Smile Darlin'

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-04T22:42:00.001-08:00

Ok, I had 13 posts last year. that averages out to like 1 a month. Not the best, but I will try to do better this year.

I am not sewing right now. I started this year sick with pneumonia, but as soon as I feel better I have some great quilts planned for this year.

Now for the re-cap since Oct. I will do it in pics of quilts- it will be quicker.

I have participated in some quilt challenges before. One was the 10 FQ challenge. You have 10 FQ's you give to someone and they add to those and make a quilt and give it back to you.

I choose RW&B FQ's and Neen made this and returned it to me. It took me a while to decide how to quilt it, it really is unique. I really love this quilt and the way it quilted. It's called "A New Day"

My friend Brian installs sprinkler systems- working in the heat a lot. His cargo van has 2 seats and a metal grate seperates the tool area. This quilt attaches to the metal grate with Rare Earth magnets, so the heater or AC stays in the front area only, where the people are. The shiny things are clear vinyl pockets for paperwork.

Mimi has a college softball team mate in the battle for her life with liver cancer. Her friends sent me their foot prints and I printed them on fabric in this quilt- Helping Katrinia Kick Cancer, you can read her blog about this battle.

and this was for her son's 1st birthday. Makes her battle even greater.

My precious grandson Kaeden turned 2, can you believe it? Like most 2 yr olds, he LOVES Thomas The Train. Although his older brother really loves this, so they kinda share. But it is Kaeden's. It did my heart a world of good to watch him open this via FaceTime (thank you iPhone)

One of Kevin's coworkers at the FD was about to retire and start his new life. Those plans were altered when his mom died suddenly, his father passed a few years ago. This comfort quilt was for Scott and surprisingly he and the wife had just bought new furniture that exactly matches the brown in this fabric. They loves this quilt.

Kim's Misfit Quilt- that's what Kevin called this one. A friend of Katrinia's liked my work on the cancer quilt and asked if I could sell her a quilt for a Christmas gift for her husband. So after the quilt was decided on, I started on this "Farmer's Wife Sampler" getting all the blocks done before I got sick at Thanksgiving. After nearly 3 weeks I was back sewing on this only to find 3 of these 18 blocks were to small, so I had to make more. I didn't get enough of the border fabric so the border was not as big as I wanted it. I had the wrong backing fabric and had to go buy more. Once I got it on the frame my machine started acting up and I had a hard time getting it finished. As always, I sent it thru a wash to check to make sure no colors ran and then into the dryer. When I brought it upstairs from the laundry I was folding it and noticed a grease stain the size of a raisin! WHAT? It was in the white fabric, right near the fold line. I cried & cried. I put stain remover and lightened the stain, but it was still there. So I boxed it up, sent it off to her with a note & her money back. Devastated ! Then UPS delivered it to the wrong address and it took her hours to find the box.

That's when Kevin said- it's a "Misfit Quilt- I just wanna be a quilt!"

I anxiously waited for days to hear from her and she called today, to tell me she LOVED THE QUILT! Her husband loves it so much he uses it on the couch and then takes it to bed to sleep with. He said the spot gives it character. She wanted to pay me for the new treasure so we renegotiated the price. I am just so happy and relieved to hear they loved it.

The spot is in the center triangle along the bottom of this quilt in the pic. Almost in the black fabric- but not quite. Never in all my quilts has this happened.

So this has been my sewing since October.

I will attempt to do more blogging this year. I have an art quilt I have planned I am really excited about. More to come.

So Happy New Year- 2012!

Later Darlin'

Guess it's about time I updated this.

2011-10-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

WOW... Really- May?

I can't believe it has taken me so long to update. I can tell you I have a very good reason- I've been very busy.

I won't bore you with everything- just some highlights....

The end of May, I went to Tulsa to help Mimi with the house she just bought.

Painting and cleaning and worked my butt off for 3 weeks.

the before kitchen

the after kitchen- she had such a beautiful vision for this house.

Strangely I was there when the tornado hit Joplin MO. This is the cloud bank that spawned that massive destruction. We were on the western side of Joplin by 2 hrs and this is what we saw. Scarey!!!

But the good thing was I did get to see those sweet grandsons of mine, Kaleb & Kaeden had their pictures done when I arrived. Boy they are handsome fellas!

This is just Kaleb- with such a beautifl look on his face.

And beautiful Kaeden with Kaleb in the background-twirling his hair...LOL

I got back and had to make quilt for a friend to give as a gift. This was for Autumn, she loved her birthday gift.

I had just a few weeks to start/finish my challenge quilt for my sister's

quilters get-together. It was suppose to represent Summer or the Tropics.

So I decided to do one of the old time postcards- for the New Jersey shore.

I tied for 1st place with a friend- Neen, hers was stunning and we were good for splitting 1st place.

I decided we needed to share a ribbon- so I made each of us one for "1/2 Place Winner"

with a certificate.... I had gone to Maine for the 1st week of August for the Maine Quilt show, and stayed with Neen along with some fellow quilters, but the Ribbon wasn't completed then so I mailed it later.

I made a comfort quilt for my nephews wife who had just lost her Mom to cancer. It was from blocks donated to me by Dawn-Marie, as she had started it but lost interest. Carolyn loved this quilt when Mimi showed it to her- she said with a sly grin "I may have to take this home with me" and Mimi looked at her and said" GOOD coz it has your name on it- it was made for you!" She was stunned- delightfully.

I did a couple of baby quilts... well ok 5, and they have gone to the new babies.

But I also dropped off over another 100 pounds of pull tabs to the Ronald McDonald's House

Well I have more to share but will be my next post. Promise not that long before the next. All of this just brought us up to Aug.

Later Darlin'

What a week...

2011-05-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

My kids Dad, Ron bought himself a motorcycle a few months back. One that he could cruise around on- not a crotch rocket....

He has been trying to put some miles on it, getting used to riding again. He agreed to go on a ride in Arkansas last week with a group of friends. They usually fly through the mountains in this area, but agreed to slow down for him.

He lost control on a curve and went off the roadway, thinking he could right himself on the shoulder. Only there was NO SHOULDER- and he went down the hill. You can see the orange marker in this pic- that marks a cement culvert... he missed it, going on the left side of the marker and down the hill. LUCKY!

So once he stopped flipping head over heels he had to climb BACK UP to the top of the hill to get help.

He busted the windshield off the bike as he flipped it

Dented the gas tank when the handle bars bent down into it.

This is the helmet he was wearing- THANK GOD!

He made it up to the roadway, the truck following the group came upon him and called for help. He was taken to Eureka Springs hospital and then flown to Fayetteville AR to the trauma center. He has broken ribs, bleeding from his spleen, a laceration on his liver, a crack in the the outer casing of his kidney and worst of all- a broken C3 vertebrae and significant ligament damage around it.

To make matters worse, he has been on blood thinners because he has a problem with blood clots... and then his lower lobes of his lungs filled with fluid and collapsed.

When they went to do surgery, he spiked a temp and surgery had to be postponed. Needless to say- it ain't been his week!

He finally had his surgery- one week after being admitted. They only did his neck surgery- his spleen finally got it's act together and decided to behave and stopped bleeding.. so it got to stay home...

He finally got out of bed and got to sit in the chair... to the delight of my kids, who have been at his bedside since it happened.

The moved him out of ICU after a week and into a regular room, where he can get up and walk, to help his lungs start clearing up. He has a long road to haul... but he has strong will and it won't be long before he is back to his old self.

The BIGGEST ISSUE IS: Mimi is buying a house- suppose to sign the papers this week and start the painting and work process THIS WEEKEND... and her painter just wrecked his motorcycle!

So I am leaving this next Sat May 21st to go to Tulsa for just over 2 weeks, to help her paint and get this house ready to move into, help her pack where she is renting, and help her move.

Coz her Daddy can't lift a finger! I sure am gonna be sore....

There is a bonus here... I get to see and spend some time with those 2 beautiful grandsons of mine- I know, it's a tough break but I think I can handle it!!! :) :) :) I am so excited to see my kids and families and spend time with those boys again.

So I am trying to finish up some projects before I leave... pack and organize things around here for Rose to function without me.

Kevin finally went back to work last week, limited light duty, since he injured his back last

Jan 30th... been a long recovery for him.

So wish me luck... I got lots to do in a short time.

Wish Ron a speedy recovery- he is gonna need it!

Have a great Memorial Day!

Later Darlin'

1st Anniversary of his 25th birthday

2011-05-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Yep! My brother Lee got to celebrate that milestone.

He turned 50! Hard to think my baby brother is 50- yikes I feel old.

His wonderful wife Sherri, was able to pull off a complete surprise party for him, even flying in his oldest daughter Dajah in from the west coast.

Dajah and her boyfriend

His birthday was on Thursday, and so as not to draw suspicion they celebrated his birthday with the immediate family.

Sherri had made plans for them to go to the lake on Saturday, so she told him not to make any other plans for THAT day. He was kinda thinkin' she had something up her sleeve for Saturday.

NOPE! She planned it for Friday night! She took the day off to prepare a marvelous spread of appetizer foods

She sent him to the store on his way home from work so as to delay his arrival- that way everyone was there waiting. He pulled in the driveway, normal number of cars in it... and walked in to the surprise!!!!!!!!!

That is Everyone but me.... I arrived about 5 minutes later. It normally takes me 4.5 hours to drive down to Fredericksburg VA, but that was the Easter weekend and Good Friday no less- so it seemed everyone else was on the road.

It worked out great though, because I walked in his house, after he had just been SURPRISED by about 30 of his friends & family and he was still trying to take it all in. I was not 5 feet in the house when he rounded the corner and saw me and smiled great big and said "Hey, glad you made it!" and hugged me. As he hugged me- it dawned on him WHO I was and he leaned back and said "What are YOU doing here?" really surprised now. I said "I heard there was a party- it's not everyday your baby brother turns 50!" He gave me a huge hug..... so nice. I had not seen him for nearly 2 yrs. It was a really good hug. :)

After mingling for a bit- it was time for cake and to open gifts.

Lee & Sherri

He got some good gifts, this one cracked me up the most.

Years ago his wife and kids made him a quilt that was special- it represented home and the Navy. It was square in size and not very long to be able to nap with. He had once told me he would like to have a long quilt he could wrap under his feet, and pull up to his chin.... he is close to 6 ft tall so that's a long quilt.

For this birthday, I made him a long scrappy quilt, using fabrics that had meaning in his life.

He brews beer, worked in the Navy as a diver, and still works with the military, loves to travel, cook and loves the beach, mountains, hockey and much more. Let's just say he was quite pleased with this quilt.

It was too long to hang vertical- so you can still see the fabrics this way.

It was a great evening, lots of great food, good friends and fun memories.

I only wish it would have lasted longer. I had to leave the next morning- well afternoon since we didn't even get up till 10am... (we had that much fun till 3 am)

It was sure good to see him and help him celebrate his "1st Anniversary of his 25th birthday"

and I plan to get back down there soon and spend a nice long weekend with him and the family.

Thanks for a great time Lee!

Later Darlin'

Quilts for the victims in Japan

2011-04-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

I found a site online thru the Quilter's Newsletter magazine where they were collecting quilts to be sent to the victims of the earthquake and aftermath in Japan.

The deadline was for April 30th, so I had to work hard to get them all done- but I did it....

I went thru all the quilt tops I had, some were mine, some were donated to me by friends who know I make comfort quilts and a few were just donated to me by a friend who was downsizing and had to get rid of stuff- some being quilt tops and backings. I just loaded them on the frame and I just did a quick meander stitch- so I could get them done soon.

So today I mailed off 15 quilts, I only got pics of 13 coz I was in such a hurry....

It was over 25 pounds worth- but I had donations to offset the shipping- AND it is for a good cause.

Here are pic of the quilts I sent. some are baby quilts, some medium size and 2 were large.

This was made by someone and given to Lena and she donated to me.

This is a baby size from Jo- she was downsizing and donated a few- Thanks!

Another from Jo- size of 50 x 60

This is a large flannel one from Jo- 60x70

This is one that Giz donated- her daughter Dakota made it.

A strip twist made by Giz

Dawn-Marie donated both of these for me to use for comfort quilts- DONE!

Neen had sent me blocks from a Mystery quilt she was making and never finished. So I assembled them into these 2 baby quilts to send.

The tops I made are as follows

Just some scrappy 6" sqs.

leftovers from Megs quilt.

And my very 1st quilt I made... hard to look at me mistakes but it was still a good top to quilt and send. I have GREATLY improved over the last 7 years

Wendy sent me 2 quilt tops for this project- and I got them done- they were the last ones and was in such a hurry I thought I had pics of them- but sadly I didn't. I am sorry Wendy, they really turned out nice and I appreciated all you did to help me with this cause- you are a gem!

I do have one pic of part of the baby quilt- I really liked the fabric and inquired of her where she got it, so here is a partial pic.

I hope this effort raises ALOT of quilts for these poor folks in Japan. It is so sad what they must be going thru and if I can help by sending a quilt- it was my honor to do so!

I wish I had more time- I could have finished a few more baby quilts. Oh well.

I have some other projects I need to work on.

Later Darlin'

Visiting Washington DC before it closes...

2011-04-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

I made plans last October, for a family vacation to visit Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom festival of 2011. It would be Kevin & I, his mom and her sister. That way we could have some romantic time and the 2 sisters (both in their 80's) could keep each other company.

We had hotel reservations and tickets for the Monuments by Moonlight tour in advance.

Then Kevin hurt his back- so he couldn't go. So I called Sondra, my friend who lives in WV and she was all up for a girls weekend away.... so away we went.

Sondra, Rose & Lena at the WWII memorial

We were told that because of the tragedy in Japan, there was a larger crowd for the Cherry Blossom Festival this year. They were right. It was VERY crowded. We took the Old Time Trolly tour and what was normally a 15-20 min wait between trolleys, ended up being a 45 min wait. Which was not so great when the rain started... oh well, can't control the weather.

You can see the storm clouds brewing when we were at the Lincoln Memorial.

The Capital Hilton was a nice hotel, but I am used to the hotels that have a fridge & microwave so I was disappointed we didn't have one. We would eat out and want to take the leftovers to snack on later but had no way to keep them... It had NICE beds... very comfy rooms.

