New Years Day Sew Along!!!

Pat Sloan is having a Bag Sew Along going on tomorrow.
She is also having a cute Giveaway.
Check out the details on her blog, Pat Sloan's Corner.
The bag pattern is a free one from All People Quilt.
Check it out!

Happy New Year!!!

Hope everyone reading this will have a wonderful Hopeful Happy Healthy Peaceful New Year in 2009!!

Mama used to say "whatever you are doing on the first day of the year you will be doing all year"...;-)

So we would try to get all the yucky stuff done Dec 31 then Jan 1 just do enjoyable things or anything you wanted to be doing all the New Year.... hummm I will be sewing and reading, Dear Hubs will be eating...ha!!

Also always have blackeyed peas New Years Day for luck, greens of some kind for $$$ luck.

The toast was "may your cup always be full, a coin in your pocket and love in your heart"...I now have the silver dollar that Mama always carried in her purse.

Whatever your beliefs, traditions or rituals may they all be the best ever !!!

Here is one we all know and most do sing this song, knowing all words or not!!!;-)

Auld Lang Syne
The song, "Auld Lang Syne," is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English- speaking country in the world to bring in the New Year. In spite of the popularity of 'Auld Lang Syne', it has aptly been described as the song that nobody knows. Even in Scotland, hardly a gathering sings it correctly, without some members of the party butchering the words.
Written by Robert Burns in 1741, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."

Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne
We twa hae run aboot the braesAnd pou'd the gowans fine; we've wander'd mony a weary foot Sin' auld lang syne
We two hae paidled i' the burn,Frae mornin' sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar'd Sin' auld lang syne
And here's a hand, my trusty friend, And gie's a hand o' thine; We'll take a cup o' kindness yetFor auld lang syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne

Whew!

Was so tired yesterday just laid around mostly.
Was a dark gray day too so that did not help much.
Now today we are some sunny, 77 temp but wind blowing a gale.
Still nice to see the sun and be warmer.
Windows open!!!

Been a busy time for us since before the 20th gathering here in our home!
We did pass a wonderful holiday with our family and friends. Received some wonderful gifts!!!
Best of all was the special time we had to put away and keep near our hearts till we can all be together again.

Have to do some catching up though.
Got wash in dryer.( too windy to hang out, bummer)
Bedding to change.
Stuff to pack up to take on a day trip tomorrow.

Visiting a few of our Grands!
Be so nice to see them, get some hugs n kisses.
Been a bit since we have seen them.
They are at the age they stay so busy !
Oldest one will be going off to nursing school soon!
Where does time go??
Seems like just yesterday day she was a sweet cute wee one leading us around in wonder of her.
Sigh!!!!;-)

When we get back home will begin the transformation of our home from Christmas Magic back to Normal We Do Live Here mode.
Putting all the memories away for yet another year.
Prepare for the cozy winters rest… yeah right! Ha!!
Got tons I want to do, well maybe not tons but seems like it.
I always start off the New Year with a WANT TO DO list.
Do you??
I have some things I need to let go of as well …things that will never get done and just maybe I do not really want to do them anymore anyway! Ha!
Time to move on and not feel like a bad bad gal for it!

Now here are some ornies I did finally get sewed up in the nick of time!!!
A pal cross stitched a set of 6 each, for her and I.

They are on a pretty linen. Used cording and ribbon to trim.
This was her set. Loved them as much as mine!!
She can leave them out year round too maybe in a small basket.

Okay off to do more stuff.
I did sleep in today..may need to rest later with one of my new books. ;-)

Resolutions

Now I know we all make them, we all break them.
I do not make them anymore ..I do set goals for myself though.
Yes could be called the same thing… but seems like less pressure to call them Goals versus Resolutions. Ha!!!

I do want to begin a healthier lifestyle, so this includes changing some of my eating habits, so I can lose weight.
Not a diet just eating healthy hopefully for the rest of my life!

Want to stick to my exercises that the Doc says I need to do for the arthritis and to begin getting ready for my new knees!!

I also have plenty of ‘stuff’ I need to sell, give way , trash..etc.
Just try to be more organized and return things to their proper place when done… oh my!

Finish projects that I have begun or have bought the pattern, books, fabrics, etc.
I want to be a ‘positive encouragement’ to DH to finish all his home projects… haa!!!

Oh the sewing side, here is some neat things posted on Quilt Guild Guide Blog.

