Ending the Month A Winner!...

This has been my month... Each time you buy gas at my local Jiffy Mart, you can sign your ticket...and they draw someone to win each week. This week it was ME!!!! So, I won $25.00 worth of gas! (Hey, and at the prices of gas lately - that's like winning a small lottery!!!)

Then, today, I get an e-mail for my friend, Pat, telling me that I won a gorgeous pouch that she made...now this is the Pat Winter that was featured in the Quilt Challenge Magazine last year - she was one of the finalist...so, you know I am like thrilled to have a piece of her work in my home!!!! You can see the beautiful pouch on her website - or wait til it arrives and I'll be posting photos.

Also, received a really cute card and cat dressed as a bat from my friend, Sprite.

Photos of all the winnings I listed in an earlier post along with this will be posted soon.

Back...and Friday Fill-in...

This week has been different for me. It has been a time for retrospection, realization, and acceptance...and I am fine...just needed the time to both heal, grow, and care for myself. Therefore, I haven't posted since last Saturday...but, I am back.

More to come in the next few days...but, today, I will leave you with the Friday Fill-in...

1. The last good thing that came in the mail was a knitting book I won from Jen.

2. This week I'm grateful for the beautiful weather.

3. Fresh picked carrots served with black bean dip is the most delicious thing ever.

4. Having my sewing machine back from being fixed inspires me.

5. I'm most happy when I think of my family and friends.

6. And all the roads we have to walk along are covered with colorful leaves.

7. As for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching “The Women’s Murder Club” while I knit on a surprise for someone, tomorrow my plans include making black bean dip and stuffed peppers and Sunday, I want to watch some movies I rented, knit, and read!

Road Trip...

I mentioned a few weeks ago that Mom and I went on a Road Trip. We ended up at a very special place Cas-Cad-Nac Farm. It is an alpaca farm...and it was wonderful! The week-end we were there was an open farm event. The owners were there and told us about the alpacas. That particular week-end there were 300 alpacas on hand. This farm is huge...and lovely.


Look at this sweet little face! How can you not fall in love with that???

Could not believe the different colors of alpacas that they had. This sweet little baby came right up to me to check out my camera.
This mom is 17-years-old and her baby is three-months-old. Aren't they cute?

The beautiful alpaca above became a mom for the first time less than 24 hours before we came to visit the farm. As a matter of fact, Scarlett was there when her baby was born. Evidently, it was a pretty hard birth...but, it was worth it when you see the sweet little boy she had:
And, there he is...all wrapped up in a turquoise sweater. I just fell in love with this little guy!!!

Over at Shephard's blog, he had this great quiz...and it looked like fun to do...so, here goes...

1. Describe your dream house/environment?

My environment is much more important to me than the physical house itself - although I like windows a lot...and have nice windows where I live. I want my environment to be peaceful, to contain beautiful scenery - such as pretty trees, flowers, and mountains in the near distance, and to offer me the place where I can be me...and enjoy the things I like - music, reading, creating (knitting, quilting, counted cross-stitch, embroidery, etc).

2. Favorite physical feature of the same and opposite sex?

Eyes...always!! A person's eyes are the window to their soul!

3. What's the last CD you fell in love with and couldn't stop playing?

Oh, that is really tough...but, it has to be 2 cds...

Eye to the Telescope by KT Tunstall - I'd never heard of her and then the other night while watching Cold Case they played her song - Suddenly I See - and I went out and bought the album...the entire album is awesome...

There isn't a song on this album that I don't know all the words to and sing along with...it is just one of the best albums...what album might that be - you ask... 1100 Bel Air Place by Julio Iglesias.

4. What song do you want played at your funeral/wake?

Another One Bites the Dust by Queen...and then I Stand All Amazed - it is one of my favorite religious songs.

5. What is your least favorite errand to run?

Going to get my drivers license renewed. The office is in one of the old mills that has not been renovated very well. And, to boot - they are only open on Thursday and Friday.

6. Three things that really steam your broccoli - (make you angry)?

a. People who mistreat animals. Oh, I'm ready to give them the electric chair! That to me is the worse thing anyone can do.
b. Careless drivers - those that constantly switch lanes or tailgate or are rude.
c. The government waste of taxpayer dollars.

7. Do you believe in an afterlife?

Yes, but, it's my own belief - it's what I personally believe from things I have learned and studied...not the traditional heaven and hell type thing.

8. Favorite children's book?

Has to be Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Read it many times as a child.

9. Why is Gone With The Wind your all time favorite movie?

Because I fell in love with the book when I read it...because the movie stuck to the book...because the love story between Rhett and Scarlett was awesome...because I've always felt that I was a survivor like Scarlett...It was just one of the best movies!!!!

10. If you could have one super power, what would it be?

Tough question - the ability to transport myself anywhere...that way I could visit my daughter, my sister, and friends a lot easier than using public transportation.

Bonus question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?

Lots and lots - it pays to take your time to get to something good.

Kitchen Photos...finally...