Parking is $$ I paid $42.00 a night to park at the hotel. We didn't use the car while we were there... so I had to park it somewhere. It was only a block from the White House and close to the Metro line and the Trolly Tours- so it worked out for us.

While Rose & Lena toured the Botanical Gardens, Sondra & I wandered around the American Indian Museum. This building has no right angles- evil spirits dwell there- and is such a unique building... I loved it. We didn't get that much time to experience it, but it was interesting what we did see.

The cherry trees were beautiful. All around the town, but especially along the tidal basin is where they are planted.

The Monuments by Moonlight was a wonderful tour. It was over 3 hours, but the driver really told you alot about each stop and it was very enjoyable.

It started just about sunset, and the Capital was pretty in this shot.

This is the WWII memorial at night with the Lincoln memorial in the distance. You can see the reflection of the Washington Monument in the glass in this picture.

We wanted to go thru the Holocaust Museum but the line was way too long, along with most of the other sites.

This one really moved me- it was the Japanese Memorial. There were alot of visitors and many flowers that were left there. Along the back wall was carved the names of all the Internment camps that the Japanese were held in during WWII. I am not sure what the significance of the large stones in the water was. On saturday they had music and speakers there.

We saw alot, we walked way to much and we made some great memories. All in all I was glad we went when we did, because THIS weekend is the Cherry Blossom parade and because of the budget mess they will cancel the parade and all the National park monuments will be closed. And ALL of those tourist who are in town will be out of luck! Such a shame....

I recommend going- it is a city that you need some time to really appreciate.

I will go back so I can go thru some of the museums and spend some time seeing them.

Meg's comfort quilt

2011-04-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours Meg, recently lost her father, his 90 year old body just gave out.

He lived a great life, had 2 daughters, he worked on the railroad, was a volunteer fireman for his local fire department and a friend to many.

So I made this comfort quilt for her, using all of her favorite colors. I really liked the way it turned out. So did she.

I even stitched her mothers name, who passed away about 10 years ago and I stitched her dads name in it also. So when she snuggles up- it is like a hug from them.

Now I am working on the quilts to be sent to Japan... and trying to finish up some aprons I have been working on seems like months.......

A life well lived- and a compassion lost

2011-03-29T03:51:00.000-07:00

There have been new things happening, some good and some sad. So I have had alot of thoughts rolling around in my head... The bad thing is, I have been on some medication that makes that "rolling" seem like it is going 100 miles an hours downhill and I can't seem to keep one thought in place....

I keep coming back to one- a tribute, to my Uncle Gene Renner. A kind and caring spirit lost. The world sure needs his caring spirit RIGHT NOW!

He died sunday Feb 20th, after just returning to Galveston from a cruise with his family. He just turned 79 and his wife Dolores just turned 80 and were celebrating their birthdays, and family went along for the fun. The cruise was so much fun for all of them- great memories.

It was on the travel back to Kansas, that they stopped and Uncle Gene suffered a massive heart attack. He had family with him, and Aunt Dolores was comforted in the fact that everything that could have been done to help him had been done. He was called home and was with Jesus now. The family returned to Kansas, to plan his funeral.

I was heartbroken at this news. I truly loved this man- he was such a bright joyful man. I didn't get to see him much, mainly at family reunions, and I always enjoyed those times.

I got this letter after his funeral, it was from the funeral and the things folks- mainly family and friends had to say about the life he lived- and man did he live!

"Please allow me to share a few highlights of Gene’s life.

Gene was born in on February 1st, 1932, on a farm just 1 mile west of this church. Before he was 2 years old, he and his parents welcomed Gene’s brother, Don, to the family.

For several years Gene attended the Fairview grade school, and when his family moved closer to Leonardville, he finished grade school there. He attended Leonardville High School and graduated in 1950.

Gene was drafted in 1952. When he was processed into the military, Gene was asked if he wanted to go into the Army or the Marine Corps. Gene said, “The Army!” – and they put him into the Marine Corps! The Marines asked Private Renner what training or experience he had. Gene told them he had grown up on a farm, so they knew he could do just about anything they asked him to do. They made him a mechanic, and he did his best to keep military vehicles running.

After Basic Training, Gene served for a year in Hawaii and then took leave to come back to marry his high school sweetheart, Dolores Beck – on July 19, 1953. After their wedding, Dolores went with Gene to his new duty station in California, and they lived in Santa Ana. When Gene finished his 2-year military obligation, he & Dolores returned to Kansas and made their home in Leonardville.

God blessed their union with 4 children – Rick, Jeanie, Bob, and Elaine. They have 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 2 step great grandchildren. Most of the family members – representing 4 generations! – worshiped here at Fairview on Feb. 6, the day after Dolores’s 80th birthday and 5 days after Gene’s 79th.

The family loved Gene as a wonderful brother, husband, Dad, Granddad, and great grandfather. After playing sports himself as a boy and young man, once Gene & Dolores had children, Gene coached, managed, and umpired countless athletic events. From generation to generation, he enjoyed playing with the children – teaching games to them and giving them rides on the golf cart or pulling them in a red wagon. Gene & Dolores modeled their faith to their offspring, and it wasn’t unusual to have 4 generations of Renner relations at a Fairview church service.

Most of us have enjoyed something that Gene cooked or served – at his home, a community center, school, or church. He preferred high flames on the grill, and some people will tell you that if it wasn’t “burned”, Gene didn’t think it was done. He loved barbeque sauce – on more than just meat! Occasionally, when somebody served something to Gene, he’d say: “This is good ... but it’d sure be better with barbeque sauce!”

In recent years, Gene served as the mayor of Leonardville – not because he campaigned for office, but because the guys with whom Gene drank coffee with planned a write-in campaign to elect Gene. Voters at Leonardville knew about the plan to write Gene Renner’s name on the ballot ... everybody except 1. The only one who apparently didn’t know about it in advance was Gene himself!

Gene was a member of the American Legion, and for many years, as Memorial Day approached, Gene planted a small U.S. flag on the graves of Veterans in several area cemeteries. One of my own fondest memories of Gene is riding with him a few days before Memorial Day 2009 and watching him honor Veterans by placing our national colors on their graves.

Gene was also a member of the Lions Club, the Leonardville Pride organization, and the Men’s Coffee group that meets each Wednesday at the Riley Presbyterian Church. He helped to deliver meals to shut-ins, and many people in Leonardville could count on Gene to blade the snow from their driveways.

When I led the Sunday afternoon service at the Leonardville Nursing Home, several times a year, Dolores & Gene were often there to help bring the residents from their rooms to the chapel, to visit with them, and to join them for the worship service.

Wherever Gene went, he was a friend who would share his joy for life. When Dolores & Gene went shopping, it was he who pushed the shopping cart. When Dolores wanted to add something to the cart, she’d often have to search for Gene, because instead of keeping up with Dolores, he’d stop to chat with an acquaintance or to befriend a stranger.

We’ll always remember Gene’s good sense of humor, and I hope you’ll share the many ways that Gene put a smile on your face or a laugh in your heart. His good humor didn’t falter even last Sunday, when Gene knew he wasn’t feeling well. Just minutes before his heart attack, Gene was teasing his grandsons Josh and Rusty.

During his last week on Earth, Gene was having the time of his life with some family members and friends and being a friend to previous strangers on the cruise ship. Gene lived life to the fullest, blessing people with his love – right to the end!

Words from his Grandson: comments by Josh Reasoner

Gene Renner. To some of us that meant Grandpa, or Dad, husband, friend, or just a stranger who said “Hi!” in passing. He meant something different to all of us, and each of you meant something to him.

Always wearing that ornery grin, he would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger as if that person were family. He was an extraordinary man who gave so much and asked for so little in return – the kind of guy who would walk into a room of strangers and come out with friends, often knowing more about them than they knew about themselves.

Grandpa’s list of achievements and good deeds are a mile long, and most of the rest can be summed up in two words – ornery and loving.

Even though he has passed, his spirit is very much alive and carries on in all of us today. I see a little bit of Gene everywhere I look – in his family and friends, and all the others he has touched along the way.

Now I’d like to ask something of all of you. In honor of Gene, and yourselves: do something for someone and expect nothing in return, lend a hand instead of watching, turn a stranger into a friend, and remember that Gene is smiling down upon you."

I keep thinking of him NOW, when I hear about the pain and tragedy in Japan and the cold and thoughtless comments from SO MANY people. It seems it is more from the youth of our country, who don't have a bit of compassion, not an ounce of charity, or a thought or care of what these poor folks are trying to deal with. We are raising a generation of kids who think "What is in it for me?" It is very sad! Makes me cry.... We need more Gene's in this world.

I wanna live MY life, so when I pass on, folks will say: She did something for someone and expected nothing in return, she lent a hand instead of just watching, and she turned a stranger into a friend!

THAT IS A LIFE WELL LIVED!

I miss you Uncle Gene! ;(

I sewed

2011-02-20T02:33:00.000-08:00

That seems strange to say- like it is something out of the ordinary for me... But lately I have been feeling run down and not been doing much sewing. Not been doing MUCH of anything!

But a dear friend Ginny, needed a comfort quilt and I had to help her. Her nephew Zach, was injured when he was 12 in a diving accident. After living 20 more years in a wheelchair, his poor body final gave out. His momma Rosalie, a single mother, now has lost her meaning to live. She began drinking and stopped working, and is in terrible sorts.

I didn't have the time to make the quilt top, but remembered another friend who had donated some of her quilt tops she made as part of classes she took. What a sweet friend I have!

So I was able to throw it on the frame and get it quilted ASAP for Rosalie.

I had forgotten how really bright and cheerful this quilt was. I put a flannel backing on it, as Rosalie's heater is not working the best. This made a nice warm gift. THIS PIC DOES IT NO JUSTICE... It was snowing out and I needed a pic ASAP... it looks very bland here- sorry.

I stitched Zach's name in a block, along with his Aunt Ginny's and my regular 2 little angel names Seth & Zach.

I got a beautiful Thank You card from Rosalie, and hear she is in rehab and getting her life straight. I am so happy for her.

I know those quilts work magic!

My daughter works with a girl who will have a baby in May. So I made a quilt for Celeste and she will give this for the baby shower.

I really liked the colors, bold and bright. It has a pink backing that really made it sweet.

I have about 20 aprons cut I need to get sewed up this week and sent out. Hopefully I can keep on that schedule... I hope!

The snow has finally all melted, and we have had some beautiful sunsets...

It actually hit 70 on friday.... yes sir- Spring is just around the corner.

Ahhhhhhhhh

Doggy Treats

2011-02-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

I follow a site that donates kibble to shelters for the animals in them. The site was started by a young girl, Mimi when she was like 12 years old. The site has a list of all the shelters they help. On the site you answer a trivia question, and right or wrong, you just donated 20 pieces of kibble. How easy is that?

It is Freekibble and from there you can go to Freekibblekat and they now have a blog that Mimi is writing called Freekibblekids.

On her blog she had a recipe for making your own doggy treats. Looked easy enough, so I decided to try it.

Here is her recipe:

Ingredients:

¼ cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup water
2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl combine peanut butter, oil, and water. Slowly add flour, then oatmeal. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut with a cookie cutter.

Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes. Makes 2 ½ dozen.

This is the ones I made, smaller so they could be little treats for my 2 dogs. They are about the size of a nickel and 1/4 inch thick- just right for Duke & Tasha.

I could make another batch bigger for a friends dog, coz they really were super easy.

You should check out the site Freekibble.com and help feed these animals every day. I actually made it my home page so when my computer comes on, it is one the site and I answer the questions- 1st thing...

Good luck making them...

Later Darlin

You mean they actually made carpet THAT color?

2011-01-25T14:56:00.001-08:00

For Christmas, Neo-Man and I decided we were buying a new range for ourselves.

See I blew out the front burner on our old electric range this past summer while I was canning. So we really only had 3 burners but with the short they never were reliable. Neither was the over. I burned EVERYTHING!! I hated cooking. (still do but at least it comes out edible)

I did my research and we decided on this gas Maytag model

the blue is the protective tape covering.

But what was truly amazing and SHOCKING was the carpet underneath.

There was tile and a big 220V plug mounted to the floor underneath the old electric range.

When we moved the range and unscrewed the plug LOOK what we found.

I didn't know they made that color carpet- and UGLY green.

Seems my floor is installed on top of the carpet and a thin plywood- and from the looks of it- it is really thin.

Oh well, I have a new gas range and I love it... hard to get used to- but I'm sure I will be cooking more often.... dangit!

No more excuses for me being a bad cook! ha ha ha

Not really. Neo-Man just LOVES to cook more than I do.

AND - We are getting prepared for ANOTHER 6-10 inches of snow!!!

Winter......

Later Darlin'

Snow- It only looks pretty

2011-01-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

I feel like a broken record- IT SNOWED AGAIN!

I really am tired of snow...

It looks pretty- from inside my heated house...

The flags are at half staff in honor of the shooting victims in AZ.

I will admit the trees are pretty all laden with snow...

You can see the paths Neo-Man has had to plow for the dogs to get around, and they still go over into the snow to do their "business"... then come in with these little snow clods stuck to their under coats... a mess.

This is the only snowman I made. He is a delayed Christmas gift for Mimi's friend Lori. I will send it out on monday.

I had to wait to get my new lovely (unnamed) zig-zag machine for Christmas before I could finish this. I really like the way it turned out.

With being sick and all- it has taken me a few weeks.

They are calling for more snow this week... Last week most of Alaska was warmer than New Jersey! Global warming??

Did I say I am sick of snow?

Come on Spring!

Later Darlin'

Cowboys Invade New York City

2011-01-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have looked forward to this week since last Sept. Like a kid looking forward to Christmas.

While I was in OK- I saw an old friend Kellie and she said she would be in NYC in Jan. and would contact me. She said her husband Gene hauls bulls for the PBR and the new season starts in NYC at Madison Square Garden Jan 7-9th. WOW!!!

I told her to call me and I would show them around if they had any time to sightsee.

