She's Busy...

Killian here!

She's busy! Something about making name tags for a quilt guild and making some blocks. All I know is that she sits in front of the big window at this white machine thing that purrs really nicely.

Thought I'd brag today - Wanted you to know that I am really a great boy. Every evening when it is time for bed - Mom tells to to go get my blankie...

Here I am picking up my blankie.

Now I am carrying it to the bedroom - cause it is time for us to go to sleep. I think I am pretty smart!

Well, I am off to do what I do best - take a nap! (BTW) Mom is still concerned cause my fur hasn't grown back in totally from when I was sick)

Later!

Friday Fill-In #109...

1. I'd really like to go to Bertucci's right now.

2. Damn is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.

3. Possession is 9/10 of the law.

4. I'm not that wild about Captain Jack Sparrow.

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like ribs and BBQ????

6. One of my friends just goes on and on about everything.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv and knitting, tomorrow my plans include to make up some quilting blocks and name tags for my two quilt guilds and Sunday, I want to go see Mom if it isn't snowing!

You can play here!

Thursday...Thursday...

Woke up at 7ish and by 7:30 I was out to get rid of the snow on my car. I realized a photo of the snow covered car would have been fun...but, forgot the camera until almost the end...I am guessing 18 inches of snow fell yesterday!!!

It was up to my knees!!! But it wasn't a heavy nasty snow...it was fluffy!

Came in - took a shower - and headed out to see mother. She actually was talkative today - and we discussed our neighbors (albeit - they were our neighbors in Florida); the dogs; and Killian. She also helped me pick out her food for the next week. So, it was a good day.

From there headed to a quilt shop that was on this road that went forever - and was just covered in snow...(they had plowed - but, I wasn't seeing any blacktop or dirt). It was a beautiful ride...and I picked up 14 fat quarters at $1.00 each and a couple of yards of fabric for $4.50/yard. She is discontinuing her quilt business but will be keeping her sheep and fiber...

So that was my day!!! How was yours???

Another Blogging Award...

My friend, Barb, over at Bejeweled Quilts by Barb, awarded me this awesome award.

The deal is: I need to tell you 10 honest things about myself that most people don't know...
and list 5 addictions that I have...

10 Honest things:

1) I am one of five children...only two of us survived to adulthood...my sister, Mary Ellen and I.

2) I was thirty when I had my daughter...and was always the oldest homeroom mother or PTA person.

3) I have a great love for the culture I grew up in - my Spanish heritage is important to me.

4) What you see is what you get - and you always know where you stand with me.

5) Organization is really hard for me - but, once I get things organized they usually stay that way.

6) I will NOT drive in big cities! My preference is to walk or use public transportation.

7) At one time I was petrified of dogs...and the only dog I would go near was the one I owned. Now, I love dogs and my fears are not as bad...

8) Rarely do I have a drink - think it comes from years of working in a nightclub - and one New Year's Eve (about 40 years ago) when my best friend at time, Lola and I got smashed on Southern Comfort! It was bad!!!

9) I make my bed everyday ... not because someone will see it - but because I am worth having a pretty made up bed to get into each night.

10) Since I was twelve I have always had a cat or cats. Killian has lived the longest of any of my cats...he will be 13 this year!

5 Addictions

1) Pepsi and Root Beer - for sure!!!

2) My rice pudding - mainly because it is the rice pudding I grew up eating...

3) Reading - Love to read and want to hold the book in my hands...can't do audio books.

4) Food TV and Reality Shows (Amazing Race, Top Chef, Project Runway)

5) Taking photos...my camera is always with me.

Now this is the hard part - picking some others to bestow this award on...As always, if you want to participate - please do so! Just let me know in the comments so I can check your answers out.

A Blogging Award...

My friend, Pat, over at A Little Of This and A Little of Pat presented me with this lovely award. I love the sentiment behind it! Thank you so much, Pat!