Check out My Goals for tips to help you make good New Year’s Resolutions.

Don't ya just love the block up there...called Country Husband...I have one of those... ha!!!!

Click on it to check out Dawn's clip art.

Today is Boxing Day

What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is a day the higher classes gave gifts to the lower classes. Before or on December 25th people of similar class would exchange gifts to celebrate the Christmas season. Gifts were not exchanged with the lower class until the next day called Boxing Day. It is also known as St. Stephen’s Day.

Why is the holiday named Boxing Day?
The holiday is named Boxing Day because the tradition of giving gifts of cash, food, clothing and other goods to the less fortunate were placed into boxes for easier transportation. The goods were distributed based on the family needs and their services to the giver.

We do this as well but we do not have a special day for it. Anyway it is a nice way to think of the day and extend our holiday feelings.
I am sure some here and in UK will spend the day SHOPPING!
We will spend part of the day with friends at an open house celebrating Boxing Day, our hostess is from the UK.
So I reckon we will take our dish in a BOX to be appropriate .;-)

Merry Christmas

Hark the herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!

HARK THE HAROLD ANGELS SING by Nat King Cole

Bittersweet Folk Art Primitives!!

Check out Bittersweet Folk Art Primitives!!
New blog to add to your list!
Mandy is a sweet dear gal and also very talented!!!
She can whip up some awesome Folk Art Dolls and other delights.
I am very lucky to have some of her work in my home along with the artist herself on occasion! ;-)

One of Mandy’s Santa’s is setting in a chair my living room now and her sweet Snow Angel is guarding over the dining room.
Along with some candy canes here and there!!
I must ‘chat’ with her about a couple other pieces from her collection.. ha!!

She sells on Etsy and eBay …will do orders and wholesale.
You will not be disappointed.

Now she also has an awesome way of decorating her home..WOWSERS!!
Her last home was to die for but they have moved ocean side now so look forward to seeing what she has done with her new place!!!
I bet she will be sharing some pics on her blog!!!

Sweet Christmas Give Away

Mary Ellen has a Sweet Christmas Give Away on her blog do check it out.
Her blog is a fun read too.
She can find some cool pics of things online and shares a lot of her adventures as well!
Do hurry on over as I think it will close tomorrow Dec 16th !

Thanks!!!

Thanks for all the kind remarks on my decorating projects.
It is fun to be able to just go wild once or twice a year, Fall and Christmas!
I do use what I have an it comes out different every year.
Hope to get more good pics after we have things already for the gathering Sat evening.
Now in everyday life our home is not as ‘golden’.. ha!!!
As I like to tell folks we do LIVE here!!!
There are days I do not want to open the front door or at least allow no one down the hall! HA!!

We have more work to do here that was side lined when DH had to have surgery.
Doc says he will be good to go come March so look out for the LONG HONEY DO LIST!

Finish repainting all outside trim, shutters and finish storage shed.
Put up extra carport.
Pull rest of old shrubs out, put in new, redo the beds.
Paint kitchen cabinets new hardware.
New sink, fixtures and counter top.
Put in new flooring in entry, baths to go with new carpet.
Repaint all trim.
New door knobs, hardware, etc.
Total redo in both bathrooms…they are small.
Put in attic stairs.
New open shelving in pantry.
Clean out utility room cabinets for my use ONLY. Haa!!

Humm if DH sees this he may decide more surgery maybe better then all this! Ha!!!

Dining Room Windows

The new header pic is of my dining room windows.
They are done up for Christmas!
I normally just have the sheers hanging there with the plants .
The filtered low light is good for Peace Lillies.
I had found these old vintage fabric curtains among some boxes of my MIL after she passed away. Loved the fabric and just put them away for a some day project. When I was sorting some stuff trying to get better organized..yeah right... found them again.
Decided they would make neat tiers to hang for Christmas. Not enough to do many windows, and I just can't bring myself to cut them now for valances. .
I put them on tension rods, popped them in, then pulled back the sheers with wide wired ribbon. I really like it and is so vintage festive!!!
I added the garland and the old fashioned bubble lights.
I used all different ornies of snowmen wired on the garland.
For the middle sheers I used a wooden mitten ornie with snow folks painted on it that had jute hanger long enough to pull them through.
Added a big bow of snowfolk and red stripe wired ribbon. So festive!!
In the window are some of my bottle brush trees.
On the dish rack and old chest are nut crackers.
More pics to come...Santa's are the look for living room!!!!