She called and said they had thursday open- so I drove up and picked them up. They were staying about an hour outside of NYC- they keep the bulls at the Sussex County Fairgrounds while the PBR is in town. These are her pics- pay no mind to the date- we were trying to change the camera settings and the date got changed...

We headed to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. On the Jersey side you buy your ferry tickets at the old CRRNJ- Central RailRoad of New Jersey terminal.

It is a really cool old building and it still had all the track lines,

This is Kellie & Gene in front of the old track lines.

You board the ferry and ride to Ellis Island first.

This is Kellie and I on the way to Ellis Island.

It was a cold day and it really was not that crowded. We toured the Ellis Island site and then had to wait nearly an hour for the next ferry ride to Liberty Island.

we waited so long that by the time we got to the Statue of Liberty the pedestal was closed so all we could do was walk around the island- which was still cool....

on the ferry ride back I got a great pic of the sunset

I like this one coz you can see the flame in her torch.

I took them back to their hotel, after we went and fed the bulls

We went and had a nice dinner. It was truly a great day to visit with friends.

I was suppose to meet them in NYC the next day for the opening of the PBR 2011 season. But it started snowing and the roads were messy- and I woke up with a killer headache. I believe was due to the storm.

I wanted to be in NYC so bad to see this.... Cowboys in the Big Apple!

and here is Gene down by the chutes when they are about to ride one of the bulls he brought.

So I watched the PBR on tv, while Kellie sat in the stands by herself in Madison Sq Gardens.

All in all I had a great time showing them around and having time to visit with them.

Next year- I get a hotel in the city so I am close enough to go to the event and watch it live with Kellie. I really want to see a PBR event LIVE. I do love cowboys! Thanks Kellie & Gene for a great time seeing the sights.

So it snowed for 2 days this weekend- it is cold and clear outside. Enough reasons for me to stay indoors. My headache is almost gone...

I really need to get in gear and start sewing again. That is my goal for this week.

Well, y'all be safe.

Later Darlin'

Start of a New Year 2011

2011-01-01T07:08:00.000-08:00

This pic is not from New Years Eve- but it looks like it could be.

It is from the niece Shannon's pics she took at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego the other day when she went to watch Nebraska play. The fireworks were set off directly behind where they sat.

So I used this pic... pretty cool I thought!

It's a bright sunny morning- cold but not bad for still having snow on the ground. A nice way to start off 2011. Good weather for the Mummer's Parade in downtown Philly.

I went to a friends last night for a small party to celebrate the New Year. About 30 people in a room- music playing and many folks drinking... the sound volume got very loud. So if you wanted to talk- you had to be louder.... Needless to say- I start this year off quietly.

I lost my voice. I know it will return to me- it just does not like to be strained and I really did that last night trying to carry on conversations. We were home before midnight- so the dogs would have us here when the noise makers started in the neighborhood. They are a little skiddish with loud sounds. What a new years eve.

How my brother spent his New Years Eve: My brother is in Iraq again, and yesterday he did the "5/K Bomb Suit Run" to raise money for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. These are pics of the group.

And this is my brother on the left. Looks like they had a good time. Hopefully they raised alot of money.

This new years day started out sickly for my grandkids and daughter in law. Seems they have caught the stomach bug and keep spreading it back and forth to each other. Hopefully they will be past it SOON!

We will be headed over to my sisters in a bit. Spend time with family today. My sister-in-law and niece are up from VA- so it will be an extended family visit. I look forward to doing alot of listening today... and they will enjoy the quiet.

Have a GREAT NEW YEAR!!!

Later Darlin'

Ending the year 2010

2010-12-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

I was looking at my Blog archives, and realized I didn't have many posts for 2010. I actually missed the month of Aug all together and if I don't post in Dec it will go empty also.

I used to seem to have more time to write. I always think of things that might be interesting to post... but time gets away from me and then I start over thinking and adding and before you know it- it's too much to say. So I write nothing.

I have had some friends that stopped writing their blogs. They are also on facebook and just keep up with friends there. I have thought about this- but I'm not sure I am ready to just ditch this endeavor altogether. Some of my friends that read this are not on facebook.

And trust me- it's not like I can't talk about stuff. If you know me- YOU KNOW I CAN YACK!

I think I have to be more diligent about just posting A thought- or A pic- or A project this next year. I think I will attempt to post something once a week. Let's see if I can commit to that and make it work. It's 52 posts..... easy peasy!

But while I have you here- I will show you what I did get for Christmas- I have to admit, it was a good year. Family pic time here... we went to the local Animal Welfare and had our pic with Santa and the dogs.

Me, Neo-Man, Rose, Tasha, Santa & Duke

First off, Neo-Man and I are getting a new gas range- my canning adventures blew out one of the electric burners on my current range... and it always burned food in the oven. SO We bought one for each other for Christmas... I know- Romantic! Rose got him a new set of pots & pans- he is an easy man to please! And I got him the entire collection of Cheer's on DVD- all 11 seasons. He is a happy man!

He got me this...

yep a new electric skillet. Our old one broke a leg- was to shallow and stuff spilled out often, so now a bigger one.. I like this one.

Last year I wanted one of these but couldn't find the exact right one... so I waited and found it. I ordered it and when the box arrived- I gave it to him unopened and said "He bought it for me" it was his best shopping experience of the season.

it hooks up to your car FM stereo and then you plug your iPhone/iPod into this port and you then control everything using your stereo buttons and listen directly thru your speakers. I am excited to have this installed- professionally by a friend.

Rose asked me what I wanted- and after long consideration I told her a new sewing machine. Something that would have a wide range of the stitches for the zig-zag needs I have. She told me to find it and she would get it. I looked around and talked to some folks and read up and liked this little Brother model.

It was on special- so it came with the extension table, lots of extra attachments and other notion stuff. Works for me- see all the things listed on the back of the box. Even a carrying case and she is light weight... Happiness in a box.

BUT do you see ALL those stitches listed? How way cool are those!

So my old Janome "Harmony" will go to my friend Carla and now I have to figure a name for this one.... But I am excited to use her!!!

My husband has a very unique eye for jewelery. He surprises me each year with earrings and he did not fail this year.

He was trying to get these with silver hooks- but not available... otherwise they are PERFECT. a Light jade leaf... I love them.

The real surprise came from my friend Sondra. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED HER GIFT!

She gave me knowledge- and independence and was made in the USA.

It is a book on Country Wisdom & Know-How, Everything you need to know to live off the land. It is 8,167 useful skills and step by step instructions ON JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING.

I am excited to sit and read thru this. I have friends who want to borrow this- BUT I think they will have to get their own copy... this one is mine! And she sent me new garden gloves... too cool!

And Mimi got me an iTunes gift card- so I was able to load up with new songs I have been wanting.... so when my new car gadget gets installed I will be jamming!! Thanks baby.

I did talk to the kids, Brandy is really sick with the bug- fever and such... so their christmas was off some. The Gkids made out like bandits- but if Brandy had been feeling better they could have shared their time with family- as it was they just stayed home. Which was BEST...

So I am watching the snow fall- we have about 10 inches so far @ 11pm on sunday night and more is falling. I will be inside the next few days... trying out my new machine!

So I hope all of y'all had a MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Now It's on to New Years 2011

Later Darlin'

The Big Brother effect

2010-11-23T20:42:00.000-08:00

Kaleb has been working on his duties as big brother.

He still has his moments- when you can tell he wishes to still be an only child.

But those moments are getting fewer and farther between.

It was cute to watch him show things to Kaeden- and then take them away.. LOL

He even likes to help feed Kaeden- and himself.

Breakfast at the Randolph's from Brandy Randolph on Vimeo.

He was cute pushing Kaeden in the wagon.

Kaleb's vocabulary is increasing all the time. He chatters away about all kinds of things.

He is like a mockingbird- he repeats ALOT of what he hears- so you always have to be on guard as to what you say- or else...

He loves to do whatever his Daddy is doing... he will be very talented when he grows up.

Brandy posted this older video of him... he saw his Daddy do this- so he would.

Playing with Fire: Kaleb from Brandy Randolph on Vimeo.

He loves to twirl his hair- a trait he gets from his Momma, who has long beautiful thick hair.

When they took him for his last haircut- they didn't think ahead- and had his hair cut very short

It's Broke from Brandy Randolph on Vimeo.

And one of his latest videos- he is explaining the dangers of fire to his brother.

I love this one- he is SO SERIOUS!

Fire! Very, Very Hot! from Brandy Randolph on Vimeo.

I have been so busy and I have been so lax about finishing this post- that I have to end it here so I can make new ones.... My trip home was wonderful with these 2 boys. My family was so gracious to allow me the time each day to spend with these two and have the memories I do today. Seems my life runs on memories... but that is ok- they make great ones.

Thank you to everyone who helped me accomplish that. I love you!

Later Darlin'

Kaeden's 1st birthday

2010-10-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today Kaeden turns 1 year old.

My what a year it has been....

I have only been able to witness his life thru pictures his Mom & Dad have posted online for me. I am so thankful for them.

I was there when he was born early that morning,

all 9 lbs 4 oz 21 inches of him.

I got to hold this sweet boy and kiss his face..

Once he got home, his older brother Kaleb got to hold him and welcome him home.

I was able to hold him one more time before my flight left.

His 1st professional pic sitting- he is wearing the little outfit that was bought for his older brother Seth. So sweet!

The boy has a grin!

And some hair!

Sitting outside enjoying the spring day

He LOVES his dog Kaylee

And sure looks alot like his Momma

He's telling you he has two little teeth

listening so intently to his brother

He got his 1st haircut- he will have 3 before his 1st birthday

Just starting to crawl.

He loves the water...

Either in the pool- showing off his swim trunks

or in the mud (MY FAVORITE PIC) such a boy!

He loves the rocking horse his Pa-Paw made

Starting to walk around things

1st ride with Daddy on the quad

Such a happy boy playing

Kevin said it's easier to open freeze pops with scissors- rather than plastic saws.

The boy LOVES to eat- and wears it well.

After his 2nd haircut

he loves the trike

we had fun at the zoo - waiting on the train

loves water- here during draining of the pool

playing on the trampoline with brother

In his Phillies outfit with Granny

Smile so big he loses his eyes when he grins... with Mimi

Walking a few steps- so determined also...

FINALLY getting a forward facing car seat...

With his Pa-Paw in MO. during a family reunion

Helping with the laundry

Eating like a big boy... just before his 1st birthday...

Quite a busy year for him. He really is such a sweet happy baby. Always smiling,

has such expressions on his face. Really smart, and loves to watch his older brother Kaleb.

He has been such a blessing to this family and all of us lucky enough to LOVE him.

Happy Birthday Kaeden!!! Granny loves you!

Can't wait to watch him grow and start running... now the fun really begins at home. Trying to keep up with 2 mobile kids!

Gotta run...

Later Darlin'

Real Butterfly kisses- and the nursery

2010-10-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

When I arrived at my sister Nanda's in Weatherford Texas, I expected a quiet week of sewing.

Little did I expect so much sex!

I stood outside admiring her flowers and plants when I noticed her Purple Passion Flower bush looked large and healthy

Upon closer inspection I noticed caterpillars all over it.

They were eating the leaves & flowers buds.

I ran inside and told her she needed to spray for bugs... she laughed and said "No, those are the babies, they come here every year and it is mating time" she went on to explain that the Gulf Fritillary butterfly feeds only on the Purple Passion Flower- that is the nursery.

They drink the nectar and the caterpillar eats the whole plant even the flower buds.

They are very pretty.

They come here to mate

There are 2 pairs in these pepper plants... those are some HOT peppers!

and then they lay their eggs on the Purple Passion leaves.

there is a little yellow/orange egg on the leaf in this pic

and here is an egg, and a newly hatched caterpillar amongst the droppings from the caterpillars

that little caterpillar will eat and grow till it's about 2-3 inches long.

After it has eaten enough, it will make it's way down the plant and across the grass to Nanda's cement porch. Which is about 10 feet of yard to crawl thru.

Once on the porch, it has many choices. She has wooden patio furniture,

and you will see the caterpillars climbing up and then finding the right spot,

it attaches itself and the prepupa stage has begun.

this pic was taken just 4 hours later.

the chrysalis is now formed.

Each morning we would rush outside to try and catch a butterfly as it was emerging.

This is the closest I got- his wings are still curled and he has just begun the process.

it was funny to watch- the butterflies would come flutter by- to check on the new ones who were stiffening their wings and getting ready to fly off.

It was one way we knew which ones had hatched.

There were MANY to keep up with, all in different stages of development.

Then you would see this excess liquid drip from the butterfly-

I found out it is called red meconium fluid.

And once the wings were dry- usually about 1-2 hours, he would flutter off

and head back to the Purple Passion bush to start it all over again.

and then one day I noticed one butterfly laying in the grass.

His wings were tattered, and he was very weak. The gentle breeze blew him across the grass and onto the sidewalk and into the other yard. I saw some of the other butterflies fly over as if to say "Farewell". I found him dead about 30 minutes later.

I watched well over 25 caterpillars make their way over and begin the process to becoming a butterfly. I was fortunate to watch 6 butterflies emerge and fly off.

Who knew I would learn so much, and have such joy from sex....

that I was not involved in!

Thanks to Nanda for sharing her nursery with me.... Now I am gonna look at getting one of these plants- coz there are other butterflies that frequent this plant.

Mother Nature is SO COOL!

Another reason I LOVE Texas!!

Fast forward thru life... with pics

2010-09-30T20:06:00.001-07:00

Well it seems I have too many weeks to account for so I will give you the SPEED version...

When last we left off- I was in W.V helping out my friend Sondra after she fell. That was July 13th. Since then:

The Annual Hoedown Gathering of quilters at Howdy's house. It is a long weekend of sewing and eating and gabbing & shopping... folks come from VA, ME, NH, CT, NJ & PA. We always have a blast when this group of friends gathers. Can't wait for the next one.

The line up of the usual suspects...

When I returned from this I started feeling under the weather and it took a few weeks to get myself back in gear.

I had to have some quilts finished before I left for my trip. I had to have 3 baby quilts delivered. so here are pics.

