and am looking forward to cooler temperatures. Fall is my favorite time of the year, and I have renewed energy for working in the garden, and there is so much to do. I need to get some fall vegetables in the ground and to be thinking about any new bulbs I might want. Wayside Gardens is offering this new echinacea...a cone flower with such lovely muted shades of green/gold called "Coconut Lime." Isn't it gorgeous?
And this lily...I think I must have at least one.
We got a little rain, not much , the other morning. I went out and took a few rain drop pictures.
Bottlebrush Buckeye. I'd forgotten that I'd planted this and don't remember it blooming last year, but in the back of one of the back beds this spot of red showed up this year. 
I may need to try some more garden quiltlets , maybe using a little manipulation.
Marty and I went to Minden yesterday to see Aunt Mary. It was a beautiful day for a ride, and she was feeling a little better, but still quite frail.
This morning is cooler. Like everyone else, I'm ready to put the summer behind and am looking forward to cooler temperatures. Fall is my favorite time of the year, and I have renewed energy for working in the garden, and there is so much to do. I need to get some fall vegetables in the ground and to be thinking about any new bulbs I might want. Wayside Gardens is offering this new echinacea...a cone flower with such lovely muted shades of green/gold called "Coconut Lime." Isn't it gorgeous?
And this lily...I think I must have at least one.We got a little rain, not much , the other morning. I went out and took a few rain drop pictures.
Bottlebrush Buckeye. I'd forgotten that I'd planted this and don't remember it blooming last year, but in the back of one of the back beds this spot of red showed up this year. 
I may need to try some more garden quiltlets , maybe using a little manipulation.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Thursday the Thirteenth
I'm applying the binding to the cone flowers. Yesterday, I removed the little bit of hand quilting and took to the machine. 
Yesterday was a full day, and I accomplished a lot: errands (several); tai chi in the park and visiting with friends; purchase of a new purse, a pair of brown slacks, and several new tops; quilted the cone flowers; went to visitation at funeral home with Marty and Robin; went out to dinner with Fee...when he finally got home.
My new purse is just the right size.
----
Today is my cousin's funeral. He was such a nice person, and in my memories, he is always about sixteen with a sweet, goofy grin. A handsome boy, there was always a bit of vulnerability and a bunch of fun about Ronnie...
Yesterday was a full day, and I accomplished a lot: errands (several); tai chi in the park and visiting with friends; purchase of a new purse, a pair of brown slacks, and several new tops; quilted the cone flowers; went to visitation at funeral home with Marty and Robin; went out to dinner with Fee...when he finally got home. My new purse is just the right size.
----Today is my cousin's funeral. He was such a nice person, and in my memories, he is always about sixteen with a sweet, goofy grin. A handsome boy, there was always a bit of vulnerability and a bunch of fun about Ronnie...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Marvelous video
I found this video of deaf dancers at Living the Questions and wanted to share it with you. You have to wait a bit to see the dancers, but it is a breathtaking performance, don't you think?
Sunday, September 09, 2007
September Sunday
I've gotten more yard work done, both yesterday and this morning. My pile of yard debris is daunting...weeds, dead plants, trimmed limbs, vines (the nasty kind), and so on. Hope to manage a decent fall clean-up this year since the last couple of years have been so lax.
I'm not getting much done in the creative area, although I've quilted some more on Circles & Squares (boring--I made a mistake in attempting the circles) and have put it aside once again.
A bit of hand quilting on the cone flowers. Not much on anything. However, I've received two new quilting books that will hopefully provide inspiration and motivation.
What has been going on around here is 5-6 hours of reading each night; I'm in one of those stages that no sooner do I finish one, but another is in my greedy hands. The new Richard Russo (Bridge of Sighs) is great, and the fall reading challenges are fun.
We went to see Amelia's new house on Friday, painters were still there and fumes became oppressive, but I fell in love with the bathroom. When I grow up, I want a bathroom like that! The sinks haven't arrived yet, and work is still going on, but they should have everything done next week. And the storage...my gosh, there are closets and storage areas galore. The house was in pretty good shape to begin with, but Amelia and Chris decided to make all improvements before moving in. I'll take my camera next time to record the progress.
Mila will be starting dance lessons next week. Erin says there is a two-way mirror so the parents can watch without be a distraction. This is an experience I must manage--watching four-year-olds in dance class without their being discomfited or distracted by an audience. I'm grinning just thinking about it. Oh, the heady memories of my own dance classes and those of Amelia and Erin. Tutus and toe shoes and dreams of performing a pas de deux! Toe shoes for Miss Mila are, of course, way down the line. Here is a Photoshopped pic of Mila last summer putting on her new sandals with the tutu Fee bought her.
Now to get ready for brunch. :)
I'm not getting much done in the creative area, although I've quilted some more on Circles & Squares (boring--I made a mistake in attempting the circles) and have put it aside once again.
A bit of hand quilting on the cone flowers. Not much on anything. However, I've received two new quilting books that will hopefully provide inspiration and motivation.
What has been going on around here is 5-6 hours of reading each night; I'm in one of those stages that no sooner do I finish one, but another is in my greedy hands. The new Richard Russo (Bridge of Sighs) is great, and the fall reading challenges are fun.
We went to see Amelia's new house on Friday, painters were still there and fumes became oppressive, but I fell in love with the bathroom. When I grow up, I want a bathroom like that! The sinks haven't arrived yet, and work is still going on, but they should have everything done next week. And the storage...my gosh, there are closets and storage areas galore. The house was in pretty good shape to begin with, but Amelia and Chris decided to make all improvements before moving in. I'll take my camera next time to record the progress.
Mila will be starting dance lessons next week. Erin says there is a two-way mirror so the parents can watch without be a distraction. This is an experience I must manage--watching four-year-olds in dance class without their being discomfited or distracted by an audience. I'm grinning just thinking about it. Oh, the heady memories of my own dance classes and those of Amelia and Erin. Tutus and toe shoes and dreams of performing a pas de deux! Toe shoes for Miss Mila are, of course, way down the line. Here is a Photoshopped pic of Mila last summer putting on her new sandals with the tutu Fee bought her.
Now to get ready for brunch. :)
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Good Mail and Gardening
I ordered a few things the other day from Sew Thankful, and yesterday they arrived (along with 5 books I'd ordered from Amazon that got held up with the Labor Day Weekend). Plan My Quilting is a bit skimpy on information, but has a nice gallery and some good tips, and I do think it will be helpful.
I love my new King Tut threads, and I'm eager to try my new bias tape maker.
The Sweet Autumn Clematis has overtaken the back of this tall stool. And, uh, due to my laziness in restricting it, much of this bed. It is growing on an old wooden stepladder that has long since disappeared in the greedy vines.
The mending here looks messy and hurried. Such a shame that meals make such a mess of the his web...
Although a little late, I've divided and transplanted a bunch of iris. The rain yesterday will make the transition easier. Hope to get some more garden chores done today, and then tonight maybe some hand work.
I love my new King Tut threads, and I'm eager to try my new bias tape maker.
The Sweet Autumn Clematis has overtaken the back of this tall stool. And, uh, due to my laziness in restricting it, much of this bed. It is growing on an old wooden stepladder that has long since disappeared in the greedy vines.
The mending here looks messy and hurried. Such a shame that meals make such a mess of the his web...
Although a little late, I've divided and transplanted a bunch of iris. The rain yesterday will make the transition easier. Hope to get some more garden chores done today, and then tonight maybe some hand work.
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