The Last Few Days.....

Over the last few days, I've been busy, but not with quilting. I am getting tired of the blocks I'm working on, but I am still trying to get them done.

Friday was quilting at moms and we were able to get 16 blocks done. We both finished one a piece.

Saturday and Sunday were days were I didn't get much done at all, just enjoyed being on the computer. I found another game to play - and that's not a good thing! lol

I finished this block last night, and I started the next one today. I only have one body on it so far, but I'm getting there.

Today is a beautiful day! I haven't gone outside with my camera in awhile, but it's awesome weather!

Oh, this last weekend I worked on 'LETTERS FROM THE PAST' which I posted quiet a bit for that. I'm still going through old letters and getting them posted. I'm learning a LOT about my family through these letters. I seriously need to get them going! If I could get them done, and put them in date order, I would learn a lot more! lol

May you all be Happy Quilting!

Dad's selling his Cadillac!

My father loves old cars. He has a 1941 Cadillac that he wants to sell. He bought a new car, and decided there wasn't any room with the Caddie.

I took a few pictures this afternoon after our quilt meeting.

I was his pride and joy! Mom has been trying to get him to sell it, and now that he has his new car, he is selling it. He would drive it for the bride at weddings. It has 51,000 miles on it.

I really hate to see it go, but it's his car. He had a couple others, and sold them a long time ago. This one has won a few awards at car shows too.

Back to my day. Spent the day at mom's quilting with the group. They all talked to mom about how to make her quilt room more usable. I'm not sure it will work, but she's going to try it.

I got confused when talking to mom yesterday, because we both finished a block today, and counted 15 blocks as of today. So, now we are half way.

I also marked mom's quilt today, because she couldn't figure out which way to go. I only marked part of it, and will mark more later. I just want to get this boring Honey Bee blocks done!

Life is good, and being Happy Quilting.

15 Blocks done!!

We're getting there!! 15 blocks are now completed, so we are half way.

Today was our group meeting at Quilter's Junction. I was able to get a bee done on one block, but that was about it. It was a potluck meeting, and I don't usually get much done.

Tomorrow is quilting at moms and I haven't decided if I'm going or not. Had a good day today and will be busy working on more blocks tonight. I hope I can get another one done.

The flowers are from the pot in the front yard. I'm amazed the deer haven't eaten it yet! I just had to take a photo of how beautiful it is.

Just not much to report - will try and have more to say tomorrow! Still Happy Quilting!

Quilt Blocks I Forgot About....

As you know, I've been doing a lot of my "UFO's."  Well, I was working on a project for my daughter, for Christmas. Since I was going through a few photos, I found a few I had forgotten about.

This block is one I made for the Sunbonnet Sue contest way about in the 1980's. I did get a blue ribbon for it. I was the one that would have gotten a second place ribbon, but because the grand prize was awarded, mine was bumped up to first place. 

The published it in this book (which I had put into hardback). I had fun working on this block. 

They sent me this photo of my quilt and the quilts that won with it. This is at the Sunbonnet Sue Museum as far as I know.  I enjoyed working on that block. I used to enter a lot of contests back then. Lately, I don't do contests because of the way they are judged. Most judges today, judge on what they like and not on the work that is done. What I think is pretty, you may find ugly and visa-versa. 

This was a block I did for a friend. Not sure where that quilt block went, but I remember doing it. It was actually fun and easy to do . 

This is also a friendship block that I did years ago. Amazing how much I did 20 years ago. Guess I need to get my rear in gear and get moving. I did more back then than I have been doing lately. 

This is a quilt that a few of us did as a Round Robin. It's a Border Round Robin, and this quilt is in Canada, I believe. I did the music around the center, and there was a couple more bordered that needed to be added to the quilt after me. I would love to see this quilt finished. I haven't been in contact with my friends in over 15 years. I was really into friends through the mail! I loved getting packages in the mail, so I joined a TON of round robins! We did blocks, we did charms, and we did quilts. My border round robin is downstairs, and needs to be quilted.  I'm thinking about doing that one here pretty soon. 

While going through my "scans" I found a few of the paper clipping that my grandmother had. Forgot I scanned them to make sure I had them. lol

Here's two, just for the heck of it. 