Bennet's quilt

Nathaniel's quilt

and for my niece Mallory, she has the nursery done in monkeys for her baby

Mason's monkey quilt- I delivered it to Mason in TX.

and for Gina, my all-time favorite hairdresser back in Oklahoma- she needed a quilt for her sister Charlene. So I had started this one in W.V. as my challenge for the Hoedown and took it with me for Gina.

The Farmer's Daughter Sampler Quilt

and Gina with it

I will be making another quilt- not sure yet what style- but will send it back to OKLA to be raffled off for Gina. Shortly before I left she had a car wreck and is out of work while her arm heals from surgery- she put it thru the drivers window when the car rolled.... and the fund raising continues for her.

I left Aug 11th headed to Kansas for the family reunion, riding with my sister Cheryl. My daddy is from Kansas, and we stay with his sister Dolores and her family. Cheryl and I got to stay in the travel trailer outside... wasn't a bad stay- had AC and Electric... I enjoyed it.

Family- Bob, Nayola, Dad, Dolores, Me and Cheryl

while I was on this trip- it was like the storms followed me. I left NJ and it started raining there. I arrived in Kansas and this big storm blew in and finally gave them some MUCH needed rain. Then I went to Okla and it rained there and followed me to Texas. This is the first rain they have had in months- so YOU ARE WELCOME!

the Storm in Kansas- I loved the view.

Left Kansas and went to Okla on Aug 16th, I stayed a week and then went to Tx for 2 weeks.

I will share my OK time in the next post.

While I was in Tx, I was able to make it to the North Texas State Fair & Rodeo. I wanted to see the Max Stalling concert. So I enjoyed the rodeo and such before the great music started.

These are the little ones lined up for the Mutton Bustin'- too cute to watch. All under the age of 5... But they were serious riders!

and then the calf chase. where they tie a ribbon on a calfs tail and set him loose in the arena with a shitload of kids- all trying to catch the calf and grab the ribbon. This was so funny to watch- some of these kids could hardly walk in the dirt in the arena.

And then Max Stalling came out and the evening ended with great music.

I must say- I sure miss seeing men in hats. It was so nice to be in a crowd of cowboys.

I was able to spend some nice days with my brother Shane and his family. His daughter babe just turned 1 and she is such a cutie.

I was able to enjoy time with his kids and grandkids and have some quality time with his wife Rhonda. i really appreciated all of their hospitality.

But this one is a heart stealer.. she was so much fun to be around. Such a sweet girl.

Enjoyed the time with Ruger, Erin, Belle and Reese. By the time I left Shane's and headed to Nanda's I picked up a case of strep throat- so I was able to stay away from all the kids- only thing is I missed Shane's birthday party, and that was the reason I planned the trip during those dates. Such a bummer. But I sure enjoyed the time I did have with him and the family.

I was able to spend an afternoon with Mom & Dad and did make it out to church with Dad & Nanda.

I went out to Nanda's next and will post it next coz it was really very interesting....

Life, sex and death ??? really....

Later Darlin'

Fall down & go boom

2010-07-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Sondra is my oldest and dearest friend from middle school. She lives in the mountains of West Virginia, they own most of the hollow that her house sits on. She has a beautiful place- quiet and peaceful... ahhhh serenity! This was early morning as the sun was just peaking over the mountain ridge.

See the steep side of the hill to the right.... and the little shed, it's roof is green.

It's all nice and good till you fall DOWN the hillside of the mountain and break a leg... She was wearing flip-flops and was attempting to walk down the hill beside the garage and tripped and fell- and knew when she was falling, it was not gonna end good. Just on the other side of the green roof is where she fell down.

Lucky for her, Bill was home at the time and could take her to the hospital, where x-rays showed 2 breaks in one of the bones right above her left ankle... so surgery followed along with a cast, a walker and pain pills. She called me and asked if I was busy, and if I could come and help her out for awhile. SO I got to packing- needed to complete some sewing, so had to pack all that also... and away I went. Off to the mountains for 10 days.

I have always wanted to stop at this rest area, Sideling Hill Rest Stop. It is one of the highest points along my drive, and it is in the westernmost area of Maryland.

see the stairs I nearly had a heart attack on... why do I need to climb these???

It was a beautiful day- so with the windows down, I wear a hat...this is me on the top of those stairs (after I caught my breath).

I got to Sondra's in good time. Found her resting and healing.

I unloaded my truck, set up my sewing machine outside on her back porch, so I could enjoy the sights and smells. It really was a LOVELY place to sew... I looked straight UP the side of the mountain...

Her porch is cool in the afternoons, and her dog Jerry is so sweet...

he loves to sleep UP on the roof of the garage. From the porch, the roof is only a foot or so off the ground so it's easy access.

This is the side yard where we shot fireworks off from... see the sloop to the left... yep that's where she fell down...

Her son Hank is 19 and Autistic, he works each day and is really doing well for his disabilities.

She has much to proud of with him, he recently graduated from high school.

When I took her for a doctors visit, they changed her cast from plaster to fiberglass... I was able to get some pic of her surgery site. She complained that I was taking pics... but was sure glad later when she could share with her momma long distance... see DON'T shot the photographer!

and later they took x-rays and told her another 4 weeks before the stitches come out... bummer.

this is 2 pics of the same ankle- just different views.

but she can walk around pretty well with the walker and move to a cane- and even drive when comfortable, so my job was done... I got her thru the worst few days- right after coming home... and my services were no longer needed.

I had an annual sewing weekend to attend "Howdy's Hoedown" and needed to get home for that.

So I drove in the evening and got in at 2 am on friday and was gone again by noon....

I think the hardest thing for me- was getting used to being OFF THE GRID... she had dial up for internet (too too slow) and no cell phone reception up on the mountain... it really was kinda refreshing, once I wrapped my head around it!

I still had a GREAT visit... it is nice to be a help...

Wow! I've been that busy

2010-06-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

I tell ya- I need to slow down!

The end of May, my Daddy came to PA for a visit to my sisters. So I was running back and forth there to visit with them, it's not THAT far- just a little over an hour ride on highway, I really don't mind the ride- I get out in the country and it's a pretty drive...

They were busy trying to get her flower/veggie beds in and lots of work in the garden to do. So I enjoyed helping them out.

Dad made a good scarecrow- he felt right at home in the overalls, since he was a kid in Kansas growing up wearing them.

We made a trip to Gettysburg to tour the battlefield- which was very interesting. This is Tom and Dad at the statue of Lincoln outside the museum. It was on this trip that I dropped my Kodak camera and broke it.... dagnabit

Daddy left just a few days later after having a wonderful visit. But not before he made a trip to VA to surprise my brother Lee, who has been in Iraq for over 6 months and had just returned a few hours earlier. Dad called him and then rang the door bell- Lee had to answer BOTH and kinda stumped him... too funny

The one part of my sisters garden that was flourishing was her strawberry beds... and I mean she had strawberries.

I picked and brought home enough to fill 7 quart bags for the freezer- remember I am busy and can't can them right now, later I will make jam.

Her cherry trees are also ready, so we picked the red ones and the black ones.

and the results= 4 Qts red ones, 6 Qts black cherries frozen for future use.

I have been busy at home- working on my yard and flower beds.Neo-Man spread the mulch, I helped weed and plant.

My hydrangeas are doing wonderful this year- we did not cut them back after last year and they bloomed really BIG this year.

We planted an elephant ear plant in the stump from the cedar tree that was struck by lightening and added a hydrangea plant- a cutting started from my sisters hydrangea bush.

Still working on the back yard.

Had more family in for a visit and some quilting that I had to work on... so I will save that for the next post.

Y'all stay cool- this will be me later...

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Some very special friends

2010-06-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

June is Gay Pride Month

Some very dear people in my life are gay. It has never really mattered to me either way. I tend to use Dennis Miller's quote

"The MOST important thing in MY life is my orgasm and the Least important thing is YOURS" That is kinda how I look at it.

My friends are my friends because of how they treat me and the people around me. How they interact with life and are good citizens of the world- kind and caring...

A friend of mine was asked by her company to write an essay for gay pride month about being gay in America. The following is what she wrote. I thought more people should read it, so I ask her if I could post it here. It's something to think about.

The “American Dream”….

I think everyone in this country really just wants a fair shake to earn their piece of the pie and live life as best as they know how. For some, that is a wife, a husband, and 2.5 kids and for others it is not.

Being a member of the GLBT (gay & lesbian) community I know that Oklahoma is one of the most conservative and religiously backed states in the country. Growing up here has been a very difficult and trying time for me and most of my friends. We go to school and grow up learning about how great this country is. We have a constitution that protects the citizens and we are all created equal and have the right to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Then when we are grown up and live in the real world we realize quickly that this is not true. Living in the GLBT community you are lucky to feel like a second class citizen, it is typically more like an invisible citizen.

Just take an imaginary trip with me for a second….

Suppose you had a life partner of 10 years that you would marry if you were given the chance. Your life is amazing together and you wish to have a child. You have a friend that would be a willing donor, but then you learn that in Oklahoma a doctor will not do the procedure unless the donor is your husband. Getting pregnant and having a child is suddenly put on hold.

Maybe you should be foster parents and adopt, help kids that really need it. After speaking to the state you learn that only one of you can be the “adoptive parent”. This does not seem like that big of a deal until 10 years from now you (the one that is not the adoptive parent) has to rush the kid to the emergency room and can’t make parental decisions on his behalf. During this time of raising the kid and giving him a better home than he had at the 5 previous foster homes you get to see all of the talk shows and news shows saying that same sex couples shouldn’t be able to adopt, that “gay people will raise gay babies”.

You and your life partner, being responsible parents, decide it’s time to buy a house. Your partner has the better financial situation so you put the house in her name. When you add your house on insurance you ask if you can get multi line and multi car discount and you learn that you can if your partner puts her name on your car title, but if you were straight and married it wouldn’t be an issue. You also inquire about long term care because you are at the age when you should be getting it. You learn that if you were married you could get a discount for you and your spouse both signing up. But, since you are both female and “just life partners” not recognized by the state, you are not eligible for the discounts. You want to purchase life insurance on junior to make sure he is protected, but since you are not the “adoptive parent” you do not technically have an insurable interest in him and your partner has to do it.

A few more years down the road you get really sick and have to have emergency surgery. Surgery does not go all that well and you wind up in the ICU recovery room. The visiting rules are only family, 10 minute visits every couple hours. Your life partner has to lie and say she is your sister to be able to visit you and that is only if your parents do not stop her. (Remember, they don’t agree with your “situation”) You have talked about your life wishes and medical wishes with your partner numerous times, but not with your parents because you are not that close anymore. They kind of shunned you. Unless you have proper legal papers in place, your parents speak for you and not your life partner (the one you would marry if you had the right). But God is on your side and you make it thru the ordeal.

Carry on with your life until 5 years later. Your partner is tragically killed in an automobile accident. Remember how her parents didn’t really care for you either and how the house is only in her name? You finish at the funeral that you didn’t get to plan only to come home to them packing up your stuff. You are being kicked out of your house that you have lived in and paid the bills on for years, because it was only in her name and you are not married so you have no right to the property, they are going to sell it. Remember the kid that you have raised that you have no “legal right” to? Is fighting for custody for him something you really want to have to go thru at THIS point?

This sounds like a nightmare, but stories like this are a harsh reality. What does the couple really want? Do they want to stick out, be different and be a pain? Or do they really just want their piece of the American Dream?

There are members of the community, just like the rest of the world, that do not wish to be married and that is fine. Have you ever been with your boyfriend or girlfriend, walking around during a date and just wanted to reach down and hold their hand? It’s a sweet gesture and it shows you care. Have you ever been afraid to do that in public because at best you just have fowl things yelled at you and at worst your are physically attacked and sometimes even killed? Hate crimes are a real part of the world and that is a very sad fact. To be verbally or physically abused all because you love someone.

A typical stereotype I hear is that gay people try to convert a straight person to be gay and that is comical. I have never told a straight girl that she just hasn’t been with the right lesbian and I could change her mind, but if I had a dollar for every time a straight man told me that I just haven’t been with the right guy yet and he could change my mind I would be rich.

I also hear a lot that being gay is a choice and it is for most of us. We could live the straight life and feel like a visitor in our own body which is miserable or we could do what feels right and natural and “choose” to be happy and be gay. “Coming out” is an issue in itself. At some point all of us get to the point when we are tired of lying and saying our partner is our roommate and making up fake relationships to keep our families and friends at bay. We eventually come to the conclusion that it is better to be hated or despised for who we are than to be loved for who we are not.

I am not trying to change your mind by writing this. It is ok with me that you may feel that it is still wrong and you do not have to accept it. That is the beautiful thing about America is that we can have our differences and still co-exist. Tolerance is not agreeing or promoting, it really is just accepting. I do not want a piece of your American dream, I want to create and live my own, peacefully how I see fit.

Makes ya think! TOLERANCE

Later Darlin'

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

Ronald McDonald Childrens House & Pull tabs

2010-05-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finally made it to Camden, NJ. to visit the Ronald McDonald House.

I went to drop off the pull tabs that I and numerous friends have been collecting for the past 3 years.

To begin with, I wanted to know how many pounds I had hanging around in zip-bags in the garage, so I poured them all into the BIG zippered bags you get when you buy a comforter for your bed... the REALLY BIG ones... I wound up with 3 bags FULL. this is a 5 gallon paint pail for size ref

I had asked my vet if I could use his dog scales, since they were floor level and went up to 200 pounds- he said sure just come on a day when we don't have appts. So saturday morning was good.

When I went in the vet tech on duty had her Great Dane MoJo there- he was beautiful..

He was pretty curious about all those pull tabs. I fed him a cookie- we are friends.

Drum roll please- the total weigh in was 111 pounds. after I grabbed a small bag from Mikey- I actually delivered 115 pounds.

I headed to Camden to drop them off at the RMCH. This is a pretty mural on the way there. That is Walt Whitman in the murals lower left corner. Campbell's Soup and RCA are pictured also.

Note: all these pic were taken with my iphone- coz like a dummy- I left my camera at home.

The house is right across the street from Cooper Hospital.

They serve parents and family visiting sick children in 5 of the major hospitals in the Philadelphia area. You can stay in the RMCH for as long as your child is in the hospital. They ask for a $15.00 a day donation to cover the room but if you can't afford it- they don't make you pay.

