Doing ok here...

Thanks so much for all the concern and good wishes!
We are without power and local phone, on generator for now.
Damage was minimal here. Tree stuff mostly.
There could be more flooding later in week when some of the inland rivers crest.
For some reason the pc does not want to read my memory card from camera.
So no pics!

Just popped in to let you know we are ok so far!
Thanks again!!

As ready as we can be...

...for whatever Irene brings us.
We had 3 properties to get ready! Whew! Tired and worn out!
There is a chance our Direct TV dish and the Hughes Net dish may blow off roof!
So if is does we will be without internet for a goodly bit!
I may be out of pocket for a while.
Do have a TV we can use without DTV but can only get local channels...oh how sad... haha!
We have become so spoiled with what we think we need these days!

Since I cannot share what I have been working on decided to share something from my niece!


Tom Turkey all framed up!
Sat him on the mantle and he was like YEAH BABBEE this is my spot! I rock this mantle...;-)
I am so ready for Fall and begin pulling out the decor stuff!!
This storm put a stop to the work that was to be done this weekend on the new floors! UGH!

Hope we all pass this storm safe and sound along with our homes and loved ones!
I will be saying prayers and thinking of everyone who may be affected by this hurricane along with us!

God bless and keep you in his care!
Hugs!!!

Shaking one day.. blown away next???

Yes we shook yesterday here in Virginia . Odd feeling I must say.
Been a while since I had this sensation, which was in SE Missouri.
They have these a bit more often there on the New Madrid fault line.
Yesterday I was at sink in kitchen and my brick home went back an forth.
The hanging fixture was swaying and my pot rack!
Pics went crooked but nothing fell off wall or shelves!
A crack at end of house is a bit bigger and some mortar fell but that is the extent of it for us. Thanks goodness!

Now to the blown away part ...Irene! Yes we are preparing for a hurricane.
So far we are not to get full brunt but wind and rain.
We always would rather be prepared for the worse but hope for the best.
After going through 3 bad ones here we just do it.
Last bad one left us without power for 2 weeks!
So tune up generator, gas up autos and do what needs doing.
If we get by with no more than a bit of rain so be it. Better safe than sorry in my book.
Rain would be greatly appreciated for the Great Dismal Swamp fire!
They need a lot of rain to finally put it out!
We have smoke today so no wash out on line.

Last week as a busy one!
A family member passed away.
So was busy doing things for family and the services.
Had another test done on my eyes.
Still Suspect Glaucoma and hanging in! YES!
Just have to stay on top of it according to my eye doctor!

Not much on the sewing front here to share but have still been busy!
Put'n up food as they say.
Still lots more to get done before we are done with the season.


Tomatoes for soup go into freezer.
Picked more, so more to do like this.
Not canning any this year.


Picked grapes. Lots of grapes!

Grapes get cooked down to make juice.
This too goes in freezer to make jelly later.
If this old pot could talk the sweet stories it would tell!

More blueberries to pick . Have put plenty in freezer already.

Helped DH make his Hot Pepper Jelly.

Crowder Peas also went in freezer.
Next is the sweet pepper pickle relish to make.
Jars all ready to go.
Hope to get that done tomorrow before weekend.

As soon as dryer load finishes will be off to Wally World and Food Lion in Suffolk!
Doing my Friday shopping early!
Can get crazy around here with a predicted storm coming!!!

Thanks for everyone who popped in to see our Cocoa for the Pets On Quilts Show!

Take care everyone!!!

Cocoa Kitty for the 2011 Pets on Quilts Show

Okay here in our Cocoa Marie!


Now I hope this counts for the Pets on Quilts Show because she is on 2 quilts! Hahaha!
She decided to nap in this gift box ! Why? Well you know cats love tissue paper and small boxes but other than that it was placed on HER QUILT! Under her quilt is a bed quilt!!
So hence our sweet kitty is on 2 quilts!

Here is Cocoa Kitty below napping on quilt batting under the cutting table!

Yes she likes the quilts before they are quilts too!!!!

Hope you have enjoyed our funny fickle feline's pics!
Cocoa is a mess but we love her!