Okay, mom called today and said she has 11 blocks done. I have one done right now and the second on that needs it's wing put on, and then it's done. I'll at least get started on the next block. Going to mom's tomorrow and I'll get a few more blocks to work on. It's coming along pretty good. I could start putting the blocks together, but want to hold it off. 

I made a mudslide cake today, and will see if it's any good tomorrow! So, I've been busy with this and that today. Still Happy Quilting...

Busy working on blocks

Today was a good day. I was able to enjoy my afternoon by working on my quilt blocks. They are slowly getting done. When I talked with mom today, she said we have 10 of them done. That's good news, at least we are getting down there.

I laughed at myself today! I put the bodies on the bottom two corner, then was going to work on the wings. - See what I did?! I put the wings in the area that I didn't have a body for! I couldn't believe I did that. Can't complain though, because it's still getting done. You'd think I would have been paying attention, but apparently not!

I have been enjoying watching this plant! These are really pretty! Told Patrick I would love to have more in the yard.

As you can see, I have been busy with the blocks. So, if all goes well, we'll be getting this quilt top done soon! May you be Happy Quilting!

Day Out and About

Today has been a busy day at that. We started out getting ready for  bike ride. We were off and on the way to Tenino, WA. There is were we start our biking. We then bike 8 1/2 miles to Rainier, WA.

We stopped and had our "picnic" lunch. After a 20 minute stop we headed back to Tenino. I did have some problems with breathing while biking. I would get into the "woods" and then I couldn't breath. You should have seen me, "huff, huff, huff, I can do this, huff, huff." We stopped a couple times on the way, since I was huffing so much. It "bites" being allergic to so much stuff that we have in the state! I'm allergic to trees along with a lot of other stuff. I made it. It was fun and I did enjoy the ride. The fun part is when you get on the down hill areas, and your riding so much faster! The worst part is when "those bikers" pass you like your standing still! That's when you wonder if I just don't know how to bike, or if I'm just that bad at biking. No worries, that not stopping me from doing it again. We took 1 1/2 hrs going and coming back.

After biking, mom and dad where waiting for us at home. While we were waiting for them to finish their game of cribbage, we found a couple visitors....

Look closely and you'll see two deer. They seems to love the apple tree we have. While they were visiting - and I was taking photos from the deck - Patrick was clueless!

He was on the other side of the property, watering the garden.  Dad and I were chatting about how Patrick may or may not have seen the deer. I told dad, if he saw them, he would have chased them off the property - because they eat his flowers. lol - Dad thought he knew, I knew he didn't. 

They kept checking to see if he was paying attention too!

So, he walks back, and turns the water off - which is about 50 feet from where the deer were. He came up to the deck, - they were still there - and went in the house to get ready. As we leave, mom noticed they left, so she asked Patrick if he shoo'ed the deer off. You should have seen the look on his face! He didn't even know they were there! Dad laughed and said we were talking about it on the deck, and since he walked under the deck, he figured Patrick would have figured it out. NOPE, he had no clue!! And I thought I was the blonde one in this family!!

Too funny!

Okay, we then left for Longview, WA to eat out. We had a great meal at Red Lobster. Then came home. Mom and I played a game, then they left. Now, I'm tired! I still need to do my exercises and then I'm going to call it a night and read my book!

Mom and I figured out we have 10 blocks done so far. I gave her the three I finished (one has the missing body). The block I'm working on now needs two wings on and then it's done too.

Even though I wasn't quilting today, I will be tomorrow!

Mom gave me my great grandmother's needle "case." This is hand made and belonged to my great grandmother - who died at the age of 23. My grandfather was 2 years old when she passed of lock jaw. This is a treasure to me.

I know if she would have lived longer, we would have quilts made by her. I know one quilt that was made by her mother is in a museum in KS. My mother has seen it.

So, through the years, we all have been Happy Quilting!

A Beautiful Saturday!

Summer is here, and so is the beautiful sun! The weather is perfect today! Not to hot and not too cold. I'm loving it.

Today we headed to the casino and then went to a movie - "How to Train Your Dragon 2," which was awesome!! I loved the movie. A little sad, but really good. I'm a sucker for animated movies!

I wanted you to see the fabrics I was telling you about that I bought the other day.