That is where the money raised help defray some of those expenses. It really is a beautiful place.

They moved into this one just a few years ago when they out grew the old victorian house they had- with not handicap access. It has a fence all the way around the property- so residents can feel safe.

There is a large kitchen area with spaces for each family to have a cabinet for their own foods and a shelf in the fridge for their stuff.

This is a really large dining area I couldn't get into one pic. of course they have handicapped access in all areas.

A large TV room on the main floor.

And a nice big visiting room up in the main area of the 1st floor. This is also where the offices are.

Me with Ronald while on my tour.

They have an elevator to take families up the the bedrooms- which have double beds or bunk beds and a few suites for large families. I didn't want to disturb anyone who was sleeping, so I did not visit the bedroom area.

They have houses all around the country in many cities. They rely on volunteers to help cook and clean the houses. They also rely on donations- food, paper products and of course PULL TABS.

They get between .50-.70 cents a pound for the pull tabs, and this house averages about $400. a month from the recycler....

So if you have a chance to help out... this is really a great cause.

It's as easy as Pulling a tab! I have a new jug started.

Later Darlin'

Lupins lookin' lovely

2010-05-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

These are some lupins that I got last year as little seedlings. My sisters neighbor was thinning out his bed of flowers and he gave me some he had dug up. They grew but were small, a few flowers- but NOTHING like this year.

There are purple ones on the plant in the back by the gate

This plant has so many blooms- one stalk has 6 flower buds on it and only one is open. I really like this plant. I guess coz they ARE the same plants as the Texas Bluebonnets.

This is Duke smelling the flowers- he always loves to smell pretty flowers. He is so sweet.

This is my 2 irises that have opened... waiting for my white one and peach one and black one. (really dark dark purple almost black)

here is a pic from LAST YEAR of the Moonlight Glow Iris

And here is Neo Man with his new little rolling cart... ain't it cute with him!

Really it's mine- so I don't leave weeds all over the yard when I pull them... he just used it... ha ha

Here's a question: Do you think my neighbor needs to replace her fence?

This is what the ivy did to it- that and 35 years of weather...

So y'all be sure and stop and smell the flowers....

Later Darlin'

It's been a good week.

2010-04-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Saturday Neo Man returns and my week of bliss comes to an end.

Ahhhh it has been so nice.

I got alot accomplished from my list. The RED bathroom is not PINK, I decided at the last minute to go with a color that would work with the trim piece, it has blue leaves. So I went with a very pale BLUE and I like it, except I had to put 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of BLUE to cover that RED. I like it and I think Rose will like it- it is softer and not so BOLD...

I repainted the frames to be white so they would work in this room. She likes these prints so she will be happy. Neo Man has to help me hang the medicine cabinet- my back is aching and he is much stronger.

And the wood I needed cut, to cover the access panel for the shower- I had the guy at Depot cut it for me... Since I promised Neo Man that while he is away I WILL NOT use the power saws. See I have all my fingers! :)

***

A project not planned but- I found this wallpaper that matched PERFECT with the curtains and cornice board in the kitchen. Above my cabinets I have a 7 inch space that had funky wallpaper, I removed last year. It was not painted, and I saw this wallpaper that worked PERFECT. I didn't want any seams so I cut it as one long piece at 7 inches and it worked around the room. I had to climb like a monkey- but no one saw me...

He hates wallpaper- oh well, he should have painted it- coz it's covered now.

***

I have put a single coat of paint on the patio cover (the box)...

And it sucked it up like a sponge, so I have to put one or 2 more coats.

I am using the paint Neo Man told me to- so whatever it takes.

Here you can see the section on the right has 2 coats and the ones on the left only 1...

I can only do a few rows a day- I get a cramp in my neck looking up.

But I had a thought.... I have more of that soft blue left over- I think I will paint the ceiling blue and leave the side posts the white. Kinda like the sky..

I couldn't find the caulk that we bought- it is lost in the garage... Each time I have gone to Depot I have forgotten to get more. Oh well, I will leave that for him.

So all in all it has been a very productive yet relaxing week.

And only one boo-boo, I slammed my middle finger in the window and it peeled back the skin on the cuticle... EVERY TIME I turn around I have whacked it... Dang!

Oh well, small price to pay for a great week....

The Happiest Camper of ALL

2010-04-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

it is T-minus 2 hrs and counting!

Neo Man is camped out in upstate PA. He left early friday morning for his annual 8 day fly fishing trip to Slate Run. Whew....... I thought it would never get here. He SO NEEDS the break and time to unwind with the guys and be with the quiet of nature. It is zen for him.

My DMIL Rose leaves in less than 2 hours. She will be camped out for a 2 week stay with her sister Lena, in upstate NY. She will get the chance to see her mother, who will be 99 yrs old in a few months; physically ok- mentally she has Alzheimer's so sometimes she doesn't know Rose or Lena. It is good for Rose to have the time with her family.

It is better for ME! :)

I will have this house ALL TO MYSELF!!!!! Ahhhhhh, the joy, the quiet bliss! Quiet bliss? I plan to crank my radio up to window rattling volumes.....

************* Happiness Obtained at 10:01 am.******************

This camper has lots of plans...... this is the time when I can get things done around here and not have anyone looking over my shoulder giving me advice.

YES- I KNOW- NO POWER TOOLS!!! Man, you cut off one finger and you are doomed for life- banned from the power tools while he's away... it just so happens to be this very trip he was on 6 yrs ago that I did that... oh well, they sewed it back on and it works!

So here is my "Honey Look What I Got Done" list.

#1. Paint the downstairs bathroom PINK. Right now it is RED and although I like it, it is the primary bathroom for Rose and she does not. So to surprise her and make her happy, I will repaint it very soft PINK.

I think I could slap a coat of white on this RED and it would be pink enough.... but I will do it right, primer- paint... so they will be pleased with my results.

#2. Paint the ceiling in the box. (we had an enclosure, while we had the hot tub- and we referred to it as "the box" coz it sat on the cement pad out back and was square. Now the hot-tub is gone and the walls are down but old habits die hard, it's still know it as "the box")

Last year I started painting the ceiling and the weather turned cold and I never finished...

We were given a patio table and want to be able to eat outside, so I need to clean up this area and make it ready for use.

#3. Since I am the only one here all week, I am going to re-caulk my tub. Neo Man has been planning to, but life gets in his way. Not mine.. After I paint the other bathroom and it dries, I can just shower down there and caulk this one.

There are some minor things I have planned.. these are my major goals.

I am just SO EXCITED to have the house ALL TO MY SELF!!!

Gotta love camping!

Later Darlin'

Definition of a bad day & 3 completed- 6 to go

2010-04-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Brandy says:

So took the boys with me to mom2Mom this morning; lunch at the park=Kaleb with a fat lip and scraped knee. ok, boys will be boys. Go back to Claremore this evening for CR at First Baptist; Kaleb meets tire swing and gets a lovely black eye. - Poor fella- not his day!

Going to the zoo tomorrow; any guesses what will happen next? He had a great time at the zoo and no bad things happened... whew!

I finished these 3 quilts for 3 little girls. This is for the littlest girl who is almost 4.

I love this block and it works with any color border. This is for the 9 yr old

Hey Giz look familiar, I used those spare blocks you gave me and added some to make this for the 5 yr old girl. It is the Strip Twist by Bonnie at www.quiltville.com

Now to finish the 6 baby quilts I have on the list... always busy!!!

Y'all enjoy this pretty spring weather we are having.

Later Darlin'

A Different Point of View

2010-04-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

Not what you expect...

Neo-Man has done his own yard work over the years. He cut out the grass to put in a flower bed and planted all the flowers with minimal help. He really is pretty handy to have around.

BUT sometimes he needs assistance- even when he doesn't think so.

This last week he decided that he no longer wanted the little rocks in the area just off the back doors. He wants grass. You can see the rocks in this pic, and past them is the area he cut out.

Even though last year he cut OUT a big chunk of grass to put in mulch and flowers- NOW he wants more grass to mow. OK!

He goes out to the sod farm and buys the sod, so all he has to do is roll it out and just water it... and it will grow.

I asked him if he needed my help- he said "nope- I think I can handle rolling out grass" You would think it's pretty easy.

Nice job- don't you think?

Till you have MY point of view...

It's all about perspective...

How hard can it be to roll out grass ALL THE SAME DIRECTION?

This is driving me nuts... I want so bad to yank it up and turn it around so it ALL goes the same direction... I wonder if he would notice?

Ever wonder why I call him Neo-Man?? So simple a caveman could do it!?! Right?!

Later Darlin'

Kaeden's 1st Easter!

2010-04-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

What's this I hear about an Easter Bunny?

Did I hear right? He leaves candy for us?

We get to hunt for eggs?

If I could get out of this chair I would help.

I'll clear the yard so he won't trip over this.

You are such a great brother!

Hey Daddy, did you hear?

The Easter Bunny is coming and he's gonna leave us candy and eggs for us to hunt.

Oh boy, there is alot to clear up... I know I can do it.

I think need more equipment....

I just have to finish changing this tire and then I can finish the job,

before he comes on Easter sunday.

What do you mean he will be here Easter sunday?

TODAY is Easter Sunday! Yippee!

Happy Easter !

He is Risen. Glory be to God.

It's your 4th birthday today

2010-03-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that my sweet grand baby Seth would have celebrated his 4th birthday. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and whisper "Granny loves you"! and I have come to the point that I can talk about him without crying- that came with time. I never really know how to feel today!?!? I am happy that he was born- that he was healthy and beautiful and had such a bright future ahead for him... My son and his wife were SO PROUD and HAPPY!! Life was beautiful!! So for today, we celebrated and released balloons for him.

Then the nightmare began... Brandy getting ill and almost losing her life and just when we thought we were out of the woods- the final chapter of that nightmare came on April 3rd, when Seth became an Angel in heaven!

That fateful day, was the home opening game of the Phillies for 2006. I was home watching on tv when I got the call that forever changed our lives- the news that he was gone and we had to go on without him.

I have decided that I will celebrate his life... That on April 3rd I will do things that make me happy and are joyful. I have gone to the Phillies games the past 2 yrs, and today I bought my ticket for this years game.

Below is what Brandy had to say today about her sweet baby Seth. It is SO BEAUTIFUL I just wanted to share it. She says it better than I could ever try to. She is an amazing woman!

Kaleb is just over 2 years old and Kaeden is 4.5 months old. Kaleb loves to spend his time running around and playing to discover the world around him. With each “Wuv you” he utters my heart melts. Then there is that sweet baby Kaeden… the little dimple on his cheek, his sweet little smile, the way he be-bops his little body as he attempts to sit up. . . His little dimpled hands that reach up and grab at my cheek as he nurses, the way he leans over to investigate things on a deeper level. I am daily caught up in the gift that these boys are to our family. They are not taken for granted.

Yet despite how truly thankful and blessed I am every day of my life for these boys I am equally remind of their older brother. There are reminders in all that I see and do of our first born son. Some are there daily; while others are for a season.

The many dreams one has with the expectation of a child most can relate to. The desire to feel a tiny hand holding your own. The knowledge that the love expressed through your touch might bring more healing to a fevered body or a broken heart than any herb one could give. The longing to hear “Mommy, I love you!” The desire to be the one person who could make things all better for your children when the world was painful or unfair. The yearning for sweet slobbery kisses to be planted on your lips. A longing for a family to call your own. All these things one thinks of as a child grows in ones womb.

The seven months I was blessed enough to carry God’s precious child has left many memory triggers. Every time I throw up, pregnant or not, I’m reminded of how he made me so sick the whole pregnancy. Sweet, sweet baby! I thought I had the flu for the longest time before I realized I was actually pregnant. Often in the middle of the night I would wake up sick; and to settle my tummy I would always eat some cheeze it’s, while rubbing my belly and thinking about all the wonderful things this little person would grow to do. Certain foods that I craved, like steak (Logan loved this), pineapple, chips and salsa(especially from Los Cabos), peanuts and raisins…all remind me of my little angel as I eat them. Oh, can’t forget, root beer floats…my first craving ever!

I remember purchasing the first baby outfit for this little person. We didn’t want to know if it was a boy or a girl so it had to be something neutral. While at Sears one day I found this white pajama outfit that said Baby on it. I remember holding it to my belly and the little guy kicking…I bought it. I found myself pulling it out of the box that it was stored in and using it with his younger brother Kaeden. There are several little outfits and blankets that were given to me when the first baby Randolph was born. I have gradually been able to use them with both his brothers as I would have done if he had lived.

Certain times of year and places also remind me of that sweet heavenly creature. Thanksgiving and Christmas were spent envisioning life with a baby in our arms. That year after Thanksgiving was the last time we went up to Branson to stay with the Williams (something we hope to remedy soon). I remember rolling off of the air mattress and crawling over to the toilet for my morning sickness. Then walking out into the living room where their son was sleeping on the couch and him asking if I was ok. He didn’t realize I was 18 weeks pregnant. Then Christmas rolled around. I remember so many nights just lying on the couch rubbing my belly while staring at the Christmas lights trying to get my stomach to calm down, talking to the little miracle growing inside me. Dreaming of how different Christmas was going to be with a baby.

Then March rolls around and you have the Garden Show which we tend to go to every year; except for that year. I stayed home with my feet elevated trying to get the swelling to go down and my blood pressure to lower but with little success as we would find out Monday morning. That Monday morning, March 13, was the start of spring break and I found myself at the doctor’s office for my routine checkup. Unfortunately, it would be my last routine checkup and nothing about it was routine. Due to my excessive swelling, high blood pressure and few other tell tell signs I was sent to the hospital.

March 13 is just one of many dates that remind me of my first child. After being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia an emergency c-section was preformed for the safety of me and my first baby. As a result, four years ago I gave birth to the most amazing, perfect, healthy little boy. Granted he was seven weeks early but he was healthy; as was evident when he took his first breath and he let out his first cry. Still the most amazing sound I’ve ever heard! I got to see him long enough to kiss his little nose (as I’ve done with each of his brothers since). On March 16, 2006, Seth Logan Randolph entered this world changing my life as I knew it forever.