Display Quilts & Putting Up Christmas Decor!

Oh my Melissa over at Cornbreadandbeansquilting’s Weblog
Has done up 2 wonderful blog posts on this subject with pics she has found.
You must check it out!
http://cornbreadandbeansquilting.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/okay-i-am-done-now-where-do-i-put-it/

http://cornbreadandbeansquilting.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/displaying-quilts-part-2/


I love all of them pretty much.
Need to decide if I want to try any of these with my antique quilts.
I also need to get more of my own projects done so I can get them displayed as well.
Enjoy all the eye candy!!

I am feeling better so trying to finish my decorations.

What a job but fun!!! Once a year we can play with our stuff, go over the top putting up toys!!
DH finished the outside last Sunday , so pretty.
I can’t seem to get camera settings right to get a good pic though!!!

Just a couple pics here will try for more later.

My niece had bought me some cute Santa ribbon and Snowmen ribbon when her and her pal went to Williamsburg a while back so that seet my ideas a whirling.

We bought some red,white and silver candy cane looking ribbon to go with it, cute look!!!

Santas are all over living room table tops, mantal and tree.

Trying for snow folks in dining room but leaving room for the people and food!

Oh yes we are getting a new fireplace screen that is why it is folded up... ha!!

Well back to work.

Great Freebies

My pal Jana is always kind enough to share her finds with me.
Here are three that I think you may enjoy and can find some extra time to do before Christmas!!
Well if not maybe over the winter for Christmas 2009!!

Sweet Treat Bag at United Notions

2008 Christmas Shopping Bag

A new free block from Piece O Cake Designs
They would like to use pics of your blocks in a book for next year.
Read about it and the rules!!!

Peek A Boo

See my lil sleepy redhead .
Sadie does not like it when I get up early.
She is used to sleeping in later after Pop Pop goes off to the office.
I am her ‘litter mate’ I reckon as she wants to snuggle and sleep not just sleep by herself. Ha!
She is such a joy to us. A lil sweetheart small rabbit beagle who is cute and funny!
In her ‘old life’ she did not have much too eat, so now she just loves FOOD!
Lives to eat! I think she would eat till she upchucked if we let her.
Sadie & I really will have to try harder to lose some weight come Jan!

We are headed out now for our morning walk.

Cloudy day and quite cold. Won't be a long walk today!

Holiday Cleaning

Making progress here on the holiday cleaning !!

Yes holiday cleaning. I know bad word.

The one I do in between Fall decorating and the Christmas decorating!

I do not know what it is but this house is a dust magnet.
I can dust then go back later and see some new!!! Good thing I am not phobic about it.

I have drug that vacuum cleaner all over too...spiders have been evicted , the webs are gone ...sofa, chairs and window treatments are all dust and animal hair free...well for a lil while.
Whew what a work out…hum maybe doing that once a day would equal a trip to the Y!

Oh well not gonna happen anyway!;-)

Tried to sort the pantry, take stock of white I have or don't put on list, to get my supplies all in order for the cookie baking. Did the fridge too, so now room for more yummy stuff!!

Hope to have this all done tomorrow then up goes the tree and garlands.

I just love to sew , bake & cook with the tree up along with all the decorations and carols playing too. Fire lit in fireplace. Just something so comforting about it.

One good thing about the shorter days is being able to have the pretty outside lights on longer...;-)

My Black Friday Post

Okay now if you are not out there rushing around store to store, line to line but are up at the crack of dawn… you can check this out!
Over at Cotton Spice Blog.

Lots of neat projects shared for free from some wonderful designers.
You can get busy and have lots of pressies in your Santa bag!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all have so much to the thankful for even in what are becoming tough times.
I am just so thankful that I can share one more Thanksgiving together with my dear family and friends.
Wishing everyone a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Burrrrrrr

We are cold! Wind blowing a gale out of the north!!

At least we did not see any of that snow that was NW of us.
Them thar good ol’ mountains keep a lot of stuff away! ;-)
Now the weather folks did say there may be a stray flake or two out late.
I was not out late so did not see any.;-)

Did bring in the punkins as did not want them to freeze.
Roasting them babies up right now.

House smells so yummy!!