This, Pat believes, is a blogging award that originated in Portugal and this is what it says about the blogs who are given this award.....

"This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

I encourage all of my readers to grab this award for yourself - I'm not tagging anyone (supposed to tag 8) as is my sometimes habit...mainly because I think all of you deserve this award otherwise I wouldn't be reading your blog!

Swimming in Cotton...a bit of Alpaca, too...

Friends are wonderful...and they surprise us with packages...My friend in Louisiana, Sarah, sent me a box full of yarns! She shared some that she had received from someone else.

Sarah, thank you so much - the yarns are gorgeous...and I am going to have the best time knitting with these...
Killian would also like to thank you for his present too - the box - the minute it was empty, he was in it. I quit spending money on toys for him...this is what he likes...

A little natural undyed Alpaca....

Crystal Palace - cotton...pink - very soft pink

A little blue Crystal Palace cotton!!!

Tahki Classic Cotton - really soft and pretty...

And this is some Bernat Cassino (a skein and a half) Cotton...

Unger - Cotton Crepe - eight skeins...I love Unger yarns!

A little turquoise Crystal Palace Cotton...lovely shade...

And, finally some Patons Cotton Top...soft, soft, soft...

I'm so excited - I enjoy knitting with cotton - especially for children and for myself...

Sarah, you are truly a gem!!!

My Corner of the World...

Today my corner of the world stretched over to Springfield, Vermont (about 20 minutes from home). My friend, Pat, lives there in one of the cutest purple houses I've ever seen. Pat is blogless and is a knitting friend. We attend the same Monday night group ...

The view from her house is so pretty - that's the road down there and you can see the mountain from her house. She has great windows both in the bedroom and living room - along with a bunch of bird feeders - where I saw some black-headed chickadees, a cardinal, and a blue jay today.

And, this would be Pat's baby...she is beautiful - and used to be a feral cat - but now lives in the lap of luxury! Believe me she is one spoiled baby! She was so sweet and actually came up and let me pet her.

This is part of the window in the living room - and as you can see the baby has her space staked out...right underneath the walking wheel! I'll bet a few spinners I know would like a better photo of that wheel...

So as not to disappoint - here you go...Pat was telling me she saw this wheel at an antique mall - and when it finally came down in price she grabbed it.

Here's another view of it...it is beautiful and in great condition with nothing missing...ready to use...

We spent the afternoon knitting, talking, and having a wonderful dinner of baked chicken, baked sweet potatoes, applesauce, and fresh grapes.

It was a really relaxing afternoon...Thanks, Pat...I really enjoyed my day!

Latest Goodies...

Found another blog that I am liking very much...It is Jonquils and Ladybugs. Stephanie is a sweet young woman and mother to Jackson - who is just so cute!!! She recently had a giveaway on her blog - a purse - and guess who won!

It is so cute - and being a great lover of black and white - you know I love it. Thanks a bunch, Stephanie.

During the last Fab Shop Hop - I won a gift certificate to The Fat Quarter Shop. I had no idea what to buy - but, then I saw a Jolly Pack - Inspiration III which contains 32 5" squares in turquoise. Then - a package of Fairy Frost fabrics by Michael Miller Fabrics just kept popping up - so, I just had to get 50 5" squares of that...Such fun they are going to be!!!

And, finally - after 4-1/2 years I got a new cell phone! My old cell phone had an antenna that you pull out and was scratched beyond belief...so, when the plan was upgraded I was allowed a new phone which I didn't get - then today...I found this one...best of all - it didn't cost a dime!

So what fun things have you picked up lately????

Friday Fill-In #108

1. Oh, I am so excited about taking a vacation this year! Can't wait to see Acadia National Park!

2. I am making lots of changes, big and little.

3. During winter, I seem to be more creative.

4. Snow Skiing; are you kidding me???

5. Right now I'd like to be a bit more certain about my future.

6. My DVD or TIVO is my favorite gadget.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching a little tv, tomorrow my plans include working on my filing and Sunday, I want to continue working on decorating my apartment!