After just 18 days on this earth, our dear sweet baby entered heaven’s gates. We received two Willow tree’s after he passed. They are visual reminders of how much he is loved. I also like to think that as the wind blows through the leaves and the leaves find flight in the breeze they are carried away from the tree to destinations unknown. This visualization is a reminder of how many lives Seth has touched even if I can’t see it.

With so many reminders of our son I find that most of the time I walk gently through the day, not wishing to stir up the emotions. Very often I am successful, but on those that I am not, I am often surprised by how good it feels to cry. The tears of today stream right back to the tears of the past and I am reminded that a mother's love has no end and that is also something that I have learned not to take for granted.

The picture I stared at when I came off the ventilator and was still in ICU! My motivation to get better fast!

by Brandy Randolph

See- she is just so amazing...What a heartfelt thought! I am so proud of both of them, they have a beautiful family and have found JOY again... how can you not with these 2 wonderful boys, Kaleb & Kaeden!

I took the Plunge!! It really is BOLD to be COLD

2010-03-04T19:40:00.001-08:00

The weather in Fredericksburg VA on saturday was beautiful...

as beautiful as a winter day can be- 36 degrees, bright blue sky and NO WIND. We arrived at the Rappahonick river around 7 am to get everything set up. We had a light dusting of snow overnight- but most had melted as the sun came up. The river was ice free- but moving very fast from all the snow melt in the area. There was 180 plungers who had pre-registered- and a few more signed up that day.

The crowd really started to grow after 8:30 am-

many folks came in costume, for the contest.

I WON 1st place for the individual costume-

I went as a "care package" for the USA Troops.

I wore a box with all the mailing labels I made and a big red bow on my head-

I wore the bow in the water so all of my sponsors could tell it was me plunging. I left the box on the shore...

The 1st place for the group costume went to a bunch dressed as the Adams Family.

There was the 101 Dalmatians- with Cruella Deville- when she led the pack of dogs to the waters edge- she threw a stick in the water and the dogs took off barking and chasing the stick.

And naturally, what did they do as they came out of the water: SHOOK OFF right next to me...

There was a group of Midshipmen from the Naval Academy- they came in speedos and had blankets or as they called them "capes" tied around their necks... too funny!

I went in with them as a group- matter of fact we were the last group to enter...

and I was the last to haul her fat COLD ass out of the water!

A group of EOD techs came as hula girls with coconut tops... they went in with their palm tree.

One guy came in his pink hoodie- pink flamingo on his head and pink flippers & snorkel.

My niece Tay made the costumes for her group- they went as the Flintstones-

they were cute, she did such a great job... she was Betty.

We had the Super Heros there... and they all plunged.

Even the folks from liberty Tax Service that were passing out tax info- they plunged...

You can see the "Lady Liberty's" in the background of this pic of Adam as he is exiting the water. He was the 1st wounded EOD the foundation was able to assist in his recovery. He plunged this year.

I was smart- I put a blanket in the dryer to warm it up and then I put it in an insulated chest along with a heated pizza stone- both stayed nice and toasty... I wrapped up in the blanket when I got out of the water... note to self: bring a second pair of shoes so you don't have to wear the wet ones...

All in all, I raised over $1000.00 dollars myself with all of my sponsors and the whole day netted the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation over 20 thousand dollars.

I heard folks in the crowd saying they were dreading the plunge.. I told them- it was just a little body heat... these EOD guys risk much more serious injury to do their jobs... I can sacrifice a little body heat! To help raise some money to be able to help them after they are injured. What's a little body heat worth??? for me $1028.00 so far- some folks are still mailing in their checks and paying via PayPal. Fun time had by all!

Sign me up for next year... y'all start saving your pennies to sponsor me!!

The Road of Life quilt

2010-02-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

In the wee hours of Thanksgiving Day, a dear friend of mine lost his wife. She was struck, as she crossed the street, after evening church. She was on blood thinners and they couldn't stop the internal bleeding. It was so sad. She was such a vibrant and loving woman.

Her name was Dot and her husband is Warren. He has Parkinson's and suffers from tremors and has had balance issues. Losing her has been a real blow to his world.

I made this quilt for him, since he does alot of sitting- he can find comfort in using it.

He met Dot at the fire department almost 45 yrs ago when he was a young fireman. He drove a truck, traveled cross country with a camper, loves sweets and western movies and old Rt 66. He was a farmer, a wood worker, and enjoyed a little gambling. Dot she was a singer and did sign language, she was very active in her church and with her grandkids.

I used all of these things in his quilt. That's why I called it the "Road of Life"

Full size shot

the top section

the bottom section

I hope to see him in the next week and deliver this to him.

With the Olympics on it is hard to sew- I want to watch and cheer on the USA... it's only for a few weeks and I can then sew....

GO USA!!!

Polar Bear Plunge

2010-02-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends,

I am writing to let you know I need your help.

As most of you know, my brother Lee retired from the Navy with 26 yrs service, and he was in E.O.D. (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) translated as the

Bomb Squad. He is currently working for a company A-T solutions that works directly with the military and Homeland Security and local Police & Fire depts- to train in the latest techniques for safety. Lee is currently in Iraq, training the military in the latest info about the I.E.D's (improvised explosive devices).

If you saw the movie "The Hurt Locker" those were EOD technicians depicted in the movie and the job they do is exactly as depicted- find bombs and disarm them. Sometimes it doesn't go as planned and people get hurt or worse- die. It is a very dangerous job.

His company has a foundation for the EOD technicians wounded by these IED's. It is the Wounded EOD Warrior foundation. They provide financial assistance, medical and emotion support to the member and the family after an injury. They rely on donations to help assist these wounded EOD warriors.

Each year they hold different fund raisers, Golf tournaments, concerts and a Polar Bear Plunge. Each year my brother Lee does the Polar Bear Plunge, but since he is away, I told him I would go in his place. It is the least I can do, sacrifice a little body heat for a good cause... The plunge is Feb 27th, in Fredericksburg, VA and we will be plunging into the Rappahannock river.

These are pictures from last years Polar Bear Plunge. Please check them out. They will post pic of this years also.

http://www.woundedeodwarrior.org/gallery/2009-2nd-Annual-Polar-Bear-Plunge

I need to get as many folks as possible to sponsor me- it can be as little as $1.00 or as much as you like. I am doing the plunge- even if I only raise $10.00-

but won't you help me raise more for these brave soldiers.

I am attaching a poster for the event, and a sponsor sheet. If you know other folks who may be able to donate- please feel free to collect from them and fill out the sponsor form. It has the mailing address and the info if you want a tax receipt. Please list me Lori Dunn as the person you are sponsoring- Sherri has the rest of my info. If you are the only donor- just make the check out to "WEODWF" and list my name on your check under the memo heading as the plunger. The mailing address is listed below.

Or you can pay by Paypal .

I truly appreciate any and all help you can give me on this fund raiser. It's Bold to be Cold! and it is for a great cause. If you have more questions, please feel free to call Sherri Beck, 540-373-2766 or sherri@woundedeodwarrior.org

Thank you so much!

Lori Dunn

mail to

Sherri Beck

c/o Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation

11905 Bowman Drive, Suite 510

Fredericksburg, VA

22408

Kaleb's second birthday.

2010-02-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe, Kaleb is 2 yrs old.

It seems he has grown so much this last year- yet time seems to have slowed and it has been a long year.

His party was planned for saturday Jan 30th, but due to weather conditions in Tulsa, they delayed it by one day, for conditions to improve.

His PaPaw Ron made his present- a large wooden rocking horse. It is really beautiful.

It is large enough for an adult to ride, and a few tried. Kaleb was afraid of it at first, and didn't want to try it. So Mimi got on it and then Kaleb wanted her off so he could ride it.

by this grin- I'd say he like it.

this was right after the party - and it's a good thing the rockers have stops built into them- coz he sure would flip it....

He opened his gift from his Aunt Mimi- which was pots & pans and play food... he was SO THRILLED that he never really noticed the rest of his gifts. He just kept wanting to play with his "pots". They had to wrangle them away from him so they could sing Happy Birthday and cut the cake... Mimi called me when they were ready to sing, so I got to sing with them. That was nice.

He liked his "Cars" blanket I made- and his Elmo jammies.

All in all he had a great day.

Such a lucky boy.

The Music of Life quilt

2010-01-27T06:10:00.000-08:00

I can finally post a pic of the quilt I made for my nephew Josh.

He graduated last May from HS. He was in the band from his Middle school days and is VERY talented musically. I was given his t-shirts from his band programs, to use in his quilt- so he would have the t-shirts for life. When given to me, I was busy trying to finish the baseball quilt for my other nephew Ruger. After that, I started on the t-shirts, cutting them apart and trying to decide on a design. I was lost- I had nothin'- no ideas at all.....

Then I came down with Lyme disease again, and really didn't do much sewing... needless to say this quilt became a UFO, set aside to wait for inspiration.

Josh had a dear Aunt Laura, who was also a quilter, a VERY talented quilted! She also battled breast cancer for over 8 years- and fought vigorously, only to lose her battle last May. Had life turned out differently, she would have made this quilt for him.

After I returned from Kaeden's birth, Josh's dad inquired how the progress was coming on this quilt. I quickly got the pieces out and put them on the design wall. That is when it occurred to me- sash the pieces with his school colors, border with black & white music fabric like piano keys (he plays piano) and use the front patch from the t-shirts as music notes....

Taaaa Daaaa

I stitched music notes into the design of the quilting also.

and as a silent tribute to his Aunt Laura, I asked his parents if they minded if I bordered his label with the pink music fabric- in honor of breast cancer. They agreed that would be fine. The pic is small- but you can see.

He received this quilt on Tuesday, and called to thank me for it. He loved it. He was proud to own it and felt I really captured his life- his youth and his love of music.

I think it was divine inspiration that gave me the idea on how to design it. And if so- Thanks Laura... he loved it!

Texas Meal.... mmmm

2010-01-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

After watching Drive-In, Diners & Dives last night, Neo-Man had a hankering for beef brisket.

He has been wanting to smoke one since we got the BGE- so today he went to the store and bought a 5 pound brisket. He came home and got the hickory chips going and started it around noon.... I thought it should have been sooner, but I'm FROM Texas, what do I know.

He figured we would eat around 5 pm. He invited some friends over and the evening was planned. I thought some fresh made potato salad, cucumber salad, and macaroni & cheese would be perfect side dishes, so I spent most all afternoon IN the kitchen- fixin' the fixin's...

Neo-Man said to start the mac & cheese at 4:30, but I waited... he finally came back and said 5:30 and then 6:30- seems the brisket wasn't smoking as fast as he thought it would, he was very sure on 6:30 so I baked it then, only to have to hold it warming... the meat finally came off at 7:40 and after it rested we got to eat at 8 pm. BUT what a meal it was!! mmmmmmmm

Everything turned out great, the meat was SO TENDER and just the right amount of smoke.

All the side dishes were great and it was a real Texas meal!!! Ahhh.

I gave him a journal to keep of all the meals he smokes- so he can have recipes handy...

This one will be the one that taught him the biggest lesson- low and SLOW. Not ready in 4-5 hours! He's learning.

Birthday shout outs...

2010-01-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

My sister Andy, was lucky enough, to have her 6th grandbaby Preston, born on her ?? birthday. (not my age to tell) Well it's their birthday today, and Preston will be 3.

This is his pic from Christmas, when he got all of the new Transformers from Santa.

So since I knew he loved Transformers- as do I- I made him a pillow case using a panel with the Transformers on it. I had to add a longer cuff, but it all worked I think.

I sent Andy her gifts, but all the way to Hawaii - I didn't send them soon enough so they will be late... sorry about that Sis! Can't say what I got her in case she reads this.... but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

But I did help Brandy with her birthday gifts for Kaleb later this month. She wanted sheets with airplanes on them. She was not able to find that- so I offered to put airplane fabric on the sheets for her. Just a border panel on the flat sheet and pillow case- and then I had enough leftovers so I made a little curtain for the window. So now she has a new decor for him. This is the tan set.

this is the red set- and I sent her another border to be attached to a blue set she has at home.

I also made him this little throw for his new big boy bed. He loves the movie Cars and I found this panel- so my gift to him is this...

and the backing is from different fabrics I had that had airplanes on it.

and since I had fabric I made him this pillowcase to match.

so it all goes together in his new room.

Well gotta get busy...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Christmas sales for a cause

2010-01-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

I went out today shopping the Christmas sales. I found one store that had already marked down to 90% off so I bought 4 boxes of Christmas cards, to fill out this next year and send send out to this great cause. I pasted this from facebook

The holidays are often a difficult time for those deployed. Often times there are troops who recieve little to nothing during the Christmas season.

Our goal is to have a card for each deployed soldier during the holidays extending them warm wishes and appreciation during what may feel like a lonely time for them.

Often times kind words from strangers are the very motivation that they need to stay focused in their mission of defending this country. We would like to ensure that by giving them a simple holiday card.

We would like to collect as many cards as possible by November 27, 2009 so that soldiers who wouldnt other wise recieve mail or benefit from generous care packages are not forgotten. They do so much for us, a simple card is the least we can do to brighten their day and holiday!

We all have left over cards from holidays past. Why not put them to good use and send over some much needed morale and support?

It truly doesnt matter what type the card as long as its seasonally appropriate, the troops will love it. If you wish not to send a holiday card a thank you card or note cards of warm wishes are always greatly appreciated!

Enlist the help of your children, pictures are always a welcomed addition as many troops have children of their own at home.

Just remember to write a small personal note for the holidays and even a thank you! Also, include your name and a contact information such as email if you would like to hear back from the soldier who recieves your card or picture.

*****************************************************************************************************************

We have started up a second cause page for those of you who wish to remain active all year round, so that we can keep this cause page more geared to the Christmas season as that will be our biggest program. The new page ishttp://apps.facebook.com/causes/424943

At this time we are collecting Valentines Day Cards and candy to ship over the troop. The guidelines are the same as they were for the Christmas cards.

Anyone can participate and the cards can be store bought or homemade. Schools, churches, youth groups...anyone can participate. The goal is to make sure the troops know that they are cared for and supported by those of us here.