Getting organized in a new home seems to take forever! But, finally, my kitchen and dining area are done!
The Dining area is part of my kitchen - but, I sort of wanted to separate it a bit...and I think it is a success. Both bookcases hold my cookbooks and cooking magazine. The shot glasses on the back bookcase have been collected on my travels as have been a lot of my cookbooks. My counter space for some of my small appliances and canisters is in the corner. I like it a lot and it still leaves me with enough counter space to work.This is the view from the living room - you see the stove and refrigerator - the sink area is hidden by the wall. The cabinet above the refrig holds my good china while the other two cabinets going across that wall hold some canned goods and spices.
These two cabinets hold most of my food - and act as my pantry. There is never enough cabinet space in any kitchen.
This photo shows the sink area and my microwave. The cabinets on the top hold my dishes and glassware. The bottom ones from the left - tupperware type stuff, then cleaning products under the sink, and the last two doors are my pots, pans, and skillets.

It is a nice size kitchen...and I am most comfortable in it. All the appliances work well and I have lots of room to cook and bake.

Updated: Gee, I totally didn't mention my tea pot collection which is scattered all over my kitchen and dining room...Duh...

I was Tagged...

My friend, Debbi, tagged me to answer the Seven Truths Meme...I'm supposed to tag seven others - but, you know me - I'm not very good at that - so, it you want to play - let me know in the comments and I'll come see what you had to say...

Seven Truths MEME

1. I am the oldest daughter of five children my mother had. Had a brother, George, who passed away at one day; then me; another brother, John, who passed away after a few hours; a sister, Mary Ellen, who is alive and lives in Tampa, FL; and another sister, Evangeline, who passed away at six months old.

2. As a child, I lived in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico until I was six and we moved to Tampa, FL.

3. I had a pet goat named Comet and a pig, named Piggy. Comet used to like to eat the nylons that hung on the line of the "Ladies of the Evening" who worked at the club whose land bordered our home.

4. I was 30 when I had my daughter - just like my mother was when she had me. My daughter did not continue the tradition.

5. My writing career began by writing for sports magazines in Tampa.

6. Currently I am hand quilting a king-size quilt for my daughter.

7. During this last year I have become intrigued with photography...and take photos with my digital camera all the time.

Update...

Quick post...as the weather is turning quickly to a big storm.

Tammy is alright - after a couple of nights sleep - she is just really sore. Her face on the left side has a gash on her eyelid and temple and, of course, she looks like she has a black eye!

As for Venus...she is fine! Evidently she was having some type problem with her glands and they had become engorged. The Doctor drained them and she is fine. She thinks she might have got hold of a small bone that caused the irritation and then caused her the problems. But, she was happy as a little lark on the trip home from the Vet. We do have an awesome vet...she is great!

Hopefully the weather will clear up in the next day or two...

A WTF Tuesday...Yes, It Was...

Tuesday, that would have been yesterday! The day started out fairly simple with me piddling around the house...then at 1:00 in the afternoon I met our former roommate, Tammy, at the old house. Her dog, Venus, had been sick so Scarlett was dropping her at the vet for an all day stay today to see if they can figure out what is wrong.

Next we stopped at the Jiffy Mart - me to pick up a Pepsi and Tammy to get cigarettes (yea, she still smokes!). From there I was on my way to the library and Tammy was on her way to the Post Office and then work.

As I came out of the Jiffy Mart my cell was ringing...it was Tammy. She had be hit up at the corner! I flew up there and her car was smashed up...she was still in it - a small gash on her head above her eye. The other car was up against the light post. She must have been going a pretty good speed because the driver's airbag and the passenger's airbag both went off!

After checking on Tammy, I went to check on the lady that hit her...and she said "I don't know what happened. I thought it was green, then I thought it was red...I've been having TIAs and blacking out, and I think I blacked out."

I'm thinking, "If you've been blacking out, WTF are you doing driving?"

Tammy was taken to the hospital! Both cars were hauled off. The lady that hit her went home. Four hours later and a zillion x-rays later, Tammy was released from the hospital...she is okay - just a lot of brusing. But, a few more inches and it would have hit the driver's door and Tammy would have been very seriously hurt. I drove Tammy home just thankful it wasn't any worse.

So, that was our day yesterday.

Monday's Poem: Need of Loving by Strickland Gillilan

Tuesday's Poem If You're Ever Going To Love Me by Unknown

Today's Poem: I'll Remember You, Love, In My Prayers by Unknown

Side Note: Today's poem has been recorded by Alison Krauss. The words are a little different.

Up To My Eyeballs...So, A Quiz....

You Are a Light Pink Rose

You represent sweetness and grace. Your vibe: Kind and gentle Falling in love with you: is like falling in love with a best friend

What Color Rose Are You?

Kitchen/Dining Room Finished...

Yes, that would have been me you heard screaming shouts of joy! My kitchen/dining room is now fixed to my satisfaction! YES! I will post some photos this week - Have to go get batteries for the camera (I've been at the store twice and forgot both times- but it's on the list this time!)