I'm a "bright" type of quilter. I love bright colors and these are great! I can use the orange and yellow on the guilt quilt for Katt. It's coming along, but has been on hold as well as mine has. The purple will work great for flowers, and the two greens are good for leaves. I can use the beige one for a lot of things. I could even use it on the quilt that I've been dying to start!

After we got home from the movie, I went out and took a ton of photos - including the one of Charlie (I started a blog for her!) This was of the onions in the side boxes by the house. I had so much fun taking photos today!

Love these flowers, but not sure what they are. This is  great photo - for those days when I want to design a block.

I love these flowers too! The colors are perfect for thinking about in a quilt!

Last night I was able to get this far with the next block. I worked on the block outside after taking photo. I was getting tired of working on it again. So, Patrick and I played cribbage and I skunked him! He wasn't too thrilled with me because he didn't want to play another game after that! lol

This is the third corner, and I've gotten that wing half done already. I should have this one done tonight, unless I get back to reading my book. lol

If your looking for a good murder mystery book to read, you can get this one! I have it on Kindle and on my tablet. "Weddings Can Be Murder" by Chirstie Craig. It's a NY bestselling Author. I'm not quiet to half way, but I will tell you, I'm having a hard time putting it down. There is humor in it and that's a plus with me too!

As you can see, today was an awesome and busy day. I love sitting outside on the deck and working on my projects. At first I didn't want to, because I like watching TV while I do whatever it is I'm doing. All in all, it was relaxing compared to being in the house.

Mom got an IPhone, and I'm really not sure why....she has an IPad, and can do everything on that. But mom likes getting what everyone else has, so we'll see how this goes. Should be interesting!

Will keep working on the blocks, and keeping Happy Quilting!

Sad Day -

Today was a good day to start...till I received a text from my brother. Facebook had the information on my cousin, Debbie. She passed away last night at 10 p.m. This is what my cousin, Cheri, had to say:

Dear FB family & friends. It is with a heavy heart that I ask for prayers for myself and my family. Our oldest sister passed away last night at 10:20. Pancreatic cancer took her from us very swiftly, only 2 1/2 months after being diagnosed. My husband, myself, and a niece were blessed to be with her for the past 3 days in the hospital. It has been a very emotional time for us, but full of tender, precious moments. She was the best person ever. Never had an enemy and not a mean bone in her body. She treated everyone the same. Never a kinder person than our Debby. She fought hard to the very last second. Sis, you are loved by so many! You will be forever in our hearts and the topic of many conversations to come. We miss you so much already. This is gonna be a rough road to walk for quite some time. You have always been there for me. I am lost without you. I'm so sorry you had to suffer this illness. You were the bravest of the brave, never complaining at all. Saying there was no pain, even when we knew there was. On top of the cancer, you somehow got hit with MRSA and your already compromised immune system just couldn't handle anymore. I am so sorry for your pain & suffering. Rest in peace, dear sweet sister. We love you so!

Debbie was an awesome person, who rarely was upset about anything. She always had a smile for everyone. She will be missed. We knew it was coming, but were surprised to see it on Facebook today. On top of that, I found out my Uncle's second wife passed away on the 10th. I haven't seen her since my Uncle's funeral. Guess she had water on the brain, which explains here craziness. This year hasn't been a good year.....

I was able to get more done on my blocks. I have the third one done with the exception of the missing body. I started the fourth one, and have two bodies done. I'll have more done tonight. 

I ordered some fabric from Red Rock Threads. They are selling out all their fabrics. I"m not getting anything out of this, I'm just telling you what a good deal I got! I bought $43 worth of fabric! I got a lot of fabrics that will work great with applique, and I got some oranges for Katt's quilt. Remember - that's the one on my guilt wall! - I got some green that will work great for leaves. AND I just had to buy some purple. The best part is paying only $5 for shipping. I could deal with that The fabrics I bought were $6.95 a yard! You can't buy yardage around here for less than $9. The best part - I received the fabric in the mail today!! I love packages! I want to open packages the minute they hit the house! I have a lot of issues having to wait for the person to come home and open their packages! lol 

I need to go downstairs and cut up the black and white fabrics as well. I'm not quite there yet, because of my mother-in-laws quilt. If she see this, then the surprise is no longer a surprise, but then she'll know I'm working on it! lol

May quilters out there be Happy Quilting!

More Blocks done!

Today turned out to be a great day when it comes to my blocks.