You may mail cards, candy or donations to:

Amanda Sullivan
Operation Holiday Cards
PO Box 102
Shrewsbury MA 01545

Donations can be made out to Operation Christmas Cards or sent through paypal to opchristmascards@aol.com

If you have any questions please email us at opchristmascards@aol.com orcullanartstudio@aol.com

Thank you for supporting our troops!

So Now I am going to get ready to make some Valentine's fabric postcards and send them out.

I gotta finish this one quilt first...

But you can help- go out and buy the cards now- while they are on sale... fill them out from the comfort of your home and put them in one big envelope and send them out for next year....

A small gesture that goes a long way!

Later Darlin'

Eggcelent Christmas

2009-12-29T16:44:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas here. It was quiet, but we enjoyed it none the less. My DMIL Rose got us a Big Green Egg for a present. We got the large one & are very pleased with it so far. Neo-Man cooked on it the first 3 nights... he is in heaven.

It is a ceramic egg shaped grill/smoker, that you can even bake in. My friend Bev got one nearly 2 yrs ago and LOVED it and we have wanted one... so this was our present.

I got a Phillies coat, but am going to exchange it for a lighterweight jacket, one that I can wear year round, this one is very thick and really good for very cold days... but I want one for everyday use. I got 2 new Phillies t-shirts, some new Phillies video yearbook on dvd and some new jammies. I was very happy.

My Daddy sent me a framed poem my Granny wrote, and that was VERY special.

Neo-Man got new jammies, slippers, a new 22" flat screen for the kitchen, and some shirts.

Rose got lots of new clothes, and some earrings and gloves. It was a good year for all of us.

I was able to finish Ro's quilting, with just a day to spare. She was able to give her parents both quilts as gifts and they were so surprised and pleased.

This is her Dad's- it's called Irish Braid, from www.quilterscache.com

And this is the floral 4PSP she made for her step mom.

Now I need to get busy and finish my nephews quilt and the 4 baby quilts....

Oh and have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Christmas Eve poem

2009-12-23T21:04:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you’ve seen this quilter’s version of a Night Before Christmas, but if not we hope you enjoy.

'Twas the night before Christmas,
And the quilts were not made.
The threads were all tangled, the cookies delayed.
The stocking weren't hung, the pantry was bare.
The poor weary Quilter, was tearing her hair.
Stacks of fat quarters, tipped over in streams.
Visions of Log Cabins, had turned into dreams.

When what to her wondering eyes should appear,
But a bus full of quilters with all of their gear.
They went straight to work with just a few mutters,
Sorting and stitching and brandishing cutters.
The patterns emerged from all of the clutter,
Like magic the fabrics arranged in a flutter.
Log Cabins, Lone Stars, Flying Geese & Bear Tracks
Each quilt was a beauty-even the backs.

Her house how it twinkled, her quilts how they glowed.
The cookies were baking, the stockings were sewed.
Their work was all done, so they folded their frames,
And packed up their needles, without giving their names.
They boarded the bus, and checked the next address.
More quilts to be made, another quilter in distress.

She heard one voice echo, as they drove out of sight,
Happy quilting to all and to all a good night!
Author Unknown

It's officially - OVER

2009-12-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the final total- 24 inches!!! And where is blew and drifted it's even deeper!

Neo-Man is such a good neighbor- he takes Bertha (snow blowers name) over and does the nieghbors walkways and driveways. Most of our neighbors are elderly so he feels it is the right thing to do- take care of them. He's a good man....

He had to cut a path into the grass for the dogs... they couldn't get to the bathroom!

This is the roof of the box- behind it is my kitchen window- that I can't see out of... That drift is over 3 feet high.
See the snowmen in the yard, they are riding a sled. this was the beginning of the storm.
This was all I could see of them last night. Just poking their heads out.. and only 2 of the 3

This is the drift out the window last night. the roof lights looked cool reflecting off of it.

This is the snow overhanging off the roof. It is covering the lights and was SO COOL!

This is a shot from the bathroom window looking down at the drift in front of the kitchen window. you can see the snow hanging off the roof.

It is always pretty when it falls- it's the days that follow that I hate. The roads are always wet with yuck- you wind up using ALL of your washer fluid trying to keep the windsheild clean and it tracks in everywhere....

I would love it if it was 70 degrees for the next few days and all clear.

So it will still be a white Christmas- so I am gonna look at the Christmas decorations- they are real pretty reflecting off the snow!

Be safe...Later Darlin'

Gonna be a white Christmas

2009-12-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

I, like millions on the east coast, are bracing for heavy snowfall out of this final winter storm of 2009. It promises to be a dosey- and has already showed signs it plans to be EVERYTHING they are predicting.

This stick was placed out front at 10am and the inset pic shows- 6 inches already.

I have a second measuring stick out back- and it also shows 6 inches at 10 am.

******* 6 pm UPDATE *************this is the back yard stick -ALMOST 19 inches! ****

trying to cut a path for the dogs.... and it is still snowing

******************************************************************************

Neo-Man has the fire vehicle with the snowplow on it- he is responsible for plowing the driveways at both fire stations. He already plowed once and will go again every 2 hours- thankfully they are both within a 5 mile radius from home.

My kitchen window becomes blocked with the snow that drifts onto the roof of the "box" outside on the patio.

It creates a vortex on the roof and piles up very high right at the window...

Other news- I helped my friend Ro finish the 4 PSP she made for her step mom for Christmas. It really turned out beautiful!! She did a wonderful job.

Today I am working on helping her finish the quilt she is making for her Dad. It is a little more complicated and she was lost- so I will get her started again and she can finish.

I have a baby quilt finished that I sold for a Christmas present. I just have to get it to Pam so she can deliver it to the new baby.

I will update as this storm progresses... I ain't going outside- to freakin' cold for me.

Pirate quilt FINISHED

2009-12-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

The last few days working on this quilt were so hard...

I caught a cold and my head is foggy...

But it is finished and in the mail.

This is a view of the backside- the main Pirate face.

I am glad this one turned out nice... I hope they make alot of money on the raffle...

Now to work on :

2 Stockings

4 baby quilts

1 memory quilt

decorate a tree

finish shopping

wrap presents

send cards out

ALL before christmas................ oh yeah- and get over this head cold!!!

I HATE pressure....

New Home Page

2009-12-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

I found this site- and from all I can find on it- it is legit...

I figure I turn on my mac each day and go on the web and that all starts from a home page.

Why not this one?

http://www.freekibble.com/

It has a question each day about dogs- and when you answer the question, they donate 10 pieces of kibble for the dogs in the shelters. They also have a question for cats.

EVEN if you are wrong- the kibble is donated.

195,701,280 pieces of kibble donated since April 1, 2008

It is the easiest thing I do in my day- for the dogs!

I have been working hard on a quilt for a friend... and my machine has decided to mess up on me....... aaaarrrrggggg! I hate when I spend more time taking out stitches than sewing.

FINALLY it is finished and I have the Pirate quilt on the frame- and already un-sewing...

Gonna be a long few days ahead.

My visit back to Oklahoma caused me to miss my appointment with the acupuncture doctor.

I came home from the trip with a wicked headache and back ache... FINALLY had my appointment and am getting to feeling better, slow but sure...

Not the way I had planned to spend the few weeks before Christmas this year....

Not at all!

Later Darlin'

So Thankful

2009-11-27T09:42:00.001-08:00

For my great big family, this is just a few of the members.

Thankful that my Mom & Dad decided not to stop with just 3 girls...

Thankful that this is the flag I Pledge Allegiance to!

And thankful for these 2 boys, they are my future to love.

To all my friends, I am thankful for you in my life.

You make it more fun and a better life to live.

Later Darlin' I have a quilt calling me to finish...

Keeping busy

2009-11-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

I have been busy passing the time away here in Tulsa.

My friend Carla needed a quilt for a raffle to raise money for the school trip.

They are the Pirates- so we made a pirate quilt.

We got them drawn and ironed down, I have been busy sewing them down and will attach the other blocks to them. There are 4 corner blocks that have skull and cross bones, and skull and crossed swords. I will quilt it once I am home and send it back to her. It really will be cool.

I have never heard the name Kaeden before. Since he was born I have met or heard of 4 kids and one is a girl... This little one went in for his 3 week check up on friday- he was born 9.4 lbs, when he left the hospital he had lost down to 8.8 pounds... he NOW is 10 pounds 7.5 oz- and breastfed. He is GROWING like a weed! And today was his original due date!

Kaleb has been busy- here he is helping to rake the leaves up- so he can then jump in them!! It was cute to watch him with that BIG rake- he needs a little one. He can't say "Granny" so I'm "Nene"

TK and I got sidetracked into an Estate Sale... We couldn't help ourselves!!

But look what we found- on friday the 13th no less! She is beautiful...made in 1955- so we named her "Lucky" and now TK has 2 really nice vintage machines. Barely a speck of dust on it.

I am down to my final few days here. I am ready to be home, I sure miss Neo-Man... my puppies and MY things....

BUT

it sure will be hard to leave these 2 fellas, they sure get wrapped around your heart quick!

Trip to Texas

2009-11-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

I just returned to Tulsa, after a long week in Fort Worth Tx.

While there I was able to visit with family members.

I spent the first few days with brother Shane and his wife Rhonda and their new baby Babe.

She is 3 months old and just a sweetheart.

This is my mom with Babe, who is her 18th grandbaby.

This is my dad doing the opening prayers at the Base Chapel.

pretty Babe.

And my brother in law Bill. He and Nanda opened their home to me for a few days.

It was fun and Nanda learned how to make a zippered bag.

My last night there, I was able to go to a concert in Dallas.

It was Max Stalling and his wife Heather at the Main Street Liquid Co in Richardson. The place was packed, but the music was GREAT. I was so happy to see him in concert- I just LOVE his music.

Back in Tulsa, and I am able to spend some time each day with these 2 babies.

Kaeden is doing very good- eatin', sleepin' and poopin'.

Kaleb loving his new brother Kaeden.

10 more days and it is back to life away from these sweet babies-

till then it's kisses every day from Granny!

Kaleb's baby brother

2009-10-24T20:20:00.001-07:00

After being carefully monitored by her doctors, Brandy at 36 weeks, was advised by her doctors that the baby is doing great- so great he weighed approximately 8 lbs 15 oz, and there was alot of amniotic fluid. He was only going to get bigger- and they advised her to deliver the baby soon. He was putting alot of pressure on her pelvis and she was having a hard time getting comfortable.

It took a few days to schedule the c-section, but they were able to get a free opening in the schedule on Sat Oct 24- seems there is a lot of babies soon to be born!

We arrived early morning, Brandy & Logan were much earlier.

At shortly before 9 am Logan appeared in the nursery window with his new son

Kaeden Scott, he was 9 lbs 4 oz, 21 inches and that was 3 weeks early!

He has a dark head of hair, chubby cheeks, and beautiful coloring. So Sweet!

Brandy is doing well, sore but that is to be expected. She is just so happy he is healthy.

Daddy walking Kaleb to go see his new baby brother.

Snuggled up on Momma.

Granny getting her first chance to hold Kaeden.

His Great Grandma with her first chance to hold him.

His Aunt Meems with her 2nd favorite nephew.

Both them boys sure resemble each other. (Kaleb's pic on the iPhone)

They should all be going home on Tuesday.

We are all so happy and thankful that everyone is doing well.

I sure am gonna enjoy my time I have here.

Later Darlin'

Welcome home

2009-10-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

My DMIL has been gone for the last 10 days.

She went to upstate NY to stay with her sister and see her 97 yr old mother, who is in a nursing facility with Alzheimer's.

While she has been gone, I made it my mission to help her feel better about living with us. She is a very independent woman, the problem is that her age & mind prevent her from being on her own.

She was never really happy about having to move in- she accepted it but just felt like she didn't belong. I was determined to make her feel like she belonged!

Her condo has been up for sale- and we think it is sold! Finally. A few months ago we moved her dresser & bed over, but that was it. The room is a soft mint green. I went over to the condo and got her night table and lamp, all of her paintings and all of her knick-knacks. So she has things she remembers as being "hers" here now.

Then I made her a new bedspread, pillow shams and curtains to make the room more cheery- and pretty. She LOVES pink, and roses- so that's what she got. I got a dust ruffle and new sheets.

This is the view she saw when she opened the door today.

She stepped backwards when she saw it..... walked in the room and just spun around in circles with the BIGGEST GRIN on her face. When Neo-Man told her I made it for her she just hugged me and kept running her hand along the spread saying "you must think I am someone special. I can't believe you did this for me. I love it".

This is another view of the room. We still need to get carpet for her- she doesn't like hardwood floors and throw rugs are a hazard for her.

She has a HUGH mirror she got as a wedding gift like 48 x 72 in size. It will be mounted on the wall above the long dresser.

This white dresser with wood top will be moved out. She is going to buy a curio cabinet for all of the precious moment figurines she has in boxes. Might as well enjoy seeing them. The cabinet will go on this wall.

Let's just say- she LOVES her new room and is happy to be here. She said she can't wait to wake up in this beautiful room!

Neo-Man was very pleased- his momma is happy.

My job is done!

A glorious morning

2009-10-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

This past spring- while flower shopping with my sister Howdy, we came upon the most beautiful Morning Glories I have ever seen. They are "Saucer Morning Glories" and they are big- almost 5 inches across the trumpet, and vary from blue to white or a mix of both on a single flower.

They are just a beautiful big flower.

I planted them along my fence, by created this string art project for them to climb.

I planted 4 different varieties of morning glories,

purple ones and red ones,

and also some black eyed susan vines. The morning glories were kinda thin during the summer months, but I continued to water them and man they really took off this past month.

I looked and I have a ton of blooms on the fence...

It is really a lovely site.

I guess they like the cool fall air- coz they sure are blooming now!

I make it a point every morning to go out and see how many are open.

I even have to leave the yard- coz they grew up and over the fence

And I have been collecting seeds for next years fence.....

I'm gonna plant them all down the fence line.

Now that will be pretty.

I was so torn

2009-10-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

With the playoff games in Denver, the weather was so cold they postponed one of the games from Sat to Sun & would play on Mon. If they split these games then game 5 would be back in Philly on Tuesday.