She has been with us 12 years!
Cocoa was only 5 weeks old when DH rescued her.
Her mother who had been dumped with her kittens, was ran over.
Baby Cocoa only one to survive! A fighter!!

Sadly this rural area has long been a dumping ground for unwanted cats and dogs.
Dumping an animal is not a way to FREE it or give it a chance ...can be a death sentence!!
If only more folks would understand that neutering is not a bad thing and can be done for little money with Snip Vans and other such animal organizations!
Please consider a rescued pet when you are thinking of adopting a fur babe of your own!
If the one you bring home is not a good fit please take the sweetie back for another chance at a new forever home. No shame in that either!

Okay off my soap box...for now!;-)

Oh My Goodness I almost for got to add my quilt entry !!

This is Alice's Purple Kitties in the Garden.

I made this as a birthday gift for my pal Alice.
It is a cute quilted wall hanging if I say so myself! ;-)
Had to be purple as Alice loves purple!
Thanks for looking and hope you consider casting a vote for me and Cocoa Kitty too!

Now scoot on over to Sew Cal Gal's Blog to see all the other cuties of Pets On Quilts Show of 2011!!

Busy... Busy...

A setting off the old fashion wonderfully scented yellow rose from Aunt Dot's bush up at the farmhouse.



Aunt Dot's large porch planter full of marigolds now on my porch.
Last ones she planted.
Miss her a lot. She and Uncle Ollie have settled in well in NC.
We talk on phone but still miss her presence.
Not sure as of now what will happen with the farmhouse. DH hates to see it sold.
So many childhood memories for him with his grandparents.
Was hard enough to let the farm go back when money was needed for DH's Mom's Alzheimer care. Hard to see the family farmhouse go as well. Sure wish we could win the lotto!!

Besides all the busy times surrounding Aunt Dot's move , my medical appts, DH's DIY work we have garden stuff!

Tomatoes beginning to come on, ours and the ones up at farmhouse!


Summer squash about over. Peppers coming a bit at a time but cukes are still coming along.


We were so dry for so long now getting rain. Helping the late bloomers.


Aunt Dot's last apple tree is bearing now.
We have pears too but pic did not come out so well.
Also DH has picked loads of blueberries and we put those in freezer!
So all ready for pan cakes, muffins, cobblers or pies for winter.

Figs are also needing to be picked!!
Will give a lot of those away.


Now the Concord and White grapes up at farmhouse are getting ripe as well!
Aunt Dot's son will come this weekend to pick what he wants then we will get rest.

DH has finished pulling up all the old carpet and flooring in living room and hall.
All staples pulled out. Now has some things to do to the sub flooring before he can lay the entry way . So house is still yet a "piled up mess"...my words for it at least!

Gee things can get really busy around her from time to time!!

My toe is pretty healed. So will have to find a date for the left one to be done!!! UGH!
My other med appts resulted in blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds and must lose some weight!! Dear me!
Good news on other medical fronts though so reckon it all levels out!
As my Mama used to say "This world and one more!!" Haha!!

So just thought I would let ya'll know I am still here just really socked in!
Sewing? No but do have plans...always have plans don't I??? hahaha!

Whew... best get ready for yet another hot day here!!
Take care!

More 'room' inspiration!

Scatter Girls are having a :

Creative Spaces Link Up Party

Go check out more rooms used for creating !
May come out with some ideas for your own area for sewing or crafting!
Enjoy!

Zavier Update!! Good News!!

Okay new grand news!!! Zavier is coming home!

Well he finally weighs enough and things are progressing enough! He will go back to Vanderbilt in Nashville for his chemo in a week then every 2 weeks! Eventually surgery for the rest and rehab! So if you wish to send any more mail please mail to me and I will forward it on now!

You can email me for addy info at primthreads@yahoo.com!

Thanks once again for all the prayers, good thoughts gifts of all kinds while Zavier was in hospital! To each of you a big hug from me ! I wish each of you many good blessings!

Zavier still has a long road ahead but we have to remain positive and keep the faith!

Zavier spelled with a 'Z' is his name. Not Xavier . Just the way DD and her Husband named him. All their kids tend to have rather 'unique' names...;-)

My toe drama continues. It is healing nicely says doctor. Looks horrid to me still..;-) !Have my pain meds and do as dr says putting up when needed. Left one will have to be done as well. OH FUN! At least I know what to expect! Sometimes that is NOT a good thing! Oh well we deal!