Friday's Poem: Midsummer by Sydney King Russell

Saturday's Poem: Billy Boy by Unknown

Today's Poem: If You But Knew by Unknown

New book...

Yesterday a new book I ordered arrived...Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece. This book contains the photos of the 52 quilts that are traveling the country to raise awareness of Alzheimer's Disease.

These quilts were designed by people who have been affected by this miserable, dreadful disease. Each quilt had to fit inside one of those cardboard priority mail envelopes...with a maximum size being 9" x 12".

The above link will lead you a site where you can see a few of the quilts. For more information you can also go to http://www.alzquilts.org/ Ami Simms has brought a world of information to all of us.

I cannot tell you how this book affected me...but, let's just say that it had a tremondous impact on me.

My mother suffers from a form of Alzheimer's which at times has caused her to not know who I am...her short term memory has its days - but mostly she doesn't remember things. Thankfully, her long term memory is still fairly well intact.

Hopefully, this disease will cease and more monies will be funded to help those who have it or who will get it.

Friday Fill-In

This week-end is going to be a busy one for me...I'm bound and determined to work on my "fall cleaning" - I didn't get to do a "spring cleaning" cause I did that at my other house before I moved...now I've got to get my new place in order...

Found the Friday Fill-in over at Fond of Snape's blog...Questions this week are courtesy of Amy; thanks Amy!!!

1. If I were a tree I would be birch because I think they are beautiful!

2. If I were a bird I would fly over Phoenix and the Grand Canyon!

3. If I were a book I hope I would be well written with a great plot that would hold everyone's interest.

4. If I were a car I would be fast, sleek, and the hottest thing on the market.

5. If I could get rid of one piece of technology it would definitely be cell phones because I don't always want to be found and people think that because you have one you should answer it all the time.

6. If I could get rid of one bad habit at a snap of the fingers it would be procrastination!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Moonlight, tomorrow my plans include doing laundry and watching The Illusionist and Sunday, I want to get a few cards sent out, watch a movie, and knit!

All about me...

Over at Michele's, the weekly "all about you" questions sounded like fun this week:

1. When is the last time you took yourself on a date and who paid?
Took myself to lunch the other day...and the household account paid! It was a fairly decent BLT Chicken sandwich.

2) Are you usually the designated driver or drinker? I'm usually the designated driver...

3. How many little black dresses do you own? One - but, the Hunter green leather mini skirt used to get more good comments!

4) Have you ever embezzled money from a piggy-bank? of course!

5. When is the last time you challenged someone to an impromptu game of hopscotch? Haven't done that in a long time - but, I actually saw a hopscotch grid on the sidewalk in my apartment complex the other day. I was most tempted to play...

6. Gasp! Shock!! The Horror! You did what last night?
Sat at home and watched Criminal Minds and knit on a scarf!

Today's Poem: Sleep Sweet by Ellen M. Huntington Gates

Garden Meals Returns...

After a few weeks off, Garden Meals is returning for the month of October. Suzanne (L) and Stacy (R) are the ones who run the program. Only Susanne will not be there for these last few weeks and I will miss her. She runs the garden part and takes the kids or whoever is with us into the garden and teaches them about the foods that grow there.

Below is the house Suzanne built with the help of others that live in the land trust community. You only own your home and a few yards around it - the rest of the land belongs to the trust and you rent land for your garden and animals. Her home is very cozy and has (for now) no electric or running water and is surronded by woods.

Last year Suzanne began to build an outdoor brick oven...she completed it as well as a great out-door kitchen and living area. We spent some time there this past year cooking pizza in the oven. It was great fun!

Below are Suzanne and her buddy, Baxter. They live a quiet simple life off the land...and love every minute of it.

Monday's Poem: Love by Roy Croft

Tuesday's Poem: Her Answer by John Bennett

Today's Poem: In A Rose Garden by John Bennett

I'm A Winner...

But, of course, I am...but I have been on a winning streak lately!

This past week I've won the following:

My friend, Julie, had some prizes up for her Light the Night contributors...and my name was randomly drawn for a beautiful knitting Journal. Thanks a bunch, Julie. The real winners are the folks who benefit from the donations made to the folks that walk!

Then the other day I received an e-mail from one of my favorite quilting sites...E-Quilter asking me to take a survey about quilting magazines. I won a gift certificate for participating...You'll never guess what I am getting: an issue of Quilter's Home Magazine that I missed getting and half a yard of Black and White fabric...

Then today I get an e-mail from The Mall Crawl telling me I had won a gift certificate to Baycreek Quilting Products so I'll be heading over there to see what kind of trouble I can get into!!

Plus I got the cutest little bear from Susan. Photos tomorrow when I get batteries...they died yesterday!!!

Later!!!

Another cute quiz...

You Are Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

You are kind, popular, and generous. You tend to be successful at anything you try. A social butterfly, you are great at entertaining a crowd. You are most compatible with strawberry ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?