I have tickets to the game on Tuesday in Philly- IF the game is needed.

We won the game on Sunday- even in the bitter cold... the game lasted till after 2 am-BUT I stayed up to watch. Then Monday's game- not as cold- we had the lead till the bottom of the 8th when the Rockies came back and went up by 2 runs....

NOW I was torn.............. do I cheer that we come back in the 9th and WIN the series....

OR do I say- oh well there is always a game in Philly on Tuesday? Oh what to do.....

Well- I did what any TRUE fan would do- I cheered for a rally in the 9th and we went up by 1 and BEAT the Rockies to WIN the Division Series. YIPPEE !!

And my tickets are worthless! *sigh*

So on we go to LA to play the Dodgers on Thursday. We beat them last year to make it to the World Series. So I feel confident that we can whip them again and return to the WS.

In the meantime- I have been busy trying to get my DMIL's room fixed up for her. She is o

ut of town visiting her sister, and while she is gone, we are moving the rest of her furniture from her condo, and the rest of her personal things. I am making a comforter for her bed and new curtains, so her room will be pretty for her. She loves pink and roses so I hope she will like this.

I have enough of this fabric to make this comforter and then also curtains. I am really pleased with the way it has quilted- very pretty.

I also just finished with the new bowling league shirts. Last years shirts were black with colorful flames on the sleeves and the button yoke. I did the design directly on the back of the shirts. SInce these guys also fish together- they chose the name "The Hookers" with the "k"

extended to look like a fish hook, and the "oo's" to look like bowling balls.

These are the shirts we had last year.

The design.

So this year we changed shirts to a lightweight knit shirt. The guys wanted to keep the name

so I was gonna have to duplicate the same embroidery I did last year- on my cheapo machine...

I suggested using last years shirts- cut them up and make a patch decal out of the design and just sew THAT on the shirts.

So I cut it out to look like a bowling ball and just sewed that on each shirt. They looked sharp walking into the bowling alley all decked out in their team shirts. I got alot of nice comments on the shirts also. I still have to duplicate 1 of the designs- last years alternate would not give us his shirt- which was his to keep... so I have to make one up for MY shirt. We also decided that now the guys get to keep the shirt but the patch decal stays with the team. So next year we can just sew it onto a new shirt- if they change shirts again.

Later Darlin'

Even up

2009-10-09T04:45:00.000-07:00

WOW!! What good games both teams have played the past 2 days.

Wed was windy as hell... and the Phillies were able to take the win behind Cliff Lee, pitching a complete game, taking a shut out into the 9th inning where he gave up a hit and they scored 1 run. So the Phillies won 5-1 on Wed.

Thursday, the Rockies had the advantage, taking the lead and held it all game long. The Phillies rallied in the 9th, but fell short losing 5-4.

The NLDS moves to Denver now. Sat is the 1st game and the temp is suppose to be below 30 degrees for a night game......... brrrrrrr

Go Phillies!!!

Lori

2009-10-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's ON

It ALL starts TODAY.

My Phillies won their division the NL East and now will play Colorado for the

chance to go to the next stage- The National League Championship games.

Today the game is at 2:35 and that has some folks upset- they are at work

and can't watch... It really doesn't make sense! But I don't have the info

that the TV and the League has- so we deal with it.

I do have tickets to game 3 at home which will be next Tues.

I am so happy we are in the playoffs... it will be a battle- but we want to repeat.

I will have the tv on but will listen to the game on the radio- that way I can run

and watch any big plays on the TV when they happen.

I have been busy finishing up the canning/freezing. Howdy gave me a fairytale pumpkin that I cooked and got 14 cups of puree to use in pies and breads. I froze it and will hopefully put up another one for later use.

I have 3 baby quilts to finish this week- one of the showers is this weekend. I also have a work quilt I am working on- it is a Wedding Ring quilt and I had to turn it so it was a good time to throw the baby quilts on real quick, then I put the WR back on and finish it.

Gotta run,

GO PHILLIES!!!!

Lori

Using up the stash for baby

2009-10-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have been collecting novelty fabrics for the baby love covers that I donate.

I have a new grand baby due in Nov, and he is gonna need him a quilt.

I love to make scrappy ones, all the variety of fabrics makes me happy.

I like to use alot of novelties- makes it kinda like an "I Spy' so many things to see and find.

This is the first crazy quilt I made. It was for Logan and has a diamond pattern in the design. I tried to use each fabric only one time- only to find out later- 2 fabrics were repeated. Oh well- he loves it and uses it.

Then when Seth was due, I made his quilt to match the same crazy quilt pattern as his daddy's. Only I made sure each fabric was a single use only. Logan & Brandy still have this quilt.

Then for Kaleb, I did his different, using just the 4.5 inch blocks and mainly just novelty fabrics- which was cute and he uses it in his crib.

Here is the one I just finished for the baby. I had to send it off to arrive in time for the baby shower this sat. It measured out at 50 x 50. I am pleased with this one. It is a crazy quilt- only it is just the blocks- no diamond design in it. So each are unique and special.

here is a few close up pic of the different fabrics I used in this one. There was some fabric that had a chocolate lab puppy on it that looks like their dog- so I stitched Kylee onto the fabric, also a Great Dane that looked like Bruin. Some really neat fabrics...

my other stash part 2 and folding

2009-09-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

I showed Neo-Man all the other sites and the stashes out there and then showed him what I posted. He just kinda laughed and said "you were a little light on YOUR stash weren't you?"

He's right- after looking at everyones stash I realize that all the scraps I have accumulated from friends DOES count as part of my stash.

So, like Kare in OH I have to revise my original stash posting. Here goes...

These tubs are full of scraps of fabrics given to me by my friends- since I do alot of charity quilts, I tend to make them scrappy- and these tubs fit nicely under my LA frame. Stacked on top the tubs is extra stuffing donated to me- I'll probably use it for the dogs beds.

These bags have FQ that were part of the scraps that were donated to me. I have them sorted by color or theme. I also have scraps of batting that I use for baby quilts folded here.

Since my original post, I have received many emails asking how I fold my fabric so neatly. So I figured I would post a pic tutorial on the benefits of folding this way. Here goes.

FOLDING FABRIC 101

Take your long ruler, some are 6 inches mine is 5 inches wide. You lay your fabric out folded with the selvages together. Start by flipping the fabric over the ruler, and repeat, over and over and over....

once finished, pull your ruler out of the fabric and fold it over- there you have a nice neat stack.

Now you can add more pieces you have folded and they all line up evenly.

Now to answer the question- "HOW TO GET ONE OUT OF THE STACK?" This really is easy.

Say you want the blue fabric out of the middle of the stack in the shelves.

insert your ruler into the fabric stack ABOVE THE BLUE FABRIC you want

Then gently lift up on the ruler, releasing the pressure on the fabric and gently pull the blue fabric out of the stack.

You place your ruler UNDER the fabrics you want and place your fingers in the folds of the blue & purple fabric and gently pull on these while pushing back on the rest of the stack.

Now say you have a fold of fabric you want to place into the stack- here's how.

Slide your ruler into the stack where you want the fabric to go. Pull the fabrics ABOVE THE RULER OUT ON THE RULER.

Place the blue & purple fabric on the ruler and then stack the others on top of these. Slide the whole stack back in place ontop of the ruler- they will glide easily into place. Then pull out the ruler and you are done!

I recently went to a friends house to help her organize her stash that was OUT OF CONTROL. She had no idea what fabric she had because it was all in tubs still in the bags from the LQS.

Here we have it all out and are beginning to fold it and organize the half yards and FQ's

Here is the finished room all cleaned up.

and this is what she owns- her pride and joy! And luck her- she has a hugh cedar closet to store it all in... nice!

and all her jelly rolls unrolled and folded filled this rack.

It was a pleasure being able to fondle her stash and help her get it all organized. We had fun...

Neo-Man is waiting for me to get that enthusiastic about cleaning mine up.... maybe I will hold out for a cedar closet.... good excuse for me!

Lesson over!

Later Darlin'

my stash...

2009-09-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

Judy L over at Patchwork Times wants us to show our stash, to take pics and then use the fabric and in Jan 2010 take another pic, and at the end of 2010 another pic... hopefully showing how much we have used. The objective is to use our stash...

So here goes... this is my shelves in the front sewing studio. I folded all my fabric a couple of years ago when I learned to fold it over the long ruler, that way making it all the same size and it stacks very nicely. In the bins between the shelves is more fabric, mostly FQ's. The small bins on the top shelves are full of small novelty strips for the baby quilts.

This is the second shelving unit with my stash in it. This is mostly all backing fabrics and my christmas fabric. This is in the other room near my frame. I have a few tubs with fabric in them but they are spread out- too hard to take a pic of.

Now for the reality check................ My sewing table!

Neo-Man says that a small Portuguese family is living under the pile of fabric in the corner of the table.

That is zip bags with blocks in them... most are projects to finish or baby blocks for love cover quilts. The corner seems to be a catch-all of everything I want to keep out and will use. The bulletin board is where I pin notes and patterns...

Neo-Man has told the firemen he works with that if our house catches fire- just bring a chair- pack a lunch and sit outside and spray water on it... with all the fabric in one main area it will smolder for days.........

I guess is time to organize my table.... and time to get busy sewing.

Since I am finally done canning!!! I put up beets, green beans, corn, tomatoes, applesauce and apple pie filling & peach filling.

later Darlin'

Someone stole my house said the squirrel

2009-09-18T20:09:00.001-07:00

I am sure when Mr. Squirrel left the nest that morning, he was thinking he would just run out and gather some nuts and berries for the Misses. Coz he is a good provider and all.

So down from this over 45 foot tall cedar he ran and off he went.

But this is the tree that lightning hit and it is slowly but surely dropping its leaves/greenery and is gonna be dead soon. The insurance company paid me to have it removed- so removed we did.
He came with his bucket lift and cut all the branches off and I tell ya- that was one straight tree. We actually looked for a lumber mill to haul it to coz it was so straight- but to no avail.
I did ask John if he could save me some nice pieces to give to my daughter Mimi, she makes beautiful wooden bowls and wine bottle stoppers and such- she could turn some of this cedar. So he cut me some nice pieces- like this big chunk for her.
Then it was time to yell " T I M B E R " and I mean it made the earth rattle..... BOOM!

It really nearly hit his yellow chipper there- I mean by inches it missed... he was shocked.

But happy. then he put it all thru the chipper- big log and all.... squirrels nest and all.

And it was a good thing we had it taken down- coz turns out it was hollow from carpenter ants we had for awhile- and it was none to sturdy ... Saved MY house-

But I am sure Mr. Squirrel is looking around shaking his head saying "I know my house was around here somewhere... Help- I've been robbed- someone stole my tree!"

All in a matter of 1 hour.

My yard looks bare now... and I never noticed the guy across the street before- he lives behind the tree... now I see him....

Oh well. Better safe than sorry.

Later Darlin'

Cannery row by row by row.....

2009-09-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

I love summer!
Love the heat! Love the long days! Love the smell of things in summer! Love the fruit & produce!
I wish it was summer year round.... But I don't live in a climate conducive to summer weather year round...
So I compromise ... and I can the summer produce to enjoy all winter.

We have been busy replacing what we ate from last year.

This was our stores when winter started.

This is how it looks now. Old Mother Hubbard....
So before we load it up again, Neo-Man has to add supports to the shelves to keep from sagging under the weight of the jars.

So we can load up with:

Hot peppers Neo-Man has fixed up and we canned 6 pints and have another bushel to jar up and process.

This is 34 quarts of pickled beets, we have another bushel to can this weekend. We eat these with nearly every meal- so our goal is to have at least 52 jars- one for each week. Neo-Man never liked them... till he ate these... now he is a fan! I LOVE the color of beets- so pretty!!

This is 27 quarts of tomato slices on the left and 22 pints of pomegranate applesauce. We probably won't do anymore tomatoes, these should last us. BUT the apple season has just started. I want to make more applesauce, apple pie filling and apple butter.

This is corn I cut off the cob and prepared for freezing. I have done this to over 11 dozen ears of corn. Neo-Man complained last year that I only did corn from PA (the Amish have wonderful corn) and I did none from NJ- it is the "Garden State"... so this year I have been buying a few dozen here and there, PA, NJ & DE. We can see which we like best.

I have a bushel box of green beans waiting for me to pressure can this weekend. I am going to add new potatoes to the jars... Like Grandma Bea always did. Mmm they are good.

At least the weather is nice and we can hot water boil them outside. We use the turkey fryer with water instead of oil... 8 quarts or 10 pints at a time. Keeps the heat outside and the house cooler.

Now if I get them off my folding table, I can do laundry... Gotta get the shelves ready for the weight...
Oh Neo-Man......... can you help me a minute?
Like all weekend long! Ha ha ha...

So I will catch ya on the flip side of this food frenzy.... let's all sing
"A canning we will do,
A canning we will do,
Pints, quarts or freezer bags,
A canning we will do."

Later Darlin

Like a Bolt of Lightning

2009-08-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

Here is something I NEVER thought of....
I have a surge protector for my electric outlets on the computer and the tv..... BUT
Do YOU have your TV coax cable running through the surge protector?
Here is why you should: this is my cedar tree at the end of my driveway

On the morning of Sunday, Aug 2nd, a lightning bolt from a storm that rolled through the area struck my tree.

Blowing the bark off the tree and splitting the tree open...

This is where the bolt traveled through the tree, into the ground and across the mulch and slammed into the concrete- blowing a hole in the dirt. This is Neo-Mans foot for size comparison. That red stuff is bark laying on the dark mulch.

This is the bark from the tree, strewn ALL over the driveway...

Now about that surge protector-
The bolt came in via the cable line.....
shorting out the cable box...
burning out the HDMI port on my new Hitachi plasma tv...
blowing out the modem for cable...
blowing out the Dell desktop pc...
and surging power through my printers - ruined them!!

Now, the fun begins... getting all the info for the insurance company.

And shopping for a NEW HD SURGE PROTECTOR WITH THE CABLE PORT

Lessons Learned- the hard way!

Oh yeah, and it added a few more gray hairs to DMIL.
Neo-Man had to peel her and the dog Tasha off the ceiling after the bolt struck...