On to a pretty pic of more of DH's summer harvest! More CUKES! Course we are picking Aunt Dot's now as well so double the YUM! Also have her blueberries to pick!

Not doing pickles this year. So been looking at other cuke recipes.
Found one for Cucumber Salsa. Maybe DH will want to try that.
Check it out here Taste of Home.
More out there, just Google 'Cucumber salsa' . Could also just do your own thing and use whatever you have on hand! Make up your own recipe.
Also saw the dipped and fried cuke recipe! Oh My!
DH did fry me some green tomatoes!! Goodness Gracious DELISH!!
I have to confess his were better than mine which are good too!
Could have just been partly my not having to cook them and being served on a tray with feet propped up in recliner!! hahaha!

Okay off to put foot back up. Toe is saying 'pretty please give me a rest'!
Thanks again for all your thoughts,prayers and kindness to Zavier and to me!!!

Hugs!!!

Where 'they' Sew!

Kathy of Pink Chalk Studio is hosting this month long 'where i sew' event.
She has invited some of the best known designers to share their sewing spaces.
Anna Maria Horner, Kay Whitt, Betz White, Kristin Link and others!
So if you like looking around sewing areas of others here is a big chance!
May even come away with some ideas to use in your own space!
Speaking of your own space...you can share that too!
Check it out here!

Work'n On

Soooo see I am work'n... on getting this toe well!!
Not going to show ya how 'pretty' it is under that bandage! ;-)
A lot better today than I was Saturday I can assure ya!
Least I know what to expect on the next one! UGH!!
I tried to do stuff on DH's lap top but I was LOST!
Used to my desk top PC.

Good news from Zavier also!
He walked a goodly distance in his walker!!!
Still has a way to go to kick that cancer to the curb but this is amazing!!!
Zavier's spirits are very up and he is proving to be a real fighter!
Still has more chemo to get through so do not know when he will be released.
Once again we thank everyone for all the prayers, thoughts and gifts of love sent to Tennessee!!

Hugs to all!!

Some good news, some not so good.

The giveaway I won from Open Gate on her blog tour arrived yesterday!
Was a bright spot in a rather sad day!
Look at those fabrics in the small quilt kit. Yummy!


Monique has great instructions on how to use her ruler and a pattern included!
Can't wait to give it a go!
Thank you again Monique!!


Pretty old feed sacks, gifts from Aunt Dot.
Yesterday our sweet Aunt Dot and Uncle Ollie were moved to Raleigh, NC to live with their daughter. Best thing for them as they needed help 24 hrs.
I could not do that.
Aunt Dot at 90 yrs has lived in that house most of her life on this farm!
Uncle Ollie all his married life.
So all the last 2 weeks has been sorting out, packing and giving away their life time of things!
Still more to do later in the Fall but for now, a rest.
We all cried as they were loaded up for their new adventure.
Aunt Dot wanted to pack me in her suitcase but I just would not fit!
We will be making runs to Raleigh . Not as far as it could be I reckon.
I will say it feels lonely up here on the farm already. Just us now.
Last folks standing as they say.


One of Aunt Dot's gifts to me... her Mama's glass door pie safe.
Inside is some of her Daddy's cigar boxes.
It will live in my sewing room now.


To DH went his great Granny's cast iron griddle.
Will share more things on other posts.
As I said a sad time but they are safer now.
Change is hard but part of living.

Today I have some surgery being done on my right big toe.
Psoriasis has caused me so much pain and problems with these toes and nails.
Nail has to be removed...forever! No new one coming back!
OH NO bald and naked toe!! LOOK AWAY!
Hahaha!
I figure on the grand scheme of things losing a couple toenails could be considered minor.

So please think of me today with maybe a prayer or two that all goes well with the Doctor's scalpel. That pain pills work and no complications!
Oh yes could you send up one for Aunt Dot too that she settles into her new home and enjoys her retirement. I told her she has now officially retired and to NC no less!!

Thank you so very much!
Hugs!
Lola