I also made the outside cat a nice bed next to the carport fridge, older model and puts out some warmth.
This kind of cold should not last here. We have more warm temps for Thanksgiving than not.
Our true long lasting winter normally sets in after Christmas through Feb.
Farmer’s Almanac does say we are to have more snow….humm will see, after all we did not get all the hurricanes we were to get in ’08!! Not that I am complaining!!

Back to work here. More Fall stuff to put away then clean behind to put up Christmas!!
I did get my sewing area into somewhat working order…until the next messy projects! Ha!!

Wow we are looking at maybe just a month to work on stuff.. Get to work Elves!!!!
Keep it simple and maybe edible…;-)!!!
Thinking about some projects check out Martha’s Gift Work Shop.

Speaking of pumpkins. Want to share a pic of the table setting sweet niece Diana used when we were over for the 'Annual' Soup Sunday Served from BIG PUMPKIN!!

We have little pumpkins now to eat from!!!! Feels like we are eating at Sandra Lee's or Martha's home!!! Such fun!!!

Hang Small Quilts

Great idea for hanging small quilts!!
I have these vintage pants hangers so using them.
I borrowed this idea from Jacquie at tall grass prairie studio.

Don’t you just love ‘blogging’???
Can find so many kindred spirits and inspiration!!

Stitcher's Angel Goodies arrive in Australia.

Check out the Stitcher's Angel Goodies I sent to my partner Julie in Australia.
Seems her packaged arrived in Australia about the time mine arrived to me from Noemi Portugal!
She has taken some nice pics so you can go look around her wonderful blog at her awesome quilt work while you are there! She also has a shop selling wonderful fabbies!!

Thank-you again to Helen and her group of designers for organizing the swap!
Such fun!

Hugs ,
Lola

Giveaway closed! Lucky ones in the BD Giveaway!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
32
27
Timestamp: 2008-11-12 17:13:35 UTC



No. 1: 3 cute Christmas Fat Qts, strawberry pin cushion (made by me from wool), neat buttons, a nice 2005 mag with cool holiday projects and an unopened pack of 8 older holiday party invitations!!
goes to: Theresa N. said...
My husband proposed to me on my birthday. It was a wonderful surprise I wasn't expecting it at all.Thanks:)theresa N weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com



No. 2 : A pretty bone china tea cup with pretty blue flowers and gold trim, pretty trimmed napkin, assorted teas , a hard back Christmas novel by Nora Roberts called Gabriel’s Angel and a delicious Cadbury Caramello Candy Bar !!
goes to: Mary Ellen said...
I truly have lots and lots of good birthday memories........hmmm let me try and pick one. OOO, on my 40th, I was in Las Vegas for the first time, helping my Daddy with his convention and he took my husband and I to my first Las Vegas show.......Splash. We had the best seats and I just felt like quite the "woman".....when we got back, the kids had planned another party for me with the typical "black" theme with lots of friends and neighbors attending......both parties were fun.


Congrats Ya’ll and hope you enjoy the goodies!!!
Sending out emails to receive mailing info !!

I had 2 post with no way to contact so did not make it in the drawing.
If you are going to have a blog profile you need to make it so we all can read it or post an email when you play!! ;-)


Thanks so much for all the BD wishes!! I also loved reading all the neat birthday memories!!
I too appreciate those who shared the Giveaway on your blog or word of mouth!!

Be on the lookout for next one!!!
I am working on some cute tree ornies and I just may have to share a couple!!!!

Giveaway reminder....

I will post the winners tomorrow afternoon or so, no later than 9PM my time.
So still time to throw your 'memory' in the ring!!!;-)
I will use the random number generator to draw two numbers.
Happy Birthday To Me Giveaway!

Stitcher's Angel Swap Arrived!!

My Secret Stitcher’s Angel Swap arrived yesterday… from far away Portugal!!
She is no longer a SECRET as I took my few clues and went looking for her last night!
If you are reading this Noemi of a arte dos trapinhos THANK YOU so much!

Such a lovely package of goodies you sent and I enjoyed opening them so much!
It was like opening more birthday gifts!!!

She had them all numbered 1, 2, 3 then one not numbered.

1.Was a small sweet lil quilt, red work angel on it says” Take time to smell the flowers”.
2. Was a pretty fan pin cushion made in blues.
3.Was a sweet small draw string bag, I am thinking of many uses for it in my sewing basket for travel.
The last wrapped one was a beautiful soft shawl or head shawl in beautiful peach colors and the cutest bug lapel pin to match! Will come in handy as we are getting colder and heading into winter.
She also included a small book of what seems handmade paper, just so pretty.