You can play here!

One World One Heart Giveaway...

Click on the logo and check out the over 400 participants!

Comments are now Closed - I will return tomorrow with the winners! Thanks to all who participated...

The comments will be closed this evening by 11:00 PM. I will be drawing "Seven" names for the prize listed...(I've been busy making more!)...If the number of comments goes beyond 175 - then I will draw another name.


Last year I saw this happening around blog land - but, I didn't think to participate! This year I decided that I would...

Lisa started the giveaway event as a way for the blogging community around the world to meet and get to know each other. Besides that it is wonderfully inspiring to see all the different type of creative things that are being made by very talented people.

So, the rules - there really aren't any... other than if you would like to win my giveaway - please leave a comment on this post only and most importantly a way to notify you if you win!!!

I will be drawing a winner on February 12th...

Want to know what I'm giving away????

A hand knit (by me) back scrubber and, I'm sure I'll include a couple more goodies!

Edited to add: I will be using the old pull out of the hat way - and will e-mail the winner... and if there are more than 50 entries - I'll add another prize...

Creative Every Day...Weeks 3 and 4...

Being creative...means so much more to me than just making something...although it does mean that too...

But, these weeks (and what is left of this week) have been more about a state of mind - and exploration...

Been playing on the internet and have discovered a couple of new places to visit -

Becky over at Strumpets Crumpets is a young quilter from Tampa, Florida. I was so excited to see someone with a blog from Tampa (which is where I lived for way too many years) - that I had to check out her blog and see if we belonged to the same quilt guild. (We don't)

Discovered Alice in Paris Loves Art and Tea - and what a find her blog is! Full of color and inspiration...

And, everyday I head over to Quilt Gallery to see the ramdom bloggers that are picked for the day - there are two spots on the blog to find them - and do they inspire!

Never have been much at creating "creativity journals" but, managed to start one this week - am putting photos of ideas - or photos of things that are inspiring me to start quilting and making new things.

Additionally, I've been making rice pudding and other good eats - trying new recipes which are making my taste buds feel very creative...

Now I need to get creative with some questions for the folks who asked me to interview them...

Have a Creative and fun day...

Yes We Did...

What a special day!

Am curling up with my knitting, some quilting and enjoying the festivities as they are being shown on my television.

Enjoy your day!

Answers...yep, answers...

My friend, Janet had this wonderful little question and answer game over on her blog. And, you know I just had to play...besides I love answering questions!

Why and when did you start blogging?

January 26, 2006 was the beginning...and the reason why: "Other than maybe this will be the place to explore my creativity, grow as a quilter and knitter, learn more about myself and my life in New England, and share some of my thoughts and ideas with others who have the same interests." At least that's what I said that day!

What do you miss most about where you grew up?

Being close to the beach. I'm not really a lay-out-in-sun type of beach person - but I love the sound of the waves and walking on the beach. Love the way the moon looks on the water. I could be walking by the water in a few minutes of where I worked and lived.

When we met, what surprised you the most about me?

The ease we had with each other. Usually, there is a few minutes of not sure when you meet someone for the first time...and there was none of that...I felt like we had known each other for a long time. And, the fact that you like zippy cars!!!

What do you like best about where you live now?

The people for one thing...I've made a lot of good friends here in New England.

The other has to be the change of seasons! Never experienced that in Florida. I am finding that I love each season - and it is hard to pick a favorite. Spring is beautiful with everything coming to life! Summer isn't nearly as hot as where I used to live - so, I find myself outside more. Fall takes my breath away - the colors of the leaves! And, winter is so soothing, so cleansing, and just beautiful.

If you could make your living doing anything you wanted, what would you do?

I think I would be a tour guide or tour organizer - and share with people areas in our world that are interesting and beautiful. It would be a fun way to see the world and share the diversity and beauty with others.

Want to be part of it? Follow these instructions:

1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

My Corner Of The World...