I completed two blocks last night. It felt good to get two of them done. I pulled out another block to get moving on it.

Today, I worked on another block.

I'm missing the body of the bee for the fourth corner. So, I'll have to get that when I go to moms again. In the mean time I will finish up the wings as I have all those pieces.

I did get some vacuuming and laundry done today as well. I also am reading a murder mystery book on my tablet. I've been getting a TON of free books on the tablet. I know I will be taking the tablet with us when we go to Michigan this year.

Patrick is watering the flowers, and then I'm hoping to kick his butt in cribbage! lol - I'll let you know how that goes!

Two blocks done and Happy Quilting!!

Back to Normal - I hope!

So, I'm back to normal - or so I hope! I've been getting back to what I normally do. Today was one of those days where I was on the run.

I met with Rose in town so she could give me her extra parsley plants. After picking them up, I went on over to my parents, because I had physical therapy today. I gave the plants to mom and dad. After that, I went to my therapy. Figured out I'm getting closer to fixing my back, but there are still problems. I need to work more on my back. The hip pains are from the back. So, I guess one can say, my "core" isn't there yet! I told my therapist that it's a 50 year old core that never happened. So, I'm trying to fix a "core" that never was! lol - Getting interesting.

After all that, I went back to mom's. Mom and I worked on more applique pieces to use on the blocks. Then we talked about the quilt that we are going to make for the "Gathering Place."

I was able to get this far last night. I brought home the wing for the other block that only needs one wing. Then I can call that one finished. I counted 5 done at mom's but I think we should be at 6 and not 5. Think mom had one by her chair, or maybe we are at 5. That would be the pits! lol - If I can finish this one tonight and the other one, then we'll be 2 more closer to being done. I have 4 more ready to be worked on.

I'm beginning to think about doing a blog of Charlie. She's really got the life!! She is out there sleeping on Patrick's swing. She couldn't make up her mind to come in or go out. She must have done the 'yo-yo' route. Then she stretches as she leaves the door!

I'm off to be Happy Quilting!

Quiet Day of Quilting

Today was a quiet day. I went to the Museum with the Mt. St. Helen's quilt group. I was able to get a lot of applique done. I'm happy with all the work I've been able to do.

I was able to get this much done at the meeting. I didn't get there till about 10:30 am and then had a lunch break, with leaving by 1:30 pm. So, in that short time I was able to get this far.

This is the block I picked up and worked on at mom's the last week. I brought it home and put one more "wing" on it. I need to cut another "wing" for this one before it can be counted as done. I'm going to work on them tonight and take the done ones to mom's where the rest of the blocks are. She's helping me out - at least I think she is.

While I was pulling out the blocks to see what I had done and what needed to be done, I found this one. I need to get the pieces for this one as well.

I have 30 blocks that need the bees put on. I believe we have 5 or 6 of them done now. So, I still have a ways to go. At least I can take them with me when I'm out and about. I will keep them handy, during my jury duty next month. At least I'll have plenty to do. I'm finding it easy to do, but boring - and you would think any applique wouldn't be boring, but I find when you repeat blocks like this, it seems to be boring.

I need to get my basket block applique placed so I can get back to working on that when I get bored. I was finding myself - today - realizing I have three UFO's all going at the same time. I seriously need to finish the last block of the Affairs of the Heart quilt. Then get started on the borders. I'm working on the two basket blocks that are from my guilt wall, and I am working on this quilt........That doesn't include the Baltimore Liberty quilt blocks I'm working on as well. BUT then the Baltimore Liberty quilt is a new one I started this year. UGH. There are a couple more quilts I'm ready to start, but I want to complete the UFO's first. At least I've been finishing more than I've been starting. LOL

Lately, we've been watching old movies on TV. Some of the are so much fun to watch and others, I wonder how people actually sat through them in the theaters. I have been enjoying them more and more. Seems better then the TV programs they have on today. I'm getting tired of sex and swearing on TV. I love the comedy ones that are being shown lately. Shame most of the people in them are deceased. Those were the shows to watch!