I will use all my gifts and think of you so far away my Portugal Angel!!
Big Hugs from Virginia USA!!!!

One of my Favorite Things....

Bet you thought I was going to break out in song didn't ya. NOT!

One of my favorite things….is my vintage wooden ironing board!!!
Yes it is bulky and unyielding…but this can be a good thing a times!

Yes I have another newer one..'70s model but love this old one!
Well it was time for a new cover. The reg cheap ones fit it nicely!
I decided a long time ago it was nice to make ones that look all pretty and match in your sewing room BUT…they all end up needing replacing soon enough. I use my iron a lot on high steam heat!
My Mama used a sheet and these special spring clamps…yes I have them (hidden) here somewhere!!!
Anyway I just pop over to a store, be it big box or the dollar variety and pick one up when needed. Yes I also do other stuff on it like draw , write, and forget to put pressing sheet down when doing fusible stuff. Wash them up you say…;-) Well by the time I keep sayin I need to do this the foam has got to the ‘brittle ‘ point and will make a mess in the machine.

Besides putting on a new fresh crisp board cover is one of those neat things I do so enjoy!!
Sort of like opening a new magazine or pack of paper.

Well we had thought we would be going by a super store Sat on way home but not to be.
Had my left over Stone Cold Ice Cream Birthday Cake so had to hurry on home..;-)

I was chatting to my Sis-in- Law later on the phone and she says .."don’t buy one I got one, brand new…did not fit my board, you can have it.
We figured hers is a more modern board 1960s so could be why, so should work for mine as mine is older." Kewel Beans!

Well let me tell ya this a Cadillac of covers…. nice cotton batting, no foam here and designer label, Liz Claiborne …sort of feel like I should be wearing it. Ha!!
I tried first and decided was too small , factory fluke maybe. Boo Hoo!
Took all D Hubs had to get it on!! HA! I will say, this is one tight fitting cover!!

Who knows the why and how of this cover just thanks to Sis-in-Law I have a new cover, she got some delish Gumbo, apple dessert and fresh sweet taters as payment !!
Now I am ready to press my Hero some shirts!!
Okay my wacky weirdness over for the day…;-)

Sweet Cabin Dreams

Here is a pic of a cabin I have always HEARTED!!!!
Is it not adorable???!!
This was built at least 20/25 yrs ago.

The Log Cabin craze was beginning here back then.

I would love to put this on our other property !!
All tucked back in the trees!!!
Fill it up with my antiques and quilts!!
Oh well we all can dream!!!!!

Maybe I need to play Lotto so I have enough cash for all my dreams! Ha!!!

Cabin, cottage, new RVwith $$ to travel to a lot of the wonderful big quilt shows to see and shop, sewing studio large enough for pals , machines and loads of fabby, maid service at least 3X a week, on & on & on......dreammmmnmm!

Want a report with photos on the big Houston International Quilt Fest Show??

Well checkout Pat Sloan's blog for this and some of what she was up too.

Checkout her pals links as well.

Seems all had a good time.

I would be on that great new fabby smell over load!!!!!

My CC would be smelling too...like smoke from over use!!! Ha!!!

One more post......

...for today!! Just had to add this.

http://calamityjanescottage.blogspot.com/2008/10/little-treasure-i-found-and-dawns.html
Oh my check Bonnie’s blog post out.
I have to go with DHubs to Harbor Freight his next visit.
Great storage idea!

Bonnie also has a cute pin cushion Tut on her blog too!!!
http://calamityjanescottage.blogspot.com/2008/10/pincushion-tutorial.html

Bonnie does up wonderful things...love her aprons !!!

BIrthday Needle Roll Gift

Oh my take a look at my newest Needle Roll!!

The one in the middle, Merry Christmas in dark reds!!
I do have a collection for sure now!!
This was my special BD gift from Diana, our niece!!!
Thanks Sweets!!!! She has made each one!
She is quite the talented cross stitcher !!
Eat your heart out Shirl!! Haaaaa!!

I hope to have a basket full one day….humm still have to go look for a basket!
Will show you more of her work when I am done with my part on her projects…sewing! ;-)

I am Auntie Slacker these days it seems along with Granny Slacker, Mom Slacker!!! UGH!

My gifts to me were of course fabrics !!

Like I really need more! Ha!!
Here are my newest purchases. All Christmas themed.