My local library, Fiske Free Library, is one of the best libraries that I have ever used. The Friends of the Fiske Free Library often sponsor programs that are free to the public.

This past Thursday night the program was "The Secret Life of Bears". Independent wildlife biologist Ben Kilham, from Lyme, New Hampshire was there to present a slide show and talk about his work with black bears. His lecture is based on firsthand experience raising cubs and observing black bears.

The library was packed - one of the largest audiences I've ever seen - during the programs that I have been attending. And, the lecture and slide show was fabulous. What a tremendous learning experience.

Ben Kilham during question and answer time.

Scarlett and Elizabeth also attended the lecture and ended up buying his book "Among the Bears", which Ben autographed for them. In addition, he also has two DVDs: "Papa Bear" and "Bear Man."

Sometimes it pays to have been on the Library Board - and use the library a lot - as I also met and had my photo taken with Ben.

If you would like to learn more about this extraordinary man and his work with black bears - you can go to his website.

This is one of those days...

I have no hot water...none! And, guess who has a meeting to go to in Concord at 5:30?

Guess who needs a bath? That would be - Moi!

My entire apartment building has no hot water! And, a couple apartments can't seem to get enough heat in them - but, I think it is because they are on the ground floor and half of their apartment is in the ground - it is colder down there.

Gotta, run - heating water on the stove to wash dishes...and then maybe taking a bath over a friend's house...

Edited to say: But, I guess I don't want to sound like I'm totally complaining - as I know there are some who have a lot less than I do - but we sure do miss those things that we tend to take for granted every day of our lives...

Friday Fill-In #107...

1. Enough with the doom and gloom - let's get rolling on making the United States the best it can be!

2. Visiting with Mom causes me to be conflicted. Even though the decisions are the right ones - it still makes me feel conflicted.

3. I've been craving rice pudding - so, I made some and it was wonderful!!

4. Killian makes me laugh.

5. I wish I could go to Trader Joe's next week.

6. Maine has been on my mind lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Flashpoint (want to see if the second show is as good as the first one), tomorrow my plans include going to a meeting in Concord and Sunday, I want to chill and read!

FYI - At 6:00 AM it was -11 degrees here

You can play here!

Motivated...

Even though there are no photos to show for today - I am motivated!

You see it was Quilt Guild day - and got some interesting instructions on fusing, got to see what others were doing with fusing, and came away inspired.

Additionally, Show and Tell is always fun...and there were some really pretty quilts shown today...one of my group members made quilt tops from December 26th until January 5th - and she had a lot of them to show...

Another guild member who broke some bones in her wrist and hand and can't drive asked if I would please pick her up - and do the driving. Once we got back she invited me in to see her lovely home and all her quilts, counted cross stitch, and embroidery work she has done. Oh my!

It was a truly inspiring and motivational day!!!!

Soup Weather...

My friend, Sonya, who lives in Tennessee not far from where I lived. is looking for soup recipes...Believe me it is truly soup weather here in New Hampshire as well as Tennessee!

This is my favorite soup recipe - it comes from Garcia Canning Company in Tampa, Florida.

Spanish Bean Soup

1 can Garbanzo beans (chick peas)

1 medium size onion, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small ham hock, split in half (if ham hock not available I use a ham steak cut up in pieces)

1 teaspoon paprika

2 medium size potatoes cut in 8 pieces each

1 link Chorizo, sliced (Spanish Sausage or pepperoni)

Few drops of yellow food coloring

1) Put ham hock to boil in 3 quart sauce pan with 1 quart of water to cover hock well.

2) Then add onions, garlic, potatoes, and paprika.

3) Cook until potatoes are almost done.

4) Add chick peas along with the water they are packaged in.

5) Also add chorizo and a few drops of food coloring.

6) Let simmer until potatoes are done (15-20 minutes)

Serve with crackers or hot hard crusted bread.

Ten On Tuesday...