Katt is gone, haven't heard from Phil or Emily, so we're back to a quiet house. Life is good. My back is getting better, and I'm doing all my exercises even though it's killing me to do them! I HATE to exercise but if that's the only way I can be standing and moving around, then I'll do it. Patrick is still waiting on me to fall on my ass though. lol - The ball is fun to work on, and I tend to move a little to the side, getting close to falling on my ass, but then I straighten up. lol

Charlie is now getting more comfortable coming back in the house. There was a fight with Katt's cat "Harley." I took a video of Harley playing with Katt. I need to get that on here one day.

So, in the mean time, I'm Happy Quilting!

Caught Up Day!

Today was the day of caught up. I have been working on laundry, making beds, and getting my checking account up to snuff. lol

I didn't realize I was two months behind on the checkbooks. I had to get our community water bills paid, as well as sending out bills. I was two months behind, so I am now caught up with that.

Laundry still needs to be done. I hadn't done hardly any while Katt was here, because she needed it to get caught up on her laundry. She saved all her clothes for when she got her. lol - You should have seen all the laundry she brought with her! At least she was the one doing her laundry.

My dad gave us his car collection to my husband. Patrick was cleaning them up and fixing them. So, he displayed them on the dresser in Katt's old room.

Dad loves old cars, and he didn't have room to display them at their house. I told him if he wanted any of them, he knew where to find them.

I'm not sure if Patrick got the whole collection, but there are a lot of cars here, and I know they weren't cheap. I remember buying two of them for gifts to dad.

After spending the afternoon playing POGO, I'm going to pull out my blocks and get started on the applique. I seriously need to get moving on getting them done! lol  - I seem to find reasons why not to work on them. I will work on them today and tomorrow, as we have the Mt. St. Helen's quilt group meeting tomorrow. I actually get stuff done when I go there. lol

I will get moving on applique. Mom needs some blue sky fabric to work on the quilt for the "Gathering Place" where she lives. So, I do have a lot of that fabric.

Okay, I'm off to getting some applique done tonight and enjoying being Happy Quilting!

Down Memory Lane....

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

To my father, Myron Taylor, I wish you a very Happy Father's Day. I treasure each day I have with you!

DOWN MEMORY LANE!

I went looking for another photo disc, as I'm keeping my disc from the wedding till I get it in a thumb drive. Then I will use it again. 

While I was looking, I did find one from the other camera BUT that was a couple days ago, and guess who can't find it now!? Go figure! I've looked around to see where the heck I would have put it "in a safe place." No such luck. The good news, is that I found one that is older and 128 MB. That's where the title of my blog today comes from. 

I found several photos of a retreat that we went to a couple years ago. I'm thinking it's more like 3 years ago! Hard to believe. So, I'm going to show some of the "Seabeck Retreat" that I went to 3 years ago. It was part of TAS, or at least I thought it was, till I learned more about it. 

This is our class room - with Myron's Girls members. 

This is one of Jeannie Austin's blocks. I love her work!!

Jeannie was teaching this year - and my file tells me it was in 2010. 

She does an awesome job!

Love this pattern!

Showing us how she did this one too. 

Her finished quilt. If you ever see Jeannie's patterns, they are well worth getting! 

This is Jeannie Austin, and she's an awesome person! I've known her for about 20 to 30 years now. She's been a part of my quilting world just like Nancy Chong has been. 

This is the photo we had taken of those of us in the group that attended. The one next to me (front) is Dawn - and I'm sorry to say I don't remember her last name. I know she's from Canada, and that she has won a LOT of awards for her applique work. She's a delight to know! 

Okay, now I'm going to come back to today - Father's Day. Spent the afternoon with my father and mother. We had a BBQ at their house. Food was great! Katt enjoyed a couple games with us, winning two of those games. 

I was able to get the sides done on the basket, and put part of the blue flower down. I did these till I got one of the finished blocks of the Honey Bee quilt. I picked them up today, and brought the one I'm close to finishing. 

I'm one wing missing, so will cut another one on Wednesday when I go to my physical therapy. I have another one that isn't too far behind this one too. 

While I was looking for some of my stuff to put in the garage sale the other day, I found this:

It's a quilt pattern that was done in cross stitch by friends I used to write to. I can't remember who did the blocks for me, but the initials are there. I would love to touch base with those friends again! I need to sign my name on the border, as I did that part. I can't remember when we all did this, but I do have my Pullman WA address on the piece, so it has to have been done over 16 years ago. I'm beating we did this in 1995. 

So, now I'm back to applique, and Happy Quilting!