The dark red toile is darling with Santa, a cute Kitty Cat and a pup here or there!!

Well now reckon I need to get busy sewing now for sure!!!

I am seriously considering starting our Christmas decorating this Sunday!

We will not be hosting anymore Fall Gatherings here, so why not!

Will put me in the mood better too..tree twinkling ...music in the background.

Yepper think I am convincing myself now to convince Hubs! Ha!!

Keep those Birthday Memories coming to the Giveaway post!!

So delightful to read!!!!

Remember though you must have a way for me to contact you, blog or email!!!

A Wonderful Day

Yesterday my dear Hubs made my day so special!

See my sweet card above!!
He did a wonderful country breakfast for me!
I was stuffed!!
He cleaned up too… WOW!!!

Then we went for a nice ride. Have not done that in a while with gas so high.
Took some pretty pics too.

Golden soybeans, views of the lake.
It did finally get to rain messy to take enjoy riding about.

So we went to a mall to look around some.
Found Santa’s chair all set up and ready!!

Hubs bought some movies for us, Iron Man(me) and 3:10 to Yuma(him).

We ended up at Red Robin for a late lunch.
I only had the Fish n Chips as I could not do a big sandwich!!
After that I was DONE or my legs were so we made our way on home from Chesapeake.
All in all was a wonderful day!!!
I am blessed to have my Honey ,wonderful family and pals!

Thanks so much for all the BD wishes on the Giveaway post as well!!!!
Love reading all the neat memories you are sharing!!

Happy Birthday To Me Giveaway!!

I did not do a 100th post giveaway because my BD was coming up Nov 5th so decided to wait and do one today!!!
So it is my BD but 2 of you all get the pressie!!!!

Okay so here is the GiveAway Loot.
I just pulled some things from my own stash.
Some of my fav things! All with a holiday theme!!

One lucky person gets: 3 cute Christmas Fat Qts, strawberry pin cushion (made by me from wool), neat buttons, a nice 2005 mag with cool holiday projects and an unopened pack of 8 older holiday party invitations!!

Second lucky person gets: A pretty bone china tea cup with pretty blue flowers and gold trim, pretty trimmed napkin, assorted teas , a hard back Christmas novel by Nora Roberts called Gabriel’s Angel and a delicious Cadbury Caramello Candy Bar !!

I may add some surprises too!!!

So here is what you do to be in the drawing!
Post a Happy Birthday post to me telling me YOUR best birthday memory, must do this!!!
Good Luck!!!Look forward to reading some neat memories!!!!
You must have a blog or add an email with your post so I can contact you for mailing info !!
EXTRA EXTRA….if you post the Give Away on your blog and let me know you have another chance at the loot…!!!

I will draw/post the lucky two next Wed Nov 12th, 2008 by 9 PM , EST.

I am so sorry but must keep this one only for US mailing this time.
When I mailed out my swap to Australia I was shocked at the $$!
Gee seems everything is getting more and more expensive as the days go by!!
Not fair just messing with my fun as I adore swapping all over the world!!!
Hebby Hebby Sigh!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog!!!!;-)

Voting Day!

Voting day is finally here!!
Yes even at our small country precinct there was a line!
Exciting! Everyone was really feeling up and chatting despite the rain!
We got there at 5:40 AM so we were like 3rd in line.
I was 5th to vote at the touch machine.
Already having troubles with voting machines.
The paper feeder one was not working.
Busiest times are the morning with voters going before work and then the evening ones after work, normally.
I am thinking this year it may be different.
We only have maybe 400 registered voters in our precinct, so should not be too bad.

Extra treat here is if you go to Krispy Kreme and show your I Voted Sticker you get a free donut!
Starbucks is also doing a giveaway of a small coffee I think they said.
I am off to pick up my new glasses later so may try for that donut! Ha!!!

Go Vote!! We are so blessed here in this country to have the freedom to do it!!
I always go in memory of my Grandmothers who fought so hard for me to have the right as a gal to do it!!

Read about it Womens History or Womens Suffrage.

Today is also a history making dayin American in this election for President!!!!

Oh how far we have come!! So exciting !!

Historic Election The Gates of History

Cotton Picking!!

Well here is a couple pics as promised of the cotton picking.

They use this huge machine to suck up the bolls then it lifts up and dumps into this big wagon.