Ten Things You Are Really Good At

1) A loving family member (parent, daughter, and sister).

2) A good friend.

3) A good cook.

4) A good knitter.

5) A good quilter as well as other types of needlework.

6) A loving pet owner.

7) A good steward of my environment.

8) An excellent organizer with really good organizational skills.

9) I am really good at remembering absolute non-essential things - trivia.

10) I am good at taking care of myself and others.

You can play here!

Creative Every Day 2009...Week 2...

In addition to playing with fabrics and getting ready for my quilt challenge (you can read about it here!), I actually managed to get some new things on and even off needles.

These will ba a pair of socks for my friend, Colleen. She was the one who quilted Tara's quilt on her long-arm machine...and we bartered - I made her a lovely scarf (which I forgot to take a photo of) and a pair of socks. Yes, I am knitting them at the same time - magic loop - on two different needles. And, yes, Erica, I do a swatch for everything I knit...unless it is a dishcloth or bath cloth.Speaking of bath cloths - I finished two back scrubbers this week - aren't the cool? It actually takes an entire skein of Peaches and Cream or Sugar and Cream to do the scrubber - so, I used some odds and ends for the handles...

One of these is for me - probably the one with the purple...the other will be a gift...probably for one of the people who I am Playing It Forward with! We'll have to see.

So I feel that Week 2 was a pretty creative week for me.

My Corner of the World...

One of my quilt guild members opened up a quilt shop. Unfortunately it is a ways from home - but, I have managed to get out there are a few times.

She turned this cute little house into a very cute quilt shop where she has nice fabrics and a really cool classroom.

The above is one of the classes she was teaching when I was at the shop. It looked like a lot of fun.

This is a view of part of the classroom...she had snacks out for us that evening as we had a quilt meeting there. The quilts on the wall are samples of some of the classes she is teaching.

So, I have five quilt stores within an hour of my house...not too bad. And, what is great about them - they all offer something just a little bit different...

Retail Therapy...

My quilt store got some new batiks in - can't you tell? They are gorgeous!

Then I dropped by the yarn store next door - I had a purpose - I had no DK weight yarn to knit a hat for the Hat Club. We are trying to knit a hat each month - except that this is the first time I have participated.

Although the top yarn - this gorgeous silk stuff is not for the hat - nope - not even. It jumped in my basket. Honest!

But this Kathmandu is for a hat - with those lovely beads in it. I have never knit with beads - and I'm going to learn how. The beads actually match all the colors in the yarn...

Then because my coat is actually shades of purple - I wanted a purple beaded hat - so those are the beads and that is the yarn...so, I had fun being creative and picking out great beads and yarns for something for myself!

Edited to add: The pattern is called Odessa Hat and I don't have a photo. The pattern is available for free at Ravelry.

No, yarn shop in Claremont. The one I went to today is in White River Junction - where a group of us get together - via Ravelry and in person as time permits - and work on projects. We established a Hat Club last year...and since I only own ONE hand knit hat - I'm getting some knit...

Friday Fill-Ins #106...

1. It's January; and, it's damn cold! But, beautiful and I am loving it.

2. Coconut cake is what I crave most right now.

3. Cork and wine go together like ah, who knows - I hated these questions when they were on those tests in school! And, as you can tell - don't do any better with them now.

4. Broiled fresh fish and roasted root veggies is so nourishing.

5. Let us dare to dream that we can turn our beloved country around to the country that it once was!

6. I feel safe and comfortable in my home.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv and working on a pair of knit socks, tomorrow my plans include getting the quilt guild newsletter done and some knitting and Sunday, I want to go to church and then chill at home!

You can play here!!!

Feeling Quilty...

And, ready to take on my quilt guild challenge for this year!

This lilac fabric is the challenge fabric...and it must show up well in the quilt.

You must add from your own stash (either solids or prints): some dark brown, some light green, and some dark green. You may add no more than 2 additional fabrics - but, you don't have to had any...So those are my fabrics...