After that it goes into this huge pressing machine and out comes these huge bales!!A truck comes and loads a big bale up off then off to the gin!Was getting dark before they finished picking so one pic is a tad darker! I also missed the truck as it came on Sunday.

Had huge tractor pulled mowers come behind the pickers cutting all the stalks , then planted no till winter wheat. So when that is up will share that too.

They are picking soy beans too at other end of farm now.

That is awful messy and dusty! I tend to stay away!!! Haa!

We never clean outside of windows till all the picking and planting is done!

This used to be one of the best peanut farms around but not many of those grown in this area of Virginia anymore. We have only 2 small farms in this area that grow any now.

We go to the buying /drying station to buy 50# bag every year to use in our holiday preps.

Sure miss going out into the field and picking them up after they were dug!

LOVED that fresh smell and raw taste!

Awwwhh the memories.

Happy Halloween!

Well the big day is here.
I sure hope all the lil ones get loads of treats!!!!
Here are some of my goodies.

Candy of course!

Cookies!

Cup cakes!!

Punkin muffins

POP ON OVER

If you love quits and quilt shows you really need to pop over to my pal Mary Ellen's blog It's Me I Think.

Check out her posts on a show she attended in San Antiono, TX.

Beautiful pics of some of the quilts.

She is also blogging on her home's Halloween decor...so cute!!!

I have to be out and about today so hopefully will be uneventful... no mysteries or adventures to stumble into...;-)

Birthday Purse

Here is a small Tulip Pattern Purse I made for our sweet ‘grand’niece Hollyanne.
She turned 13 this year!! YIKES!! Hard to believe she is a TEENAGER!!!!!
She is growing up and getting more beautiful as she does.
Can still see that tiny lil one still in there from time to time…;-)
She is a cheerleader now and the team’s FLYER!!
In 8th grade and smart as a whip. So proud of her!!
Here is one of my FAV pics of her on Halloween a few years back!!
Is this not a doll!!!!!!!!

My View

Here are some photos of what I see around me.
This AM early as I was walking Sadie it was just a tad foggy.
So here is the cotton in the fog!
Here is how it looks now with sunshine .
Cotton on 3 sides here.

Farmer has sprayed the defoliant on it so soon those leaves will turn brown and drop off.
The cotton bowls will open fully.
Then the big machines will be up here picking all that pretty white cotton and making huge bales.
Will take photos of that too.
Just wanted to share a lil bit of my part of the world today. ;-)

Wonda Wonda

Who could be reading this blog right now. Look'in at the pics.

Hummm...could be someone who has no idea it is their swap being worked on!!!

Oh my secret stitch'in is such fun!!

Lookie Lookie...these fabbies look so good together ...humm wonder what they have become!!!!!

Whatever it is should be winging it's way Down Under come Monday!!!

Sure wish I could deliver it in person but alas I am just not small enough to fit in the parcel!!!!

Okay back to work now, well really it is more like playing then working!!

Lucky me!!!! Today is a GOOD DAY!! ( well so far) ;-)

Peek A Boo

Just a peek a boo shot for the Stitcher's Angel Swap...;-)

Hummm now what can it be...I wonder...;-)

Any guesses????

Fabrics are from the Remember Me line by Jill Kemp for Red Rooster Fabrics.

Love 'em!!!

By the way just so you know I am a MACHINE kinda gal so use it for applique and whatever else I can !!! I believe if my 'great grands' were here they too would use the machine.

After all they did buy those old Singers when they were the NEW THING!!

Not that hand work is a bad thing I do it once in a while but these hands are not what they used to be so it is nice to have a nice machine to use. My Bernina fits my bill at the moment!!!

Another Sewing Day

I am sewing again today.
Finishing up the SA Swap items along with some other projects.
Have a tote idea I am going to try.
Will post photos if it works out as I hope..;-)

Also have home chores to attend to.
Laundry is calling me..have to answer that call.
Sadly we all have to at some point or wear dirty clothes!!
At least all I have to do is take time from my sewing to put them in one machine and then in another!
Not like I have to drag them out to a wash tub and board or to the river and beat on rocks.
Got to count those blessings!!!
Will not hang out laundry today though as we are cloudy and scattered showers. ;-(
I have pretty much been able to do that most of the summer so maybe using dryer today won’t kill me.

We have begun the Fall Fest season around here as well.
This weekend in the Peanut Festival in Suffolk.
So if you are close around need to check it out!

Graphic / ©2000 Denise Van Patten