So what do you think of my fabrics???

Catching Up...

1) Today the weather seems to be not exactly what the weatherman predicted. There was supposed to be at least three inches of snow of the ground when I woke up - not there. And, even though it is snowing - it is a light snow - and I don't think we will hit the 5 to 10 inches that was expected. Am waiting to see what the weatherman says at Noon.

2) Went to see Mother on Monday - and it was such a nice day with her. I travel 45 minutes each way so the visits are not just for five minutes. Usually, I will stay a mininum of two to three hours with her.

She knew who I was! And we talked about my sister and my daughter. She asked questions about them. She even asked if the kitten (Killian) was still in the hospital. We had lunch together and then talked some more until it was time for her nap. Then I headed for home. It was a nice day!

3) Socks will be on needles tonight - did a swatch last night and am right on for the correct number of stitches! These socks will go to my friend, Colleen, as part of the bartering we did when she quilt my daughter's quilt for me...

2009 Read-Your-Own-Books Challenge...

This year it is time to Read-Your-Own-Books. I will be using this post to keep track of all the books I read. My goal is 25...

1. Estefan Kitchen by Emilio Estefan and Gloria Estefan
2. Remember My Touch (Harlequin Intrigue #469) by Gayle Wilson
3. Judas Kiss by J T Ellison
4. Portsmouth: Photographs by Nancy Grace Horton; Words: Laura Pope
5. Chance of A Lifetime (Harlequin Super Romance #449) by Barbara Kaye
6. Flashback (Silhouette Bombshell #86) by Justine Davis
7. The Mommy Bride (Harlequin American Romance) by Shelley Galloway
8. The Jim and Dan Stories: A Journey of Grief and Faith by Colleen Redman
9. Muses Like Moonlight: A Closet Poet Comes Out by Colleen Redman
10. Today's Kitchen Cookbook by Today Show Cast
11) Tempest In Eden by Sandra Brown
12) All The Pretty Girls by J T Ellison
13) Pint Size Traditions II by Lynette Jensen
14) 1st To Die by James Patterson
15) 2nd Chance by James Patterson with Andrew Gross
16) 3rd Degree by James Patterson with Andrew Gross
17) 4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
18) 5th Horseman by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
19) The 6th Target by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
20) 7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
21) Winter Games by John Lacombe
22) A Doctor's Secret by Marie Ferrarella
23) 14 by J. T. Ellison
24) Mortal Remains by Henry Scammell
25) Hush Little Darlings by Judith Kelman
26) Black Friday by James Patterson
27) The Midnight Club by James Patterson
28) Cradle and All by James Patterson
29) Too Late to Say Goodbye by Ann Rule
30) The Lake House by James Patterson
31) Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
32) Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives: An All-American Road Trip by Guy Fieri w/Ann Volkwein
33) Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

Ten on Tuesday...

'10 Things You Want to do in 2009'

1) Go on a vacation to Maine.

2) Organize all my family photos.

3) Quilt a quilt for myself.

4) Make a lace scarf or shawl.

5) Eat healthy.

6) Get more exercise.

7) Knit more socks.

8) Keep in touch with family and friends on a more regular basis.

9) Go through clothes and recycle all those that do not fit me.

10) Take more day trips.

You can play here!

Being Creative...Week 1...

Sometimes there isn't a creative bone in my body - or so I feel. But, I know there is! So, I've joined up with Creative Every Day 2009! This isn't a high pressure thing - it just sort of helps you to think and do something creative every day...

Week 1: January 01 - January 04

Besides knitting on two bath back scrubbers and designing a cute little pattern for a bath thing that I haven't knit yet - I wrote a poem.

A real poem - I haven't written a poem since high school. This particular poem was to enter a contest - and I had to look out my window and write the poem about something that was out there...

"The sun shines
Out my window on the snow
And, casts upon the earth
a gorgeous stunning glow."

That's been my week! Were you creative this week?